Things had gone from clearer to cloudy again. “I hate to point out a flaw in your plan, but I don’t want to become a vampire, and I’m not Queen Anna Treehugger.”
“Trehueger,” he said with a German accent.
Who cared? “You want to correct my Southern pronunciation for sewer-crout, too?”
“Yes, very much.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You will not turn me or make me pretend I’m something I am not.” And that included someone who’d studied German in high school.
“The Masie I know would do anything to protect her family. Even becoming like me.”
Maybe he was right. Maybe not. “But why not tell me what’s happening? Why lie about me being a vampire? I mean, a girl can’t survive on protein shakes forever.”
He looked away, and his Adam’s apple bobbed with a stiff swallow.
My mouth fell open. “So you were going to turn me no matter what.”
“Having you believe you were a vampire would allow more time to prepare you, to ensure the best chances for your survival. Especially knowing that I may not be by your side very long after your transition.”
“Why?”
“War is war. But a vampire war is something far uglier. We do not believe in the humane treatment of our enemies. Most importantly, we do not stockpile bullets or bombs. We only stockpile food to ensure our armies are well fed.”
Oh.“We are the stockpile.”
“Correct.”
“You said that not all vampires believe in killing people,” I argued. “So how would that work?”
“In times of war,” he explained, “all bets are off until there is a victor.”
That was very bad news for humans, but things still weren’t adding up. “You’re saying that you lied to help me survive in case the bill is shot down and vampires go to war. Okay. Got it. But the bill is more likely to pass, right?”That meant vampires would have human rights and move forward with plan A to take control.
He nodded yes.
“So what’s your plan for that?” I asked.
“None.”
“None?” I arched a brow.
“If the bill passes, then it is game over. In which case, my best option is still to keep my seat as the leader of my coven and have you by my side. Safe and protected.”
Whoa the hell whoa.“You mean that’s it? Just throw in the towel, and let’s call it a day? Let vampires buy up the world and subject us to your scream-fests?”
“It is notmypreference, Masie, which is the reason I am taking a large risk to stop the Repurposed People Act behind the scenes; however, I am only one man—handsome, wealthy, and excellent in bed—yes. But even so, I must plan for the optimal outcome no matter which scenario happens.”
Ohmygod.This was probably why, in his words, he was “going along” with his coven at the moment. He would only take a real stand if he had enough support. Otherwise, so long, world! Nice knowing ya!
“Now I see why you’re so old. You’re just-just,” I threw my hands in the air, “playing it safe like a coward.”
“Coward?”
“If that bill passes, we can still fight. People canchange the laws back. We don’t have to give in.”
“If the bill passes, vampires will move swiftly to ensure power flows in one direction: theirs. Before anything can be done, they will buy every news outlet, bank, and strategic company. Humans will be assured there is no movement to control them, and by the time anyone figures out the truth, it will be far too late. Trust me, I have seen the plans.” He toggled his head. “I admit they are quite good. Who knew my antediluvian brethren had it in them?”
Oh Lord.This was a nightmare. “We can’t let this happen.”
