Sylvester 'Sylver' Stanton vs. Enzo Jilani

Pix: A wolf and his vamp

Video: You Are the Reason by Calum Scott

Dedicated to absese

Cheers!

***

"Signor Jilani?" the flight attendant called out a second time, her tone now sharper.

"Ah, sorry, Julia." Enzo's head snapped up, his lips curling into a dazzling smile that sent a flush of pink across her cheeks. "I told you, call me Enzo—I'd have heard you quicker. What's up?"

She blinked, momentarily flustered, before recovering her composure. "Captain Matteo asked me to let you know that Alfredo has been trying to reach you—apparently, your phone's been off."

"Oh, right," Enzo murmured, glancing at his silent phone. "I forgot to switch it back on when we hit cruising altitude." He knew exactly why Alfredo was trying to reach him. He'd been calling nonstop, bombarding him with questions about the supposed werewolf who'd crashed their wild party. But Enzo had no intention of indulging his curiosity anytime soon. Some questions were better left unanswered. "I'll call him back," he added with a dismissive shrug.

"I also wanted to check if you'd like your snack now."

"No, thanks. I'm good." Somehow, his appetite had vanished since that encounter with Sylver the other night. After catching the tantalizing scent of his soulmate, he had a completely new craving. "Tell Matteo to give me a heads-up an hour before we land, will you?"

"Of course. I'll inform the captain right away." Julia nodded, scurrying off with a touch of urgency.

With a weary sigh, Enzo Jilani gazed ahead without really seeing anything. From the moment he'd boarded the flight, he'd been lost in thought. The thought of seeing Sylver again filled him with both excitement and dread. For eighteen years, he had cherished the memory of his soulmate, even though they hadn't been allowed to see each other.

Yet as much as he longed to be with Sylver, there was a shadow that dimmed his excitement: the matter of his species. Vampires and werewolves weren't meant to intertwine. Their bloodlines, their instincts, their worlds—none of it aligned. And Sylver was, of course, a werewolf. The age-old barrier between them loomed like an iron wall. With another sigh, Enzo sank deeper into his seat, wondering whether pushing away the weight of the reality all these years had been a good thing to do.

At last, his soulmate had broken free from whatever slumber that warlock had placed upon him. For years, Enzo had lived in a fragile illusion, like an ostrich burying its head in the sand, convincing himself that all was well. But now, there was no escaping it. He and Sylver's bond was an unbreakable law of nature, a bond unheard of—a forbidden union that risked ancient traditions, age-old rivalries, and perhaps even his own future.

From what he'd seen and heard, the werewolves wouldn't dare challenge the will of their goddess. And I can't even blame them... They held a reverence for her choices, trusting that any mate she bound was destined, no matter the circumstances. It was the vampires, his own kind, who stubbornly clung to their antiquated doctrines. They were rigid, bent on upholding rules so ancient and irrelevant that they felt like relics from a forgotten age. These traditions, outdated and arbitrary, stood like iron chains between him and his happiness—a barrier that should have crumbled centuries ago. Yet here he was, bracing himself to face the deeply ingrained resistance of his own people.

Enzo recalled the look on his father's face from eighteen years ago when he had delivered his report to the vampire lord after his first visit to the Stanwood Pack. His father's expression had been a whirlwind of emotions—a silent, layered reaction that Enzo could still picture vividly. There had been bemusement as if Enzo's words were some outlandish tale; incredulity, as though he couldn't believe what he was hearing; disbelief that bordered on disappointment; and, faintly veiled beneath it all, a hint of disdain. His father had looked at him not just as a son but as if he were a stranger, someone foolish enough to flirt with the impossible.

*

"That is preposterous!" Leonardo Jilani thundered, his voice echoing through the expansive office. "Never in our history has a vampire claimed a werewolf as a soulmate. And there are reasons for that!"

"Father..." Enzo tried to interject, but Leonardo's voice only grew colder.

"They are dogs," he spat, his eyes flashing with disdain. "Their bite is lethal to us, or have you forgotten?" His gaze shifted sharply to his mate. "Aurora, don't tell me you've condoned this madness." His expression was a mixture of disbelief and betrayal.

"Just hear us out, Leo," Aurora, Enzo's mother, said gently, her tone calming but firm.

"There is nothing to hear!" Leonardo grunted. "The fact that I permitted you to interact with that pack does not mean I am ready to serve my son up on a silver platter. No son of mine will become a martyr for this... love." He sneered at the word as if it were poison. "Are you all serious?"

"Father, you can't ignore how I feel!" Enzo growled, a dangerous edge to his voice as he met his father's defiant glare.

"Oh, I can, and I will," Leonardo shot back, his tone icy-cold. His piercing gaze shifted to his brother, who had been observing the exchange in quiet detachment. "And you," he addressed him with barely contained disappointment. "I sent you with them because I trusted you to evaluate the situation and guide them to make the right decisions. I must say, I'm very disappointed, Piero."

"This isn't on Uncle P, Father," Enzo snapped, his frustration simmering just below the surface. "You weren't there. You didn't see what happened. This bond—it's something beyond us, a connection that can't be broken."

"Because the little wolf followed you around and peed on you?" the vampire lord sneered.

"What? He didn't foll... Mother?" Enzo turned to his mother with a look of exasperation.

Aurora placed a gentle hand on her son's arm, but before she could speak, Leonardo cut in, his tone softening but losing none of its finality. "Listen, son. You two can be friends if you like him that much. You can visit each other when those beasts finally permit you. But that's as far as it goes. You can't take this mate thing any further because that wolf could end your life in a second. Intimacy with a werewolf is out of the question."

"There are other ways..." Enzo rasped, his eyes narrowing with defiance, barely containing his anger.

Leonardo raised a brow, his lips twisting in a mocking smile. "Other ways? Enzo, it's common knowledge they bite during sex," he said slowly, as though he was speaking to a child. "You'll be safe as long as you stay pals. Explore other... options. Ever tried elves?" he drawled with an amused glint in his eyes.

"Leonardo Jilani, will you cut that out!" Aurora snapped, her voice sharp as a blade. "You know how these bonds work. They are connections that cannot simply be dismissed or broken," she added, rubbing a reassuring hand along her son's back.

Leonardo let out a huff, crossing his arms. "And that is precisely why I'm suggesting they remain friends despite the fact that, under any other circumstances, mingling with a fleabag would be out of the question." He glanced at Aurora with genuine bewilderment. "Do you want your son to die? Am I really the only one seeing the sheer impossibility here? That little dog will..."

"Stop calling him a dog," Enzo interjected, his voice a menacing hiss as his fangs dropped, his eyes flashing dangerously. "His name is Sylver, and he's a werewolf."

"Not only that, from what you've told me," Leonardo sniggered, his face, which looked so much like his son's, contorted in a smirk. "He's a warlock, too. And, as if that wasn't enough, he embodies a deadly spirit. What's that cursed entity called again?" He looked to his brother for confirmation.

"Ojah," Piero replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Yes, that's it," Leonardo nodded, barely suppressing his own amusement. "That thing that threw you across the lawn, wasn't it?"

"Yes."

"That little shit nearly killed your uncle, and you want him as a soulmate? To mate with him? A cursed werewolf-warlock hybrid? Are you out of your mind?" he bellowed, his voice echoing with indignation. "Hybrids are never stable. They inherit the worst of their bloodlines. Mark my words: that do... wolf will grow into a deadly, ruthless, bloodthirsty hound."

"I don't appreciate the way you've condemned Sylver already," Enzo growled, his voice thick with anger. "You know as well as I do that what he becomes depends on the kind of upbringing he receives."

Leonardo snorted dismissively. "And who exactly is raising him? That red-eyed brute who torched our plane to ashes? I suggest we get a sorcerer to sever this bond for you. You'd be far better off without the complication of fucking some male werewolf."

"There it is!" Enzo breathed, his gaze hardening. "That compounds your problem, doesn't it?" He locked eyes with his father, daring him to deny it.

Leonardo met his son's challenging stare. "Come now, you know I've never had an issue with same-sex relationships. Would I have preferred it if your soulmate were female? Sure. But do I care that your soulmate is a male? Not in the slightest. The fact still remains that a werewolf as a mate is unacceptable. The other problem is that..."

"It won't be accepted by the Primarch," Piero interjected from his perch on the armrest of a couch.

"Who the fuck cares what they think?" Enzo gasped, his voice filled with incredulity. The Primarch was the highest echelon of vampire authority. "What business is it of theirs who I fuck?"

"There are rules," Leonardo hissed, angrily slamming a fist onto his desk. "We do not mingle with dogs!"

"My soulmate is not a dog!" Enzo hissed right back, his voice sharp with fury.

Leonardo sighed, trying to rein in his own anger. "I want the best for you, son. As lord command, I should know better than to allow my son to..."

"This is not about you," Enzo snapped.

"But it is," Leonardo countered. "If this bond is discovered, our detractors will stop at nothing to ensure that you are ostracized or worse. And I can't even fault them for it. Our kind values refinement, royalty, dignity. Werewolves... well, they're beneath us. Uncivilized."

Enzo's lip curled into a sneer. "Such a snob."

"Just telling it as it is," Leonardo replied, his gaze softening as it shifted to his soulmate. "Come here, darling."

With a sigh, Aurora stood, moving around the desk to settle onto Leonardo's lap. "You're being an ass," she murmured, though her tone was more affectionate than angry.

"He took you away from me for this? I won't lose my son, not for some infatuation." Leonardo muttered, his voice thick with unspoken worry. "And I know you're concerned too. I can feel it."

"That doesn't make it right for you to be so harsh," she chided, brushing her fingers lightly over his shoulder. "Can we continue this conversation later?" She sighed, rubbing her temples. "Tempers are flaring, and your attitude is giving me a headache, Leo."

Leonardo inclined his head, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "Alright, we'll pause for now. I missed you."

"I can't believe this," Enzo muttered, standing to leave. At the door, he paused. "You know what, Father, while you're kissing your soulmate, take a moment to think about what it would feel like to be told you can only keep her as a friend and nothing more."

*

Enzo had left his father's office that day with a heart weighed down like lead. The message had been clear—his father would oppose the one thing he truly longed for. Sylver! But despite the weight of that knowledge, he also knew he would rather face a world of opposition than abandon his bond with Sylver.

He had deliberately kept their father's stance from Gaia, knowing all too well how fiery her temper could be. If she found out, there was no doubt she'd go ballistic. Over the years, countless conversations had revolved around his forbidden bond with his werewolf soulmate. Though Leonardo had softened somewhat, he remained unyielding, insisting that Enzo's relationship with Sylver should never extend beyond friendship. But Enzo struggled to see how that could be possible. The electrifying desire that had surged between them when Sylver appeared in Venice was undeniable—intense, magnetic, and impossible to ignore. He knew it would only grow stronger.

What troubled Enzo more was the raw, primal urge to taste Sylver, a hunger that pulsed beneath his skin, impossible to shake. Feeding on Sylver could easily be considered a form of intimacy. Did this forbidden bond mean he would be denied even that? That he couldn't feed from Sylver as he had invited? The question lingered. There were boundaries his father had set, but Enzo wasn't certain he could abide by them. The pull of his soulmate was as relentless as it was dangerous.

Eight years after that first blowup with his father over Sylver, Enzo had decided to seek out one of the vampire lords and speak to him about the troubling topic. He'd carefully crafted his approach as if he were simply passing through on a casual visit. As they conversed, he skillfully and casually steered the discussion toward the topic of why their spices and werewolves seemed to repel each other.

"Oh, that," Lord Giovanni had laughed. "No one can say exactly when that rivalry began, but it's always been there."

"Really? I wonder what happened to create this rift," Enzo murmured.

"Even though we cannot pinpoint the exact incident that triggered it, things happened." The elderly vampire had said. "Over centuries, conflicts between their leaders or notable incidents, like territorial battles, have led to long-lasting grudges. Stories of betrayal and bloodshed have been passed down through generations, making cooperation difficult and leaving little room for trust."

"I see." Enzo soaked in every piece of information.

"I want to believe that when vampires and werewolves first roamed the earth, they coexisted peacefully, each respecting the other's territory." The vampire lord lit his pipe and took a deep drag.

"Isn't it strange that over the centuries, a truce or peace hasn't been formed between the two?" Enzo asked.

"I know that in the past, attempts at alliances between the two have ended in tragedy, betrayal, or scandal. And romantic unions have always ended in death, which is not surprising, seeing as both spices love to bite." He shrugged.

"And one's is lethal to the other," Enzo added.

"Exactly. Forbidden romances are said to have led to wars and exiles, creating an unspoken rule against mingling between the two. My mother, rest her soul, told me a fascinating story when she was alive. According to her, centuries ago, an ancient vampire prince fell in love with a werewolf chieftain's daughter. Any union between the two species was forbidden even then. Their romance blossomed in secrecy, defying both clans' laws and traditions. I guess they believed their love could bridge the gap between their worlds."

"Didn't they know back then that a werewolf's bite could be fatal to a vampire?" Enzo asked.

"Everyone knows this. I guess they just wanted to be together without any bites or intimacy. I wonder what exactly they planned on doing in that relationship," the old vampire chuckled.

"Well, they could just talk, keep each other company, have fun..." Enzo said with a shrug.

"That's what friends do. When you're in a relationship... especially when you are part of a species like those two, you cannot rule out sex. There's no in-between. We are animals, after all."

"You really think we can't restrain ourselves and decide not to get intimate?"

"Not possible." The vampire lord shook his head slowly. "No matter the level of self-control you have, that unshakable urge will hit you one day. And you won't be able to hold back." His intent gaze bore into Enzo's. "Anyway, I digress. So one fateful night, as the prince and his beloved met under a full moon, her transformation overtook her. Uncontrolled, wild, and driven by the primal fury of her werewolf nature, she attacked the vampire prince, wounding him gravely. Fortunately, she didn't bite him. But while the prince survived, the event deepened the ancient fears that vampires held toward werewolves—fear of their untamable, unpredictable strength."

"Untamable?" Enzo couldn't mask his disbelief. "I know some werewolves, and they're very cool."

"Well, this happened centuries ago. In this modern world, you have to act sane to blend in. Anyway, the werewolf clan saw this incident differently, viewing the vampire prince as a tempter who had put one of their own in danger for selfish desires."

Enzo had laughed then. "Tempter? Really?"

"That was their theory. Distrust turned to hatred, and each side declared the other a threat to their survival. They swore a blood oath to forbid any more unions between their kinds. Those who dared to defy the oath would face exile or death, ensuring that love between vampires and werewolves would remain a tragic, forbidden dream."

"Interesting. I've never heard of this blood oath."

"Through the years, these laws have been watered down. Under normal circumstances, a vampire and a werewolf wouldn't even be friends. But you said you know some..."

"Yeah. And they're alright."

"Have the hots for any of those were-bitches?"

"What?" Enzo's eyes widened at the question, "No, no, nothing like that." He gave a laugh that sounded strained even to his own ears. "I don't fancy any were-bitch, Sir."

"Good, because we never want to cross that line."

And in that moment, Enzo knew that his and Sylver's path would never be easy, thanks to his bigoted lineage. He was, however, determined to face any challenges that may arise despite knowing exactly what he'd be up against.

He hadn't found the right moment to tell his father about Sylver's 'awakening'. His plan was to inform his father first, then take Sylver to Italy for a formal introduction to the family. He was well aware of the storm of disapproval that would inevitably come from his father, yet he was prepared to face it. However, the introduction would have to wait, as they were all preoccupied with the escalating unrest within the vampire world.

***

Chaos was erupting across Italy... quite literally. It was only a matter of time before it reached a breaking point.

Two vampire clans in Italy were locked in a vicious struggle for dominance over Eldara, an ancient territory. The clans had coexisted in a fragile peace for centuries by a silent truce that neither dared to breach. But tensions finally erupted after a tragic incident. One of the clans, led by the ruthless vampire lord, Raffaele Bianchi, thrived on chaos and fear. Their existence was defined by their appetite for power, conquest, and the thrill of the hunt, often leaving a trail of blood and destruction in their wake. In contrast, the other clan, headed by Alessio Moretti, was noble and respected for their restraint and wisdom.

The fragile peace between the two clans shattered one fateful night when a young vampire from the Moretti clan was found dead at the edge of the Bianchi territory, his body drained of blood in a manner suggesting a brutal and deliberate act. The Bianchi clan was immediately suspected, as the death bore their mark, a deliberate signature of brutality known only to those who had clashed with them before. The killing went beyond a mere act of defiance; it was an unmistakable message. The seeds of discord were sown.

As was expected, the Moretti clan accused the Bianchi clan and demanded justice, but the ever-cunning Raffaele denied the accusations with a charismatic charm, declaring the murder to be the work of a rogue vampire unaffiliated with his clan. At the annual gathering of the vampire lords—a rare and solemn event where the most powerful vampire clans from all over the world convened to debate matters of grave importance, a commission of inquiry was set up to investigate facts, evaluate causes, and crack the whip where necessary.

To head the commission, the council had appointed none other than Enzo. Known for his fierce and no-nonsense approach and attention to detail, Enzo was a relentless enforcer within the vampire community. His unwavering commitment to justice and his ability to handle the most formidable adversaries made him an indispensable asset. Renowned for his rigorous discipline and uncompromising nature, he upheld the highest standards of conduct among vampires in his country, earning him accolades as a guardian of order and a bulwark against chaos. His reputation preceded him, making him a respected and feared figure in his field.

If the commission was able to find evidence that the Bianchi clan was behind the killing, the Bianchi clan would face severe repercussions, which would include losing any claim to the Eldara territory. Wasting no time, Enzo swiftly dispatched his best spies to search for the truth. Upon hearing that a potential witness was ready to spill everything, tension, and panic stirred within the Bianchi clan and caused them to act recklessly. That was when the chaos began. Desperate not to be found guilty, the Bianchi clan turned to forbidden dark magic and launched a series of attacks that threatened to shatter the peace in the vampire world.

Skirmishes erupted across territories, drawing in neighboring clans and risking a full-scale war. Enzo's mission was clear: to prevent chaos from consuming the vampire world and restore order by stopping Raffaele and his bloodthirsty clan.

Yet, Enzo would soon learn that betrayal often hid in the shadows cast by those closest to him, striking when least expected.

***

"Are you certain of what you're saying, Alfredo?" a sharply dressed man exuding both power and menace demanded, his voice a low growl that carried across the dimly lit room. His piercing eyes never left the young man with the long, unruly hair.

"I swear it, Signor Bianchi," Alfredo replied, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of unease. "We saw the dog right there in the room. But before any of us could react, it vanished. And Enzo... he didn't flinch, didn't seem surprised or even concerned. If anything, he looked... aroused."

"Aroused?" Raffaele Bianchi's voice was raspy, his brows furrowing deeply as he tried to make sense of what he was hearing.

Alfredo nodded slowly. "Yes, Signor Bianchi. It was strange, really. He couldn't wait to get off... literally."

A murmur of uncertainty rippled through the room as another man stepped forward, his face taut with tension. "This can mean only one thing, Signor Bianchi," he said grimly. "They plan to attack us using werewolves. The moment Enzo Jilani was put in charge, I knew something drastic was on the horizon."

"What are they up to?" Raffaele muttered.

"He's definitely playing a deeper game than we think," the man snorted. "Why else would he resort to the use of werewolves?"

"Maybe his plan is to wipe out your clan," Alfredo muttered, his gaze shifting from the man to Raffaele. "I mean, it's no secret how much you're hated. No offense."

"Offense taken," Raffaele growled. "Now, silence!" His voice cut through the air like a whip, his tone brooking no argument. "I need a moment to think."

The room fell into an uneasy quiet, shadows shifting across the faces of those present. Raffaele Bianchi's piercing eyes scanned the room, his mind racing to process the implications of Alfredo's words.

"If Enzo is using werewolves now, it means he's trying to control them," he muttered, tapping his stylish cane thoughtfully against the floor. "Which is a very dangerous thing to do. Anyone who has ever tried to control those brutes only ended up very regretful because their sheer ferocity and unpredictability can turn even the best-laid plans into a dangerous and chaotic debacle."

"Well, it looks like someone is ambitious and determined enough to ally with werewolves... or control them," a new voice interjected from the corner of the room.

Everyone turned to see an elegantly dressed woman leaning casually against the wall, her red lips curling into a smile.

"Sofia, what do you think?" Raffaele asked the woman, known for her reputation for being one of the most wicked and deadly vampires ever.

"Enzo has always managed to pull the most outrageous strategies out of his hat," she said. "He's never been on our side, so it's no surprise he's trying to wipe us out."

Raffaele's eyes narrowed. "But using werewolves is a reckless gamble," he snapped, his voice a deep rumble.

Sofia shrugged. "The Jilanis are shrewd and we all know Enzo can be lethal when he wants to. We need to tread carefully."

"Enzo is just a kid," Raffaele growled, thoughtfully stroking his beard. His eyes narrowed as a slow, calculated smirk played on his lips. "If that boy thinks he can back us into a corner, we'll show him exactly who he's dealing with. We're not the kind to be messed with." His eyes turned black with anger. "I say we pretend we're unaware of the werewolf threat. Meanwhile, we send our spies into the Moretti camp, dig deeper, find and take out any witnesses."

The room was silent for a moment as everyone absorbed Raffaele's plan. Then, Sofia nodded. "A classic move, Raffaele. Make them believe we're blind to their strategy while we uncover their secrets."

Raffaele nodded. "Exactly. And Alfredo," he continued, addressing the informant, "I want you to keep an eye on Enzo since you're already in his inner circle. Is he still in the country?"

"No, he's already left for the States. I'll be leaving on Friday."

"Good. Find out anything worth knowing. And if anyone gets suspicious, eliminate them," Raffaele instructed.

Alfredo's eyes widened for a moment, but he quickly recovered and nodded. "I'll do it, Signore."

"And if he encounters a werewolf?" Sofia asked, her voice soft but firm.

Raffaele's eyes flickered with a dark intensity. "Kill it on sight. We're vampires, not prey. We don't interact with dogs."

With that, the room buzzed with a new sense of purpose. As Alfredo prepared to leave, Raffaele's voice cut through the noise one last time, filled with a cold resolve.

"And remember Alfredo... if you fail, you pay the price."

The young vampire swallowed hard, then nodded. Enzo Jilani was not a vampire to be trifled with, he thought, a flicker of dread flashing in his eyes. He had only approached Raffaele with the werewolf intel to earn a place in the vampire lord's good graces, hoping to ease his path to courting the man's daughter. Never had he envisaged he'd be coerced into spying, let alone find his life hanging by a thread. But if you're foolish enough to step into the lion's den, you don't have any choice but to play by its rules.

With regret etched on his face, he turned and vanished into the shadows.

***

As Sylver rode the elevator in Enzo's castle-like mansion, a storm of restlessness and anticipation swirled within him. His wolf was clawing at the surface, desperate to break free. It took every ounce of restraint not to blink directly to wherever his mate was waiting in that sprawling house. The urge to claim his mate was so overwhelming. His muscles were tense, his pulse thrumming with barely contained energy, as he fought to keep the primal side of him in check. The beast within wasn't interested in waiting any longer.

From the moment Sylver received Enzo's text asking him to come over, he hadn't felt like himself. The anticipation of seeing his irresistibly sexy mate again had his nerves on edge, making him feel giddy with excitement at just the thought of being near him. He'd changed his outfit more times than he could count, finally settling on a fitted black, long-sleeved zip-up polo shirt that accentuated his lean, athletic build. The fabric hugged him just enough to hint at the strength beneath, while the sleek design gave a touch of understated elegance. Paired with well-fitted black chinos that offered both comfort and style, his outfit allowed him to move effortlessly while still looking impeccably sharp. On his feet, he wore crisp white sneakers, striking that perfect balance between casual ease and refined style. The overall look was relaxed yet polished, capturing his confident, laid-back vibe with a touch of effortless charm that made him undeniably handsome.

Sylver whispered a quick prayer for control as the elevator came to a halt. But the moment the doors slid open, revealing his stunning mate in a simple yet alluring white t-shirt and blue jeans, and bare feet, casually leaning against a wall with an irresistible confidence, Sylver realized his plea had fallen on deaf ears. The soothing classical music and the elegant, luxurious living room that the elevator opened into were completely lost on Sylver.

His attention was completely captivated by his gorgeous mate. Enzo looked really good. Like, really, really good. Sylver's heart thundered in his chest, each beat so fierce he worried it might burst free. A wave of hunger and excitement crashed over him, every sense sharpened by the overwhelming desire that seized him. He yearned to close the distance between them and claim him. But he resisted, fighting against the magnetic pull.

"Hey," Enzo greeted softly, his voice carrying a warmth that sent a shiver down Sylver's spine.

The simple word, spoken so gently, felt like a spark igniting the air between them. Enzo's eyes held a playful glint, his lips curling into a subtle, inviting smile that made Sylver's heart skip a beat. It was a greeting that felt like a promise—one that only fueled the fire burning inside Sylver, testing the limits of his restraint.

"Hey," Sylver responded, his voice barely audible as he stood there staring back at his mate, completely captivated. "Nice house," he murmured, his gaze flickering briefly to their surroundings, though his attention never truly strayed from Enzo.

Enzo chuckled as he pushed away from the wall he had been casually leaning against. "Welcome to my humble abode," he said as with a fluid grace, he led the way to the seating area.

"Nothing humble about it," Sylver murmured, his eyes sweeping over the lavish surroundings. The opulent furnishings and the subtle yet sophisticated décor seemed to reflect a refined taste that left little room for modesty.

"You're a fine one to talk," Enzo scoffed. "I've been to your house, you know. Make yourself comfortable," he said, gesturing at the couches. "Would you care for anything?"

But Sylver shook his head slowly as he ignored the subtle suggestion to sit and rather closed the distance between them. Each step was deliberate and confident, his focus remaining locked on Enzo. The air grew heavy with tension, charged with unspoken desire, as Sylver came to a halt directly in front of his mate. At six feet tall, Enzo was no short man, but Sylver easily towered over him with his impressive six-four frame.

"I have one question," he whispered.

Enzo swallowed hard. Sylver's scent was killing him. Immediately after he stepped out of that elevator, his senses had been assailed by that delicious scent. It called to him. The urge to drink from him was so intense it bordered on pain. Since seeing Sylver in Venice, he hadn't felt like feeding, not just from the vein but even from a blood bag. He'd been trying so hard to keep his hands to himself and his mouth off Sylver, but his obliviously tempting mate was making it damn difficult. Enzo took a step back and crossed his arms as if to physically prevent his arms from moving.

"Shoot."

"I didn't know I had a mate," Sylver began, his expression a mix of curiosity and challenge. "But you... you knew you had a mate. So why were you out there fucking others?"

"What?" Enzo whispered with a confused look, his gaze on Sylver's mouth. "What are you..."

"I fucked around because I didn't know I had a mate," Sylver repeated quietly, his tone measured but firm. "You knew you had a mate. All I'm asking is, why did you still go ahead and fuck around when you knew perfectly well I was out there?"

Enzo's eyes remained fixed on his soulmate's lips. "I'm a vampire, Sylver," he stated firmly. "We're wired differently. I can fuck anyone I want, even though you're my soulmate." But as the words left his mouth, he caught the flicker of emotions crossing Sylver's face—anger, betrayal, and something deeper. Hurt. It was that last emotion that pierced through Enzo, making him stifle a groan.

"Are you saying you plan on cheating on me?" Sylver's voice was barely a whisper, yet it was laced with so much anguish that it sent a sharp pang through Enzo's chest.

"I wouldn't call it cheating, exactly," Enzo said softly, trying to balance brutal honesty with a gentler touch. "My species... we thrive on sex. We need to come. So we have partners wherever we go. What do you call it these days? Hookups." He raised a brow. "But there's only ever one soulmate," he added, his eyes searching Sylver's for understanding, hoping his words would land softly despite their sharp edges.

"So why can't you be faithful to just that one soulmate?" Sylver asked, his eyes fixed on Enzo with a mixture of frustration and longing.

"We are eternal beings, Sylver," Enzo replied. "Our soulmates die and leave us all the time. Are you saying we should stay celibate after the death of a soulmate? Or remain virgins until we find one? You didn't stay a virgin, did you?" he added, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he waited for Sylver's response.

"It's not the same thing," Sylver growled, his eyes flashing with defiance as he met Enzo's gaze head-on.

"Tell me how different it is, Syl," Enzo breathed, his voice soft but insistent. "Life goes on. Pun not intended."

Sylver nodded slowly. "So these hookups..."

"You're clearly not okay with this. I won't do it," Enzo said earnestly. He could sense the pain coursing through his soulmate, and he hated it. "I promise," he added, his voice dropping to a tender whisper.

"Thank you."

"Sometimes, we find our soulmates in different lifetimes, only to lose them again when they pass," Enzo explained. "We stay with them as long as we can, then we wait, hoping against hope to find them again in another time. That is why I said life goes on."

"Do they appear the same?" Sylver asked.

"They may look different." Enzo shrugged. "But we always know when we find them. And when we do, we pick up right where we left off, as if no time has passed at all."

"How many soulmates have you had so far?" Sylver asked, moving to the nearby well-stocked bar to pour himself a drink.

Enzo watched him with amusement, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Are you allowed to drink at eighteen?" he murmured. "I thought it was twenty-one."

"Sue me," Sylver grumbled, flopping onto one of the plush couches. "What number am I?"

"You're my first," Enzo replied, settling into the couch opposite Sylver, his expression softening.

"Is there any reason you're sitting that far from me?" Sylver asked with a teasing glint in his eyes. "I don't bite."

Enzo laughed. "Yes, you do. Have any idea what your bite can do to me?"

"I do." Sylver took a sip from his glass.

"That's the only thing stopping me right now," Enzo whispered, his voice low and husky, his gaze intense and filled with a simmering lust as he locked eyes with Sylver. "I want to kiss you so bad," he confessed, the desire in his words hanging heavy in the air between them.

Enzo groaned when he realized what he'd said. So far, he was proud of himself—not only had he resisted drinking from his mate, but he'd also managed not to jump the young man's bones since Sylver stepped off the elevator. Ever since he first laid eyes on Sylver in Venice, the need to possess and be possessed had been an overwhelming, consuming force. When the elevator doors opened to reveal the sexy boy moments earlier, he'd been gripped by a ferocious longing that had shaken him to the core. He needed Sylver's lips on his like it was an oxygen tank... like his life depended on it. And the pressure building inside of him was unbearable.

Sylver downed the contents of his glass in one swift motion. In a blink, he was standing before Enzo, his movements precise. He reached down for Enzo's hand and pulled him to his feet. A single finger gently lifted Enzo's chin, tilting his face upward. They stood so close that their lips were almost brushing. Enzo licked at his lips, which had suddenly gone dry.

"Sylver..." he whispered. It was just one word, but it was filled with so much need it blew Sylver's mind. But there was also a hint of wariness in there.

"Ready to take a leap of faith?" Sylver murmured as he sunk his fingers into Enzo's silky dark hair. "Because I am," he added, closing the distance between their lips. "I've been dying to do this since I saw you in Venice." He flicked his tongue against the corner of Enzo's lips, eliciting a delicious shudder from the vampire. "And I can't hold back any longer."

"Shit..." Enzo breathed just as Sylver captured his mouth in the most passionately explosive kiss.

Enzo's willpower completely vanished as the velvety smoothness of Sylver's lips slid against his, coaxing, teasing, demanding a reaction. And before Enzo knew what he was doing, he was kissing him back, his hand reaching up to grasp the back of Sylver's neck, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss. It was as if a dam had broken, and all the tension... all the desire that had been building between them since they laid eyes on each other in Italy, came rushing to the surface. It wasn't just a meeting of lips but a connection of souls. Their breaths mingled. Their spirits united. The kiss was so sweetly intoxicating that Enzo felt like he was drowning, yet he didn't want to come up for air. It was a hot, deep, wet mating of lips and tongue as both thoroughly devoured the other in the most erotically carnal way possible. The kiss was like nothing either man had ever experienced. And for that moment, the rest of the world fell away as they lost themselves in the sensation...

Enzo couldn't believe how good it felt to have Sylver's lips on his. He wondered who taught the boy how to kiss like that. But he lost his train of thought when Sylver suddenly groaned into the kiss, the vibration traveling down the vampire's throat straight to his cock. Enzo's got so stiff his cock strained against his zipper. And that hard-on was all the invitation Sylver needed to take the kiss up another level.

Sylver slowly pushed Enzo back until his back hit a wall. Then he tilted his head and began to suck softly on Enzo's tongue even as his hips pushed up against him, humping slowly, sensuously. The sensual assault had the vampire moaning uncontrollably into the kiss, wishing there was not too much fucking clothing between them. They were amazed at just how deeply in tune they were with each other. The intensity of their passion filled something in the vampire that he hated to admit had been empty. Hell, he was already so close to coming it scared the shit out of him. He tore his mouth away from Sylver's with a shaky gasp.

"Syl, stop." Enzo couldn't recognize his own voice. "I can't think." His body shook with pent-up hunger. And from his dropped fangs, the hunger was not only for sex. "Fuck!"

"You don't need to think," Sylver rasped, grinding against Enzo's rock-hard cock. "Need to feed?" he asked, gently resting his forehead against Enzo's as both tried to catch their breath.

Enzo groaned. "I'm okay."

"Never lie to me," Sylver growled. "When was the last time you fed?"

"I said I'm okay."

"That wasn't the question," Sylver murmured, pressing a kiss to Enzo's lips which were wet and swollen from their kiss.

"Not since that day in Venice. Three days ago," he responded.

"And why haven't you fed?" Sylver asked, his voice laced with concern and a touch of disapproval. "I only forbade you from taking it directly from the vein." He kissed Enzo again.

God, Sylver made him feel like a precious kid who needed to be taken care of, Enzo couldn't help but think. The boy exuded pure alpha male energy. "I will feed."

"Yes, you will," Sylver murmured, sucking on Enzo's lower lip. "On me," he said when he released his lip. "Now."

"No, Sylver," Enzo shook his head. "I need to speak to your parents before we..."

"You don't need anyone's approval or to justify yourself to anyone," Sylver growled, his voice thick with intensity. "I'm an adult now. And you're my mate. The spell breaking should be proof enough. What more do you want? A fucking wedding?"

"Sylver..." Enzo groaned, his voice a mix of frustration and desire as he watched the nail on Sylver's forefinger begin to elongate before his eyes.

"You can tell them I forced you if that will make you feel better. Now drink!"

Sylver nicked the side of his neck with his elongated fingernail and guided Enzo's mouth to the fresh cut, cradling the back of his head tenderly. There was no chance in hell Enzo could resist the mouthwatering scent of his mate's blood. And he didn't even bother to try. Pressing eagerly against Sylver's skin with a contented moan, the vampire began to drink. For Sylver, the rhythm of need pulsing through him demanded release, but his primary focus was on his mate.

Enzo was on cloud nine. Never had he tasted anything more electrifyingly delicious in his life. When he felt fingers pulling at the button on his jeans, pure hot desire washed through him. When those same fingers tugged down the zipper to release his straining erection, he moaned. But when Sylver began to stoke that leaking cock, he thought he was going to pass out from the sheer pleasure of it all.

Enzo couldn't control the moans that tore out of his throat as he drank and fucked into Sylver's hand. Nothing had ever felt that good in his entire existence. Nothing! His head and entire body were swimming in delirious pleasure. The pressure built and built, brewing like a storm. And when he felt that familiar sensation slithering along his spine, he began to fuck Sylver's hand furiously, the impending orgasm clouding his vision. That rapturous feeling, coupled with the sweet taste of his mate got his whole fucking world spinning.

Sensations pounded through Enzo's blood, his body, his soul, and exploded through his cock like a burst pipe. When his seed began to shoot out, Enzo convulsed against his mate in euphoric pleasure as he lost himself in release. His mouth fell away from Sylver's neck and opened in a soundless scream as his eyes rolled into his head. He came like he'd never before, his juices spilling over Sylver's fingers. When he eventually stopped coming, Enzo leaned back against the wall, panting harshly as he stared at Sylver with unfocused eyes glistening with sensuality and awe. He was still floating, trying to come down from an unthinkable high. Sylver gazed back at him with amber eyes, his wolf so close he could feel the growls building in him. The beast wanted to claim his mate.

"So fucking hot," Sylver muttered, his drunk-like gaze locked on his mate's dazed ones. He brought his fingers up and licked Enzo's essence off them, eliciting a moan from the vampire. "Mmm..." He moaned, his eyes darkening on a sigh of ecstasy. "I have never tasted anything so good." His rough whisper sounded tortured as he buried his face in Enzo's neck, growling softly.

Enzo shuddered deliciously when he felt Sylver's mouth on his neck. He sensed what was coming, but he didn't think they were quite there yet. He could feel the low, rumbling growl of the beast vibrating in his mate's throat. Surprisingly, the lethal danger of Sylver's bite seemed to slip Enzo's mind entirely in that moment. His primary concern was to adhere to the required protocols, a practice vampires were famously strict about. He also knew that he needed to speak with Jeremy and Ryan before making anything permanent with their son. It was the respectful thing to do.

"Don't," Enzo whispered softly. "We need to do the right thing first."

"My parents are already aware," Sylver breathed, his wet tongue flicking against that sensitive spot on Enzo's neck. "My fathers know you."

"But mine doesn't know you," Enzo replied, moaning softly at the feel of Sylver's tongue on his skin. "The respectful thing would be to introduce you to my father before anything changes. It wouldn't be right to go before him with a different scent."

"I understand," Sylver sighed, a hint of regret in his tone.

"Thank you," Enzo murmured, looking pointedly at the bulge in Sylver's pants. "Want me to take care of that?"

"Do you even know what to do?" Sylver murmured with a hint of amusement, his gaze fixed on Enzo's mouth.

The vampire chuckled. "I've known for the past eighteen years that my soulmate is a dude. Of course, I know what to do."

"That's nice to know," Sylver replied, leaning in to press a brief but tender kiss against Enzo's mouth before stepping back. "But, no, I'm good," he said softly as he returned to his seat, his gaze never leaving Enzo's.

Enzo blinked in surprise at Sylver's response. Not only was he a hot-blooded teen, but he was also a werewolf, for fuck's sake. He was supposed to have a really high sex drive. Sylver turning down his offer, therefore, caught him completely off guard.

"Are you sure?" Enzo asked, his brow furrowing as he zipped himself up. "It might help calm your beast, you know?" He flopped onto the couch beside Sylver.

"If I start, a mere handjob wouldn't be enough for me," Sylver replied matter-of-factly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he shifted, positioning his back against the armrest to face Enzo fully. His smile turned into a full-blown grin when he saw the vampire blush. "He blushes," he murmured teasingly. "So... tell me about Enzo Jilani?"

***

"Jeremy, come on!" Ryan groaned. "He will be fine."

"He should at least let us know he's okay, baby," Jeremy muttered. "It's past midnight. Let me make just one quick call to..."

"No!" Ryan cut him off. "He's not a kid. And we trust Enzo. Syl is okay."

Jeremy sighed. "Alright. But if..."

"If nothing," Ryan muttered, rolling over to lie on top of his mate. The smile that spread across his lips was a blend of teasing and sympathy. "Who would have thought?" he whispered. "Jeremy Stanton actually worried about his badass son. Still don't trust the vamps, huh?"

"You know there's unrest in their world, and Enzo is smack in the middle of it, baby."

"Well, good for Enzo," Ryan chuckled. "Looks like the spell broke at the right time. Syl will help him."

"I don't want him meddling in their affairs."

"Well, once his mate is involved, Syl is involved by extension," Ryan pointed out. "He'll give his mate all the support he needs. And your son is the best person to have in your corner." Ryan gently rubbed Jeremy's forehead, smoothing the frown lines. "You worry too much." He leaned in to kiss his mate. "A waste of your energy, if you ask me."

"Think he's going to mark him?"

"I think it depends on what Enzo wants. Syl will do it only when his mate is ready. You know your son is a gentleman and is always in tune with the people he cares about."

"Think he cares about him already?" Jeremy raised a brow in surprise.

"Did you see his face when he was talking about seeing him three days ago?" Ryan chuckled. "I think your son is already whipped just by his mate's looks. He told me that the moment he first laid eyes on Enzo, the instant connection that surged through him was like electricity."

"What else is new?" Jeremy snorted.

"I think this was more intense because of who Syl is and the fact that Enzo already adores him. It was understandably an explosive first encounter. What can I say... he's not like his father."

"Ouch," Jeremy muttered.

Ryne laughed softly and kissed Jeremy again. "The most important thing is that we have worked on his bite. We can relax."

"Yeah, can't have him killing his mate just by trying to mark him," Jeremy chuckled, nuzzling the side of Ryan's neck.

A spell had been cast to ensure that Sylver's bite would pose no harm whatsoever to his mate. Knowing that his mate was safe from his bite lifted a weight off not only Sylver but his family.

"Promise me that no matter what, the twins will stay unmated until at least thirty," Jeremy murmured with a scowl.

Ryan burst into laughter. "Oh, my god, you're so adorable when you fret. You need to relax, baby," he chuckled, pressing kisses along Jeremy's jaw. "There are other things more..." Their clothes vanished, leaving nothing between them but desire and heated gazes. "...productive and pleasurable."

"Trying to distract me?" Jeremy murmured, feeling his freed cock jerk to attention against his beautiful mate.

"Is it working?" Ryan laughed softly as he leaned in to give Jeremy a slow, lazy kiss, his tongue sliding across those sweet lips.

Without waiting for a response, Ryan started moving down Jeremy's body, licking and biting as he went, heading for one of his favourite things on Jeremy's body. He didn't pussyfoot around; he just went right for what he wanted and wrapped his lips around the head, tongue flicking back and forth across the tip.

"Ahh, baby," Jeremy moaned, his hand moving down to Ryan's head. "It's never not worked. Fuck!"

'Hmm... I've changed my mind,' Ryan murmured over their mind-link as his mouth was otherwise occupied. 'But first things first,' he breathed, his smoldering gaze fixed on his aroused mate. 'After, we call our son.'

Jeremy couldn't hold back a chuckle at his mate's words. "That's what I'm talking about," he murmured, his voice thick with desire but also full of warmth.

For the next hour and a half, they gave themselves entirely to each other, lost in a whirlwind of passion and unbridled desire. Their connection ignited an intensity that consumed them completely. The alpha of all alphas and his mate certainly weren't thinking about their children... or anyone else in that moment.

***

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