Violet Forsythe has been through hell.
Her entire family is dead, her daywalker best friend hates her guts, and her vampire boyfriend is giving her the silent treatment all the way from Italy.
But Violet is anything but a quitter, and she has a few...
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"Um. Sir?" I piped up, raising my hand sheepishly.
Everyone in the room turned their attention to me, their expressions blank.
'Vampires are so creepy,' I thought as I glanced around nervously.
"Yes, Violet?" Aro asked, his voice sickly sweet.
"I'm still a human," I pointed out. "And I'm also not a part of the guard."
Nor did I have any genuine interest in joining, either. I hated being told what to do - especially by an insufferable sociopath like Aro.
But that was neither here, nor there.
"Yes," Aro replied.
"Okay," I continued apprehensively. "So, why do I have to go?"
"Think of it as a team building exercise," Aro beamed.
"But, I'm not–" I said, attempting to emphasize that I wasn't a part of the team.
"I'm sure you could use the fresh air," Aro said, talking over me.
My temper flared, but I kept it in.
"Master, it will take so much longer with Violet in tow," Jane said, trying to reason with him.
"There is no rush to complete the mission," Aro informed her. "It's just a simple check in. There is word that Blackwood coven has grown rapidly over the past year. It's time that we take a closer look at them. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to remind them of how dangerous carelessly creating our kind can be."
"Yes, master," Jane said obediently.
"Mr. Aro, I actually agree with Jane on this one," I interjected. "I think I'd just be a big distraction."
"Ah! See? The exercise is already beginning to work," Aro grinned at me.
Touché.
"It's London! It will be a fun trip, I assure you," Aro said to me. "However," he said, shifting his focus back to the guard members. "Our private jet is out of commission at the moment, so you'll have to drive there."
Jane's eyes widened in shock, but no one said anything.
"It's a bit of an inconvenience, I know, but the job needs to get done," Aro insisted.
'I am SO sure,' I thought darkly.
I had a strong feeling that the jet was just fine. Aro was very obviously playing another one of his games. Not that anyone was going to speak against him.
"Jane," Aro said, turning to her with a warm smile. "I trust that you will be able to handle this mission. Your leadership hasn't failed us yet."
A sweet, cherubic smile spread across Jane's face. "Yes, master," she replied, visibly elated to have her authority reinforced.
