Page 39 of Blood Day: Part One

When Lily had questioned me in the car, I’d been thrilled. That was why I’d divulged so much information to her afterward. It had taken courage on her part to ask such a question. And it was a simple one, too. The kind of question a human would have asked with ease two centuries ago.

But not now.

Now they barely even looked at supernaturals, let alone spoke freely to them.

But my Lily had shown a hint of strength beneath all those submissive layers, and I intended to start coaxing that part of her out to play.

A dangerous desire, considering her future. Alas, that was a problem we’d address in time.

For now, I’d help her blossom and enjoy the short time she had left on this earth.

I ran my fingers through her silky blonde hair, then worked on my reply to Silvano. I suggested we meet at the next Blood Day to discuss it, which was a little under nine months away. That would give me time to finish out my course regimen for the year and also create a new excuse for avoiding his request.

His increased pestering of late told me I was running out of time. He’d want a formal response to his political request soon.

Which meant I’d probably end up a sovereign in the next few years.

Because no one denied Silvano and survived it.

I didn’t mind the position or the responsibility that came with it, but I didn’t want to be under my Sire’s thumb more than I already was. He’d turned me over three thousand years ago, and we’d ventured in separate directions ever since.

We both adored blood and violence.

But I preferred a physical fight, while he enjoyed torture. It had allowed us to be a powerful duo once. However, his sanity of late felt a bit lacking.

He loved this new world order, enjoyed taking out his superiority on the humans and forcing them to bow at his feet.

I found it all a bit droll.

There were benefits.

And there were negatives.

Such as the beauty lying beside me.

She should be in a field somewhere, picking flowers and lazing in the sun. Not attending a university meant to indoctrinate mortal slaves.

“You definitely shouldn’t be in my class,” I added aloud, my fingers returning to her hair. “My course is all about murder and darkness, and you’re life and light personified.” I studied her delicate features once more, then checked on her arm again.

The Blood University had practically starved her, which was part of what made her so fragile.

I had no doubt she could be a fighter, if that was what she truly desired in life. But not under these circumstances.

Harming her in class tonight had been more difficult than I’d anticipated. I’d nearly killed her partner for laying a hand on her. Which was partly why I’d allowed the female to be so badly injured in the next round—I’d been distracted by my own murderous rage.

Then I’d chastised myself for setting up the failure.

But she needed to understand that perfect form meant nothing against someone twice her size.

“Maybe I’ll show you how to use other means to your advantage,” I told her as I drew my touch up her sternum to her neck. “I bet you would be handy with a blade.”

Although, Vigils weren’t given weapons often. Only the most trusted among them were given machine guns.

Which required muscle and size.

And at least a decade of training within the Vigil unit.

She’d never survive that. Not with the way this world had stacked its cards against her.