Chapter 102

Varen helped me regain my composure, waiting patiently until the cool night breeze had swept away the heat from my tear-streaked cheeks. Only then did he gently guide me back to the ballroom.

"Come on, there's someone you need to meet," he said with a grin, tugging me toward a cluster of men engaged in conversation over champagne.

"Prince Varen! A pleasure, as always," one of them greeted warmly, extending a hand.

Varen accepted the handshake with a polite smile. "Mr. Renfield, it's good to finally see you again. It’s been too long."

Mr. Renfield was a striking man in his forties, with neatly styled brown hair and piercing brown eyes. His black tuxedo fit him perfectly, exuding an air of refinement and authority. His movements were deliberate, reminiscent of characters from old British period films. As he nodded in greeting, I sensed his keen gaze discreetly assessing me.

"Mr. Renfield, allow me to introduce Lady Thalassa," Varen said, his grin widening.

"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Renfield," I offered with a polite bow.

"The pleasure is entirely mine, Lady Thalassa," he chuckled. "I've been eager to meet you in person. Your reputation precedes you."

Varen handed each of us a glass of champagne, and soon we were deep in conversation about Mr. Renfield’s business empire. I learned that he owned a massive international development company, investing staggering sums of money. His wealth was almost incomprehensible, and I couldn't help but wonder why a man of his stature was so interested in me. A sinking feeling told me I wouldn't like the answer.

"Do you know what every businessman despises most?" Mr. Renfield asked suddenly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

I smiled, playing along. "I'm not sure, but I imagine you're about to enlighten me."

"Limitations," he said smoothly. "It's not about greed; it's about passion for my work. Unfortunately, some territories remain off-limits to vampires like myself."

I felt the shift in the conversation and steeled myself. "You mean you're restricted from investing in pack lands?"

"Precisely!" he said, his grin broadening.

I eyed him warily. "And why exactly are you telling me this?"

His demeanor changed in an instant. The charming mask slipped, revealing a calculated intensity beneath. His gaze was cold and assessing, his grin turning into something more predatory.

"You’re an intelligent woman, Lady Thalassa. Surely, you can deduce that for yourself."

I stiffened. "If you sought me out because I’m the daughter of two Alphas, I’m afraid you’re mistaken. I'm nothing more than a human."

Mr. Renfield laughed, clearly amused by my response. "Come now, Lady Thalassa. No mere human could defeat a Royal Army warrior like Fenris. He was one of the strongest, capable of fighting alongside purebloods—and yet, you bested him."

I swallowed hard, forcing a nervous smile. I had known Fenris was formidable, but to hear he was on par with purebloods... That was a revelation.

"I might be stronger than the average human, but that doesn't change what I am," I said, glancing at Varen for reassurance.

Varen offered a small, reassuring smile, silently urging me to listen.

"Lady Thalassa," Mr. Renfield sighed, his voice softening, "you're the perfect bridge between two worlds. A daughter of wolves, marked by a vampire king—who better to negotiate peace? War is costly, and bad for business. You, my dear, might just be the key to ending it."

I let out a dry, humorless laugh. "With all due respect, Mr. Renfield, you have no idea what you're suggesting. I've never belonged to a pack. The only wolf I considered family is probably dead, and no pack would ever accept me. I'm nothing but a stain in their eyes."

"You underestimate yourself," he countered smoothly. "Strength determines status, Lady Thalassa, in both our worlds. And right now, you have the Royal Army behind you. That speaks volumes."

I opened my mouth to argue, but no words came. As much as I hated to admit it, he had a point. Still, there was no way I would willingly engage with the wolves. Merrick’s hateful voice still echoed in my mind, calling me a traitorous bitch.

"Regardless of your reasoning, they will never respect me. I am nothing to them," I said bitterly.

Mr. Renfield merely smirked and subtly gestured across the ballroom.

My eyes followed his direction and landed on Alpha Kenzo, standing against the wall with his arms crossed. His gaze was intense, unwavering, and possessive. A chill ran down my spine. The look in his eyes said everything: mine.

I wanted to recoil in disgust, but the traitorous shiver coursing through me betrayed my resolve.

"I dare say the leader of one of the strongest packs disagrees with you," Mr. Renfield murmured with amusement.

I forced a smile. "He's only interested in me as an object he believes he owns," I muttered under my breath.

Renfield's eyes twinkled knowingly, but he said nothing. Instead, he discreetly motioned to another side of the room.

There stood a tall, blond-haired man with dark-blue eyes narrowed in my direction. The raw hostility he exuded was unmistakable. Recognition dawned on me.

"That's Beta Elian," I said quietly, my stomach twisting. "My father's second-in-command. He must loathe me just as much."

"Then my advice would be to side with the other one," Renfield said, his tone confident.

I laughed nervously. "That's easier said than done."

"Nothing worthwhile is ever easy," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "But I believe you're the one who can make a difference. Many of us are tired of this endless cycle of hatred. Help broker peace, and you'll have my full support—and that of other powerful allies."

I swallowed, feeling the weight of his words. "I... I wouldn't even know where to begin. I've spent my life running from wolves, not negotiating with them."

Renfield's expression turned serious. "Perhaps it's time to stop running, Lady Thalassa. Find the strength within you. Embrace your heritage. When you do, we'll make you our queen."