Read Online Gifts of Fate [Kindred of Arkadia 7] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Alanea Alder - Free Book Online

head to Arkadia to execute Rhys, I’ll
    be there by this evening.”
    Madison’s eyes widened and filled with tears.
    “What the fuck, man! Tomorrow is Christmas Eve,” Connor protested.
    “Believe me, Griffin and I argued to postpone until after the holidays. But the lawyer said that Rhys is a
    threat that must be dealt with right away. The reason I’m calling is, I was that this might be easier coming
    from you.” Connor fell back against the sofa and closed his eyes.
    “I’ll call Gabriel as soon as I get off the phone with you.”
    “He has to be brought to the town square. That whining little shit said that he didn’t feel safe going to a
    house full of vampires.” Connor could hear the contempt in Baron’s voice.
    “Fuck! We’ll have little kids out caroling.”
    “Connor, you know if it were up to me,” Baron said, using Connor’s real name.
    “I know. I’ll call Gabriel now, what time?”
    “Around six.”
    “See you then.”
    “Bye, Professor, and for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”
    “Yeah, man.” Connor ended the call and looked at Madison. He could see sadness and anger in her eyes.
    He knew this brought up recent memories of being taken and abused. She and Rhys had bonded in that tiny
    cell.
    “Madison.” She shook her head.
    “There was nothing I could do. I tried. But that law is ironclad and for good reason. No vampire has
    ever come back, not after thirty days. It’s been nearly forty for Rhys.”
    Shaking his head, Connor dialed Gabriel.
    “Gabriel speaking.”
    “Prince Gabriel, it’s Connor Arkadion.”
    “Connor, perfect timing. I wanted to make sure you’re at the diner later. Ashby and I have a surprise for
    everyone.” Gabriel sounded jubilant. Connor hated that he had to be the one to tell him that one of his
    children was about to die.
    “Baron called,” was all he was able to get out.
    “Hold,” was the crisp ordered response. In the background Connor heard.
    “Angel, I’m heading to my office for this phone call. You should take Arthur upstairs and pick out an
    outfit for this afternoon.”
    “Okay. I love you,” he heard Ashby say.
    “I love you too, mon ange. ” There was the sound of walking and a door shutting.
    “Who is Arthur?” Connor asked. He heard a sigh.
    “Arthur is our adopted infant son. He was placed into our care last night. Today is supposed to be a
    happy one for my family. What did Baron have to say?”
    “Damn it!” Connor yelled in helpless frustration.
    “He’s coming isn’t he?” Gabriel asked.
    “That conniving boot-licker Salsiby went before the council and insisted that Rhys was a threat and
    pushed to have his execution immediately. They’ll be here this evening, Gabriel. You have to bring Rhys to
    the town square by six for execution.”
    There was silence from the other end of the line, he couldn’t even hear Gabriel breathing.
    “Then I better make sure that Ashby enjoys this afternoon,” was the emotionless reply.
    “If there is anything I can do,” Connor offered.
    “I’m afraid there isn’t anything anyone can do. Thank you for being the one to call me, I know that it
    could not have been easy for you. But it made a difference hearing this from a friend.”
    “We’ll stand by you tonight,” Connor promised.
    “That would be most welcome. Until this afternoon.”
    Connor was about to fling his cell phone at the wall when Madison’s gentle hand stopped him.
    “All we can do is be there for them. I hope they let me try to say goodbye, and thank you. He suffered
    so much denying himself my blood. His willpower saved me.” Madison leaned her head against Connor’s
    shoulder.
    “It’s not right. This wasn’t his fault.” Connor’s voice broke.
    “Maybe this will end his torment.” Madison wiped at her tears and Connor wrapped his arm around her,
    pulling her close.
    “We need to head to the diner early. Ma planned a huge gift for Kate, Rebecca and Sebastian. But she
    didn’t know Ashby