Page 127 of Rescued By the Beast
Viklaus takes a moment before answering, his tone softer than usual.
"Yes..." He moistens his pale lips, a subtle gesture that betrays the internal struggle he is trying to hide. "I'm in control now."
The vampire emphasises the last words, and then I remember the night Mark returned after chasing that evil energy.
He told me that Viklaus was hurt.
That he felt he had failed to protect the vampire.
"Before we begin, let's get the introductions out of the way. Some of you already know her, and for those who don't... well, you've met Sandra before as my Kitten." Mark's voice is firm, but there's a hint of pride he can't hide.
"Hi." I raise my free hand, giving a brief wave, and finish with a slight smile, trying to appear more relaxed than I really am.
"Oh, boss, seriously? As if we didn't know!" Jack laughs, crossing his arms, and his energy is so relaxed that I manage to relax a little. "Do you really think this wasn't going to become gossip?"
He flashes me a wide, toothy grin, and my tension dissolves a little more.
"Pleased to officially meet you, Sandra." He says in a friendly tone.
"Likewise," Viklaus's voice sounds behind me.
"The pleasure is mine," I say to both Jack and Viklaus, quickly turning back to face the vampire with a smile.
"Right... with the introductions out of the way..." Mark assumes a more rigid posture and looks at me, as if asking for permission.
I already know what comes next. On the way, we talk about everything that has happened to me, connecting the dots and trying to understand the whole picture.
There is no reason to hide the truth, at least from those who don't know yet. They need to know every detail, even the shameful reason behind my curse, to see the situation clearly.
So, I give a slight nod.
Mark begins to go over the information. He then draws connections between the recent attacks: the witch, the death of her husband at the hands of the wendigo — which may have been revenge for his betrayal — and, finally, my own attack by the same monster. He talks about the duel with Liam, the wolves, and how everything indicates that it was a trap to weaken him, while another attack took place in the city, directly targeting people connected to his company.
"That's why I suspect that the witch who cursed Sandra may be involved in the attacks," he concludes.
The tension in the room grows. I feel the stares weighing on me.
Ted crosses his arms, looking like he's about to say something, but Viklaus speaks up first:
"I think we should focus on the wolves, Mark." The vampire's voice is low but sharp. "If anyone can get the truth out of them, it's me. It's clear that they were mentally manipulated by whoever is behind the attacks. Everything happened in perfect synchrony. It was planned, calculated."
He pauses for a moment, his eyes narrowing before continuing:
"Sandra's curse, on the other hand, was personal. I doubt it has anything to do with the monsters." His gaze turns to me. "You may have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time when the wendigo appeared... just like that man. The monster didn't come to you. You entered its territory in that alley... and then it chased you through the forest."
His analysis resonates through the room, each word laden with conviction and calculated coldness.
Mark seems to momentarily lose his patience. Frustration bursts from his lips in a raw way, and I see the fire of his determination. He is no longer concerned with the risks — he is adamant.
"If I have to choose between the wolves or the witch, my priority right now is my partner. I'm going after that witch now, whether you accept it or not." Mark's voice is laden with fierce determination, and there is a flame of protection in his eyes that I cannot ignore.
"Calm down, Beast..." Jack murmurs, and the tension in the room intensifies, like a storm about to break, the pressure becoming palpable.
"Mark, maybe Viklaus is right. The wolves..." I begin to speak, trying to make him see the logic.
"No, Kitten." Mark cuts me off, his voice firm, laden with decision. "I won't let you be trapped in this curse for another second. The world may be ending, I don't care. You come first, always."
He holds my face firmly and seals his words with a kiss, as if to end the discussion.
