Sins of Mine - Mary E. Twomey Page 0,63

organization. Now that he’s dead and Antoni Valentine is gone, too, that would leave you in charge of all your father has built.”

A shudder rocks my chest. “That’s not what I’ve ever wanted.”

Sloan’s jaw is tight. “Disbanding the organization is dangerous, bunny. If we don’t curb the criminal element, they’ll create chaos of their own.”

My head hangs because suddenly the weight of the world is far too much for me to be able to stay upright and strong. “I’m already taking care of nearly five-hundred ex-cons. Now this? I don’t have the first clue what to do with the family business.”

Sloan and Sander exchange a look that means something, but I couldn’t say what. I’m exhausted from life, though I’ve just had a good night’s sleep.

Sloan drums a slow rhythm atop the table with four fingers. “I can do a little housekeeping. It’s going to look a lot like the accident at the cabin. Can I count on you to keep a clean report, Sander?”

Sander grins. “Absolutely. I can’t stomach any more people in the organization passing their crimes off on their children.”

Paxton stands, though I’m not sure how. My whole body feels so weighted. He crosses his arms as he leans his butt against the counter. “I’m going to be ruling as soon as we can scrabble a coronation together after the funeral. The Sins of the Father bill will be gone as soon as I can replace some of the more belligerent people on the cabinet. They’ll be fresh faces who will vote fairly, and not just agree with whatever the person in power says.” Paxton rubs his temples, though his voice is remarkably calm. “When that bill is finished, people will begin paying for their own crimes. That should cut down on quite a bit of the criminal element floating around untethered. There will be no more Prigham’s.”

Finally, I find the strength to stand, moving beside Paxton so he has someone to lean on. “I like that very much.”

His arm curves around me. “I’ve had plans for years about what I’d like to do when my time to rule comes.” His eyes flick to Gray. “One thing we need on the cabinet is a Minister of Shifters. Someone to speak up for the people who are accustomed to being ignored. I need a shifter to serve on the cabinet to represent the voice of their people. Would you be able to find time for that, Gray?”

Emotion jerks in my chest, but it’s Gray who looks truly shaken.

I can feel the earth shifting, the future quaking.

The world is about to change, and I couldn’t be more ready.

21

A People’s Wildest Dream

Arlanna

The room goes silent after Paxton asks Gray to join the cabinet as a Minister of Shifters.

Everyone turns to stare at the only shifter in the room, whose mouth is hanging open. “Are you having a laugh? That’s not allowed. A shifter could never sit on the cabinet.”

Jen clutches Gray’s shoulder, posturing behind him. “I think it’s the perfect time for a new set of rules.”

The chief holds up his hands. “I think that’s long overdue, Your Majesty, but to be fair, it’s going to take time for the people to be okay with a change that big.” He meets Paxton’s eyes with a warning. “Might be decades before they stop hating you for treating people like people. Loads of them out there want to treat certain people like cattle. They don’t take kindly to change.”

Paxton shrugs, though I can tell he feels the heaviness of what he’s proposing. “No one cared how the shifters felt about being ostracized. I am not my father. I’m not going to be less than I am. Gray is my brother. He’ll have a voice in my home.” Then he holds me tighter and locks eyes with Gray. “Our home.”

It’s odd to see my fearless shifter tear up, but the sight is beautiful all the same. There’s a preciousness to Gray’s face now. Hope makes him look years younger. It’s a shame to know some people would want it stamped out of him forever. There’s a beauty to Gray that shines as his eyes glisten. I cannot believe the world tried to rob him of something so important as hope.

Gray clears his throat. “I’d like that, brother.” He motions to himself. “Are you sure? Maybe someone else is better suited for the job.”

“I’m positive. No one else could hold their own in a fae-dominated room like you can. Plus, ruling isn’t about having