CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

V incent leaned back in his large chair and stared at Brayden. “This isn’t good.”

“Nope.”

“If it’s true, they’ve progressed much faster than we thought.”

Brayden tapped his ankle up and down on his knee. This was the worst-case fucking scenario. Or close to it.

“So none of your pals on the team have seen or heard anything?”

Vincent frowned at him.

“It’s called Operation Daylight. It’s not a goddamn softball team , Brayden,” the king said. “And no. Every single member would have a vested interest in speaking up if they discovered a new species of soldier was being created by BioZen.”

Brayden shook his head. “I don’t trust any of them. Show me a world leader in history that’s been completely honest and trustworthy, and I’ll eat my shoe.”

“Gandhi,” Vincent said.

“Pfft. Debatable.”

“The Pope, one through whatever number we’re up to now.”

Brayden laughed. “Nice try but no cigar.”

Wasn’t the church even more corrupt than politicians? They had both seen far too many things over their long lives, and had information long forgotten by humans passed down from their father and grandfather. Ari’s brother.

Vincent let out a sigh and reached for a pen which he started tapping on the desk pad in front of him. The king was a scribbler and there were notes and wiggles all over the paper.

Brayden knew Vincent thought as he scribbled. He just didn’t see a way to strategize out of this. He wanted to take action.

Sure there was a time to be patient, but if they waited much longer, God knows what these scientists could let out into the world.

“I’ll speak to POTUS, and we might call an urgent video meeting on this with the Operation Daylight team. It might be hearsay but if they are moving into execution phase then this could be happening globally. They have the funds to act quickly.”

Yeah, and that was a fucking terrifying thought. For all they knew, the entire globe could be covered in little human-vampire soldiers within months.

“I’ll call Ari in a moment unless you want to,” Brayden said.

“No, you go ahead. I’ll call him if things escalate.”

“Okay.” Brayden nodded, pleased the king was leaving this to him. “Kurt is with Ben and Oliver in Los Angeles still, so if they find any proof, we’ll know when they know.”

Vincent tapped his pen on the pad. “Good. Stay in close contact with them. I know you do anyway, but I just need to say it.”

Brayden gave him a nod.

“I get it. This is a nightmare.”

“Do we need to send more of our teams?” Vincent asked.

Brayden shook his head.

“Not yet. Craig is with Alex in Portland, so they can mobilize if they need more bodies on the ground. We’re running completely blind right now. Once we have some intel, I’ll be dispersing more teams. This is too fucking important to sit back.”

The king grunted.

“We can’t let them replicate our strength and abilities into humans, Vincent. You know that,” Brayden said. “We have to destroy them.”

Humans roaming the globe with the type of power the average vampire had—even half of it – would be incredibly dangerous for all living creatures.

They had to be stopped.

And fast.

“I can’t just act aggressively and without consultation. We are in this treaty with the world leaders. It will be of great benefit to us long term. But it comes at a cost,” Vincent said. “It’s how the world works right now.”

“And that cost is letting a third unknown and uncontrollable species be created? By humans with a history of war and destruction?”

“Fuck!” Vincent stood and thrust his hand through his thick dark hair. “I know.”

Brayden shook his head and stood.

“Think on it. I understand your situation, but I’m telling you there isn’t time for boardroom chit-chat.”

Vincent nodded and stared at the painting of their parents on the wall. Both of them were happy to be back in the Maine castle, which had been their home for over a century.

Brayden turned to leave.

“What are your plans?” Vincent asked.

“I’m not going into the field. I need to stay in the castle,” Brayden replied, knowing it would raise questions. It was highly unlike him to sit things out, but nothing, not even this, would make him leave his mate’s side right now.

Absolutely nothing.

Well, unless the king’s life was being threatened.