“You wanted me to give you information, dangling freedom as the reward. You also wanted me to give up on the war, with the same reward offered. It seems regardless of what I do or what you want from me, I’m locked up here and my cause is done for regardless. That makes me believe this is all a game for you.”

I smiled. “Is that all?”

“Does anything else matter?” He retorted.

“You have no idea…” I said, letting the last word drag out a few ticks longer than necessary.

“What is that supposed to mean?” he asked.

“What would I get if I let you go and promised you an immortal army?” I asked. “What would you give me?”

Collin’s eyes lit up. His lips curved up slightly in the corners. “You’re lying.”

Scratch that. Collin would make an astounding vampire. “What have you got to lose?”

He sat up straighter. “Now we’re talking.”

“Not yet we’re not. You still have to answer my question,” I said.

“Are all vampires tit for tat?” he asked.

“Mostly. But that still doesn’t answer my question,” I said.

“What is it you want?” he asked, almost willing to do anything for his quest.

I laughed. Hard. “Oh, I very much so like you.”

“Good to know. What sort of assurances do I have that you’ll keep your word?” he asked. All pretenses of fearing for his life had fallen to the side. He was all business. Focused on his goal. To what end his goal would serve had remained to be seen.

My curiosities were growing with this man, and I wanted to see where they led.

“You don’t have any. You’re not in the position to have any. But in order to get my help, you have to give me something in return. Nothing comes for free,” I said.

“Fine,” he said and fell silent for a few moments.

“What would you do to get what you want?” I asked, encouraging him to think deep. “How far would you go to see this through?”

His gaze met mine. They were cold, calculating, predatory. Perfect for a vampire. “I would do anything.”

“Anything?” I asked.

He nodded. “Say the word, and I’ll do it. No questions asked. So long as I get my army.”

“Interesting,” I said. “Is there anything you wouldn’t do?”

“Not that I can think of,” he said.

“Remember who, and what, it is you are talking to,” I said. “I might take your words as an invitation.”

He snorted. “If you drain me, you wouldn’t have to give me the army.”

“Although what you said is true,” I said. “I wasn’t referring to draining you. I’m an honest businessman, after all.”

Collin laughed under his breath. “If you say so.”

I smiled. “I can see we are done here. I will consider my options and let you know once I make a decision.”

His eyes became full of hope. That was precisely where I wanted him.