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“Alpha.” Leon comes up to us and it takes me a moment to realize he’s talking to me.
A grim look crosses his face and I immediately straighten my back. “What is it?”
“We had a planned visit this afternoon. They’ll be here soon.”
“With who?”
“The vampires.”
I repress my snarl. “Will I have the pleasure of meeting Victor as well?” The old man I owe my life to finally smirks.
“No, not today. Hopefully by ending this pact with them, we’ll never have to see him again.” A look of terror crosses his face before he quickly adds, “If that’s your intention, Alpha.”
I grip his shoulder, just as Devin gripped mine. “I’m not my father, Leon. I’ll always want your opinion. The opinion of the pack matters to me.” At those words I realize I have yet to even meet my pack. When I was younger it was relatively large, six families altogether.
“I appreciate that Alpha; I don’t want you to think I would challenge your decision.”
I swallow thickly and ask him plainly, “Is there anyone here who would like to challenge me?” The thought gives me mixed feelings. On one hand, I could easily hand the pack over to someone worthy and avoid the responsibility. On the other hand, I know I could lead this pack and be an Alpha they deserve.
Leon shakes his head as Marcellus walks up from behind us and interrupts. “We’ve been waiting for you to come back, Jude.”
“Alpha, the pack has been assembled.” I nod my head at Marcellus and take a deep breath, looking around the room one last time. A single moment, only minutes, has changed so many lives forever more.
VERONICA
Ilean against my mate as Jude makes his way past each of the members of his pack in the field in front of the main cabin. The air is cleansing and the breeze welcome. The stench of blood still billows from the front doors. Knowing so little of inner pack dynamics, I watch with curiosity. He recognizes most of them and they greet him with a warmth my coven never would. It seems natural that he should be their Alpha. The whispers agree. I hear them all, although so much fainter now than before.
It’s a shame what’s happened to his father. His mental health had been slowly declining for months. Ever since the sorcerer came. The thought of Victor makes me stiffen and Vince holds me tighter. I peer up at him and there’s nothing but concern in his eyes. He knows and there’s so much to tell him, but not now. My body shudders and chills as I try to listen once again in the crowded room. It’s as though my hearing is waning and that makes me more than uncomfortable.
Lately my abilities have been slipping. It’s an odd feeling, as is the fear of the unknown. I knew what I was risking when I took that drug, but I wish I knew more about what to expect. Vince’s arm stays possessively wrapped around me and I cling to his arm with both hands. I force myself not to look back up at him and into his emotion-filled gaze. I know it’s because of what happened today. I felt his fear.
I swallow thickly and push my body against his, knowing it will calm him. He’s not taking the changes well. And if I’m honest, I’m not either. I have moments of regret. But I keep the big picture in mind. Giving into the tired pull, I lay my cheek against his chest. I want a full life with my mate, and maybe soon I’ll be a version of a mortal that will be with him. He knows that when he is gone, I don’t intend to stay on this Earth. I only want to live so long as my mate lives. He leans down and kisses my hair. Just as I settle into his embrace, relaxed and at peace, I hear a dreadful sound. Vampires.
I hiss and gain the unwanted attention from the pack. Although the looks vary, Jude gives me his full attention and that’s all that’s needed. “You’re expecting visitors, Jude?” I attempt to right myself and push my mate just slightly away. He doesn’t let up though and I can’t blame him.
“They’re here?”
“I can faintly hear them, maybe a mile or two away.”
Jude directs his pack to leave and to stay within their homes while Devin’s pack, Jude’s brothers, and the Betas gather around him.
“I want you to go inside.” My eyes widen at Vince’s whispered words.
“I will not.”
He murmurs, his lips nearly touching my ears, “You are not well.”
“I’ll be fine.” I seethe through my teeth. I won’t be shut away. Even if I am becoming mortal. The air leaves my lungs as I fear Vince will treat me differently once I’m mortal, but I quickly let go of unwanted emotion. I square my shoulders and regain my composure. “I will not hide.” After a long moment he nods but pulls me closer to his side. I suppose I’ll settle for this compromise. Besides, I love my place at his side. I love him more than I have ever loved myself.
As soon as the car nears, I know exactly what coven they’re from. I recognize them instantly. Adreana’s going to be pissed her sister coven is taking the side of the traitors. They’re fucking idiots for believing the Authority had anything to do with the tainted blood.
As the three vampires park the Porsche and shut their doors, they look around at the gathering of wolves feigning little interest, but I can hear racing hearts from the Betas that greet them. I notice that Jude stays back, and Devin closes the distance between them. Staying behind Jude. I have to turn to see that Grace stays back and beside Lena and her little one. My eyes rest on the small bundle and my hand subconsciously lowers. I’ve wanted for only two things all my life, and fate may have given me both if only in exchange for my immortality.
“We have an appointment.” Demetri is the first to speak and my attention is drawn back to the open field. I’ve met him a time or two. He’s a vicious vampire and hasn’t learned any discipline in the hundred or so years that he’s lived. His queen is spoiled, and she allows her coven to do whatever the fuck they want. I’ve never been a fan of hers.
One of the Betas speak, I haven’t a clue what their names are. “There’s been a rearrangement of power in the pack.” Jude crosses the distance and Devin stays just behind him. “We have a new Alpha now.” Jude steps in front of the Beta and extends his hand as a formality. Demetri takes too fucking long looking at the offered hand before he finally shakes it. It’s an insult. Jude takes it in stride, simply smirking.
“I believe your presence is unnecessary at this time.”
