It showed just how little those in charge knew about me and my abilities. I meant it when I said I hadn’t survived this long by adhering to the requirements of others.
Society had evolved over my lifetime, and I’d evolved right along with it.
I didn’t do archaic methods. The technology era was one of my favorites, and I’d done my due diligence in learning everything I could about the capabilities. Then I’d built and created my own survival network.
The screen before them was only the cusp of my abilities. The council thought they had the market on technical surveillance. What they didn’t realize was that I’d tapped into it a century ago and had piggybacked off their infrastructure to create my own safe haven.
This new world didn’t scare me. It only pissed me off.
“So while the three of us only make up a small section of the council, I’m willing to bet there are more who are not pleased with the current dynamic,” I continued, confident in my assertion. “Some members may opt to hunt me and Willow down, but I can handle a few irate lycans and vampires with one hand tied behind my back. Which leads me to my next statement—I see no reason for Willow to hide.”
Jace’s calm exterior had returned, his age and superiority a mask he often hid behind. I understood because I wore a similar expression when thinking through my options.
Edon was less skilled in hiding his emotions, but that went with traditional lycan culture. His brethren operated purely on animal instinct in this transformed generation. Yet Edon had proved himself different purely by taking two mates and allowing them to stand equally at his side.
Many alpha males commanded submission, even from their alpha females, which had fundamentally broken key points of lycan culture. However, Edon’s actions suggested he wanted to repair those fractures. It had fascinated me last month and intrigued me even more now.
“Not hiding Willow will come with consequences not just to you but to me and my clan as well,” the lycan said slowly. “And given that the next council meeting was scheduled as a result of the actions of Clemente Clan and Silvano Region, I’d say we’re in for one hell of a discussion.”
I snorted. “By ‘discussion,’ you mean a tantrum thrown by the Goddess herself.” I couldn’t stop myself from rolling my eyes. “I’ve been subjected to daily tantrums for two weeks now. I think I can survive another.”
“So what do you plan to do?” Jace asked. “Walk into the council meeting a few weeks from now and just tell Lilith no?”
“Actually, I haven’t decided if I plan to show up yet or not. It’s on my calendar, but I may schedule something over it.” I canted my head to the side. “Why do you allow her to lead? Is it because adhering to her edicts is easier than arguing?”
“She’s created an order in society that I haven’t felt the need to break yet,” he replied.
“Yet,” I repeated. “That’s an interesting term.”
His stoic features gave nothing away. “Let’s just say I know how to play the game. That doesn’t mean I enjoy it.”
“So don’t play.”
“And then what?” he pressed. “If we all go rogue, as you’re suggesting, what happens? The human population is down to ten percent of what it was a hundred and fifty years ago. Without regulations, we risk our primary food source. We both know our brethren require rules for a reason. They can’t be trusted to control themselves.”
“The fact that you’re saying all this tells me you’ve been contemplating another way to rule,” I inferred. “Rather than ask for my opinion, tell me your ideas. What do you propose, Jace?” He ruled as a British monarch in a past life, his penchant for politics and governing well known.
“That will make for a much longer conversation.”
“And a far more interesting one,” I added. “Hiding Willow would be a short-term solution at best, one we both know won’t work in this society. So rather than banter about what I would deem an inconsequential item, let’s discuss a more long-term solution. Tell me about your vision. Then I’ll tell you if I agree with it or if I have some suggestions.”
“What makes you think I have a proper plan?” Jace countered.
“Because you just told me you did.” I gave him a look. “If I wanted to play games, I would call Lilith. Don’t waste my time and I won’t waste yours.”
Jace studied me for a long moment,