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“Mal’s right,” Rylan says reluctantly “Lizzie could shoot Cornelius froive us the opportunity to take hiht, but at least he won’t be able to compel”

Wolf’s distress flares so brightly, I reach over and cover his hand with , just a little, fine trehit if Wolf isn’t okay with it It’s easy for you to say things ork out and this won’t backfire, but it’s his family” His family that makes this mad vampire look well-adjusted I don’t knohat to think of that All I know is that I don’t want any of my men harmed

What are the chances of all of usit out alive?

I don’t have an answer for that question

No one at the table does

13

In the end, the truth is we have no options Unless we nullify my father’s ability to co a bo to do it—wouldn’t guarantee my father’s death He’s too old, too savvy He’d find a way to survive even that, and then we’d have mass casualties on our head

My life was a living hell in that compound, and my father wasn’t the only one responsible for that But not everyone was a monster Not everyone chose cruelty when they could offer kindness instead I won’t say those who showed me kindness as a child were the majority, but they existed Even if they hadn’t, I’ to sanction the h a cost

So Wolf phones his sister, Lizzie

He makes the call in the other room, but even I can hear his side of the conversation, so no doubt Rylan and Malachi can hear both sides Sure enough, they exchange a long glance Malachi sighs “Lizzie is going to be a problem, but on’t let her hurt you”

“Maybe you can fuck her, too, and then the seraph bond will take care of that”

I stare at Rylan Of all the things to suggest… “Please tell ”

“Mostly” He grimaces “It would simplify matters, but we’d have toprocess, and that’s ine She’s too unpredictable”

There it is again