Jake rode in silence. If Sam wasn't going to open a dialoge then why should he? He figured it would either go well or badly, and as his mind was elsewhere, he couldn't really deal with either. His mind was on work. Kerr had left suddenly after the masquerade ball, where he'd made a complete fool of himself and of Jake. After all, it was Jake who's name was on all of those printed invitations, and it was Jake who'd convinced many warring political parties to be in one room at the same time. It was Jake who'd helped convince all these political seekers of power that the big daddy government, otherwise and better known as the Oligarchy, was there to protect and defend. In one drunken display, Kerr had destroyed it all. Some of the most ambitious of warmongers had been public in their forgiveness, the ancient Daemon came to mind, many supernaturals had been quick to speak out against the Luminary and his government. Jake and the other Oligarchs had been mopping up the political mess created by Kerr, and in the last few days things looked like they might actually blow over. The Mimics defended Kerr's claim to power, the Oligarchs all backed him, and a few key opposers had suddenly gone missing. Jake didn't like using such brute force, but running a government was never clean. Kerr had placed Vomas as his acting party, and Jake hadn't been shocked. Vomas and Kerr were much more the same style, and Jake had always felt rubbed raw by the other vampire Oligarch. Vomas was cleaner, prettier in the way he handled things and never seemed to break a rule. Jake took risks, did what had to be done for the good of the people. If that made him look dirty to some, then so be it. He was an Oligarch because he knew what must be done, not because he did what was the "right thing," whatever the hell that was.
Jake's thoughts returned to his child, the darling Sam. Their relationship had been strained these two long years since her making, and Jake's troubles at work had turned his attention back to his family and friends. When Sam had approached Jake about spending more time together, the Jake off two years ago would have brushed her off, but now he felt compelled to try again. She was his progeny, his blood. Their bond went deeper than any mortal bond. Theirs was eternal. She was also a part of Jake's small but close family. Jake looked at Sam and gave her a small smile as they road. It was a small but meaningful gesture. It meant he was trying to enjoy himself. The car rolled up to the all too familiar park. It was here Sam had been made. It was here she'd been unmade as well. Jake looked on with pride as Sam paid the driver. It was not often that people paid for Jake. Everyone knew how wealthy he was, and people often forgot that paying for someone was not about the money, it as about the gesture, the sacrifice if you will.
He steeped out of the car and checked his reflection in the side view mirror. He was so young looking. Only his grey eyes, deep, jaded and wise told of his many years. His hair was the same as always, a short brown fohawk. His lips were white, which informed him of a need for blood. He knew why Sam had brought him here. It was dinner time. He was wearing a pair of skin tight jeans and a tight red t-shirt from the new, hot, teen company of the next five minutes. He had to look the part of his age and it often meant keeping up with the new fad and, giving into it. He found the current summer trends horrible, but what could you do when you look eighteen? His Adidas crushed grass as he walked towards the park's entrance with Sam. He turned and listened as she spoke. She sounded sincere. She sounded sad and alone and wounded. Jake searched their bond and fond to an extent all this was true. He took her hand in his, still facing her.
"My child," Jake started. "I was brash, impulsive and horrible during my formative years. My sire Sophie picked me for this very reason. Although I did not pick you in the traditional sense, my blood made you. You are like me. There is nothing to forgive."
Jake squeezed her hand and smiled at her. He thought about a hug, but then thinking how overly sentimental this would be decided against it and let her hand go.