Chapter 39

“Reina!” My voice cracked, heart dropping into my stomach as I ran to her collapsed figure on the ground and lifted her into my lap.

Blood smeared her face, and she clung to me in panic, her pale eyes brimming with tears.

“Please… save me. I don’t want to die…” Her voice trembled, lips quivering as she looked up at me like I was her last hope—even though she already knew I was a vampire.

“Don’t worry. Breathe. Breathe. Take a deep breath. You’re safe now.” I said to her, but she still shook, her chest rising and falling heavily.

“He chased me down and attacked me,” she whimpered. “His eyes were full of venom, and he wanted to suck my lifeblood! He’s not like you—he’s different. What did I do to him to deserve this?”

I saw the wounds on her body and knew immediately—Leo must have had another flashback of his mother tonight. Those memories always turned him into a monster.

And when he recalled that Reina had returned to her pack, he must have hunted her down, unable to resist the opportunity.

It must have been a great relief to see she was even in this forest, alone and vulnerable, something he wouldn’t expect. She made it so easy for him and he would want to miss this chance.

For what her father did, he was ready to slaughter her on the spot, but luckily for her, I was here.

“What’s going on?!” came a deep voice from behind—Leo’s voice. His footsteps were getting closer with a heavy thud.

Reina trembled in my arms and gripped me tighter. “Is he going to kill us both? Run. Maybe you should go so he won’t hurt you either. This is all my fault…” She whispered, her eyes filled with terror as she tried to detach from me.

We both knew our bond was forbidden. She feared I’d be killed because of it.

“Liam! Are you in love with her?” Leo snarled, grabbing me by the shirt and yanking me away from her.

He held me up to his face, his eyes searching mine with wild intensity. “How long have you known her? A day? Two? Don’t tell me you fell for her!”

I looked away, swallowing hard. “I’m just as shocked as you are. I tried to fight it. I tried to kill these forbidden feelings, but…”

“But what? She’s Alpha Kane’s daughter, for crying out loud! It could be anyone else but not her!” His voice shook with frustration, and I understood why.

Leo and I went through a lot. We didn’t show it much, but we always had each other’s backs. I helped him protect Diana, and I knew he’d do the same for me, no questions asked.

“It was… love at first sight,” I muttered. “Like a ray of sunshine that hit my soul, flooding it with warmth I couldn’t resist. It’s messed up, I know.”

Leo released me with a sigh, then turned to Reina, who was now sitting up and watching us.

“Hey! What did you do to him? Used one of your stupid charms, didn’t you?” He spat, squatting in front of her, his voice laced with hatred.

I stepped beside him, standing over Reina as she glanced up at me with pleading eyes.

“Your father gave me a charm protector,” I said calmly. “She couldn’t use anything on me, even if she wanted to.”

Leo’s beast retreated. His claws and fangs disappeared, and he fully shifted back into his human form. His voice softened as he looked at me.

“How does this keep happening? We fall in love with their kind when we should be a terror to them and kill them on sight.”

“I also ask myself that question. If they are really meant to be our eternal enemy, then the moon goddess and vampire gods won’t allow this. Maybe they aren’t who we should be fighting against!” I responded with a heavy sigh.

“But her father captured and killed my mother unprovoked. He just wanted to…”

“Your mother is not dead!” Reina’s voice broke in, and we both faced her as she struggled to stand, wincing in pain.

I rushed forward and helped her up. “What did you just say?”

“If that is your mother, then you must be the vampire prince, right?” She asked with a narrowed gaze at him.

“Yes, I am.”

Reina quickly bowed in respect. “I am sorry for what my father did, even though he had fed me with lies about vampires. I still don’t believe it all, and I feel sorry for your mother, who has gone through the most gruesome experience.”

“Where is she right now? Where?!” Leo roared like a feral lion, and his beast was trying to resurface again as rage filled his eyes.

“In the royal pack house. For now, we need to leave and go somewhere safer to talk about this,” Reina muttered. “My father and his men are already tracking me.”

Leo looked at me, surprised. “Nowhere in this cursed pack is safe for us. Not unless we cross the border.”

“Then let’s go,” Reina said without hesitation. “I don’t even mind reaching your kingdom. There’s someone I want to meet—though I’m not sure if she’s alive.” Her eyes darted between me and Leo.

“Who?” We both asked in unison.

“Her name is Diane.”

“What?” Leo squinted at her. “What do you want to see her for? Is it the plan of your father to recapture her and kill her for choosing me?!”

His fist balled and veins sprouted as he sent a dagger glare at her.

“No. No, no.” Reina shook her head. “I am her friend. Although we haven’t met yet, I…” She paused, studying Leo.

“Wait… Are you Leo? The one who pretended to be a professor? She was your student, and you both ended up falling in love.” Reina asked, with her eyes sparkling, enthusiasm in her tone.

“Yes, I am. So?” His response made Reina squeal with delight, bouncing on her feet.

“God, I thought you didn’t love her after hearing the story and that you only lured her into your trap so you would turn her into a slave in your kingdom, but it is quite obvious now that I was totally wrong. I saw the glint of affection in your eyes at the mention of her name.”

“You saw nothing!” He hissed, but Reina seemed sure as she turned to me with a wide smile.

“This feels like a dream.

“Isn’t it crazy that you also felt chemistry with a werewolf? Just the same with me and Diane. I think it is time to make peace with these people.” Leo breathed, and Reina's eyes brightened.

“You are the future vampire king, and I am the future Alpha. I am in full support of this peace and unity. Let us end that enmity between our people and live as family.” Reina said with a beam as she held my arm tenderly, showing I was the sole reason for this decision.

“Are you really going to go against your father? He won’t accept this, and a fight may break out because he is a whole different breed from you.” I said to her in a calm voice.

“I will do everything I can.”

“Start by bringing my mother back. If you do that, I’ll believe you’re serious. Until then, we’re still enemies. And next time… there may not be someone here to stop me.” Leo vanished in a flash.

“Your name is Liam…” Reina said with a smile, her cheeks blushing.

“Yes, Reina,” I chuckled. “And Reina means queen. So I’ll just call you my queen.”

She giggled, cheeks red. “Tell Leo I’ll rescue his mother to prove myself. But he must take care of Diane. And the vampires must also agree to this unity.”

“We’ll try our best. I need to go now. Stay safe.”

“You too…” she murmured, licking her lips as her gaze dropped to mine.

“You’re still holding my arm,” I teased.

“Yes. Kiss me first—before you vanish like Leo.”

I laughed, then leaned in. Our lips met.

A wave of pleasure surged through me, leaving goosebumps in its wake. Her lips were soft, warm, and dangerously addictive.

But I had to leave.

“See you soon,” I whispered. “When we don’t have to hide anymore.”

“I love you,” she said, eyes glowing.

I never knew those three words could sound so perfect.

“I love you too, Mi Reina.”

“Mi Rey,” she whispered back, and I couldn’t help but laugh as I vanished into the night.

This enmity… must end.