Page 26 of Desecrated Saints
“That isn’t her name either,” Kade combats.
“You wanna bet, asshole? Maybe I know her better than you think.”
Kade pumps up his chest. “Try it, Seven. I was here first.”
Fighting the urge to facepalm, I swim through their metaphorical lake of testosterone and stand in the middle with my hands outstretched.
“Can we compare dick sizes another time, please? Sadie, call him whatever the fuck he wants. And Kade, does it really matter if he calls me Eight? Really?”
“Yes! It does.”
“Princess, step aside,” Seven hisses. “Let me break this bastard’s fucking skull.”
“She’s not your princess,” Kade hits back.
Marching up to Kade, I glare until he grudgingly backs off. Unlike Hudson, Kade’s anger usually has an off switch. Though I wouldn’t be opposed to smashing their heads together for good measure.
“We’re on the same side, so let’s discuss this like adults.” I look between the two infuriating men. “None of this possessive, alphahole bullshit. You both hear me?”
“He started it,” Seven objects.
Kade glowers at him. “I should’ve left you to burn in that damn institute.”
“You know, I once skinned a man alive. Want me to demonstrate?”
“Seven!” I bellow. “Cut it out. I’m going to strangle you both.”
Sadie shakes her head at us. “We’re doomed.”
Needing some air, I storm back to my bedroom. The girls are still asleep, bundled together into one cramped bed. They’ve been quiet since the family meeting, but no longer look at us with bone-deep terror.
By the time I get dressed and have regained a sense of calm, the argument has broken up. Kade is outside talking on the burner phone, while Seven and Sadie sit in silence. Rather than dive back into that cesspit of complications, I step outside to check on Kade as he hangs up.
“Everything okay with your mum?”
His expression is bleak. “Get everyone up. Right now.”
“Trouble? Are we safe?”
“For now, but we need another family meeting.”
Cursing the universe for hating our delinquent asses, I head for Phoenix and Eli’s room and force them out of bed. I’m much gentler with the girls, coaxing them to come out for coffee. My lungs are being squeezed by an impending panic attack when I reach the final bedroom.
“Hud, get up. Kade wants to speak to everyone.”
He throws a pillow at me. I dodge and jump on the bed instead. Grabbing me by the ankles, Hudson yanks until I fall into his tattooed arms. He traps me beneath him, his eyes half shut. He’s looking too grumpy and hot for my libido to take.
“Is it urgent?” he grunts. “I was dreaming about having your sweet pussy wrapped around my cock. I’d rather skip the meeting and go back to that, please.”
My mouth is suddenly dry. “I, uh, have no idea.”
“Then he can wait while I fuck you until you scream my name for the whole house to hear, right?” Hudson paws at my clothes. “I want to paint your body in my come, blackbird.”
“What is it with you guys acting like animals today?”
“You don’t usually mind.”
“I’ve had one cup of coffee and already broken up a pissing contest. Don’t make me even crankier, Hud. I’ll stab you for my own satisfaction and dance in your blood to celebrate.”