Scorched Ice (Fire and Ice #3)(20)
“What will Devon be doing?” another in the crowd asked.
“Cassie and I will continue to train Guardians and Hunters. We will work to make sure they understand things are changing for the better and what will be expected of them. That doesn’t mean I won’t be there to help Julian, and you, if Julian calls me. I’ll also destroy you if it’s deemed necessary.”
“And who will keep you and Julian in check?” another asked. “You may not be slaughtering humans and vampires now, but we all know your histories, and as Elders, you are stronger than the rest of us.”
“I will!” Quinn declared. “If it becomes necessary, I will do what must be done. I won’t condone the murder of any innocent, even if it is Julian or Devon doing the killing. I may be a vampire now, but I’m also a Hunter who lost her family to vampires, and I won’t allow that to happen to others. Despite that, I’m also a vampire who understands the strain we all go through to resist killing.
“Throughout all of history, bringing the Hunters, Guardians, and vampires together is an idea that was never considered. Both sides have experienced heavy casualties because of ignorance; it’s time that stopped. I don’t care if you like it or not, but if you have faith in the prophecy, then you believe I’m to be your ally, and I know this is the first step to keeping all of us safer.”
Silence met her statement before more chatter erupted through the group. This time she let them figure out what it was they wanted on their own. There was only so much she could say to sway them one way or the other.
“I’ll say one thing for you, little one,” the giant said, “you got lady balls.”
“Ah…” Quinn had no idea how to respond to that. “Thank you… I think.”
“One question,” the giant said to her in a voice so low the crowd couldn’t hear him. “Vampires crave power. Many give into the lure of blood and death because of the power that comes with it. But you, you can take power from another without your fangs and with only a simple touch. Many of these vamps see you as their savior, but I want to know who will regulate you if you give into the temptation and start taking from others?”
“It is a possibility,” she admitted, “but all of you will regulate me, and so will Julian. He pulls me back from the edge when I’m tempted to lean too far over.”
“One of the most prolific and legendary killers of all vampires keeps you stable, interesting,” the giant murmured and lifted his hand to rub at his chin.
Julian stiffened beside her. She scowled at the giant while he smiled at her in amusement, revealing crinkling lines around his brown eyes. “Julian has changed,” she said.
“And I’m wondering if one day you’ll change and become more like he used to be.”
“If you knew her better, you would know that will never happen,” Julian said.
“Such assurance could spell trouble,” the giant replied.
“You’re right,” Quinn admitted. “It is possible something in the future could change me.”
She had no idea what she would become if something were to ever happen to Julian. She’d destroyed Zach to save him; she didn’t doubt she would kill again if it became necessary to save someone she loved.
“I’ve tasted what my ability can really do to another, experienced the thrill of a power you could not begin to imagine, but there are many in my life who love me and who I love,” she continued. “They keep me grounded every day. I’ve lived with the temptation of my power my entire life, but I have kept it in control. However, there are enough with power who could take me down if it became necessary. Devon and Cassie wouldn’t hesitate if they believed I was a threat. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that never has to happen.”
“I like that you acknowledge what you are and what you could be capable of becoming,” the man replied. “Denying the possibility is a sure way to end up traveling a treacherous pathway.”
“Thanks,” she muttered.
Julian tugged her back a step when the man thrust a thick, beefy hand toward her. “I have no intention of trying to harm your mate, Julian. I’ve survived one hundred and five years as a vamp. I’d like to survive many more. My name is Vern. I killed one Hunter who was trying to kill me, no humans. I was turned when I was thirty. I have telekinesis, and I would like to become one of your regulators.”
“If that’s true, you won’t mind me touching you then,” Julian replied.
“Not at all,” Vern replied. His casual shrug caused the brown hair hanging to his shoulders to scrunch with the movement.
Julian seized his hand and stood for a minute before releasing it. “Chris,” he said when he stepped back from Vern.
Chris moved forward to take hold of Vern’s outstretched hand. “He means no ill-will,” Chris said as he released Vern’s hand. “His words are true. I sense he is mostly driven by curiosity over power in this.”
“That I am,” Vern admitted and turned back to Quinn with his hand still extended. “Little one?”
“What is it with you vamps and your freaking nicknames?” Quinn muttered as she took hold of Vern’s hand. “I’m above average height for a woman, you know.”
“You’re still little to me,” he replied with a laugh. He gave her hand a warm squeeze. “I think you’re right; bringing us all together instead of keeping us apart is the way to go. Killing that Hunter is still the biggest regret of my life.”