Page 121 of Craving Carla

Surprisingly, it’s just right—perfect, actually. The blood is measured precisely, the temperature ideal. I set the mug downon the coffee table and motion for Carla to come to me. When she approaches, I pull her into my lap with ease.

She squirms, trying to maintain some dignity in front of Bobby, but I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear.

“Bobby can hear me, but he’ll remain respectful,” I whisper. “Enough, Carla. Stop being a brat in front of company, or I do owe you that bear fuck.”

She gasps, turning to look at me with wide eyes, then relaxes her body against mine, settling into my lap as I return my attention to Bobby.

“I called you here for good reason,” I tell him, resting my hand on Carla’s thigh. “I need to make some shifts within the company.”

Bobby sets his coffee mug down on the table, straightening his posture. “Whatever you need, My Lord.”

“Your work while I’ve been on Wintermoon has been impressive. You haven’t failed a single mission,” I say, feeling Carla’s curious gaze on my face.

“Thank you, My Lord,” Bobby responds, inclining his head slightly.

I take a deep breath, knowing what I’m about to say will change everything. “I’m not returning to Detroit, not for the foreseeable future. I will be establishing my coven here on Wintermoon from now on, but I’d like to keep the company running.”

Carla turns to look at me, her brow furrowed. “What are you doing?” she whispers.

I wink at her, then focus back on Bobby.

“You’ve been a loyal lieutenant, Bobby,” I continue. “Always down to support the cause.”

Bobby’s expression softens. “I owe you everything, My Lord. You gave me a second chance at life.” He straightens hisshoulders, pride evident in his posture. “It has been an honor helping you fight back against the system.”

I study him for a moment. “You seem afraid.”

Bobby shifts uncomfortably in his seat, his fingers tapping against his knee—a nervous habit he’s had since I turned him. “Yes,” he admits. “I am afraid that you are about to set me free.”

“It’s not a bad thing to be set free from your sire,” I say, remembering my own journey away from Damon’s influence. “It means you’ve outgrown them and it’s time to go off on your own and do better things.”

“No,” Bobby says firmly, shaking his head. “That’s where you’re wrong. I live to serve the cause—the dismantling of white supremacy.”

I sigh, Amir’s words still in my mind. “I’m going to give you some advice that I should have listened to. It took coming to Wintermoon to understand it.” I look him directly in the eyes. “‘To interfere with human affairs is to bind yourself to human suffering.’”

Bobby’s eyes narrow slightly. “What are you saying? Are you saying we should give up and let humans do what they keep doing?”

“After all the years of trying, has it stopped? Have we made any progress?” I ask, leaning forward. “In fact, things are regressing. Humans are self-imploding, and there’s nothing we can do about it.”

Bobby stands abruptly, his fists clenched at his sides. “That may be true, but to sit back and watch my own people continue to put up with this shit? That... I will not do.”

I smile, recognizing the fire in his eyes—the same fire that has driven me for centuries. “I see a lot of myself in you, Bobby. That’s why I turned you.” I pause, letting the words settle. “And that’s exactly why I must let you go.”

“Please, My Lord,” Bobby says quickly, his voice edged with panic. “I didn’t mean to get out of line.”

I hold up my hand, and Bobby immediately stops speaking, sitting back down. Carla shifts in my lap, turning to face me, shaking her head and silently urging me to stop. I place a finger gently against her lips, silencing her protests, and give her a wink.

“I have done what I can for humanity,” I continue. “And I will always regret the mistakes my people made. But my place is with my fated mate on Wintermoon. I won’t be returning to Medina Corp.”

Bobby’s shoulders slump slightly, resignation washing over his features.

“I’m releasing you from your duties, effective immediately,” I say, watching his expression carefully.

His face falls, his eyes dropping to the floor as if I’ve just crushed something precious.

“But,” I add, “I’m also signing the company over to you.”

Bobby’s head snaps up, his eyes wide with disbelief. “What?”