A Shade of Doubt (A Shade of Vampire #12)(22)

As I stood in the midst of the jungle, staring into an old stone well, I couldn’t keep the smile from my face as a plan formulated in my mind.

Yes… Yes. This will be a much more fitting ending for Rose than even handing her over to the black witches. They only want her blood, after all…

Chapter 14: Aiden

The moment Kyle and Anna discovered the bloodied bedsheets of their neighbors, Caroline and Thomas, the island was in an uproar. Kyle and Anna were both a bag of nerves as they came running to inform Derek and Sofia what had just happened. They’d been through such loss and trouble recently, and for this to happen just next door shook them both deeply. Kyle and Anna took Caroline and Thomas’ two children—now orphans—into their home.

A large number of vampires and humans on the island were still convinced that the werewolves—in particular, Micah—were responsible for Rose’s kidnapping. Many had held a grudge against the werewolves ever since.

Now, with the bloody mess that Caroline and Thomas had left behind, it was just another stab to an already gaping wound. All the doubt resurfaced again tenfold.

Derek and Sofia were forced to call a meeting in the Great Dome. The Shade’s council, consisting of vampires, humans, and now werewolves alike—except for Eli, who for some reason had refused to attend—argued for hours. I remained silent throughout, listening to the arguments for and against a werewolf being responsible for this. The whole time, I kept looking at Sofia. I couldn’t have felt more proud of and sorry for my daughter and son-in-law at the same time. Their daughter was missing, their son was still having a tough time recovering as a vampire, and now they had to deal with this new outrage that was threatening to overrun the island with animosity.

The entire time we were sitting there, we had to be aware primarily of Mona—we knew the werewolves were her family, and for that reason Derek and Sofia simply could not side with those opposed to the werewolves, even if they were responsible for this. The werewolves had to stay on the island, be they innocent or guilty. I saw it in my daughter’s eyes as she struggled with this conundrum. She and Derek were supposed to be completely impartial, searching only for the truth for the protection of the humans on the island, yet at the same time they had to maintain a partiality toward the werewolves. Even if it was unjust.

No, the meeting was not intended to get to the truth. It was intended to reach balance and compromise, trying to appease opponents on both sides of the issue. Because if the culprit was found to be a werewolf, the situation would become even more tense. Neither Derek nor Sofia were used to ruling their kingdom this way, and yet now, dependent on Mona as we were, they had no choice. I could see Derek close to losing his temper on several occasions, and having to pause to reel himself in.

Back and forth the arguments went all day. By the time evening came and Derek adjourned the meeting until tomorrow, I was exhausted. I was relieved for Derek and Sofia. They had dark shadows under their eyes—far too dark even for vampires—and worry lined their faces. Now that the torturous meeting was over for the day, they had to return to more worries. Worries much closer to home.

I stayed behind in the Great Dome as the assembly piled out. Sofia and Derek remained seated at the table even as the last person exited. I approached them slowly, wary of interrupting their conversation. Sofia looked up at me and gave me a weak smile.

I bent down and kissed her forehead. “I don’t think there’s much I can do to relieve the pressure on you. But I just want you to know how proud I am of both of you.”

She breathed out, rubbing her forehead. “Thanks, Dad,” she said, her smile a little broader and warmer this time. She squeezed my hand.

“You both should get an early night.”

They exchanged glances and nodded.

“We will,” Sofia said.

We left the Dome together and made our way back to the Residences, where we parted ways.

I couldn’t be bothered to wait for my elevator, and besides, I needed to stretch my limbs after such a long meeting, so with one giant leap, I plunged myself upward and, shooting up toward the canopy of leaves, landed on my veranda.

I headed straight for my front door, and didn’t notice a shadow stirring to my left until it had fully emerged.

“Aiden.”

I almost jumped with surprise to see Kailyn standing next to me.

“Oh, hi,” I said, attempting a smile.

I hadn’t seen her since I’d taught her and her sister how to use their washing machine.

Opening the door for her, I nodded inside. “Would you like to come in?”

She stepped inside and I followed after her. I gestured toward the couch and she sat down. She shifted in her seat, looking uncomfortable. Finally, she stared at me and asked, “Do you really suspect one of us?”

I heaved a sigh, leaning back in my chair, as I looked at her. The truth was, I didn’t know. None of us had known these werewolves long enough to judge their character. From what I’d seen of them so far, they appeared to be civilized creatures. But I of all people knew that appearances could be deceiving.

I wasn’t sure how to answer Kailyn without offending her. I shook my head. “I don’t know,” I said honestly.

Disappointment shrouded her eyes. “I know our pack, Aiden. Nobody would have done this. We may have a leaning toward human flesh, but we werewolves are loyal creatures. We would not have betrayed you in this way. Besides, many of us are grateful to be on this island and have basic amenities like running water. You don’t know the life we lived before we came here…”