Chapter 17

I stared at the screen, eyes wide. Who would have thought, the asshole was rich.

‘Billionaire tycoon Malik Laironov makes yet another surprising takeover bid.’

For a second I stared at the title, then glanced down at the picture just to make sure it was the same arrogant Malik I knew. He looked different with his expensive suit and perfect haircut. I scrolled down the page, skimming through his many business deals and acquisitions, then closed the link and clicked on another.

If he’d seriously sent me down here to read about his success, I’d strangle him while he slept. I closed the link and entered another, then another, and another, before I cursed under my breath and turned to Kaio.

“How the hell is reading about his business ventures going tell me why he’s here?” I asked in annoyance. The asshole was probably just messing with me.

“Perhaps it is not his business that you should be focused on.” Was all he said, and for a second I just looked at him, further annoyed by the secrets he hid along with the rest of them.

I turned back to the screen, eyes skimming the title of each link, before I took to the keyboard again and typed the words into the search bar.

When in doubt, choose Wikipedia.

I scanned the page, passing over the career section and jumped into his personal life. There was no mention of any kids, wife, partner or otherwise. He was born in Russia, to some wealthy parents, who died in a car crash on his twenty-second birthday.

He had a younger brother who was kidnapped from the family home when he was still only a toddler. He and his family had moved to America; land of the free when he’d turned eighteen and he gave regularly to charity.

A real saint. I thought scornfully, and closed the dead-end link. Once again nothing to tell me why he was here. Which meant this had been a complete waste of time. The asshole really was only messing with me.

I turned back to Kaio. “You wanna tell me what I’m missing here? Or are you going to continue bullshittin’ me like everyone else?” I questioned seriously.

Kaio seemed torn, and I watched the many emotions flit across his face before he masked them and shook his head. “It is not my place to say.”

“Jesus Kaio for once can you just forget about duty and help me out here?” I threw up my hands in exasperation.

“This is not about duty. It is simply not my secret to tell. Surely you must understand.” He tried, and I pushed up from my seat and turned to face him.

“I’m in the dark here and I don’t trust this guy, so I’m asking you as a friend to shed some light on him…please.”

“Do not put me in such a position Tony. I would like to think I am worth trusting. If you are a friend as you claim, then you will stop asking me to butcher my own honor.” He said seriously and I shook my head before turning to leave.

I could sense him following close behind me, but neither of us said a word as we walked across the room and out the door. Once outside, I stuffed my hands into the pockets of my jeans, and kept an even pace as I walked. Vamps stared as I passed them, many with scorn, few in curiosity, and I stared right back, refusing to turn away from the obvious challenge.

Assholes.

“You should avoid provoking them.” Kaio said behind me and I snorted.

“They should avoid provoking me.”

He fell into step with me then. “You know, before we plucked you from battle, my Keeper would speak of you quite frequently.” He began. “He described you as a gentle soul, innocent, stubborn, flighty-”

“Is there somewhere you’re going with this?” I asked, interrupting him and he smiled.

“I used to dream of the day I would meet my Lord’s mate. From his praise of you, I found that I was eager to serve you as well as he, but you are nothing like he described. All I see in you in anger and resentment.” He finished and I chose to remain quiet as we walked on.

“Once in a while I can see the shadow of the man you once were; the gentleness, the innocence…” he trailed off. “I do hope that one day you will come to be as you were. I wish to see you happy Tony.”

I ignored him, instead taking in the lands around me, the trees and plants and the massive structures. I wondered how such a beautiful place could house such terrible creatures.

At one point I spotted a small dog being led by an ancient looking bloodsucker and I paused, taking in the scene. That was something I didn’t expect to see here.

“Very few blood drinkers keep pets.” Kaio explained. “I am certain Lord Rien would be pleased to gift you with a one should you so desire.”

I shook my head and continued on. “No point. Won’t be here long enough anyway.” I mumbled.

“That is your own choosing.” He replied.

Even if I wanted to stay with Rien, there was no way in hell I’d choose to live here. I could practically smell the evil in the air. It might look pretty, but the heart of the coven was as rotten as the core of a fallen apple. I wondered how Rien could even stand it.

“Would you like to see him before he leaves?”

I glanced at him. “What do you mean? Where’s he going?”

“Hunting with his brothers. It is customary for them to feed together when they are all home.”

“Feed…on humans?” I asked, knowing the answer even before Kaio confirmed it.

“Of course.”

“And you wonder why I’d want to stay here. You’re animals...all of you.” I insulted, but Kaio being Kaio took it in stride.

“I am told you once offered your own blood to fill my master’s gut. Why is it that you are now disgusted by the thought of a customary hunt?”

“Back then I was young and naïve.”

“It is not wrong to hunt humans Tony.” He announced and I looked up at him in disbelief.

“You look at me as if I have been relieved of my senses, but what I say is true. You humans hunt animals for food because it is what you deem the correct way to ensure your survival. But just because the animals cannot speak to you, does not mean they themselves do not think you to be barbaric for hunting them. Do you really think animals want to be eaten by the likes of you?” He asked. “It is simply the way it should be. Animals eat plants, humans eat animals, and vampires drink humans…the natural order of things.”

“It’s not the same.”

“It is. You simply refuse to acknowledge it.” Kaio said with a smug smile.

“And just because you’re supernatural freaks you get to be at the top of the food chain, is that it?” I questioned with a glare.

“Vampires do not top the food chain. There are those that hunt us. It is how it should be.”

My brows furrowed. “Something hunts vampires? What is it?”

Kaio shook his head. “Do you wish to see your mate or would you prefer to return to the dwelling?”

“I want you to answer my question.” I said, folding my arms before me.

“You will never need such information unless you yourself are a blood drinker.”

I stared at him for a second. More secrets...why was I not surprised.

“I’m going back to the house.” I grumbled and with a nod, he followed.

Kaio greeted a few others as we passed; a nod of the head here, and smile there and for the first time I realized that he might actually have a life outside of Rien. It was strange to see him in a different light.

“Thought you said you didn’t have any friends.” I commented when we passed another drudge along the way.

“Do you think I have lied?” he asked with a raised brow, and I pursed my lips.

“It is polite to greet a fellow familiar.” He explained in that annoyingly superior tone. “I do not think I have ever witnessed you complete a polite deed.” He said thoughtfully and I looked to the sky.

“Yeah well you idiots kidnapped me, dragged me across the world, and made me a prisoner among bloodsuckers so it shouldn’t really come as much of a surprise.”

He seemed to think on it, then his brows furrowed and he looked at me.

“No, I believe you have been ill-mannered since birth.” He said seriously.

I snorted. “Kaio?”

“Yes?”

“Shut up.”

He grinned.

Not far up ahead I spotted the house, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t glad to be back and away from prying eyes. I wondered what the drudges had cooked for breakfast this morning, I felt like I hadn’t eaten in days.

“Will you be attending the ceremony tonight?” Kaio broke the silence and I shook my head.

“You?”

“Of course. I am expected to be in attendance.” He paused. “I do believe Lord Rien would be delighted to see you there.”

“Uhuh.”

“And of course Lord Christophe will be competing…” he trailed off.

“And?”

“Well you are clearly jealous of him, I thought that if nothing else, it would prompt you to attend.”

I looked at him with raised brows, then snorted. “I’m not jealous of that snow queen, gimmie a break Kaio.”

“I personally think it is good that you are. It gives me hope.” He smiled as he said the words, then stepped in front of me and walked ahead.

I followed behind at a more sedate pace, my appetite suddenly lost.

………………………………………………..

~Rien’s POV~

I looked at each of my brothers in turn, watching them prepare for the hunt. Centuries I had stood in this very spot and watched as they readied themselves for what was merely custom, and for centuries I had burned with excitement at the thought of what was to come, but today I felt only uncertainty as I watched them; wondering just what thoughts they had buried in their sly minds. Neither had spoken a word since our arrival and that in itself was strange indeed.

This was usually the point in time one or more of them would choose to lecture me on something only they found important, but no. This was an evening of silence; it was almost stifling.

“Where is Kandane? It is not like him to be tardy.” I spoke to penetrate the stillness, but only Peitre, who was fastening the straps of his boot turned to answer me.

“He has sought our father’s counsel.” He said, his eyes meeting briefly with Jorlon’s. “He will not join us this day.”

I pulled the leather glove onto my hand, making sure it fit securely over each finger before I turned to Jorlon.

“It seems we have much to discuss brother.” I said simply and he nodded, his expression one of seriousness as his eyes met and held my own.

“We all do.” He spoke, and I watched as he crossed the room and took a seat. His eyes drifted to mine once more and I followed, lowering myself into the settee across from him.

One by one the others drifted over and also sat. The silence was deafening.

They said nothing and I chose to follow suite, instead, waiting for one of them to share their own thoughts. I could feel the unspoken words like a heavy weight in the air. It pressed down on me with its secrets and meaningfulness and finally I opened my mouth to speak, but it was Marcan who first gave voice to his thoughts and all eyes travelled to him.

“It is shameful, your behavior.” He said to me and I raised a brow.

“And what, pray tell, have I done this time brother?’ I questioned. My tone conveyed my boredom.

“One human was bad enough, but now you have brought two amongst our brethren, have you no sense of honor?”

I shook my head. “I suppose I don’t. Is that all?”

Marcan’s eyes narrowed. “Is there something particularly fetching about the taste of his blood that you would also go as far as to give refuge to another of his kind?” Marcan said scornfully.

“Is one human not enough for you?”

I laughed without mirth. “You should ask yourself that question whenever we go hunting Marcan. The trail of empty human bodies you leave behind is appalling.”

“Yes well it is better I fill my stomach than play house with my meal.” He retorted and once again I shook my head.

He would never understand. None of them would.

“Marcan is right Riener. Father has allowed you free passage with one human, there was no need for you to bring his brother into it as well, and if you believe father will not find out you are a fool.” Jorlon added.

For a moment I stared at them, irritated that they could not keep their noses out of my private affairs just this once.

“Is that all? I wish to hunt and you have once again wasted my time.

Peitre straightened and I glanced his way.

“A change of subject then.” He began. “I would like to know what it is you are planning as it relates to father. Why did you join us on the excursion yesterday?” He asked, and I offered him a small mirthless smile.

“Whatam I planning Pietre? Why must I always fall under your suspicion?”

“It could be because you always choose to act so suspiciously.” Marcan replied for him and I turned my eyes to him.

“Do tell me Marcan…In what way do my actions bear suspicion?”

“Every breath you take is plagued with mischief Riener, but for once let us cease with the games. Tell us what it is you are planning. You had no way of knowing of our journey to the Far lands yesterday, yet you appeared, ready and informed just as we were about to set out.” Peitre continued, his eyes narrowed.

“I take it you do not believe Jorlon’s tale then.” I surmised.

“Jorlon was merely preserving your life.”

I rested a hand against the arm of the chair and glanced at each of them. They watched me with eyes that were not distrustful, but wary and my confusion grew.

“I have no plans to speak of, unless you consider my intention to attend the ceremony tonight to be a plan.” I told them and after a moment Peitre nodded, apparently satisfied with my answer.

Marcan straightened in his seat and I watched him pull on his gloves. He offered no more in the way of words and neither did Peitre.

“We warned our Far-land brothers of father’s plans. That is the reason their territory was abandoned when we arrived.” Jorlon finally spoke and my brows furrowed.

“Why would you do such a thing? You have always followed fathers lead like dogs on a leash.” I replied.

Only Marcan appeared slightly offended.

“Yes well. That was when he had the best interest of our coven in mind.” Jorlon continued. “He has changed greatly these years you have been away Riener. If he is allowed to continue the way he has, our coven will soon be nothing but a memory.”

“What I do not understand is why he thirsts for land. We have no need for more territories.” I added.

Jorlon shook his head and Marcan chuckled. “You really have been away too long if that is what you think he is after.”

My brows furrowed. “Then what does he seek? Power? Wealth? I do not understand.”

“Clearly.” Marcan murmured drily and I shot him a nasty glare.

 “The children of the moon Riener. He is hunting the children of the moon.”

                                            AUTHOR'S NOTES

IT'S REALLY SHORT I KNOW, BUT IT COULDN'T BE HELPED; I'M CRAZY BUSY RIGHT NOW.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT AND THANKS FOR READING!

-DoUbLe.A

-unedited.