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“And you’re droppingthis on us so casually,” Asher drawled, crossing his arms where he leaned against the wall with Jaxon. They’d taken point furthest from Imogen. We couldn’t allow them near her, so I hovered close to where I could rip her heart out, if necessary.

“I am simply an unbiased representative.” Gil Cain folded his arms on the table. Roberta, Sire of the Cain Coven would serve as one of the Council members during the trial. It meant he had all of the protections. If anything happened to him, every Coven involved would be investigated.

With Catalina’s situation, we couldn’t allow that to happen.

I’d seen this happen before, when Tobias had received a summons to serve as a Council member a few decades ago. The U.S Vampire Alliance contained a database with all Sires and the selection of Council members were on a rotation, fortunately, our Coven wouldn’t be summoned to do that bullshit for another few decades based off rotation.

Tobias rifled through the packet Gil handed him. Unbiased representative for now, soon he, along with the other ones in this Council, would vote to determine our fate. And if we did not likeit, it would pit all vampires against Crimson Coven Sires, turning us into sport.

He raised an eyebrow at Imogen perched right next to Gil. She had a stupid, smug grin that made me want to choke her until her throat popped.

This was the bitch that hurt my Beloved. She may have driven us into a corner, but we lived forever, eventually, I would be able to come for her and end her wretched existence.

She’d always been this way, impulsive and silly. Having Catalina had opened my eyes to just how much.

“This is ridiculous, Imogen,” Tobias said sharply, pulling me from my thoughts. “You want absolutely everything we’ve accumulated.”

“None of it would exist if it weren’t for me.” She leaned forward. “It began with me, and it will end with me.”

Gil cleared his throat, and he typed on the computer in front of him.

“Are you writing that down?” Imogen huffed.

“I am an unbiased observer.” And peacekeeper. He would have us stopped, if we attacked her or vice versa. I was not fooled. He likely had some device on to ensure his safety. If we attacked—it would lead to vampires coming for us in droves.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

I would do anything for my Coven. The one I never wanted to lose. The female I would always remain beside. Even if it meant biding my time for bloodshed.

“How did you convince Wrenhaven to torture you?” I asked.

Imogen clasped her chest with an offended gasp. “Gil, I would like this uncalled accusation chronicled in my claim.” She flicked her hair over her shoulder.

“Wrenhaven?” Gil interjected, raising an eyebrow. “This is the first I’m hearing his name was involved.”

“He is not,” Imogen sniped. “We had the slightest disagreement, and we handled it ourselves.” Lies. They worked together. Wrenhaven likely knew everything and worked to help her, but to keep his hands clean, she would feign ignorance.

It worked in Imogen’s favor, but in a moment’s notice she would turn on him to save her hide.

“This is a conflict of interest. We may have to find another for the trial,” Gil’s fingers flew over his phone screen.

“Why would it be a conflict of interest?” I narrowed my eyes.

“He’s part of the current Council.”

“He needs to be removed,” Tobias hissed. He hadn’t looked in Imogen’s direction, since we entered the private area Talia had cleared out for the meeting before our arrival.

Imogen hissed and stood, slamming her palms on the flat of the table.

“You understand how the system works, Tobias. His service had come up, but an investigation will be conducted. If there has been collusion, he will be removed.”

“Are we done here?” Imogen straightened and smoothed her palms down her dress.

“We’re done here.” Gil pushed his chair back as he stood. “Your presence is required in a fortnight, location to be disclosed via electronic means on the day prior. You are allowed fifteen witnesses.” He shut the laptop and tucked it under his arm.

“We don’t have to do this,” Imogen said, her eyes widening slightly. “Would you like to return to my side, Jaxon?” Jax didn’t turn to look at her. “What about my little brother?”