Page 2 of Forbidden Devotion
Luther came closer and took him by the shoulders, cool hands on warm muscle. “You frustrating boy, of course, I’m proud. But this is an unnecessary risk. I wish you’d reconsider.”
“I’m going to go, and it’s going to be fine. I promise.” Sinclair accepted the offered embrace with a huge sigh of relief.
Luther ruffled his hair. “We’ll see what the council decides.”
* * *
The Vampire Councilmet in a posh conference room at an upscale hotel owned by Sinclair’s family. Enormous floor-to-ceiling windows boasted views of half the city, lit by thousands of sparkling lights beneath the night sky. He’d never felt at home within its cool gray walls, preferring, instead, their underground dwelling with its cozy little rooms and the warm color scheme his mother favored. Even the lack of windows couldn’t dampen its cheerful atmosphere.
Sinclair had known each of the sixteen vampires currently in attendance his whole life. With birthrates declining to almost nil, every child born to the species was cherished, and Sinclair had been no different.
Coddled from birth with excellent tutors, all the finery money could buy, and his life essentially planned for him, Sinclair struggled under the burden of their expectations. He owed these men and women for the luxuries they’d provided. He longed to give back. And his idea was a good one.
He just needed to sell them on it.
Sinclair watched, reining in his nerves, as the group flipped open his proposal on their tablets.
The following discussion droned around him, a blur of sound, argument, and counterargument made without a chance to speak for himself.
“—with conflict brewing, wolf territory isn’t safe.”
“Wouldn’t dare harm a scholar on exchange—”
“—prestigious degree. And of all the younglings, Sinclair has earned the—”
“Werewolves aren’t to be trusted with—”
Luther remained quiet throughout the lengthy deliberations. Sinclair’s gaze darted to him, then across the others, out the window to the city streets below, and back, always landing back on his father and that unreadable expression on his familiar face.
A direct question jolted him from his stupor. “I’m sorry, what?”
Calinthe repeated herself patiently, “You make a logical case in your petition, Sinclair. The facts are difficult to dispute. But there’s nothing of your personal reasons for choosing Borson over Moore. Why are you so eager to leave us?”
Shit.A question he hadn’t prepared for. With an answer even Sinclair wasn’t sure of. His personal life took a back seat to his professional life. But he’d been in academia long enough to spout a convincing string of bullshit on the spot. Time to put that skill to good use.
“I’ve learned from the most brilliant minds our kind has to offer. And while I’m grateful for every lesson, the obvious path to broaden my studies is to seek the knowledge of those further afield. Those out of my reach if I’m to remain at Moore. I’ve learned whatweknow. Allow me to learn what we don’t.”
Not all that personal, but Calinthe nodded as if she were convinced.
A burst of hopeful energy expanded Sinclair’s chest. They had to say yes. Turning down intelligence otherwise denied to them would be foolish. And vampires weren’t foolish. Sinclair had gained the key. All they had to do was stop blocking the door.
“Have you any more to add before we put the matter to a vote?” That was Alder. His father’s second-in-command. A stern man but with a soft spot for Sinclair since he’d been guarding him his entire childhood.
Sinclair stood to present the plea he’d memorized for the occasion. “In a society full of forward thinkers, finance managers, and men of business, I alone will be studying the past. Completing a doctorate in Historical Supernatural Studies will benefit our species in a way the offerings of Moore cannot. I’ll learn what has brought us to war in centuries past. I’ll analyze our mistakes and help to prevent us from repeating those blunders in the future.
“There are supernaturals, even now, whispering the beginnings of another war. My work among the werewolves will be crucial for our continued communication. Our continued peace. Not only am I the best candidate for this work, but I’m also the only one, so you must approve my petition and send me to Borson. Thank you.”
He sat down a little too hard, thumping into his chair with a stiff back and a huff of air he hoped no one noticed.
Luther’s voice rose from the head of the table. “I see no reason to delay the vote. All in favor?”
Sinclair held his breath.
Around the room, all sixteen vampires, even Luther, raised their right hand. Unanimous approval.
“All opposed?”
A formality, but even as such, the still silence of the response warmed Sinclair’s heart. His jaw went slack as his spirits flew. He closed his mouth, and a smile blossomed. Heat crept along his cheeks. It was really happening. He’d get his PhD from Borson.
