I look into Brandon’s eyes as I speak firmly, “Part of being bound links us. They can't kill me or do permanent harm.”
Sam glares at Vincent. “Boys!” I warn.
Brandon side-eyes Vincent as he smirks, “Obviously temporary harm happened though.”
I reply coolly, “Long story short, Vincent and I got too aggressive during sex and our powers collided. They made me blackout. Eric gave me some of his blood. Sam saw and thought Vin tried to turn me so he attacked him. Now there's a spell that prevents them from harming each other like that ever again. There's something about us being bound as we are makes the whole mate thing difficult to control. We are still learning and trying to figure this whole thing out.”
Brandon cocks his head, “Hunters never spoke of anything like you describe. The only hybrid they ever talked about was a werewolf that was part witch.”
Sam says, “The White Wolf.”
Brandon nods, “Yes, she worked beside other supernaturals, humans, and Hunters.”
Sam beams with pride as he looks from me to Brandon, “Well you're talking to the new one!”
I shake my head, “According to you wolves, but I have more abilities then she was said to possess. Plus I don't chant or use spells now. So we can't be sure.”
Sam rolled his eyes as he chuckled, “Show off!”
“Says the flying wolf!” I joke.
He laughs and kisses my cheek.
“They don't fly!” Brandon exclaims.
I shrug, “Well mine does,” as Vin ports by Brandon.
“Vampires don't teleport!” he yells.
“But mine do. So you see, not everything you were taught is true. Did you ever find those that killed your family?” I ask Brandon.
Brandon shakes his head no. “Do you want to?” I ask.
Eric, thinking like the ruler he is, says, “Eva we can't if they didn't break the rules.”
“When did they die?”
Brandon replies, “15 years ago.”
I look at Eric, “Under your watch!”
Eric relents, “Fine, my queen you have a valid point.”
Brandon gasps, “You're the prince that the Hunters are after!”
l throw my head back as I laugh, “Well unless you want them all dead, I suggest you get them to abandon that notion.”
Eric holds a fireball in his hands. I look at it and then at Brandon. I wink, “Plus he's eternal like me!”
Brandon nods, “Message received.”
I know that I might be demanding too much, but I don't want any needless deaths, “In fact, I think it'd be best if the Hunters either ceased operations or agreed to only authorized hunts approved by me and my counsel.”
Brandon sighs, “I doubt they'll agree.”
I huff, “Well then they'll doom themselves. I'm not a killer but if that's my only choice then so be it!”
Vlad smirks, “There's always impaling.”
I roll my eyes, “Not here there isn't!”
Vlad scoffs, “You're no fun!”
I glare at him, “Oh I'm plenty of fun. In fact, you're on dish duty tonight!”
Sam chuckles, which makes Elena giggle as she turns to Vlad and says, “Oh, I can't wait to see it. He's never touched a dirty dish except to hand it to a maid!”
Vlad throws his hands up, “You're all insufferable!”
Vincent retorts, “Oh that's rich coming from you, brother!”
I glare at both of them, “Alright both of you assholes, table it for later or I'Il makelsure that both bats and cats make appearances!”
Sam chuckles louder. Artemis laughs and smiles at me, “Eva, I wish you were around centuries ago!”
I smile, “I just know what works!”
Vincent threatens, “Just wait till we get home!”
My smile widens, “Promises, promises.”
Eric says, “Vin she baits you every time!”
I glare at Eric, “Don't help him!” then I turn to Brandon and ask, “So are we all good?”
“Yeah, I have a lot to think about though,” Brandon said as he looked between us all.
“Good, because even though you annoy me at times, I don't want to have to kill you,” I tell Brandon.
Brandon nods, “Also, I will try to get the Hunters to see reason without outing you all. I'm not sure if they'll listen or how to make them listen.”
“Pay attention to those who oppose before you even try to explain further and then get me their names because they could be working for the enemy. You telling them that if they want to keep on living should be enough to get them to listen before vehemently opposing.”
Vincent gives me a sad smile, “Love it is very likely that many are working with our enemy. The temptation and false promises influence many. This threat had VickyPrice Wood bowing to them.”
Eric adds, “Yes, and she only bowed if there was something in it for her.”
“Victor and the rouge wolf could be linked too. There are many pieces,” Sam reminds us.
Elena adds, “Don't forget the coven and Merdon either.”
Exasperated I slap my forehead, “Fuck! Everything is linked just as we all are!”
Rick looks at me with concern, “The threat to the magazine too. Maybe they knew Eric was looking for Midnight Rose.”
“If that's the case, then you all are in danger,” Vlad looked to Vincent before he locked eyes with Brandon, “Brandon, I don't like you but I know you care for my mate. She loves everyone here. Do you vow to help protect them and her?”
Brandon looks at everyone and then his eyes settle on me, “I do.”
“Hold up! What did you just do Vlad?” I glare at him and try to read his thoughts. Vlad blocked his thoughts from me and just glared at Vincent.
Vincent takes my hand, “Eva, first be calm.”
“What did you do? Tell me!” I scream.
Vincent rubs my knuckles, “Eva, it's done. It can't be undone.”
“No!,” I scream as I fling myself forward, but Sam holds me back from Vlad.
Vlad looks into my furious eyes, “He would have protected you anyway. I just had him include the others in what he was already thinking of doing. He's bound now.”
“No! No, I won't accept the vow!” I yell as Sam holds me in place.
Vlad smirks and chuckles, “He didn't vow to you.”
Sam rests his head on top of mine as he continues to embrace me from behind, “Eva, it's a blood debt. The same as you have with Steven. But it isn't owed to you or I. Instead, it is to Vlad.”
I glare at Vlad as I bare my teeth, “How dare you ask that of him!”
Brandon approaches me and looks me in the eyes, “Listen, I know that I'm an asshole. I know that I didn't pursue you properly. Hunters aren't supposed to have a family other than other Hunters. You are my family. Here is my home even if I don't like some you brought into it. Accept this, as it is my choice.
Vlad didn't compel me. He just heard my thoughts. Please, Eva, accept this.”
“Fine, but let me help heal you. Let me solve your parents' murder,” I reply as I extend my hand to him.
He takes it with a smile, “Deal.”
We hugged. Vlad and I unfreeze the rest of the group.
Derek looks at me, “Well lady you owe me a few dances!”
l laugh because I usually suck at it but it's a fun bonding exercise that we have done for years now. “I'm going to owe more,” I tease.
Derek asks, “Why?”
“Got a lead in Egypt for my myth and legends series,” I reveal.
Rick plays along, “Oh?”
I smile, “It's on the origin of vampires and magic.”
Rick inquires, “Is everyone going?”
Elena replies, “No, some of us are staying.”
“Hopefully, no trouble finds you guys,” I tell them.
I honestly hope that none do, but I feel the darkness growing. I don't know how or who is behind it, but I will!