"What do you think, Liam? How effective do you think those interrogation techniques will be against a vampire?" I asked.
Small whimpers left Kat as she fought harder for her freedom. It was the only sound she could make now that my grip was cutting off her wind supply.
Liam pondered my question, his expression considering. "It depends on how used to pain she is. We have the same nerve endings as humans, which would make many of their techniques effective."
"It would be an interesting experiment," Nathan added. "Perhaps we should see."
Kat's eyes rolled, finally reaching the level of desperation I'd been looking for.
"There you have it," I said, my fingers digging deep into the meat of her throat.
Sofia drew my attention. Her features as smooth as a lake. "I ask leniency for my offspring."
"Hmm," I hummed, studying the clan matriarch.
The corners of her eyes crinkled. "You've made your point. Quite spectacularly, if I might add."
I didn't speak, not releasing my grip on Kat's throat. The vampire side of me didn't want to release our prey. It wanted to stamp the terror of our existence so deep into Kat's bones that she wet herself in fear whenever she encountered us.
"You've done well with her," Sofia told Thomas. "Not many still in their first decade could so thoroughly route a vampire so much older than them. Congratulations are in order."
Thomas dipped his chin. "Aileen is a rarity."
The conversation did its job of slaking some of my bloodlust.
"Be smart, Kat," I said with a dreamy smile. "If the next words out of your mouth aren't 'I concede', I'll make good on some of my promises."
My fingers loosened, not fully releasing her, but enough so she could draw breath. Her first inhale was ragged, her eyes never leaving mine as she held very, very still.
A good thing since I wasn't totally in control yet.
"I yield," she rasped, still not looking away from me. She raised her voice as if afraid the others hadn't heard her, "I yield. I concede."
I tapped her nose. "Pity, I kind of hoped you'd choose option two."
I rose, stepping over Kat as my gaze swept the remaining crowd.
Liam approached. "Well done."
Nathan was right behind him, enveloping me in a hug that my ribs protested. The pained sound I made didn't deter him as he put me down and slapped me on the back. "Seems someone has been paying attention in class after all."
Like the two of them had given me much of a choice.
"Willing to call me master or sensei now?" Nathan teased.
"In your dreams," I grumbled back.
"Only every day," Nathan shot back in a sultry voice.
That had me rolling my eyes even as I couldn't help my half smile.
Liam's expression was pleased as he watched the two of us. I opened my mouth to say something but shut it as a white blur shot past us.
Connor appeared behind Kat's two compatriots.
There was a gurgle and spray of blood. The two men dropped to their knees. Connor's hands were covered in blood and he held two pieces of cartilage.
I gaped at him, my gaze turning to Liam to silently ask "what the fuck".
