Page 82 (1/2)

"So she and Iht stay here permanently?" asked Alora

"I hope so" I had plans for them

Able to readI should know, baby?"

"Nah"

He chuckled "Fine I guess as long as it’s not that you’re planning to run, it doesn’tto ask you"

Evan stiffened, but his smile remained in place "What?"

"Sam and I would like to ask you…if you’ll accept the position of Heir"

Shock painted Evan’s features as hisopen and closed like a landed fish

Jared pinned hiaze "This isn’t because you’re my brother – I need you to know that It’s because you’re the one person we trust to do the best for all vampirekind and to protect those who need it I know it’s not soinally would have wanted, so I understand if" Evan’s abrupt, solid, one-ar cut Jared off "Is that a yes?"

Releasing his twin, Evan cleared his throat and nodded, doing his best to look cool about it all "It’s a yes" Evan turned to Alora "Oh, but I"

She put her index finger against his lips "This doesn’t change anything I still want to be with you It’s a scary thought to one day rule, but I have a perfectly good role model in Sa," Jared noted, tucking my hair behindand unclaspingmy chin, he turned me to fully face him "You don’t have to put on an act for ht now Hell, even I a anyone can ever really be totally ready for – not even et used to the idea than you have If you needaboutto be" And that was all I could really ask ofsomeone delicately clear their throat, we all swerved to find Antonio He smiled "It is ti hand-in-hand on the man-made podium of the parlour rooestured for silence It was the sa cere when I told Saood nerves Still, having all these people about to witness our Coronation and knowing that the whole thing was being shown live on V-Tube…it was a little unnerving

"I realise that it is unusual for sothose witnessing over V-Tube "But I think we can all agree that it was unusual circuht these vaotten And neither will the actions of the pair you see here – Sa Sa her knuckles

"I am sure you have all already heard the story of how she illing to not only give up her bond with her mate but to sacrifice her own life for the lives of so many I am sure you have also heard of how Jared defended his ed the harm that she and everyone here had suffered These are people ill risk theht to the death if need be, ill avenge those that have suffered I do not believe there is a bonded pair ould be better suited to rule and protect va everyone "And so I hope you will all follow and support them as I step down froh Pair" Sahtened on mine as both Antonio and the Prelate joined us on the podiu

The Prelate spoke then "With everyone here as witness, do you, Antonio, relinquish your position as Grand High Master?"