Series: Willow Winters
Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
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.”
“Unnecessary? You no longer back our coven?” His eyes narrow and the other two vampires walk quickly to Demetri’s side; as they do, Devin, Luke and Owen stand beside Jude, shoulder to shoulder. There are only three vampires, there’s no doubt in my mind that they’ll simply sulk back to their coven. But still, I’m uneasy watching them size each other up.
“I will not lead my pack into war against the Authority.” Jude’s voice is calm, even, and loud enough for all to hear. It’s fucking effective as well. The vampires lose their composure with expressions of shock and disgust as they realize Jude is serious. I huff a laugh at their loss. Demetri’s dark eyes meet mine as he hears the laughter. I didn’t mean for him to hear it and I should’ve kept my mouth shut and stayed in the background. I don’t want to face vampires at the moment when I’m so uneasy with my own state of immortality. It’s easy to see that he recognizes me, just as I did him.
“You? You take the side of these dogs?” A low growl resonates from Vince’s massive chest. I turn to him on my tiptoes and nip his neck in admonishment. I hate that he gives them any of his emotions. “How could you side with them? You’re one of the elites!” I don’t react to Demetri’s rage and the contempt in his voice. I merely spear my hands through my hair and lean against my mate.
“I’m quite comfortable with how things are Demetri.” In a flash, the vampires surround us. Again, I ignore them. I act as though I’m not threatened. But I’m a liar. I’m frighteningly aware of how weak I am as a mortal and I’m desperate for my powers to return. But I’d be a fool to try them out right now. I don’t want them to know. Demetri stands directly in front of us and the two fools pace around us.
“Back down vampire.” Jude’s hard voice breaks through the tension. “We have no use for the alliance with your queen. You can tell her the truce is off with a new Alpha having taken power and we will not back her in the war.”
The vampires sneer at Jude. “She will be highly displeased.”
“She should reconsider her decision. The Authority is not responsible for the poisoned blood.”
“They sold it to us.” As Demetri speaks his hand flies out and comes exceptionally close to my face. I gasp and attempt to move back. But I’m slow. Although he doesn’t hit me, my lack of speed is noticed by everyone.
Demetri takes a step closer to me and Vince doesn’t waste a second to pound his hard fists against Demetri’s chest, sending him backward to land on his ass. The power radiates and instantly, the werewolves gather. Demetri rises up in a blur and tilts his head to examine me, completely unaffected by Vince’s warning to steer clear of me. “What have you done to her?”
“They’ve done nothing.” I scowl and expose my fangs to the intrusive vampire, but he can tell. The air around me has changed.
“This is why the Authority must fall. You’re not thinking clearly.”
“Me?” My dark eyes widen with fury. “Did you see their Alpha?” I hate that I’m allowing him to get the best of me. I attempt to school my features. “He wasn’t thinking clearly.”