A King to Be Feared

by Brea Alepoú

  “King Olsen, please come in,” Titos said.

  Olsen took a step forward. He stood up strong, and everything about him screamed king. His power could be felt as he entered the room, and to think he was at the bottom of the four powerhouses. Titos had no idea what Ginger had done to get the man to come, but again he was reminded that Ginger deserved every penny they paid her and then some.

  “You are not what I expected,” Olsen said as he sat down in the chair right across from Titos.

  His four keepers stood behind him, their gazes focused on Titos’s keepers. Olsen also had four more edoli with him. Clearly, they were hunters. Titos paid them little to no attention.

  Titos smiled at the man. “Oh, and who did Mia say I was exactly?”

  A thick black brow lifted along with the corner of Olsen’s lips. The small smile lasted all of a few seconds before his face was once again blank.

  “That you are nothing more than a benevolent child playing at king,” Olsen said.

  Titos shrugged. He didn’t expect to hear good words from his former queen. “And so that is how she got you to attack my territory?”

  Olsen’s fingers slightly twitched, and if Titos hadn’t been paying such close attention to him, he might have missed it.

  “Did any of my people survive the attack?” Olsen asked.

  Anger was hot and blinding as it coursed through Titos. He fought with his body to keep from balling his fist or crossing his arms.

  Adom: We are all here.

  Mazki: I am okay.

  Titos heard and felt all of his keepers. They were there, and no one was hurt physically. But still, Titos’s heart ached at the memory of nearly losing Mazki.

  “If you were in my shoes, would you have allowed any of them to live?” Titos asked.

  Olsen was quiet for a second. “Each person is differ—”

  Titos shook his head. “Let me rephrase the question. If someone attacked your home unannounced and placed the people you love in harm’s way, would you allow them to love?”

  Olsen’s snapped his mouth shut and met Titos’s gaze. They stared at each other intently. The air in the room grew tense as the overbearing silence weighed down on them.

  “No.”

  Titos relaxed a little. If the man had gone with yes, then he’d end the meeting right then and there. Titos had no desire to speak with him if he didn’t have someone important. People who had nothing to lose were reckless with their lives and the others around them.

  “Now that you see I’m not as Mia says or even remotely as weak, what are your intentions toward my territory?” Titos asked.

  Olsen’s gaze roamed around the ballroom, which was polished to perfection. The curtains were drawn, allowing in the midday sunlight. It bathed the room in warmth and made the prominent gold colors stand out even more.

  “You are not officially a king,” Olsen pointed out.

  Gin: You’re more of a king than he is.

  Titos would argue he wasn’t, but he kept his focus on the king before him. “And that is a problem for you because?”

  Once again, the corner of Olsen’s mouth quirked up in a smile. “Well, technically it isn’t personally my problem.”

  Titos could practically taste the “but” that was coming.

  “The four powers that stand are to be the example of a good territory. If we allow someone who doesn’t have the title officially rule over a territory, it looks poorly on us,” Olsen said.

  Titos opened his mouth, but Olsen raised his hand.

  “However that may be the case, I have no desire to battle against you,” Olsen said. He looked to each of Titos’s keepers. “You might be an unknown, but it’s clear that you have the power to be a king.”

  Adom took a step forward, and the moment he did, Olsen’s keepers’ bodies tensed. But Adom stopped right next to Titos.

  “Your people attacked unprovoked. There was of course damage that occrued,” Adom said.

  Olsen nodded, and one of his keepers pulled out an envelope from his back pocket. “The one called Ginger went ahead and totaled the damages. Please let us know if it isn’t enough.”

  Titos: Damages? What’s the money for?

  Adom: It is a way of him showing that he has no ill will towards us. If he still planned to attack, he’d refuse or try and spin it on you.

  Mazki: Most rulers would ask you to be compensated since you killed all of the edoli that attacked.

  Titos’s head tilted to the side as he studied the man before him. There was a knock at the door, and both kings turned just in time to see Ginger walking in with her head held high, her green hair curled and pinned in an updo. Theo trailed behind her, pushing a table on wheels.

  “Your Highness,” Ginger greeted Titos as she bowed her head to him.

  He gave her a smile. She’d gone above and beyond once again.

  “King Olsen, welcome,” Ginger said. She moved to stand near Titos and his keepers, and Theo left the table in between them. On it were two identical stacks of papers.

  Adom moved forward and grabbed one and handed it over to Titos. One of Olsen’s keepers did the same for him. Titos glanced over at Ginger for a short second. He wished he had a bond with her just to ask her what was happening, but he knew he could trust her. He skimmed the first part of it and knew instantly what it was. It was a contract or in better words a treaty.

  He flipped through it, and he could feel all his keepers looking over his shoulder.

  Seth: They would not aid us if we were under attack.

  Adom: Yes, but they will also not attack us again.

  Kail: So what, it’s like a leave each other alone contract?

  Adom: That’s exactly what it is.

  Seth: But they are a powerhouse. If we can get them in our corner, wouldn’t that be better?

  Titos: But as Olsen pointed out already, I am not officially a king. I have yet to have a crowning ceremony in front of the council and other rulers. He’d be insane to risk his standing for an unknown.

  “Normally this contract would be perfect,” Olsen started.

  Titos stopped talking to his keepers mentally and focused on the older man in front of him.

  “However, I am somewhat a betting man.” Olsen leaned forward and placed the contract back on the table. “I can feel your power from here, and I have a distinct feeling it’s only the barest amount. I felt more when I walked in.”

  Titos’s back went stiff as prickles skated up his arms. Olsen seemed unaware of just how uneasy he’d made Titos.

  “I want to have an alliance with you, but one of secret,” Olsen suggested.

  Titos: What does he mean?

  Adom: It will not be publicly known that he stands with you. But he will not publicly take a stand against you either.

  Titos’s shoulders fell back down. “And when Mia decides to get you to attack me again?”

  Olsen’s smile dipped slightly. “That was my mistake. I took their words at face value. I am man enough to admit when I have done wrong.”

  Mazki: So he isn’t a complete piece of shit.

  Alfrik: He is showing more promise than most rulers.

  “Why did you make the mistake?” Titos asked. He emphasized the word “mistake” because it had truly been one. He and his keepers had decimated the enemy. It was a game of survival, not spilling milk on the kitchen table.

  Olsen gave a slight bow. “I had been led to believe you were going to make a play for more territory, that you had plans to overtake mine.”

  Titos’s eyebrow shot up. What?

  A deep chuckle rumbled out of Olsen’s chest. “I can tell by your face this is news to you.” He shook his head and seemed to relax more in his seat. He brought a leg up and draped it over the other. “Your lovely proxy over there already sent over everything showing proof of the exact opposite.” He pulled on his long beard and seemed to look off into the distance.

  Titos glanced over at Ginger, who gave him an endearing smile.

&nbs
p; Adom: What would you like to do?

  Titos had no idea. He was still angry with Olsen. He’d sent people after Titos and his men.

  “I’m willing to pay any difference. I want this agreement to be a clean slate for the both of us,” Olsen said.

  “You don’t care that we killed every single one of the edoli who attacked?” Titos asked.

  Olsen’s hand went still, and his foot dropped down. His brown eyes went hard as a rock as he glared at Titos.

  “I am enraged. They were my people, some who were of my own family,” Olsen growled out.

  Seth growled back in warning, and Olsen’s keepers took the tiniest steps forward. It had Titos’s men reacting in the same manner. Even Kyo had her gun drawn but kept it aimed away from people.

  “Back down,” Olsen said as he turned to his keepers.

  Titos said nothing but felt Seth tell the others it was fine.

  Olsen smoothed down his facial hair. “My anger is not aimed at you. If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same. Might have even planned an attack on the very people who came after what was mine.”

  The thought had briefly come to Titos, but it just as quickly disappeared. It wouldn’t have been worth the trouble. He’d have to go to war, and depending on the outcome, he’d be painting a bigger target on his back.

  Titos: What do all of you think?

  Kail: I’d rather fight him, but objectively, having him back us will be good, right?

  Adom: Yes, he is rank number four amongst kings and queens.

  Alfrik: It’s whatever you want, Titos, but having him will look favorable if you decide to come out publicly.

  Seth: I agree, but we keep an eye on him regardless. We shouldn’t put all our trust in him.

  Mazki: I second Seth.

  Gin: Ask him what Dehyrus said about you and if they have a good relationship.

  “I know the four powerhouses have a truce, per se, but are you allied with any of them?” Titos asked.

  Olsen didn’t seem at all surprised by the question. “I am with Zeger house, but based upon the recent events, we will be revisiting the alliance we have.”

  Titos glanced over to Ginger, knowing all too well she’d more than likely already checked. She gave him a slight nod. Titos sighed as he contemplated everything.

  “Very well, but when I come out to the council, I expect Olvix house to back me,” Titos said.

  Olsen’s head tilted slightly. “You do plan to claim this territory publicly?” He leaned forward and rested his elbow on his knees. “Why haven’t you done so already?”

  Titos met Olsen’s gaze dead-on. “I have my reasons.”

  There was another quiet, tension-filled moment before Olsen gave in and nodded. “Very well. Shall I have—”

  Ginger moved forward, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she placed new contracts down in front of them.

  Titos cocked a brow at her but picked it up and read over it.

  “I went ahead and had a few contracts written up. Any changes either of you want, please let me know,” Ginger said. She stepped back next to Titos.

  “I don’t know where you found her, but if we weren’t signing a contract, I’d try and poach such a beautiful woman from you,” Olsen said.

  Ginger blushed and gave him a polite smile.

  “How kind of King Olsen, but I’d decline either way. King Titos is the only king I will ever serve.”

  Titos was filled with a sense of pride. Ginger was a part of his household; she was family, and he’d make sure she saw it that way as well. Titos finished reading over the paperwork. Ginger, of course, was thorough in everything, and he read it only because he knew it was the right thing to do.

  Olsen nodded. “Very well. Do you have a pen?”

  Theo handed them both a pen, and Titos stood and moved to the table in between them. Olsen followed suit. Both sets of keepers stayed back as they met face-to-face. Titos had to tilt his head slightly back to look Olsen in the eyes. He was nearly as tall as Alfrik. They signed the contract at the same time.

  Seth moved next to Titos and handed him a blade and another to Olsen. Most edoli would have bared their fangs and cut into their flesh that way, but Titos lacked that feature. Olsen didn’t question it; he took the offered blade, and they both cut into their thumb. Titos let a few drops land on his paper near his name before moving it to Olsen’s contract. The other king did the same.

  “I, Titos, enter into a contract with Olsen Olvix and hereby pledge to uphold the agreement,” Titos said.

  Olsen repeated it back to him, and power surged around them, ruffling Olsen’s beard and Titos’s curls. It was disappointing, and Titos took his contract. There on it was Olsen’s blood oath. If either of them broke it, they would face consequences such as sickness or even in some cases loss of power.

  Olsen took a step back and handed the contract over to one of his keepers. “I should be going. Thank you for hearing me out.”

  Titos nodded, knowing all too well he couldn’t stay longer. Not that Titos wanted him to. They had a contract, but it didn’t mean Titos trusted the man with his very soul or any of the secrets they kept.

  “I will see you out,” Ginger said.

  “Liby, Kyo, go with Ginger,” Seth said.

  Both women nodded and accompanied them all out of the ballroom. The moment the coast was clear, Titos sagged, and Seth’s strong arms caught him.

  “You did great,” Adom said.

  Titos glanced over to him. “Thanks.”

  Mazki appeared in front of Titos and placed a kiss on his nose.

  “That went better than I thought it would,” Gin said.

  Titos nodded.

  “I have to agree, but from what Ginger provided, Olsen is a powerhouse, but he doesn’t exactly run things like the others,” Adom pointed out.

  “Maybe many houses are changing. Mine wasn’t typical with everything,” Alfrik said.

  Titos could only hope. Edoli needed to move forward with time. Sooner or later, humans were going to be able to tell that they lived amongst others.

  “So Gin, are you ready to move into the room? You missed shower time,” Mazki teased.

  Titos rolled his eyes at him, but he anxiously awaited Gin’s reply.

  “Yeah, when we had to change into these boring clothes, I packed up the rest of my stuff,” Gin said.

  Titos thought about Mia, his old queen, and the other two powerhouses. No doubt they would learn of Olvix’s failure to kill Titos. Just how much time did he have? How soon would the council figure out where he was? There were so many ticking time bombs surrounding Titos he could barely hear anything.

  He shook himself free of the darkening thoughts and paid attention to what he could understand. He needed to live in the moment. He’d prepare for the future, but for now, he just wanted to be with his men.

  Titos smiled at his men as he pulled out of Seth’s arms and stood on his own. “Let’s get Gin moved in.”

  “Come on, Gin,” Mazki said.

  He held a suitcase in his hand as they headed to their room. Gin was finally moving into their room.

  “Careful with that,” Gin chastised.

  Mazki snickered at Kail, who was carrying two coffin-shaped suitcases.

  “You have too much shit,” Kail grumbled as he nearly tripped.

  Gin shrugged. “I don’t have shit. Everything is necessary and important.”

  Mazki rolled his eyes and thought he was excessive, but Gin was on another level. Even Alfrik was carrying a duffle bag. The only ones who had their hands free were Adom, Seth, and Titos.

  “I’m not sure all this will fit,” Kail joked.

  “It will. We just have to get rid of some of your sneakers,” Mazki said.

  “Touch them and you will lose a hand,” Kail growled out.

  “Be nice, guys,” Titos said, but his voice was laced with laughter that made Mazki’s heart skip a beat or two. “Gin, all your things will fit.”

  �
��But to make sure we don’t run into any issues, I will get with Ginger about having our closet enlarged along with the bathroom. The room next door isn’t being used. I’m sure it’s possible to have the walls knocked down and converted into a closet,” Adom said.

  Mazki refrained from adding they also needed to make room for any more keepers that Titos might add. Mazki walked into the large closet and gently sat Gin’s bag down in his own cleared-out spot. The amount of stuff he had, he’d easily need more room. The rest of them barely had anything. They’d come to the territory with nothing. Literally arrived stark naked—well, except Kail, and Mazki had found a skirt and shirt in the truck they’d stolen. That, of course, had changed since they’d been in the house. Gavin kept their closet stacked with their personal taste in clothes.

  “Will that be enough space for now?” Titos asked.

  Everyone crowded into the closet, awaiting Gin’s reply. When Alfrik moved in, he’d literally brought one bag. Mazki had referred to it as his “bear necessities.”

  “I can make it work,” Gin said.

  Mazki knocked shoulders with him. “Now the fun part.”

  Gin smirked at him and pulled Mazki close to him. His gold eyes twinkled. He wasn’t shy in the least; he’d come into their bonding with the understanding that they were all together. Not that Titos required them to be, but it was strange—it felt right to be with each other in some type of way, even if it was just friendship.

  “If I remember correctly, someone was supposed to be getting a punishment,” Gin teased.

  Mazki pulled back from the embrace.

  Mazki: Ass.

  Gin: You know you’re looking forward to it.

  Adom’s hand landed on Mazki’s shoulder, and he was pulled back against the man’s large chest. Mazki was instantly hyperaware.

  “I apologized already,” Mazki said.

  Titos appeared before him and placed the barest of kisses against his lips. “True, but I don’t think you learned your lesson.”

  Warmth spread in the pit of Mazki’s stomach. How was he supposed to state his case when Titos looked at him with desire-filled eyes?

  “Everyone to bed,” Titos demanded.

  A heady feeling coursed through the bond and pulled a groan from Mazki. Every single one of them looked at Titos. He just smiled at them as if he hadn’t just stroked along the bonds inside of him.