Unexpected Love

The dinner proceeded with no drama. Kaida and Hideo thanked everyone for coming. Different members of their family offered celebratory toasts. Silence filled the room as all eyes went to Torin and Sybil.

The foolish incubus took his cue easily. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box.

“Special females come along once in a lifetime. It’s something my father always told me, and I didn’t believe it until the day we met. We’ve been friends since childhood, and every day that relationship has grown stronger. Even today, I value it above all others.” Torin’s gaze bounced around the restaurant. “I suck with words. What I’m trying to say is I love you more today than I ever have. I want you in my life always. Sybil, make me happy. Be my wife.”

Her mouth opened, but I didn’t want to hear the words. Rage replaced common sense as I rose to my feet. Callista tugged on my jacket and urged me not to do what I was about to do. I pushed her hand away and cleared my throat. “Sybil, I assure you that I have no problem with words. In fact, I know some that you should hear.”

Whispers set off around the table. Hideo gestured toward his half-demon bodyguards. My brother, sitting closest to Sybil’s parents, lifted his hand and shook his head. Nice that the traitor knew when to choose family.

Since I had everyone’s attention, I continued much to Callista’s dismay. “Sybil, you should know that Torin isn’t the upstanding incubus he’d like us all to believe.” I glanced at my brother and then to Dez before looking at Sybil’s parents. “Hideo… Kaida… the male vying to become your future son-in-law manipulated your daughter in the worst way.”

Angry eyes landed on Torin. Beads of sweat popped over his forehead.

“For reasons only known to him, he pimped out your daughter to incubi in this room.”

Gasps went around the table like a set of tipped-over dominoes. Sybil’s eyes widened.

“Torin Murphy arranged for his friends, my brother included, to fornicate with Sybil. He toyed with her emotions and disrespected her honor. Each of his friends reported their exploits back to him.”

“How could you?” Sybil’s voice broke.

“Let me explain,” Torin pleaded.

Too late. She rushed from the room with the idiot following her like a disobedient pup. I did my job. I sat down and turned toward Callista, but she was gone too.

“Are you satisfied?” My brother intruded my space.

“As a matter of fact, I am.” I reveled in the chaos I created. So much confusion and disbelief. The Nakamuras threw idle threats in my direction, but nobody harmed the son of Ashmedai, King of Hell.

“You’re an ass,” Hiro said.

“This is true, but I’m an ass who won.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, son.”