Page 82 of Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

“The sirens are a danger to us all,” Marcus explained gently. “You will give up your siren magic and become like us. Don’t you wish to live forever with your mate?”

“It does not matter what she wishes.” Selah rose from her throne, her voice filling the room. “There can be no mortal Queen. It endangers the source of all magic. Perhaps, you should remember we can still prevent your marriage to Julian. It would be a shame if that happened…Or if something happened to him.”

My magic rose, white-hot in my veins at her words—at the threat to my mate. Veiled or not. I curled my fists trying to decide between unleashing my power or ripping my throat out with her bare hands.

“Don’t,” Aurelia said softly, taking a step closer as if to stop me. “We are outnumbered.”

I’d forgotten about the silent Council members and their bodyguards. I might make it to Selah, but I doubted I would get a single in before I was stopped.

“I cannot become a vampire,” I said coldly, looking from Marcus to Sabine and ignoring everyone else. “My life is linked to my mate’s life. There is every possibility that if I die, he will die, too. But more importantly, I will not be forced to change to suit your prejudice.”

A few of the Council members gasped. Selah gazed at me, her eyes twin daggers drawn and ready for a fight. Marcus sighed, the sound weighted with centuries of regret and frustration.

But I could have sworn Sabine was holding back a smile.

“Le Regine has enjoyed freedom over their own affairs because we allowed it, but it seems you are unwilling to carry on this tradition.” Selah sniffed.

“The tradition of being bullied into doing whatever you say?” I asked. “Yep, I’m unwilling to carry that on.”

To my surprise, Marcus moved forward, extending a gloved hand. “Please reconsider. Vampires face more enemies than ever before and with the return of magic, there are other creatures—powerful creatures—that will hunt all of us. We must be strong. We must show a united front.”

“Or maybe, you could show them all that you aren’t elite pricks,” I told him. “Having other magical creatures on the thrones will unite us, if you allow it.”

“Next, she’ll tell us we should give thrones to werewolves or Fae.”

Aurelia flinched at the disgust in her tone. I was equally appalled. I’d seen vampires belittle the witches, but it seemed their prejudice wasn’t limited to just the familiars.

I didn’t back down an inch. “Why not? Vampires aren’t the only ones with magic.”

“Of course the siren”— she spit the word toward me— “wants to change our traditions.”

I shook my head. “It’s the twenty-first century. Act like it. We might have different magic, but sharing it will only make us stronger.”

“She makes a good point.” Jacqueline stepped to my side. “With magic awake—“

“We didn’t ask your opinion.” Sabine brandished a long finger her direction. “And there are many reasons why we should never allow other creatures on the throne, especially a Fae.”

“Maybe that’s your problem.” Jacqueline crossed her arms. She didn’t even blink under Sabine’s withering stare. “The Vampire Council thinks it knows what our kind needs, but maybe you don’t.”

“Treachery!” one of the seated vampires yelled.

“It’s common sense!” Jacqueline shouted back. “The world has changed. We have to change with it. Adapt or die.”

“She’s right.” Camila moved to her side.

Selah’s eyes narrowed as we marched toward Sabine’s daughter. “Your opinion is not welcome here. Not after you aligned with those terrorists.”

“The Mordicum aren’t terrorists.” Camila shrugged. “They simply want to even the playing field.”

Selah recoiled as if she wanted to put space between her and Camila. “By killing pureblood vampires.”

“How else are they supposed to get your attention?” Camila tipped her head and smiled.

“Sabine, your daughter is treading dangerous ground,” Marcus warned her.

Sabine inclined her head before turning toward Camila. “You aren’t here to accompany Thea, are you?”

We all looked at her. My stomach churned as I finally considered all the reasons she might have chosen to come along. I couldn’t help worrying that Jacqueline’s feelings had kept her from seeing the possibility that Camila might be working against us.

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