The vampire inclined his head. He and the one on his left vanished the same way they’d come. The last vampire lifted two fingers in lazy salute at Liam before following.
“They never told us where you were supposed to go,” I said softly.
“They don’t need to.” Thomas and Liam shared a long look that ended with my sire’s tired nod.
“Let’s go,” Liam instructed as Thomas started moving again. “The council isn’t to be kept waiting.”
The drive to the Gargoyle was tense, with very little conversation. Thomas was lost in his thoughts. No doubt considering his tactics for the upcoming confrontation.
I hesitated to use the word battle because I was really hoping it wouldn’t come to that.
We were already tired from one fight. The potential of a second one so soon after the first was disadvantageous for our side. We hadn’t even had time to lick our wounds before being thrust into the fast pace that came with war.
I leaned against Liam, trying to recoup a little of my strength before I might have to fight again. Liam’s blood had helped, but I still felt about as strong as a wet noodle.
“I forgot Deborah,” I said, wanting to kick myself.
“She’s fine. She returned with Joseph and Daniel to the Gargoyle.”
“What’s going to happen to her?”
Liam’s hesitation had me lifting my head in question.
“She didn’t knowingly betray you.” Liam eased me back into my reclining position. “And since Chadwick is now dead, she no longer presents a security threat.”
I released the breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. I’d been more worried about her fate than I wanted to let on.
“So, she’s safe,” I said, wanting confirmation.
“As long as someone is willing to claim her as a permanent companion. Not a temporary one who can be given back at any time,” Thomas said from the front seat.
I frowned at him.
Thomas’s silvery eyes met mine. “No other vampire in my court will touch her after this. Either someone claims her or she’s black listed.”
“That’s not fair,” I protested.
Thomas faced front. “That’s how life is sometimes.”
Liam touched my face, forcing me to look up at him. “He’s not doing this to be cruel. Deborah has already rejected one vampire’s protection, and the fact she was used to compromise your safety means no other vampire will risk taking her in.”
“You’re telling me it’s me or no one.” My frown was fierce as I removed Liam’s hand from my face. “Funny how that works. I’m forced to take a companion I don’t really want.”
“You could allow her to return to the human world,” Thomas offered.
“You know I can’t do that.”
It would be practically a death sentence even if she didn’t have a relapse. Other supernaturals would be able to detect the small traces of vampire blood still flowing through her veins. They’d see her as an easy target.
I knew what it was to be considered free game. I couldn’t do that to her.
“Then your path is clear.”
“Every time I think we’re making progress, you kick us right back to the beginning,” I snarled.
He’d won. I’d take a companion. Just like he wanted.
“One day you’ll see that not everything I do is designed to force your compliance,” Thomas sighed.
