He gave me a glare, one that promised suffering and retribution. A lesser person would have withered and slunk into the dark praying not to be found.
I turned my attention to Thomas and frowned. I didn’t want to help him. Not even a little bit. The only reason I’d spoken up was because I hated the thought of a person like Stephen getting that kind of power. It outweighed my dislike for Thomas.
“I may have been able to track down a vampire you created,” I said.
He stepped forward. “You found Connor.”
I shrugged. This was the tricky part. I didn’t want to reveal too much before the right moment.
“Before this person comes forward and gives you all that your little vampire heart desires, they want some ground rules established,” I said.
He waved a hand for me to continue.
I bit back my retort at his imperiousness. Something along the lines of telling him to go shove it.
Instead I said, “You’re not to harm or allow any other vampire to harm anyone they consider a family or friend.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Family, yes. Friend is too vague a term. Connor could claim any passing acquaintance as a friend if it suited him.”
“You’ll just have to run that risk,” I said through gritted teeth.
He considered me for a moment, his gaze weighing. Judging.
I lifted an eyebrow.
“So long as the ‘friend’ has not posed a direct threat against me or mine.”
Fair enough. I doubted Caroline or any of my other friends were likely to challenge this guy anytime soon.
My family and friends were safe. For now.
I hesitated before my next statement. This was the one that could be the deal breaker.
“You will not claim this person or try to force them into one of your clans.”
Outrage showed on his face and Stephen started laughing.
“I cannot do that,” he said. “Connor asks too much.”
“Up to you. You’re the one who lost track of a vampire you made. They’re a little touchy about it and not sure they want anything to do with you. I’m sure ol’ Stevie will be pleased with your choice.”
“I can make you tell me,” he warned.
I gave him a humorless smile. “Not before Stevie takes the crown.”
I let him see I meant it. Every person has a breaking point. I was no different, but I could guarantee he wouldn’t break me and get at my secrets until he’d lost his shot at victory.
He looked at Aidan, asking a question with his eyes. Aidan shook his head.
“Her defenses are too strong. It would take too long.”
I allowed myself a small smirk, knowing Thomas had asked him to use his telepathy to gain the vampire’s name.
Stephen gave a pointy toothed grin, sure of his victory. Vampires, from what I’d discovered, were more possessive of the vampires they made than some sports parents were of a child destined for the professional leagues.
“I can’t give up my claim. Invalidating the relationship would make me ineligible for the position of master of the Midwest.”
Damn. I hadn’t accounted for that possibility.
