417- When the Past Demands Blood
POV Viktor Averwyn:
“For what?”
“For going with me today. I know you didn’t have to.”
“If it matters to you, then it matters to me too.” I ran my hand up her back, caressing her to the nape of her neck.
“I always wanted to belong to a people, to have a clan. Now I have two. The one here and my father’s gypsy people.” She smiled, radiant and happy. “I don’t want to drift away from them, Viktor. Even after I transform, I intend to take care of everyone in the village. Be a kind of protector, so nothing bad ever happens there.”
“They’re lucky.”
“I’m not a witch, I don’t have powers, and I’m not a Shuvani, but I thought about studying a little. I must have inherited some spiritual sensitivity from my father. But only after I transform into a wolf and learn how to handle her. Do you know what I was thinking?”
“What?” I pulled her closer, savoring her pleasant scent of lilies mixed with mine. The mark on her shoulder was exposed now, though no longer red. Only a scar remained.
“That I have lupine DNA, like they say some humans do. That’s why I never get sick, run faster than most people, and have strength far beyond my size. Do you think I’ll become a bossy wolf?”
I smiled, and she laughed, her fingers pausing in my hair.
“Are you scared? Of transforming?”
“A little. You and Daciana said it isn’t easy. I hope that pink medicine Aldren gave you really helps. What makes me most anxious is knowing there’ll be another being with me all the time.”
“It’s not another being. It’s a part of you. More animal, stronger. You just need to learn how to deal with her. I’ll help you.”
“I’m counting on that!” Her eyes sparkled with anxiety. “I can’t even imagine what it’s like to turn completely into a wolf, covered in fur.”
She asked several more questions, and I answered them. Then she talked about her people and how the dinner had gone. It was clear she was happy with the growing closeness, with the life we had.
I traced my gaze over her beautiful features, in love and content. Even the pain of losing Adelina was bearable with Seraphine beside me. She brought light into my life, showed me a future even better than I had imagined.
I grabbed her hair gently and turned her toward me, our eyes locked. Emotions filled me when I realized I could give her even more.
Everything she had ever dreamed of.
“Will you marry me?”
Her eyes widened, filling with tears.
“For real?” she whispered. “Forever?”
“Forever. A gypsy wedding, with everything you deserve. I’ll open the gates of my village to your people. They’ll always be welcome. And I’ll help protect them as if they were my own.”
“Viktor… yes… my love… yes!”
She cried, and I kissed her mouth, exploding with emotion as I pulled her tightly against me. She clung to me, overwhelmed, almost melting into my skin the same way she had fused with my heart.
I was going to have the most beautiful ring made for Seraphine. I would cover her in gold and jewels, the things gypsy women loved. In clothes and music, celebration and warmth.
There would be no more sadness, and our daughter would be born surrounded by joy.
As if to prove it, the very next day Aldren called me, his voice heavy and abrupt.
“We’re going to Noctheria now.”
“Did something happen?” I stood during breakfast, drawing the attention of Daciana and Seraphine. Tense. “Or did Elowen uncover the magic?”
“She says she’s ready. It’s all or nothing now, Viktor.”
“Fuck… then it’s everything,” I assured him. “I’m coming.”
“I’ll notify Edric, and we’ll meet there. I’m bringing some alphas I trust.”
“So am I.”
When I hung up, both women were agitated, and Seraphine insisted on coming along.
I didn’t want her to, afraid it might be dangerous somehow, but she assured me she wouldn’t put herself at risk and that she also wanted to stay close to help Elowen once everything was over. Stubborn as she was, she might show up out of nowhere anyway. It was better to keep her within my sight.
In the end, I took her with us, along with Lonut, Boris, and Cezar.
It was time for the final battle.