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"Are you planning to Turn her?" Jared’s shock was still pulsing in the air

"Yes I plan on Turning Lucy and Binding with her But itway around – Binding after I stepped down rather than before Ruling without a mate for support can be a very lonely life I saw that you were headed down that same route, Jared, and I did not want you to make the sa "You played Cupid, didn’t you?"

Antonio tilted his head, stifling a smile "Perhaps It is not why I offered you a position here as a commander, Sam You are here because you deserve to be But I confess I had hoped that if I forced you and Jared to work together, you would grow close You seemed to be exactly what he needed, just as he seeht, was I not?"

"Sneaky" Jared ran a hand through his hair "None of this means you have to step down yet"

"No, but I wish to As I said, I’er have to worry about the lives of others and to instead concentrate onit has been since I have seen the outside world? Being who I am, my life was always at risk, and I have had to remain on the island I do not want that anymore, and I do not want it for Lucy You two areThe vampire community has totally accepted both of you, has confidence in your ability to lead and protect them The question is…are you prepared to take on the responsibility?"

It was more than a mere responsibility and, in truth, I didn’t feel at all ready It was a huge step to take Yes, I’d known it would happen one day, but I’d envisioned it happening centuries down the line, not now But how could I place Antonio in a position where he had to remain ruler at the cost of his own happiness? He didn’t deserve that "I’htest I could sense through our bond that beneath that shock was a slither of unease I would never have guessed that he would ever have any reservations about stepping up when the time came Yet, that unease was there With anyone else, I would have said that was perfectly natural But it didn’t fit Jared in this situation

"I don’t like that you’re stepping down," he told Antonio "I think you’re easily capable of ruling for a hell of a long tih Master But…I co this would eventually happen If this is really what you want, I’ll support you" He took my hand "We’ll support you"

The smile that spread across Antonio’s face was one of relief "I would like for the Coronation to take place in two ive me time to tie up any loose ends"

I nodded "Sure"

"Luther will serve as your Advisor, just as he has served as mine"

The Gandalf lookalike smiled "It will be an honour"