“It’s forbidden,” Anton answered, addressing Jenna for the first time. “The first rule of our world—don’t tell the humans we exist. Unless they are in service to us in some way. By telling you, she’s placed not just herself but her sire and everyone who knows what she’s done and doesn’t report it in danger. If discovered, they could all be executed.”
‘What if she’s not the one who told me?” Jenna asked.
Anton frowned. “What is she talking about?”
Jenna stepped out from behind me. “Hunters broke into our house and used us to ambush her. Technically, they’re the ones who exposed the fact that vampires existed. Not Aileen.”
Anton’s gaze swung to me. “When was this? Why didn’t you tell us about your family being attacked?”
“If this is how you react, I can see why she held back,” Jenna muttered.
“Quiet, you,” Anton shushed her. “The adults are speaking. We still haven’t decided what we’re going to do with you.”
Jenna’s mouth popped open in insult.
“Nothing,” I snarled. “You’re going to do nothing.”
Anton flashed his fangs at me. “You don’t get to decide that since you’ve already proven to have less than stellar judgment skills where your family is concerned.”
“Do I get a vote?” Caroline asked.
“No,” Anton said dismissively.
Caroline lowered her chin to her folded arms. “Just so you know—I’m team Aileen and Jenna. Try any of your mind bullshit and I’ll bite you.”
Her lips curled back to expose her own mouthful of fangs.
Anton looked furious but he didn’t try to rip Caroline’s throat out. I called that progress. “Iwillbe talking to Liam about this.”
I lowered the gun. “You do that.”
It wouldn’t change things. My family knew and I had no interest in putting the cat back in the bag.
Turning to the table, I studied the two men on the opposite side. Neither of whom had shown much interest in the confrontation.
The older man lifted his mug of coffee. “You’re just like your father.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” I said, seating myself in the chair across from him.
Jenna hesitated before doing the same next to me.
I flicked a glance at Drake. “How’s the nose? Still bleeding?”
He removed the wad of napkins, tossing them on the table. “It’s fine. No thanks to you.”
“I did warn you what would happen if you kept targeting the people close to me.”
As far as I was concerned, he’d gotten what he deserved. Maybe in future he would be a little more cautious.
Ignoring Drake’s sour expression, I focused on the other two. “I take it you’re our family.”
“That remains to be seen.” The last man, the one I suspected was our uncle and Drake’s father, curled a hand around his Jack and coke. His other was out of sight. Probably on that gun I could smell. “You see—we haven’t decided if you’re worth claiming.”
From the way Jenna stiffened beside me, I could tell she wasn’t expecting that response. I was though.
It would be strange for hunter born to accept someone with my lineage into their ranks. The biological daughter of one of the most dangerous Fae to walk this planet? A vampire to boot?
I was what they hunted. Not the one they made nice with.
