The Devil’s Chaos (The Brotherhood #2)

48. Forty-Eight

48

FORTY-EIGHT

HAVEN

K ai made good on his promise that he wasn’t finished with me. Six more orgasms later, I was about to succumb to sleep when a loud bang on the door startled us both. Mila's voice rang out from the other side, laced with amusement and a hint of urgency. “Rise and shine, lovebirds! We’ve got a situation out here that requires your immediate attention.”

I groaned as I buried my face in the pillow. “Can’t it wait until morning?”

“I’m afraid not,” Mila replied as her tone grew more serious.

Mila’s timing was impeccable, as always. I rubbed my eyes as I stumbled out of bed and wrapped a blanket around me to conceal my nakedness. I opened the door to find her grinning from ear to ear, her dark hair tousled and eyes gleaming with mischief.

“What’s going on?” I asked, stifling a yawn.

“Archer’s parents, Cassian and Evelyn King, are very interested in meeting you. They invited us all to dinner to celebrate our engagement tonight, and you can’t say no.”

“I can’t?”

Mila shook her head. “Trust me, when the King family extends an invitation, it’s more of a royal summons. Refusing would be like slapping them in the face.”

I sighed while I ran a hand through my disheveled hair. “Fine, but I'll need time to get ready. I can't exactly show up looking like I just rolled out of bed.”

“You mean Kai's bed,” Mila teased, winking at me. “Don't worry, you've got a few hours. I'll help you pick out something appropriate to wear.”

I glanced back at Kai, who had propped himself up on his elbows as he watched the exchange with an amused expression. “I guess we'll have to postpone round two,” he said, his voice still thick with sleep.

“Round seven, you mean,” I corrected him, feeling a blush creep up my neck as memories of our passionate night flooded my mind.

Mila's eyebrows shot up. “Seven? Damn, Kai, you really outdid yourself.”

Kai smirked, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “What can I say? I aim to please.”

I rolled my eyes and turned back to Mila. “Give me an hour to freshen up, and I'll meet you in your room to discuss wardrobe options.”

“You got it, babe,” Mila said as she blew me a kiss before sauntering off down the hallway, her laughter echoed behind her.

I closed the door and leaned against it. Kai was already climbing out of bed.

“You’re not nervous, are you?” he asked, his blue eyes twinkled with amusement.

“Of course I am,” I admitted as I bit my lower lip. “What if I say or do something embarrassing?”

He walked over to me and cupped my face in his hands. “You’ll be fine,” he assured me, kissing my forehead gently. “Just be yourself, and they’ll love you as much as I do.”

“You love me, huh?” I teased.

He grinned and pulled me into his arms. “I thought that was obvious after last night.”

“I love you too,” I whispered while I leaned in to capture his lips in a tender kiss.

An hour later, I found myself in Mila's room, surrounded by a whirlwind of dresses, shoes, and accessories. She had taken it upon herself to play stylist, determined to find the perfect outfit for my meeting with Archer's parents.

“What about this one?” she asked, holding up a sleek, black cocktail dress with a plunging neckline.

I shook my head. “Too revealing. I want to make a good impression, not give them a heart attack.”

Mila sighed and tossed the dress aside. “Fine, how about this?” She pulled out a sleek emerald green, floor-length gown.

I eyed it appreciatively. The rich color and elegant cut seemed perfect for a formal dinner with Archer’s esteemed parents. “That could work,” I said, reaching out to feel the luxurious fabric between my fingers.

Mila grinned triumphantly. “I knew you’d love it. The color will bring out your eyes, and the style is classy but still shows off your figure.” She shooed me toward the bathroom. “Go try it on so I can see how it looks.”

A few minutes later, I emerged from the bathroom. The gown hugged my curves in all the right places.

Mila let out a low whistle. “Damn, girl! You look stunning. Kai won’t be able to keep his hands off of you.”

I blushed and smoothed out the skirt self-consciously. “I’m more concerned about impressing Archer’s parents than turning Kai on,” I reminded her.

We spent the next hour perfecting my hair and makeup. Mila insisted on a sleek, sophisticated updo and a smokey eye that made my eyes look even more striking. By the time we were finished, I barely recognized the woman who stared back at me in the mirror.

Kai waited for us in the foyer, looking devastatingly handsome in a tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean physique. His eyes widened as he took in my appearance, and a slow, appreciative smile spread across his face.

“You look incredible,” he murmured as he pulled me into his arms and pressed a soft kiss to my lips, careful not to smudge my lipstick.

“You clean up pretty well yourself,” I teased as I straightened his tie and brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead.

Archer cleared his throat pointedly. “As much as I hate to interrupt this adorable moment, we need to get going. My parents aren’t exactly known for their patience.”

Kai nodded, offering me his arm. “Shall we?”

The drive to the King estate was shorter than I’d anticipated, and before I knew it, we pulled up to an imposing wrought-iron gate. The property beyond was vast and immaculately landscaped. The house was a massive, Tudor-style mansion with ivy-covered walls and a circular driveway lined with perfectly manicured hedges.

“Wow,” I breathed.

A stern butler greeted us, his expression impassive as he ushered us inside. The foyer was even more impressive than the exterior, with a sweeping marble staircase, crystal chandeliers, and priceless works of art adorning the walls.

“Archer, darling!” A melodic voice echoed through the cavernous space, and I turned to see an elegant woman who descended the stairs, her arms outstretched.

Archer stepped forward to embrace her, a genuine smile lit up his face. “Mother, it’s wonderful to see you.”

Evelyn King was a vision of sophistication, her black hair swept up into an intricate chignon, and her slender figure draped in a shimmering champagne-colored gown. She turned to Mila, enveloping her in a warm hug.

“Mila, my dear, you look positively radiant,” Evelyn gushed while she held Mila at arm’s length to admire her. “That ring suits you perfectly.”

Mila beamed, her eyes sparkled with happiness. “Thank you, Evelyn. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.”

Evelyn’s gaze shifted to me, and I felt my heart skip a beat. Her eyes, the same striking shade of green as Archer’s and mine, seemed to pierce right through me as she assessed and evaluated me. She approached me, her mouth slightly ajar as she looked at me. She shifted her gaze from Archer to me and back again before quickly replacing whatever expression she had with one that was unreadable.

“And you must be the infamous Haven Benson—the girl who saved my daughter-in-law from her own family,” she said, her tone pleasant but guarded. “Archer has told us so much about you.”

I swallowed hard, willing my nerves to settle. The way she looked at me still jarred me a bit. I struggled to bury it back down, but something felt off. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. King. Thank you for inviting me into your home.”

Evelyn’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She looked like she had seen a ghost. “Please, call me Evelyn. We don’t stand on ceremony here. And the pleasure is all mine. I’ve been eager to meet the woman who has captured the heart of our dear Kai. He’s like a son to me.”

I glanced at Kai, who gave me an encouraging nod, his hand rested reassuringly on the small of my back.

“Thank you for having me. Your home is beautiful,” I said sincerely, glancing around at the opulent surroundings.

“We do our best to maintain a certain standard,” a deep, masculine voice interjected. I turned to see a tall, distinguished man with salt-and-pepper hair and gray eyes. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. Archer looked so much like him but had Evelyn’s green eyes.

Cassian King.

His presence was both commanding and intimidating.

Kind of like Archer’s.

He extended his hand to me, his grip firm, and his gaze assessed me like Evelyn's, albeit much sterner than hers.

“Miss Benson, welcome to our home,” he said. “I must say, I’ve been quite intrigued by the stories I’ve heard about you. It’s not every day that someone manages to maintain one foot inside The Collector’s organization while simultaneously infiltrating the inner circle of The Brotherhood and come out unscathed.”

I forced a smile, trying to ignore how my stomach twisted at the mention of my family. “Who said I came out unscathed?” I replied, hoping my voice sounded steadier than I felt.

Cassian’s eyes narrowed slightly, and I got the distinct impression that he saw right through my bravado. “Indeed,” he murmured, releasing my hand. “I hope you are healing well from your unfortunate accident .”

“I’m healing very well, thank you.”

“Well, shall we adjourn to the dining room? Dinner should be served momentarily,” Cassian quipped as he pretended like it was business as usual.

As we followed Cassian and Evelyn through the winding halls of the mansion, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to their interest in me than mere curiosity. The way Evelyn had looked at me, the intensity of Cassian’s gaze as he assessed me…it all felt like pieces of a puzzle I couldn’t quite fit together.

The dining room was just as grand as the rest of the house, with a long mahogany table set with gleaming silver and crystal. I took my seat beside Kai. Archer and Mila sat to my right; Evelyn sat across from me next to Cassian, who sat at the head of the table.

“Are you okay?” Kai whispered.

“I’m fine,” I gave him a small smile as I unfolded my napkin and placed it gently on my lap.

He kissed my cheek softly, “You’re doing great, baby.”

As the first course was served, a delicate soup garnished with fresh herbs, Evelyn leaned forward, her eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. I couldn’t help but feel like I knew her somehow, but I couldn’t have.

“So, Haven, tell us a bit about yourself. Archer mentioned that you’ve been working with The Brotherhood for some time now.”

I took a sip of the crisp white wine, hoping it would calm my nerves. “Yes, I’ve been assisting them with intel on my family for a few months now.”

Cassian raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “And what made you decide to turn against your own family? That couldn’t have been an easy decision.”

“Father,” Archer gave a warning look in his father’s direction.

“It’s fine, Archer,” I smiled in his direction. “I’m aware that many of you have questions, and quite frankly, I don’t blame you. I would have questions, too, considering I am the daughter of your family’s enemy.” I turned to look back at Cassian. “It wasn’t easy to turn against my family. I’ve lived as a prisoner since I was six years old, maybe sooner, but my mother protected me from a lot before she…passed away.” I felt sick saying it out loud. “When I met Kai, I realized there was a life outside of where I was, far away from the torture, the abuse, the control. I want to bring my family down. I want to prevent them from hurting and selling women.”

I felt Kai’s hand rest reassuringly on my thigh beneath the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. I drew strength from his touch as I met Cassian’s gaze again. “I understand your family’s and organization’s reservations about me. I think it’s smart to be cautious. However, I am committed to Kai and now The Brotherhood, and I doubt there’s anyone in this room who wants to see my brother and father choking on their blood more than I do.”

Cassian gave me a long, hard look as if trying to peer into the very depths of my soul. I could see where Archer got it from. After what seemed like an eternity, he gave a slight nod. “Your conviction is admirable, Haven. It takes a great deal of courage to stand against one’s own blood, especially when they hold such power over you.”

Evelyn reached across the table and placed her hand gently over mine. “We don’t doubt your commitment, dear. It’s just that we’ve seen the destruction The Collectors are capable of firsthand. We want to ensure you’re not putting yourself in unnecessary danger.”

I glanced at Kai, who gave me an encouraging smile before returning to Evelyn. “I appreciate your concern, but I’ve lived in danger my entire life. This is my chance to make a difference, to help put an end to their reign of terror. I can’t walk away from that.”

Kai cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Haven has proven herself time and time again. She risked her life to rescue Mila from her brother and almost died in the process. She has provided valuable intel to The Brotherhood that we wouldn’t have without her. She willingly participated in The Ceremony as required by The Brotherhood and completed her blood oaths to me and The Brotherhood. I would appreciate it if everyone would stop questioning her loyalty. She’s proved herself more than most that she belongs here.”

“I agree. I trust her implicitly,” Archer voiced.

“Me too,” Mila quipped. “I wouldn’t be sitting here right now if it wasn’t for her.”

Cassian leaned back in his chair as he swirled the wine in his glass thoughtfully. “Very well. If Archer and Kai vouch for you, then you have our support as well. But be warned, Haven—The Collectors will not take kindly to your betrayal. You must be prepared for the consequences that will ultimately affect The Brotherhood.”

I nodded solemnly, fully aware of the gravity of his words.

“Good thing she now has The Brotherhood’s full protection and support. Right, Mr. King?” Kai said through gritted teeth.

Cassian smirked at Kai before he raised his glass, his expression softened slightly. “Of course, Haven, you have our protection and support. We stand together as a family, and you are now a part of that family.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me at his words. Evelyn smiled warmly and raised her glass as well. “To family,” she toasted.

“To family,” we echoed, the tension in the room dissipated a bit as we clinked our glasses together.

As the main course was served, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Mila regaled us with stories of her and Archer’s wedding planning—her eyes sparkled with excitement as she described the floral arrangements and the guest list.

I found myself relaxed and enjoying the camaraderie and the feeling of belonging that surrounded me. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was part of something bigger than myself, a family that would stand by me no matter what.

As the evening wound down and we said our goodbyes, Evelyn pulled me aside, her expression serious. “Haven, I know we got off to a bit of a rocky start, but I want you to know that I truly am glad you’re here. You make Kai happy, and that’s all any of us could ask for. Kai is like a son to me.”

I blinked back tears, touched by her words. “Thank you, Evelyn. That means more to me than you know.”

She hugged me tightly, and I allowed myself to sink into her embrace. It had been so many years since I had felt a mother's hug, and my throat tightened with emotion.

“I’m sorry to hear about your mother. Your father’s cruelty knows no end. We have all felt his reach at one point or another.”

I pulled back while I searched her face for any hint of what she implied. “What do you mean, you’ve felt his reach?” I asked cautiously.

She sighed, her eyes flickered with an old pain. “Years ago, when Archer was just a boy, your father tried to do business with Cassian. He wanted access to our resources and connections. When Cassian refused, there were…consequences.”

I felt a chill run down my spine. “What kind of consequences?”

Her gaze drifted to Archer, who was laughing at something Mila had said. “Let’s just say that your father made it clear he was not a man who took being turned down lightly. He would not be trifled with. We lost…people, good people, and so much more because of him.”

My heart clenched at the thought of my father’s cruelty extending beyond our family. I’m sorry, Evelyn. I had no idea.”

She patted my hand reassuringly. “It’s not your fault, sweetheart. You weren’t even born then. But now, you know the depth of his cruelty.” She paused but didn’t let go of my hands. “I must admit, there’s something so familiar about you. I can’t shake this feeling like I know you.”

I shook my head slightly, confused. “I don’t think we’ve ever met before tonight. Perhaps I remind you of someone?”

Evelyn studied my face intently as her brows furrowed in concentration. “Perhaps,” she murmured, though she sounded unconvinced. “Forgive me, it’s just that when I look at you, I can’t help but feel a sense of deja vu. It’s as if I’ve seen your eyes in another time and place before.”

I shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to respond. Before I could formulate a reply, Kai appeared at my side, his hand rested gently on my lower back. “Everything alright over here?” he asked as he glanced between Evelyn and me with a hint of concern.

Evelyn smiled. “Of course, darling. I was getting to know Haven a bit better. She’s quite the remarkable young woman.”

Kai grinned and pulled me closer to him. “That she is,” he agreed as he kissed my temple softly. “I’m a lucky man.”

“That you are. We will see you at Archer and Mila’s engagement party right?” she asked.

“We’ll be there,” Kai responded and leaned in to hug her.

Whatever Evelyn had seen in me, whatever connection she thought we shared, the familiarity she had hinted at left me feeling uneasy.

As we said our final goodbyes and returned to the car, I couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that had taken root in the pit of my stomach. Evelyn’s words echoed in my mind, her insistence that there was something familiar about me, that she had seen my eyes before. It didn’t make sense, but I couldn’t dismiss it entirely.

Kai must have sensed my unease because he reached over and took my hand in his, gently squeezing it. “Are you okay, baby? You seem a little distracted.”

I forced a smile, not wanting to worry him. “I’m fine, just tired. It’s been a long day.”

He studied me for a moment, his blue eyes searched mine. “Are you sure that’s all it is? Did something happen with Evelyn?”

I hesitated, not sure how to put my feelings into words. “She said some things that caught me off guard. She seemed to think she knew me from somewhere, that I reminded her of someone.”

Kai frowned. “That’s strange. I’ve known Evelyn my whole life, and she’s never been cryptic about her words. She’s a straight-to-the-point woman. A lot like you, actually.”

I shrugged, trying to play it off as no big deal. “Maybe I just have one of those faces. It’s probably nothing.”

But even as I said the words, I knew they weren’t true. There was something more to Evelyn’s reaction, something that I couldn’t quite put a finger on. Even more so, there was something familiar about Evelyn to me.