Page 64 of Isabel and the Werewolf Beast

That was the way we worked. We’d say how we felt about something the other did and then the other person would acknowledge it. Then it would be over to no longer be discussed in any way.

“What happened?” Dante asked.

“The usual. Differences in our species caused conflict. Vampires became more and more refined while werewolves became more animalistic. They drifted apart.”

“That doesn’t explain the killing.”

“No. It was the human discovery of vampires that generated that. Humans hunted us. Staked us in the heart. Burned. Beaten. You name it, the humans tried it on us. The professors discovered a document stating the werewolves outed us to the humans while keeping themselves a secret. Instead of outing the werewolves, we killed them. If they wanted to be our enemy, then we’d fight them ourselves, not use humans to do our dirty work.”

“Humans are for eating,” Maximus said.

“Exactly, if we’d used the humans to retaliate against the werewolves, then who knows what war would have ensued and how many would have lost their lives? We need human blood to survive while werewolves survive on the meat of animals,” Lucian said.

I sat back in the chair. Dante rubbed my shoulders in a soothing caress.

“So, I’m dating our enemy for real.”

“Yes.”

“But neither of us remembers why we’re enemies. Surely enough time has passed that we can move on from this feud. Humans only think of vampires as a myth now.”

“Time doesn’t matter to those who were there when it happened.”

“You mean the professors?”

“Yes. They are the oldest of vampires. They remember everything.”

“Will they kill us?”

Lucian looked out of the window. “The actions of the professors can’t be determined.”

“Well,” I said, standing. “I intend to ask them.”

“Isabel, that’s not a good idea.”

“Why? If a werewolf told humans about vampires years ago, what does that have to do with us today?Humans don’t hunt us. We have plenty to feed on. The two werewolves I’ve spoken to instead of killing on sight have turned out to be likable. Should we keep punishing them for their ancestor’s mistake?”

“They’re ancient and set in their ways.” Lucian returned his gaze to my face. “They’re the primeval.”

“And they’ve used us for too long to do their dirty work. I say no more blindly following orders that make little sense.”

Loud noises arose from outside the castle breaking off my tirade. The steady hum of voices drifted through the window even though they were closed. A knock echoed on the front door then it slammed open so hard we heard it inside the library.

“Isabel, I’m here to collect you,” Silas called out.

“Oh, hell, no.” Dante stood in front of me. “You two, get her out of here. I’ll kill Silas.”

“Dante, don’t be ridiculous. We’ll all handle this together.”

“No, mate.” He spun around so fast that he was a blur. He hoisted me over his shoulder and then deposited me in Lucian’s arms. “My job is to protect you.”

“Lucian, put me down.” I kicked my legs, but Maximus grabbed them. “You’re being a bunch of idiots.”

“He’s already cursed you and decapitated you. Do you think I’ll give him another chance to get near you?” Lucian said, carrying me toward the secret passageway through the bookcase.

Maximus grabbed inside the bookcase, found the secret button and a bookcase swung inward to the passageway.

“That is very cool,” Dante said. “I intend for you to show me all your secrets when I’m finished with Silas.”

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