Page 49 of Magic and Muffins

“And that government body is backing Mr. Ulv.” Cross’ gaze shifted to Hugh, and he nodded in his direction. “The person to ask is right there. I believe he was introduced to your station manager, something I know you were informed of. So this isn’t about discovering the truth.”

Rather than acknowledge his words, she asked, “You are a vampire, are you not?”

He nodded. “I am.”

“What is your opinion of the wolves savagely killing your fellow vampires?”

“It’s a good thing.”

She blinked. “Good? Doesn’t that mean he should kill you too?”

“He won’t. The recent videos released by Orphia Prince have raised concerns because it appears werewolves are killing innocent vampires. I’m here to clarify that the majority are not innocent.

“Because I understand the threat my kind poses to humans, Shepard and I have formed an agreement of sorts. And while Shepard and I are…let’s say friends, few of my race are as rational as I am or have the capability of friendship. Most are driven by a single desire—to feed on fresh human blood. Especially those who are newly turned.”

“Are you saying it’s okay for wolves to kill?”

“I’m saying wolves are doing what they were made to do. Hunt and kill vampires.”

“Is this like saying just because a leopard has spots, it’s okay for them to kill their prey?”

“Isn’t that your point as well? Vampires have the right to feed on humans because they have the teeth to do so?”

Cross withdrew a pamphlet from his pocket and held it up toward the camera. “This is an informational pamphlet being handed out on the streets by people working for Orphia Prince. If you would care to open it, it clearly states that vampires need blood to survive. What it doesn’t clearly state is how they feed or how many humans die because of their manic bloodlust while feeding.”

He set the pamphlet on the table and pushed it toward Denise.

“Across the world, there are agencies that manage species populations. Bans on killing certain creatures—elephants and fairies, for example. And licenses to keep certain populations low—such as bears and snakes.

“Exactly,” she said. “Licensedkilling.”

Shepard’s flush, which had started to fade, roared to life again.

Cross cut in before he could say anything. “I don’t understand why you think a piece of paper from the Department of Otherworld Security stating Shepard’s people have the authority to hunt vampires will hold more authority than what was already broadcast. Or perhaps you only believe the truth you speak. I must warn you, though, just because one person says something is true, doesn’t make it true.”

Denise sat up straighter at having her words thrown back at her.

“For the sake of argument,” she said, “let’s say the werewolves are legally hunting vampires. Even regular hunters know not to kill the weak or young.”

“Exactly. Yet, that’s what the vampires do, do they not?” Cross held up his hand to stall another question. “I’m simply explaining the current circumstances, which are quite bleak and will only worsen if you don’t let the wolves do what they were made to do. Stop the protesting, get out of their way, or be prepared to have a vampire suck you dry.”

Cross cocked his head to the side. “I’m willing to do you that favor now if you think it will help your views.”

She rapidly blinked at him, and he shrugged like it made no difference to him.

Cross let out a sigh. “The concerns your viewers have are valid. As I said, the majority of vampires are not innocent. For the few that are, I think there should be a better way to deal with this matter. However, reform will not happen today or even this year.

“What you see now, a vampire sitting next to a werewolf, has never been done before. And it took a lot of patience and understanding to make it happen. Though he and I can coexist peacefully, not every wolf and vampire can. Shepard and I are an exception to the rule. But that we are here together proves that change is possible with time. A lot of time.”

Denise’s gaze shifted to Shepard, noting his fisted hands.

“It doesn’t exactly look like a peaceful meeting.”

“You’re the one who upset him, not me. He quite likes me. Want me to prove it?”

Cross moved fast and kissed Shepard full on his lips. Shepard’s fragile control of his temper broke. He moved as fast as Cross and hit him hard across the jaw.

“Shepard!” I whispered harshly.

---