Free The Dead War Series (Book 2): Desperate Times by D.N. Simmons

well.”
    “And that is?”
    “Please allow the President to send a few soldiers there. It would appease the officials here... and secretly, they'll be instructed to follow your orders directly from the President. The government would want to make sure the balls not totally in your court, they need to know that what you've said is real... that you're willing to work with them and save humanity.”
    “You have Maj. Garrett as proof to that effect,” Cassian reminded.
    “I would have a few more. Surely, you can understand a person in my position's concerns? Both the President and I simply can't take your word for it, even though personally, I know we have an understanding. Being a very public figure with the President of America as my human, I have to placate, if you will. As far as they are concerned, we have no idea who you are and if you actually pose a threat. You mentioned Maj. Garrett, but as far as I know, he is there under duress. If you agree to the President's team being able to work with you, it will help us convince the others to hold off actions against your compound. Like I said, I can't hypnotize everyone and that is all that I can offer you if you wish to avoid a war,” Jackson said.
    Cassian smirked. He had to admit, Jackson was playing it very smart. Adaline chose wisely indeed for her lieutenants, at least with this one. “Send in your team, but understand my position. This team will only observe, there will be no extraction of any sort. If in the event that they become a danger to my compound, I will kill them... if they become a necessity...well, you understand.”
    “Consider them our gift to you then, for your city.”
    “ Nothing will be able to replace my city,” Cassian bit out.
    “My apologies, sir. I know... it was all that we can offer to show our regret.”
    “Very well. I'll do with these soldiers as I see fit, then.”
    “In any case, we will require regular updates. For the sake of showmanship and all that.”
    “Of course, you will be informed of progress as it happens. Now, are we done?” Cassian asked.
    “Almost, I'm going to let the others back inside, if you and my human can play the part for a while longer... just to sell this that would be great.”
    Cassian huffed and groaned. One thing he wasn't used to having to do was “placate” or “answer to” anyone. He was a Master vampire, damn it!
    “Please,” Jackson pleaded. “For our sakes.”
    Cassian sighed. “Oh, get on with it.”
    “Thank you. Now I'm returning the telephone back to the President.”
    Picking up right where they would have left off had he'd been negotiating with the President, Cassian began his speech. “This isn't an act of terror, but one of survival. However, if I get the suspicion that your team is trying to form an attack, I will neutralize them... is this clear?” He made sure his tone left little doubt to his threat.
    “The ball is in your court, Cassian. However, if I receive a warning that you aren't being completely forthcoming, then I will have to neutralize you—regardless of what's at stake.”
    “Don't be so quick to make that threat, Mr. President. You have no idea of the true gravity of what's at stake. I'll be expecting your team to arrive shortly.” Cassian said, then he ended the call.
    “That was rather bold of you,” Maj. Garrett said. “And why were you talking to the Chief of Staff?”
    “That doesn't concern you. We can't have you foolish humans destroying your only hope for survival, now can we?” Cassian shot back. He was pleased to know that he had secured the safety of their city.
    “What are you?” Felicia asked, unable to hold her tongue or curiosity any longer. “You talk like you're something other than human.”
    “I'm something far better than human. I'm a vampire,” Cassian said.
    Felicia's initial reaction was to give in to her scientific brain and scoff at the notion, but with everything that she'd witness; the dead rising and killing. Men