NALEDI’S POV
I remained rooted in the spot as he spoke. “Tell me, Naledi. Why the hell are you in possession of these documents?”
My lips were pursed in silence. I couldn’t say a word. What could I say to that?
“Will you talk, or do you prefer we handle this in the presence of the Alpha?” He chuckled, “I mean, I’ll be more than happy we take this matter to him, and see what he thinks about it.”
“Are you threatening me?”
He looked baffled. “Threatening you? Of course not! Threatening you would be when I tell fucking Draken that you were spotted going through his things in his office and a fucking day later, I discover sensitive documents on the business in your position.”
I was done with him. “If you think this is the part that I beg you then you are wrong. I fucking saved his life. I could easily find an excuse for having this document. Draken had always known I was in for the money. So he wouldn’t be shocked to know that I was interested in the state of his business.”
“He might feel a bit burned by it. I’ll admit. Perhaps rape me and strip me of some certain privileges, but that’s not new. I’ll always bounce back, be his bride and be alive long enough to make your life a living hell as his bride.” A cynical look stamped on my face. “So yes, if you feel like having him in the know would make you sleep at night, then do it. I’ll be right here, texting my fucking event planner because, oh yeah, I have a wedding to plan.”
Done with this exchange, I sidestepped him and made my way to leave when he held my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. “Let me go.” I seethed, ready to blow his fucking head if he as much as breathes wrongly around me.
“I think you misunderstood me, Naledi.” His tone was surprisingly even and calm.
Why the hell was he suddenly addressing me by that name?!
“I have no intention to do anything stupid.” My eyes perked at his words. “In fact, I was wondering if I could propose a deal. My instinct tells me we are better allies than enemies.”
“What do you mean?”
He let go of my wrist, satisfied with the attention he held. “I think we are on the same side. I was wondering if you would be interested in joining forces with me. Two heads have always been better than one.”
I stiffened at his words, was he trying to corner me?
“What exactly are you talking about, Ezra? Speak clearly!” I was running out of patience. That bit was clear. If he had plans to do anything stupid, I needed to be one step ahead of him and staying here bantering words with him wasn’t going to help my cause.
However, despite everything screaming at me to walk out, leave him with his demons and go figure out a way out of this mess, I remained in my spot, waiting for him to speak.
“I think I’d much rather show you.” He said, and without a word, led the way into the deeper parts of the prison.
I hesitated to follow him. He could be trying to kill me for goodness sake. But again, I decided to follow the knowing of my heart and walk a few feet behind him.
The night was cold and as we journeyed through the colder prison halls, I found myself moved by the terrible conditions these women were being put through on a daily basis. No one should be made to live like this.
Finally, we got to the dark side of the prison where I had murdered Korah. I suddenly didn’t feel like proceeding. What the hell was he thinking about bringing me here?
Ezra must have noticed my sudden halt because he turned around the next second, gesturing to me silently to continue our trek. When I refused, he spoke.
“We don’t have much time, Naledi.” He said, urging me to come forward. “The night is far spent.”
“Where are you taking me to?” I couldn’t take it anymore. “What the hell are you trying to do?!”
“Naledi…” I heard a soft voice from his direction and my brows squinted in confusion.
Ezra stepped away and there she was. Coming forth from the dark side of the prison. Unchained and very much alive.
“Korah?” My eyes widened in disbelief. “H-how? You are supposed to be-”
“Dead?” She supplied, wearing a corny grin. “Nicolai taught us a lot before he passed on, my lady.”
I stiffened at her fond use of the word. I was no lady. I was the one that betrayed her, the Cosa Nostra and everything I stood for. What in the world was going on here?
“I see you are a bit shocked so I would go on and explain how this is possible,” Ezra stated and I could have rolled my eyes, had I not been as shocked as a fish out of water. “I saved Korah’s life from your little assassination attempt, ordered for Draken’s entertainment.”
“But-”
“The Alpha believes she is dead because I made him think so.”
I stilled at the implication of his words. There was no way he could deceive Draken so easily. That man worked harder than the devil. He sounded so convinced that Korah was dead and I felt there was a conviction behind it.
“Of course, Draken wanted to see the body and perform further damage to the corpse, so I had to be inventive, kill one of the guards, and glamour him to look like a beaten-up Korah.”
“Plus and minus, viola, a successfully fooled Draken, and a Korah that is free from any more horrors at both our hands or that of Draken.” Korah gave him a fond smile, and I could see they had quite a relationship.
Which brought me to my next question. “How? How the hell are you both..”
“Working together?” It was Korah’s turn to scoff, “First off, we are both gifted. Witches. It couldn’t be so hard to see where the loyalties lie.” She said with a wave of hand but Ezra intervened.
“Other than our shared hereditary, we also share a common goal. One foe that unites us as a front. The need to see Draken and the entire Yakuza eradicated from this earth.”
Korah nodded in agreement and I felt I might have hit my head somewhere, because what was this dream playing out in front of me?
“Which brings us to the reason you are here.” A frost suddenly covered Ezra’s face. “From the moment you turned a new leaf and decided you wanted to work for Draken and become his bride, I have watched you. Wondering what your mission is. Slowly, you unravelled, while I stood by a corner observing and waiting for you to make a move.”
“When you finally did, I began to wonder, are you truly on the Alpha’s side? Only for you to throw me off my tracks by nearly murdering Korah. Right after you put your fucking life at stake to save her.”
He raised the papers in his hands, “When I found this, I decided. There was no way you were planning on living happily ever after with Draken. Which meant there was something under your sleeve. And by my deductions, those plans will make you the perfect addition to our duo.”
“So tell me without mincing words, Naledi. Are you for us or are you against us?”