Chapter 34 Thirty Four
KAZIEL
Why...is my seeker bracelet reacting to Danika? Eve is the vessel, is she not? Or...
"He's here with Eve," Aaron tells me, and I narrow my eyes at him, pissed.
It makes sense then. The bracelet was reacting to the wench. Still, why do I feel uneasy? Why can't I shake off the feeling that I'm missing something?
"You can go. I'll be out soon," I tell my beta, and he nods, walking away. When I turn back to look at Danika, she's gazing at me expectantly, but her claws are gone.
Tense, I move over to sit on the bed by her side, stroking her gently and pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"Wait for me here, okay? You can make use of the bathroom, feel free to use anything from my wardrobe, okay?" I say, and she nods.
"Don't take too long."
"I won't," I reply, rising to my feet.
When I get to the sitting room, my father's seated there with Eve. She flashes me a smile, and I nearly barf. What game is she playing now?
"Father, I do not appreciate such unannounced visits," I say, and he smirks, his blue eyes glinting.
"What is this? Why do you suddenly look younger? You're practically glowing. Did you finally feed your vampire side after claiming you would never touch blood again?" He utters, and I roll my eyes.
My father never visits unless he wants to mock me, steal my liquor, or cause a headache so brutal it could wake the dead.
"Nice to see you too, Father," I mutter, folding my arms. "I wasn't aware you'd taken up a sudden interest in my affairs again. Should I be honored or terrified?"
He leans back, smug as ever, crossing one leg over the other. His silver hair catches the light, and his fangs flash when he grins. That grin is the same one I wear when I'm about to ruin someone's life. Like father, like son. Unfortunately.
"Terrified, preferably," he says, inspecting the rings on his finger. "Keeps you sharp. I didn't raise soft children."
"You didn't raise them long enough for that," I shoot back before I can stop myself.
His gaze snaps to me, narrowing. It is his signature look. The one that causes grown men to shrivel up and die. But now, it just... irritates me.
"Careful," he murmurs. "I may be old, but I still bite."
"I'm counting on it," I reply with a cold smirk, then I nod towards Eve. "You brought her here for a reason. Start talking before I kick you out."
He chuckles. "Patience, Kaziel. You sound like your mother."
"Which one?"
That got him. He scowls, running a hand down his face. "Seven marriages and one ungrateful child left breathing. The odds were never in my favor."
"Or maybe you're just terrible at keeping things alive."
For a split second, he almost smiles. Almost. "There's the tongue I missed. I thought I'd beaten it out of you."
"You tried," I say, sinking into the armchair opposite him. "But apparently, I inherited your talent for being insufferable."
He lets out a throaty laugh. "You're my favorite for a reason."
Eve shifts in her seat, uncomfortable under the tension sparking between us. "If you two are done measuring egos, perhaps we can get to the point?"
Father waves her off. "In a moment. I want to know what my son's been doing with a female human when he can enjoy unlimited satisfaction from a non-human. That's not normal, Kaziel. Even for you."
I scowl. "My personal life isn't your concern."
"It is if you've decided to put the pack in jeopardy by maltreating the vessel the blessed moon goddess gifted to us," he says, and anger sparks in my blood.
The bitch must have done something, undoubtedly.
I shoot to my feet, irritated.
"That bitch tried to kill me. She is Vanya's sister, you hear me?" I growl, and surprise crosses his features.
Eve grins. The nerve of that—
"She tried? But you are immortal, aren't you? Besides, she does have every right to hunt you. Treat her well, Kaziel. She is to become the pack's Luna—"
"If you're so interested in her, why don't you marry her?" I hiss, turning away.
"Shut the door on your way out," I snarl, storming towards the door.
"You can't hide from this forever, son! The pack will not accept a human Luna!" My father thunders. I quicken my footsteps, anger thrashing inside of me.
"Wait!" I freeze at the sound of Eve's voice. She looks up at me when she halts in front of me, panting.
"You are truly impressive, you know? I expected you to look like a rotting corpse, moaning in pain," she says, and I flash her a cold smile.
"Why? Did you think I'd come begging for your touch? You're delusional. Stay away from me, Eve. I didn't kill Vanya."
She blinks. "But, it's your fault she died, remember? If she wasn't your mate, she wouldn't..."
The words hit harder than they should. I hate that she knows it.
I ball my hands into fists, feeling sick to my stomach as I wonder what sort of cruel game the moon goddess is playing. Is she trying to steal the sanity I have left?
"Do not provoke me, Eve. I might not have killed your sister, but I'm more than capable of separating your head from your body with my bare hands," I hiss, and fear flashes in her eyes.
I don't wait to bask in that satisfaction, I head over to my mate.
When I step into the room, the air feels heavier.
Danika's sitting up on my bed wearing one of my shirts, her knees pulled close, her skin flushed pink. The moment she sees me, she lights up, smiling so wide it almost knocks the breath out of me.
"Hey," she says softly.
Before I can answer, she's already on her feet. Then she's hugging me. Her body is warm, too warm, almost like she's been standing in the sun for hours.
I freeze.
"Danika." My voice comes out rough. I grip her shoulders, easing her back. "You're burning up."
She laughs breathlessly. "I'm totally fine."
That makes something twist inside my chest. Her tone is too bright. She doesn't even notice the sweat on her brow or how her hands tremble slightly.
"Right," I mutter, guiding her back towards the bed. "And I'm a priest."
She lets me push her down gently, her eyes glazed with exhaustion. I press the back of my hand to her forehead and hiss under my breath.
"You're on fire," I say.
"Stay," she whispers, tugging weakly at my wrist.
It's one word, but it hits me like a command. Against better judgment, I sit on the edge of the bed, brushing her damp hair from her face.
"Did you eat anything?"
She shakes her head, her lips parting as if she's trying to speak, but no sound comes out.
I exhale sharply. "Danika—"
Then her eyes lift to mine.
And they're not hazel anymore.
They are a brilliant gold.
"Hi," she breathes, and I blink, confused.
"My name is Amber. I am Danika's wolf," she says, and my eyes go wide.
"Her mother suppressed me a long time ago because..." She gestures at me to come closer. I hesitate for a second before I lean in.
"I'm dangerous," she whispers.
I chuckle, pulling away from her.
"Have you met me?"
She giggles. "I know your wolf. He's more dangerous. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm..." she starts to say.
"...dangerous. Right, got it," I complete her statement.
She pouts. "You're not taking me seriously."
"Oh, I am. I promise."
She sighs. "You can't tell anyone this. You must protect her, okay? When she gets hunted, promise me you'll stay with her."
My chest tightens. "I promise."
Her eyes revert to their usual hazel, a bewildered expression on her face.
"What was that?" She breathes. I cup her face.
"Your wolf. I'm not sure why you didn't shift, but it seems your wolf is far from the ordinary," I tell her, and she nods, looking flabbergasted.
Her gaze suddenly darts to the door, narrowing.
“There’s someone at the door,” she whispers in my ear.
At lightning speed, I move from the bed and fling the door open. And there he is. Bellamy.
He shuffles backwards, holding his hands up. I smirk, tilting my head as my claws elongate.
“I tried to ignore it the last time you asked my girl if she’s my mate. And now you’re eavesdropping. You have sixty seconds, Bellamy,” I say.
He gulps.
“Sixty seconds to tell me what you’ve been up to,” I drawl. “And your time starts now.”