Killing was a Vampire’s nature—a melody in their blood they could either dance to or ignore. In the early years, Vampires needed that coping mechanism for survival, removing the remorse they would inevitably feel after draining their victims. But this was no longer the Middle Ages; Vampires had long since become civilized in terms of controlling their blood addiction. A youngling’s first years were the most difficult, so their maker needed patience to guide them through the bloodlust. A Vampire occasionally drank blood to uncover information about people, so it was imperative that they learn to control their urges.
Raven reminded him a lot of himself in the early years. His maker had tried to temper his anger, but Christian was bitter from the mistreatment he’d endured in his human life. The land of opportunity had turned out to be a cesspool filled with poverty and greed. America attracted aristocrats who saw an opportunity to elevate themselves by ensuring the lower class stayed right where they were. Had his maker not been a patient man, there was no telling where Christian would be now.
His thoughts drifted to Raven. A rogue stood no chance at long-term survival, and those that did were the men Keystone hunted.
“What are you doing out here?” Blue asked.
Christian nodded, his gaze fixed on a white cat who seemed to be searching for the rabbit.
Blue leaned on the railing to his left, her hair pulled up in a messy bun. “It’s a little warmer today. I think the sun’s angry at the clouds.”
“They can keep bickering for all I care,” he said. Christian’s pupils were fully dilated, which made his eyes permanently black. Over the years, he’d learned to endure the discomfort of bright lights, so sunglasses and cloudy days were a godsend.
“Today’s her last day,” she continued. “I wonder if Viktor’s having regrets about granting her a favor like this. Someday we might be hunting her, but here we are, showing her the best way to kill us.”
“I don’t think that’ll be a problem. Raven only hunts criminals.”
Blue swiped a loose strand of hair away from her face. “I’ve never met a rogue with principles. Have you? Time and experience will wear her down. At least she won’t remember us after you scrub her memory, but what if you miss something and she starts to remember? Maybe you should just clear it all to be on the safe side. The last thing we need is another enemy.”
“Aye,” he said, recollecting his promise to Raven. A promise that could one day unravel Keystone.
Blue turned around and pushed herself up so she was sitting on the ledge, facing away from the property. “You’re moody today. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that you’ve spent all week on the first floor, probably eavesdropping on Niko and Raven. Am I right? But not today. Instead, you’re up here brooding. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she grew on you a little.”
“Ah, shut your beak.” He turned his head and gave her a crooked smile. “It’s only been a fortnight since the little tornado swept into our lives, leaving a path of destruction. The sooner she moves on, the better. And don’t think you can rile me up, lass. Women just love to insinuate.” Christian stood up and tucked his hands in his pockets. “Viktor made a mistake thinking he could dust her off and make her shiny as new.”
Blue crossed her feet at the ankles, her eyes drawn upward. “Isn’t that how he found all of us?”
“He’s got a good thing here now. He shouldn’t worry so much about bringing in new blood. Seven is a magical number. The seven wonders, seven samurai…”
“Seven deadly sins,” she added. Blue settled her doe eyes on him. They sparkled like sapphires rimmed in black, so stunning against her brown features. She was more down to earth than Gem—didn’t talk as often and was always trying to please Viktor. “You just don’t want a partner. That’s not how it works, Christian. You can’t drive away every new person he brings in just because you’d rather work alone. It’s not your place to choose your partner; that’s Viktor’s decision.”
“Would you be saying this if he’d paired you with Shepherd instead of Niko? I’ll not be matched up with a lunatic. Viktor knows my position.”
“That’s blackmail.”
He folded his arms, his voice rising an octave. “And how do you see that?”
Blue hopped off the ledge and dusted off her hands. “Because threatening to leave if he doesn’t find the right match could force him to make different choices. Keystone doesn’t revolve around Christian Poe.”
He grunted and swaggered toward the door. Blue was colder to him than she was with the rest of the house, just as many were around Vampires. “Don’t pretend like you didn’t try to convince him otherwise when he invited a Vampire into the mix.”
With his Vampire hearing, he caught the sound of her heart skipping a beat and a slight intake of breath.
“Who told you a thing like that?” she asked.
He turned dramatically and bowed. “You did. Just now.”
Blue squared her shoulders, not revealing her obvious disdain for his abilities. “Then perhaps you should have a little compassion for the next person, given you know what it feels like to be the outcast. We’re guarded around you, that’s all. It’s nothing personal, I—”