Page 11 of The Eternal Choice

“Bingo. They’re desperate, and desperate people are dangerous. It’s why they jumped right back at fighting a bloody war. Rumor is…they are bankrupt.”

“No shit?” I mumble. “It would explain why they suddenly reached out while I’ve been trying to form a truce for a long damn time. They’ve always said no…until now. Damn.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, why would you want a truce with a clan who fucked up the foster project by killing a clan leader in the past? I mean, that right there is a huge red flag.” His voice doesn’t hold judgement or even curiosity. Alrigo is all business.

“Fertility issues,” I state. “There hasn’t been a birth or pregnancy in decades. No mates found, and meetings with other clans were also futile.”

“Was this also the reason why you accepted the invitation to our gathering?” Alrigo questions.

I release a deep breath. “Change was needed. Arranged marriages have worked in the past, but I was also interested in meeting new business acquaintances.”

“Ah, gemstones.” Alrigo chuckles. “Your clan has a high reputation when it comes to quality. No wonder others are interested in taking over your clan.”

“No one is taking over my clan,” I grit.

Alrigo clicks his tongue. “No need to bite my head off. You’re my daughter’s mate and therefore family. If you need any help, just let me know and we’ll be by your side.”

I’m stunned for a heartbeat or two due to the offer I’m sure this vampire doesn’t give to just anyone.

“Thank you. For now, we’re handling it,” I tell him with a grateful tone.

The man chuckles again. “I’m sure you are with my daughter involved. She’s a force to be reckoned with, especially when it comes to strategy and combat. Though, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you.”

“Right.” Now I’m the one chuckling, though it comes out a bit awkward seeing as I’ve been ignoring Lilliana for the whole duration of her stay here.

Besides knowing every inch of her body, I know almost nothing about my fated mate. She has been wearing combat gear every time I’ve seen her, no wonder her father mentioned she’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to strategy and combat.

“Okay, I’ll leave you to it. Like I mentioned, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.”

“Appreciate the offer,” I tell my father-in-law to-be in gratitude and end the call.

I shove my phone into my jeans and debate checking on Nario or my mate. Grabbing my jacket, I pull it on as I leave. Once outside I throw my nose into the air and slowly inhale to filter the air.

The crisp scent of lemon with a hint of vanilla, along with a dash of spice is a mixture linked to Lilliana. I could bring her along and do both at the same time. My feet move automaticallyin her direction. Being eternal mates who have the bond in place allows us to sense where the other is at all times.

A few minutes later I’m walking into the library and find her reading one of the century old books which contains legends and folklore.

“Thank you for reaching out to your father,” I tell her.

She lowers the book a little to glance over it. “You’re welcome.”

“Want to join me to check on Nario who is torturing a Marshgloom member?”

The book she was reading is shut with a hard smack and lands on the table in front of her as she jolts to her feet. “Are you trying to make up for ignoring me for the past two weeks?”

“Is it working?” I fire back.

She shrugs. “It depends.”

“On what?” The corner of my mouth twitches.

Some of the tension leaves my body and I wonder why I didn’t take a break the past two weeks and took a moment to interact. Fuck. Maybe in some subconscious way I blamed her for the bad timing of finding my fated mate. Screwed up for sure, but if I hadn’t run into her, I would probably have accepted the offered deal…and could have been dead by now with them only wanting the clan over my dead body.

In retrospect, this woman saved me in more than one way and kickstarted the prospect of new blood for the clan.

She tilts her head and says, “If you let me in on the torturing.”

“I’ll think about it on our way there.” I glance around the space filled with old books. “How did you know where to find the library?”

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