Page 134 of Vampire's Choice
“Like Cai.”
“Eh.” She shook her head. “He’s a little different. He could care less for material gain. He just steals the basic supplies and clothes he needs to get along, so he doesn’t have to be pinned down by a job and a paycheck.”
She thought of what Kaela had mentioned, Cai’s beginnings among the Trads. Though he despised them, one thing he’d kept from their culture was his indifference to possessions.
With the exception of his servant Rand. Cai was very possessive about his wolf shifter. And the feeling was mutual.
Seeing that in her head, Merc nodded his agreement. “Their bond is strong. But as far as those who do accumulate wealth in such ways, your father didn’t choose that path.”
“No. He crossed those lines when he was younger, because he had a crap beginning, both as a human and as a vampire, but either because of that or in spite of it, his moral compass steadied. When we were kids, if we took advantage of staff members, he came down on us like a ton of bricks.”
“Give me an example. Involving you.”
She made a face. “I have so many better examples involving Adan.”
“I prefer the ones where you are punished.”
“Of course you do. Perv.” She punched him in the side, a blow he took without flinching, though his eyes flashed in pleasurable warning. “When I was much younger, I overpowered and took a knife from Pearce, one of the staff members. I wanted it.”
“You do like your blades. How did your father react?”
The memory brought a little shiver. “Da never punished us in a violent way, but his expression when we were in trouble made us certain he had a dungeon hidden on the island, set up for torturing his offspring.
“He told me to pack an overnight bag. Next night, we flew to Tennessee, to the Farida Sanctuary where our friends Nerida and Miah live. It’s an artist’s commune, but also a sanctuary for domestic abuse victims.”
“Nerida and Miah are vampires?”
“Yes. Turned as children, too young, so they’re forever trapped, physically, in that age. It’s the safest place for them, and where they can have as full a life as possible. Mal won protection for them from the Council. William and Matthew, who live with Lord Marshall, the Florida overlord, have the same protection. My mother brought all of them to the island back in the 1950s,” she added. “It’s how she and my father met. Because of his skill in rehabilitating predators, it was hoped he could figure out how to help them adapt and survive. He did.”
She returned to her story. “At the sanctuary, Da had the director show us around and tell us about the people staying there.” Her lips tightened as she remembered the stories she’d heard. The scars and haunted eyes of those who’d escaped abusive situations.
“When Sgidoda and I were alone, he scoffed. ‘This is a useless place,’ he said. ‘Why give them sanctuary? If they’re less powerful, they should have no rights. Correct? The more powerful should be allowed to diminish them, beat them. Kill them. Steal from them.”
At Merc’s expression, she nodded. “Yeah. Da knows how to make a point. His disappointment is the propulsion that drives it into your heart like a wooden stake.”
What you did to Pearce had no purpose but to serve your own selfishness and darker impulses. In a vampire, in any situation where you hold the greater power, you must always stay aware of that. Because just as important as the results of your actions, how it impacts the one you have harmed, is what it does to yourself. Corruption and darkness can take over a soul.
Just when she thought she couldn’t bear the look on her father’s face any longer, it had softened enough to remind her he loved her, even as the sternness stayed in place. You’ll meet those stronger than you in life, Ruth. Just as Pearce did with you. Someone who can treat you as abominably as these people have been treated. When they don’t, when they respect you, you’ll understand that’s not only a gift they’re bestowing, but a right they are acknowledging.”
Merc’s expression was thoughtful. “It’s an interesting philosophy. He lives in a world that often believes and acts on brutal principles, particularly toward those weaker.”
“Yes,” she said slowly. “He knew what I would face. Not that day, but on another, he told me the most important thing to do if I get overwhelmed by someone stronger.”
Merc faced her, his expression inscrutable. “What was that?”
She rested her hand on his forearm, her grip for both of them. “Hold onto yourself, who you are. If they end up taking your life, you meet their eyes at that last moment, and show them they’ve only taken what they can. Not what’s important.”
“Your father is an interesting male.”
“He lives close to nature, and he knows it can be cruel and unfair. Even the animals he helps can have those qualities. He taught us to weigh our actions, always think about why we’re exercising our power and strength over another.”
It took her mind back to her discussion with her mother, about vampires and servants, and the contradiction there. Though she could never see her father crossing that line with her mother, Elisa had made it clear that many vampires didn’t feel that way.
Merc touched her shoulder, pulling her back from that conflicting mix of thoughts. “What are my motives, exercising my power and strength over you?”
She quivered. “I think we both understand it, without having to explain it. Which is all the better, because I’m not sure there are words for it.”
He slid his arms under her, lifted her. “I like this outfit. You look lovely in it.”