Chapter 30

Aziz

‘It’s only a vampire, but I want you to be prepared. We can’t let him get any of our pack members. Am I clear?’ I mind-linked all my warriors and fighters. Yes, there was only one. But I don’t know why I was feeling uneasy. I had a feeling that he was no ordinary vampire that we happened to stumble upon. He’s here, in my pack with a purpose and I need to know about that. To be able to do that, I needed to catch him alive, but I had to do that with caution since I knew that he was faster than my warriors. I can keep up with him and so does Athena. But I can’t help but feel worried about my pack.

‘Yes, Alpha!’ they all replied.

‘Don’t be too hasty and act on your own. If there is anyone who has spotted him, you have to tell me and wait for me. I repeat, do not engage headlessly.’

‘Yes, Alpha!’ I sighed in relief, thinking they understood.

With our senses on high alert, Athena and I made our way through the deep forest. A disturbing reminder of the threat that hid in the shadows was the fragrance of the vampire that still lingered in the air. I was constantly worried about Mica, who was nervously waiting in the bunker with Hera. But I am aware that the primary threat needs to be addressed right away.

Athena and I walked stealthily, our vampire blood running through our veins giving us the agility and speed necessary to keep up with our powerful foe. The moon shed a soft glow over the forest canopy, illuminating the route in front of us. The warriors, strategically placed, awaited my command and stood ready to help if necessary.

My anxiety increased as we went further into the woods. My thoughts were split between the immediate threat and worry for Mica. The memory of her anxious expression would not leave my mind, and the mate bond pulled at my heart, reminding me of our connection.

Looking across at me, I knew Athena could see the fear written all over my face. She was aware of my bond with Mica and the challenges I encountered. She gave me a comforting grin and said, "Focus, brother. We'll handle this vampire, and then we can ensure Mica's safety. Trust in our abilities."

I nodded, appreciating her words of support. Together, we advanced, sharpening our senses in search of any indication of the vampire. Suddenly, we were distracted by a flurry of motion. The vampire charged out of the shadows, his fangs glittering menacingly, and his eyes burning with a hungry predator.

With bodies that were a whirl of grace and speed, Athena and I sprung into action. We had the benefit of having vampire blood, which allowed us to keep up with the fearsome vampire despite his agility and strength being equal to our own. Our dance of tenacity and survival was fluid and well-coordinated.

My concerns for Mica were momentarily put on hold with each confrontation and were temporarily replaced by the fight for survival. I was aware that I needed to concentrate in order to maintain mental acuity when engaged in combat. The connection I had with Mica, however, persisted and served as a continual reminder of our entwined fates. Fu**, I’m excited about my mate.

I could feel Athena's raw power surge as we battled. She was a formidable opponent, her vampire skills enhancing my own. Knowing she was by my side, shielding me just as I shielded her, made me feel proud and relieved. ‘Let us handle this,’ I mind-linked Reeves. I sensed him before the vampire charged at us earlier.

‘OK,’ he replied, and Athena and I continued fighting the vampire. At least now, I know that they were there if anything happened.

Athena and I were standing side by side and resolutely facing the vampire. Our bodies were tense and ready to explode into action as our gaze latched upon the thing. Reeves and the warriors watched the combat as it played out from a safe distance, prepared to help if necessary.

The vampire made a quick, predatory leap forward. I easily avoided his onslaught as well as Athena, thanks to their quick reactions, which allowed them to predict his every move. We danced a deadly jig against our fearsome adversary, moving in perfect unison.

I attempted a quick kick toward the vampire's midsection while extending my vampire ancestry-proven fangs. Following suit, Athena slashed the vampire's face with her hand, leaving behind sharp claw marks. Swiftly striking back, the vampire's claws almost missed my arm. I felt a sharp pain but ignored it and concentrated on the battle.

Each hit and parry was accompanied by a symphony of growls, groans, and the collision of inhuman might as the fight continued. The combined might of Athena and I was a force to be reckoned with; our advantage over our adversary came from our vampire skills.

The warriors and Reeves stood by, prepared to step in if required. Although they were aware that we were more than capable, their assistance remained an essential safety net. I’m certain that my beta assessed the situation and was prepared to take action at any time.

I finally took the chance after a violent exchange of blows. The vampire was sent to the ground by a crushing uppercut from me and a strong roundhouse kick that followed. Athena quickly followed suit, kneeing the vampire in the chest to render him helpless. Athena and I stood over the defeated vampire, gasping heavily. As I examined him, my eyes narrowed and I was thinking a lot of thoughts. I was aware that this encounter was more than just a random stroll in my pack.

"Tell me," in an authoritative tone, I commanded. “What were you looking for and why were you the only one in my pack?” I added.

With blood flowing from his mouth, the vampire grinned. “You have no idea what's going to happen, Alpha if you believe you can defeat me and demand information,” he replied. My eyes narrowed in concentration as I held on to the stake that Reeves handed me when he approached us. I had to know his reason for being here. For now, the vampire will be rendered immobile but kept alive by the pressure of the stake against his heart.

“Answer me!”, I demanded with a forceful voice. "Or you'll pay the price," I added.

The vampire's face went from defiant to trembling with dread. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he started to talk, disclosing details of a wider scheme and a concealed threat that was lurking among the packs. I was eager to defend my pack and the people I valued dear, so I listened carefully, taking in every word.

I experienced a range of emotions as the interrogation went on and was happy to have killed the vampire and learned crucial information. But the realization that my pack was in imminent danger made me shiver. I was determined to go to all lengths necessary to protect my pack, to learn the truth, and to meet the difficulties that lay ahead.

The vampire was dead but I, however, couldn't help but feel some guilt as the conflict continued. While I engaged a vampire head-on, Mica was inside the bunker, her safety unknown. I longed for the conflict to be over so I could make sure she was okay and be with her again. I let Reeves take over and went back to the pack house and be with my mate.

I couldn't help but pick up the tempo as we returned to the bunker. I yearned to see Mica so I could hug her and reassure her of my safety. Our connection pulsed, serving as a continual reminder of our unshakable bond. I could feel her worry and fear for me. I know that she is still angry at me and our kind but I am going to do everything and understand her endlessly. I rushed into the bunker as soon as we got there, desperately looking for Mica. Then I saw her safe and sound. She stood up from her seat and ran to me. I felt happy that she did that, so I opened my arms to accept her, and a wave of relief flooded over me as I encircled her in my arms, holding her firmly as though I could protect her from any danger. The urge to kiss her was so intense that I forgot about her anger. I felt relieved that, instead of pushing me away, I felt her kiss me back. So fu****g sweet!