Page 42 of The Second Sight
Lily’s eyes flashed with fury, but she was too loyal to challenge me directly before the entire coven. Instead, she inclined her head in a gesture of respect that did nothing to mask her disapproval.
“Brother, do you want to start a war with them after all these years and after all we have lost?”
“You don’t have to remind me of our losses. I lost more than everyone here, but unlike some, I’m not afraid of the Brotherhood or their devil magic.”
“Of course, brother,” she said, her tone suggesting this conversation was far from over. “I’m merely expressing my concern. Harboring fae has been prohibited for years now, and the fae have only brought us nothing but grief in the past.”
“Us,” I laughed out, and the echoes bounced off the stone walls. “Most vampires here have never met any form of the fae, and vampires have never had any conflict with the Fae. The fae and, in this regard, the Yumboe people have never been our enemies.”
“Brother, I know but to risk it all for one half-human, half-fae you met at a nightclub.”
I held her gaze. Centuries of complex emotions passed between us in that silent exchange. “Times change, Lily. Perhaps it’s time our perspectives did as well.”
The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a blade. Every vampire present understood the weight of this moment. Their leader brought a half-fae woman into their sanctuary and defended her. It would spark debates, concerns, and possibly even challenges to my authority. But as I stood there, feeling Kasi’s warmth against my side, I found myself surprisingly unconcerned with the political ramifications. For the first time in longer than I could remember, something mattered more than power or position.
Someone mattered more.
“Come, sister, let’s talk more in my chamber.”
Lily walked into the room off to the left, and I turned to Kasi. “Wait here. I just need a moment with my sister.”
“You’re leaving me alone.” She asked, and I could see the panic radiating from her golden eyes.
“I will only be a few minutes. Absolutely no one will hurt you. You’re mine, and in my world that means something.”
“You called me your human.”
“I did.”
“Does that mean we’re like a couple? Like boyfriend and girlfriend.”
“Yes, that’s what it means, but it comes with my protection. Only some human men protect their women. All vampire men protect the women that we claim. Please, my love. Don’t worry. No one will harm you here.” I gave her a tender kiss on her forehead. “Do you trust me?”
“Yes. I do.” She gave me a smile that didn’t spread across her entire face.
“I will only be a few minutes. Look around. Do as you wish.”
“Okay.”
I left Kasi alone in a room with vampires. Most of them had already lost interest in her and were back to doing their jobs or back to the conversations they entertained before my presence. When I walked into my chamber, I closed the door behind me. Lily was sitting in a handcrafted chair in front of my desk. I ambled over to the other side of the desk and took my seat to face her.
“Sister, I need you on my side in all things.”
“Seven. Why now? Why this girl?” She rolled her eyes.
“I love her.” I true statement that didn’t hurt to proclaim.
“Love? You haven’t known her for more than a day.”
“Technically, it has been more than a day.”
“Fine, it appears you’ve tasted her? Is your mind hypnotized by the fairy blood? Legend says it’s intoxicating, and men fall in love with their enchanted blood.”
“No, Lily, I haven’t tasted her blood, and you know I am no ordinary man. Vampires can’t be bewitched by other supernaturals.”
“So why are you so infatuated with this one if you haven’t tasted her blood? It can’t be the sex. She’s half human. Humans are not the best at sex.”
“Kasi is human and half-fae. The sex is wonderful, but there is a deeper connection I have with her. It spans beyond the physical.”
