Cam growled in my head, obviously having heard me absorb that comment into my thoughts, because I’d immediately wondered,How?
Michael took another step forward, his hand disappearing beneath his jacket.
“Sit. Down.” The order from Cane’s mouth had Michael freezing right in front of me.
While that command might have stopped Michael’s forward progression, it didn’t erase his lethal expression or the promise of death lurking in his gaze.
Only it wasn’t Cane’s death he was promising with that look, but mine.
His square jaw clenched as he heeded his master’s command, causing my brow to furrow. Michael had bowed to his command like one would a Sire.Or a king, I supposed.But what if…? What if Cane actually sired Michael?
That would explain my lack of a connection to him,Cam replied immediately, his mind clearly in tune with mine.It would also suggest Lilith has been working with my brother all along. Or rather,formy brother.
But why would he do this?I wondered, confused as to what would prompt Cane to desire this life.
He never slept,Cam whispered back to me.Or Lilith had me wake him. Regardless, it’s his humanity. He has none.
I swallowed, Cam’s thoughts unraveling through our bond as he essentially showed me how he knew that—because he understood it.
He, too, lacked humanity to an extent. Mortals were food. Pets. Beings who provided pleasure and sustenance. They weren’t equals; they were inferiors.
Like how humans used to see cattle,I translated.Except we don’t fuck animals. We also don’t need them to survive.
Yes,Cam agreed.But if there was a species beneath your own that you could use in that manner, your kind would have considered enslaving them. History proves that.
His mind told me he wasn’t referring to any recent events, but situations he’d witnessed throughout the thousands of years he’d been alive. Events from well before my time.
I shivered, his visions of the past painting a horrific future before my eyes.
Because he was right.
Humankind would do that. Theyhaddone that.
And vampires technically came from those roots. They were merely following in the same trajectory a mortal would if handed superior abilities and supernatural powers.
Just because I understand it doesn’t mean I desire it,Cam whispered into my mind.
But a part of you does,I replied.
A part of me agrees with the concept of an immortal blood source,he admitted.However, the part of me linked to you wishes for it to be humane.
And without me?
Without you…He trailed off.I’m honestly not sure, Ismerelda. I’m not a hero, and I won’t pretend to be one. But I would not be opposed to a peaceful coexistence, so long as vampires were provided with what they needed to survive.
What about lycans?I asked him.
I believe my brethren would say, “We’re not lycans. The wolves can fend for themselves.”
“What’s my brother saying?” Cane asked, reminding me of his presence. “Is he telling you to remain calm? That he’ll save you?”
I blinked at him. “No,” I answered honestly. “He’s telling me how he understands your decision.”
He arched a brow. “My decision?”
“Your decision to lead this new era,” I clarified, testing our theory aloud. “He’s telling me why vampires need an immortal blood source and how humans would do the same to a lesser being, if provided the means and opportunity to do so.”
Cane studied me for a moment. “Interesting. And here I assumed he intended to renew his quest against my reign.”
