Page 48 of Bite The Power That Feeds

Truth be told, Kingsnake’s brothers had made this transition far easier. I wouldn’t have my own family, but I would always have them. “I would have chosen this, in time, but it would have always been hard. I wish there were another way.”

“Would you prefer the both of you to be mortal?”

“In a perfect world.”

“Why?”

“That’s how it’s supposed to be. How we can have children.”

“Imagine if we could. Then literally everybody would want to be a vampire.”

“I don’t know about everybody, but it would be desirable.”

His arms remained on his knees. “I think children are overrated, personally.”

“You do?”

“I mean, look at us. We’re just a bunch of assholes.”

“None of you guys are assholes.”

“Come on.” He nudged me in the side. “Don’t pretend Aurelias isn’t the biggest prick you’ve ever met.”

“I actually really like him.”

He gave me an incredulous stare.

“I mean, not right at first…”

He chuckled then took another drink from his canteen.

“Does Clara have reservations about that?”

“No. She’s not one of those women who’s obsessed with having kids. She says she’s indifferent.”

“Then she’ll probably join you.”

“Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “Hope she does. Because this is the first time I’ve felt this way, and I doubt it’ll ever happen again.”

* * *

We finally returned to Grayson, and it felt like an eternity since we’d been here. The place was exactly as it had been, completely restored to its glory before the battles. The ash from the pyres had washed away in the rain, as well as the blood from the dead. It was overcast and cool, the clouds a thick blanket in the sky. It didn’t rain, but random drops of precipitation struck our skin from time to time.

“I need a shower,” Cobra said. “And a drink.”

“I need a real bed,” Viper said.

“Old man,” Cobra said under his breath.

Viper punched him hard in the shoulder, making Cobra jerk sideways.

They were kings and generals, but brothers all the same.

“I’ll travel to Crescent Falls in the morning and speak to Father,” Kingsnake said.

“That sounds like a job for all three of us,” Cobra said. “Four, if Aurelias were available.”

“I wish to speak to him in private.” Kingsnake’s tone was clipped, like it wasn’t up for negotiation. “Larisa will stay here. Please keep an eye on her in my stead.”