“Yes, but if there are a lot more of us to fear, they’ll think twice about it,” Cassie replied. “If most of the vampires believe you’re their ally, and that all of us are on your side too, they’ll be more likely to defend you against the vamps who are foolish enough to try to come after you again.”
“The vampires may not like some of the rules I plan to set forth, but they’ll obey if they think it will help keep them alive. The ones who don’t fall in line will be open season for Hunters, Guardians, and vampires alike. That’s one hell of a force protecting you against another attack.” Julian slid his arm around Quinn’s waist, drawing her eyes to him when he pulled her close to his side. “Believe me, most of them will prefer not being able to kill humans to having those numbers breathing down their necks.”
“And if we merge the Hunters, Guardians, and vamps into one faction, it will be a nearly unstoppable force that will benefit all of us,” Luther said, “especially with two Elders involved.”
“And two Hunters turned vampires who will stand beside those Elders when they see us next,” Cassie said. “Plus three Hunters and three Guardians who will also be present. It’s a united front many of the vampires will be unable to resist. A force that may be more powerful than the Elders we destroyed.”
“It could well be,” Clint agreed as he rubbed at his beard.
A muscle twitched in Devon’s cheek as he stared at Cassie. “What about training and the children?” he demanded of her.
“We can do this without you, Solar,” Julian said, earning him a scowl from Cassie. “The children need the two of you.”
“And they’ll still have us. Just because the next time the vampires see us we’re presenting a united front, it doesn’t mean we have to be together all the time,” Cassie replied. “This thing with the vampires will mainly be yours to run. The training and protection of the children will be ours, but Devon and I can’t remain hidden while you try to do this. All of us together is how we have to be, at least in the beginning. Liam and Annabelle will stay with the children and remain out of it completely. In case something goes wrong, they’ll still be there to look after them.”
Cassie took hold of Devon’s hand as she spoke with him. “Take from this couple the memory of everything I can do, but leave me in there.”
Julian agreed with leaving Annabelle and Liam out of this. Right now, the two vampires were safely hidden away in Canada with the Hunter and Guardian children they’d all rescued two years ago.
“I don’t like this,” Devon said.
“Neither do I,” Julian muttered.
The idea of putting Cassie, probably the most powerful vampire in existence, anywhere near the vamps hunting for Quinn unsettled him. However, he couldn’t deny it made sense to show the vampires how much power they had on their side.
Beside him, Clint unwrapped a piece of gum and popped it in his mouth. Somewhere during everything that had happened, Clint had lost his customary baseball cap. His bushy gray hair stuck out in a million different directions, making it look like Einstein’s hair. He adjusted his pants, pulling them up so his belly didn’t hang over his belt quite as badly. Clint’s brown eyes warmed when he focused on Quinn.
“I’m ‘fraid I’m going to have to sit most of this out,” Clint said to her. “I’ve been considering that RV thing after everything that’s happened. I think Hawtie and I would enjoy traveling the country together. I think it’s time we enjoy our lives for a change. If not for you, my Hawtie would be dead right now. We missed out on having kids, but I’m not going to miss out on anything more with her. Life is too damn short for us mortals.”
Quinn squeezed Clint’s arm as she smiled at him. “I think that’s one of the best plans I’ve ever heard, and you know I’ll always be here for both of you.”
“Maybe I’ll finally be able to get that woman to agree to marry me,” he said with a grin and Quinn laughed.
“When you’re done with the RV life,” Cassie said to Clint, “I know a place with a lot of Hunter and Guardian kids who could always use a little extra guidance and love. You’ll be more than welcome there.”
“I’d like that, and I’m sure Hawtie would too,” Clint replied.
“Tell him the bad part about where the place is,” Julian said to her.
Cassie rolled her eyes at him. “It’s not bad. You’re just a freak show who can’t stand the cold.”
“He lives in Arizona; believe me, it won’t be a selling point for him.” Julian turned to face Clint. “It’s in Canada.”
Clint winced before shrugging. “Guess we’ll have to buy some winter coats then.”
Cassie smiled smugly at Julian before focusing on Devon. “It will be best if we’re all there in a month to meet with those vampires.”
Devon stared at her before glancing at Julian.
“It’s your choice,” Julian told him. “Your help would be appreciated, but I wouldn’t want Quinn involved either if she didn’t have to be.”