Silversmiths outside the gates. They’re demanding you release Remington Silversmith, or they intend to ensure no one leaves this estate alive,” Luis said, turning worried eyes in my direction.
“How many Silversmiths?” Rhys asked, turning to narrow his eyes on me as I slowly approached him.
“If I had to guess? I’d say at least fifty or more,” Luis informed, standing back as Rhys watched me.
“Henderson, close the armory so that they cannot access the silver within it. Alert those within the estate grounds to go inside their homes until I say otherwise. Once our people are all inside, let the Silversmiths through the gates. They won’t take Remington. She’s going to tell them she is staying here of her own accord.”
“Why would I do that? I’d be cut off and disowned.”
“Because if not, I will give the kill order and murder them all while you watch it happen. They’re unable to cast within the iron gates. The only silver here that they’d be able to wield is in my armory through reinforced iron and steel. The moment they enter my estate, they’re defenseless. Unless you wish to watch your family bleed on my grass, you’ll do what I say.”
“You’re a bastard,” I swallowed, feeling my stomach tightening while flipping repeatedly.
“I warned you that I wasn’t a good guy, Love. You assumed I was, and that is your mistake,” he growled, grabbing my arm while pulling me close against him. “Don’t do anything stupid, do you understand me?”
“Clearly,” I hissed, struggling to get out of his hold.
“Be a good girl, and I will let you ride my cock tonight.”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen ever again, asshole,” I snapped, falling back the moment he released my arm without warning, watching as Luis moved to break my fall.
“With me, Van Helsings, and Head of Houses. Let’s go welcome the House of the Fallen back from their graves, shall we?” Rhys snorted, holding his hand out for me to accept.
I glared at it with hot tears burning my eyes. Rhys had no idea what he’d just done. For the last two months, everything had been smooth, and we’d lived happily, or as happily as enemies could. I’d allowed him to use me, to comfort me, and the first chance he got, he betrayed me.
I guess it wasn’t an actual betrayal. He’d never pretended to be anything other than my sworn enemy. I’d just let my guard down and assumed something had changed between us. I thought that I could become more to him, and I’d been wrong.
Rhys pulled me with him, marching toward the doorway which we exited together. He didn’t stop moving until we were on the gravel driveway. I could see my family through the gates, yet I couldn’t make out who was who at our current distance. I was surrounded by Van Helsings and the alphas. Doors closed, and runes glowed above the houses that lined the long winding road leading through the compound.
The gates to the estate opened, and my heart clenched as cars slowly started to pull through. One by one, they moved up the long, hedge-covered driveway that led to the mansion. Hooded figures stepped out of the car and slowly moved toward us while managing to keep a safe distance.
When enough of them were out of their cars, the first one spoke. “You will release my daughter, Rhys.” My mother shoved back her hood, and I smiled.
“Mother,” I whispered.
“Hello, Roslyn,” Rhys growled, and my eyes snapped to him, before settling back on my mom.
“It’s been a long time, my knight. I’ve missed you. Have you missed me?”
Nausea swirled through me, burning the back of my throat. “No,” I whispered through the tightening in my throat.
My mother’s sapphire eyes moved to mine, glaring at me. “You should have stayed where you were, child. You’re such a disappointment.”
My eyes slid to Winchester, who was looking between us in confusion. “You’re Elizabeth.”
“I was never as weak as my sister. I hear my whore daughter is fucking my knight,” she stated coldly, noting the tears slipping from my eyes. “Stop being so weak, Remington.”
I felt like the world was spinning around me. Everything was off-kilter, and the malice dripping from my mother’s lips made me want to retch. Rhys shut down his emotions as everyone else around us whispered in low voices. Shock rushed through the crowd, and then fear entered it, which caused my mother to smile.