Chapter 83: part 2

Vincent

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you," Hunter greeted us.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness as I looked at the man who would be responsible for my wife's safety. He may have had a similar build and tattoos to mine, but I didn't want anyone else near her. "Why haven't I seen him before?" I wondered aloud, my voice filled with concern and suspicion.

Quinn scoffs, “You do realize my pack has like 50 wolves in it, right? Not including the pups, add that, and we are around 100.”

“I've been away with family. My parents are part of a pack in Canada. I went home to see them. I've been gone for a few months,” Hunter explains.

Quinn looks at me and Nelly. “Vincent, he's good. You can trust him.”

I shrug. “Yeah...sure.”

Nelly walks up to me and kisses me. “I only have eyes for you, baby. Don't be jealous,” she says.

I scoff at her. Ok, maybe I'm a little jealous. He lifts her bags, and I can see he's got a defined body, more than I had thought at first glance. Ok, I'm a lot jealous. If this wolf steps a paw out of line, I'll skin him.

Quinn saunters up to me, a sly smirk playing on his lips. "Dude, calm down. Firstly, I would never assign a guy to her detail who would dare to overstep boundaries. Secondly, he's not even interested in women. You're more his type. That's why I chose him. And if Nelly decides to choose a wolf, it better be me."

As Hunter returns, I catch his glance and nod in reassurance. Nelly is in good hands. We all pile into the car and make our way towards the Count's castle.

"Did you pack enough supplies?" Quinn exclaims, eyeing Nelly's provisions.

"Quinn, I adore you, but I will not hesitate to kick your ass. We may drink blood, but I can't hunt. So I have to come prepared," Nelly retorts.

I can't help but chuckle at their banter. Quinn enjoys teasing her, but he forgets that she once bested him as a human. Now, as a vampire, she's even more formidable. As we arrive, the Count's staff greet us warmly and assist with our belongings. "Count," I say, acknowledging Stephen with a respectful nod.

"Vincent. Nelly. Alexis," Stephen says sharply.

"She's actually ready for her nap. If you will excuse me..." Nelly says, her voice trailing off.

Stephen nods and gestures towards the direction she needs to go. "Who's the mutt?"

Hunter clenches his jaw. "It's Hunter, and don't call me a mutt."

Nelly shoots a glare at Stephen. "Count, he is staying to keep communication open about what's going on."

"We are well protected," Stephen asserts confidently.

"Count, she's my wife. I have a man who wants her and my daughter dead. I want as much protection as possible. He's just here to make her feel at ease since we can't stay." My voice is filled with determination. Yes, I'm lying slightly. He doesn't need to know that.

Quinn nods confidently. "He won't be a problem. They have formed a strong bond, and she simply desires some companionship. Unfortunately, many of my wolves are away visiting their families, leaving me short on scouts and defenders for our borders," Quinn explains.

Let's put Stephen to the test. This will determine his loyalty. "Vincent, come bid farewell to Alexis before you depart. Hunter, will you be joining us?" Nelly inquires.

Hunter grins. "Of course, Nelly. I'm on my way," he replies.

"I'll be right there, baby," I call out. Once they are out of earshot, I turn to the Count. "Stephen, you must protect her. Those two are my everything. If Peter or any of his henchmen are spotted, I need to know immediately."

Stephen nods solemnly. "I give you my word. She is safe in my care. However, I would keep a close eye on that wolf if I were you."

Quinn growled fiercely, his eyes flashing with determination. "My pack would never do anything to embarrass me or our pack," he declared with unwavering confidence. I made a mental note to have a private conversation with Quinn later.

Despite centuries of distrust between vampires and wolves, Stephen nonchalantly shrugged. "Just saying," he remarked, as one of his men entered the room. "Excuse me," the man said before quickly exiting. Since the war began, I have tried to unite all of the Dark Ones against the Resistance. Now that we have all but obliterated the rebels and I married the most fierce of them all, is Stephen wanting to restart the war between creatures of darkness?

As we made our way up to see Nelly, we found her tending to Alexis, who was peacefully asleep on the bed. Hunter expressed a sense of unease, stating, "I'm staying in here. I have a bad vibe."

Nelly dismissed Hunter's concerns, but Quinn intervened, firmly grasping Nelly's hand. "If he senses something, we should heed his warning," Quinn insisted.

Nelly smiled in agreement, and I offered her words of reassurance. "I love you. Stay safe and stick close to Hunter. Let's make it look like you two are inseparable besties," I suggested with a warm smile.

Nelly's laughter fills the room, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I have no doubt we will be successful. It's not a lie," she says, flashing a grin at Hunter, who returns the smile. "Please hurry and finish this task so I can return home. I love you. And if you want to find out the gender of our baby, you better bring yourself back to me," Nelly says, leaning in to kiss me, her fingers tangling in my hair.

Quinn rolls his eyes. "Ugh, gross."

Hunter interjects, "Do you mind if I get a kiss on your way out?"

Nelly bursts into laughter, and I shoot Hunter a warning look. "No, you've ruined the moment, Hunter. No kisses for you, you wolf!"

Hunter smirks, unfazed. "Next time, then."

"Keep my wife and child safe, and I'll indulge you," I reply, causing Hunter's eyes to widen in surprise. Nelly and Quinn both nearly choke on their laughter. "Get over it, you two." I look at Quinn, "Let's go kill this motherfucker. I need home soon so I can fuck my wife."