Gideon's Promise (Sons of Judgment Book 2) (64 page)

Baron slanted a barely brief glance in the direction of his drawer where he had tucked away the vial Devlin had given him containing the unborn essence of Gideon and Valkyrie Maxwell’s child.

“You never know when you need a bargaining chip,” he mused. “Especially now that Devlin has been captured, I need a recruiter to find me soldiers for my war and the Maxwell brothers are always so willing to self-sacrifice.” He rapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. “Now that the north, south and west have sworn their allegiance and their armies are mine, the angels will be at my mercy.”

He watched Jacinta’s features carefully and was impressed by how well she was trained to suppress her disdain of him.

“Are you not worried Devlin will tell them about you? The brothers, I mean.”

Baron waved a hand dismissively. “Not in the least. They will eventually find out and they will eventually come to me, demanding the child’s return. Truth be told.” He smoothed a hand down the front of his ocean blue suit. “It’s a wonder he has not broken yet. He was always so weak and single-minded. His obsession with Kyaerin Maxwell was entertaining in the beginning, but his vendetta is the reason he is in the mess he is in now. However, I do have to admit I severely underestimated his endurance.”

“Why do you have the child, sir?” Jacinta muttered, clearly unimpressed by his behavior.

“Leverage!” he snapped, hating to repeat himself. “I may have Octavian Maxwell’s obedience, but the others are still free to join the angels and I cannot have that. They must all serve me, just like the other three houses now under my control.”

“What of Valkyrie’s father?” Jacinta glanced at her notes. “You asked me to keep an eye on his activities. He has sent Harvesters to the north despite your original warning. There is also word that he has put a bounty on his daughter’s head to the demon that brings her to him.”

Frustration broke off him in a burdened sigh. A pain had begun pulsing between his eyes and he pinched the spot between his thumb and forefinger.

“Does that man never learn?” he muttered to no one in particular. “The Maxwell family is essential to my plans!” He raised his head and met Jacinta’s level gaze. “Send for him immediately.”

“Before or after the Gravedigger, sir?”

There was a hint of mockery in the question that he chose to ignore.

“Before. This is a matter that requires my immediate attention.” He sighed again. “It is time that Arild Devereaux remembers who put him in power and who can just as easily take it away. We are too close to let some overbearing idiot stop us.”

Jacinta made a note of his commands.

“One final thing, sir.” She lifted her chin. “There is talk that the angels are moving into position.”

Irritation propelled out him out of his seat. “And why did you not start with that information?”

While her tone was cool, her expression betrayed just a hint of arrogance. “It was last in my notes.”

Willing himself to calm down, Baron straightened. “From now on, word on the angels come to me directly and immediately, do you understand?” At her nod, he continued. “If they are on to us, we will have to speed things up. Get Typhon and tell him to bring the girl. We have no time to waste.”

The End

Coming Soon!

Magnus’ Defeat

Sons of Judgment Saga,

Book #3

T
here are always so many people that deserve their own golden ticket to a chocolate factory for all their hard work, so many people who make up a book. My family first and foremost. It’s incredible how much they put up when it comes to me. But they’re always there, loving me and supporting me. I won the damn lottery with you guys. To my editor, Katherine and PA Amber for never saying no, no matter how crazy I know I drive you guys. My beta readers, Krystal, Jaime and Kia for always being my loudest cheerleaders and making me feel like a million bucks. The girls from the Dark Court for giving me a friendship that spans whole countries. My readers for never quitting on me, for loving everything I put out and for just being the best.

Love you all!

~Airicka

A
iricka Phoenix lives in a world where unicorns, fairies and mermaids run amok through her home on a daily basis. When she’s not chasing after pixies and rounding up imps, also known as her four children, she can be found conjuring up evil villains, bad-ass heroines and swoon-worthy heroes to play with.

Airicka is singlehandedly responsible for her greatly anticipated collections, The Touch Saga, The Lost Girl Duology, The Regeneration Series, Games of Fire & Betraying Innocence. She also writes mature paranormal & contemporary romance under the dark guise of Morgana Phoenix. To date, she is responsible for The Sons of Judgment Saga, In The Dark Series, & The Baby Saga.

For more about Airicka and the realm she rules with an iron fist—and tons of chocolate—visit her at
www.airickaphoenix.com