Page 23 of How to Entice a Fiend

“The last council were out for themselves,” Ender says. “Were they not? Their desire to destroy the humans and push vampires to the top is the world you strive for? To make humans nothing more than animals for vampires to feast on?”

Harris shrinks back. “N-NO! I wasn’t with them!”

“You knew nothing of what they were doing? It was happening right under your nose and you honestly believe you’re fit to run the council?” Ender asks. “What about the rest of you?”

“I would like to run for council head,” Orin says, cutting through the noise in the room. “All of you know me or know of me. I like to think that I have an open mind, but I am capable of keeping the vampires in line.”

“That sounds like a beautiful idea.” I clap my hands. “Let’s put it to a vote.”

“You can’t just…” Harris starts.

“All in favor, raise your hand,” I say. Of course everyone from the VRC does and at least half of the council members do, including me. “Looks like it’s decided, then.”

“It’s not decided,” Callum says quite shortly. “This is not how we should go about this. Mads, what are you doing?”

I give him the most innocent of smiles that I can muster. “What do you mean?”

He grits his teeth so I can see his fangs. “A word?”

“What could possibly need to be discussed that couldn’t be discussed in front of all of us?” Ender asks. “Unless the UK council is trying to absorb the US council. Is that why you’re here? Wouldyoulike the position? Do you think youdeservethis position?”

Callum refuses to look at him. “This council needs structure and someone who is already equipped to run it.”

“Ohhh, my bad,” I say. “I’m so sorry! I forgot that’s what the plan was. For you to take over and start making the decisions for them. I apologize!”

Callum is staring at me like I’ve turned into someone else. I haven’t. No. I’m manipulating things just the way I want. I just need every piece to fall into place.

“Why would someone from the UK council take over?” Ha-joon asks. “If we’re going to throw someone into the position from another council, all councils should be taken into account.”

“I would move here, of course,” Callum says.

“We don’t want you,” Ender says flatly. “And let me tell you that if you do become head of the council, you don’t even have to worry about your plans to move here. I’m going to kill you on the spot.”

“Will someone fucking remove him?” Callum screams as he beats both fists against the table. It’s so forceful that the table cracks and everyone whips around to stare at him and his tantrum. I can tell Finn is getting increasingly uncomfortable, which is pissing Marcus off.

Finn clears his throat. “I know I’m a bit biased, but Orin is very levelheaded.” It’s like he’s implying the vampire who is beating his fists, attacking Ender, and shouting might not be… and I love it. “He’s a huge part of the community and I really don’t know any vampires who don’t agree with him,” Finn says. “Yes, he’s my father, but I also know a strong leader when I see one. The VRC is an integral part to keeping vampires safe, and for years we’ve been absolutely cut off from the council. The council treated us like we were lesser beings. They would take control and push aside our issues if it didn’t benefit them. Orin wouldn’t do that. He’d work with us to make this country a safer place for all vampires.”

“That sounds lovely,” I say with a smile.

“Orin it is, then,” Ender announces. “If anyone else wins, I will remove their heads. Understood?”

No one says anything as Ender stands. “And the rest of you… you know who you are, and I will figure it out, and I will destroy you.”

He turns and the second he does, Callum goes for him. It’s such a stupid mistake when Ender already proved to him how fast and strong he was. I try not to feel too much delight as I watch Ender crush Callum’s throat before dropping him to the floor. He doesn’t even look back. Simply drops the man and walks out.

Just like a mic drop.

Callum lies there for a moment, body twitching before he heals. And when he does, he catches me staring at him. I can’t wait to hear what Vivian has to say when she calls next.

CHAPTER SEVEN

ENDER

I watch as Rylee rolls around on the floor with the cat. Even though I told her itisn’tstaying, I’m pretty confident she’s so in love with the cat that she’d sacrifice her life for it. What the hell are we supposed to do with a cat? Every time we have to flee, we now have to make sure we carry a fucking tray of kitty litter with us?

“What if the cat stays with Orin?” I ask. “And then you come visit it?”

Rylee looks like something out of a horror movie as her head slowly turns to look at me, mouth agape, eyes horrifically wide. She very well might be possessed. “Noooooooooo. P-Please. Ender. Please. I love him so much. I love himso much.”

---