“I’ll admit, it’s a diplomatic challenge,” Gregor conceded, and I swallowed back my snort.

“Yeah, a challenge,” Abel muttered sarcastically, obviously feeling the same as me.

“It’s your destiny not only to ensure humans live freely but also to create harmony between humans and immortals,” Serena pointed out, and I was glad she seemed so positive and didn’t mention it could go the other way.

“Which brings us to you and Lilah, Abel,” Gregor stated, and I looked to him. “We’ve consulted with experts in the field and they believe that, of The Three, with your manner and the fact you’re a hybrid, as well as Lilah’s vivacity and, well”— he flicked a hand out to me—“her attractive every-girl characteristics, you two would be the best poster couple to show how not only are immortals nonthreatening, but that humans and immortals can live in harmony.”

I felt Abel’s tenseness and reached out a hand to curl it around his thigh as he asked, “Poster couple?”

“We’d like to place carefully crafted articles in a variety of reputable media outlets about you and Lilah, sharing that you’re an immortal and she is your human mate. This would include photo spreads,” Gregor explained, and unfortunately he wasn’t done. “And due to our need to prove this is not nonsense, we must utilize television in order that people can see you transform.”

That was when I got tense.

Abel performing for the masses?

I did not like that.

“Are you fuckin’ crazy?” Abel barked.

He didn’t like it either.

Gregor ignored Abel’s question and assured, “This would all occur behind these walls so you both would remain safe. And we’d have approval over what was written or broadcast. It would help enormously if Jian-Li and your brothers would agree to participate too. Our experts feel your close connection with a family of humans would hold much sway with humanity.”

“You are crazy,” Abel whispered dangerously, and I gave his thigh a squeeze.

Gregor again ignored him.

“After this is shared, we’d strategically release Leah and Lucien’s story. And after that, we would share about Callum and Sonia, they being last as both are wolves,” Gregor continued. “However, Sonia’s lifetime as a human would be carefully communicated. We also have other wolves who have taken human mates, not to mention vampires who have recently coupled with humans. We would ask they tell their stories as well. And the concubines have agreed to come out about what they do for vampires and share our own version of…” He paused, “Humanity.”