Seamus raised an eyebrow. “You should be thanking me. I could have killed him.”
“I doubt you kept him around just for me,” Zack replied quickly. “I don’t know what your game is yet?—”
“I am not playing a game.” Seamus sighed heavily and set his tablet down. “Takashi is clever and handsome and makes a decent partner for you. You at least don’t mind his manipulations.”
Zack stiffened and was about to lash out, but Seamus wasn’ttechnicallywrong. Takashi had exerted influence over his mind, and Zack had accepted it. “He was helping me.”
“You’ve come down before I anticipated. I thought you and Takashi would spend time reuniting.”
“I got distracted by the fact that you’ve been studying me,” Zack replied. “How long did that room take to set up? A month? Two?”
“A few of the better details weren’t in place after I obtained your journal and notes earlier this week,” Seamus said as he stood. “But I’ve been preparing for the last seven weeks.”
“You’ve beenplanningon turning me into a vampire?” Zack snarled.
Seamus caught him by the chin and held him tight, forcing their gazes to lock. The first time they’d met, he’d done something similar. Unlike then, Zack refused to feel anything other than rage for the monster in front of him. He was ready for whatever punishment that would bring.
Instead, Seamus broadened his smile and let his touch turn tender. “Do you know how many pets piss themselves when they meet me for the first time? Especially Roger’s pets? Though I could feel the brush of terror in your heart, you did not cave.” Seamus laughed. “You told me I might be disappointed in you! You were pouring your heart into killing me even then. While I admit that is a nuisance, I’ve overcome worse.”
Seamus released him and picked up his tablet. “I had hoped you’d wake last night so that your rising wouldn’t conflict with my meeting. I thought about postponing, but several of these matters have been piling up.”
“And you wanted me here to see what the leadership is like?” Zack asked carefully.
“You have a mind that connects details.” Seamus renewed his smile. “That fact about the Decatur Pack, for example. I’m not surprised that Roger didn’t know how to take advantage of your talent. He’s never had a head for making the tough calls.”
“Is that why he’s still alive?” Zack said. “You’re not scared of him?”
“He may yet be of use.” Seamus held up a hand when Zack opened his mouth to ask another question. “We only have a few minutes before the others return.” He raised his voice. “Grimsby, do bring her in.”
Zack frowned and was about to question Seamus anyway.
Then Grimsby strode into the room with a bound woman struggling in his arms. She was on her feet, but he was dragging her along. Her heart was pounding, and as Zack zeroed in on the sound, it thundered in his ears. She smelled … the closest Zack could pin it to was warm apple pie, cinnamon and apple and so fucking good. He wanted to dig his fangs into her throat and take that warmth from her. Wanted to know if she tasted as good as she smelled.
No.He clenched his fists. Biting would likely lead to killing. Especially around Seamus. The bastard wanted him to be a killer. To be just like him.
“You have to eat, Zackery,” Seamus said. “Denying your hunger instead of embracing it will only hurt you in the end.”
“I’m fine.” Zack couldn’t tear his eyes away from the woman’s neck. Her pulse wasn’t jumping in her neck until she planted her feet and tried to yank herself free of Grimsby. In doing so, she turned her head far enough that her neck was taut and her jugular rose in rhythm to her heart.
Seamus snapped his fingers in front of Zack’s nose.
Zack blinked and glared at Seamus.
“You’re proving my point.” Seamus stood. “Did you taste Takashi’s blood earlier?”
If Zack had had any color to his face, he was sure it would have drained away. “How did you know?”
“I felt your bloodlust.” Seamus approached the woman. He stepped around behind her and grabbed her by the hair. Using that grip and his other arm, he held her tight against him. “The blood drives us in our first nights. Don’t fault yourself for that. By indulging, you will figure out how to sate your needs and discover balance.”
“I don’t want to kill her,” Zack whispered. His voice was a hollow, distant thing, and he wished he could take those words back. Seamus would only use them against him.
Instead of any anger, Seamus remained patient, his tone and manner not changing from the calm, fatherly demeanor. “You were always meant to be a killer, Zackery. This isn’t a sacrifice of your nobility. If it helps ease your mind, she is despicable. What do they call them? TERDs?”
“TERFs,” Zack replied. “You’re lying. You don’t care about my conscience.”
“I don’t want you to suffer for the next several decades lamenting because you did what nature demanded in order to survive.” Seamus held the woman tighter when she suddenly bucked. He pressed his cheek against hers, and a wave of terror slipped out from her. She froze in place.
Zack could see the change and thought he smelled the difference in her fear. She wasn’t cinnamon anymore but salty. Salty, salty fries had been a delicious treat.
