Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 80563 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80563 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“But is it?”
“Yes. Totally unnecessary.”
“As the years have gone on and technology has advanced, our existence has become threatened.”
“Oh come on.” I roll my eyes in a way Eliza would be proud. “I don’t think we need to worry about vampires going on the endangered species list any time soon.”
“Exactly,” he says and it takes me a minute to realize he agreed with the any time soon part. “Humans already try to control us, and by abiding by their rules, it’s like lions listening to lambs.”
Lucas told me he didn’t so much mind registered with the VC because it benefited him in the end. Granted, he lied about his age but how would anyone prove otherwise? Vampires over five hundred years old are treated differently, as they’re more powerful. The general population has no idea how vampirism works, though I’m sure there are plenty of fucked up scientists and doctors conducting “research” in labs on unwilling vampire test subjects.
Like how I was a test subject in a lab.
“We’ve always been hidden,” I try to counter, but know my argument is weak no matter how I try to spin it.
“We’re not that different, you and I. Neither of us had any control of what we are. Look at yourself: half witch, half angel. You have more power in you than anyone I’ve ever met, and I’ve met a lot of people in my years. So tell me what would happen if they humans found out about your powers. What would they do?”
I take in a slow breath, not sure of just how much Eamon knows about me and what I went through. He knew enough to try and get the Martins against me, using their hatred as fuel to piss Lucas off enough to get him to take the bait and join Eamon’s cause.
“We both know humans fear what they don’t understand. Still, I don’t see how showing them who’s boss will change anything.”
“You’re okay hiding in the shadows?”
“It’s just not something I can think about right now,” I say, shaking my head. Witches coming out of the broom closet was a big point of contention when vampires came out. I attended a few coven gatherings before Kristy and I both agreed we’d rather stay hidden. Not because we didn’t think e were good enough or less than, but we know how sought after we’d be if nons knew what we could do.
And it wouldn’t always be in a “burn you at the stake” sort of way. Humans are lazy and like instant gratification. If nons found out that we had spells to fast track pretty much anything, they’d be all over us. Even witches and warlocks fall victim to spells that backfire. Everything has a cost, and magic is no exception.
“I get a certain satisfaction just knowing I am better than everyone else,” I say without really thinking. “I mean have more of an advantage.”
“No, you meant you’re better.”
“I’m really not,” I insist. “I have power, but that doesn’t make me better or worse than anyone. Human or witch or werewolf or vampire, we can all do horrible things with what we have.”
“I highly disagree.” He draws his fangs and inhales as if he’s taking in my scent. “You are advanced in many, many ways. Which makes me curious about something else.”
“What’s that?” I ask and slowly curl my fingers in toward my palm, feeling like I’m looking into the eyes of a dog who’s about ready to attack.
“If you’d retain your divine powers if you were turned into a vampire.”
Chapter
Sixteen
Lucas moves so fast he’s just a blur. It only takes seconds for him to have Eamon pinned up against the office wall.
“Touch her and die,” he snarls, gnashing his fangs in Eamon’s face.
“I’m older than you,” Eamon hisses, trying to push Lucas away. He’s struggling, though it wouldn’t take much for him to physically overpower Lucas. Maybe? Maybe not. Vampires’ strength increases with age, and Eamon has at least five hundred years on Lucas.
“But you’re outnumbered,” Eliza quips, zooming into the room. She puts Juliet in my arms and stands next to Lucas, baring her fangs as well. “And the witch is fucking insane. I wouldn’t mess with her. Actually,” she starts and looks over her shoulder at me. “I would kind of like to see you try—again. Maybe you don’t remember what happened last time you got a little handsy around us.”
“I’m not going to touch her,” Eamon growls and retracts his fangs. “She much more valuable alive than dead and I’ve grown a little fond of your messed up family of four.”
Lucas doesn’t let go and instead pushes Eamon harder into the wall, cracking the plaster behind him. “Touch her, and I will rip out your fangs first followed by every other tooth in your fucking head. Then I will cut your fingers off one by fucking one and feed them to you.”