Free The Destroyer Book 4 by Michael-Scott Earle Page B

tribes leaned toward a mass of ribbons and wide petticoats. This gown was a sleeker design, simpler in its flow with only minimal, thin straps to hold it on to my body.
    “Quarter of an hour. Should I meet you there?” It was so clear he wanted to remain and watch me dress, but I had all the information I needed from him and if he leered at me much longer, my own scent would betray my disgust and interfere with my ability to control the old man.
    “Yes. I will meet you there. If you see Relyara in the hall, send her."
    “Very well.” He smelled like disappointment: mulched rotting vegetables.
    A knock sounded at the door and he moved down the foyer to answer it. As soon as it opened the vanilla breeze blew into my bedroom.
    “She is getting dressed,” he said to Relyara.
    “I will assist.” I heard her footsteps enter and his leave. By the time she made it to the other room I was attempting to get my arms through the straps.
    “Tell me of the elders.”
    “What would you like to know?”
    “I believe I met two earlier today. Zaarmo and Dluuzit? I forced myself to remember their names.
    “There are three more: Vuma, Oimon, and Gnella.” Relyara finished tying the back of the dress. It fit perfectly, perhaps a bit on the tight side, but that was how I liked my dresses. Then none would underestimate the amount of physical violence I was capable of inflicting upon those who displeased me.
    “Which is the cleverest? Zaarmo and Dluuzit seemed dumber than humans.”
    “I am not familiar enough with them to — ”
    “Don’t be coy. I’m sure you have an opinion.” I turned to look in the mirror. My hair was still wet but since I had combed it out, the red strands would not curl too much.
    “Vuma is the smartest, Mistress. Also Gnella. They disagree on much though. Each elder save for Gnella has descendants they will wish to breed with you.”
    “Yes, yes, yes. There is a waiting line for my loins. I will deal with that in time. Who has the most support with the people in the tribe?”
    “Your father, of course.” She smiled and tilted her head. I didn’t mistake her scent though.
    “This is unfortunate, Relyara. I thought we were going to get along better.” I shook my head and sighed slightly.
    “I am prepared to serve your needs Mis — ” I squeezed her throat with my left hand and silenced her. With a casual flip of my arm, shoulder, and hip, I tossed the woman against the mirrored wall. It shattered into hundreds of pieces and she screamed in pain as the tiny shards scratched and cut her delicate skin.
    “Let me make it clear for you, fool.” I grabbed her blue-black hair at the skull and smashed the side of her face against what was remaining of the tattered mirror. “When I ask you a question, you answer immediately, with all the knowledge in your little brain and no attempt at cleverness to waste my time. Do you understand, pet?”
    She blubbered something fearfully and I pulled her face away from the glass shards.
    “I am sorry, Mistress! Please forgive me,” was what I thought she said. It looked like part of the woman’s tongue had been cut off and blood flew from her mouth quicker than the words did.
    “Good. Now we are starting to understand each other. You no longer serve my father. You serve me.” She moaned and bloody tears streamed down her face. “If you decide to try being more cunning than I am, I’ll cut your body into pieces and feed the parts to the dogs. I’ll start with your legs and arms so you can watch them feast upon you. Wake the fuck up!” I shook her head and smashed it into the wall again as she looked like she was going to faint from the pain. Blood was all over my hands, arms, and the front of the beautiful silver dress. “As I am sure you are aware, I do not make empty threats.”
    “Yes, Mistress. I will serve you faithfully.”
    “Excellent.” I dropped her body back into the glass and stepped clear of the mess. “When I come back you and I will spend