Page 79 of The Wolf

I’m still fucking her on her period, I don’t care. Nothing about her could ever make me want her less. That sexy body is all mine.

“Only for you, my Queen,” I murmur, my voice dipping lower as I cradle her against me.

Her laughter fades into something softer, her eyes locking with mine, and for a moment, the chaos of the world outside the Veil seems to melt away.

25.

King

Later that evening, we’re gathered around the large table in the Council Chamber, a smaller room next to the Throne Hall. Julia is here for the first time, together with the rest of the family, friends, and some of my closest allies.

Only Clara is missing, too occupied with new circumstances. After not much convincing, she and Edwin decided to raise Tabatha’s and Diego’s children—which we all saw coming and expected nothing less from her.

The air is heavy with the weight of the aftermath, the losses we’ve suffered lay heavily on everyone’s minds. This should be the time to celebrate a victory—it was a major battle that we won. Yet, countless obstacles remain. The hunters are still out there, and Lilith continues to be a looming threat.

It's especially hard for me and my siblings. Now, knowing that this demonic witch is so close to walking free… my mother’s sacrifice feels like twisting the silver knife deep inside my chest.

Satan leans back in the chair, his long fingers tapping against the table’s surface before him. His suspense makes theroom feel colder. “You’re too important to risk right now. If Lilith is afteryou,” he finally speaks, his unwavering pale eyes piercing me through, “it would be the smartest move if you didn’t leave the Veil for the time being.” His eyes flick to Julia for the briefest of moments, then back to me with a subtle persuasion.

I look around everyone. “But the war is not over. I have my duties. I vowed to protect my people.”

“And you can still do the best to your abilities from the inside. I can lead your people.” His voice is a low, measured drawl, but there’s an edge beneath the calm.

I appreciate the sentiment. Last time I checked, he didn’t want to get much involved, though. It took some convincing to get him to invade Area 51 with us. But, I suppose, he has a lot of unfinished business with Lilith. It’s his battle to fight.

However, I am the King. Everyone here depends onme. They look tomefor guidance, and that’s a burden I can’t pass on to someone else. Not him, not anyone. I will not falter.

I shake my head. “No, that’s not right.”

“Alex, we will handle the hunters,” Edwin tosses, giving me a firm look. “She is a much bigger threat.”

“You sit the hell down,” I growl at him. “You just became a new father of two.”

“Honey,” Farah cuts in, her maternal tone coming through strongly, “I don’t want you out there until we get that bitch under control.”

Julia sinks into my side, tilting her head to look up and patting my chest, as she whispers, “You’reofficiallystuck here with me.” And I can feel how all the tension leaves her body at once.

Smiling at her, my posture involuntarily relaxes. I guess I can do that. Just focus on her right now. We haven’t gotten much of a chance for that yet.

Even right this second, with my head full of worry, it’s hard to focus on anything else but her. All I want is to take her to our chamber and make love to her for the rest of eternity.

Farah’s gaze shifts toward the gargoyle, who mops around in the far corner, her tone measured. “And if it’s Esmeralda, you need to find her. You’re the only one who can. I can’t locate her. I can only assume she’s hiding from Lilith, and her protection shield is up. But you will be able to track her.”

Vernox’s entire frame stiffens, and the agitation radiating from him is palpable. “She died,” he growls, the words edged with pain. “Two centuries ago. Youtoldme her soul departed and there was no bringing her back.” His denial is so fierce it almost feels like a wall he’s throwing up to keep the conversation out.

“That’s what me and Dahlia thought.”

“Youthought,” he mocks,but there's something brittle in his voice, as if the words are slipping out despite his will. His wings twitch slightly, and for a moment, all the anger in him almost consumes him.

“Okay, fuck off with your insults,” I snarl at him. The bastard dares to question both my aunt’s and my mother’s powers. Not in my kingdom.

Julia wraps herself around my arm, her presence calming, but I know she’s trying to protect Chiseldick over there.

Vernox is also looking at her for comfort. Damn it, I knew I should’ve ripped his heart out. My claws flex involuntarily.

“Shewasdead. The resurrection spell didn’t work on her,” Farah proclaims firmly. “We were both certain of that. I still am.”

“Is it at all possible for her to be alive now?” I ask.

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