“Look, Kris, don’t take our resistance personally. Anyone who tried to step into Andre’s shoes would receive the same treatment. It’s too soon after his death.”
“Rhyn pulled you all together. I couldn’t do it after you all walked out,” Kris said. “Andre’s memory may live on, but I’m the one who inherited his responsibilities.”
“Give it time. One man – even Andre – couldn’t solve the world’s problems. You just have to wait it out. And hope we all come to our senses before the end of the world,” Kiki said with a small smile.
“That’s not good enough. I have a duty to fulfill, an obligation to my Immortals,” Kris said, pensive. “And I don’t feel adequate compared to Andre.”
“You’re more than adequate, Kris. All of us look up to you. You don’t have Andre’s legacy as the family protector, but you’ll find your way. You’ve lost your spark. Is this why?”
“Mostly. And part of it is Jade,” Kris whispered.
“You have a penchant for betrayers, that’s for sure.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“Lilith, Jade, I’m just hoping Hannah isn’t among them,” Kiki said.
“Lilith?”
Kiki’s features shuttered and went stoic. “Never mind that one. Bad joke.”
“Lilith would never betray me, and neither would Hannah,” Kris snapped. “You know better, Kiki.”
“Maybe. In any case, whatever you felt for Jade, you have to figure out how to get over it. You have your mate. I’ve been waiting for mine for a lifetime. Unlike you and Rhyn, I’d welcome a partner to share eternity and this disaster of a world with.”
“I’m appreciative. But sometimes I look at Hannah and see Katie,” Kris said, recalling how he’d taken Katie’s blood by force soon after she went to the castle. He’d never forgive himself for that, even if Rhyn’s mate deserved little more respect than the half-demon himself. “Hannah is lovely – and my duty. Jade was …”
“Dead-dead the moment he betrayed you. I may sound like Rhyn, but if someone turns on one of my brothers, I want that person dead-dead,” Kiki said flatly.