Page 19 of Mostly Shattered

Gee. Thanks?

He’s one to talk. He looks like he’s on death’s door. I’d be worried if he weren’t immortal.

Come to think of it, maybe I should worry. Immortality is a misnomer. Immortals can die under the right circumstances. My uncle might be an elitist prick, but he’s still family. The polite thing would be to ask him about his health.

“We won’t tell your mother about the feedings,” Mortimer continues. “She wouldn’t approve. You’re smart to keep the bite marks hidden.”

I want to tell him he’s stupid and doesn’t knowwhat he is talking about. I don’t. That would make me an idiot.

“I wish you would have sought my counsel before taking up with him. I understand you might feel a little rebellious after Conrad’s passing. Death has that effect on some. I myself have enjoyed a tryst or two with the darker side. But vampiric alliances are not for the faint of heart. Constantine is powerful, to be sure, and he is an ambitious choice for a mortal, even one with your connections, but there are protocols in place for good reason.” Mortimer stops walking, forcing me to do the same. “He’s not the forever kind, Tamara. He won’t marry you, at least not for any reason you would want.”

He turns to me. His brow furrows in thought. After a few seconds, his expression softens as if he’s forcing himself to look caring. It’s not convincing.

“I understand that, at twenty-eight and mortal, you feel the pressure of time. Your life will be over soon.” His hand lifts to my hair, and he awkwardly pats me like some family pet. “The idea of immortality must be a great temptation, but… vampirism?”

“Grandfather liked him.” I don’t know what makes me defend Costin. It’s not like I care. I don’t want to be turned into a vampire, and I don’t want to be someone’s portable feeder blood bag.

“My father had a soft spot for…” Mortimer holds up his hands. I see the faint swirl of blue magic wrapping his pinkie finger before dissipating. “He would not have wanted a vampire to join the family, especially not one as powerful and feared as Constantine. Alliances need to be carefully planned. The joining of the most powerful magical family and a master vampire who rules all of North America will not make the other vampire broods happy. I know it’s difficult for you to understand, but there is a delicate balance to the supernatural world that must be maintained. Wars have broken out over less. I have seen great empires fall. This is not just about you. I’m sure you’re aware of Constantine’s sister. We do not want Elizabeth to take over if the vampires rebel. And we don’t want the European vampires thinking we’re part of some vampiric uprising.”

I should tell him I’m not dating Costin, but his arrogance is irritating, so I decide to let him fret over it.

I meet his gaze. “My relationship with Costin is my business.”

It’s not a lie. There just isn’t much of a relationship.

His eyes narrow, as if answering my silent challenge. All softness leaves his expression. “Everything you do is family business. There is an order to things, whether or not you like it.” He taps his finger against his palm to emphasize his meaning.Tiny bursts of magic light up with each contact. “The family must be preserved and protected.”

All this talk about my love life and family business is worrisome. There is more to his visit than picking out my burial arrangements. I have a feeling I’m not going to like where this evening is heading.

“Anthony is expected to carry on the bloodline.” Mortimer tries to bury his frustration, but I can hear it leaking from his tone. “He’s young. He has time to find someone.”

Ironically, Anthony is older than me.

And my brother isn’t exactly on the procreation track.

“You’re innocent. It’s not your fault you’re mortal. You can’t help it,” he continues.

I brace myself for the patronizing speech I feel coming.

“You don’t understand the real world. You never had to. Your parents babied you because of your mortality. It’s time to grow up. Rival factions will try to use you as a pawn, as a way to worm themselves into our family. Mortality makes you vulnerable, and there are those who would take advantage.” He awkwardly pats me again. “You must trust your elders. We will guide you. We know what is best for you and for the family.”

I want to leave, but there is nowhere to run. I won’t make it to the elevator before he stops me. Ihate being petrified by magic—not knowing what happens when I’m unaware.

Maybe I can escape with Anthony on a shipping container to Africa? That idea sounds better and better.

“Whatever happened with you and Jasper Blackwood?” Mortimer studies me expectantly.

When have I ever, in the history of my existence, made my uncle think I wanted to discuss my love life with him? Jasper was my last boyfriend, well, not counting alternate-timeline Paul.

“The Blackwoods are a solid family from an old line of magic,” Mortimer insists.

“Jasper cheated on me.” That fact might embarrass some, but I see it as his weakness, not mine. “He was only with me because he wanted to be close to the family. He kept asking about shipping schedules and wanted to know how much family money I could access. If you’re looking for worms circling the family apple, there’s one.”

My father’s fortune is tied to his shipping company. He specializes in moving things that can’t travel by other means—enchanted objects, vampire coffins, fairy rings, trolls. Those are the shipping containers I know about. I’m sure there are many things I don’t know.

“So, no chance of you two…?” He lets his words dangle like I’m going to suddenly change my mind and want to take Jasper back. “I suppose that makes the choice easier.”

“What choice?”

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