Page 72 of Mortal Blood
“I am indeed a vampire. And I fathered you on that human woman.”
I opened my mouth, decided what was about to come out would do nothing to prevent my untimely demise, and snapped it shut again. See? I could make smart choices.
“What I dispute, daughter, is that the draconian law to which you refer is anything short of ridiculous. Lesser creatures should not attempt to govern their betters.”
“Yeah, every asshole I’ve ever spoken to has felt the same way.”
…so much for the smart choices.
My father’s lips pinched together in disapproval. “You have poor manners. Had I been able to keep you by my side, you would better understand your place in the world.”
“Oh, I understand it just fine, thanks.”
“That I doubt greatly, or you would mind your manners around me.”
“And why would you think I’d give a shit about that, afterwhat you did to my mom?”
Tension ripped across his jaw, and my fa—
“What’s your name?” I blurted. Because I really didnotwant to think of this guy as my father. He was notthatto me. I’d managed just fine without one my whole life, and I wasn’t interested in changing that now.
“Oh, how remiss of me, Callista. I am Ezekiel of the Daemonoctis Clan. And you, daughter, are my life’s work.” He waved a hand dismissively. “Or at least, the last half-dozen decades of it.”
“How old are y— Actually, I don’t care. Why did you bring me here? I’m guessing it wasn’t because you harbor some deep-seated desire to get to know me. Why did you even—” Ew, no, there was no way to get that sentence out without it sounding gross, or involving me picturing this guy with my mom, doing the horizontal ta—Ah, just great. That image was never going away.
“Why did I father you? I have my reasons. But I wonder, do you even understand what you are?”
“I’m a dhampir. Half human, half vampire, fully illegal, and hated by just about everyone. Thanks for that, by the way.”
I clenched my fists, anger and resentment churning through me. Everything I’d struggled with my whole life was because of him and his choices. Because he’d chosen to interfere where he didn’t belong.
“So yeah, I understand perfectly well what I am,” I said coldly. “An outcast. Never fully belonging in the human world or the supernatural one.”
My father arched an eyebrow. “Is that self-pity I detect?Perhaps I was wrong. You are weak, just like your mother.”
His words were like a slap. “Don’t you dare talk about her!”
“She was a foolish girl who meant nothing to me,” he said dismissively.
“Then why?” I demanded. “Why…seduce her at all? Why father a child if she meant so little to you?”
Something dangerous flashed in his eyes. “I have my reasons. Not that I owe you any explanation.”
“The hell you don’t!” I shot back. “You turned my life upside down for your own agenda. I think that’s the very least you owe me.”
In a flash he was across the clearing, hand clamped around my throat. His fangs glinted as he snarled into my face.
“You forget your place, girl. I am your sire and you will show respect.”
Gasping, I clawed at his hand, wishing I knew how to use my own fangs, or even shift on command. “Respect...is earned.”
I kneed him hard and his grip loosened. I twisted free, heart hammering as I backed off a few paces. He looked momentarily impressed.
“You have spirit,” he mused. “Very well, I will tell you this much. Your birth was deliberate, Callista. As I said, my life’s work. I have great plans for you.”
His smile sent chills through me. I needed to get out of here, now. Whatever sinister ‘plans’ he had, I wanted nothing to do with them.
Slowly I backed further away, body coiled, ready to fight…or do the smart thing, and run like there were hellhounds onmy heels. Either way, I didn’t give a shit why he’d created me. I wouldneverbe his pawn.
