The Alpha's Mate and the Vampire King
The Alpha’s Mate and the Vampire King Chapter 23

Western Forest of Prajna

They were moving slowly, sacrificing time for the sake of thoroughness. The group had agreed it was worth the loss of daylight.

Yuri was with Alec and another wolf, a half-mile away, while Kellan and Viktor stayed close to Bran.

It was painstaking work and they hadn’t made much progress. Vampires could port, so there was a good chance whomever they were seeking had simply disappeared and gone someplace far away.

Their hope was that they would replace a cave or shelter where Agatha had been hiding. If she was with anyone, the dwelling or her things might have a scent they could track.

No one had spoken since they’d started.

As Viktor followed behind Kellan, he pressed on the skin above his heart. It had started with a dull ache a minute ago and was now becoming painful.

He reasoned he might be experiencing some level of uneasiness, hunting one of his own. He rarely felt such emotions, but since he’d met Eden, he had started to feel more and more.

He pictured his little mate in his mind and stumbled, catching himself on the trunk of a tree.

Kellan whipped around. What is it?

Nothing, Viktor lied. He didn’t know the answer, but he was struck with the need to check on Eden.

Two howls erupted from the other group and the three of them sprinted towards the sound. They came upon a section of thick thorn bushes growing under the darkened canopy.

Viktor sniffed the air. Agatha’s stench was strong here.

Look, Alec pointed into the brush.

Between a small cluster of trees there was a hovel, fashioned out of branches and tall grasses. Viktor was considering porting into it when agony burst through the soul-bond, powerful enough to bring him to his knees.

Kellan reached for Viktor’s shoulder. What’s wrong? Do not lie to me again.

Eden, Viktor croaked.

Kellan looked at the shack then down to the vampire, torn. Yuri stepped forward and the Vampire King held up his hand.

No, Viktor ordered. Stay here, both of you, and replace what we need. I have to get to Eden.

Kellan held onto Viktor’s elbow as the male rose to his feet. Take Bran with you. He’ll be able to scent the bastard, if he’s there.

Viktor reached for Bran and ported them both to Castra Nocte.

Coastline, Eastern Prajna

Luka grunted in pain as the boiling water ate away his skin. Eden fought furiously to surface, but he held her under, fearing the air above would fuel the flames.

He wouldn’t be able to keep them here for long.

Eden opened her mouth to cry out and her lungs filled with salt water. She thrashed and kicked, panicked by the deadly burn in her chest, but Luka did not let go.

She grabbed at his arms, desperate for oxygen. They felt slippery and … wrong. She didn’t have the capacity to question what it meant.

Her heart started to slow, unable to continue its sprint without a supply of air. The fight inside her bled out into the sea as her mind began to blank.

Compression clamped down on her again and she landed hard. Luka rolled Eden to her side, scraping her face on the rough sand under her cheek. Her lungs resisted the water and she retched onto the beach.

Luka held her in that position until her heaving stopped. He removed his hands and fell to his back beside her.

They both laid there, panting. Eden lifted her eyelids, expecting to see a starry sky. All she could see was mist.

I would prefer it, my dear, if you not do anything like that again, Luka wheezed.

Eden twisted to look at him and gasped. She pushed herself up to her knees and reached a shaky hand towards his.

It might be best if you do not touch me right now.

Eden gaped down at Luka’s arms, or, rather, of what was left of them. Most of his shirt had been burned away, along with his skin. His hands and forearms looked as though they’d been peeled open, parts of his muscles visible.

Angry red welts where he’d been singed were swollen on his chest and face. Deeper burns coated his lower abdomen. Light pink liquid oozed everywhere.

Luka, I—I am so sorry.

Nonsense. You didn’t burn me. I grabbed you while you were lit up brighter than the sun. Completely my fault.

No, I am the one to blame. I lost control of myself. I’ve never … I’ve never lost control, she sniffled.

I think you were well within your rights.

No, don’t move, Eden scolded through her tears when Luka tried to sit up.

Didn’t you know? We Prajna heal extremely fast and our healer is quite good. This will be completely gone in only, he paused and looked at his injuries, days.

Only days he says, she mumbled, wiping her eyes.

Faster if I get b***d.

Eden began rolling up her sleeve and Luka scooted back, like she was on fire again.

Oh, no, little witch. I’ll not be courting the wrath of Viktor just yet.

The fresh wound in Eden’s soul continued to seep at the mention of his name. She checked the bond. It was still there, as she knew it would be. Only death could sever it.

I’m not sure he would care, she countered.

Then you don’t know him very well.

I’m thinking I don’t know him at all.

Come now, Luka ridiculed, do not be a bigger fool than he has been.

But aren’t I? A fool? Tell me, Luka, how long has he known he was going to marry Bianca.

I don’t think he will.

How long?

Luka’s shoulders slumped. Since the contract was made with Dmitri.

Eden swallowed. He has been betrothed to her, all this time? Is this common knowledge?

He doesn’t want her.

It doesn’t matter! she snapped.

It does. It matters greatly, Eden.

He’s played me for the fool, she shook her head ruefully. I won’t stay. I cannot stand by and watch him marry another. How could he possibly think I would?

How could you possibly think he would let you go? he g*****d as he lifted himself up.

Luka needed b***d and he need to deal with the mess they’d left behind outside the throne room. Eden stood with him, holding her hands out like she’d catch him if he fell.

It’s not his choice to make, Luka.

Fair enough. Best of luck getting home.

Excuse me? she squeaked.

Take a look at your surroundings.

Creases appeared on Eden’s forehead. Slowly, she rotated in a circle. She’d assumed he’d taken her to the shore near Castra Nocte. As she spun, all she saw was water. They were on an island, and a tiny one at that.

She couldn’t see past the mist surrounding the island, so she had no idea how far from land he’d taken her.

You’ll not leave me here.

I’ll be back. Hopefully with Viktor and you two can have a chat.

Luka, so help me—

Her shriek cut off as he ported back to the entryway. He’d assumed Gorlind and the others would have scattered by now, but they were all there.

It seemed they couldn’t have left, not with Bianca’s neck currently in the jaws of a large wolf, and an enraged Viktor eying them like they were his next meal. Timing really was

everything, wasn’t it?

So, what did I miss? he jibed, ducking just in time to miss his brother’s fist flying towards his face.