Page 28

“If things shift, as they can do quickly, we will need to fight,” Vincent announced. “Remember, we are the stronger race. If it’s a choice between humans or our race surviving, then I choose us.”

Fuck.

The urge to have Ella close to him and safe increased, making his heart rate increase. She’d asked him if his family was coming to Maine. He had asked, but they’d declined. Knowing his brother, Michael, was there to protect his mom and dad gave him some confidence, but the truth was, if the entire world ended up in a two-species conflict, it would be bloody and fast.

They all knew that.

“It’s just fucking insane,” Tristan said. “We’re being called everything from a disease to a science experiment gone wrong.”

Ari’s brows lifted just an inch, almost in humor.

Interesting.

“On a bright note, there’s a whole fanbase on TikTok looking to fall in love with a vampire. Check out #vampiretok and #suckme.” Logan laughed.

“Fall in love? Or fuck?” Darnell snorted, and they all laughed.

Oliver, Kurt, and Lance pulled out their phones and began to read out examples.

“Look at this one. Henry Cavill must be a vampire. He’s too perfect.” Oliver roared, throwing back his head.

“Oh my God.” Lance shook his head. “Listen to this; will donate blood for a hot vampire with an eight pack. Must eat pussy.”

Jesus Christ.

“What account name is that please?” Tristan asked and Kurt shoved him. “What? I’mresearching!”

Craig chuckled.

It didn’t take long for the room to turn somber once more as their minds turned back to enemy number one.

Mack wasn’t with the team in Seattle when they’d had to let Nikolay walk freely to save Isabella’s life, but he imagined it was one of the most frustrating moments in Brayden’s life.

“Mikhailov holds the wild card here. There is a chance of containing a global fight if this program reaches enough humans quickly,” Ari says. “However, if he finds a partner to produce and sell the serum...we’re fucked.”

The temperature in the room dropped a dozen degrees.

Arming millions of humans with a weapon that rendered vampires powerless—and was harmless to people—would see them all enslaved.

Humans had done it before to themselves, and still did it to animals. Most ignored the cruel practices right in front of their faces. There was no hope for vamps if they saw them as scary predators.

“We need to kill that fucker,” Craig growled. “Now.”

CHAPTER SIX

ELLA

Ella sat on the sofa and watched the vibrant and beautiful females around her. She felt like she was having an out-of-body experience. Princesses Willow and Isabella, Brianna, Madison, and Anna were clearly all best friends and for some reason, they’d invited her into their fold.

For tonight, at least.

“Look at these silver eyes, just like her daddy’s.” Brianna swooped Issy, as they called her, into the air.

“If Aunty Bri makes you sick, she’s cleaning it up.” Willow said in the same baby voice, mockingly.

The two females shared a look and giggled. Then Brianna sat down and handed the baby over to Ella.

Again?