King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

513

Sephie

We decided to stay at the house until it was time to meet with Trino the following evening. It meant we had one more day to relax and not worry quite so much about everything else going on.

Because of Stephen’s admission about his wavering confidence in his abilities now that Adrik had been leveled up, I decided that today was the day that he was finally going to the lake. Because he and Viktor were almost always the ones that went with Adrik to his office anytime we were at the house, it meant Stephen hadn’t been dragged to the lake by me like the others had. And it was starting to show.

“Get your coat, Yoden. We’re going on an adventure,” I said once everyone had cleaned up from our morning workouts.

“Well, this sounds like a fun addition to my day. Is it like a side quest kind of mission? Multi–day mission? Do I need to find someone to feed my bearded dragon?”

he asked.

I laughed. “I didn’t know you had a bearded dragon, Yoden. I’ve been to your apartment, even. I never saw it.”

“I don’t. It just sounded like something someone would need to feed when gone for multiple days,” he said, laughing as he walked back toward his room to grab his

coat.

I looked at Ivan, who was in kitchen with me and having a hard time not laughing at our exchange. “I don’t know how you can both love someone so much and hate them just as much all at once,” I said.

“Want company, princess? Or this side quest needs to be a solo venture?” Ivan asked.

“The more the merrier, Squish. I’ve never dragged Stephen to the lake before. Today’s the big day for him. He just doesn’t know it yet.”

in on that. I’ve been wanting to see this for months now,” he said as he quickly left the

the night before. “I’m stealing Squish, too,” I told him as he walked to me. He

more.

there with you. I’m surprised they don’t all want to go,” he said, pressing his lips to

I said, giving him my most innocent grin.

heard Stephen and Ivan coming back from grabbing their coats. “Go. I’ll keep the others busy,” he said, a

you,” I

it. Enough that I was happy for a warm coat and Ivan’s almost

stress melt off you helps the stress melt off

chuckled. “It is noticeable how much it affects everyone when we’re here. I do find myself wondering if Adrik will ever even

guys to within an inch of their lives like he’s done everyone who

why no one ever ratted the location of this place

should not be surprised, princess. You know how intimidating he can be on a good day. He sat every single person down and explained, in horrifying detail, what he would do to them should they ever reveal the location of the house or that it belonged to him,” Ivan said. He was definitely proud of Adrik in that moment.

gonna lie, I was

for a minute, then started laughing. “What do you want to bet that’s the moment that

actually holds up to her personality. I always thought Andrei was too nice for her. I think that’s why she didn’t like him as much as she thought she would once they started dating. He’s so quiet, but he looks like the stereotypical alpha male asshole that bitchy chicks like. She thought she was getting someone who she would get a challenge out of breaking, but

have to deal with her.” 1 sighed. “I do wish more women understood that a true alpha male isn’t domineering or an asshole. Confidence is quiet, not in your face. Bubba is an actual alpha male. He doesn’t need to prove himself to anyone, least

favorite spot. I glanced at Stephen, who was still deep in thought, but was also

worth it.

correct, Squish. I think it was actually kind of similar to Ilya’s relationship. I find myself wondering if there was something extra to Tori that we could never confirm. It would explain why you always

did have something extra. It sometimes makes me sad that I didn’t discover my gift earlier to take care of some of these people. Massimo is another one I regret not being