Page 11 of Knot Their Princess

“And the eldest daughter of the Chisea Family is betrothed.”

“Betrothed?” Gare cackles.

“You know they’re very… traditional,” Cade supplies thoughtfully. “But it seems they won’t be that way much longer.”

“And there are whispers that the Rostov Diamond may be missing. There could be a cover-up,” I explain.

Garen lets out a low whistle. “It seems our little soiree is going to be much more interesting than I’d anticipated.”

“That’s not all.”

The tone of Cade’s voice has my brow rising. He winces before continuing.

“There’s been talk that the Topo family is making moves.”

That can only mean one thing. “They’re after the Takahashi family.”

Cade’s nod is solemn.

“Have we reached out to Ji yet?”

“I tried, but I can’t get in touch.”

“We should have obliterated the Topo years ago.”

“You know it’s not that simple.” Cade frowns at Gare. “And we can’t interfere now, either. Not yet.”

“So we just wait for something to happen before we act?”

“That’s all we can do. We’re thousands of miles away and planning a New Years party to entertain some of the most important people in the business world. And our wold.”

Gare yawns at my assessment. “That thinking is what got the Takahashi in this predicament.” His head tilts severely, and there’s a change in the air. His orange zest scent twists, becoming spicier and making my nostrils flare. The next words come out gruff, his British accent changing to another dialect. “We haven’t had a bit of bloodshed in a minute. Wouldn’t mind getting my hands dirty.”

“Let’s not cause a war, please. I’d like to make it through next year without getting shot.”

Gare’s laugh is twisted as he slaps Cade’s back. “You’re in the wrong business.”

Cade scowls. “I’m nothing more than a member of the board of Helix Biosciences.”

I let out a long breath. “Enough of this. We maintain balance. That’s our job, regardless of our company or blood.” I stare each of my pack brothers down until they relax back into their seats. “Let’s take things one step at a time. If anyone is on the guest list who may pose a problem, they’ll be watched carefully.”

“I’ll keep you in the loop.”

I nod at Cade before frowning. “Spare no expense. My mother will want pictures.” I grumble the last part, not missing the gleam of humor in Gare’s mismatched eyes before he rises to his feet with a dramatic sigh.

“Well. This party should absolutely be a night to remember.”

Chapter Four

Sin

My fingernails are going to crack. I can feel them bending beneath my iron-grip on the arms of my chair, teeth clenched, eyes wild and barely focused out the small window beside me on the right, where the ground sweeps farther and farther away from me.

Everything is cream leather and shiny wood grain. On the left is a table with four seats, two and two on either side, but where I sit it’s just my seat and the mirroring seat across from me.

I’m sure this would be amazingly comfortable if I wasn’t freaking the fuck out.

“I wasn’t aware this was your first time on a plane.”