5. The Invite

Diana looked at me as if I'm crazy." Do you just want to know? Or is there anything else?"

"I just want to know." I quickly reiterated.

"I'm not sure, think there is a coven witch just outside the borders. You can discreetly ask around."

I had to have a plan B just in case.

When we got back, I felt all sweaty and scratchy. Lucky enough, the pack stream is just half a mile from the quarters. I quickly gathered my clothings and made for the quiet stream.

The atmosphere of the stream was peaceful and serene. It is a good thing no one frequents this area at all.

I dipped myself into the warm, clean water and the peacefully absorbed the goodness of the stream.

I had to take my mind off certain things. I thought of the scent cloaking. Back in 2021, it's not even a thing but I once read it in the library that some certain Lycans choose to mask their scent while going on any battle expedition to avoid encounters with rogues.

The rustling of leaves immediately jolted my attention but the prepetrators were not coming to where I was.

Just in the clearing above the stream, I could make out muffled grunts and groans, it was like two people were in heated conversation.

I took a long breath and tried to use my superhuman senses to make out what the topic of their conversation was.

"The prince is no fool. You can't demand something like that from his kingdom."

The voice sounded oddly familiar but I could not place it.

"He needs to be put in his place, he only ascends to the alpha position when he claims his mate. You have been doing a terrible job of that recently, as his betrothed."

His betrothed. Is that Seraphine? Who was she dealing with and why are they whispering in hushed voices.

The voices moved away after some seconds of silence and I resumed my bath.

I rinsed the soap latter from my face as I breathe in fresh air and went back to the quarters.

I took a step into the quarters and I was immediately confronted by the presence of a short, shrut and lanky man. He redefined ugliness with every feature.

"You are avoiding me." He paused briefly and stared at me. Then my memory immediately identified him as Toren.

I wondered how Mira interacted with him as I struggled to come up with a reasonable response.

"I found the note this morning." I clarified.

"You bloody liar. I sent it since three days ago."

His straightforwardness and abject bluntness made me still. How the crap did this beast end up being Mira's lover?

"I don't understand, don't you dare grab me." I immediately shoved back after he made to grab my arm.

My response took him off balance as he glared at me with a death stare.

"Listen up you little bitch, you owe me. Your pathetic existence is a reminder that I spared you fifteen years ago and brought you to this pack after your godforsaken parents abandoned you."

Now it all made sense. He must have used this tactic everytime for Mira and it has always worked.

"I owe you nothing, you monster. I will report you to the right authorities if you don't stop harassing me."

Whack!

A resounding slap made contact with my right cheek and I could feel it getting inflamed.

Tears prickles my eyes as I stared back." How dare you?"

"Some nerve you have there you stupid child, I own you and I will claim you one day." He breathed in my face.

"You hit me again," I said with a murderous glare and a steady expression, "and I scream. I will scream and the whole pack will come running." I knew it was a bluff but that was what I could come with.

His face contorted like I stabbed him." Shut your mouth," he growled, his hand swinging for another slap. I flinched and held my breath, helpless to make a move but the slap did not come. I slightly opened my eyes as I saw a woman appeared. Her wild hair flared in all directions.

She grabs Toren's wrist, and was on the verge of twisting it. "Touch her again," she smirked, "and I will rip your arms off."

Toren stumbles back as if he has seen a ghost. "Lady Vesper," he mumbles. "She's—she's mine, I—"

A glare from her made Toren scurried away with his tail practically tucked in. What a sight.

"Why did you save me?" I could not help but spill out the first thing that came to my mind.

"You must be Mira. I've been looking all over for you." She twirled my hair and circled me. No wonder Rune was smitten with you.

My ears perked at the mention of the Vampire lord name. I was not famous at all.

"Oh don't be scared. Rune is my brother and trust me the closest I've ever heard him being fascinated with a female is when he slipped up your encounter in a conversation. You see, I'm that determined sister who has been going on about trying to see what has triggered my brother's interest."

I sucked in air, I've only encountered Rune twice and I see no reason why the encounter is worthwhile.

"I mean no harm, my lady." I tried to explain.

"I know you don't. Come to the Moonveil Festival tonight, in the royal town. Royals only, but I'll get you in. Wear something thicker, I'll have my ladies provide something."

She strutted off without waiting to hear anything from me.

"Don't be late."