Page 232 of Blood Day

“No, he’s watching Jolene.” His lips curled. “Another overlooked history on Lilith’s part.”

Cedric considered that for a moment, his mind revealing everything he knew about Jolene. He used to be the Clemente Clan Alpha and had served with his two mates. That was back in an era when wolves had valued their mates, which had changed under Lilith’s rule. Because she’d done everything in her power to belittle any and all relationship formations.

Which is exactly what Khalid has already said,Cedric mused to himself.This world encourages selfishness. It causes everyone to think about themselves and not others. To degrade personal friendships and mateships. It goes beyond brainwashing humans and extends to all of us…

But those with a history wouldn’t be able to erase those feelings with ease,he concluded.

Those like Jolene and…“His triad,” Cedric finished out loud.

“His triad,” Khalid echoed, respect brimming in his gaze. “Jolene has never appreciated this new world. And he’s not the only one. Which is why I said a war is coming. I don’t know who is going to win, but I refuse to lose my territory over it.”

The vehemence in his tone seemed to vibrate through the plane, all signs of his amusement having fled behind his statement.

“I also won’t be giving up the resources I’ve worked hard to groom and protect to help clean up the messes of others,” he added. “If they didn’t have the foresight to figure this out, that’s their problem. Not mine.”

Cedric fell silent for a long moment before quietly saying, “You’ve gone to great lengths to keep this hidden.”

“I have,” Khalid agreed. “And I’ll go to even greater lengths to keep it secure.”

A threat, Cedric translated. “The fact that you’ve shared all this with me means I either accept your offer or die.”

“Yes.” No hesitation, just a blunt reply.

“And what exactly will I be doing as your sovereign?” Cedric pressed. “Because your society clearly doesn’t work like the one I know.”

“You will help me maintain the mirage,” Khalid answered simply. “And when the time comes, you’ll help me secure my territory.”

“So you won’t be joining the resistance?” Cedric hedged, his eyebrow arching upward. “I mean, you clearly agree with their opinion on this way of life. Why not fight with them?”

“I may,” he replied. “But only when I decide they are worthy of my assistance. Until then, my sole focus is on my protecting my land and my people. And I take that very seriously.”

“Seriously enough to spend over six months at the university as a Master, just to observe me,” Cedric translated.

“Well, that’s not entirely true. I’ve been watching you for decades. I went to the university to meet Lily because I’d taken note of your fascination with her. But then I stumbled upon Emine instead. Such a sweet little mirage.” He glanced at the newly turned vampire, the two of them sharing some sort of secret.

I suspected that secret involved his nickname for her.Mirage. Like the mirages he uses to hide from Goddess Lilith?I wondered.

Cedric had caught the look as well, noting the intensitybetween them. However, he didn’t press for information, his mind instead mulling over everything Khalid had told us.

It almost seems too good to be true,he thought at me.But if he’s telling the truth…

He didn’t finish the sentence, but I understood well enough.

We were going to Khalid Region and would soon see for ourselves if it was true. And if everything he’d shown us was real, then we would either stay…

Or die.

“I imagine you both would like some time to digest everything I’ve shared. There’s so much more to all of this, including the games currently being played within the Blood Alliance. But we can go through that in time, once you’ve reached your decision.”

He moved away from the table, taking his empty glass and Emine’s finished drink with him to the bar area.

“As I mentioned earlier, you’re free to use the shower in the bedroom at the back of the jet.” He glanced at Cedric. “I won’t bother you until we land in Khalid Region, so feel free to use the bed as well. I imagine your pet is exhausted from her experience.”

I swallowed. While he wasn’t wrong… I wasn’t sure I could sleep after everything I’d just learned.

“I suggest locking yourselves inside. The sofas out here turn into a bed, and I fully intend to use that to entertain my little mirage.”

Emine remained stoic but slightly bowed her head. I wasn’t sure what that meant—acceptance? Dread? Just a token of submission?