“If you let me explain,” Alek started. “Do you believe in prophecies?”
Okay, he needed space. He had a beloved who wasn’t in his right mind, and Wick hadn’t warned him. Now he was feeling betrayed and set-up. Bell was a powerful vampire but he wasn’t delusional enough to think he could best the second oldest brother to the Alpha Zenith. Bell started to inch farther out of the bedroom, making his way down the hall.
“Please don’t go.” Alek followed, his voice a deep whisper. “I won’t hurt you.”
“Don’t follow me.” Bell stopped at the entrance to the main living area when he saw the wide-open space was flooded with natural lighting. Bloody hell. Rays of sunlight striped across the hardwood floor like a dangerous maze he’d have to navigate if he wanted to get free. He felt trapped as Alek approached him from behind.
“You don’t trust me, and I understand. You don’t even know me. But, Bell please. Don’t be scared. And, don’t leave.” Alek’s voice was so full of hurt Bell was conflicted about what to do.
The ache in his sternum was telling him to fall into Alek’s arms and make all his sadness go away, but his rational mind was telling him to run… run while he still could. They hadn’t fucked, yet. He might tolerate feeding from another’s blood in time. A very long time. But once they consummated there’d truly be no going back.
“I want to tell you the truth. I do,” Alek continued. “But you have to promise not to leave.”
Hell no. Bell was just about to step into the light and risk it on his own when Alek blurted out, “You’re right. It wasn’t me who bit you the first night we met. Um. Technically.”
Bell spun around, his hand clamping onto to the partially healed bite mark just above his collar bone. What the hell did his beloved mean? “Then wha-who?”
“I’m sure it sounds crazy. But sometimes Wolf will act impulsively. If he believes it’s for our good, or if it has anything to do with what’s been prophesied or the prophecy, he’ll react. He’s driven purely by his animal instincts. And, most of the time I can’t stop him.” Alek bit his bottom lip. “Damnit. I’ve never had to explain this before.”
“You’re doing a good job,” Bell said, without thinking. “Continue. Tell me how this is possible?”
“Shit.” Alek stared at the floor while Bell slowly moved back towards the bedroom, still keeping his distance. “I’m sure you’ve heard stories of my family’s bloodline.”
“Yes.” Bell stood in the darkest corner of the room while Alek resumed his position on the bed. “That you have powers.”
“Strengths,” Alek corrected. “When you say ‘powers’, it kind of implies that we have some sort of magical abilities, when we don’t.”
“Okay,” Bell reiterated. “Strengths.”
“Yes.” Alek didn’t look up.
“And did I just feel yours?”
Alek met his eyes. “Barely even a fraction of it.”
My gods. Bell had never felt that kind of energy before. “Your strength frightens you?”
“He frightens all.” Alek’s baritone timbre was heavy with pain. “Apparently, even my mate.”
Bell shook his head. “He? You speak as if he’s someone else… as if your animal is not a part of you.”
“He’s not,” Alek grumbled. “And he probably never will be again.”
Bell frowned. “Aleksei.”
“No. I have to accept this.” Alek stood. “All of my siblings’ wolves are glorified in the prophecy. Except me… I’ve been condemned.”
“Hold on. Chadwick said Taleb explained some of this to him, about the foreseen gifts for the alpha-mates. That’s why he’s able to shift into a tiger because it’s what was prophesied by one of the first shamans. And something else about mighty conquerors rising up only to be defeated by vengeance and fire.”
“Exactly. And it’s already begun.” Alek paced the small area in front of his bed. “Justice has mated with the king, and together, their animals will unite our kinds. Justice’s wolf is the bringer of fairness and truth. We all knew it would start with him, but it wouldn’t end there. My youngest brother, Taleb, has studied under a shaman for years. He knows more about this than any of us. His wolf is the bringer of wisdom.” Alek dropped his ass onto the bed, looking defeated. “His wolf speaks knowledge to everyone… except me. Because he’s afraid.”
Bell stood. “I’m not afraid of you, Alek. But, I am… hesitant. What role do we play in all this?”
Alek joined him in the center of the room. Heat radiated from him as he slowly laid his hand on Bell’s shoulder. The warmth was amazing to someone who was usually so cold.
“I’m not sure. I never thought I’d have a mate. Heaven knows I wanted one, but I didn’t think I was worthy. Or able. I know what my role is in all this, but I’m not sure if I can fulfill it. As you may’ve figured out by now, I’ve torn apart from my wolf. And in turn, a monster was created.”