Jake was truly angry now, the word love bringing up a time when he was at his darkest. He'd come so far since then. Damien had reminded him of his leadership in the past, and the kind of leader he could be if he worked hard. Theo had shown him that he could make new friends by just being himself, power hungry and all. Lan Bao had given him kinship he'd been lacking, and an ally when he needed one most. Even Rachel had changed him, and shown him the beauty of humanity he'd forgotten. There were others too, Sabrina being his adopted mother, Arik's new devotion to him being a vaccine to Ben's hateful lies, and of course his family always being there for him.
Lazarus had made Jake feel powerless, and in the weeks after his assault he truly wondered if he should even be a district leader. Now that was gone. He could, and would, be a good leader. He could, and would, be a good sire and partner. He would have it all, and more, and Ben wouldn't spoil that. Ben might've been a better talker, more creatively manipulative and cunning. Those traits would serve him well in his life. There were many vampires who succeeded off those traits. Jake could still do all those things, and did, but decided that this time he would get leadership right. This time he'd remember his honor as a warrior, his expertise as a financier and administrator, and his humility to farm out those things that he couldn't master.
Ben's tongue was venomous and stung so well, but Jake reflected that it was all his rival had left. What power was there in an illusion? What hurt could there be in words and mind games if the other had so much positive in his life? He pitied Ben, sitting over at what he guessed was the Luminary. He must've felt so betrayed and alone without a victory to rub in Jake's face. What future would he have now? Jake guessed it would be more scheming, and he was sure this was not the last time Ben would be a threat to him. However, Jake decided then that there feud was over. Nobody had won, and nobody ever would, because who could truly win a game for dominance against the backdrop of eternity?
It was time to let go, and while that didn't mean he'd ever like Ben, or forgive him, it did mean he was done hating him. He laughed again, before responding.
"Except for today, love, he emulated. "Today you got knocked back hard. Enjoy your free time."
This time he did hang up, not out of some contest for the last word, but because he had so many better things to do than talk to stupid... Fucking... Ben!