Page 30 of Fangs with Benefits
She's right; I can't. Clan leaders aren't allowed that luxury.
Butlately I've been thinking of anewoption—one that no clan leader in history has ever done before.
The idea came to me when I realized that even if there is a way for me to step down, the city still won't make it easy for Blair and me to be together. The other coven witches won't to condone our relationship because of how much they distrust vampires in general. And if they disapprove, the other faction leaders will too. It's hypocritical, since several other faction leaders have relationships with witches. Regardless, the sisterhood won't make it easy for Blair to want to be with me, and Blair's situation isn't that much different than my own. She can't really just step away from her life as one of the four coven witches and retire somewhere no one will bother her. The coven gathers its greatest power when all four witches work together. Even if they did let her go without protesting—which is highly unlikely—Blair would probably feel obliged to jump into action anytime her coven sisters needed her.
Unless she isn'tinthe city at all.
"I have another idea," I blurt out. "It's a crazy suggestion, and one that I'm sure you won't even want to entertain."
"What is it?"
I hesitate for a moment, wondering whether I should risk upsetting her again. We've just now repaired the rift between us, and I don't want to ruin things. But something has to change if we want to be together.
"What if weleftBoston?"
She blinks and wrinkles her brow. The furrow on her forehead is either indicative of disapproval or deep thinking. I'm guessing it's the first one.
"Leave Boston?" she finally asks. "For good?"
"Yes."
"What about the vampire clan? And the coven?"
"They would have to make do without us."
"But where would we go?" she asks.
"I don't know. Anywhere we want." I take my chances and blurt out, "You might like Manhattan."
"You want to go back to your old life?"
"No, not necessarily. But I would consider starting anewlife there—with you."
The words rolling off my tongue feel soright, despite how crazy they are.
"What would all the others think?" she asks.
"Who cares?" I laugh a little, wondering if I can play this all off as a joke if she opposes it.
But surprisingly, she doesn't look angry or upset or even worried. She looks like she might actually be considering it.
"I think I might need to think on this for a few days," she says. "It's a pretty big and decision that would have lasting repercussions. Not just for us, but for all the supernaturals in Boston."
I nod, just happy that she hasn't instantly tossed the idea out the window. Though it started out as an impossible fantasy, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Going back to Manhattan, back to a rebellious life with Blair by my side, might be the solution we've been searching for.
17
BLAIR
Ialmost can't believe I'm considering what Treyton said. The idea of leaving Boston, and leaving the coven, is one I wouldn't have even been able to fathom, let aloneconsider, a few months ago.
He might have meant it as a joke initially; I'm not sure. But the more we talk about it, the more the idea takes hold.
What if Ididleave the coven and the tumultuous supernatural community behind? What if I ran off to Manhattan to live a life in New York City with Treyton?
The repercussions would be numerous. If I leave the coven, I'd weaken everyone's magic, making it harder for my coven sisters to keep the peace between the supernaturals of the city. Arman claimed that the coven has an unfair advantage over the other factions, and maybe that is true. But without it, who would keep the peace and serve as mediators when conflicts arise?
Not to mention the fact that the other witches, who have become like sisters to me, would hate me and never speak to me again if I turn my back on them. And as much as they sometimes get on my nerves, those three women are my best and only friends.