This Is Where I Want To Be

188. Submission

Louis

The war was already taking its toll. Ian was covering ground, and we needed Caleb to come back. I wanted to get in there and talk to Soren. See where his headspace was at. Find out if being there had made him jump ship. The boy was restless and needed release. When he was sitting in that corner, all he thought about was my wife. He only had a few scenes that ran through his mind. It wasn’t enough, and Rana was so pretty that it would make any man think twice. If Ian had any sensibilities, that’s what he would do. That’s what I would’ve done. I just hoped Soren had brains enough to stay alive for that long and not talk too much.

Those last few days, none of us were thinking about Juliet. Marcus was out in the field with the general. With Kubra and Jessy gone, he had to pick up the slack. Chris was getting better and constantly at Samuel’s side. He didn’t want to miss anything, and the three men ran the war’s day-to-day from The Tower. None of us had seen Sammy in so long. Liam went back to check in with Cindy and reported that everyone on the compound was doing well.

My morning was tedious, checking on everyone in Nahrima making so many teleportations from building to building that I felt I would go out of my mind. Nothing had happened where it mattered yet. The giant teleporter island was still ours, and we had some farming islands. The outskirts were the most vulnerable. It was like we were running in one place, making no progress. I was a little tired of faking smiles and pretending to be okay with the situation. I knew what the real problem was. Juliet and Michael had fought… I didn’t know what I would do if I saw him again. What I would see when she thought about it. The war we were fighting was supposed to be her baby. If she had been there, it would’ve been over already. All of us knew where she was. That was the most frustrating. Carl was sending me updates but not really saying anything. The teleporter was available. The last coordinates Jessy punched in were documented, and before I knew what I was doing, I stepped out into that massive field. I would leave Chris and Marcus to fend for a day or two. I was done standing back. I wanted her to be happy. And if I knew my wife at all, she needed us. Missed us.

It was strange not coming out in a cubicle or anywhere near civilization. I glanced down. The sand was so soft my feet were almost covered. You sunk right in. Around me, it was a scene out of a purge movie. The tents were full of bullet holes and blood spatter on the material. It was not a scene that was a common sight in En-gannim. Slowly, I walked around the camp. I made my way through and out of that maze and circled the whole area. I could smell the decaying bodies before I even climbed the little hill up to its ridge. Juliet had called for the three soldiers, but I had thought… I spun around to the tents stretching out in front of me... She had been in trouble. It wasn’t that she needed them for the vault. That’s why Kubra was called out. Charlene wasn’t joking around to see if she could. Oh no! They had lied to us. Juliet probably didn’t want to bother me. The way she was with me after I dropped her off. I couldn’t get the thought out of my mind. We had made so much progress. She kissed me goodbye and lingered to stretch it out. It felt weird. I had not spoken to her in a week, and it wasn’t the same as when I needed to take control of the compound. Not seeing her for weeks back then had not even bothered me. My power-hungry demon was forced down, and I had control of that part of me. I wanted to see her.

My tracking skills were not Chris’s. I thought about going back and getting him. I patted my pockets, pouting. I had left my communicator in the teleporter. The only thing I could do was manifest and smell my way out of it. Try and find something. I pulled up my nose to see if it was possible to open those slits up my face any more than they already were. There was a rank smell coming in wafts over the sand. Small sounds from somewhere. It was a pen. Posts were planted into the ground. Beasts tied to it were fully harnessed. Some of the pegs were empty. I was relieved as I untied one. It wasn’t like I could go back. It was graceful in its movements. I vaulted up and kicked. The thing reared up and turned on its hind legs, jumping into a gallop. I was glad that at one point, I had to be an avid equestrian, hoping that the thing was taking me towards Juliet and not in the opposite direction.

***

It was a rather long trek, and after hours, the thing lowered its head to the water. I slid down, happy that it was desperate for the one thing we both needed. I crouched down, and we drank side by side. Juliet’s thoughts were loud behind me. I sighed, closing my eyes. She and Charlene were walking and talking. Both of them stopped when they saw me. I glanced over my shoulder and smiled, getting up. The whole crowd was there.

Juliet ran the rest of the way and threw her arms around me and her legs around my waist, making us tumble back into the shallow pool. I was soaked. “If Chris was here, he would tell you to stop running. And that there would be consequences.”

Her thoughts jumped to Michael and her fighting. How scared she was and that she could’ve lost the baby. I closed my arms around her and sat up. Juliet had never held onto me like that. She wasn’t going to let go, either. I picked her up and walked out of the little pond.

“There are many of these things tied to posts at that camp.” I glanced at Charlene. “They will die if you guys don’t help them.” Juliet thought about being tied up and the men. I wanted to push her off and make her tell me what really happened. Juliet’s grip tightened. She didn’t want to say anything to Charlene and Romero. They had tried. Played with her like she was some prize. “Oh, baby! I’m sorry I wasn’t here.” I tightened my grip around her.

“I guess you’re Louis,” Romero said, holding out a hand to me. I glanced at Juliet, but she wasn’t letting go. He met me with an understanding smile, and I shook his hand anyway.

“Nice to meet you, Romero.” His eyes flickered regretfully to Juliet. He had left them, and they were taken.

“Oh, baby. The one day you guys behave.”

“I want to go home.” She whispered. “I want to go to France and never leave.

“Where is Caleb?” I asked, meeting Carl’s eye. “Did we not put him in your care? He was supposed to help us. Why did you bring him.” Carl smirked and ran me through what had happened. I bit my bottom lip, trying to control my anger. Seeing Juliet like he had. She nuzzled in my neck, and I kissed her cheek, stroking her hair, glad that Caleb was so quick to act. The boy was amazing.

“Mom!” All our heads turned to the sound. Juliet didn’t move. She knew Michael would be back. Their camp wasn’t far from there. The talking and bustle were loud.

“Caleb!” Charlene called out.

He and Michael were in front of us in an instant. That man’s eyes didn’t meet mine. Not even an acknowledgment. My top lip twitched in irritation. If I could just get that woman off me, I would have it out with Michael, once and for all. Caleb pushed his head into Juliet’s shoulder, and she pulled him in. The anger I was feeling drifted away into sweet oblivion, making me glance around to find the cause. Romero had made his shadow flow out, and it drifted in quiet waves up my arm. Michael’s eyes came up at last, and he lifted a chin at me. I groaned and rolled mine.

“It is a lot to take in… Maybe give yourself a day before you kill him,” Romero suggested.

“Let’s go back to camp,” Kubra said. “We just came for a short walk.”

“Yeah, I need to sort this out.” Juliet’s thighs clenched around me. At last, her head came up, and she tilted her head to meet my lips, already waiting for her.

“Oh, NO!” Michael’s voice boomed out. “No one is sleeping with her before me!”

Juliet and I snickered against each other’s lips. He didn’t like that either and walked up to us. “This time… I’m not standing back, even if we have to fight for it. So be it!”

I didn’t even look up at him. Juliet’s tongue was in my mouth. She was throbbing and throbbing. She needed nothing more than to be on top and get it out of her system. Riding me relentlessly till she was so exhausted she could do nothing else but sleep. All she saw was moving on top of me. My hands touching all over her. “Baby, you’re getting good at that.”

Michael came even closer and shook her shoulder. She jumped off and turned on him. “Did you sleep with her?” The words sneered out. It was so out of place and not the time. Marcus had done the same thing to her about Michael. Jealousy would always be a problem. Michael’s eyes widened. The fool didn’t know she knew about Stevie and had left it for another day. Still not talking to her. Everyone was on edge, thinking about the repercussions if Michael had cheated. I smirked when he looked to me for help. His thoughts jumped to Stevie. My eyes narrowed. Juliet had been too scared to tell him anything. Michael didn’t know the waitress was dead.

The rest of the group was confused. “You slept with someone else?” Charlene asked. Michael’s back was to her, and he glanced over his shoulder. Charlene manifested in anger, and her gaze flickered between Juliet and the guy that was going to get his ass handed to him. Romero’s shoulders lifted. The rest of the group followed him and rallied around us. Michael laughed and took a few steps back from the crowd, playing with his beard nervously. A stretched-out thumb was scratching at some part of his face. It was Juliet that would never be touched again. Or hurt.

“I saw you on your feed, watching her.” Juliet went on. Her tone was flat, nevertheless fearing his answer. It had been plaguing her. “I couldn’t take it and left. I don’t know what you two did for the rest of the day.” She glanced at Jessy. “Nor did I ask.”

“It’s not that easy to cheat,” Michael said.

“You’ll be surprised… You said you lied… Tell me it wasn’t that…” We were all quiet, waiting. Michael abruptly stopped fidgeting, dropping his arms by his side. There were no anxious feelings anymore, but there were piercing stares from the two of them, and the quiet unnerved everyone. Michael didn’t like that; not only would he have to talk about what had happened, but he would have to do it in front of everyone. He would have to get used to us watching him with her. The tables have turned. “Why? What is it about her?!” Juliet yelled when he couldn’t decide what to do. “You better start talking or…”

“Or, what?!” He yelled back. The image of her all cut up and bruised flashed in his mind. Michael started speaking immediately. “When I watched you in that small town. She was the only one who saw me… I told you I don’t like being last in your heart… Now it’s so much worse.” Michael’s eyes met mine. “I was always content just being by your side. I’m not anymore.”

“And?” Juliet pulled at his shirt to make him look at her.

“She came to talk to me… Nothing in her world has changed. It probably never will… A single human mother… Working a dead-end job to get her kid through school. We were friends for those few years you were living there. I even met the kid. Helped her get a better apartment. I even helped her move, and we did spend some nights together.”

Juliet’s jaw flexed, and her breathing changed. There was nothing she could do with us sleeping around before her. “We packed up and left so quickly. She must have wondered what happened to you.” Juliet tried to get the words out.

“She did… Asked if I was staying?” I glanced up at Juliet. She was stoic, thinking. “Why are you not jealous?” Michael stepped forward and pulled her shirt like she had done. “Making a scene and disappearing? Is it because you are done? Or because I mean that little?” Michael looked down into her eyes. Juliet was anxious to tell him what she had done. She pulled her shirt out of his grip and moved in behind me. Michael’s head tilted. He glanced around at the known faces, waiting for an explanation. Juliet’s heart was pounding. By the downcast eyes around us, I knew Jessy and Caleb were not the only ones who knew Stevie was dead. Everyone was avoiding him. Accept Romero… The guy was vigilant, his fingers black shadows. His hand was already on his sword. Michael’s brow furrowed as he and Romero shared a knowing look. Michael thought Juliet wanted him to leave. His hand was moving again, rubbing over his beard, trying to figure out what had just happened.

“I killed her,” Caleb said, stepping forward. “That’s why my mother isn’t jealous.”

Michael’s whole body went rigid, and he chuckled nervously. “You wouldn’t?” He looked at the girl hiding behind me.

Juliet stepped out. “It’s true. She’s already dead… The kid is with his father.” Juliet’s features were stone cold.

Michael didn’t laugh again. “Juliet! Tell me you didn’t?”

She didn’t give me a chance to read him. “Why? Are you in love with her? Would you have left me for her? If you cheated… I had the right.”

Michael’s head lifted to the sky, and he laughed. The sound was loud and resonated with all of us. He closed his eyes and took in the moment with a smile on his face so broad I had never seen him that happy.

“Not what I was expecting.” She muttered, looking at me. “Is he that angry?” I shrugged. I read Michael’s thoughts. His eyes were on her, and they were dark and desperate. “No!” I yelled. The rest of the men were quick. Michael wanted to take her and teleport her to their cabin in En-gannim. There were so many hands on him. He stretched out an arm towards her, being jostled and contained. An open hand palm up. She shook her head. “I love you… The only reason I went… was to make sure I wanted to stay. To test myself. I never slept with her or anyone... Not after your first kiss, honey.” He pushed his hand into the air closer to her. “It’s the biggest compliment you could ever give me… Slow up even more, will you.”

Juliet stopped breathing. “Baby, please don’t go,” I begged close to her ear.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She turned away from him and into my person. “If he wants me… didn’t he say it will be a fight for it.”

I raked my hands through her hair. “Thank you.” She took my hand and kissed my palm. “And I will gladly put him on his ass for you.”

“Come on! How many times have we actually slept together in the last few years.” Michael pleaded.

Juliet growled. “I’m done, Michael. You need to get it out of your system.” She chuckled and walked over to Romero. “Let’s make a circle for them.” Romero pulled her closer, and Jessy took out the gun. Selena and Jamal stepped out into their Riphath form. The corner of Michaels’ mouth lifted.

“No more picking her up and just disappearing.” I took my first shot. Michael was always a little slow, something we would have to work on. I would use it to my advantage. He dodged and stepped around my next few hits.

“No reading.”

“F-you! No teleporting.”

“I’ll be f-ing when I get to her.”

My eyes were glossy, and I had already punched him several times. “I told you to watch your tongue.” He manifested into Riphath. Michael’s problem was that he thought… He stopped moving and changed his transformation into a vampire. The side of my mouth quirked up. “You’re finally getting it.” But rather than using his brain, he didn’t come at me at all. I moved again and hit him in his diaphragm as hard as I could. He doubled over, gasping for air. He fell forward on all fours and turned into a dog. Michael wasn’t going to fight after all.

I glanced at Romero, who came walking forward and clapped him on his back. Their conversation ran through Michael’s thoughts. How she nearly killed him and how the line was getting thinner and thinner. The dog wandered off and fell down at Juliet’s feet. Juliet’s astonishment was audible. I walked over and kicked him. Michael’s lip lifted as he growled up at me. “I was looking forward to putting you down. Marcus said you submitted. Had to see it for myself.”

“Michael, get up.” He came back to human and stood staring down at her. He wanted her to kiss him. She wanted him from behind. I held out my hand. There was no way they were sleeping together. She took it, and I pulled her in under my shoulder.

Michael followed us. “That was disappointing,” Selena said, hitting Michael on the shoulder. He laughed at the tall blond. They were joking with each other. Juliet stopped dead in her tracks. She slowly turned and pointed a finger at Selena. “That was the first and last time. He is not Chris.” Selena came back to human. Juliet lowered her finger. “Guys can’t be friends. You should understand at least that much by now.” Selena fell into step next to Juliet. “I’m sorry. I’m going a little crazy.” Juliet said, nudging her in the side.

Selena laced her arm in with Juliet. “I’m sorry too… I won’t touch him again.” Juliet’s gaze met a very smug Michael behind us.

“We have to talk about the vault,” Caleb said.

“I completely forgot about your mission. Everything went okay?” Juliet asked.

“Yes, but we have a problem. The shadow monster is actually human.”

“That thing?” Romero asked, bewildered. “Well, that is how Ahasuerus made his deal with him. What did he say… You spoke to him?”

“We did… He said that only a woman, meaning you, could come for the vault. And the deal was a fight for it.”

“Oh, please. Why didn’t you just shoot him with a net and cut him with a red sword.”

Caleb stopped walking and turned to Michael. They both felt like idiots.

“Fine! I’ll go tonight. Jessy, you guys made short blades of those red stones.” Michael asked.

Juliet fished into her pants pockets and tossed Michael a black rectangle. “You can be glad I didn’t cut you with this one.

He pushed the button, and the red stone shot into the air. “When did you have this made?”

“The moment you grabbed at me in that garden.”

“This is my knife. The one we….” Emotions filled his features, clutching the hilt.

“Now it’s mine.”

“Honey, you’re making this very hard for me. You and Louis.”

“I don’t think anyone is having a good time, Michael,” Romero muttered. “And we never knew he was human. If so, we need him even more. The Dheka in that region would never survive. You and Caleb must have seen what comes out at night… And if he has hidden it away for so long. There has to be a reason.”

“We did,” Michael said. “He fought almost the whole evening.”

“What is he?” Caleb asked.

“He has not spoken to anyone in hundreds of years. He never speaks unless you give him something he can use. And we ran out of things to trade with a long time ago… Did you find out what he got from Ahasuerus?”

We all sat down on the cushions that were placed in a circle. Michael played with the knife in his hand, leaning back on the other in the sand.

“What do you think he would’ve asked for,” Juliet said, sitting between my legs and leaning back against me. “He wants to live on Zoreah… Just like everyone else… It seems that teleportation really does get you anything you want.”

“What do you mean?” Romero asked.

“Ahasuerus was only focused on the future. With that thing with him… Living in that city. Who would have survived? He probably wanted us to go for the vault first and not Chris… That’s why he tossed that stone at me.”

I squeezed her shoulders. “If we got to those scientists before we got to Chris… None of it would’ve happened.”

“What are we going to do now?” I asked, running my hands up and down her upper arms. Juliet glanced down at the gesture and over her shoulder at me. She wanted me… Thought about me carrying her into the tent. I grasped tighter at the soft flesh.

“I can go,” Selena said.

“No!” Juliet and Jessy said at the same time.

Selena scoffed. “What is the point that you turned me into what I am?! And then won’t let me do anything.”

Jessy would never, and Juliet was taking the blame. “I told you. Once you have your conversation… I’ll let up… Until then. I’m not putting your life in danger. Or should I travel back and go ask Chris what he thinks?”

Selena jumped up, “He’s expecting a woman! You can’t send Caleb in there again. If he sees Michael, it will be a fight to the death! Do you want to take that chance?” Juliet didn’t reply. Selena walked off into the distance. The only one willing to deal with her was Jamal.

“I can go,” Charlene said.

“No!” We all thundered at the same time.

Juliet stood up. “Now you can feel how it feels having all the power, and no one lets you do anything. Juliet glanced at Michael. “All of us will have to be managed… Charlie, will you oblige me in a teleport for food? I want Louis to taste that thing I like.”

“Charlie? That’s new.”

“Proper respect for my new queen. A new nickname was fitting.” Juliet giggled and bowed in front of her. Charlene manifested, and they disappeared.

***

Soren

After our long chat a few days ago, Ian had given me the responsibility of finding out why Ahasuerus fought the three of them. Ian never stayed in the same place for long. As far as I knew, he didn’t deem it necessary to talk to Heba about everything she and Rana got up to. What I didn’t like was Ian talking to Isla since he came home. He was so curious about Earth that he made conversation with her whenever he did come home. If he thought he could marry her. As yet, another wife. What the hell was I going to do? If Isla asked me to stay and help… With no communications… I also didn’t know if my parents were still alive or if our island had been attacked. My father had said he would not leave, and my mother was never going back to Earth. Neither Marcus nor Louis had come with Caleb. I didn’t know where Juliet was, how she was doing, or what was happening from their side.

I sat down in the kitchen again, waiting. All I ever did was sit and wait for others to tell me where to go and what to do. The only thing that kept me sane was thinking about Juliet. Her leg was pinned underneath my side. We lay facing each other. The other leg wrapped me as we stared into each other’s eyes while I moved inside her. I shook my head. Reminiscing wasn’t helping that day. I drained my glass. On Earth, men were allowed to drink. On En-gannim, their alcohol pact a punch.

Ian stepped through the door. I stood up. There was no way I was falling down in front of him just yet. He sat down and poured himself a stiff drink. His features were strained. “We can’t seem to find a way into that city.” He hissed and let his manifestation drop. “I checked out your story. Your parents are fine, and I did not let my men take over. I have completely let the island go. It was not your father who stood up against Ahasuerus so many years ago… When I take over. Men like you and him will be valuable.”

“Thank You.” Relieved, I sat down, finding a new respect for the man.

“Have you figured out why Ahasuerus conceded so easily?”

I slid my glass plate over the table. Ian took a heavy swig and pulled his lips at the sting of the liquid. The screen lit as his fingers moved. His hand stilled as his eyes came up to mine. “Where did you get this?”

“It wasn’t easy. Luckily, on Earth… doing research was one of my past times for years. If you want to keep up, knowledge is most important. Not like here.”

“I have to say, Soren. I am surprised. And impressed. This will change everything.”

“Like I said. I do not really know where I belong.”

The doors opened, and Isla walked through without looking up. She paused and moved to the corner of the room. Ian noticed and turned in his seat. “Isla, we talked about this. You can go about your business in here. And if you like… You can take off that veil.”

My hands were wringing under the table, watching the two. I might not tell Ian about the brandings. If Isla let it slip, would I blame her? The man was clever. He knew where he would get the information. Isla thought about it and slid the black cloth down her back. The corner of Ian’s mouth lifted. “Not the only one with a beautiful sister… Now let us see if you can cook.” Isla bowed and got to work. Ian’s eyes lingered, and I hoped that Michael would come soon.

He turned back to me. “Come, Soren. Let us have that discussion.”

I swore inwardly, trying to keep it together. My heart wasn’t racing anymore, and I had gotten used to the lying. I had to grow up and quickly. “Do you trust me enough to form alliances?”

I scoffed. The alcohol was kicking in, and I decided to let the façade drop for a while. “On Earth… Alliances through marriage never worked.”

“You are not on Earth anymore. Here, we take our customs seriously. The whole planet works tirelessly to keep it that way.”

“I don’t think I could ever trust you.” I thought he would be angry.

“Why?”

“Trust is earned from one’s peers. I do not know you. Or what type of man you are.”

“Vampire, you mean.”

I gestured with my hand in the air. “That is what I mean.” I glanced at Isla, busy behind him. “We are too different in our thinking.” I thought about Lucius and what he might have done to Isla. What had been so horrible no one even wanted to mention it? What would Ian do to her?

Ian’s gaze followed mine. “I see.” He moved his head slowly up and down. “On En-gannim, we as men have many friends and must rely on each other. Over so many years of life, you tend to see who really cares and what they stand for… No one can pretend for hundreds of years.”

I took the bottle and poured myself another drink. Ian held out his glass. If he got Isla to tell him about Juliet and me, we were both screwed.

“We value relationships. Even if it is only between the men.”

“Lust is a dangerous thing.”

Ian laughed. “That gets controlled no matter if you want to or not. And lust is not all that drives our race. Emotions flow whether we want to or not. Fathers have been known to care about their households and even their daughters.” Ian and Isla glanced at each other as she placed the plate in front of him. There was a smile on her lips. “You know… I can see the appeal of knowing what your wife looks like. Maybe having one Earth-wife would not be that bad.” Ian picked up the food on his plate with a black nail and pushed it into his mouth. His eyes perked up. Stunned, he met Isla’s eye, who was waiting. Would Isla fall in love? I knew that look.

“Your father thinks it might be a good idea.”

“You spoke to him?”

“Of course.”

Isla blushed and turned away to pick up a plate for me. She placed it down and rested her hand on my shoulder. Ian regarded the gesture with interest. I patted her hand. “Thank You. I don’t need to taste it to know it will be delicious. If there is one thing you can do….”

“It’s to cook.” Isla smiled. The gesture disappeared as soon as she remembered where she was and moved back into the corner.

“No! Isla,” Ian said softly. “Grab a plate and sit down with us… I will not beat you if you open your mouth.”

Isla’s eyes darted to mine. I shrugged. She had been through so much, and I was not a part of Juliet’s world. If Ian could give Isla a home and a family… I wouldn’t begrudge her that. She was having difficulty finding anyone to make an offer, after they heard what happened. One my father could accept. If it wasn’t for the war, it would be as good a place as any. And because of the war, it would take her longer to find anyone.

“I don’t want to be the one that bursts your bubble. But what about the war?”

“Burst my bubble?”

“Be the bearer of bad news.”

“Oh.” Ian and Isla stared at each other. What was going on? How did he even know how to flirt or seduce?

“The war does not prevent me from taking a wife. We are allowed to… how do you say on Earth… F*** as much as we want while we fight.”

Isla choked on the piece of meat she was chewing. I growled and manifested. “Did I say something wrong?”

“It’s not really a term of endearment. How many wives do you have anyway? These are all questions you would’ve answered if you were going through proper channels.”

“Yes, I know. The process would have lasted years. The inquiries would have been endless. I would be able to choose from any camp. Watch the woman grow up and make sure she is suitable. And that is why I have not taken a second wife… That is what Isla would be. There is no way around it. Just like my sister… Having that honor will never be for them.”

Isla’s hand stilled, and her hands clutched at her plate. A tear rolled down her human cheek.

“What is she doing? What is that?”

“You’ve never seen anyone cry?”

“Cry?!” Ian paused and stared at her. “I have never seen any women. It’s not allowed. Not on my father’s island… I have seen your mother.” Ian stretched out and wiped Isla’s cheek with a thumb. He placed it on his tongue and licked his finger. “Crying is beaten out of us very early. Boys and girls never mixed.”

Isla lifted a hand. “Speak,” I said.

“May I be excused?”

“Sure. Go to bed. It’s late.” I sighed. Relieved that Ian had just made the first mistake in trying to win a girl’s heart. He had hurt, disappointed, and scared her in one moment. After Lucius, Isla would be cautious where she put her own trust.

“What just happened?” Ian asked when the door closed behind her.

“You made a mistake.”

Ian’s lip pulled, and his manifestation came back. “Is it that difficult to get what you want on Earth… No wonder Lucius did what he did.”

I pushed myself up from the table.

“Soren, sit down. I am not done talking.”

My fists balled.

“If you want to make it here. If Isla wants to make it here, you will have to decide soon. I am not completely ignorant of the challenges you two face. And… maybe if we trade a sister for a sister, you will change your mind.”

My eyes narrowed. “Didn’t you just say your sister will never have that honor?”

“Being a first wife in your house on that little island is as good as Isla being a second here. And even more, if she came to The Tower. The four of us there.”

The guy was good.

“You know. On Earth, there is a saying. “Choose your words carefully.” I stared him down.

“What does it mean?”

“There is one way of saying a thing, and then there is the best way of saying something.”

“You mean tact.” Ian laughed. “Oh, Soren. Vampires would never have to do that… Not men. And I am sure your sister was taught to handle things like that.”

I got to my feet again. “Then I suggest you keep her veil on. It’s the only protection she has. You can’t have your bread buttered on both sides.”

I was almost out of the room. Ian grabbed my shoulder. “What did you mean? You’re going to have to stop talking like that.”

“And if you want to take over. Having a good understanding of other planets will have to be a priority. You are so fixed on having this place that you don’t understand what it entails… It means you can’t have it both ways.”

“Knowing small nuances of other planets will not help me.”

“Did you see what just happened? On Earth, you must, or you’ll fall flat on your face.” I was laying it on thick. I had to. I wanted him to focus on other things rather than asking me again if I wanted to marry his sister.

“Stop it! I… I’ll… learn.” He said stupidly. “But first, I need to run the place to care enough to do it. If you have an in with Marcus. I have to know about it.”

“I just gave you all you need to win this war.”

“That stone? Where is it?”

I didn’t say anything. Ian’s hold on me relaxed, and he let go. “I do not think they know what to do either. We are all stuck in some way. Feigning a peace treaty to find them might just work.”

I knew where the stone was. It was around Marcus’s neck. All I had to do was get them close to each other. Marcus would do the rest, and hopefully, we would get out of there before Isla asked me to stay.