Page 37 of The Vampire's Redemption

The various human representatives nodded. “You ever heard of states’ rights?” the Secretary of Defense asked with a wry twist to his lips.

Stephen smiled, showing his fangs. “Yes, Mr. Secretary, but I also know how lobbyists work, and how money works. The goal today is to come up with policy. The real work will begin once we return to DC.”

“Fair enough.”

The projection behind Stephen moved to the next slide. “Now, the goal is to have laws like California and New York everywhere, where the joint task force handles the crimes. The punishment for killing a vampire should be the same as killing a human, and a quarter of the jury should be vampires.”

“But they end up in human prison, correct?” Malika asked, a woman whose outward beauty hid a deadly and ruthless persona. She’d overthrown the previous head of her House and renamed the House after herself. There were other older vampires in her House, but she’d kept them in line and held onto her position.

Not a woman to be trifled with, that one.

“Yes.” Stephen nodded.

“I’ve seen these human prisons. They have food and time outside and even entertainment. Vampires are staked to the ground for five decades for killing a human, but if a human kills a vampire, they can sit and enjoy their time in prison? I would hardly call that fair.”

“These people might be in prison their entire life,” the California governor retorted. “Five decades is nothing for a vampire’s life span. The vampire can continue living as if nothing happened once their punishment is over, but the humans, they will never experience life.”

“And if I stake you to the ground and ask you to suffer without food or water for fifty years, do you think you can do it?”

The California governor’s face paled, his eyes darting around for help. The fear and tension in the room skyrocketed. Stephen glared at Malika. No doubt they exchanged some pleasantries mentally.

“As Governor Patel said, the humans can be locked up for decades, if not for life.” Stephen’s gaze traveled over the vampires, daring another one of them to disagree. “Since that is the punishment for murdering a human, it should also be the punishment for murdering a vampire. Now, for the human delegates in this room, do you agree?”

As the discussions wore on, Felix observed Gabby, who looked riveted. What was considered murder in vampire terms? What if the vampire was left to suffer but not outright killed? How did they prove a vampire was murdered? What if the victim was a vampire belonging to a House versus a rogue?

Her brows were furrowed in concentration. Once or twice, she glanced at Nikolas, who stood to their side. Felix’s hands tightened on the chair’s handles and bit back the violent urge rising inside him.

She was communicating with Nikolas, not him. He should be the one she turned to for help, not another male.

“Mistress Gabriella, how do the vampires in your region feel about the joint task force?” Stephen asked when someone questioned the effectiveness of the joint task force. Should there be two task forces? One to handle vampires and another to handle humans? Or was one enough?

Everyone’s attention turned to Gabby. Stephen should’ve known Gabby had no idea. She’d risen four days ago. Gabby straightened. No hesitation or uncertainty as she faced down the questioning and challenging glances.

At that moment, Felix saw a Head of the House, not only his mate. Not the young woman who had died in his arms, heartbroken, but a powerful vampire worthy of respect.

“My House members have been impressed with the work of the task force,” Gabby said with confidence. “The task force treats both vampire and human requests without discrimination. It has reduced the strain on the House resources to keep rogue vampires in check. Haven has also set up a special unit to liaise with the task force, which has resulted in faster response times on both sides. I’d be happy to share details on the unit if anyone is interested.”

When Gabby finished, a newfound wave of admiration and respect crashed through him, temporarily drowning out the jealousy.

“And how would you know? You’ve been in the ground, moping, for the last four centuries,” Malika said with disgust.

“I assure you, I’m well aware of what’s going on in Haven and in my territory. Nikolas knows me well and runs Haven according to my wishes. I thank God every day I have such a loyal second-in-command.”

Ouch.

A few vampires grinned at the jab. When Malika’s eyes flashed red, Felix sat up straight in his seat, his muscles tensing for a fight.

I don’t need your help.Irritation tinged Gabby’s tone.

Is your goal to make as many enemies as you can today?he asked, lifting a brow.

She glanced at him, confused. She must have expected him to be angry and domineering, but he wasn’t. Not even jealousy or over-protectiveness could override the pride that made his chest full, and he wanted to drag her into his lap and kiss her.

She’s been trying to poach territory from me. I don’t think she wants to be friends.

He’d had no hand in the woman she’d become. A sharp ache lanced through his heart. He hadn’t been there for her, hadn’t been strong enough to fight off his protective nature, hadn’t seen the steel beneath her gentle exterior. Her death had weakened him, had turned him into a monster, destroying any chance they’d had at a future.

He didn’t deserve her, not as he was.

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