Page 144 of The Pacifist
“Being civilized is overrated,” Magni muttered and shot another scowl at Edward Wolf, who was shown drinking with around thirty supporters who all looked as disappointed as him.
“I fear that being a presidential candidate gave that fucker an inflated feeling of importance. I guarantee we haven’t heard the last of him.” Khan looked to Pearl, who answered him in a calm voice.
“Maybe not, but at least now his claims that the people would rather have him than you will fall flat. The nation has spoken and sixty-eight percent wanted you as their ruler.”
Khan pushed out his chest. “You mean President. They chose me as their President.”
We all smiled at the obvious pride that radiated from Khan.
“What’s so funny?” Finn came to join us.
“Nothing. It’s just that Khan is liking his new title as President.”
“Really?” Finn shook his head. “I don’t know, it doesn’t have the same ring as Ruler.”
Khan frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“Lord Khan just sounded more badass than Mr. President.”
“I’ll be President Khan.”
“Still doesn’t sound as dark as Lord did.”
Pearl was quick to defend him. “It’s not supposed to sound dark. Khan isn’t some old vampire king, he’s a modern leader of his people.”
Finn leaned back and with a mischievous smile on his face, he narrowed his eyes like he was studying Khan. “You sure about that? He’s looking pretty old to me.”
Khan brushed his salt-and-pepper-colored hair back. “It’s that damn lowlife Edward Wolf. I swear this election aged me three years in three months.”
Finn clapped his hands together; his smile grew to a grin. “Then it’s a fucking good thing that it’s over. What do you say, Mr. President? Are we going to stand here all night and admire your new title or should we turn off that screen and get this party going?”
Khan’s straight posture relaxed and with something close to a boyish grin, he spread out his arms. “You’re right. It’s time to get drunk.”
It was rare to see Khan intoxicated, but that night he didn’t hold back. I saw him on the dance floor swirling Pearl around and laughing in a way that made him look ten years younger.
“Look at my little sister.” Jonah nodded toward Anne, who stood surrounded by Nmen. “I asked her if she wants to go back to the Motherlands with us tomorrow but she is having the time of her life.”
“I wouldn’t go back if I were her either. Arson is a serious thing and she would be spending time in a place of reflection for what she did.”
“Do you think your family would let her stay a while longer?” Jonah asked me.
“Of course, but I have a feeling she won’t have a hard time finding a protector and roommate if she decides to stay.” I nodded toward Nero, who stood in conversation with Tristan but kept sending long glances in Anne’s direction.
“They’ve been dancing a lot.” Jonah had only just said the words before Anne broke free from the five men surrounding her. With a courteous smile, she excused herself and walked over to Nero.
“Aww, look at them.” I felt my heart flutter when I saw my old classmate and sister-in-law smile at each other like no one else in the room mattered.
“You think she’s in love with him?”
I gave Jonah an ‘are you blind?’ look. “Of course she’s in love with him. The two of them had an instant attraction from the moment they were introduced. It was the same way I felt when Hunter introduced me to you.”
“Yeah, but with us it was just friendship.”
“No, to you it was just friendship. I always wanted more.”
Jonah cupped my face. “Why didn’t you tell me then?”
“Because I didn’t want to ruin our friendship and I never thought you saw me as anything but a friend.”
