Chapter 9

POV Balthazar

"Everything seemed peaceful, but we couldn't take any chances.

We had learned to protect ourselves, to preserve our kind. After centuries of persecution by humans who hunted us as if we were demons, wars with them and the wolves, and countless losses, we had become naturally suspicious.

So, when we left our territory in the Carpathian Alps, we didn't go alone. As we turned into shadows among the trees, gliding from heights, leaping great distances, my father, my brother, and I were followed by royal guards, ready to fight to the death to protect us.

Upon arriving in the area occupied by the wolves, I carefully observed how the brothers dominated their surroundings, sharing power and united for their own benefit and that of their people. If they saw us as enemies, we could face a war. It was good to remain cautious and smart.

We stopped running as we approached Constantini, surrounded by dense forest, with its high walls and well-guarded gates. Everyone knew of how Riuk killed wolves who defied him, of the traps and bombs hidden beneath the soil, and the strategically placed cameras.

I adjusted my heavy, charcoal-colored overcoat, running my fingers through my dark golden hair to smooth it into place. Not a drop of sweat marred my body, nor was my breathing altered by the exertion. Similarly, my father and Caliban walked upright toward the main entrance.

Our guards remained at a distance, hidden in the treetops or behind trunks, alert, prepared for any potential threat.

'Antares Severus,' my father introduced himself as we stopped before an armed wolf. 'My sons and I are expected by Riuk Constantini.'

The man didn't react but allowed us through. He accompanied us along the path that snaked upward through the forest toward a second wall. This one protected the entire village: houses, buildings, commerce, and the mines near the cliffs to the south.

We had studied the terrain extensively, creating aerial maps. Yet much of it remained a mystery.

'Do you think they know they once invited us to return whenever we pleased?' Caliban said quietly, a sly grin on his face as he scanned the area.

'They probably think it's a myth. Like holy water and crosses,' Antares replied with a shrug. 'Ignorance is always an advantage. Let them think that way.'

Because we, the pure—the true vampires—did not mix, much about us remained shrouded in doubt. Some believed we were truly undead, sleeping in coffins; others thought Christian symbols could harm us. It was difficult for them to see us as simply another species rather than something demonic.

Thus, the ancient myth seemed absurd: that we could only enter a home if invited. But it was true. If Riuk hadn’t agreed to this meeting, we could never have entered any of his residences.

I noted every detail until we stopped before the second massive gate, heavily armed and guarded. We were met with antagonistic, wary stares, but no one treated us poorly. The same occurred as we walked to a tall building at the village’s center.

Curious onlookers paused their tasks to watch us. I smiled, nodding briefly, which seemed enough to soften them—particularly the women, who smiled, charmed. It would have been easy to manipulate them all. If we had wanted, they could have turned on one another in an instant. At least the majority, who were not as powerful as the Supreme Alphas and their heirs.

'A cemetery,' Caliban muttered disdainfully. 'It feels so crude. Our village is far more luxurious and cultured.'

'Shut up,' I hissed, as the guard leading us wasn’t far ahead. 'Control your tongue while we’re here.'

He rolled his eyes, irritated.

It was a beautiful place. Certainly more rustic than ours, but well-maintained, abundant, and rich. My brother had no appreciation for Riuk’s power, nor that of Jax and Fenrir.

As we entered the building and climbed a flight of stairs, I felt my composure waver with an unfamiliar vibration. I was certain Lio was beyond the door, waiting for me. I anticipated the moment I would see her again.

The man announced us, and my father was the first to enter. Caliban sighed, somewhat bored, reluctantly following. I went last and immediately found her eyes—clear and fixed on mine. The air seemed to crackle, growing heavier, more charged. My excitement quickened my heartbeat, usually far too slow. I felt more alive than ever, once again.

Riuk sat behind his desk in the central chair. His wife was to his right, Lio to his left. The heavy silence enveloped them.

'Good afternoon. It is an immense pleasure to partake of your hospitality.' Antares extended his hand toward the alpha.

Riuk rose and shook it firmly. My father continued politely, 'Madam, miss…' He turned to his side. 'My eldest son, Balthazar Severus. And my youngest, Caliban Severus.'

Lio averted her gaze from me, slightly breathless. She stood politely to greet us. I waited until she turned to me, taking her hand and holding it until it disappeared between mine. A shiver ran through her, her warmth burning me.

'Lio. A pleasure to see you again,' I said, my voice low, rougher than usual.

She nodded, pulling away to sit. Both of us were acutely aware of the hot, palpable, and very real attraction between us."

While they spoke and the tension in the room thickened, my eyes remained on her, and hers were locked on mine.

For a moment, I barely heard the conversation. It was just us there, something pulling, attracting us. I wanted this agreement to end well, to unite our families. That would ensure she would be under the same roof as me.

"And the current Infantry, formerly the Cavalry, lied to you. They hunt wolves, yes. If this group, which continues to grow, has its way, we will be extinct. Not to mention the unknown hybrid species, like the Ancients. Those who crave eternity and respect no one," Antares continued. "The ones who died here are not unique. Others may appear."

"How do you know that?"

"We’ve had issues in the past. What I mean, and wish to reiterate, is that wolves and vampires don’t need to be adversaries. Especially the purebloods and the supremes. There’s much to gain from a partnership."

"Go on. Explain what you’ve thought, what brought you here." Riuk’s irritation was palpable as he turned his gaze to his daughter, catching her in the act of staring at me.

She quickly averted her attention, her breathing shifting, tense. His angry glare landed on me. I didn’t flinch.

"An alliance. For millennia, we managed to keep part of our evolution intact by only allowing marriages between purebloods. But when I learned of the supremes, I understood it could be a valid attempt. We have important vampires in our clan, whom we call judges. Some have a genetic heritage of wolves and are quite strong and intelligent. I can only imagine the potential if a pureblood vampire married a daughter of a supreme."

Silence fell in the room. Serious and focused, I used my telepathy to urge her to focus on me. But she resisted, visibly nervous. The moment had come. If Lio desired me as much as I desired her, it would make things easier.

It didn’t matter that I was engaged or that she might become my brother’s wife. Everything was business, tradition. Everyone had their role to play. But it wouldn’t stop me from fulfilling our chemistry.

I imagined her beneath me, languid and warm, opening her legs, offering the pulse of her neck. I would take her with my teeth, with my body.

Her father broke the tension with brutal directness:

"Are you asking for my daughter’s hand for your son?"

"Exactly."

At last, she looked at me, a quiet gasp escaping her lips, her cheeks flushed, making it clear how affected she was. Ready to say yes. My senses stirred.

I pierced her gaze, longing to invade her very soul. We barely knew each other, which made this pull between us all the more astonishing. I craved more, even though I knew Lio would only enter into this because of her desire for me. Deceived and seduced—it didn’t matter. She’d understand that the ends justified the means. And she’d forgive me once I made her mine, even if just for one night.

"Our eldest daughter with your eldest son," her mother murmured. "Don’t you think it’s too hasty and—"

"Lady Constantini, allow me to correct you," my father said, addressing her without losing his composure. It was time to lay all the cards on the table. "I speak of marriage, of commitment. But not between Lioara and my eldest son. Instead, I speak of my youngest, Caliban. Balthazar is already engaged."

The shock hit like a blow, so intense that I saw Lio’s reaction shift abruptly. Her eyes widened, her face turned pale, and she froze.

I remained composed, silently reassuring her that everything was as it should be. The details didn’t matter.

Riuk and Teodora stayed motionless, surprised. Lio parted her lips as if to stammer something. Finally, she looked around until her gaze landed on my brother. Caliban smiled, his face smug, and Lio seemed to come back to reality.

I wanted to be alone with her, to seduce her further until she softened and accepted anything to be with me. But the air changed. A low, restrained gasp escaped her lips, and when she looked at me this time, something far more visceral and hostile shone in her expression.

Lio rose, unblinking, her eyes shifting to amber until the blue transformed into a blazing golden hue.

I understood what caused such a sharp, vivid transformation.

It was hatred.