Page 74 of Wicked Fate

Ryker narrowed his eyes. “What wouldn’t go over well?”

The man leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “The betrayal. The vampire queen acted too calm and understanding for people who drink blood. I suspected she was biding her time.”

My pulse spiked. “What betrayal?”

“You aren’t aware?” He exhaled slowly. “That information should’ve been passed down, but maybe your father planned on telling you when he made you aware of your fae lineage.”

He scowled and shook his head. “Four generations ago, the wolf king and the vampire queen fell in love, despite the horrible history between the species. They agreed to complete the mate bond together and to rule both species side by side. The union was meant as a bridge to peace. Strengthen both lines.”

Legs weakening, I sat down on the edge of the bed. “Clearly, that didn’t happen.”

“No.” His tone darkened. “Because before the bond was sealed, the king found histruefated mate. A wolf shifter. A nobody in the eyes of vampire royalty.”

I already knew where this was going. Ryker sat beside me, and I leaned my head on his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around me. Even if I had been promised to someone else, after meeting Ryker, there was no way I could be with anyone but him.

“He broke the agreement.” Ryker tightened his hold. “But the vampire queen must have understood why?”

“He didn’t just break it. He humiliated her. Publicly. Called off the bond days before the ritual and declared this wolf as his queen.” Greats-grandfather’s voice was quiet now. “It shattered more than her pride. It shattered the trust between your kinds. The vampires lost face, and the queen never recovered. She pretended to understand because the fated-mate bond had already been completed, and she bided her time until she had a plan.”

I’d heard the saying there was nothing worse than a woman scorned, but damn… I’d thought they’d been exaggerating.

Greats-grandfather lifted both hands. “She’s not just holding a grudge, Ember. She’s trying to erase a bloodline and the wolves that supported the union vocally.”

My throat dried. “So… she’s wounded and wants retribution against those who turned from her?”

“She was betrayed,” Greats-grandfather corrected gently. “And betrayal by someone meant to be her mate—the one who was supposed to unite their kingdoms? That’s not something easily forgiven.”

Ryker ran a hand through his crazed hair. “But that was four generations ago. Why come after us now?”

Greats-grandfather folded his hands. “Because time works differently for those with immortality and fueled by power and pride. She waited until she determined an effective strategy and had everything in place. If she struck too soon, then she wouldn’t prevail. She needed the wolf shifters to fully trust her and see her as an ally.”

I frowned, piecing it together. “So she’s not actually trying to wipe out wolf shifters.”

“No.” He shook his head. “This isn’t about species. I believe this is about what she feels she’s owed. She and the king agreed to rule both wolf shifters and vampires together. What’s the best way to accomplish it? Kill the royals and make it appear a wolf shifter did it, and she comes in and saves the day. She’s targeting the packs that supported the royals the most, which is essentially the ones that live closest to them and their protectors.”

Ryker shook his head. “She’s been planning this for hundreds of years.”

“She has.” Greats-grandfather’s face tensed into a sobering expression. “And she’s clearly using witch magic. Now that your fae power is stirring, you’re able to see the shadows. And no one but the three of us knows why. However, you’ve made it clear you can see them, so now she wants to eliminate you so she can start her reign of terror at will.”

Silence stretched between us, thick and heavy.

Greats-grandfather stood slowly, brushing nonexistent dust from his tunic. “I must return to my realm now. I can’t stay away for long because my magic can’t replenish here. The air is shifting, and I fear the worst is yet to come.”

“Do you think the vampires are preparing something?” Ryker’s leg bounced with anxious energy.

Greats-grandfather gave a sharp nod. “I watched them while you two slept. They’re getting ready to breach the perimeter. The only reason they haven’t struck yet is because they’re waiting to recover. Once the cloaking spell is back in effect, they’ll attack without hesitation. You need to prepare yourselves for war. There’s no avoiding this. Not anymore.”

I swallowed hard, my stomach twisting. “How long do we have?”

He looked toward the window as if he could read the clouds like a clock. “Not long.”

“Thanks for the info, but I need you to understand something.” Ryker stood, squaring his shoulders. “Hear me clearly—if you show up in this house again without warning us, without knocking or announcing your presence, I don’t care who you are. I don’t care if you’re her ancestor or some fae relic—I’ll kill you.”

Greats-grandfather’s lips curled into an amused smirk. “I thought over time the people of this realm wouldn’t be so prudish, but each time I visit, I get proven wrong.”

Neither Ryker nor I laughed.

My many-greats-grandparent stepped backward, his body starting to blur around the edges. “I will return. But you may want to keep your weapons sharp. And always watch your back.”

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