"Maybe we should let the information go free," I said, trying to call his bluff. “Maybe it’s time the world knew about supes.”
I had firsthand knowledge of how fucked up it got when that happened, but the president didn’t.
President Caine's eyes narrowed, a shrewd expression tilting up his lips.
"Before you decide to walk the gauntlet of having billions of humans attempt to hunt you down, or worse, exploit you, I have another proposition. This time with my …equityto entice you to my way of thinking."
Justice snorted. "Equity? You mean your blackmail material?"
"Whatever it takes to achieve my end goal," he said simply. "Whatever it takes. But I promise, this could be mutually beneficial."
I knew I was going to regret this, but I nodded. "What’s your proposition?"
10
Justice Winter
Why was Jacob even entertaining this asshole? Damn him being a leader and able to sideline his fury so that he wouldn't create an international incident. I just wanted to punch fuckface president in his fuck of a face and then walk my ass out of here.
Apparently, that was not going to be option one today. Dammit.
"You will allow me to form a special supernatural army," the president said, sounding almost proud of his brilliant idea. It wasn't like we hadn't all been aware that was his original hope—he’d mentioned it during our first meeting.
When his plan was shut down, everyone had accepted that now he just wanted to learn more about us. But I always knew he was up to something else. I’d tried to tell Jacob, and he listened to me, discussed it even, but he was always so confident that there was nothing a human could do to really threaten supes.
Guess all the president had to do was try to blow up a bunch of humans and Jacob would fall right into the “save the world” mindset and give this asshole exactly what he needed.
Leverage.
"Supernaturals won’t kill for you," Jacob said, and he sounded quite calm. "They won’t slave themselves either. Mutually beneficial means that we have to get something out of it."
The president nodded. "Yes, I understand. What if I allowed some of you to take positions of power in my cabinet? You could then have a real say in changing laws, some of which might even allow supernaturals more freedoms amongst humans.”
“Why even bother with blackmail if you had this 'mutually beneficial…'"—I exaggerated the finger movements to show that I knew this was bullshit "—agreement for us?"
His smile was beyond creepy. "I like to have the upper hand," he said. “That way I can ensure the most important terms for me are met. Not to mention, none of you seemed that interested in working with humans."
I was raging. This was not mutual. He was going to get so much more out of the deal, especially since we already had Guild members in positions of power.
"I will need to discuss this with my brothers," Jacob started, looking far too calm, "and the supernatural council. Release us from the rest of our stay with you, since you've clearly already gotten what you wanted, and allow us to return home to discuss this at length."
The president nodded and indicated again to his guard that they could relax. The multitudes of armed soldiers around us had remained somewhat vigilant during this conversation, only releasing their weapons at this signal.
"You have one week," the president said. "Don't force me to use the documentation against you."
Jacob smiled. Terrifyingly beautiful, showing his perfect white teeth. If predatory grin had an image, that was it. "I'm going to need to see the evidence as well," he drawled. "You know, not that I don't trust you or anything, but let's be real, lying isn't exactly foreign to presidents."
Red tinged John Caine's cheeks as he nodded and said, "Provide me with a secure email or server to load it, and I will send it right over. Along with all the details of my proposition."
Well, well, wasn’t he just the picture of respect and integrity now he was getting his own way. It was lucky I wasn’t on the supernatural council and had to decide this. At this point, I’d cut my nose off to spite every fucking supe face, and take the risk that the humans would war against us, because I truly hated being manipulated.
It was a character flaw. Whatever.
"We will be in touch in a week," Jacob said. "We're walking out of here now. Do not attempt to follow us."
The president looked like he wanted to protest, but he never got a chance, because Jacob had already reached out to grab my hand, half carrying me out of the room. When I got my feet under me, I tried to pull out of his grasp.
“Dude," I said seriously. "Don't fucking manhandle me."
