Chapter 16 #6
The woman walks past her husband, giving him a glare on her way, before extending her hand to me. “I’m Caroline, it’s nice to finally meet you properly, Imogen.”
I shake her hand and she squeezes softly, her eyes glinting oddly under the light. I let her hand go before glancing toward his father Josiah. Is that man trying to kill me with his eyes? I hold my chin up, refusing to be intimidated by him, and I extend my hand.
“Hello Josiah, I’m Imogen, the weak human,” I say, my voice coming out strong, showing none of the fear I feel inside. He holds my gaze for a second, and I refuse to look away. I raise an eyebrow waiting, before I see his lips tug slightly upward, and he takes my hand, shaking it.
“Nice to meet you, Imogen. I suppose my boys have told you about me, then?”
I nod before he lets go. “Yes, your names, but not much other than that. Coffee?” I ask.
I’m impressed with how calm I sound. It's a good thing they have shown up after the frantic fucking, I couldn't imagine how much a mess things would have been if it had been any earlier. I hide my shudder. I turn my back on him and trot to the kitchen, not waiting for an answer. Tobias tries to hide his smile as I saunter past. I’m not about to let one old ass vampire intimidate me. Not after the shit I've put up with living with two—count them two—supposed to be mythical creatures. I may have appeared weak, but I won’t be talked about and treated like trash. I don’t care how big and scary he is supposed to be. To me, he looks like an ordinary man.
The resemblance between Josiah and Theo though, is uncanny.
They both share the same light brown hair and green eyes.
He’s shorter than Theo, and has a stocky build.
He looks like a man used to getting his way.
Well, that isn't about to happen when it comes to me. I may have to submit to his son and Tobias, but this man is going to see the Imogen who has been clawing for her life for all this time. I’m not weak.
I turn the kettle on, before leaning against the counter. Everyone files into the room, and Theo comes over and kisses my cheek, before leaning against the counter next to me and crossing his arms. Tobias gets some mugs and hands them to me.
“Sugar?” I ask, looking at Caroline and Josiah. She nods before answering.
“Yes, two with cream,” she says with a warm smile. I glance at Josiah, but I have the feeling he is a black coffee, no sugar type of man.
“Black no sugar,” he says, my guess correct. I busy myself making coffee.
I hand them their coffees, before leaning on the island bench with my coffee in my hands.
Caroline goes to say something, but is cut off by her husband.
“So, all this trouble for you; although I am surprised you even came downstairs, most humans would run.”
“Well, I suppose I’m not like most humans, then,” I state, making me question my own sanity. Maybe there is something wrong with me.
“So, you don’t have a problem with your sons being bisexual, but have a problem with me being human, correct?” I challenge.
“Correct, it is against the rules we have lived by for centuries. I have nothing against you personally, Imogen. How could I? I barely know you. But you don’t understand the risk my sons are taking by keeping you.
” The way he speaks is like I am their pet, not a person.
I nod. I understand their reasons, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to throw my life away for a few broken rules.
If no one knows I exist, why is it a problem?
Caroline clears her throat awkwardly, obviously fearing this will become another argument she will be stuck in between.
“I’m not changing. I don’t want to be like Tobias or Theo, I like my humanity,” I say, not taking my eyes off him.
“You won’t be given the choice if that’s the case. There are only two options for you, death or change. You need to hurry up and embrace one.” Tobias growls behind me. It’s low and deep in his chest. It gives me goosebumps. It’s kind of nice not having it aimed at me for once, but in support of me.
“I never asked for any of this. My choice has already been taken from me. I have been held prisoner here for weeks, and now you’re saying I don’t have a choice? If you’re going to kill me, get it over with, then.” .
His lips tugged up into a sly smile. “I like her, she has sass, but you boys know it’s going to get her killed,” he says, staring at both men behind me.
I know they won’t allow their father to hurt me.
Knowing they are standing behind me, I feel safe enough to say what I needed to say.
This choice they ware trying to make isn’t theirs to decide, but mine, and I’m fine with being the way I am.
Either they all accept that or I leave, one way or another.
Josiah keeps his eyes on me the entire time. I’m aware of his gaze. He reminds me of a snake about to strike.
“If you refuse to be changed, what sort of future do you see yourself having with my son? You will grow old and then die. I’m not sure if they told you this, but a mate bond—”
Tobias cuts him off. “She doesn’t need to know anything else, Father. I won’t have her decision swayed because you're speaking nonsense.”
“She has a right to know, not that it will matter when she is dead, which by the sounds of it will be sooner rather than later, Son.”
Tobias goes to say something, but I stop him from speaking first. The hairs on the back of my neck are standing on end. Yet another secret being hidden from me, and one I don't think I’m going to like the answer to. “I want to know, finish what you were going to say.”