Chapter II: Cleo's Birthday

"Prince?! Titan?! Absurdity!" The mermaid councilwoman, Beatrice, shouted.

Cleo rolled her eyes in annoyance at the women.

"Beatrice!" Judith growled. This woman was the last voice of the council: her word -law.

"If Cleo speaks the truth of this Prince Aiden, then we have to contact the Sea Hag," Judith spoke, and the council dawned apprehensive expressions.

"Sea Hag?" Cleo asked.

"The last of the progenitors. What this Aiden said is true. We originate from the Nereids, daughter of Nereus and Doris, daughter of Oceanus. The last of the Progenitors lives deep in the ocean, Lady Lanseira." Judith explained.

"So what do I tell my pod when this guy starts prancing around my territory?" Cleo asked.

"You tell them the matter is being handled. It will take us a week to reach Lady Lanseria. During that time, just relax and don't start a conflict with Sirens." Beatrice replied.

"Sirens?" asked Cleo, confused.

"Are his sisters." Said Judith, " The sirens are the daughters of Oceanus, once called the Oceanids. You should brush up on your greek Mythos now that you've been touch by the higher realm. May the tides favor you, and the moon watch over you, Cleo Sertori."

Cleo looked around at the ancient woman, who only appeared to be middle-aged. One by one, the council of thirteen Mermaids turned tail and dive into the sea.

"What the fuck is happening?" Cleo muttered to herself while floating in the water that seemed to have no end.

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Meanwhile, Aiden towered over Bijou's bed, watching her quietly sleep, taking in the beautiful, peaceful state of the young Titaness. He created a replica of Posiden's trident from water then left it for Bijou to find. He then took the real one and placed it in a cave beneath the manor in L'Attente.

"I thought I sensed you. You're getting better, my Lord," Pavlina spoke as she walked into the cave.

"I didn't mean to wake you. Honestly, I thought the trident would be harder to get. But, I'm leaving again. Gold Coast has an opportunity I can't pass."

Pavlina laughed. "Poseidon was a self-absorbed rapist who thought he was the smartest person in the room because he wasn't as hot-tempered as his idiot brothers. And the Mermen used to thrive and guard the island. But the mermaids killed them off. As such, the protesters of the trident are extant."

"And another layer of interesting is added to this Apeni Island...Make sure Bijou starts her training in the Trident Arts." Said Aiden.

"Worry not. I'll handle everything. The team that retrieved the horn shares have also landed. They've been dealt with, and the shards have been recovered. And I'm inquisitive about what you want to do with the latest Colombian shipment for Stolin's business?"

"Steal it. As a matter of fact, steal every Colombian shipment you find. Make it look like the Colombian are being targeted. Soon, the world will know that Stolin is dead and his business is mine. When that happens, places will need supply, and the Colombians will look weak. We'll then push in the product and snatch distributers from the Colombians."

"Becoming the middle man between Bolivia and the world." Said Pavlina.

"Not quite. We'll have to take Bolivian shipments from their distributors. We need as many Bolivian producers as possible. We want to become to best syndicate in the business and the sole distributor of Bolivian Cocaine."

"I'll spread the word." Pavlina bowed.

Aiden thanked her, then vanished, leaving a small puddle in his wake.

---------------------------------------------------

The next day, Aiden explored Gold Coast and found himself a three-floor beach house. It was modern and had a pleasantly open design. Using his siren's voice, he made the owners sell the fully furnished beach house.

He then dressed himself up in a nice suit before returning to a local car dealership he visited earlier in the day.

"Mr.Whiters." The salesmen called out, "Back so soon?"

"Yes." Aiden replied with a smile, "Mind if we speak inside?"

The salesmen looked around the empty car lot then gave Aiden a nod. When the two men were seated inside, Aiden got straight to business.

"What's the annual income in the place?"

"Excuse me?" the salesman asked.

"How much money do you pull in a year?" Aiden asked. "I figure you sell about twenty to fifty cars a year being that your locals are taken care of, and tourists usually rent. Maybe Shelly down at the bakery needs an upgrade next year, but that's shit money. So, sell the place to me."

"I can't," the man stammered, "This is a family business. My--"

"Are you married, Luke?" Aiden interrupted.

Look shook his head.

"Then what does a family business matter? With the money I'll pay you, you can buy two wives and whore to knock up whenever you please. Zero to one hundred, right now. All you have to do is hear my offer."

Luke took a deep breath. "Fine. You have sixty---"

"700,000 euros. You and I both know this place isn't worth that much. If you say yes by the time I'm finished speaking, I'll throw in an extra three hundred thous--"

"Yes!" Luke shouted.

"Atta boy. I'll have my man come down with all the proper paperwork" Aiden rose from his seat and held out a hand. Luke eagerly grasped it and shook it with excitement.

Aiden didn't show it, but he was actually a lot more excited than Luke. Aiden pulled out his phone as he left the car lot.

"Hello?"

"Mr.Crumberland, how're the negotiations?" Aiden asked.

"Better than expected. The Columbians make the Trevino Family handle everything. All the Columbians do is produce. If you're willing to transport, they will distribute." Crumberland explained.

"Why do they find transport a hassle? They make more money if they do it themselves. Ask around about the Trevino business for the past year. Look into other cartels. And if the twins want to play ball, tell them we only deal in metric tons."

"I got it, Boss."

"Good. Now finish up. I need you in Gold Coast to handle a purchase for me." Aiden then ended the call. He then went after a few boat dealers and worked his magic.

The evening had come quickly, and Aiden was a bit famished. There is a local restaurant that seemed to be packed all day. Aiden figured he'd try it out to see what the fuss was about. His first hurdle was tipping the hostess to get a seat instead of waiting in that ungodly line.

As he was being escorted to his table, he caught a glimpse of Bella with a group of people. The atmosphere looked prissy and unfavorable. Instead of walking over when Bella noticed him, he simply gave her a warm smile and a nod. Bella acknowledges him in turn, causing the table to turn their attention to Aiden, who no longer paid them any mind.

"Love, bring me your finest red and your chief's specialty," Aiden commanded.

"Would you like any appetizers?" the Hostess asked

"The wine is enough. Thank you. And I want you to serve me, you're gorgeous, and I like looking at your smile." Aiden spoke effortlessly with sincere confidence the made the hostess blush.

"I-I can't. I'm just a hostess. Pat--"

"You can, and you will," Aiden spoke calmly with an aura that commanded obedience as he put 500 euros in her apron.

"I'll tell my boss, and I'll be back shortly with your wine." The hostess spoke happily.

"Thank you, Love." Aiden calmly waited for the hostess to return as he took in the ambiance of the place. It is definitely high-class for the community.

So, when Aiden began to hear the gossip, it didn't surprise him. The purchase of the beach house, car lot, and boating dealerships. This situation also told him that mistakes were intolerable. One mistake could spread as fast as his successful exploits. If he wanted to do business here, he would have to run a tight ship.

But once again, fate was in play.

At Bella's table, her husband inquired about Aiden. There wasn't a person in Bella's life that he didn't know. So it was very odd that Bella knew Aiden, and he did not.

"His name is Aiden. I met him last night at Rikki's. He likes to swim in the ocean at night. He was looking for a place to quench his thirst when he saw the lights on at the juice bar. " Bella explained, and her husband seemed to understand the message within her response.

"Aiden?" a man with snow-white hair asked. "Aiden Whiter?"

"He never told us his surname," Bella replied.

"Hmm, well, it's best you hear it from us." the man spoke.

Bella's husband, Will, frowned as he could sense the bad news.

"Landrey has chosen to sell his dealership to Mr. Aiden Whiter. As you know, with your age and injuries---"

"He was last to sponsor me." Will sighed.

"There's always room at the academy for you. You're a hell of a free diver, mate. This doesn't have to be the end." Said the snowy-haired man.

"What if we can get him to sponsor us?" Will asked, " One more run. I break the world record, and the academy is better off for it."

"He won't do it, and I'm not leaving Gold Coast," Bella spoke up will a chilling voice just before she put her glass to her lips to sip her chardonnay.

The guest looked at the aloof Bella, and if one looked closely enough, a slight fear could be seen in their eyes. Bella's dinner guest quickly decided to take their leave, leaving Will and Bella alone.

"What do you know?" Will asked, "Yo said that you just met him."

"We talked about a lot, and that man is dangerous." Said Bella, "He's here to conquer, not to support your career that should have ended years ago."

"Is he like you?" Will finally asked.

"Yes and No. He's special, but he doesn't grow a tail." Bella replied, "This is a lot more complicated than you think. Stay away from him."

Bella attempted to get up but stumbled a bit. Will quickly reached out, but Bella pushed his hand away. "I'm fine. I can do this and much more," she says.

"So you keep reminding me." Will sighed, and Bella rolled her eyes.

When she was finally on her feet, she turned into a waitress. The two collided, and the tray in the waitress's hand fell on Bella, drenching her in soup, seafood, and water. She was terrified, and Will had no idea what to do as the restaurant was packed and they were far from the door.

"Restroom." Bella barked, and Will quickly ushered her away.

Aiden gave them a side-eye as his Hostess poured his wine. He then held up a hand, telling her to stop while simultaneously giving Bella a helping hand.

In the restroom, Bella locked the door behind her with seconds to spare. She counted down from three to zero as she laid on the floor, waiting to grow a tail. Seconds turned to minutes, and nothing happened.

Bella worked herself up to her feet and examined the beads of water the rolled down her skin. She then began to clean herself and decided to put her hand in faucet water to speed the cleaning along. Even then, she didn't grow a tail.

Finally finished, Bella made sure she was dry before walking out of the restroom completely relaxed. As Will helped her through the restaurant, she looked to Aiden, who held up his glass up towards her, and she nodded, giving him a silent thank you.

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The next day, Crumberland arrived in an all-white Rolls Royce.

"El Jefe!" he shouted.

Aiden laughed as he shook his head.

"I take it you enjoyed Mexico?" Aiden asked.

"I enjoyed its women. All of them, beautiful. And Roquelle Trevino, you'll love her." Cumberland spoke with a riveting passion for beautiful women.

"Sure. Are you ready to get to business?" Aiden asked.

"Always. Come, I have a driver. We can talk on the way." He said.

Once on the road, the atmosphere became serious.

"The Trevino Twins were close to their mother and the business. During that time, their mother tried to hide that their shipments were being seized in America. They have an infestation." Cumberland explained. "Not only them but a few others as well. America is going soft, and there are rats everywhere. I don't think we should do business there."

Aiden sighed. "What are their terms?"

"Take over transport, supply America, and allow them to stay connected with the Columbians to supply their European territories."

Aiden sneered. "Ax the Columbians, and we'll suss out the rats in their organization."

"I-I'll let them know," Cumberland replied in shock.

"Good. How much a month are supplying?"

"Ten tons in America, fifty in Europe, a month."

"I'll make some calls," Aiden replied. "Did you bring the paperwork?"

Crumberland held up three red folders. "One more thing, Boss."

Crumberland began to look nervous. "No matter what terms you send me back with, they want a face-to-face with you in Culiacan."

I chuckle a lot. Almost uncontrollably. "Culiacan is nice. We can make it happen, Crumberland. And How many times have I told you to relax, my friend? Everything is going fine. Only those who doubt their capabilities worry. We are two capable men."

"Haha, that we are. We came a long way, you and I. But before we plan anything further. Before I help you set up an operation here..."

"Anything you need," I tell him.

"My mother and my wife. They need to be kept safe. My kids in boarding school need new guards. The ones they have are pigheaded bastards. They aren't accustomed to our new lifestyle." Crumberland explained. His request was more than reasonable.

"I'll have Augie set it up because I need you focused here."

Crumberland nods with a thankful smile. It's one thing every captain of a ship learns early -when I ship his hit, the crew repairs it. And there's nothing worse than a mutiny in the middle of a battle, so keep the fucking crew happy.

Crumberland and I talked on the way to our first meeting. He didn't know the truth about L'Attente or me, so naturally, he couldn't see the entire picture, so I had to paint it for him. I explained that Gold Coast would become the first chamber of our beating heart. It would become the place where our business takes the first step to autonomy.

The car business will be legit. Luxury and collectors only and no driving off the lot. All purchases will be online, and the cars will be shipped. The boat companies will be treated the same with some flexibility after I upgrade the tourists life on Gold Coast by building more beach houses and invest in businesses. Once money starts flowing, I'll do the same in more coastal cities.

I then told Crumberland of the girls I wanted him to look into. What he didn't know was that they were the key to our transport operation and the takeover of Gold Coast was the subjugation of a people.

As we arrived at our meetings, I watched Crumberland work as the deals went off without a hitch. Meanwhile, A few people weren't happy with my purchases. I could feel their investigations tickling my skin. So the first thing I did was get big and loud by throwing a party and inviting all the big names of Gold Coast. I wanted them to see me. I also wanted a better understanding of things, which I got the next morning when Cleo and Rikki were at my door with three of their mermaid goons.

"A bit early, don't you think?"

The ladies still look unpleased.

"Come in," I tell them.

Leaving the door open, I turn and walk to the kitchen. Once there, I pour a few glasses of whiskey and sit down with the ladies.

We sat in silence for a moment until my glass was empty.

"Drake Penmore, Chief of Police. You offered him a seat at your table last night. And you threw a party without inviting us." Said Rikki.

Cleo's and Rikki's glasses were untouched. I reached across the table to take them, continuing my morning drinking.

"Look, Aiden. Gold Coast is clean. We keep it clean. Your moves have corruption seeping from its pores, and these greedy bastards are chomping at the bits. But we're here to tell you now, the first sign of any dirty business, and we'll run you out of town. From now on, if you throw a tea party, we're invited." Cleo spoke as she took her drink back.

"Hmm," I reply.

"As long as your new businesses are legit, you're welcome to stay in Gold Coast as long as you want," Rikki added.

You see, an Alpha will never heel to its lesser. It'll kill the current Alpha or die trying before it ever heels. Like the Tidelanders, the Mermaids ran some type of operation, and that operation had Gold Coast by the throat. Surprisingly, this operation is straight-laced. But I don't give a fuck.

My right hand clutched the pistol holstered under the table. In a flash, I had it aimed at one of the goons, and I dropped the bitch with a single shot dead center of her forehead. To say the ladies were shocked would be the understatement of the century.

"Hey. Hey. Hey." I call out, "Focus. Rule number one: Never threaten me again. Number two: When you come to the house your target, be ready to kill him before he kills you. You two."

I point at the remaining two goons. "Pick that bitch up. She's bleeding on my floor."

"Now!" I roared, watching them tremble, then move to collect their former friend. May she rest in peace or whatever the fuck she has coming to her.

"Cleo, Rikki, look at me."

Cleo seemed to be lucid, and Rikki was taking a moment to catch up. Right now, I could tell who the real boss was, and it definitely isn't Rikki.

"My business is my business. I don't answer to anyone. You do not drop in on me unannounced. If you want to talk, petition me as I am royalty. I understand what you ladies want to do here, but all of that is over... I like you ladies, I do. And I had to know if you were bosses. That's why I didn't invite you to my little party."

"You knew we would come?" Cleo asked.

"I knew you would send somebody at least. Look, Principalities aside, from one being to another, I'm here to propose a business deal out of respect to whatever you have going on here."

"Fuck you!" Rikki growled, " Fuck. You. No deals, no friendship. Blood will have blood."

"Easy, Rikki. We haven't heard his proposal." Said Cleo.

Calm, cool, collected. Cleo was starting to surprise me, and Rikki was disappointing. She's a wildfire, and only amateurs are wildfire.

"First things first." I say, "We still clubbing this Friday?"

"Of course." Cleo sang with a light smirk.

"Good. Walk with me, Lady Cleo."

A moment later, Cleo and I had our feet in the sand as we stood on the beach, enjoying the ocean breeze.

"I decided to test you after I sensed you speed off to the middle of the ocean... I didn't know how I would do it until I got the idea to throw a party." I tell her. "You met with more mermaids, didn't you?"

"There's a system in place, Prince Aiden," Cleo replied.

"I could give a fuck about your system. Things are happening in the world that will blow your mind. Or maybe you already know of these changes and went to get reinforcements."

"I don't know what you mean," Cleo replied with a furrowed brow.

I take a moment to stare her down. I study her breath and tension in her body. The way her gaze shifted and lip twitched ever so slightly. I studied it all.

"Of course you don't. That's why I'm here, to take over before other parties begin to corrupt you against the family—you, Cleo, the Mermaids, Sirens, Titans, we are family. Because of that, I'm willing to deal before conquering."

Cleo brushed her hair behind her right ear as the wind picked up and left her hair a bit disheveled. "What is this deal?"

"You and your mermaids work with me. Those who like to play human will be paid. Those who rightly live in the water will not be torn apart by my sisters."

"What's the job?" She asked.

"Packages will be dropped in the sea. You and the mermaids will transport them to their next locations. I am the rightful prince, and I will conquer the waters of the earth. I promise you there is no escaping my reign. But this deal will put you on the right side of history."

Cleo took a deep breath. "These packages are contraband?"

"Yes." I answered honestly, "Money is money. They call my profession a crime against humanity. But I am not human, and neither are you. Why should we care?"

"I am human."

"No, you are not. This is not you. It is magic. The moment you touch water, your true self will be revealed. A God's magic touched you, and it destroyed your humanity and turned you into something more. Look, think about it. You have until I give you your birthday present to decide."

"Yes, my prince." She replied.

"No, Cleo. King... I will be your King. Choose wisely, Cleo. Oh, and make sure all of the mermaids in Gold Coast attend your party."

"I don't have a venue to accommodate them."

I smirk in amusement. "I'll text you the address. And I'll pick you and your friends up. Go on."

After the mermaids left, I still had this odd feeling in me. Everything was too easy. I take out my phone and call Pavlina. I tell her that if the mermaids have a governing body, to find it. When the call ended, I was still a bit off. I soon began to think of Cleo and realized she was the problem.

Replaying the morning in my head. I noticed that Cleo wasn't in shock when I killed her goon. She was surprised but unaffected. Pushing the matter aside. I got ready for the day, then went out to look at properties with Crumberland.

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Third POV

The evening after the Mermaid's visited Aiden. Rikki, Emma, Cleo, Bella sat around the dinner table at Cleo's house. It wasn't a peaceful dinner as things were already heated, and the mermaids had long sent away their husbands to debate business.

"He's a fucking monster!" Rikki roared as she slapped the table.

"What the fuck do you think we do here? While you use your gifts to make yourself rich and Emma ran off to America, Bella and I have protected the Moon Pool and kept these shores safe! He killed one of ours. I've killed many sirens and more humans than I care to remember!" Cleo fired back, her calm and docile demeanor long shattered.

"Hmm!" Bella agreed with Cleo.

"We underestimated him. I figure he was a startup because he came alone. But he's a boss. I can smell it on him. So, to avert a supernatural war with the Royal Claimant, we will play nice until the council sends word. As for the human shit, it's just business." Cleo reasoned to the ladies.

"Human shit? What the hell have you become?" Rikki asked, appalled by the way Cleo addressed matters that affect the community.

"The same as you. A Mermaid! Known of this would be happening if we weren't mermaids. Aiden said something similar to what Judith told me. There are more things at play here. So we make nice with Aiden until we see the entire board." Cleo was reaching her limit with Rikki.

"I'm with Cleo. Besides, Will doesn't have a sponsor. That means we separate, and he goes to teach at the academy, or he withers away at home as a former diving stud. Either way, I don't give a shit because this is my home, and I'm staying right here. But one thing is certain, I'm the sole breadwinner now, and I need more of it. " Bella spoke up.

"Then it's settled," Cleo commanded, "We will go into business with Aiden. "

"No...No. I want no part of this!" Rikki shot up from her seat as the chair tumbled over.

Rikko then moved to leave the room.

"Where the fuck do you think you're going?" Cleo called out in rage.

"I'm leaving this place before it turns into....fucking Mexico." Rikki turned around to reply.

"No! Aiden wants all the mermaids at my party, and you're a mermaid. If you walk out of this house, I will hunt you down, tie you up."

"Cleo," Emma spoke out for the first time.

"Drag your bitch ass to Apeni!" Cleo continued.

"Cleo, Please!" Emma cried out.

"Emma shut the fuck up!" Cleo snapped, and Ema sat back in her chair.

"Rikki, I will throw you in that goddamn Moon Pool and watch as your tail is stripped away. Then I'll throw you into the sea and watch as your human legs struggle to get you back home until they give out and you drown." Cleo decreed with absolute certainty.

The atmosphere was suffocating, and Bella was laughing over her glass of wine.

"It's her pod, bitches. It's her territory. It has been for a while. Rikki, sit down. You know you haven't been able to beat her since high school." Bella giggled as she sipped her wine.

"Emma, Rikki. I need you here, or you can leave your tails behind when you leave again. Then, if I catch you back in Gold Coast after that, I don't care if you're visiting your family. My girls will drag you to the bottom of the sea and descale you."

"You're a monster." Rikki sobbed as she looked at Cleo in fear.

"You made me this way—both of you. Only Bella stayed. And the years after high school were hard. Managing the growing Pod was hard, divorce was hard, fighting criminals of all varieties that wanted to take our home was hard, Rikki! But I handled it like I'll handle this."

"Call your little puppies back in here. We have another course coming. And Emma, don't you ever forget what I did for you. You have the life you have now because of me. Understand?" Cleo glared at Emma.

"Yes, Ma'am..." Emma meekly replied.

"This is great! Will!" Bella shouted, "You and the boys can come back now!"

"This will be good for all of us. And if the council sends word that Aiden's claim is legit, then we've dodged a bullet." Bella sang.

"What was all the fuss about?" Zane, Rikki's husband, asked when the men entered the room.

"Just a little spat. Don't trouble yourself with girl stuff. It's bad for your health." Bella answered happily.

"Should you really be drinking another glass of wine?" Will asked Bella.

"Tsk, the little bastard is already going to be born with a tail." Bella drunkenly joked, and Will look uncomfortable.

Cleo rolled her eyes and snatched the glass from Bella. " Two glasses of wine is not a permission slip to drink the whole bottle. He's right. You need to slow down. Everything's going be alright now, remember?"

Bella nodded, and the ladies locked eyes as they shared meaningful gazes, signifying an accord.

The days passed thereafter as the mermaids organized and Cleo studied her Greek mythology. She quickly learned that the Sea Realm and Underworld authorities were a lot more clear-cut than the Olympian Realm. The lines of succession were clear, and the rule of Poseidon and Hades was ironclad. But even then, the families within the realms had their places and certain statuses.

Cleo soon realized that if Aiden was calling himself prince and looking to grow power, then something had to have happened to Poseidon and his family. A sense of foreboding and excitement washed over her as she realized if she wanted factual information about the current state of the higher realms, she could only talk to Aiden.

In the blink of an eye, Cleo's Birthday had come. Emma, Rikki, and Bella had arrived at Cleo's house, where a string of Luxury SUVs picked up the ladies. Cleo was about to ride with her girls until Aiden took her hand to ride with him.

On the way to her birthday venue, Cleo was pleasantly surprised that the car's atmosphere was light.

"I've read a lot of Greek Mythology lately." She said, "And I've watched a lot of shows on Criminal empires."

"Have you seen Narcos? That one is my favorite." Said Aiden.

"Mine too. I'm on the third season now."

"So what has all of this research taught you?" Aiden asked curiously.

"I know you're winning, or this is the calm before the storm. The businesses must be to launder money. Combined with the need for my mermaids must mean you're expanding. And since the drug-related violence hasn't increased, I'll guess you're putting your pieces in place and fortifying your business before a big push. Then the bodies will start to pile up. Finally, I've come to the conclusion that Greek Mythos is too confusing."

Aiden laughed as he applauded her. "You're pretty sharp," he says.

"Let's enjoy the night, and we can talk business later. We're here."

The SUVs stopped, and the doors opened to reveal a red carpet leading to a Grand Hotel Casino's doorway. Aiden led the ladies into a steller venue. It is a massive room packed with people and music—an Ice sculpture of Mermaids, a full band, a stocked bar, and tables of food.

"You finally made it!" Thea sang as she hugged Aiden then gave him a passionate kiss. "This must be Cleo. Happy Birthday, Love. All of this is for you, and it's just the begging."

"Thea, my love. Take the pregnant one to Pavlina. Treat her well and keep her safe. " Said Aiden.

Thea nodded, then spirited Bella away.

"Who was that?" Cleo asked.

"The way things are going...my wife." Aiden sounded conflicted, and Cleo made a note of the topic. "Come, Birthday girl. You are the princess tonight, and everyone is here to celebrate with you."

"Why do all of this?" Cleo asked.

"Because you dropped in on me like a Boss. But the only thing in your life that's Boss is your attitude. Allow me to show you what life for people like us is supposed to be like. And when you wake up tomorrow and reminisce about the best night of your life, know that it will pale in comparison to life under my rule. I'm not a bad guy, Cleo. I'm just capable and willing to do bad things."

Cleo stared at Aiden and found herself floating in his deep blue eyes. And though his hair was still white without the celestial shimmer, he retained a divine radiance in the dimly lit room.

Cleo managed to pull herself out of his ocean-like eyes. "No business." she said, "Just pleasure."

Cleo held out her hand, and Aiden lightly took it as he walked her into the crowd and kicked of Cleo's Birthday Bash.