Page 36 of In the Dark

Kelvin once again nodded. “I do, Councilwoman Alma.”

“Please inform the council.” She smiled at him as she spoke, and Kelvin decided to take that as a positive.

“I mated a human, breaking one of our fundamental laws.”

He heard the creak of someone moving on a chair and turned his head toward the sound. An older vampire watched him, his eyes narrowed. “You broke one of our most important laws. You know the penalty is usually death.”

“I did and I do, Sir.” Councilman Jenkins preferred to be addressed as Sir. “I had my reasons, Sir.”

“Speak.”

“Maxim attacked him.” He heard several indrawn breaths when he mentioned Maxim’s name. “He became aware of my interest in him. It hadn’t been my intent to mate him due to our laws, but I did want to see him. He’s my mate. It was difficult to stay away.”

“I understand the need to be close to one’s mate. I am also mated.” Oskar, another council member, folded his hands in front of him, frowning deeply. “The need to be close is overwhelming. I sympathize with you in this, however we do have laws in place to protect humans, including the one that forbids us from mating them.”

“I’m aware, and I was intent on watching over him and ensuring he lived a happy, healthy life, but when Maxim attacked and I intervened to save him…” Kelvin paused, choosing his words carefully. “Being in such close proximity to him, I struggled to stay away when his safety was at risk. I couldn’t watch him be attacked, or worse.”

“Maxim.” Councilwoman Therri sighed deeply. “He has been a thorn in our side for decades. Why has he made an appearance now, and to kidnap a mate?”

“He may not have been aware they had mated,” another council member said, one Kelvin didn’t know.

“He would have known the moment he scented Key. Our scents are interwoven together now we’ve mated.”

An older councilwoman nodded. “I’d heard of that happening between vampire and humans. Strange as it doesn’t happen between vampire mates. Maybe a warning system of some sort. Still, you broke the law even though you had legitimate reasons to do so.”

“I challenge the law.” The moment the words left his lips, Kelvin wanted to claw them back. All the council members stared at him and he wanted to hide behind the desk, but if he wanted a life with Key, then he needed to be strong.

What’s going on? You ‘feel’ tense.

I’ve challenged the law and let’s say I’m a little nervous now

Little?

“Pardon?” Councilwoman Alma watched Kelvin intently. “Please repeat yourself for the record.”

Swallowing hard, Kelvin inhaled swiftly, then slowly released it. “I challenge the law regarding vampires not mating humans.”

“Are you sure this is the path you want to travel?”

Kelvin nodded. “It is. The law has served its purpose. We needed it then, but we don’t need it now.”

“I agree. The law needs updating, but certain elements need to remain.” Alma nodded. “Both vampire and human should be required to appear before this council prior to mating, to ensure the safety of our species.”

“You’re agreeing with him?” Jenkins spluttered.

“I am. Part of why we’re here is to ensure how laws are adhered to, but also to ensure they are up to date. This one has served its purpose and is no longer needed in its current form. I’m not saying to remove it altogether, but it needs updating forthis modern era we’re in now.” Alma paused, her face dropping. “As you know, my brother’s mate was also human, and he stayed away from her. It cost him everything, and he is no longer with us. I don’t wish to inflict that pain on others.”

“I also agree that our laws need to be updated, and this one in particular requires closer scrutiny.” Oskar flattened his hands. “However, you have broken the law as its stands right now and must face punishment for that.”

Kelvin nodded. “I’ll face whatever the Council decides, but request that I face that punishment alone. Key is innocent in this.”

“I agree.” The councilwoman sitting in the center, Joanne, who was in charge, looked at all the other members then nodded. “You will be removed from enforcement and moved to sanitation until further notice.” Joanne stood, as did all the other members. Kelvin followed suit and waited for her to leave, and when she did, he watched the others leave, except for Alma, who came down from the podium and walked over to him.

“Come with me, Kelvin.”

He followed her out of the council chambers, aware a guard was following behind them. “We knew about your mating, of course. News has traveled fast. Most of the council didn’t anticipate you challenging the law, but myself and a couple of others who know of you, expected it and came up with the punishment. It could have been a much worse punishment, and we did consider several others but chose this. One would have kept you away from your mate for extended periods of time, and that wouldn’t have been fair to him.” Sighing, Alma took a few more steps, and Kelvin waited, sensing there was more she had to say. “Some laws do need to be reassessed, and this is one that should have been removed a long time ago. Many have suffered because of it.”

Alma slowed and turned to face Kelvin, her dark chestnut hair curling around her face. Her dark eyes watched him, causing Kelvin to lower his own. “What was needed then is no longer needed now. I wish you good luck in your mating.”

---