“Not many,” Michael responded. “It’s a rare trait, usually belonging only to the very powerful.”
“Like firstborns?” I asked, my stomach growing cold at the thought of another firstborn working with Sarah.
“Can only firstborns compel people?” Georgie asked.
Michael lowered himself to the couch. “No, it’s not unique to them. All vampires have different skill sets. Most are innate, and once a human is turned their skills are enhanced. But some of the abilities a firstborn has are sometimes passed to those they turn.”
“Jesus,” I muttered. “Does that mean every vampire Karson has ever turned has the potential to control people?”
Michael shook his head. “It is rare for that kind of power to be transferred. The person would have to have an undercurrent of natural power.”
Georgie sank down beside Michael. “Like if a witch became a vampire?”
“Firstborns don’t turn witches.” Monique waved her hand. “Well, except for Rodney.” Her eyes fell to Karson, something accusatory in them.
Rodney was a witch and Karson turned him … My mind stuttered as I grappled with the knowledge. Could his power mean Rodney could turn humans too? Did he turn Leah?
I felt pressure in my head, like percolating bubbles of ice. Karson read my thoughts, and his brow flickered.
I scowled and snapped in my head,Get out.
The pressure ceased immediately as he looked away in a show of guilt.
Kenneth’s tone dropped to gravel. “If you are hinting that Rodney had anything to do with this?—”
“We are not,” Michael cut him off abruptly. “Of course we are not. Rodney is a dear friend and ally to us all. You all are.”
“Whoever is responsible, is powerful. Be it witch or vampire, that we do know.” Karson looked at Kenneth. “We all need to be on guard.”
“I will go to the library to see what scents I can pick up,” Monique said.
“There are bound to be hundreds of scents,” Michael stated.
“Some will be fresher than others.” She slipped her jacket on. “It may narrow it down, at least.”
Kenneth watched her movements. “I will come with you.”
Monique gave him a look that would have frozen water in a desert. “I don’t need you.”
There was a stab in that comment. It hit its mark; Kenneth’s jaw bubbled on the side. “No one should travel alone right now.”
“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” she snapped.
“I know you are, Monique.” His eyes drilled through her. “But it’s not wise to go alone.”
She snorted bitter laughter. “Listen?—”
Karson held up his hand and cut her off. “Kenneth is right, he will be going with you. No one is to go out alone until this mess is sorted.”
She shot him a look of disbelief, but she didn’t argue against Karson’s command.
“Fine,” she snapped in anabsolutely it is not fineway that only women were capable of.
“Are you alright?” I asked Karson softly when they left the room.
He sat forward, his elbows resting on his thighs. “Fine.”
“How many did you—” I didn’t finish the sentence.
