Chapter 6 : Damage Control

Lena's POV

The moment Elsa swept out the door the room erupted.

"Did you hear what she said?"

"The council is coming!"

"Need to leave before this place gets shut down!"

"Knew this was too good to last!"

Voices overlapping from every corner. Panic spreading like wildfire, young vampires are already heading for the stairs. Probably to the pack. Two witches huddled in a corner whispering frantically, even some werewolves looked ready to bolt.

Felt my Crib crumbling around me.

"Everyone calm down!" Shouted but voice barely cut through the noise.

A sharp whistle pierced the air and the room went silent. Tormund stood on a chair, his fingers still at his lips.

His presence was commanding despite he was in pajamas and messy hair.

"That's better." He climbed down. "Now let's take a breath before we do something stupid like abandon the only safe place most of you have ever known."

I walked to the center of the room. Gestured at me. "Lena's kept this sanctuary running longer than most of you have been alive. One bitter witch with a superiority complex isn't changing that."

"But the council..." someone started.

"The council will find nothing wrong here because there is nothing wrong here. This is neutral ground. We follow the old laws, we harm no one." I looked around. Met eyes. "Unless any of you have been secretly murdering each other in the night?"

A few nervous laughs.

"Didn't think so. So here's what's happening. You're all going about your business like normal. Eat. Sleep. Argue about who left dishes in the sink. Live your lives. That's what this place is for."

Tension eased slightly. Could've kissed the old man. Instead I stepped forward.

"Tormund's right." Kept voice steady even though insides churning. "Elsa's just trying to scare us. She's jealous because we have something she doesn't. Community. Trust. A place where rules actually mean something."

I looked at a young vampire who'd been heading for the stairs. "You came here three months ago, remember? Half-starved. Hunted by your own sire. Where else would take you in?"

He looked down. Ashamed.

Turned to the witches. "And you two. Outcasts from your coven because you refused their blood rituals. Think Elsa's offering sanctuary?"

They shook their heads.

"This is your home." Voice firm. "All of you. And I'm not letting some power-hungry witch take that away."

Slowly residents began dispersing. Some still looked worried but immediate panic had passed. Went back to the rooms. Back to quiet corners. Normal sounds of the Crib gradually returning.

Tormund walked over. Hand on my shoulder. "Well done."

Let out a long breath. "Thanks for the assist. Was two seconds away from setting something on fire."

He chuckled. "I know. Could see it in your eyes." Expression grew serious. "But Elsa wasn't bluffing. She will bring the council."

"I know." Said quietly. "And when she does I'll deal with it."

"What about the wolf?"

Glanced toward the hallway leading to Darion's room. "What about him?"

"He's part of this now whether you like it or not. Elsa felt your magic when you healed him. Julian wants him. Council will ask questions." Eyes kind but direct. "Can't keep avoiding him Lena."

"Not avoiding him."

Tormund raised eyebrow.

"Fine. Avoiding him a little." Admitted. "But can you blame me? Man's a walking disaster magnet. Curses. Ancient vampires. Now probably getting me investigated by a supernatural council."

"And he's your mate."

Winced. "Don't remind me."

"I need to talk to him. Find out what he knows. Why Julian wants him. What that curse really is." Paused. "And maybe... accept that the bond isn't going away."

"Don't want the bond." Said flatly. "Don't want a mate. Spent centuries keeping my head down. Secrets buried. Fated mate is the last thing I need."

"Sometimes we don't get to choose what we need." Said gently.

I wanted to argue but was too tired. Magical exertion from suppressing Darion's curse drained me more than I'd let on. Elsa's visit frayed my nerves to breaking point.

"I'll check on him." Said finally. "Make sure he's not dying again."

"That's a start." A small smile.

***

Stood outside Darion's door for a solid minute. Just staring.

This is ridiculous. You're centuries old. You've faced down entire covens. Survived wars. Can handle one conversation with rogue Alpha.

Knocked.

"Come in." Voice rough but steady.

Pushed the door open. Found him sitting on the edge of bed. Fully dressed this time thank god. Looked better than earlier. Black veins gone. Color returned. But weariness in his eyes hadn't been there before.

"How are you feeling?" I asked. Stayed near the door.

"Like I got run over by freight train." Attempted a weak smile. "But alive. Thanks to you I assume."

Shrugged. "Just doing my job. Can't have residents dying in rooms. Bad for business."

Awkward silence settled between us.

He cleared throat. "About earlier... the kiss. I'm sorry. Was out of line."

Cheeks heated. Crossed arms defensively. "Yeah it was."

"Won't happen again. Swear. Just... don't know what came over me."

"The bond." Said bluntly. "Makes you do stupid things. Trust me, I've been fighting the urge to either strangle you or..." Cut myself off. "Never mind."

His eyes met mine. For a second something passed between us. Something electric. Dangerous.

I looked away first.

"What happened?" I asked suddenly. "During the... whatever that was. I blacked out. When I woke up it felt different. Lighter almost."

Tensed. "You had a seizure. Your curse flared. I stabilized you."

"How?"

"Does it matter?" Too quickly.

Frowned. "Matters to me. I felt... something. Power. Not like any witchcraft I've encountered."

Damn it. Of course he felt it.

"You were half-dead. Probably imagined it."

"Don't think I did."

Could see suspicion forming in his eyes. I hated it. Hated that he was smart enough to sense something off.

"Look." Voice sharper than intended. "You're alive. That's what matters. Don't overthink it."

I opened my mouth to argue but I cut him off.

"We have bigger problems.”