The room remains silent.
"I'm very happy to answer any questions you may have. I actually prefer to get all of them cleared up now so there's no confusion later."
The room is quiet for another minute before a man toward the back lifts his hand. "I have three daughters. Fourteen, twelve, and ten. I worry for their safety so at what age do you recommend that they are taught these things you plan to offer?"
I lean over and whisper to Bleu. "He's the father of the girl who was beaten and raped by The Order several months ago."
"Twelve is the recommended age but girls' bodies mature at different rates. I probably wouldn't recommend waiting that late if the girl matures early. No Order member is going to ask her how old she is before attacking."
Abram has been unsuccessful in planting suspicion against Bleu. Our people don't seem at all concerned about her past. Women and parents of daughters are more interested in hearing about what my wife has planned for their safety rather than who she once was.
My gut told me Abram wouldn't be able to control himself so I was prepared for him to act out. I ordered security to be in place in case he got out of control. Now that the attention is no longer on him, I think it's time he's escorted from the ceremony.
I motion for my security men to come forward for him. Orders are already in place to take him to the black site.
Abram has fucked this night up for me. Instead of going home to make love to my wife, I'll be tied up carrying out penance against him. He's going to rue the day he chose to go after Bleu.
The Q&A runs longer than anticipated but I eventually get Bleu on the dance floor. "My dear Mrs. Breckenridge. The Fellowship is exceptionally happy with you right now."
She runs her fingers over the front of my hair, smoothing it into place. "Perhaps. I think they're highly pleased with their newest Breckenridge leader as well."
Our people don't get a choice about liking me. I'm their leader so they must do as I say. It's a done deal. But they get to decide if they are fond of my wife. And they are. Very much. I saw something more in their eyes and expressions-respect and admiration. "They really liked the things you had to say."
"I think so too but I'm sorry I stole the spotlight from you. Our plans were so well received that I couldn't stop once I started talking about them."
I knew Bleu was intelligent but she absolutely blew me away tonight. "Those aren't our plans. They're yours. Each idea was born through your vision of what you see for the future. You get all the credit for that."
"I don't care about or need credit. All I want is to see change for our women."
"You're making it happen and they're going to love you for it." I know I do.
I hold her close as we sway through two more songs. She places her head against my chest and becomes quiet. She isn't saying so but she's drained. "Things are dying down so I'm going to have Sterling drive you home. Kyle and Blare will go with you because I have a matter to take care of."
She cradles my face with her palm. "You told me earlier that I was only getting a small taste of what was to come when we got home."
"You still will." I kiss her forehead. "You're tired. Go home and rest. I'll be there in a little while to wow you."
"Has something bad happened?"
"Aye. Abram happened, so I had him sent to the black site for me to deal with in private." Which I happen to think is pretty generous considering what he did to Bleu was so public.
"I handled him. And he didn't even come close to succeeding at what he was trying to do."
True. "You made me proud, but he acted against you in front of the entire brotherhood. Because you're my wife, what he did is an act of betrayal against me. He's going to pay penance for that."
"You're going to have him beaten?"
"Within an inch of his life." And I shall delight in it.
"What does Thane have to say about that?" He grew tired of Abram's antics a while ago. He ignored them because he loves his brother but he won't overlook Abram attacking the mother of his grandchildren.
"He won't go against me on it."
"Do you expect to be long?"
"Two hours. Maybe three."
"Then I shall be naked, wet, and wanting when you come home to me."
Perfect. Just the way I want her.
* * *
Abram is tied faced down, his back bared. He's fighting to free himself but it's useless. He should know that. "What the fuck do you think you're doing, Sinclair?"
I stand over Abram looking at the man I once adored as a most beloved uncle. That was before my immature mind could conceive of the evil things he was capable of. "I told you I wouldn't tolerate any more acts against my wife. This is the consequence of ignoring my warning."
"You're a fool if you believe your wife's loyalty lies with us."
"She married me. She's carrying the next leaders of The Fellowship. What is it going to take for you to accept that she's one of us and is here to stay for good?"
"Nothing will ever convince me of that."
"Then perhaps a good flogging will persuade you otherwise."
I nod at Sangster. "You may begin."
I see the hint of a smirk on Sangster's face. I'm grinning on the inside. Bringing Abram to his knees for all he's done to Bleu instills joy in me.
The multitailed whip strikes Abram's back and he yells out in pain. It's just as I thought. He can dish it but can't take it.
"How many lashes do you think is suitable for the things you've done to my wife? Let's begin with ten per incident? I think that's fair."
"Stop this, Sinclair. Can't you see what she's doing? She's a little bitch who's turning us against one another."
"No. You're the one who did that."
I hold out my hand to seize the whip from Sangster. "I'll take that."
I've said it more than once. Bonny is the only reason the light in me bothers to battle the darkness. But there's no light inside me now. I look at Abram and all I feel is hate. I'm glad because I'm going to need it for what I'm about to do.
"Each lash you feel is a consequence of your offenses against my wife. When I'm finished with you, you won't entertain the idea of crossing her again."
Chapter Thirteen
Bleu Breckenridge
Debra and I have been working with our first self-defense class for an hour. We're both instructing but she's the physical machine behind this. She has to be at least fifty and hasn't broken a sweat. Total badass. I hope I'm in that kind of shape when I'm her age.
Sin gave us one of the vacant warehouses to turn into our training center. He had a small training arena constructed in the center of the building. Seating surrounds the ring on all sides so all of our trainees can observe no matter where they're sitting.
He has supplied us with weights and fitness equipment as well. And a daycare for the children. Totally unexpected. He's earning some serious points with the women of The Fellowship. And me.
It's time to begin the extreme physical part of the training so Debra is dressed out in a self-defense instructor suit. She looks like a red Michelin Man. "Who wants to be first?"
No one volunteers.
I'm happy my sister and best friends are in attendance. I can pick on them.
I look at Ellison, cueing her to come forward, but she shakes her head. Westlyn and Lorna do the same.
"Come on. Don't be shy. You're all going to do this part at some point."
The least likely person in the room stands to volunteer. Alanna Studwick. "I will."
Debra watches her approach the arena. "I thought today's class was supposed to be adults only."
"That was the plan, but I had to let this girl in when her father asked. She has a powerful backstory."
Our youngest trainee approaches Debra. "Tell me your name and how old you are."
"Alanna, and I'm fourteen. But don't take it easy on me because of my age. The Order members who took me from my bedroom didn't when they beat and raped me."
Debra doesn't appear shocked by Alanna's statement. I don't know if that's because she really isn't or if she's keeping her cool for the girl. "All right. I won't."
I approach her. "I'll help you into the protective headgear and padding."
Alanna holds out her hand and I slip the glove over it. "When I was seven, I was attacked by a man. I wasn't raped but I was left for dead. I understand some of the feelings you're having."
She holds out her second hand when I finish with the first. "People act like I should magically get over what happened because Sinclair killed the men who attacked me. I can't. I think about it all the time."
No one understands obsession better than I do. "It's okay to still be pissed off about what happened to you. Use your anger for good. Use it to your advantage. Let it be your motivator. A catalyst driving you to learn the skills you need so it never happens again."
"Is that what you did?"
I nod. "Men are bigger. Stronger. Can't change that so we must train to be faster and smarter."