Linda shook her head, “You’re assuming they’re smart enough to see the truth.”
I shrugged, “it won’t be easy, I never claimed it would be. But it’s our lot in life, it’s what we face, through no fault of our own. Get over it, life isn’t fair, and we can’t go around killing everyone because we’re pissed about it. That’ll just get us killed in the long run, and it’ll suck the joy out of life besides. Life is hope, and even right now we can take joy in living it and with those around us. Non-violence, and exposing the lies to shift that unfairness is the only way we can make it work in the long run. If we can’t get the humans on our side, at least some of them, we’ll never have peace. In the end, we’re doomed to fail with no allies, and the whole world against us. It’s truly our only chance.”
Linda still didn’t look convinced, and I wasn’t sure how else to say it. It seemed obvious to me.
“Who’s going to rule this community, you?” she said sarcastically.
I frowned, “I’m the leader of this mound, you are a guest in my house, and under my protection. I provide safety and got you all out of harm’s way. That said, I have no ambition to rule. When there’s enough of us that are trained and in control of our powers, we can get together and decide. Some of you will want to live normal human lives, and keep your magic controlled and undetectable. Others will want to join a community, and we’ll put together a council or something. We’ll also need laws, to police our own. But that’s for the future.
“Right now, our focus needs to be on swaying the opinions of humans, and in winning some of them to our side. No, that’s my focus, which I need your help with. Your focuses should be on learning magic discipline, martial arts, and learning how to defend yourselves. Once you’re there, you can share the responsibility with me if you wish.”
Linda sighed, “It seems naïve, to think we can do it without fighting.”
“We can’t. Self-defense is part of it, I fought for you when I picked you up. Besides, you haven’t thought through all the repercussions of their lies being exposed, we will have plenty of violence even on my path. What do you suppose the humans will do, when they find out all those collateral deaths are truly the Nephilim’s fault, so they could cover up their lies and prevent any half-demons from maturing and proving them wrong.”
Celeste gasped, “They’ll feel betrayed and used, manipulated, and they’ll be incensed and accuse them all of pre-meditated murder.”
William said, “They’ll go to war, and their granted autonomy to the councils to police and rule the supernatural world will be revoked.”
I nodded, “It will, and that means we need to be seen as better. As fellow victims, who only fought in self-defense, or they’ll kill us too. As it is, I suspect the outsiders and us will come out on top at the end, and we’ll be under the law of the humans. Another reason a ruling council might not be necessary for our half-demon outsider community, our kind who abuse human law will be taken down by humans if that happens. So, let’s not piss them off any more than we have to.”
One on one a human wasn’t a threat, but a whole bunch of them with automatic rifles would chew through our shields fast. Not to mention grenades or RPGs. Even just thirty of them with semi-automatic weapons had chewed halfway through that Nephilim’s shield in just seconds.
Sabine said, “What if they all decide all of us supernaturals are too dangerous to live, when the horrific truths of Nephilim rule are finally believed and accepted? That they cared more about their precious reputations than human lives.”
“It’s a risk, but we can’t let the Nephilim continue to slaughter us either. It’s their path that takes them toward that inevitable end, even without us they’ll be toppled one day. I don’t believe it will get that far, a war on all of us to extinction, but there will be plenty of bloodshed to go around, even in your eyes, Linda.”
Linda said, “Assuming you can do it. I’ll behave, and follow your lead while I’m here, but if nothing has changed in the two years it takes me to learn what I need to survive in this world, I will go my own way.”
I nodded grimly, “My advice is to focus on yourself, and who you want to be. Don’t define yourself by hatred and revenge, no one ever led a happy life that did that, and revenge is an empty pursuit. We may be oppressed, but my mind is my own, and I for one refuse to live in misery. We can only ever control our own actions, thoughts, and beliefs, don’t allow them to have that much power over you and your life.”
Linda didn’t look impressed with my advice, but she was sixteen. Maybe in time she’d come to see it as the truth, but I wasn’t holding my breath.
Of course, the others all looked like they’d understood my point perfectly, so maybe I shouldn’t be giving her a pass for her age. It was something in her past that she hadn’t shared that was behind her wish to strike out. Or maybe she was just spoiled and entitled and couldn’t control her outrage or let go of it, the gods knew I’d had a hard life, and I’d let that kind of shit go. It’d made me suspicious and pessimistic, but not angry and violent.
I couldn’t save everyone. I also couldn’t let her sabotage our efforts. I’d take her at her word, at least I’d gotten her to see my side of it, and she’d agreed to back off for the duration of her time here. I just hoped she kept her word.
Sabine said wistfully, “I guess we won’t be doing that again?”
I laughed, “We’ll see. We’ll do something once a month to get you out of here for a day, if relaxation here isn’t enough. Come up with some ideas, and then bring them to me. But yes, no more huge crowds. Obviously, no workout, the morning’s over. You can either relax the rest of the day, or work on your magical discipline exercises.”
Sabine asked, “Can I help with anything?”
Karl said, “Me too.”
Linda rolled her eyes and walked away. Celeste shot me an apologetic look as her and Carlos followed the angry teen away. I wondered if Linda would ever master her magic, if she couldn’t let go of that rage, or control it, it wouldn’t be easy.
“If you want, you can help us brainstorm ideas. Not killing everyone who comes after us is only half of it as I said. We need to get in the public eye, that we’re just normal people who want to live our lives, while avoiding the council attacking us at any of those outings.”
They nodded thoughtfully, and then followed me to my house. I got everyone a drink, coffee for myself, and then we sat in the living room and brainstormed ideas. Celeste showed up about halfway through, while Carlos stayed with Linda.
I didn’t think Carlos could resist trying to fix her.
We discussed several scenarios similar to what William and I had discussed alone. Some kind of charity event, and then posting videos on YouTube after the fact to raise awareness of ask for donations or whatever. Including healing potions for emergency health centers in poor areas, curing the physically disabled, my unique eye drop potion for the blind, and other things.
Ironically perhaps, it all depended on my witch and fae natures, half demons like our opposites had magic that wasn’t good for much besides offense. Hellfire or holyfire, strength and speed, along with gateways. Fae and witch magic were much more diverse in application.
The main point we were going for would go unsaid, it was just too self-serving to say it out loud, but the fact we were doing good deeds, and not starting Armageddon, should be enough to get that message out too.
Even scared people should pick up on the fact we hadn’t ended the world yet, which made the Nephilim liars and worse.
It was also mentioned the website Karl had built was already reaching a lot of humans, though a small amount percentage wise to the entire population, it still amounted to thousands of supporters already which was a little heartening. Even a tiny percentage of seven billion was a pretty big number.
Karl said, “Susan Carmichael left another message on the website this morning. It might not hurt to do an interview. I think this is the ninth time she’s asked, since you were in her off
ice that one time.”
“It’s dangerous, and it could backfire. The press these days doesn’t care about the truth, they care about ratings and stirring up outrage in people to keep them tuned in. Any interview would have to be canned. If it was live the Nephilim could show up during the interview and people could get hurt or killed. That means they’d have the opportunity to cut and edit before it goes on air.”
Celeste said, “You could always threaten her not to do that.”
I was startled by that, then laughed, “Okay, maybe she would be too afraid to try misrepresenting me to make me look bad, or worse than I really am. It’s still a risk, at least with YouTube we’d be in control of the content, to make sure it was accurate.”
William said, “But, a lot less people would see it. Only the people already looking at the website would even know about those videos, unless someone did a story on it or the video went viral. It’d be an opportunity to talk about the website too, where people could read the deeper facts and arguments that a television interview won’t get to. I could go with you too, offer a human angle from a human with an evil demonic sister.”
Celeste slapped his arm for that last, but she was smiling while she did it.
She said, “Besides, Kyra, they’ll be plenty of outrage on tap if she just goes with the story and goes after the Nephilim, like they deserve.”
That… was true.
Sabine said, “I want to help.”
I frowned, “Maybe you can, but not with this. They know my face, the whole country knows it. They also know William’s, since the Portland incident made national news, but they don’t know anything about you, or that you even exist. Right now, with the enchantment you have no chance of being recognized at all by anyone.”
Sabine said, “It’s my risk, and my choice to reveal myself. I owe you, and I can’t sit by and do nothing when I can make a difference.”
Karl look worried about that idea too, but he was smart enough to keep his overprotective objections to himself, and merely said, “Me too.”
I wasn’t sure what to do. I wanted to keep her safe, but she wasn’t wrong.
“They can’t interview all of us, two is enough. If you want to help, you can be in the YouTube videos, and even make your own self-testimony video if you want after we post the first one. As for you Karl, you can do it if your mother says it’s okay.”
Way to pass the buck, Kyra. Coward.
Karl nodded, “So, you’re going to do it?”
“I think so. William and I will head over tomorrow after sparring practice.”
Karl said, “I’ll do some web research into charities related to our ideas.”
Karl got up, and Sabine followed him out.
Celeste said, “I’ll get some practice in. I’m sorry about today,” then got up and left.
William and I looked at each other for a moment, alone again for the first time since lunch started. Not only alone, but no one else around at all, as opposed to the crowds at the park. The sexual tension between us skyrocketed in that moment, and as the moment lingered I was finding it hard to think past the heat and tingling in my body.
He said firmly, “Let me take you to dinner tonight.”
Oh, that was such a bad idea, but my mouth betrayed me.
“Okay, but I’m responsible for transportation.”
He smirked, “Obviously, and we have to avoid Portland so you’re picking the restaurant. Wear something nice, Italian?”
“I know a nice place in Manhattan, Patsy’s.”
He said, “Good enough, I’ll pick you up at six.”
What the hell was I thinking? I wasn’t sure, but I felt a bit breathless as he got up and left the room, taking his intense gaze and fiercely warm green eyes with him. He’d been so confident, so sure of my answer, which turned me on. Not arrogance, but he had enough sure confidence to spare. He was also totally unintimidated by me despite what I was. He just wanted me, and he saw who I was, I could see it in his eyes.
It had me breathless, William was a hell of a man, and delicious looking as well. It was absurd, a human was all wrong for me, but I found myself doubting that belief when it came to William and even making excuses in my head. That I’d been wrong, and a human was perfect for me, and my only true chance at finding a happy and healthy relationship. Supernaturals would fear me, or try to kill me, no matter how hot I was, or what kind of woman I was inside.
After that morning, and a date coming that night which I was very unsure of the wisdom of despite the wild butterflies in my stomach, I needed to relax. I got up and went to my alchemy lab. Just the distraction I needed, and the magic and process of potion making would help calm and center me.
Chapter Four
The butterflies were back with a vengeance as I stared into the mirror. I was in my redhead disguise, long and wavy down to the center of my back, and gray eyes flecked with green. My face was very similar, my classic beauty slightly softened with softer cheekbones, and slightly different features.
I kind of wished I could be myself for the date, but the fact he knew what I looked like and preferred my natural look had to be enough. My true appearance was just too infamous, and there was too great a chance of getting recognized no matter where we went to dinner.
I had on a dark blue dress on the edge of purple. It had a strapless sweetheart neckline. The dress conformed to and flowed down my body, and the skirt of the dress reached all the way down to my ankles. It was also slit completely up one side to my upper outer thighs, and it revealed my toned right leg completely when I walked. I had on red three-inch heels, matching nail polish, and a minimum of makeup on.
Really, I looked fantastic, and couldn’t wait to see his reaction. Bad Idea or not, and I still wasn’t sure if it was or not, I had the first date anxiety going on that was delicious, as anticipation, tingles, and butterflies ruled my body, clouded my mind, and flooded my heart. I was in that state of what if it didn’t work out, and conversely, what if it did. He was a strong man, protective, had principles, and seemed to be as attracted to me as I was to him.
I missed my former aplomb, but I supposed it was much easier to be a cool minded badass when I was alone. When I’d just watched out for myself, and I’d hid my true self from those around me. William saw me though, knew me, what and who I was, and he was still interested and seemingly beguiled by me. It was a little mind-blowing, and it had me off balance.
In a good way.
I was still the same woman to my enemies, tough, decisive, implacable, and gracefully deadly. But he could truly hurt me, I hadn’t realized how much I’d let him inside of me the last three months. Not just him, I cared for my other charges as well, but with the date he was foremost in my mind that night.
Despite Abby’s betrayal, and Vic’s death, my heart had healed, and it was still open. It made me feel horribly vulnerable at the same time, even past the normal first date jitters with a guy I was starting to realize I was crazy about.
My heart jumped when I heard the knock on the front door, and I rolled my eyes at my nervousness and went to answer the door. No matter how I felt, my fae grace didn’t fail me and I held my head up high as I opened the door.
He looked fantastic in a shirt and tie, dress pants and black shoes. I’d never seen him dressed up like that before, and the way his eyes feasted on me in return had my heart pattering in my chest.
“You look beautiful, Kyra. Exquisitely so.”
I smiled, “Thanks, I suppose you clean up well too.”
He grinned, and held out an arm, which I took as I opened up a gateway. My stomach did flips at the feel of his muscled arm under my hand, it was the first time we’d ever touched, at least intimately. I wasn’t counting sparring practice.
We came out in an alley I was familiar with, just two blocks from the restaurant. I pointed with my head, and he led us down the sidewalk in an easy walk as the gateway slammed shut. It was a relief there were no supernaturals around, and the humans that were hadn’
t seen the gateway.
It’d been a very short date otherwise.
He took my hand, and we entwined fingers. It was a simple thing, holding hands, but it felt incredibly intimate as I held his hand for the first time. I barely recognized myself in that moment, and I felt more than a little swept away in his presence and under his attention, but I also felt safe. This wasn’t a typical first date, he hadn’t picked me up at a bar or something, I already knew him fairly well. What kind of man he was, over the last three months we’d grown a friendship.
I supposed I could say it wasn’t just his mistrust that had faded over that time, my own seemed to be absent as well. Enough thinking, I took a leap, and gave myself to it for the night. I’d always held strict control of myself, my powers and abilities, and stayed strong. Relationships, romantic ones, was always an area of life I never tried to control. I didn’t mind being swept away, and as scary as it was it was also an exhilarating feeling, to put myself into his hands with trust, and not a little desire.
I’d always been a strong believer in the idea I could only control myself.
He asked, “You know Manhattan well?”
I shrugged, “Fairly. I spent some time here when I was sixteen.”
That was an understatement, if there ever was one. After destroying about a sixth of the city with out of control hellfire, I’d stayed because they thought I was dead.
“It’s where I’d spent the time to gain control of my demon magic, and expand my knowledge of fae and witch craft to help me hide better. Though a lot of that time was spent in my mound, once I figured out how to enchant a mobile doorway to it. I used Manhattan to eat, shop, and get out.”
Demon Underground: Kyra Bell Book Three Page 4
