“So it does.” Vanguard scratches his chin. “But in what reality do you imagine my master desires peace?”
Striker takes a step closer to Vanguard, and I don’t miss the way Jonah tenses—or that the air around both men suddenly shimmers with heat.
“Why be enemies when we can be allies?” Striker asks.
Vanguard’s eyebrows rise. “An interesting idea.” He glances at Jonah before replying. “You would propose an alliance with the darkness?”
“I would ensure that my operations do not hinder yours, and I would ignore any activities I might otherwise take issue with. In return, you will leave me and those under my protection alone.”
Vanguard’s eyes narrow. “Your connection with the Assassin’s Legion makes it difficult for me to believe you wouldadhere to your side of the bargain. Particularly when it comes to looking the other way.”
“I will not pass on information to them,” Striker says. “Your issues with them, and their issues with you, are not my concern.”
Vanguard arches an eyebrow at Slade. “What say you, Legion Master?”
Slade gives a cold smile. “With all due respect to Striker Draven, we do not require his help.”
Vanguard takes a cordial step forward. “Well, my master would be pleased to hear this. A permanent truce, such as he had with Amalia Avery, would be beneficial. Particularly given the rumors of your dark heart, Striker Draven.”
Striker’s amber eyes narrow to glittering strips. “What of them?”
“Well, let’s just say my master hasn’t ruled out the possibility that you might challenge him for his position.”
Striker recoils, a harsh growl leaving his lips. “The fuck?”
I’m surprised that the dark entity would fear this—and then concerned that I hadn’t contemplated the possibility that it could happen, that Striker could challenge the entity for control.
How could I not consider this?
But even as I question myself, the answer comes to me instantly:Striker already made his choice.
I gave him full control of the White Wand and, with it, the chance to command an army of monsters. He was the only one who wasn’t drawn to the wand and didn’t succumb in some way to its magic. Even I was so strongly drawn to it that I risked hurting myself.
He was the only one who had the chance to dominate its power.
I demanded that he choose his path, and he did.
He burned that fucking wand right before my eyes as if it meant nothing, was nothing, had no relevance to him, all the while looking up at me as if…
As if…
Iwas everything to him.
The dark entity may not know Striker’s heart, but I do.
Striker’s reaction to Vanguard’s suggestion only seems to make the serpent shifter smile.
“The thought never occurred to you?” Vanguard asks, beginning a slow pace to the right.
As he moves, Jonah shifts a little, too, edging closer to me.
Where he stands a step behind Striker, Slade remains alert, his hands steady. He will be ready to draw on his power if he needs it.
Striker responds to Vanguard’s suggestion with a level of disgust in his voice that even I wasn’t expecting.
“It never fucking occurred to me because I have no fucking interest in power,” he snarls. “All I want is the safety and happiness of the people I care about. I’m warning you right now, serpent. Either your master accepts the peace I’m offering, or it won’t be a challenge he needs to worry about. It will be the complete annihilation of his operations.”
Striker takes a step toward Vanguard. “I will find whatever person or thing he cares about, and I will tear it down and rip it to shreds. I will bring pain andthendeath.” He takes a breath, visibly restraining his beast’s fury. “Or, your master can choose peace. One or the other.”
