“One of the most prolific and legendary killers of all vampires keeps you stable, interesting,” the giant murmured and lifted his hand to rub at his chin.
Julian stiffened beside her. She scowled at the giant while he smiled at her in amusement, revealing crinkling lines around his brown eyes. “Julian has changed,” she said.
“And I’m wondering if one day you’ll change and become more like he used to be.”
“If you knew her better, you would know that will never happen,” Julian said.
“Such assurance could spell trouble,” the giant replied.
“You’re right,” Quinn admitted. “It is possible something in the future could change me.”
She had no idea what she would become if something were to ever happen to Julian. She’d destroyed Zach to save him; she didn’t doubt she would kill again if it became necessary to save someone she loved.
“I’ve tasted what my ability can really do to another, experienced the thrill of a power you could not begin to imagine, but there are many in my life who love me and who I love,” she continued. “They keep me grounded every day. I’ve lived with the temptation of my power my entire life, but I have kept it in control. However, there are enough with power who could take me down if it became necessary. Devon and Cassie wouldn’t hesitate if they believed I was a threat. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that never has to happen.”
“I like that you acknowledge what you are and what you could be capable of becoming,” the man replied. “Denying the possibility is a sure way to end up traveling a treacherous pathway.”
“Thanks,” she muttered.
Julian tugged her back a step when the man thrust a thick, beefy hand toward her. “I have no intention of trying to harm your mate, Julian. I’ve survived one hundred and five years as a vamp. I’d like to survive many more. My name is Vern. I killed one Hunter who was trying to kill me, no humans. I was turned when I was thirty. I have telekinesis, and I would like to become one of your regulators.”
“If that’s true, you won’t mind me touching you then,” Julian replied.
“Not at all,” Vern replied. His casual shrug caused the brown hair hanging to his shoulders to scrunch with the movement.
Julian seized his hand and stood for a minute before releasing it. “Chris,” he said when he stepped back from Vern.
Chris moved forward to take hold of Vern’s outstretched hand. “He means no ill-will,” Chris said as he released Vern’s hand. “His words are true. I sense he is mostly driven by curiosity over power in this.”
“That I am,” Vern admitted and turned back to Quinn with his hand still extended. “Little one?”
“What is it with you vamps and your freaking nicknames?” Quinn muttered as she took hold of Vern’s hand. “I’m above average height for a woman, you know.”
“You’re still little to me,” he replied with a laugh. He gave her hand a warm squeeze. “I think you’re right; bringing us all together instead of keeping us apart is the way to go. Killing that Hunter is still the biggest regret of my life.”
“It’s one of the biggest regrets of mine that I did the same,” she admitted. Honesty was the only way to keep Vern with them, and she sensed he could be a loyal ally. Wisdom and calm radiated from him, and those were two things not often found in a vampire.
He released her hand and stepped back. Quinn swallowed before turning to face the crowd again.
“If you are willing to refrain from killing and work with us, then stay!” Julian announced loudly. “However, if any vampire should happen to discover a member of The Commission, they can be killed on sight. If you don’t wish to be the one who kills them, then let me know where they are and someone else will gladly do so. We will never know true peace until they are all eradicated.”
Enthusiastic nods followed Julian’s statement.
“What if we don’t want to stay?” another vampire asked.
“If this isn’t something you agree with, it is time for you to leave,” Julian replied.
“And you’ll allow us to go?” someone shouted from the far back.
“We will not force anyone to join us. Everyone who stays behind will be expected to help forge a future of relative peace. Forcing someone into that is not the way to establish goodwill. However, if you leave and if you kill, you will be hunted down, ruthlessly. All of those who remain will agree to work as a unit, to report any vampire or Hunter who kills indiscriminately. Murdering a vampire who is killing for sport is something that will be accepted by all parties involved.”