13. Veronica

Ilean against my mate as Jude makes his way past each of the members of his pack in the field in front of the main cabin. The air is cleansing and the breeze welcome. The stench of blood still billows from the front doors. Knowing so little of inner pack dynamics, I watch with curiosity. He recognizes most of them and they greet him with a warmth my coven never would. It seems natural that he should be their Alpha. The whispers agree. I hear them all, although so much fainter now than before.

It's a shame what's happened to his father. His mental health had been slowly declining for months. Ever since the sorcerer came. The thought of Victor makes me stiffen and Vince holds me tighter. I peer up at him and there's nothing but concern in his eyes. He knows and there's so much to tell him, but not now. My body shudders and chills as I try to listen once again in the crowded room. It's as though my hearing is waning and that makes me more than uncomfortable.

Lately my abilities have been slipping. It's an odd feeling, as is the fear of the unknown. I knew what I was risking when I took that drug, but I wish I knew more about what to expect. Vince's arm stays possessively wrapped around me and I cling to his arm with both hands. I force myself not to look back up at him and into his emotion-filled gaze. I know it's because of what happened today. I felt his fear.

I swallow thickly and push my body against his, knowing it will calm him. He's not taking the changes well. And if I'm honest, I'm not either. I have moments of regret. But I keep the big picture in mind. Giving into the tired pull, I lay my cheek against his chest. I want a full life with my mate, and maybe soon I'll be a version of a mortal that will be with him. He knows that when he is gone, I don't intend to stay on this Earth. I only want to live so long as my mate lives. He leans down and kisses my hair. Just as I settle into his embrace, relaxed and at peace, I hear a dreadful sound. Vampires.

I hiss and gain the unwanted attention from the pack. Although the looks vary, Jude gives me his full attention and that's all that's needed. "You're expecting visitors, Jude?" I attempt to right myself and push my mate just slightly away. He doesn't let up though and I can't blame him.

"They're here?"

"I can faintly hear them, maybe a mile or two away."

Jude directs his pack to leave and to stay within their homes while Devin's pack, Jude's brothers, and the Betas gather around him.

"I want you to go inside." My eyes widen at Vince's whispered words.

"I will not."

He murmurs, his lips nearly touching my ears, "You are not well."

"I'll be fine." I seethe through my teeth. I won't be shut away. Even if I am becoming mortal. The air leaves my lungs as I fear Vince will treat me differently once I'm mortal, but I quickly let go of unwanted emotion. I square my shoulders and regain my composure. "I will not hide." After a long moment he nods but pulls me closer to his side. I suppose I'll settle for this compromise. Besides, I love my place at his side. I love him more than I have ever loved myself.

As soon as the car nears, I know exactly what coven they're from. I recognize them instantly. Adreana's going to be pissed her sister coven is taking the side of the traitors. They're fucking idiots for believing the Authority had anything to do with the tainted blood.

As the three vampires park the Porsche and shut their doors, they look around at the gathering of wolves feigning little interest, but I can hear racing hearts from the Betas that greet them. I notice that Jude stays back, and Devin closes the distance between them. Staying behind Jude. I have to turn to see that Grace stays back and beside Lena and her little one. My eyes rest on the small bundle and my hand subconsciously lowers. I've wanted for only two things all my life, and fate may have given me both if only in exchange for my immortality.

"We have an appointment." Demetri is the first to speak and my attention is drawn back to the open field. I've met him a time or two. He's a vicious vampire and hasn't learned any discipline in the hundred or so years that he's lived. His queen is spoiled, and she allows her coven to do whatever the fuck they want. I've never been a fan of hers.

One of the Betas speak, I haven't a clue what their names are. "There's been a rearrangement of power in the pack." Jude crosses the distance and Devin stays just behind him. "We have a new Alpha now." Jude steps in front of the Beta and extends his hand as a formality. Demetri takes too fucking long looking at the offered hand before he finally shakes it. It's an insult. Jude takes it in stride, simply smirking.

"I believe your presence is unnecessary at this time."

"Unnecessary? You no longer back our coven?" His eyes narrow and the other two vampires walk quickly to Demetri's side; as they do, Devin, Luke and Owen stand beside Jude, shoulder to shoulder. There are only three vampires, there's no doubt in my mind that they'll simply sulk back to their coven. But still, I'm uneasy watching them size each other up.

"I will not lead my pack into war against the Authority." Jude's voice is calm, even, and loud enough for all to hear. It's fucking effective as well. The vampires lose their composure with expressions of shock and disgust as they realize Jude is serious. I huff a laugh at their loss. Demetri's dark eyes meet mine as he hears the laughter. I didn't mean for him to hear it and I should've kept my mouth shut and stayed in the background. I don't want to face vampires at the moment when I'm so uneasy with my own state of immortality. It's easy to see that he recognizes me, just as I did him.

"You? You take the side of these dogs?" A low growl resonates from Vince's massive chest. I turn to him on my tiptoes and nip his neck in admonishment. I hate that he gives them any of his emotions. "How could you side with them? You're one of the elites!" I don't react to Demetri's rage and the contempt in his voice. I merely spear my hands through my hair and lean against my mate.

"I'm quite comfortable with how things are Demetri." In a flash, the vampires surround us. Again, I ignore them. I act as though I'm not threatened. But I'm a liar. I'm frighteningly aware of how weak I am as a mortal and I'm desperate for my powers to return. But I'd be a fool to try them out right now. I don't want them to know. Demetri stands directly in front of us and the two fools pace around us.

"Back down vampire." Jude's hard voice breaks through the tension. "We have no use for the alliance with your queen. You can tell her the truce is off with a new Alpha having taken power and we will not back her in the war."

The vampires sneer at Jude. "She will be highly displeased."

"She should reconsider her decision. The Authority is not responsible for the poisoned blood."

"They sold it to us." As Demetri speaks his hand flies out and comes exceptionally close to my face. I gasp and attempt to move back. But I'm slow. Although he doesn't hit me, my lack of speed is noticed by everyone.

Demetri takes a step closer to me and Vince doesn't waste a second to pound his hard fists against Demetri's chest, sending him backward to land on his ass. The power radiates and instantly, the werewolves gather. Demetri rises up in a blur and tilts his head to examine me, completely unaffected by Vince's warning to steer clear of me. "What have you done to her?"

"They've done nothing." I scowl and expose my fangs to the intrusive vampire, but he can tell. The air around me has changed.

"This is why the Authority must fall. You're not thinking clearly."

"Me?" My dark eyes widen with fury. "Did you see their Alpha?" I hate that I'm allowing him to get the best of me. I attempt to school my features. "He wasn't thinking clearly."

"How much of that blood did you drink, dear Veronica?" Demetri smirks at me as though he has everything all figured out.

"None. I drink from my mate." My fingers play along Vince's neck. "I wanted this; I took the drug because I wanted more than this life."

"You're an idiot to give up your immortality. My queen will?—"

"Enough!" Vince's large hand wraps around the vampire's neck and squeezes. The vampire's hands fly to his neck.

"Leave now." Jude snarls into Demetri's ear and Vince drops the vampire, who quickly backs away in jerked, blurred motions. He stumbles and struggles to breathe but after a shared look of contempt between him and Jude, the vampires leave.

"It's all but certain they'll return," one of the Betas says to Jude.

He shares a look with them, and I have no idea what he says, but I know there's much to be done to keep this pack safe from the war ahead.