I snaked my hand forward, grabbing a chunk of his waist while simultaneously pinching and twisting.
“Ow!” Daniel slapped my hand away. “Stop that. Liam, control your woman.”
Liam’s smile was faint. “That’s an impossibility. Aileen’s her own person.”
“I seem to remember being my own person when we met and that didn’t stop you from being an autocratic dictator.”
“If I recall, you tried to cut off my arm. Failing that, you then attempted to stab me through the heart. The comparison doesn’t hold up.”
Daniel’s expression twisted. “Didn’t she shoot you in the chest?”
I waved a hand. “Let’s not dig up the past. I’m still waiting on an answer to my question.”
“What’s the matter? Did your BFF Nathan not tell you all about it?”
“You’re jealous,” I gasped with delight.
“I’m not jealous.”
“Is it because I have a BFF or is it because you think I stole your BFF?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Daniel scoffed. “If anybody is Nathan’s BFF, it’s Eric.”
We looked at the quiet enforcer.
Eric was calm as he changed lanes. “I consider everyone my BFF so no one ever feels left out.”
I collapsed in a fit of laughter as Daniel gave him a disgusted look.
“Anyway, I still want an answer,” I said when I composed myself again.
“No one was saying it so I did,” Daniel rumbled. “Giving up on Ahrun would allow Thomas to get into the good graces of the council. No one actually wants Vitus to rule. They just need a reason to side against him. If Thomas compromised, he’d be able to continue building his base of power.”
I glanced at Liam, wanting to see how he was receiving this information.
“Thomas has never been able to be objective where Ahrun is concerned,” Daniel added. “He was this way in Europe and he’s like this now.”
Most children weren’t, when it came to their parents. I wasn’t certain Daniel understood that, since his enmity with his own sire was well known.
“What you’ve failed to take into consideration is that Ahrun’s reputation protects us far better than his death ever could,” Liam finally spoke.
“Even if he goes on a rampage and kills thousands?” Daniel asked with a sharpness that made me think this was the true reason behind his objection.
“He went into deep sleep rather than allow that to happen.”
“He’s awake now which means he’s a threat. To everyone.”
“The fact the news hasn’t reported a swath of murders across the country supports Thomas’s theory that Ahrun has more control of himself than others believe,” Liam said coolly.
“For now. But you’re going to have to make the hard decision one of these days.”
Liam didn’t flinch from Daniel’s stare. “And when that day comes, I will do what is necessary. As will Thomas.”
Daniel faced front. “I hope you’re right.”
The silence lasted for about two seconds before the next turn had to be announced.
“Left here.” I sat back, glancing between the three vampires as I silently cursed the fact that I’d had to bring any of them with me. If this was how it was going to be the whole time, I would have preferred a solo rescue mission. Ancient, terrifying vampire or not.
