Stellan stirs in me, and I can feel pride filling him. I am Benjamin, Gamma of Sunset Hills.
“Nova,” I say. “You have to leave.”
“What?” she blinks.
“Leave and run. They are not looking for you right now. You will need to meet Silas and Marc midway and lead them here.”
“Maddie?”
“I will make sure to find her,” I reassure her. “Juniper only now got to do the blood test. We still have some time. Time enough for you to get out of here, and for me to alert Marc. You are the born beta, Nova. You will easily make it past the guards here.
Nova smiles. “Don’t die on me, asshole. I am not going to be the one to tell Lori that her mate was stupid enough to get killed by some creepy vampires.”
I grin. “Right back at you.”
forty-three
An Alpha’s Heir
*SILAS*
There was a time in my life, a very long time ago, in which I loved Aloysius, my older brother. I am the second oldest, meaning Aloysius was the only one to watch out for me. When I think about that time, my heart aches. I feel sorrow and grief for the relationship and bond we once had, yet I am also filled with anger.
At myself, for not noticing the signs earlier or stopping him when I still could. And at Aloysius, for using and abusing everyone around him.
“Just how many properties does he have?” Eugene enquires as Alex spreads the map in front of us. “It’s all over the world!”
“We,” Alex says.
Eugene blinks. “Pardon me?”
“He means to say that it’s not Aloysius’ property, but ours,” I explain. “Technically. He is just using it more.”
“But why?” Cassian asks.
“Because he is an asshole,” Alex says shortly. “He made himself look like this undefeatable vampire lord. When Silas and I noticed, it was already too late. He had occupied most of our properties.”
“Talking about undefeatable-“ Eugene says.
“Howcanwe defeat him?” Marcellus asks at the same time.
He and Eugene blink and exchange a glance. If I hadn’t made it my goal to hate Eugene, I would find the moment cute. Marcellus has a soft heart; he will forgive his brother sooner than later. Therefore, I decided to be the asshole and make Eugene’s life harder, so that he won’t feel too comfortable. He hurt Marcellus once; I don’t want him to hurt him a second time.
You have kind of a scary expression, you know that?Marcellus links me.Hot, but scary.
Well, if it’s hot to you, then I am fine,I tease him.
Anything wrong?
Not at all.
This is about Eugene, isn’t it?
I can’t believe it. I, Silas, am known to be cunning and with one of the best poker faces worldwide, yet my 23-year-old werewolf beloved easily looks through me with his cute puppy eyes.
Thanks for having my back,Marcellus says to my surprise.I have no idea how to handle Eugene from here on. It’s easier for me, knowing you are looking out for me.
I smile at him. Before I can reply, though, Alex successfully pulls me out of the conversation.