The Almighty Dominance

"Little Logan," Keaton said, lips twisting into a sneer. "Watch your mouth. I'm not a rebel leader. I'm the leader of the people. And Alfred Kingston? He's the leader of the elite."

Keaton continued. "So who do you think the king will back? The leader of the people or the leader of the elite?"

"You're just the leader of a rebellion," Logan spat. "A terrorist. You'll never be recognized as governor."

"Talking to stupid men takes patience-especially the most stupid men in this country." Keaton rolled his eyes like the insult bored him.

"Since when do I need your approval to be governor of Los Angeles? Don't make yourself sound important."

Bella laughed, sharp and strutting. "I've been saying it for months-he's the most useless fool in the whole country. Finally people see it."

Logan stood straighter; the old military posture returned like armor. He'd been the second most powerful commander in the nation once he would not be humiliated.

"Do any of you want to die?"

Keaton let out a low laugh. "When I accepted this medal from the king, I heard what he said clear as day."

"Keaton, my heart is always with the people. I hope you protect Los Angeles from the elite. Alfred's already chosen his side; his heart isn't with the people anymore."

"When he's truly lost them, you should step up and take his place."

Logan snapped. "You liar. The king supports Alfred. He stays in his position." Keaton's smile went cold as a winter morning. "Let him stay, the king said as he placed Alfred there for a reason to be my steppingstone."

"Shut up," Logan barked. "Nothing that comes from your mouth is trustworthy."

"Believe whatever you like, brother," Keaton said, amusement in his tone. Then, quieter, he recited the king's words like a verdict:

"The king sent a message to every governor. He said: 'Any man who can beat Keaton in single combat will be granted Los Angeles."

"But if anyone sends soldiers into Los Angeles, I will dispatch the Kingwells and the national regiments to reclaim the state. And Logan-if you try anything nasty —I, the king, myself will ride out, meet you face to face, and take your head.""

Logan's forehead broke into a cold sweat. The king was the most powerful man in the land.

him. If the king chose to visit someone, that person was either bound for hell or heaven-anywhere but

believe a word

was there. I heard the message with my

met the king?" Logan's voice cracked. Almost no governor-himself included-had ever

to meet you, maybe it's because

The governors shifted uneasily, realizing the weight of

arms overhead, a yawn

wants Los Angeles can

with me means life or death. I've never let a challenger

"Anyway, I'm done here.

connection, leaving the governors shaken-none of them daring to openly side with Alfred when the king himself

hear commotion outside the Vancouver governor's mansion. She rushed

the front gates, Alfred Kingston and

security officers

you are?" Alfred barked, rage boiling over. Losing

wasn't ready to accept being shoved back

entry by

you even know who I am?"

sir," one

are Alfred Kingston,

Angeles. But this

the governor

permission, you

s

crushed further than any

need?" Alfred thundered. "Jasmine is my

that office - I gave

still doesn't change anything, sir," the guard said. "You're not allowed in without Governor Kingston's

cracked something in Alfred. Rage flared hot and

trash. Don't you dare treat me like your