Page 6 of The Wolf

Hesmirks, a hint of dark humor in his eyes. “Well, for the resurrection to be successful, we need all the remains. With the way I handled him, I doubt it’s possible.”

I let out a breath, my chest feeling lighter, though I can’t tell whether I’m more relieved or disappointed. “How did he even turn? Was he bitten or something? I didn’t see any marks on him.”

“A bite that releases venom followed by blood exchange is usually how it works since vampires tend to intentionally choose who they turn. However, if someone dies with bothvampire venom and blood in their system, they will change post-mortem within twenty-four hours. He must’ve self-administered it before coming over that night.”

An inkling of a different idea creeps at the back of my mind.

Alex tosses his head, dropping his eyes to the ground. I’m almost certain he read my thoughts, but then he spits out, “It was my mistake. I should’ve known, and I’ll never forgive myself for that.”

“How come?” I ask, confused at the sudden wave of guilt in his hoarse voice.

“Vampires have a smell,” he explains. “A peculiar, unpleasant odor. It’s the worst during the transition period, much more foul than even rotting flesh. Dean stunk horribly, but he did something to mask the scent so I couldn’t figure out his plan. Either way, I would’ve never thoughthe, of all people, would try to turn. Hunters always feel superior to us, so I’d assume his pride wouldn’t let him demean himself like that. But it all makes sense now—he was obsessed with revenge.” He pauses before adding, his voice strained, “I don’t think he was using you. Not entirely, at least. He must’ve felt something for you. How could he not?”

I pet his head, scratching behind his ear with affection. “Onlyyouare this obsessed with me. He clearly had different priorities.”

It all worked out in the end. I wouldn’t know true happiness with Dean, even if the supernatural didn’t exist. Yet still, I can’t believe I got fooled this badly. I never considered myself naïve, but how can I trust again if I can’t even trust my own judgment?

“It breaks my heart that he hurt you, darling,” he murmurs, nuzzling into my hair.

I close my eyes, letting the solace of his embrace chase away the sting of betrayal. With Alex, it feels different. Safe. Real. I can feel it in every touch, every glance. There’s no pretense,no hidden agenda. I don’t have to question it. I know where I stand with him at all times. He chose me, not because he needed something from me, but because he wantsme. All of me.

“So… I pull back, managing a shaky giggle. “Vampires stink, huh?” I jest, attempting to cheer up the mood and push past the pain.

“I imagine it goes both ways. Katia never lets me forget how much I make her gag.” We both laugh at that before he continues, “Werewolves used to protect humans from vampires and demons a long time ago. It’s a deep-seated mutual hatred.”

I arch a brow. “Then what about your sister?”

“Penny doesn’t smell as badbecausewe’re related. Normally, humans get drained of their own blood as they transition and wake up starved in their new bodies. But it’s different if you’re a magical being. She still has the same blood as me lingering deep in her tissues, a mix of both witch and werewolf.”

“What happens after they turn?” I ask, curious as ever. “I know you mentioned vampires need human blood to survive, but I don’t get what’s the science behind it?”

“The blood they drink courses through their veins and can sustain them for a while. It’s sort of like a fuel. They grow weaker, and the more energy they use, the more they need to fill up to get stronger again. And so on, and on forever.”

I wince at his words. It’s such a pitiful existence for the sake of immortality.

“My sister and Katia…” his words trail off before he corrects, “matter of fact, most of the vampires that live among us, feed only on the ones who harm the innocent, utter lowlifes that deserve to die, like murderers, rapists, and hunters. But it’s ugly, regardless.”

“And the demons? What exactly are they?”

His expression darkens at the mere mention of them. “Our enemies, still. They exist only in the shadow realm, invisible and powerless, but they can andwillpossess people like vessels when the door gets opened for them.” His fingers gently brush against my cheek, then he tilts my chin, locking eyes with me. “They can’t reach us here. As long as you’re in the Veil, no harm shall be done to you. But you need to understand that outside, there awaits a much bigger danger than just hunters. Especially foryoubeing my mate.”

“What sort of danger?”

“You see, demons have their queen,” he tells me, and there’s something in his voice that makes my skin crawl. “My mother, Dahlia, sacrificed herself to seal Lilith away in the underworld, using a very powerful ancient magic known only to gods of the time.”

“I’m so sorry.” I circle my arms around his neck and hug him. “And your father?”

“Cyrus. They were fated mates, just like us, so he faded with her.”

I squeeze him tighter. I didn’t expect such a revelation, and I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for him to lose both of them at the same time. The loss of my parents caused a hole in my chest, and they aren’t even gone… I wasn’t even that close to them, to begin with.

“Julia, can we talk about your parents now?” he asks, his tone quiet and delicate. This time I’m sure he read my mind.

My bottom lip wobbles. “I don’t want to.”

“What you did for them is wonderful,” he praises, his eyes shining brightly with pride. “Your mother was suffering all these years, and the grace and kindness you showed her, even after she deceived you, is outstanding.” He rests his forehead against mine, then adds playfully, “Perfectly fit for a queen.”

My lips curve in a smile at his words, though this part is not something I can comprehend. Because me? A queen? This must be a joke.

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