The Alpha's Mate and the Vampire King
The Alpha’s Mate and the Vampire King Chapter 18

Three days later, Viktor ported with Eden to Sanctus Femina. They didn’t bring any luggage, having decided not to stay overnight.

He’d tried multiple times to get Eden to agree to stay longer, a month at most, thinking it would be an ample amount of time for things to blow over. It would give him time to help with tracking the remaining members of Sephtis Kenelm and to deal with Bianca.

Selfishly, he didn’t want Eden anywhere near Castra Nocte or the looming ceremony being planned. He was trying to protect her both physically and emotionally. He feared he would only succeed in one of the two.

Eden still didn’t know the entirety of what was in the contract with Bianca. If Viktor couldn’t replace a way out of it, he would tell Eden. He was starting to cling to hope he would replace that miracle. It was a dangerous way to think.

He wanted to have faith in his brother. It was starting to look as though Luka might be his only way out. Yet again, he tucked the idea away as an absolute last resort, unsure he could actually go through with handing over the kingdom.

Viktor had considered bribing Bianca. He doubted there was anything more she wanted than the title of Queen, but if there was, he would give it to her. He would have to approach her soon. He loathed the very idea of the female having any sort of leverage over him.

He’d spent some time the past two days with both Yuri and Luka, trying to brainstorm ways out of the contract. They only came up with two options.

One, Bianca could refuse to marry him. Dmitri had added the clause in case she had major issue with Viktor and could not be happy with him. What Dmitri didn’t know was that Bianca would grow up into a selfish adult who would do just about anything to sit on the throne. She would likely never refuse to marry Viktor, even if he could never love her.

Two, Bianca could die. She was barely over one hundred years old, so old age wouldn’t take her. Luka adamantly offered to take care of it, but Viktor brushed off his absurd idea.

If Luka killed Bianca without provocation, Viktor would have to take Luka’s life. It was the law and no vampire was above it, especially when the King was magically compelled to enforce it. It was the ultimate contract required of every sovereign of Prajna who was crowned.

Neither Yuri nor Luka had suggested Viktor step aside. They weren’t aware of the loophole Viktor realized he’d been given. He kept it quiet, unwilling to tease Luka with prospect of being a king.

Viktor did his best to hide his tension, but Eden could sense it, just as he could sense when she was out of sorts. There was no hiding such things when one was soul-bonded.

She didn’t pry and he appreciated it. He would not lie to her if he could avoid it. He just needed more time.

He might try once more to ask her to stay here. Perhaps she would be more inclined once she saw her sisters.

Brushing aside his worries, he focused on his mate, who needed a second after teleporting. It always made her a little dizzy and he kept ahold of her shoulders until she was steady on her feet.

Better? he asked once she stood straight.

Better.

He offered his arm and she took it. They walked in tandem from the small clearing towards the temple. She slowed the closer they got.

Viktor put his hand at the small of Eden’s back and nudged her towards the stairs. She allowed him to lead her up the steps and into the temple.

I’m almost afraid to see them, Eden confessed.

Nothing here will harm you, Eden.

No, it’s not that, she insisted, it’s just … seeing Nora solidifies the news. It’s all real. We were betrayed. We are still being betrayed. I can defend myself. Evelyn, can as well. Nora’s never had magic so she’s practically helpless.

A twirling gust of wind appeared suddenly, surrounding Eden and lifting her slightly off the floor. Viktor growled and turned to face the threat, straightening when he saw the perpetrators.

Nora and Kellan were standing at the edge of the hall that led to the library. They both wore toothy grins.

“Nora? Is this—is this your magic?” Eden asked suspiciously.

Yes, Nora laughed. Do you like it?

Eden shook her head, her jaw almost dragging the floor. Nora had never been able to control magic. Her entire life, she’d had to syphon it from her surroundings to continuously replenish her life force.

If you don’t mind, please release my sieva before explaining, Viktor requested sternly.

Oh, you’re no fun, Nora pouted.

He lifted a brow. All three sisters spoke to him as if … as if he wasn’t the Heartless King.

Wife, I think you’ve had your fun, Kellan chastised slightly, kissing the crook of her neck.

Nora sighed and released Eden from her hold. Eden dropped back to the ground. Thankfully, she’d only been a couple inches up.

Sorry, Nora apologized running to hug her sister. I’m still working on control.

Eden squeezed her hard. No apology needed, Nora. I’m thrilled for you! The mating worked, didn’t it?

Nora nodded enthusiastically. Not only had mating with Kellan repaired her soul, it had brought forth her magic.

They grinned at each other. Viktor watched, fascinated. The sisters loved one another and were treasured by their father. They were the epitome of familial love.

He scratched at the area over his heart, unsure what he was feeling. Had he and Luka ever been this close?

Eden spun her sister to face Viktor. Sister, I’d like you to meet The King of Prajna. Viktor, this is Nora.

A pleasure to meet you, Nora said as she curtsied.

Viktor bowed to Nora in response, then turned his attention to the wolf.

Viktor, it’s been a while, Kellan stepped forward and they shook hands.

Yes, it has … he trailed off, watching as a flash of dark red hair went flying by.

Slow down! Nora shouted a second before Evelyn barreled into her sisters, hugging them tightly. The three of them giggled like little girls and Kellan’s mouth quirked.

She-wolves do not act like this, Kellan commented, tilting his head while observing the trio hop around with joy.

Neither do female vampires.

I feel like I’m intruding, Kellan bluntly admitted.

I feel the same, Viktor agreed, noticing how young Eden looked surrounded by her sisters. Or was he just old?

Well, come on then, men, Theron called from down the hall. I’ve got whiskey.

Thank the Goddess, Kellan mumbled. Come on, Wife.

Nora immediately turned from her sisters to clasp Kellan’s hand. Kellan nuzzled the crook of her neck, inhaling sharply, then straightened and led his mate down the hall.

Viktor reached for Eden with his left hand and she readily took it. A small hand snuck into his right. He looked up the length of the arm to its owner.

What? Evelyn asked innocently. I’ve no mate or husband to speak of, but now I’ve got two brothers. Don’t you know siblings hold hands?

Viktor blinked.

Evelyn waved a hand in front of his face. Are you okay up there?

Eden pressed her face to his arm. He could feel her shaking with laughter at Evelyn’s antics. She must be the mischievous sibling. One who now thought of him as her brother.

He cleared his throat, shocked by his reaction to her previous statement. Brother. She’d claimed he was her brother.

He’d never had a sister and he hardly knew this female aside from a two-minute introduction. Yet, here she was calling him family despite his not being married to Eden.

It’s okay, Viktor. I didn’t mean to scare you. Evelyn started to pull her hand out of his, but he held firm.

I’m not scared of you, little one.

Really?

I’m terrified.

The sisters laughed and Viktor felt his chest tighten as he escorted them down the hall.

This is insane, Evelyn announced to the group.

The jovial reunion had turned somber in the past hour while Nora and Kellan recounted the events having occurred since Nora had gone off to live in the Northland.

Most of the information they already knew. What Viktor was surprised to hear was that a second vampire’s scent was picked up when Kellan’s men found the wolf who had poisoned Nora.

It seemed that the she-wolf, Isla, had been under compulsion from the demon named Bogdan. At least Kellan could take comfort in the fact she hadn’t acted on her own accord. Betrayal was a bitter pill to swallow.

What’s our first move? Eden asked.

I need to replace Agatha, Kellan replied. I’d also like to bring my trackers to the Eastland, the ones who have scented the vampire involved in the attack on Edward, as well as the vampire from the area where Isla was found.

Viktor knew this was coming. Only the wolves knew the scents of the two Prajna. It only made sense they would be the ones to track them down.

It wasn’t Kellan’s request, though, that was bothering Viktor. It was the fact there were two different suspects from his kingdom. The likelihood of it being mere happenstance a vampire stumbled across the area where Bogdan and Isla had ended up was next to nothing.

Sephtis Kenelm had never deviated from its original grouping of only four members. He would have to start dedicating his time to replaceing the perpetrators instead of remaining holed up in his chambers with Eden.

I’ll allow it, he told the Wolf King, but you’ll have to have either myself or a Prajna of my choosing escorting you.

Viktor worried his people wouldn’t take kindly to wolves running free across their land. Plus, if they did come across the vampires in question, Viktor wanted to be the one to deal with them.

Understood, Kellan responded, pleased Viktor was being accommodating.

“Does anyone have any good news? Evelyn griped. All this doom and gloom is extracting any happiness I might have right out of me.”

Well, Nora hedged, glancing at her husband, we might have come across something positive.

You are with child? Evelyn probed hopefully.

What? No! Nora exclaimed, her cheeks reddening.

Evelyn shrugged. Worth a try.

Kellan and Theron both chuckled while Viktor shook his head. Evelyn was a very strange female. If not for her exquisite looks, Viktor would believe she was a juvenile male with the way she spoke and behaved.

Nora rubbed her forehead. What I was going to say was we’ve received reports from the far north that some of the forest is recovering. Rather quickly, in fact.

This is wonderful news, Eden replied buoyantly. The drain on Gwydion’s powers had ceased and the forest of Burghard had experienced some degree of recovery. With any luck, these were signs the tide was turning.

She reached for Viktor’s hand and squeezed. He was the first vampire to replace his sieva in a century. She hoped their mating was the first of many and that some vampire pair would finally be blessed with a child.

Viktor returned his mate’s warm grasp, but he didn’t allow himself to read into this new information. Ever the cynic, he refused to allow false hope to bloom. It made avoiding disappointment much easier.

Let us hope the healing of your land continues, Viktor toasted, raising his tumbler towards Kellan.

Thank you. Kellan lifted his glass in response.

Well, Theron said, this seems like a good time for a break. I’ve had brunch prepared in the dining area, so let us finish this discussion with full bellies, hmmm?

Thank the Goddess, I’m starved, Evelyn proclaimed, dragging her sisters out the door.

Kellan and Viktor made to follow when Theron reached for Viktor’s elbow.

A minute, if you will?

Viktor eyed the old man, then nodded.

Kellan, please inform my mate I’ll be along shortly.

Of course, he said and exited the study.

Theron closed the door and moved back to his chair. Viktor moved to the closest seat across the desk. The priest’s multi-colored irises swirled and spun as they stared at one another.

Viktor held very still, in that way only the Prajna could do. They could become motionless, even in respiration, when sensing a threat. Theron wouldn’t attempt to harm Viktor, but the priest often saw too much and Viktor suspected he wouldn’t want to hear whatever Theron was going to say.

I am pleased you have found your sieva, Viktor. Happy for you, even.

Thank you.

“Are you happy you have found her?”

A crinkle formed across Viktor’s brow. I do not understand what you’re asking.

It wasn’t a difficult question.

No, but it was an unnecessary one. What vampire would not replace happiness in bonding with his mate?

Oh, I could name at least one, Theron replied giving the king a pointed look.

She pleases me, immensely.

I’m sure. But there is more to it, is there not?

Viktor leaned forward, putting his elbows on the desk. His hulking form did nothing to intimidate the old man.

What do you know, Theron?

I know you cannot continue the path you are on.

And what path might that be?

The one where you keep secrets from the other half of your soul.

Viktor’s teeth ground.

You need to tell her and you need to tell her soon.

Viktor exhaled a harsh laugh. Right.

He started to pull away from the desk when Theron’s bony hands reached for his, holding him in place. The priest was much stronger than he appeared.

His eyes were eddying like the whirlpools near the cliffs. Viktor tensed but didn’t fight him, caught in the hypnotic hues of Theron’s gaze.

Truth is the way forward. You cannot see it, but I can. Tell her. Before the next b***d moon. No matter what course you end up taking, Eden must know the truth.

Viktor jerked away, needing reprieve from Theron’s probing stare. The King was rattled. Theron had never touched him before, nor had he ever used whatever powers he possessed to force Viktor into anything.

It had felt like the priest was attempting a sort of compulsion. No one had been able to compel or hypnotize Viktor, not even his own father who matched him in strength.

He wanted to retaliate, or at least rage against the male, to force him to agree never to do such a thing again. He knew he could not, not here on hallowed ground where Theron ruled.

When Viktor felt a little more in control, he met Theron’s eyes, which had softened.

The future is not a fixed point on a predetermined line, Viktor. Every decision affects the trajectory of what is possible. I cannot always see clearly, and I can rarely intervene. But in this, I advise you to listen or be prepared to lose.

To lose what? Viktor asked.

Everything.