“Like the fact that vampires are depicted as sexy movie stars now, and not monsters that just want to drink humans dry like a juice box,” Lucian deadpanned.
Boain scoffed. “You really think humans are that dumb? You think the entertainment industry is going to affect the educated minds of government leaders? Men and women put in place to keep their people safe?”
Peri threw her head back and laughed, the sound echoing around them. When no one joined her, she snapped her mouth closed and then looked at him. “Oh, you were being serious?”
Boain lifted a brow at her.
“Fine, jeez.” Peri waved him off. “Yes. I absolutely think the entertainment industry can affect people that much, even educated people who are supposedly put in place to look after their people. The humans alive today, even those that are aware of its existence, have no idea as to the true nature of the supernatural world. Their ancestorsdid. They understood what the monsters were and what they were capable of. Those people did everything they could to keep them away, which is why supernaturals have lived in hiding since the beginning of time. Now, a supernatural movie comes out and millions of people go see it on opening weekend. A new vampire show debuts on a streaming service and millions of mindless humans binge every episode in two days.”
Lorna shook her head. “And so you believe there are human governments working with the vampires for some kind of power grab. And they are too dumb to figure out the vampires are the bad guys.”
“You’ve got a sharp one here, Boain.” Peri pointed at Lorna. “Best keep her around since you seem to be a French fry short of a kids’ meal.”
“Or,” Lucian added, “they don’t care if theyarethe bad guys.”
“Holy crap.” Lorna breathed out. “They’d actually work with murderers?”
“It doesn’t help that vampires are the only supernatural beings that can ‘share’”—Peri made air quotes around the word share—“their power with humans. And obviously byshareI mean turn them into blood sucking monsters. But humans won’t see it that way. Again, their race has been romanticized.”
“That’s insane.” Lorna frowned.
Peri looked as if she was about to burst out laughing again, but then stifled it. She reached out and patted the female’s hand. “Not to be rude, but what rock have you been living under?”
“Peri.” Lucian growled.
“What?” She raised her hands. “That wasn’t rude. Was it?” Her eyes bounced from Boain to Lorna to Lucian. “Was it?”
Lorna titled her head. “Do you have a problem with being rude or something?”
“Yes,” Lucian said at the same time Peri said, “No.”
Boain coughed, and it sounded suspiciously like a laugh.
“I’m not judging,” Lorna offered.
“Well, where we’re going, you better shed that too-nice, non-judgy skin and grow alligator hide.” Peri held out her arm toward Boain and Lorna. “Because some of the females you are about to meet make me look like a fairy godmother.”
Lorna scoffed. “Really?” She pointed at Peri’s black clothes. “Because I’m getting anything but a fairy-godmother vibe.”
Lucian snorted.
“Smart and funny.” Peri grinned. “She’s a keeper. Let’s go. Fane needs to hear this before we attack Alston tomorrow.”
Boain’s eyes went wide. “He’s attacking tomorrow?”
Lorna followed up with, “I don’t do packs.”
Peri took the woman’s hand and placed it on her arm. “You do now. So pull up your big, she-wolf panties and throw in a garter belt and thigh-high stockings if that kind of thing floats your boat. It’s time to get past those fears.” She put Boain’s hand next to Lorna’s. “And yes, Boain, he’s attacking tomorrow. I never understand why people feel it necessary to ask a question when they obviously heard the answer the first time. Babe.” She held out her hand to Lucian, and he took it.
“Play nice, beloved.”
She blinked innocently. “I am the epitome of niceness. I’ve turned over a new leaf.”
“Mmm,” Lucian’s cheek lifted slightly causing one eye to squint. “It’s more like you’ve bent over the tiny corner of a new leaf.”
She rolled her eyes. “Well, if I fixed all my flaws at the same time, I would make others feel inadequate. And that wouldn't be very nice now, would it? Make up your mind, mate. Do you want me to play nice or crush the self-confidence of every individual that comes in contact with my awe-inspiring humble and selfless nature?”
“Does she know what those words actually mean?” Lorna whispered.
