Snippet #1979420

23. So the girl was just as old as Viktoria. That was interesting, as was her opinion on the lycans. "Well said," he said with a nod. "This coven doesn't have room for pride, for some belief that we're the superior race and that we need no others. Of course none...well, very few of us," he continued, glancing at Viktoria and remembering how she had come to the coven not so long ago, "asked to be vampires, but we are what are we are now, and all of us plan to make the most of it."

He folded his hands in his lap. "However, it's very important for you to know whatever you think of the lycans, they are not us, and they are not part of this coven. The good of this coven must always come first. Every member of the coven must be more important in your eyes than every person on the outside, be they vampire, lycan, or human. Even the ones you might not be so fond of," he said, glancing at Viktoria once again.

Silas sighed when Viktoria asked how much trouble she was in. "I never meant to punish you, only to talk to you. You only put yourself in harm's way, not the coven." He glanced back towards Jessenia with a small smile. "And so far, I'm rather pleased with the recruit you've brought me. I was just worried about you. You left without a word to anyone. I wasn't even sure you'd return at all. I know there have been some things about the coven that haven't pleased you."

The coven leader stood, moving to the window, looking out at the first signs of dawn on the horizon. He drew the blinds closed. "If it's any comfort, know that I have plans for you, Viktoria. With war looming as it has been, the coven needs...well, those who are willing to do whatever it takes to see us through. And since there's so few of the Death Dealers left, I figured it was past time I pass on my skills to someone suitable."

---

Landon's question jolted Lauren, who had just been about to nod off. "Hm? Oh, it's on the outskirts of the city, well away from the more dangerous parts. The lab itself is underground, beneath the home of a former mayor, who supported me a great deal in getting the government to fund me. I assure you it's the safest place in the city right now."

The sun was just beginning to come up and lighten the city. Lauren sighed. She always found sleeping so much harder when the sun was starting to rise, even if she'd been awake all night. She wondered just how many hours she'd been awake for. Too many. It was no wonder she wasn't having any success.