Because he knew he wouldn’t get out of this one without reassurances, Michael nodded. “I’ll ensure they’re allowed in provided they’ve met the same criteria as all others.”
Kaj seemed satisfied with that.
“There’s only one thing you’ll have to contend with,” Michael stated.
“And what’s that?”
“Those who’ve been cast into shadows, trapped between Heaven and Earth…”
Kaj’s eyebrows raised.
“They shall remain in the in-between until Acadia has freed them. All of them.”
“And how will she do that?” Kaj asked, his tone concerned.
“Not for me to disclose.”
“Never is,” Kaj grumbled.
When no more demands came, Michael pushed to his feet. “Once Khari is resurrected, I will expect you and Obsidian to groom him for his role as Alpha.”
“I’ve changed my mind about that,” the vampire stated.
“Oh?”
“I’ll be maintaining the position as Alpha.”
“Just so you know, as the father of the female who will mate the original vampire,” Michael clarified, “you will maintain the same abilities as the Alpha. And until the time they produce an heir, should Khari fall, you shall resume the duties as the Alpha.”
“That changes nothing. I will continue on as the Alpha. And shouldIfall, Khari can resume the duties.”
Michael didn’t need to argue, because he trusted Kaj at the helm of the race. He’d always known he would make a phenomenal leader, above and beyond his own father, even. He’d merely wanted the male to choose the position and not vice versa.
“Very well,” Michael agreed. “You’ll remain Alpha. Khari will lead the Zenith.”
Once more Kaj shook his head. “Huracan will lead the Zenith. Mirakel is myadighrielin. That’s the way it will remain. Khari will integrate in and we’ll determine where he belongs as time goes by.” Kaj stood tall, squared his shoulders. “And you understand I will not force my daughter into this mating. It shall be her decision.”
Yep. Just as he’d thought. The male was the right person for the job. Not even an almighty archangel intimidated him.
“Understood.” Michael was not worried about that. He was privy to what had transpired between Bijou and Oliver—more accurately, Khari, though unbeknownst to her—up to this point.
“The resurrection will be done here,” Kaj stated. “That way the angels’ healers can be present should the human male have issues.”
“That is a reasonable request. Tonight.”
Kaj shook his head. “I need a day to relay the information to my daughter and my mate, as well as my males. We shall undergo the resurrection on Friday, the thirteenth of March.”
He had to give the vampire credit; he’d thought this through. Not to mention, he had brass balls to issue so many demands upon an archangel.
Michael held the male’s stare. “I cannot reiterate the importance of this. Oh, but I should clarify one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Should you fall, Khari will not be the one to rise as Alpha. Your heir will.”
Kaj frowned. “My heir? Bijou?”
“Your unborn child.”
