“What would you know?” Axel asked in a mocking voice he could only get away with because he’d been one of Dad’s most trusted associates for decades. “You’re just a twenty-two-year-old reckless kid.”
“I’m not a kid,” I snapped.
“Don’t act like one, and I won’t say it.”
Dad shifted in his seat. “That’s enough, Axel. Wylder knows the importance of keeping a cool head and evaluating a situation carefully. He wouldn’t be in any position to take over the mantle of the Noble empire otherwise.”
I wished there’d been a little more warmth in that vote of confidence, rather than the sense that I was the only option for an heir he had. I drew myself up straighter.
“It’s not only the situation in the Bend. Yesterday, Colt and some of the Steel Knights grabbed Mercy off the sidewalk just outside the mansion, totally disregarding the protection we’ve been offering her. You couldn’t get a more open challenge than that. If we let him get away with it, it’ll look as if we’re too weak to defend our own.”
“She’s hardly our own,” Dad said with an edge I didn’t like, but for the first time he did appear slightly annoyed. My concerns that he might have been involved in the kidnapping somehow faded. I could tell he hadn’t even known about it—and he didn’t like the disrespect of the act, even if he didn’t care about Mercy particularly. “You confronted him to get her back?”
I had to bite back a smile of pride. “We didn’t need to. I told you she’s proven herself capable of handling herself. She got away from his men on her own, with more information about his plans.”
Dad studied me with an air that made my skin tighten. “You admire her,” he said after a moment.
A denial leapt to my tongue, but if I argued too vehemently, I’d only be proving my investment. “She’s stronger than many of the men we’ve initiated, and I appreciate her dedication to seeing Bryant fall. I think that’s only natural.”
“Are you sure that’s all it is? I don’t want to invest my resources in a fool’s errand over some pretty face that’s caught your eye.”
And he wouldn’t want me getting invested in any “pretty face” at all. A memory flickered through my head: a slumped form cowering on the floor, my father standing over her, firm hands gripping my arms when I tried to throw myself forward—
Nausea coiled around my stomach. My expression had stiffened. I spoke with perfect calm. “I have only what’s best for the Nobles and our dominion over Paradise Bend in mind. I’ve seen what the Steel Knights are doing firsthand.”
Dad didn’t answer, only staring thoughtfully into space. That was actually a good sign. If he’d been sure I was wrong, he wouldn’t hesitate to say it.
I pushed my advantage. “Dad, let me take care of this. I won’t let it interfere with any other business you have underway. My inner circle and I will spearhead the mission to crush Bryant—we can handle it. All I need is your go-ahead and the use of some of the men when they’re not occupied under your command. It’ll be a chance for me to show that there’s more than one Noble to fear in Paradise City.”
I could tell I’d convinced him. Triumph bloomed in my chest before he even opened his mouth.
“That sounds like a reasonable proposition,” he said, picking up his papers again. “I expect to see the situation dealt with quickly and efficiently. And make sure you don’t bring too big a war to our doorstep. We want our enemies subdued, not multiplying.”
I suppressed a grin. “Of course. You can count on me.”
Dad made a gesture of dismissal. I moved to go, relief washing through me. But I hadn’t quite made it to the door before he spoke again. “Oh, and Wylder?”
I glanced back, dread unfurling through my chest. “Yes?”
“I’d like to speak with the Katz girl myself. I’ll send Anthea to get her when I’m done with this. Make sure she’s ready.”
My heart lurched. I almost blurted out a ragged No! Instead, I clamped my jaw shut.
Of course he’d want to talk to her himself. It was only natural. As long as I hadn’t fucked up, there was nothing to be worried about. No reason at all for my gut to be churning twice as hard as it’d been a few minutes ago.
I nodded, holding my emotions in check with an iron grip. “Sure, Dad. I’ll let her know.”