“I’m not sure whether you’re aware that Acadia’s been with me since we were first sent down here,” Obsidian said, resuming his stroll. “Fifteen hundred years she’s been with us.”
“I’m aware,” Kaj confirmed. “Believe it or not, I’ve learned quite a bit about Acadia during my time in her presence. The question is, are you aware of who she is?”
“Regarding her position within the Fae?” Obsidian nodded. “Yes.”
“Is she aware of it?”
“Not that I know of.”
Kaj figured as much although he wasn’t sure that was possible. Then again, there were a few anomalies regarding the stories of the Fae.
“From my understanding,” Kaj continued, “Fae are ruled solely by their queen.”
“That is correct. Back before they were cast out, their queen was responsible for the decisions affecting their race. They’ve never acknowledged a king, even if the female was mated.”
“Which means, if the Fae are released from their servitude, she would move into the role, responsible for her race.” Or what was left of them, anyway.
“Correct. She would be the sole ruler.”
Which was not an issue as far as Kaj was concerned. He had no desire to be the ruler of the Fae. He had enough on his plate. However, he did believe that it made things a bit easier between them because that was the case.
“What brings that up?” Obsidian inquired. “Them being released from their duties?”
Great. This was the part he had least looked forward to. “Michael’s asked me to do something. In return, he’ll free the Fae from their responsibilities to you.”
Another nod from the enormous angel. “Makes sense he would do that.”
“He’s also asked that I pledge my loyalty to you,” Kaj said.
Obsidian frowned. “In return, he’ll free the Fae?”
“No. That’s a separate request. He merely asked that we align ourselves with you.”
Obsidian stopped, crossed his arms over his chest, and stared back at him. “And what’s your opinion on the matter?”
Kaj peered just beyond the angel. “It’s not a pledge I’m comfortable making. You’re talking about the whole of my race.” He cut his eyes to the male’s face. “Now, I’ll gladly fight alongside you, but it’s imperative the vampire race stand alone. If I fall within your rule, they’ll have absolutely no respect for me as their leader.”
“You’ve always been a proud species.” Obsidian grinned. “And I agree with you in that regard. Which is why I wish I’d known about this request before Michael made it.” The male’s dark eyebrows lowered, as did his voice. “Kaj, I’d be honored to have you at my side. I’m aware of Michael’s concerns regarding what’s coming. And while he believes theamsouelotsare no longer in danger, I disagree. Lucifer’s not one to back down, even if he does have his eye on a different prize. But I do fully agree we’re stronger together.” He motioned toward the facility laid out before them. “Hence my decision to move forward. There are many things we can learn from one another, as can those who’ll be fighting when we’re long gone.”
Despite the fact they were immortal, Kaj’s thinking was along the same lines of Obsidian’s. Because of their responsibilities, it was only fair to assume they would be taken out at some point. Just hopefully not for a couple more millennia.
“It would be my honor to fight at your side, angel.” Kaj smirked. “You’re one of the few I trust implicitly.”
“So you’ll move forward with me? Not behind me or in front. Beside. Together.”
Kaj nodded. “Under one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“Provided Acadia will have me, I fully intend to mate the female, and I’ll expect the boundaries to be respected by your males.”
“I thought that was a done deal.”
“Not quite. Unlike you and the humans, vampires don’t have predestined mates.”
Obsidian nodded. “I’m all too familiar withmielix zan, Kaj. And I know you’ve imprinted on Acadia. I also know you’ve been holding back.”
“True. But strong as I may be, I can’t defy it for much longer. And the last thing I want is to put your males in danger, but that’s what it’ll come to if I fully bond with the female.”
