Chapter 13

Enlightenment

There were literally thousands of signatures on the lined pages. Where did Council members find so many beings to endorse the documents? Were there really that many supernaturals in town who hated me?

Are you really asking that question, witch? With your history, there are probably beings in other universes who despise your ass.

Ask a dumb question…

Maybe the members had sought out supernaturals in the neighboring areas in order to meet their goals. Either way, my ass was supremely screwed.

Screwed, cooked, toasted…

Shut the hell up!

Claudius cleared his throat as he quickly flipped through the partial stack in front of him. “Red, this isn’t good. If you ask me, finding those who didn’t sign the petition would be a much easier task.”

That was blatantly clear. Nearly every single supernatural living in Falls Creek—witches, vampires, shifters, demons, and the like—had signed off on the forms. The only names missing from them were the Locke Coven members, the Fallen, Claudius’s, and mine.

“If you take out retribution on everyone, you’ll have to get rid of over half the town.”

I wasn’t concerned with how many individuals I’d have to eliminate. For whatever reason, these creatures that I brought into existence thought I’d failed them. And as much as I wanted to not focus on that fact, I couldn’t help but think about the overall implication. I’d failed the town too. I’d promised that Falls Creek would always be safe from threats—real or imagined. I didn’t realize that the biggest threat might be me.

“What did I do so wrong, Claudius?” I said from my spot on the sofa. “I gave them a reason to exist. I made sure they had nourishment. Hell, I kept them sheltered and protected. And, this is how they thank me? They owe me their lives!”

Maybe it is you that should be thankful to them, witch?

I really had to find a way to silence my inner voice.

Claudius dropped his stack of papers to the floor, stood, and came over to me. “Why do you think you’re responsible? Regardless of what this looks like, I don’t see it as a matter of right and wrong. Maybe it’s as simple as Hiro suggested. Times are changing, Red. Even humans these days want something different.”

I glanced up at him. “Like what? Both supernaturals and humans have a good life here. Everyone is happy. We don’t even have crime in Falls Creek.”

If everyone was happy, witch, then you wouldn’t have these uprisings.

Thankfully, Claudius didn’t see things the way my conscience did. He took the documents out of my hand. “That may be true, but it’s not just here. Since I’ve been out of the attic, I’ve listened to the news. All over the world people are asking for things they’ve never had before. Maybe the blame lies with all the new technology. I don’t know. It could be simply changing values and beliefs. The universe isn’t stagnant. You can’t expect supernaturals to stay the same.”

“I don’t give a flying rat’s ass what’s causing it. Falls Creek is mine, and I don’t give up my home without a fight.”

Seriously. Nearly my entire life had been spent fleeing trouble or danger. Coming to Falls Creek and settling on that forsaken island was the longest I’d spent anywhere. I wasn’t about to give it up because the supernaturals I allowed to live with me decided they wanted something new.

“Understood.” The incubus dipped his chin. “So, Red, what do you plan to do about it?”

Good question. I only had one possible answer, and I was determined to make it work for me. “I give Kenrick what he wants.”

Claudius glanced at me sideways. “And, if that isn’t enough?”

“Then I burn down the whole damn town.” I jumped up and stalked from the room like an ill-tempered child.