Nico's POV:

I tuned out the conversation my parents were having, once I realized it had nothing to do with me.

Instead, I looked down at the rare beef ribs on my plate, wondering where the hell Xander was so I could eat it.

My mom had a thing against eating before everyone who's supposed to show up, does.

And frankly, I was very hungry since Khloe and I didn't really eat breakfast.

Or I guess we kind of just... Forgot.

The effects of Khloe's blood wore off a while ago, unfortunately.

I wanted the feeling of her heartbeat to stay with me much longer than it actually did.

In fact, part of me felt an overwhelming sadness as it slowly faded from my body, and urged me to take more.

I didn't take a lot from her, but I had the feeling that I took more, that that feeling would have lasted a lot longer.

My vampiric instincts still weren't used to the fact that our lover wasn't a vampire and that we had to do things a little differently.

I glanced back up at the empty chair ahead of me, glaring a bit before turning to look at the door.

Xander's never been late since we've moved back here. Usually, I'm the tardy one.

I was about to offer to go look for him, but the doors suddenly flew open, scaring the slaves that stood beside them half to death.

"Sorry!" He blurted out, his heavy breathing showing that he sped here.

"Where've you been?" My mother asked before my father and I could.

And her tone was a lot sweeter than ours would have been.

"I just lost track of time is all," He spoke, promptly taking his seat.

Without another word, I lifted my food and took a bite.

I honestly just wanted to finish this food and get out of here.

But my wishes were short-lived as soon and my father started talking.

"Now that you boys are here," He began, "There's something we need to discuss."

Xander turned his head towards him while I just glanced at him from the corner of my eye, taking another bite.

"The treaty that Alexander revised made it to the pack at the northern border. The leader there read it and sent back a response that he's willing to sign off on it, so," He looked directly at me, "I need you to travel up there 10 days from now and sign it on my behalf."

I just stared back at him, not really being able to tell if he was serious or not.

He knew just how much I despised that pack's existence.

And now he wanted me to go and sign the treaty that resolidified their stay?

"No," I stated plainly, causing every other soul besides my father's to still.

Surprisingly, I could tell he wasn't expecting that response from me.

I thought he would have been used to it by now.

"Nicolas," He warned with a growl.

"You have to be kidding me," I spoke up before he could continue, "I don't understand why you still keep them around when all they do is terrorize and slaughter our citizens. They've found loopholes in the treaties for hundreds of years and I doubt they're gonna stop here."

I quickly sent Xander a quick look of "no offense."

He really didn't seem to mind.

My father seemed completely dismissive of everything I just said.

"Well, when you're a Lord you'll have the power to make those kinds of choices, but since you won't make the effort to take my place, then you can wait."

I could practically feel the spite in his words, my hand on the table clenching into a fist.

"Now, if you're finished arguing, you are to leave late in the evening of the 15th."

I sighed, deciding just to give in and accept this.

Maybe it won't be so bad.

After all, I just need to sign something and then the rest of the time can be spent with Khloe.

And if any of those vampires piss me off, I can just use the pheromone from my advanced power to bring them to their knees and shut them up.

"When do we return?" I asked.

"We?" My father replied.

"Yes, we. I'm assuming my pet will be accompanying me."

His face lit up with amusement before he burst into a laugh like that was one of the most ridiculous things I've ever said.

"Nicolas if you care at all about your pet, Id suggest you leave her here." He informed.

My brows drew together.

"And why is that?" I challenged.

Leaving Khloe here was the absolute last thing that I wanted to do.

"Bringing a human anywhere near that pack can only lead to disaster," He stated.

"I can protect her," I shot back.

"I'm sure you can, but you shouldn't have to,"

My eyes widened as I turned my head, realizing those words came from my mother.

"Those vampires are more in tune with the stealth aspect of our species than the vampires here are and won't hesitate to try to steal a taste from a pet, even if she belongs to a prince," she explained.

I just looked at her for a moment, trying to piece together something to say.

I just really didn't want to leave Khloe here.

"Well, they can't do that legally, right? Isn't that in the treaty?" I asked, pointing the question at Xander.

He looked back at me wide-eyed.

"Was it supposed to be?" He asked, his mouth half full of food.

I physically slumped in disappointment.

"I solidified what already existed about pets on our territory, but I didnt add anything about pets in theirs." He quickly defended.

The room grew quiet as any hope I had left about this diminished.

My father took the opportune silence to speak again.

"But to answer your question, son, you leave the evening of the 15th, and then sign the treaty and return on the 16th." He said.

I forced myself to release the tension in my shoulders, figuring that if I pushed the subject of taking Khloe with me it might raise some suspicions.

It was only an overnight trip... It won't be that bad...

I knew Khloe would be fine with the idea, but I still hated the idea of her being alone when the person who drugged her was still out there somewhere.

I guess as long as Marcus stayed with her while she was outside the safety of my room, she'd be fine...

"Okay."

~~~

I walked down the halls, having just excused myself from that meal.

I was aiming to go and find Khloe so we could continue to enjoy this day.

"Aye Nico!" I heard Xander's voice from behind me.

I just barely turned my head before he was right beside me.

"I figured we were headed to the same place," He said, now walking beside me.

"You going to your pet?" I asked.

He nodded.

"Yup! And speaking of pets," He began, now elbowing my arm, " I saw Khloe and Marcus hookin up earlier."

I just rose a brow.

"Hooking up?" I questioned flatly, highly doubting Xander knew the correct definition.

"Yeah dude," He said, "They were totally holding hands and then got real embarrassed when I asked them about it- Well Marcus did longer than Khloe did... Then she called me out for being late for lunch." he finished quietly.

I didn't even try to hide my smile.

That's my girl.

Xander continued, "But yeah dude, Marcus tried to play it off as him just leading her somewhere but I dunno" He spoke teasingly, "They might be into each other."

I placed my hands into my pockets before I spoke.

"I highly doubt it," Is all I said.

"Oh yeah? Why?"

I shot him a deadpanned look.

"I don't think Marcus is all that into women."

That and I know that Khloe isn't like that at all.

Xander's expression turned to one of complete shock.

"What? really?!"

"I'm pretty sure," I replied, "But even if he was into girls, I feel like Doe would be more his type," I finished off with a smirk.

I swear I saw Xander's face blanch a few shades, his eyes still wide.

"Really?" He asked, almost sounding nervous.

I shrugged.

"I don't know, Xan, but I do know that he's not Khloe's type. Doe seems like she'd be into blondes though." I quipped.

Xander stayed completely silent for a couple seconds.

"You know what? On second thought, I think I'll just meet you there."

I didn't get in another word before he sped off ahead of me, disappearing completely from my sight.