But the reason Cam was so good at this verbal sparring match was founded in his deep understanding of Cane’s goals.
A part of Cam respected his brother’s desires, even partially agreed with his choices.
Keeping Emine alive made sense to Cam, and not because of any ties or loyalty he felt toward Khalid, but because her existence intrigued him.
Which meant he’d been telling the truth about wanting her blood. Or, at the very least, thinking about what he could do with it in a research setting.
Thinking about something and acting on something are two entirely different actions, Ismerelda,Cam murmured into my mind.Just because I have an inkling to do something, doesn’t mean I actually want to do it.
He was right.
But I certainly didn’t enjoy hearing those ideas in his head.
However, I preferred to know than not to know. To be included in his thought process instead of locked out. To maintain an open dialogue and have an opinion on how we proceeded rather than being left behind for my own “protection.”
“Yes,” Cane finally said. “The protocols allow for a variety of responses. I’ll show you.”
Cam waved him on. “Please do. But keep her alive.”
Cane considered him for another moment, then conceded with a nod. “Fine. But I want to be the one to end her.”
Cam shrugged. “I don’t care how she dies. I just don’t want to waste a potentially useful product.”
The careless tone caressing Cam’s words seemed to pacify his brother, because he nodded a second time.
And the room… appeared to relax as well.
I hadn’t realized it, my attention more on Cam’s mind than on the other vampires, but everything had gone quiet while the two men had been speaking.
Cam had noticed, but he’d been more focused on his brother than on the others. Although, now I could hear him scoffing at Cane’s earlier comment about how everyone had wanted toobservehis experiment.
They’re not here to welcome me as their leader. They’re here to make sure I’m on their leader’s side.
What happens if they find out you’re not?I wondered.
Only time will tell,he replied. But his mind was already identifying all the potential responses, and most of them were deadly.He invited them all here for one of two reasons—to host a celebration or to host an execution. It can only go one way or the other.
Thus, this was all a test.
A way to see how Cam responded to his brother’s demonstration.
And the royals—as well as the one alpha present—were entertaining themselves while they waited.
But one wrong move, and we’d suddenly find ourselves facing off with some of the oldest supernaturals in the world.
I wouldn’t stand a chance against them. Not as a human. Not even as Cam’s mate.
His offer to turn me rolled around in my thoughts as Cane rearranged all the video displays. I’d meant what I’d said a bit ago about accepting Cam’s proposal to make me a vampire.
It would afford me a semblance of independence, something I’d never truly experienced in my very long existence.
I’d be free of my ties to Cam’s immortality, able to survive on my merits, and become my own person. Live for me and no one else.
Then I couldchoosemy future. Become a better version of myself.Embrace this Cam as my mate.
You won’t be a better version, Ismerelda. You’ll still be who you are now, just more durable. You’re perfect. But I also need to focus,Cam whispered via our bond, his palm finding my thigh beneath the fabric of my dress.And you’re distracting me, my queen.
Sorry.I hadn’t realized how loudly I’d been thinking, or how much I’d distracted myself.
