The Alpha's Mate and the Vampire King
The Alpha’s Mate and the Vampire King Chapter 21

Western Border of Prajna

Viktor was restless. The longer he was away from Eden the more on edge he became. Couple that with the dead end they’d run into, and the impending b***d moon, and Viktor was fit to be tied.

How much longer? he asked.

They should be here any minute. They weren’t very far away, Kellan replied.

The group howl had been a summons for the other wolves to return to their king. Kellan was going to have them concentrate their search in all directions, spreading from the pool where they’d found Agatha’s body.

Unfortunately, Alec and Bran had been the only wolves to scent both the Prajna who had attacked King Edward and the one who had been in the clearing where they’d found Isla.

They would have to break into two groups and move in concentric circles. Any of them could scent a vampire, but they needed Alec or Bran to confirm it was the right one.

After taking a closer look at the she-wolf, Kellan ordered the men to burn her body while they waited for the others. Agatha would not get the burial rites of her people. It was the only act of retribution Kellan could now extract.

Viktor could feel the pain of disloyalty radiating from the wolf. He was taking it as a personal offense against him, not just against his people. Agatha had been a friend. Or so he’d believed.

Viktor knew the feeling all too well. It would affect the wolf’s ability to trust—which might not be a bad thing considering there had been a murderous group of assassins on the loose.

While we wait, I’m going to retrieve one of my men. If we’re in two groups, I’d like to have at least one Prajna with each.

Kellan licked his upper teeth. Isn’t your home on the coast?

Viktor rolled his eyes, a habit of his mate and her sisters. One that was now his, evidently.

I’m just saying that’s an awfully far distance to travel. My men will reach us soon.

The wolf’s eyes were sparkling mischievously and Viktor grunted.

I replace you very annoying, wolf

Tis the way of families, is it not?

You’re digging for information. Where I live. How I travel. I’m certain you already know the latter.

Kellan flashed a big, toothy grin. Nora said you were smart. Don’t worry. I’ve not been broadcasting your abilities to the world at large. My father saw you arrive at the temple once. ‘Appeared right out of thin air!’ he’d exclaimed. He was quite impressed, if it helps.

Bloody wolves, Viktor muttered, earning another slap on the back.

Go on, get your man. We’ll eat while you’re gone. I’m sure my wolves are hungry.

You’ve brought food?

Kellan unsheathed his claws. No. We’ll hunt food. With your permission, of course.

Just don’t eat any of my people.

Kellan’s grin widened. I’ll see what I can do.

Viktor assumed Kellan was joking. He’d hurry, just in case.

Even though Kellan knew about Viktor’s ability to port, he didn’t think the others did, so he walked some thirty yards into the thick of the forest before tracing away to Castra Nocte.

I swear upon my name, I will not discuss, disclose, or share anything you tell me in this room without your express permission. Unless it is an absolute matter of life and death or could bring harm to an innocent life.

The magic of Yuri’s oath zapped across Eden’s skin. He was the last of the three to pledge. He’d instructed Luka and Mariana to add the last caveat, just in case.

Yuri had insisted there needed to be a way out in the direst of circumstances, especially when dealing with something so serious. He also told her to be very wary of demanding pacts for they all had magically-enforced consequences. Eden fully intended to heed his warning.

Now, Luka said, what is so important you demanded an enchanted oath?

Eden took a sip of wine, a deep breath, and let the story unfold. She started with the death of her mother and the fact it had been poison that took Elora’s life. When Eden mentioned Sephtis Kenelm, Mariana’s face went white.

She kept the details succinct and refrained from displays of emotion, even when revealing the attack on her father. When her story ended with where Viktor was today, Mariana was shaking her head and Luka’s face was pinched. Yuri’s expression gave away nothing.

That was quite a tale, a deep voice rumbled with disapproval from the door.

Eden pushed her seat back, launching herself up and throwing her arms around Viktor. She buried her head in his chest. He’d only been gone for half the day, but she’d missed him terribly.

Guarded green eyes fell upon her face when she lifted to offer a k**s. Viktor simply glared.

Are you angry with me? she inquired cautiously.

Angry? No.

Oh, good—

I’m beyond furious. What were you thinking, Eden? There are reasons I do not disclose certain things to certain people.

Luka pointed a finger in the air. If I may—

You’d do well to remain quiet, Viktor spoke sharply.

—your sieva took precautions, Luka continued, ignoring his older brother’s threatening tone. Brilliant precautions, if I might add.

Thank you, Luka, Eden said. She pushed away from Viktor, scowling. “I am neither dim nor inexperienced with handling sensitive information, Viktor. You would do well to remember that.”

Viktor’s eyes crinkled in the corners. He loved the fight in her. She was the only person he allowed to speak to him in such a manner. Others had tried and paid for it with their lives.

He wasn’t really furious with her, but he thought she had been careless with information. He reached for her arm and jerked her forward into his iron embrace. Eden didn’t struggle.

I don’t like it when you speak to me thus.

The corners of her mouth lifted. I think you do.

A soothing vibration ran up and down their bond. Viktor sighed and bent to k**s the corner of her mouth. If they’d been alone, he’d have her pinned against the wall.

After inhaling her essence at the crook of her neck, he straightened and escorted Eden back to her seat. Viktor stood behind her chair and rested his hands on her shoulders.

Mariana, Yuri, and Luka were gawking at the pair as if they had suddenly sprouted extra heads. Viktor knew he was losing his reputation as someone to be feared. So long as it didn’t spread past this group, he could live with it.

Tell me, Brother, of these brilliant precautions.

She forced us to swear on our names to never disclose, discuss, or share what she told us without her permission.

All of you?

Yes, Mariana complained, all three of us.

Come now, wife, don’t be so cross. It was the best way to trust us, Yuri chastised as kindly as he could.

Viktor massaged Eden’s shoulders affectionately. Well done, Eden.

I know, she chirped. She could feel Viktor’s mirth through the bond and it felt wonderful. She was growing tired of his newfound apprehension, which was getting worse by the day. It only fed her own anxieties.

Join us, Yuri pointed to Viktor’s seat at the head of the table.

I cannot. I must return. I only came here to retrieve you. I need your assistance.

But of course. Is everything okay?

We found the wolf.

Eden’s breath caught.

She was already dead, under the water in a shallow pool. We’re guessing the vampire used his or her power to force her to drown herself. Aside from the obvious, nothing else was wrong with the body.

Mariana covered her mouth and Yuri rubbed her back.

And then there was one, Luka whispered.

Isn’t that good news? Mariana asked.

We’re not sure the vampire was working alone. The wolves picked up on two different scents in Burghard during two different attacks. Both were vampire, Viktor responded.

Yuri kissed Mariana on her cheek then rose from his seat. I’m at your service, Viktor.

You might want to change your clothes. We’ll be navigating the edge of the marshlands. I can meet you outside the guardhouse in, say, twenty minutes?

Of course. Wife, don’t wait up.

Marian nodded and bit her l*p nervously.

Eden, I have a couple of things I need to do before I meet Yuri. I apologize I cannot give you any time today.

Eden put her hand on his and craned her neck. Do not apologize for doing your job, Viktor.

Viktor knelt beside Eden and kissed her firmly, yet briefly, on the lips. His knuckles brushed her cheek just before he rose.

Take care of my sieva, Luka. I’d like someone with her until I return. Goddess knows why, but she seems to be enjoying your company.

I will guard her with my life.

I know, Viktor answered, shocking Luka with his faith in him.

Can we still explore today? Eden asked.

Viktor really didn’t want her to, but he’d promised. He’d already taken measures the past week to tighten security by limiting who was allowed in and out of the castle. He’d even sent some of the more jealous females in the Komora away to another property.

It wasn’t much, but his order had delighted his mate. She’d been very obliging and patient with him when he’d told her he couldn’t simply send them back from where they came. It would have been an insult to their families and the females might be shunned for it.

Though, he didn’t actually believe anyone in the Komora was a member of Sephtis Kenelm. He had seen each of them in various states of undress and not one had the marking the members carried on their chests—not that he’d ever tell Eden how he knew. She was smart enough to guess and he was smart enough not to call attention to it.

Members of Sephtis Kenelm had a tattoo-like brand over their heart with the brotherhood’s name in a swirling script. Viktor had Yuri check every royal guard. None carried the mark.

All signs pointed to the traitor being somewhere near the border. He doubted any fool would come to Castra Nocte and raise so much as a finger against Eden when either Viktor or Luka was around. Their grisly reputations were rooted in truth.

“I’d prefer not, mala vestica. Not unless you can talk Luka into showing you some of Castra Nocte.”

She turned a hopeful face towards the male.

It would be my pleasure, Eden.

Mariana clapped, eager to show Eden the beauty of their home.

Do not leave the castle, Viktor ordered.

We won’t, Eden promised.

Viktor brushed his lips across hers and headed for the door.

Oh, he turned towards Luka, stay out of the kitchens.

Luka cocked his head, as if waiting for Viktor to explain. Viktor held his tongue, preferring to cut it out before he announced Bianca had decided to invite several chefs today to finalize wedding fare. He was looking forward to ruining it for her.

Viktor disappeared before anyone could question him on it, confident they would obey.