Page 110 of Bitten Vampire

“With what?”

“The visions, obviously.”

“Well, I’m completely tapped out. I managed to see Valdarr, but that was it. Now I’m wondering if I wasted the chance.”

“No, you didn’t. You did the right thing. We’ve had so many changes; with our liege missing it was impossible not to panic. Clans need a powerful leader to keep everyone safe. The average lifespan of a newly turned vampire is three years, because our world is so dangerous.”

I shake my head; I knew things were bad, but not that bad.

“Vampires are volatile. Something in the genetics means many of us lose our humanity; we become psychopaths. You might think I’m a fuddy-duddy, obsessed with rules and procedure, but I’ve watched friends change. Even whenthat doesn’t happen, living so long wrecks a brain that was never built for it. It’s like vampire Alzheimer’s—eventually they go blood-crazy.”

Like the Grand Master.

“Look, about the visions… I don’t know how your power works, but if anything had happened to My liege last night, you’d never have forgiven yourself. At least you went all in.”

I blow out a breath, my hair fluttering around my face. “It’s just… if it were only me, I’d be fine. I wouldn’t feel so?—”

“—neurotic?” he offers.

“Anxious,” I snap, though I can’t help smiling. “But because it’s Val?—”

“You’re terrified,” he says gently. “You really do love him, don’t you?”

“Yes. I do.” I fold my arms across my chest, hugging myself. “Yes, even though his father is evil, Valdarr is still… a good man.”

“He’s good, but he’s ruthless. You don’t want to see him angry.”

“Yeah, well, I guess you don’t survive a thousand years by being soft.”

“Or by being stupid,” James mutters. “You’ve got to trust him to handle this now.”

“But the difference is, the last time we went to The Hall of Silence, I saw us die—over and over—and nothing he did could protect us.”

“Yet you protected him. You took over, dealt with the situation. That’s what a good partnership does, each takingturns. Be that way again—calm, focused. And you are going to tell them, right? When you register as a day-walker, also register as an oracle. Do that proud know-it-all thing you do, and make them think you’ve already seen what’s coming. If you stay calm and confident, they’ll never risk killing us, because they’ll assume you’ve foreseen it and changed the outcome. Reverse psychology.” He taps his temple. “Make them think you’ve seen it all, even though you haven’t. They’ll be too busy panicking about what you might know.”

“You know what? That’s… actually genius.”

“Of course it is. I’m basically a tactical mastermind.”

I grin, and before I can stop myself, kiss him on the cheek. “Thanks, James. You are a superstar.”

He splutters. “Don’t be leaving your spit on me—my liege will know!”

“Your liege will know what?”

We both jump as my vampire strolls into the room, wearing an infuriatingly knowing grin.

“Have you been kissing my mate, James?”

“No! No, no, no!” James throws up a hand, tablet clutched to his chest. “I’ve been helping her with podcasts and giving her life tips. No kissing from me. None at all. Oh, look at the time. I need to finish the paperwork: Accord Codes 201.2, 206.1, and 208.4, mate-bond registration, day-walker certification, and oracular-precognition forms. MB-1, DW-3, OM-9. We’ll need seals and signatures before we leave.”

He bolts, practically tripping over himself as he leaves the room.

I watch him go and giggle. “That was hilarious.”

Valdarr smiles faintly. “I’m glad you’re getting along.”

“Yeah, he’s all right.”