Page 122 of Savage Throne
Chen frowned. “He drugged me.”
“He didn’t truly drug you. He just gave you a gummy that you should have known had THC in it.”
“Why would I know that, Lei?”
“Why would Duck give you one regular green gummy?”
“Because candy is delicious.”
I sighed. “Forgive him. We need to be fully united tonight, not arguing about stupid shit.”
Another knock came.
“I agree with Lei. Get over your shit, Chen, so we can be stronger.” Hu moved swiftly to open the door.
Seconds later, Jo stepped in, clad in an elegant white suit that I was sure Aunt Suzi probably grabbed for her. She completed the look with sparkling white sneakers and diamond studded earrings.
What is this? Where does she think she’s going?
Jo’s expression was as bold as ever but her gaze carried a softness that wasn’t lost on me.
I raised an eyebrow.
“So. . .” Jo cleared her throat and stopped in front of me. “I don’t want to cause any trouble or anything. I know that you already have a lot on your mind and what not, but. . .”
“But what?”
“I’m coming to the feast and battle. I’m catching a helicopter ride with Dima, Marcelo, and Banks. Dima thought I should tell you so that you were prepared.”
Hu and Chen exchanged glances.
I placed my hands in my jacket pocket. “Jo, this won’t be a lovely feast. There will be blood and death.”
She met my gaze evenly. “I know. I just want my sister to see me and understand that everything is okay. I just can’t. . .wait for her to come back later tonight. I need to hug her. Kiss her cheek. I need to tell her that she is loved and that. . .Mom saw what happened and understands because I know her ass is going to be feeling all guilty and judging herself.”
I swallowed.
While I had made sure Chloe and TT didn’t see the footage, Jo had already seen it, likely before all of us. Early in the morning, she’d been on her balcony smoking a joint and scrolling through social media when it dropped.
Chen’s head shook. “She shouldn’t come.”
“No. She should,” I countered and made sure my tone left no room for argument. My gaze returned to Jo. “But you’ll sit with Moni and me, not Banks and Dima. You’re the Mountain Mistress’s sister and. . .you’re right. She probably needs a hug from you today and to hear those words.”
Jo blinked. “Bet?”
I nodded. “Bet.”
“Thank you, Lei.”
“However. . .”
She quirked her brows.
“You’re part of the East now. The white is fine for tonight, but you are to be wearing blue from now on.”
She pursed her lips together.
Chen’s disapproval was palpable as he looked between us. “This is a bad idea. Uncle Leo may not see Jo at the table as part ofhisplans and that is—”
