Chapter 7

Julian paced back and forth, oblivious to the spectacular nighttime view visible just a few feet away through the windows. He was alone in his elegant suite, his thoughts on the girl that had undoubtedly became a change to his life. He had dropped her off at her place, a very unsatisfying place, an hour ago. Now, as he waited for his friend and right hand man, Sebastian, he was regretting the idea of even saving her in the first place. Maybe he should have let the demon kill her.

Last night, all it had taken was a small sniff of her scent to locate her, and luckily, he had gotten there in time. He didn't want to feel responsible for her in any way, but since he set his eyes on her, he found that he couldn't stop himself from being protective over her.

"Julian." Sebastian called from the entrance. He was standing straight in the hallway, waiting for permission to be received. Julian nodded as a sign.

"So, have you been able to figure out what she is?" Julian asked expectantly.

"A human, is what she is, boss. We did a new, thorough research, and even studied her DNA, but nothing seems to be amiss. I think you are just disturbed only because you're attracted to the girl." He chided with a smirk. "She's a pretty hot one,"

  Julian turned to Sebastian with a cold glare. "Don't even think about setting your sights on this girl like you always do with every woman you see on my arm, she's not the same. So don't even go close to her."

Sebastian chuckled lightly at his boss's protective tone. "I will most certainly not, Sir but I'll try to stay out of her way."

   "Good. Now, book my appointment with the clan leaders. I was informed that it is a very important meeting which I must attend"

  "Yes, Sir. It is scheduled for 2pm at Chicago, Veronica's quarter." Sebastian replied.

Julian winced as he realized what that meant. He would have no choice but to talk to Veronica after avoiding her for months.

Veronica was a female Vampire who was also a clan leader. Few years ago, Julian and Veronica had had an affair in secret, but later on, Veronica decided that she wanted the relationship to be out in open. And that didn't sit well with Julian. Sure he and Veronica had fun, but that was just it. He wasn't in for the commitments and emotional entanglements. When he'd called it off with her, she'd been erratic and bat crazy. Wouldn't accept no for an answer. Veronica had threatened and even killed some of his acquaintances after the break up. So he'd met Sarah, another clan leader who was a good friend of his, and asked her to pretend to be his girlfriend for a while. That had stopped Veronica from making her moves because she couldn't attack another clan leader. Especially when that one was much more stronger than she was.

  "I don't think you should be worried, boss. Last I heard, Veronica already had some Spanish human pet as her lover, I think she's well over you." Sebastian advised. He knew all about it. Sebastian was Julian's most trusted man and there wasn't anything he didn't know about Julian.

"You can never be too sure with that psycho-freak woman, I mean.. She even claimed we were mates. Something she knows no longer exists. If she can see me as her soul mate, I don't think she will be over me." Julian said.

  "Well... You shall find out. Won't you?"

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JULIAN STRODE DOWN THE CARPETED HALLWAY NEXT TO SARAH, WHO HAD ARRIVED AT THE VERONICA MALL WITH HIM.

"So," Sarah passed a smile at him. "It's been what? 5 months since we saw each other last?"

  "You know how busy I've been Sarah, juggling the companies across the continent and trying to keep my people in check." Julian explained in a remorseful tone. "How have you been fairing anyway?"

  "Well.. I'm getting married soon, and even more shocking.. Luke and I are expecting our first child!" Sarah whispered with barely hidden excitement.

Julian opened his mouth in shock. "Did you say you're pregnant?"

  "Yes! I told you, silly. Luke is my soul mate. My actual mate. And you and I both know, babies can only be made when you're coupled with your destined mate. It doesn't matter that Luke is human, what we have is absolutely special and sometimes I don't even feel like a bloodsucking freak when I'm with him. It's a wonderful feeling really."

  Julian studied his friend. She really did seem happy. It was ridiculously hard for Julian to believe there was such a thing as a vampire's soul mate. Vampire didn't even have souls for goodness sakes. But then, he knew she wasn't lying. Sarah never lied about her own personal happiness.

  "I'm happy for you, Sarah. People like us will just stick to having fun while we last on this planet." He told her, a small smile lingering on his lips.

"Quit sulking Julian! Who knows? Maybe you're next to find your mate? And when you do, you will know she's the one."

  "Nah, I'm good. My only mate is my business and my clan. My people." Julian replied with a chuckle.

They walked into the hall where the other clan leaders were present. Most were seated and few were standing. Julian walked over to the end of the conference table and took a seat. He turned and saw his nemesis, Veronica striding his way.

  "Well, I'll be damned, if it isn't Julian Ferrari in flesh and blood." A bright smile was pasted on her red lips as she swooped in to drop a kiss on his cheek, staining it with red lipstick.

  "Hello, Veronica,"

"It's really pleasant to see after such a long but short time. I've always wanted to introduce you to my boyfriend, Marcus." Veronica said, making Julian turn pleasantly. So Sebastian had been right after all. It seemed everyone was finding their soul mates now.

  "Marcus dear?" She called out. Julian turned and saw a young boy, who shouldn't be more than 20 walking towards them. He was definitely her pet.

"Hey man," The human boy said casually, bringing his hand out for a shake. Julian looked up at him with a glare before he retracted his hand.

"If you'll excuse me, Vero. The meeting is about to begin." Julian dismissed. He didn't miss the look of disappointment that flashed on her face before she covered it up with a forced smile and turned away.

  "Hello, everyone," One of the clan leaders spoke out into the room full of at least 30 Vampires. They were all clan leaders from across the continent. But the council of five, which included Veronica, himself, Sarah, Gabriel and Hakeem, were the highest clan leaders. This was because they had the highest number of vampires in their clans. Veronica had the first highest number, which was almost up to a million. Julian's people were also almost up to a million, but Veronica had thousands of rogues which made her the highest clan leader. That didn't make her position higher than them anyway, it was just facts.

  Julian swore off keeping rogues after they ate one of his guards. Rogues were vampires that were turned wrongly or didn't have the power to turn. They became soulless demons and preyed on every living thing that came their way. Most of them were contained in the vampire prison, but some still manage to get out once a while and run around the streets, killing humans and animals they found. Just like the demon that had attacked Erin. Erin Dexter. Julian shook his head to put her out of his mind. He would not think about her.

  "Leaders, it seems we are not taking the task of curbing the rogues diligently. Government authorities are now looking into the matter and the president of the US and Canada had stated that if we are unable to stop the one by one massacre caused by those rogues, they will be forced to take matters into their hands, causing war between humans and supernaturals. And we all know this clan was formed to maintain peace. Any idea what we might have to do?"

"May I?" Julian raised up his arm.

"Of course, Sir Ferrari."

"I believe we have been taking this rogue matter leniently. In my opinion, keeping them in cages, especially with their large numbers, won't do. I suggest we kill them. These creatures were once human beings, but the moment they become rogues, they're automatically a threat to the whole nation. It's not wise to keep them." Julian said.

"You speak for yourself, Julian." It was Veronica. She sent him a sly smile before turning to the speaker. "We know these creatures are dangerous, but you have to remember that they were once humans. It wouldn't be right to take their lives from them. Give them a choice. That choice is prison."

  "But they break out most of the times and kill innocent people!" Sarah cut in.

"I agree with Veronica," Hakeem added. "Rogues protect our clan from monsters and bad witches. They're designed to attack anything, even if it is an invincible spirit. They're better in prison than dead."

  Gabriel, the last of the five agreed too.

"So," the speaker continued. "I think this means that most of us support keeping the rogues alive?"

They all nodded except Julian and Sarah. They both eyed each other with disappointment. Those rogues were slowly becoming a chaos in the country.

                            

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