Page 81 of The Immortal’s Mark

“Is that common?” I meet his eyes in the mirror as I resume untangling my damp strands. “For vampires to have kids?”

“Not at all. My parents are…rare.”

“That’s nice.” I turn to face him fully. “I might regret this question, but how long ago were you born?”

“A little less than one hundred years ago.” His smile deepens. “And before you comment, you should know I am young by vampire standards.”

“If that’s young, how are you Alexander’s second-in-command? He’s like…a thousand years old. Shouldn’t someone older be his go-to guy?”

His back straightens. “I am strong and loyal. Once my father stepped down, King Alexander asked me to take his place. It was an honor.”

“Of course.” I clear my throat. “Sorry. I didn’t mean anything by that.”

“I know.” His shoulders relax, and he tilts his head to the side. “You still haven’t asked about it, you know.”

I tilt my head. “About what?”

“The fact that Alexander is a king.”

“Ah.” I look away, focusing on the floral, violet wallpaper covering the far wall. “I shouldn’t be surprised. He’s a natural at bossing people around.”

He laughs. “That, he is.”

I lower the comb and lean against the vanity, crossing my arms over my chest to keep the robe in place. “How did Alex become king?”

“There are five of Adir’s children still living. Alexander is one of them. A few hundred years ago, there were skirmishes between covens over territory, and the human casualties were immense. Then the Council intervened.”

My stomach tightens. “What happened?”

“Adir proposed that the vampire world be divided among his children. Each would have a leader in charge of monitoring the activities of vampires within their region and enforcing the Council’s laws.”

I frown. “What about humans or the other half-breeds in the areas?”

“Most vampire rulers have no sway over other supernatural communities. Clans and packs maintain their own hierarchies. Only Alexander has made an effort to build alliances.”

That sounds like him.

“But what about humans?” I press. “Where do we fit in all of this?”

I might be a witch, but I have no plans to join one of their clans. I need to know what impact that will have on my future.

Regardless of whatever is happening with my mortality at the moment.

“The Council’s stance is explicit,” Gregory says. “No human life is to be interfered with. They limit lesser Immortals’ interactions with humans, as well as our own.”

“But how does that work when vampires can create other vampires? Or have kids with humans?” I shake my head. “No offense to your family, but that doesn't seem like not interfering in a human’s life.

“Vampires who unwillingly turn humans face decapitation at the hands of their ruler,” Gregory replies calmly. “Though some monarchs are more lenient with their punishments.”

My jaw drops. “Has Alex ever had to do that?”

He nods. “Prior to joining this war effort, most of our days were spent hunting down the violent members of our coven. None goes unpunished.”

It’s a grisly image, but relief that floods my chest. “Good.”

“Good?”

I shrug. “It’s nice to know I’m not wrong to trust Alex.”