28. Not Like This

Paul - His villa

I huff in disbelief. I didn’t think it would come this far. "You can’t be serious. That custom is from the medieval era, and we’ve grown and evolved past the obtuse visions of the dark ages."

While the others remain silent, I sense their dissatisfaction. The conflict in their eyes reminds me of how much I hate to see them unhappy.

Tamara leans on her walking stick, her piercing eyes pleading to give in. "I don't ask for a bloodied sheet to prove she's a virgin since no one would expect it from a strigoi. But let us hear your zeal and her ecstasy. There is no mating ritual without them. We'll wait here since we have excellent hearing. Only then will she be recognized as the Alpha's mate."

I open my mouth to protest, but Laura takes my ha