Page 73 of Dark Reckoning
“How do you know?” asked Sage's bodyguard. Shi! That was her name.
“I know because I refused to help until I knew why we were all suffering,” she said.
I looked at Salino, just like everyone else did, and he sighed.
“I'm not going to apologize for my actions.”
“Why would you? You're selfish,” said the alpha.
“Yes, I am. And yet, I'm here, doing my part.”
“Only because you won't die,” she said.
“And would you be here, sitting on your high horse if the spell called for our lives?” Salino asked.
She growled and considering how calming the spell was, she must have hated Salino more than I did to be able to release such rage. “None of us would be here if not for you and your mages.”
“Yes, me and my powerful mages. I'd watch my mouth if I were you,” Salino shot back. “As I'm sure my hybrid child wouldn't mind another territory.”
“Don't you threaten me,” she snarled as her muscled flexed, preparing to attack. “You're not the only one with a powerful mage as a friend.”
“But mine can't refuse me,” Salino retorted and his eyes flashed red. “And before you run off at the mouth again, please know... I am the only vampire emperor in the world.”
My eyes were as wide as the alphas at his revelation. “What do you mean?” I asked.
Salino turned to me. “I mean, that as of last night, over a million vampires are at my command. And we are even more powerful. So, yes, my mages and I unleashed a Dark God. That is unfortunate. However, I wouldn't change a thing. Because now I am the most powerful vampire in the world and my reach is vast. One of my children is also the King of a powerful lion pride as well as a mage on the Echelon Imperial Council along with his lover. I have faith that they will fix this. So, keep your insults to yourself. I care not to hear them.”
Shi smacked her lips and took a sip of her beer. “That was a lot of chest thumping.”
“Just letting everyone know where I stand,” Salino said.
I was quiet as I digested the words Salino had spoken. Over a million vampires were now at his command. I had only a little over a thousand griezels at mine. He was the only vampire emperor, and more powerful? How powerful... what else had changed?
“You said that you're more powerful now... how?” I asked.
“As if I'd give that away. Don't concern yourself, Damon. I will not seek to take over your territory. I have more than enough,” Salino said.
I rolled my eyes at that, the bastard. I looked at the alpha and she glared at Salino with enough venom to kill instantly. But even she remained silent. Shi laughed and ate an egg roll from the appetizer platter.
“Why are you laughing?” asked the alpha, her gaze panning to Shi.
“Well, because that was a lot of postering between rulers. It was quite the show. Entertaining, if you will,” Shi said, then took another bite of her egg roll.
“And who are you and why are you here?” the alpha asked, an annoyed look on her face.
“Because I never leave my King's side, bitch,” Shi replied. “And yes, I meant that as an insult, with you being a female dog and all.”
The alpha growled and her muscles tensed and Shi laughed again, which angered the alpha even more. So much so, her eyes glowed blue.
“You can calm down, the spell they put in this room squashed all of that aggression,” Shi said. “And trust me, you don't want this smoke.”
“You're a fraction of my age, little pussy. I can sense it. I will fuck you up,” the alpha said.
“Bring it, bitch,” Shi shot back.
There was a cough and it was enough to get everyone's attention.
“I would like to remind everyone to please keep cool heads. If you cannot do so on your own, I will intervene,” Zendel said, and he released something that rushed over us so powerful, it pinned me to my chair. “Have I made myself clear?”
