Read Online Dark Alpha's Demand: A Reaper Novel (Reapers) by Donna Grant - Free Book Online

certain those he’s killed in the name of Death wouldn’t agree.”
    “Why do you hate him?”
    The more Atris conversed with him, the more Bran realized how much more of a spine he had than either of his parents. It was too bad Atris was so against joining him. He would be a brilliant addition.
    “Talin is part of a larger problem,” Bran explained. “Talin stands in my way of getting to those who are to blame.”
    “Because you broke the rules?”
    “I followed my heart.”
    Atris barked in laughter. “You can’t even admit you did wrong, can you? In your eyes, everyone else is to blame. Not yourself. Did you ever think you’re the reason the Fae you loved is dead?”
    In a flash, Bran was out of his chair with his hand around Atris’s throat. He squeezed, leaning the chair on its back two legs as he glared. “You insolent bastard.”
    Atris merely grinned in triumph.
    Bran released him, letting the chair fall back on all four legs again. He turned and stalked away, taking a deep breath to gain control of his anger.
    “Shall I kill him now?” Searlas asked when Bran approached.
    Bran gave a small shake of his head. “No. I need him for the parents and Neve. When the time comes to kill them, they’re all yours, my friend.”
    Searlas smiled in response.
    Bran turned back to the threesome. “I know how nervous everyone at court was to hear there was a Reaper among them. Did none of you think of Talin?” When the family didn’t answer, Bran shrugged. “I don’t know why not. Talin was new to court. He never spoke of his family or said anything about himself, and none of you thought that odd?”
    He sighed loudly. “Had you been more observant of others, instead of furthering your own standing, you might’ve seen Talin for what he is. Do you wonder why he chose Neve?”
    “He cares for her,” Atris said when his mother cried harder.
    Bran rolled his eyes, tsking. “You can’t possibly believe that. Talin wants something from Neve. Otherwise, he would’ve chosen another female.”
    “You can say whatever you think, but I saw them together.”
    “We Reapers are great at pretending to fit in anywhere. We have ten times more power and magic than any of you. We can remain veiled for hours at a time. Talin was a spy.”
    “That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have feelings for Neve,” Atris argued.
    Bran scrunched up his face. “I admit, Neve has fallen for him. That much is obvious. But did she tell you why she hasn’t seen him in a few days?”
    Atris remained silent, his face closing off.
    “So she didn’t,” Bran said with a grin. “I’m betting it’s because she wanted more, and Talin refused. Because to give her more, he must tell her who he is. And we both know how that ends. Your sister was being used. As was your family.”
    Atris suddenly smiled. “You’re good. I’ll admit that. You almost made me believe your lies.”
    “Lies?” Bran raised his brows, surprised. “Why do you think it was lies?”
    “Because you want Talin. In order to get to him, you kidnapped us and hurt my sister. If he felt nothing for Neve or my family as you suggest, you would never have taken us.”
    It was Atris’s victorious smile that made Bran fume. Damn the man for being so smart. Usually, Bran could talk his way into—or out of—anything he wanted. What made Atris so different?
    “You took us because you knew Talin would feel obligated to find us,” Atris said.
    Bran nodded in agreement. “That’s true.”
    “And you plan to kill him? Are you Reapers that easy to kill?”
    “What I do with Talin is my own business. As for how easy we are to kill, a normal Fae would never succeed. Your magic would be like the bite of a gnat. Even if you managed to use a sword from Erwar, you’d never get close enough.”
    “There have to be other ways to kill you.”
    “Keep thinking on that,” Bran said with a smile.
    Atris lifted his chin. “I will. Because I’ll be the one to end you.”
    Bran liked