CHAPTER FIFTEEN | Present Time

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Present Time

“SO YOU LEFT ENGLAND in 1901 and settled in Maine,” James Adler said. “And you built a damn castle without anyone knowing?”

Vincent heard Craig and Lance snort and shot them a look.

“It was nearly finished by the time we arrived in the United States, but the world was a different place back then, James. No Google Maps, fewer people around to see what was going on, and a greater trust,” Vincent answered.

The president’s question was a good one; however, Vincent wasn’t going to answer truthfully, and he had zero guilt about it. They’d been able to survive unexposed as a race with one important tool: their ability to manipulate human minds. They could wipe or rearrange memories as they required. If humans discovered they were able to do this, all bets were off. They would never be trusted.

Even among vampires, it was a tool rarely used. They were well aware of its power, so much so that parents took their role in teaching their children to use it very seriously. Any misuse of it soon had consequences. By the time they were young adults, vampires understood it was frowned upon to use it nefariously, and that it should only be used when necessary, such as when protecting the race’s existence.

To remain hidden, there were times it was needed. For example, if your boss asked you to work a day shift, which was impossible for a vampire, then you simply entered their mind and insisted they select someone else; manipulate their thinking.

“Yeah, but still. A fucking castle. In the United States?” POTUS said, shaking his head. “And we never knew, and still don’t know, it exists?”

Vincent held the man’s stare. “Well, you do now.”

This is where things got tricky. Their tech team worked twenty-four seven blocking satellites and cleaning up data records of their existence. He didn’t want them knowing that either.

“Look, there are going to be things you are not going to like hearing as you learn more about us, but we have done—and will continue to do—what we need to do to survive and protect our race. It’s nothing less than what any of you do every single day,” Vincent finished, wiping his mouth on his napkin. He wasn’t going to sugarcoat things.

Jeromy Smithers, the United Kingdom’s prime minister, nodded. “He’s right.”

“If we’re being honest, we would have done worse,” Chung Lee, from South Korea, added.

“There’s no denying you have lived peacefully alongside us for a very long time,” Jeromy said. “The more I learn, the more I am beginning to understand, yet the more questions I have.”

Vincent felt a rare smile begin to bubble up. Perhaps it was relief that his strategy was working. All he wanted was for his race to coexist with humans in peace. He knew there was a long journey ahead of them; still, he mentally patted himself on the back and enjoyed the moment. When you were at the top of the food chain, there was no one else to do it.

There was also no one else to blame if things turned to shit.

Yeah, it was lonely at the top. Thank God he had Kate. He never would have survived his reign if he’d lost his mate even before he knew she was his.

Seraphina glanced at him, and he nodded with his eyes.

“Gentlemen, it’s time for dinner,” Vincent announced, clapping his hands. “Please use the facilities to freshen up, and we will see you in thirty minutes.”

Seraphina took the floor, giving their guests further instructions, and Vincent exited the room. He was eager to get back to Kate.

“Vince,” Brayden said, walking alongside him. “Willow said Kate looks ready to pop. Are you sure she should join us tonight?”

He arched a brow. “Has something happened?”

“No. But do you really want her surrounded by humans if she goes into labor?” Brayden asked.

Vincent continued walking and pushed through two doors before he stopped. When they were out of earshot, he turned to his brother. Brayden’s tone had caught his attention.

“What’s your concern?” he asked, placing his hands on his hips.

“I just don’t think it’s wise. When she goes into labor, I know your diplomacy will fly out the window. Tell Kate to stay in the royal wing with one of the females, and we can be there in seconds if needed.”

“No,” he denied, continuing his walk. “If her waters break, we will simply deal. The queen needs to attend.”

“Stop, Vincent. Your child is about to enter this world. The heir to the Moretti throne,” Brayden growled at him.

Jesus.

Vincent ran a hand over his face.

“I’d just rather it didn’t happen while some of the most important humans on the planet are present,” Brayden continued.

The prince was doing his job. He wasn’t as close to these humans as Vincent had been over recent months. The trust built between them had not extended to his brother, and it was something he hadn’t considered. Brayden was in charge of security, and he lived and breathed it. Ensuring the queen and the newest heir were safe was on the top of his mind. Vincent appreciated his perspective, but having the queen bow out of such an important occasion was just not acceptable.

Kate also wouldn’t want to stay behind. She knew the importance of these things, and while she wasn’t thrilled about it, Vincent knew he would have a tough time convincing her and pay the price if he put his foot down.

Brayden had done his job as captain by raising it. The final decision was his, as king.

“Well, best you make sure your team is prepared for such an event. It’s their job to protect the queen, so tell them to do their goddamn job. Enough, brother. Kate is attending.”

They stared at each other for a moment and then Brayden walked off, shaking his head and dropping his favorite curse word.