Then again, she would be amusing company.

He dipped his chin Ruby’s way.

Then he walked away to find his little witch.

* * * * *

Callum

“We don’t do things that way in the United States,” the president, on the large screen in front of him, snapped.

“We’ve had our governments alongside yours for centuries, Darren,” Callum replied. “We dispense justice our way and you do not interfere. You do it your way and we return the favor.”

“That was before. Now the immortals are out—”

“We’ve already spoken of this,” Callum cut him off, allowing his impatience to show. “The nation of wolves will continue to be governed by me, the vampires by The Dominion,” he went on, gesturing to Rudolf and Cristiano who were sitting at his side. “And the wraiths and phantoms by Serena and Gastineau,” he finished, gesturing to the pair who floated at his other side. “This is as it was and as it always will be.”

“He and his army attacked two American towns,” the president shot back.

“And he and his army will pay for their crimes,” Callum returned. “We’ve already rounded up the golem and all the others. They have fallen.”

“The vampire Etienne must stand trial,” the president declared.

“He has and has been found guilty. Which is why we’re speaking,” Callum reminded him.

“You can’t simply execute him without—” the president began but stopped when Callum leaned forward in his seat and his expression changed.

“Humans do what they do and much of it I don’t understand. I know what you wish. I know you wish for his trial to be televised. And, in a small way, I understand that would provide closure, not to mention the understanding of justice being done…and vengeance. But mostly, the only purpose it would serve would be to provide titillation and an opportunity for voyeurism. Immortals don’t do things that way. We will make the transcripts of the trial available to the ruling bodies of all nations and you can decide to do with them what you will. But Lucien takes Etienne’s head tonight. And then it is done.”

“We cannot—” the president tried again.

“This call was a courtesy,” Callum bit out. “It was our people who committed the atrocities. It was also our people who bled and fell to put a stop to it. We will have justice. You will only be assured of it. And now, we’re done.”

“If this is how you intend to conduct our affairs for the future, Callum, I have grave concerns,” the president sniffed.

“And if you haven’t learned from our sacrifice that we wish harmony but autonomy, not dominance or interference, I fear for your nation’s future as that would prove you’re not a very astute leader,” Callum retorted.

The president reared back in his baronial chair.