ROMAN: Fury of Her King (Kings of the Blood Book 2) by Julia Mills Page B

you mate Cynthia. She will
have a house, a career, money, I mean come on, why jeopardize that?” Katarina
paused then immediately continued, “And from what I understand, Laurent and his
family have been in your service since you saved one of their distant relatives
hundreds of years ago. They have nothing to gain.”
    Shaking his head while smashing a piece of cinder that had escaped
the fireplace grate under the toe of his shoe, Roman admitted, “I have no idea.
Never in all our years has a  tréfon  betrayed her King.” His
words trailed off as he felt for the bond he shared with Cynthia. It was the
only reassurance he had that she still existed while he gave her the time she
needed to come to terms with what little she knew of his life.
    “Nor have any of those loyal to us,” Viktor added. “They are all
aware that treason is punishable by death and not just of the traitor, but also
their entire family.”
    Katarina gasped, “Isn’t that overkill, guys?”
    “No,” they immediately answered in unison, with Viktor going on to
explain. “We cannot take the chance another of their line will also betray us,
so any and all that know of our existence must pay the price for one person’s
sin.” He cleared his throat. “It is unfortunately the reality of who and what
we are.”
    “So, am I to understand that both Valentina and Laurent’s
families, should those two be found guilty of kidnapping Cynthia, will be
executed?” Roman turned around just as Katarina finished her question to see
that her shocked expression matched the surprise in her voice.
    “Thankfully, they are both the last of their families,” was all
the General could say as he finished his drink and set the glass on a nearby
end table. “Now, if you two will excuse me, I need to think of a way to make my
mate forgive me. I have no idea what she knows, what she must think of me…hell,
I do not even know if she is all right after what those two buffoons put her
through.” His anger returned with a vengeance. “I swear if I ever get my hands
on Valentina and Laurent, I will rip them limb from limb.”
    Sweeping his hands across his desk as he roared with rage, papers
floated to the ground, a crystal paperweight crashed against the wall, and his
lamp shattered on the floor. Still seething, he spun to punch the wall as the
sound of a slow clap stopped him dead in his tracks and had him glaring at
Katarina.
    “Great job. Destroying your home is sure to help Cynthia.” Still
clapping, she walked toward him.
    “Katarina…” Viktor gave a warning growl.
    “Oh, please, Roman’s not going to hurt me. Are you?” She
challenged.
    “No,” he grumbled. “Just leave.” He pointed at the door.
    Stopping a few feet in front of him, Katarina finally stopped
clapping and smiled. “I’ll do you one better. I’ll go see your Cynthia.” He
began shaking his head, to which she nodded and held up her index finger for
him to be quiet. “I’ve met her a few times. She and I had a fun conversation
about men at one of those crazy cocktail parties you insisted I accompany
Viktor to.”
    She paused and leveled her gaze at him. “Besides, I’ve been where
she is. Well…not quite where she is, but sort of. You get the jest.” She
winked. “Bjorn was crazy. Valentina and Laurent have also obviously lost their
minds. We were both kidnapped just for knowing you guys.” She shrugged. “Seems
like we have a couple of things to talk about. Worst case scenario, she throws
me out on my derrière, but I’m betting she’ll want to hear what I have to say.”
    He was just about to list all the reasons why Katarina talking to
Cynthia was a bad idea when the door to his study burst open and in walked Lee
with a huge smile on his face. Striding across the room, he patted Roman on the
shoulder and gushed, “Have I got a surprise for you,  o aderfós
mou.”  Then over his shoulder, “Bring ‘em in, boys.”
    A loud crash and Bain’s hurried, “Oh shit,