Chapter 180

Chapter 180: Chapter 180

The other four members of the Vanguard turned toward Vespera, their expressions ranging from disbelief to outright shock.

Draven was the first to speak. "Why would you do that?"

Vespera didn’t seem bothered by their reactions. She crossed one leg over the other, resting an arm on the back of her chair as a slow smile spread across her face.

"I’m not offering it for free. I have a condition."

The room fell silent.

Vespera’s gaze moved from Enzo to Reid, then settled on Dean. She took her time looking at each of them before finally speaking.

"I want a one-night stand with the three of you."

Silence crashed over the table.

Amy’s eyes widened so much that, for a moment, she forgot to close her mouth. She glanced at Vespera, then at the brothers, waiting for someone to react.

She had expected the meeting to be difficult, perhaps even hostile, but this? She almost felt as though she’d stumbled into the middle of a scandalous drama and been given a front-row seat.

The brother’s expression remained composed, but the faint crease between their brows made it clear that his patience was wearing thin.

Vespera, meanwhile, looked perfectly comfortable.

"I won’t hold anything back when it comes to what I teach you," she continued, seemingly oblivious to the disbelief around her. "But I’d also love to know what it feels like to be in your arms. Your reputation has always been... delicious."

Amy pressed her lips together, fighting the urge to look at the ceiling.

She’s actually serious.

Vespera leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. Her eyes traveled over the brothers again, and the interest in them was no longer subtle.

"The way you handle the women you sleep with, the way more of them keep lining up and practically begging for a turn..." She gave a small, appreciative hum. "I used to think those women were just desperate and horny. I couldn’t understand what made the three of you so irresistible."

"I’m sure we’re all dying to hear your theory," Reid muttered.

Vespera’s smile widened.

"But after feeling the pressure and power the three of you carry, I think I understand." Her gaze lingered on them. "I believe only men like you could actually handle me in bed."

Reid’s expression changed.

Whatever amusement he might have found in her audacity disappeared, and he leaned forward, placing both hands on the table.

"Stop. Right there."

Vespera paused.

"Stop talking," Reid continued. "We’re not interested. And we were never going to accept your help in the first place."

Vespera didn’t look offended. If anything, she seemed entertained by his rejection. She tilted her head, studying him with the same confident smile.

"Then who else is going to help you?"

"We’ll find another way," Enzo replied.

"My teammates would never consider making this kind of offer, so you should appreciate the opportunity." She leaned back in her chair, her gaze moving between the three brothers. "You want your mate back, don’t you? Spending one night with me could be a very enlightening experience."

Dean’s expression grew colder. "can you stop talking?"

Vespera’s eyes gleamed.

"I’m curious whether Amelia can truly satisfy all three of you. Your strength, your intensity, the kind of power you carry..." She paused. "You’ve spent years with ordinary women. I’m offering you the chance to experience the difference between them and a rare, powerful woman like myself."

Vespera glanced sideways at Nyra. "Of course, apart from Nyra. Unless she’s interested."

Nyra didn’t even hesitate.

"No. Never in a thousand years."

Draven let out a short laugh, covering his mouth with one hand.

Nyra shot him a warning look. "Don’t even think about making a joke."

Enzo drew a slow breath through his nose.

"I clearly recall Reid declining your offer," he said, each word measured, though the irritation in his voice was becoming harder to miss. "Now, can we get back to the actual purpose of this meeting?"

Vespera settled farther into her chair, folding her arms with an air of absolute confidence.

"Of course."

But the smile on her face suggested that she didn’t believe the conversation was over. In her mind, the brothers might reject her now, but circumstances could change. Amelia was missing, and desperation had a way of making people reconsider things they would normally refuse.

She seemed convinced that it was only a matter of time.

Draven cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention back to the discussion.

"What Vespera said about dimensional portals is correct," he said. "We know how they’re created, and we understand the principles behind them. But we are not going to teach the three of you how to create them. You want to know why?"

"We didn’t ask."

"Knowing how something works doesn’t mean we’re obligated to teach it to you."

Lucien gave a short, mocking laugh. "Besides, the so-called devilish brothers can’t even create dimensions on their own. Why do people keep calling them the most powerful men in the Moonfist Territory?"

He leaned back, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "It’s only because they’ve never faced anyone stronger."

Silas nodded along with him, clearly enjoying the opportunity to take a few shots at the brothers.

"Lucien has a point. The history books need updating. We’re the ones sent on dangerous missions, the ones dealing with threats most people never even hear about. Yet somehow, the three of you still have a bigger reputation than we do."

He spread his hands. "Give me a break."

Reid looked him over with open disinterest.

Amy lowered her face briefly, pressing her lips together to keep from laughing.

Caleb, however, had reached the end of his patience.

He raised a hand before Silas could respond. "Enough. We have much bigger problems to worry about right now."

"Underworld subjects have infiltrated our territory. They’ve bypassed our security, entered our grounds, and abducted Amelia. We still don’t know how many of them are operating inside Moonfist or what they’re planning next. Every minute we waste arguing about reputations is another minute they have to move freely."

Then Silas pushed his chair back and stood. The legs scraped loudly against the floor, drawing everyone’s attention. "This is a bigger problem."

Caleb’s expression darkened. Silas ignored him and looked directly at the Ellington brothers.

"In fact, there’s only one way we’ll ever help you."

Enzo raised his eyes to him. "And that is?"

"A duel."

Amy’s head snapped toward Silas.

"You cannot be serious."

"Perfectly serious." Silas squared his shoulders, looking as though he’d been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. "If the Ellington brothers want our assistance, they can prove they’re worthy of it."

Dean let out a short, sharp laugh. "Since when did we mention that we needed your help?"

"Since you failed to find Amelia," Lucien replied coolly.

Lucien continued, seemingly determined to provoke them.

"You’ve spent hours interrogating people, and running around in circles. Yet you still have no idea where she is. You need help whether you like it or not."

Reid’s fingers curled against the armrest of his chair. "Watch your mouth."

"Or what? You’ll challenge me instead?"

"Don’t tempt me."

Caleb’s expression tightened further.

"While the three of you are busy posturing, Underworld subjects have already infiltrated our territory. Who knows when they’ll decide to harm our people next?" He looked directly at Silas. "You have information that could help us, and you’re making it conditional on a duel?"

Silas didn’t even glance at him.

"Then perhaps everyone should have done a better job of protecting their territory."

"So," he said, his voice carrying a note of challenge, "will the Ellington brothers be taking the deal?"