“I prefer to stand,” he returned.
I shrugged. “All right.” I wasn’t going to force him to take a seat if he didn’t want to.
When the silence continued, I said, “Look, I’m not sure what the point of this littlediscussionis, or what plan you wish to develop, but my only interest right now is in finding Michael so Ismerelda can kill him.”
Jace and Darius gaped at me while Ryder cocked his head to the side, his gaze flicking between me and my mate. “You want Ismerelda to kill him?”
“It’s not about what I want.” And I wasn’t elaborating further on the topic. “When Ismerelda is ready, and if she so desires it, we’ll hunt down Michael. That’s our part in this. The rest is up to your discretion.” Because I didn’t care how it all turned out.
The concept of immortal blood bags made sense to me, especially if the numbers Lilith had given me were accurate.
That said, the method of achieving that goal could use some work. But I wasn’t going to be the one to refine the research or make suggestions on how to move forward.
I had put humanity first twelve decades ago.
I wouldn’t be doing that again now.
“We needed a safe place to rest and consider our options,” I continued, my comment for Hazel. “I appreciate your hospitality and for allowing us to stay here. I’ve provided you with what I know. If there’s nothing else…?” I trailed off, allowing the sentence to complete itself.
Because if all they wanted was my story, then we were done here. If Ismerelda wanted to stick around for a reunion or to catch up with her brother, I’d understand. But thus far, this conversation hadn’t proved to be worth the time and effort I’d put into attending it.
Fortunately, Hazel’s accommodations were adequate enough for me to overlook the slight against my personal resources.
However, if someone didn’t start saying something important soon, I would be leaving.
They’re in shock,Ismerelda murmured.Give them a minute.
I’ve given them several minutes,I returned.They seem to be under the misconception that I have a plan. I don’t.
Because you seemed to have one the day you disappeared, she informed me, her memories reminding me of the moment I’d blocked her from my mind.You told Darius to continue what you started.
Her mind showcased a moment between her and Darius, one that took place after my disappearance.
“Why didn’t you tell me what he was going to do?” she’d demanded.
“I assumed you knew, Ismerelda,” he’d replied. “He…” My progeny had sighed, his dark head hanging as he shook it ruefully. Then he’d swallowed and shared some of my comments with her.
“They’re calling it a harmonious future, saying it’s the only way for lycans and vampires to live in peace—by enslaving humankind,” I had apparently said to him. “But it’s a classist system meant to benefit the royals and alpha packs. It’s a game of power and blood and death. We are the superior race; of that I harbor no doubts. But that doesn’t mean we must be cruel and torture our food.”
That sounded enough like me that I could hear myself saying it.
“Play the game, my son,” I’d apparently also told him. “Move all the pieces into place and strike from within. You know the chessboard better than anyone, including me. Use it. Embrace it. Own it.”
If that’s all true, then surely he knows what plan I’d supposedly concocted?I thought, not just to myself but to Ismerelda as well.
From what he’s said, your decision to sacrifice yourself seemed sudden.
“I’m sorry to lay this burden on you, Darius, but it’s the only way,” I’d supposedly said to him the last time he’d seen me. “You must continue what I started, or all of this will be for naught. My death will mean nothing. My sacrifice will be in vain. Do you understand? You’re humanity’s protector now. You’re the future’s only hope.”
So I expected to die…?My lips curled down.That doesn’t seem right.
You wanted to reason with Lilith and had probably thought she wouldn’t really kill you, but were perhaps preparing for the chance that she would,Ismerelda replied, a bitter note to her mental voice.
Which was entirely fucking warranted.
Because if I’d known I might die, it meant I’d been willing to sacrifice not just my own life but hers as well.
And this is the version of me you miss?I asked her.The one who put the fate of the entire world above your own?I’d said something similar to her earlier, but it was worth repeating.I will never be that man again, Ismerelda. Not even for you.
