“Wait,” I interrupted, “you can turn people? I thought only firstborns could do that?”
Rodney lifted his silver eyes to me. “Firstborns and a few of the strongest of vampires can turn people, though I’m not always successful. I’ve had a few failings.”
Someone had turned Leah—what if it wasn’t Sarah but Rodney?
Georgie fiddled with the handle of her mug. “So, you turned Kenneth and he felt some kind of loyalty to you and so he left her. Surely, you could have let him go?”
“It was in a time when both humans and witches were hunting vampires. I needed him. And once you turn someone, they are indebted to you for the rest of their lives.”
Georgie’s hand tightened on her mug. “Oh, so you broke both their hearts just to keep yourself safe. You must feel good about yourself.”
A muscle twitched in the corner of Rodney’s mouth.
Michael flicked his gaze between them, settling on Georgie. “Once a vampire turns someone, they feel a bond between them, a connection that is hard to let go of. Even if times were peaceful, had Kenneth stayed with Monique, with Rodney so far away, he would have felt the disconnect, as if a part of him was missing.”
“So instead, he left and still he feels a piece of him missing, a gaping hole in in his heart that tears at his lungs and makes it hard to breathe.” Georgie’s voice shook with anger, with pain. “And all because you couldn’t put your ego aside and get along with Karson long enough to keep them happy.”
Rodney’s brow flickered as he studied her. “Is that how it feels for you?” he said gently.
Georgie reeled back. “I’m not talking about me, I’m talking about you and what you took from them.”
Michael answered, “It is not Rodney’s fault. It was a tough choice they both had to make.”
“Why don’t all the vampires Karson’s turned need to hang around him?” I asked, changing the subject.
Michael thanked Mary as she placed a teapot and cups on a tray in front of him. She stood next to Georgie, her hand on her shoulder for a long moment, before moving back to the kitchen.
Michael poured tea as he answered, “Many are centuries old. We were forced to live apart when we were hunted because smaller numbers were easier to hide. They have grown used to living that way. But they would be here should he need them.”
“Josh,” Georgie murmured almost to herself. “That’s why he’s always here, he’s drawn to be near Karson?”
Michael nodded. “In part, and in part because he doesn’t have family to go to.”
“So, you see.” Rodney splayed his hands out. “I’m not always the bad guy.”
Georgie stood up. “You are definitely the bad guy.” She took her mug and plate to the sink.
Rodney tracked her every move as she padded barefoot to the door. “By the way, I forgot to tell you how beautiful you look this morning, Georgie.”
She gave him the finger as she strode out.
“Would you like me to drive you home?” he called after her.
“Hell would freeze over first,” she called back.
Rodney’s lips were curled up as his attention dropped to the newspaper Michael had open. “Lovely pictures, Amelia,” he drawled.
I jumped off the stool, peering over Michael’s shoulder. There were two pictures with me in them. The first one was with Karson, our eyes locked, our arms around each other, looking like lovers. The second was similar.
Except I was with Ethan.
Chapter 62
All’s Fair In Love And War
Karson was seated in an armchair, staring at the floorboards as if they spoke to him, whiskey in his hand. It was early to be drinking, even for him.
I hovered at the edge of the door. He would know I was here—he would smell me, or feel my presence—but he didn’t look up, didn’t acknowledge me. With my mind, I looked to the speaker and ordered it to play. The first song we danced to filled the silence of the room.
