Bell was stunned. “You think we can join two kinds from two very different worlds?”
“We’re not so different.”
“As different as night and day… literally, Wick. You’ve called my officers in in the middle of the day. Why couldn’t this meeting wait until they rose at dusk? This feels like a blatant display of privilege.”
“Excuse me?” Wick scoffed. “Your officers.”
“You heard me. Yes, you are the king and ruler of us all, but the guards are mine to command. I didn’t authorize anyone to disturb their sleep during broad daylight! How did you even get them here?”
“Blackout vans. At my request, the great hall now has heavy sun-blocking drapes to protect them as well. I don’t see an issue. We’ve maneuvered during the day before… albeit very carefully. But, the van pulled all the way inside and your lead officers got out, ready and prepared to work.”
“Of course they did. They’re always ready. And they will position without question or complaint. But it doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated this way, Wick. Look at us! Daywalkers!” Bell stood in front of the large balcony window, still in awe of the day’s beauty. “I feel we should tread carefully. Show our kind that even though we are mated to shifters and have this gift—that none of the other vampires have—our primary concern will always be our covens.”
“Belleron. I chose you as my second in command, not because you’ve been my good friend for over seventy years, but because no one loves being a vampire as much as you do. No other can lead with such charisma, passion and understanding as you. And no one loves being in power as much as you, either. And I have a feeling I know what’s holding you back from fully bonding with Alek. You think if you fully submit to his alpha then you’d lose your commanding identity.”
Bell didn’t answer, since Wick had hit the nail right on the head.
“I am king and I will always be king. Justice hasn’t wanted to change that, and I never wanted to strip him of his title. I was fated to the Alpha Zenith to be his equal, not so he could control me. We are supposed to rule together. I believe it’s the same for you and Alek. You both are seconds and protectors of our worlds. Do you really think the Mother chose you to be with a shifter so he could turn you into his bed-maid? No. I’m sure you don’t. You can’t. My best friend is way too arrogant for that. It has to be something in you that Alek needs. It’s the only explanation. And trust me, your mating is not a mistake. So, therefore you’ll have to step out on faith and walk this journey with Alek in order to know if all of this has been orchestrated for our good.”
Bell continued to stare out of the window at the vast blue sky. He’d heard every word his friend said and still… he had pause.
The door clicked open and Wick departed with a few final words. “I wish things had gone differently for you and Alek last night. We have a grave situation to resolve and practically no time to do it in. I need my Lord High.”
The door latched softly.
“You have him, my king,” Bell whispered, knowing his friend heard him.
Alek entered the large hall they used for social gatherings and pack dinners, but today it was being used for their emergency—first ever—joint meeting. The long, rectangular tables had been assembled into a large square. Vampires sat on the right side, all of them in similar dress. Black on black on black. They sat with their backs rigid and their faces void of emotion. Alek thought they looked pissed but he was unsure, since they also all wore dark sunshades. He’d feel the same way if he’d been dragged out of bed and into danger. And there was no mistaking how dangerous it was for a vampire to risk operating during the day. There were only so many shadows.
Alek scanned the row, desperately seeking out the only vampire who mattered to him. Belleron wasn’t there. He held in a growl, gritting his teeth as he moved closer to his position towards the head of the table. Everyone was there except the King and AZ, and the Lord High.
Wolf, is our mate close? Can you feel him? Alek could only imagine how desperate and weak he sounded to his mighty animal.
You know I can’t. Not until you mate with him, Alek. But I can smell him. He’s close and getting closer.
Alek settled, glad Wolf was with him. With their minds separated, Alek had to rely on Wolf for his enhanced abilities his human self couldn’t do, like smelling and hearing from long distances. Wolf often alerted him who was coming, and sometimes reacted before Alek could even finish receiving the message. It was why he was always a step behind.