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Aiden

"I hate to break it to you, but we're not some supernatural creatures in a story," Aiden King grumbled, his footsteps echoing against the damp stone walls of the poorly lit tunnel.

As he and his pack proceeded, shadows swirled about them, exposing only the rough texture of the walls in the flickering light from their flashlights. The air was thick with tension, and he could feel his patience thinning as the others chatted animatedly about their most recent supernatural encounters.

"That's not what I meant," Anton replied, casually matching Aiden's stride, a half-smirk playing on his lips. "All I'm saying is we should be on the lookout for anything... weird."

"Yeah, because that's very reassuring," Aiden scoffed, rolling his eyes.

Merrick, Aiden's Beta, strode behind them, his voice low but firm. "If those vampires know what's good for them, they won't mess with us."

Aiden let out a long breath, exasperated, and shot a glance at his men. "Christ. Are you all finished now?" He raised an eyebrow, and after a moment, Merrick gave a subtle nod. "Good." He scanned the crypt ahead, its ancient stone hinting at secrets long buried. "We go in, do our thing, and then we're out. Got it?"

"Yes," the pack replied, their enthusiasm a stark contrast to the chill of the tight space.

Aiden stood still in the crypt-like waiting room, his eyes scanning the corners shrouded in cobwebs, while grotesque gargoyles perched atop weathered tapestries, their stony visages seemingly watching his every move. He huffed a frustrated sigh, his teeth just grazing his lower lip as he reflected on the dreariness surrounding him.

The vampires darted along the passageway, their laughter ringing like a lost symphony. Aiden remained an outsider in their realm, a charming anomaly but still a wolf among the creatures of the night. A flash of light illuminated silver crosses hanging like trophies, as a low voice murmured in a murky corner. He could feel the mischievous stares of the vampires, but beneath their angelic façades, he sensed the lurking hunger, an insatiable thirst, and a predatory instinct waiting to attack.

Two dark robed figures emerged from their small group, glaring at the pack. Their lips twisted in scorn, and tension built as they gathered in a circle. The vampires' stares burned like embers of a dying fire, filled with unspoken challenges and a hunger for a showdown.

"What if this is a trap to murder us?" Lowell squirmed, looking at the factions assembled in the shadowy corner, his face furrowed in question.

The mood became more tense as the flickering candles created eerie shadows on the walls.

"Remember," a low voice shattered the atmosphere, sending shivers throughout the space. Draven's words dripped with menace, his eyes boring into Lowell. "You wouldn't be standing here if our intentions were sinister."

Aiden felt a sense of unease as the vampires approached. His pack stood around him, their growls vibrating like distant thunder. The head vampire's quiet approach was a sinister ballet, his predatory stare repulsive.

Draven arched an eyebrow, the movement sharp and deliberate, as if he were assessing old friends. Like a fine wine, his ebony skin aged well without wrinkles or color change, remaining as magnificent as a midnight sky.

Aiden's gaze shifted to Draven's eyes, seeing the soft color that remained unaffected by the crimson tint of thirst. The lack of a bloodshot glow indicated his recent meal, perhaps a human, which pricked his nerves. His mind raced; subterranean vampires like these ones detested animal blood, which might launch a revolutionary war.

Though some vampires violated the Embassy regulations, they claimed to feed on consenting humans and never kill them. A rivalry was developing, but that was the Embassy's responsibility, not Aiden's.

"Do you have anything for me, or are you just toying with us?" Draven probed farther.

Aiden fished his phone from his pocket, his fingers tapping the screen with a nervous urgency. Shadows moved around him, the chill in the air thick with an unmistakable tension. He swiped through the list of antique buyers─a large curated selection that could make even the most jaded vampire, like Dracula, raise an eyebrow in interest.

Across from him, Draven's lips curled into a predatory smile as he focused on the glowing screen. The vampire's fingers darted with an inhuman speed on his own phone, a blur of motion that made Aiden's head spin.

His phone chimed, the crisp sound reverberating in the eerie stillness, signaling the completion of the money transfer. Aiden shared a knowing glance with Merrick, a wave of relief enveloping him as the significance of their agreement settled in.

Behind them, a bearded man hoisted a heavy metal container, his muscles straining as he pushed it aside.

When the pack moved forward, Draven wrinkled his nose. "Ugh," he muttered, a grimace twisting his lips. "It smells like a sewer exploded. Can't you wear deodorant?"

Lowell shot him a scornful glance, his eyes glinting with irritation, before darting ahead with a purposeful stride. Just then, Draven's vampire lackey zipped past them, a wild grin stretched across his face, as if he'd just discovered a sale on necks.

"Who let the dogs out?" Draven's lips drew back, displaying sharp fangs, and his eyes tightened into slits as he stared at the pack, a savage snarl in Lowell's throat. "Behave now, and I'll give you a doggy treat. You need one."

Lowell moved but came to a stop when Merrick's palm landed on his chest, suggesting that now was not the time for fighting, especially for someone as inexperienced as he was.

The vampire stood there, well-dressed, his smile oozing with charm, as if he had just walked off a soap opera set, while Aiden restrained a chuckle, knowing Draven was older than the ancient ruins.

Aiden tugged his button-up collar, a constriction against the intensity of the fight he craved. "Is there a way to expedite this deal?" he pressed.

Draven walked up to a weathered wooden box, each crack revealing a tale of usage and deterioration. With a swift motion, he lifted the top aside, revealing what lay beneath. The hinges released their grip with a soft creak, the wood sighing as they pulled free. The lid slammed on the floor, creating a faint echo throughout the room. The vampire peeled away the paper packaging and examined the contents.

"Here she is." Draven looked at the shimmering heart locket photo of a pale, older woman. "This antique likely belonged to a descendant, but no one claimed it. What a shame!"

Aiden held the tarnished necklace in his hand, the heavy chain feeling cold against his skin. The gem caught the dim light, revealing flecks of color hidden beneath layers of dust, while rust clung to the edges.

Draven slipped the exquisite necklace back into its box, the jewels reflecting the light as he closed the lid. His fingertips paused, lingering on the elaborate pattern, which served as a reminder of the connections that held their history together.

"Here's the updated list," he said, handing a sheet to Aiden, the paper crinkling. His brow furrowed, a flicker of concern shadowing his features. "Our elders will be in Denver this week," he continued, his voice low and urgent. "They don't know about our truce. We must prioritize their safety and well-being."

"Of course." Aiden's breath caught as he observed the vampires. He clinched his jaw, forcing a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes, as Draven's words played on his thoughts.

A greater number of vampire elders were making their way to the United States. His thoughts lingered on the faces of his campground, the laughter of children playing in the yard, the quiet moments shared over cups of coffee with the neighbors, and the peace within the land. The responsibility for his community's future weighed on his heart.

He breathed and said, "I'll find a buyer for the locket."

Draven laughed. "That's not what I need. I'd like to know if this woman's descendants are alive."

"Why? So you can transform them into one of you?" Aiden replied, eliciting a laugh from the other batch of vampires.

"Just be a good little dog and obey your master's commands," the head vampire growled, eyes narrowed.

A thick silence enveloped the room, making noise of any kind uncomfortable. Draven enjoyed playing these wicked games.

"First of all, you don't have me on a leash." Aiden's chest swelled with indignation, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated sending this jerk flying into the next state. "Secondly, I plan to fulfill my duties. The Embassy will instruct me on what to do. Not you."

His last remark disturbed Draven, but the vampire seemed to dismiss it. "Okay, King. Perhaps you could help me with something else."

"What's that?"

Draven replied, "You could give me the names on your list, and I will go see them to learn more about the necklace."

The vampire's words danced around the real story, hinting at secrets lurking beneath the surface. Draven wanted to stir the pot a bit more. Merrick grumbled, chilling the pack. Aiden knew he couldn't reveal any names from his list. The atmosphere was charged, and every moment felt like a ticking time-bomb.

Draven's intense red eyes darkened, a low chuckle escaping his lips. "What I'm asking is ruffling the fur of one of your pups." His laughter boomed, filling the room. "Your Beta could use a time-out. Perhaps a couple of naps."

The vampire pointed to the wooden box, and his finger hovered over it, a silent invitation to uncover its secrets. The group by the door raised it, and one by one, everyone stepped into a wide corridor.

Aiden's watch vibrated, producing a gentle resonance. Only seven minutes remained until dawn, signaling that it was time to go.

Draven's fingers danced over the small device in his hand as a grin spread across his face, his gaze lingering on the wolves. He pressed a button, and the large doors opened. "It's such a pleasure to join forces and create some magic!"

Aiden's brow furrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line. "Uh-huh."

He turned and marched on with his men close behind, the doors slamming shut as they left.

Sunlight flowed over the city like liquid gold, casting shimmering shadows on alleys and bustling streets. The gentle wind caressed the atmosphere like a peacekeeper. Contrary to popular belief, vampires found something shocking about sunlight.

As light swirled about the new vampires, the elders saw a thin line between safety and danger. Heat touched their skin, reminding them that even the strongest become weaker. When the sun's beams snapped their energies, vampires were much more exposed, yet they still defied daylight.

At night, though, everything changed.

The Embassy begged for patience, but the vampires persisted. Still, the wolves played hide-and-seek with them and killed those who preyed on humanity.

A new day dawned as the rising light illuminated the busy walkway. When Aiden turned the corner, a quick gust of wind sent shivers down his spine, but it was the unexpected encounter that took his breath away. He craned his neck to look into the brilliant green hues that shined like emeralds.

A jolt coursed through him, igniting sensations he had long thought extinguished─an electric spark that whispered of life, love, and an undeniable connection that felt like destiny itself.

The plaid skirt of the woman fell gracefully, each crease catching the light, while pearls adorned the waist, accentuating her white blouse. The enticing fragrance of cinnamon wrapped her neck, bringing comfort and warmth. He stared at her, mesmerized by her pretty face, trimmed nails, and rosy cheeks. The name tag on her right shoulder read "Delilah Fox."

Foxy, he thought to himself, giving her a nickname.

"Are you going to get off me, creep?" She let out a frustrated sigh, evidently displeased.

He took a deep breath and stared at her with wide eyes. The warmth of her body beneath him felt distant, as he processed the events that had just unfolded. The weight of the moment hit him like a stone, and the silence around them made his heart beat faster.

Aiden replied, "Pardon me. I apologize for bumping into you."

"Don't worry about it." She stood up and retrieved her briefcase, phone, and purse off the ground.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine. Just late for a job interview." She brushed her hair aside, glanced at the men around her, and then fixed her eyes on Aiden. "Thanks for your help."

"S-sure. Have a wonderful day," he stammered. As he watched the gorgeous ginger run across the busy street into a coffee shop, his heart pounded. Who is she?

Merrick cleared his throat, then asked, "Are we finished here, Romeo?"

Aiden nodded. "Um. Yeah."

"Looks like our Alpha met his equal," his friend said, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he crossed his arms.

As the pack walked toward the parking lot, the rustling of leaves in the breeze mixed with laughter. The group playfully jostled one another, their faces glowing with happiness, each step resonating with the rhythmic thump of sneakers against the pavement.

Lowell's brow wrinkled and his voice roared as they all climbed into Aiden's Hummer. "Why do we do business with vampires? They never respect us. If Draven Marquis had a personality transplant, we'd all get along."

Merrick turned in the front seat, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "The vampire's not half bad. Draven's kind of... cool," he insisted, a cheerful tone in his voice.

Lowell rolled his eyes, exasperation etched on his face. "Please, tell me you're joking," he shot back. "You have a crush on him!"

Aiden raised an eyebrow, glancing at Merrick, who was flailing with the seatbelt like an octopus caught in a net.

"So? It's not like Draven and I can be together," he commented, his voice heavy with the weight of unspoken longing. "I doubt he has romantic relationships with other men."

Lowell replied when he leaned closer, "He does. Cynthia and I ran into him while he was enjoying a candlelit dinner with one of his bloodsucking minions."

"Good to know. Thanks, buddy," Merrick said, giving Lowell a pat on the back of his neck.

A low growl resonated from the Omega, Lowell's brow furrowing as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Draven insulted us," he said, pouting. "You thinking of being with him?"

Merrick leaned back, an uncontrolled grin grew over his face and his eyes shone with optimism. "Like I said, the vampire's fascinating. Besides, have you seen him? Draven is a sight for sore eyes."

Lowell snorted and shook his head. "Only in your fantasies, bro."

"Hey! Can we return to the main topic now?" Anton's voice sliced through the chatter in the cramped backseat, his brow furrowed with frustration. "Why are we working with vampires instead of giving them a one-way ticket to the underworld?"

Aiden sighed, running his hand through his hair, feeling the conversation's weight. The engine came to life with a gentle purr, a calming sound that stood in stark contrast to the surrounding tension. "We conduct ourselves in a manner that serves the interests of all," he said, his grip firm on the steering wheel. "We have balance in the world, and that's what matters."

Merrick interjected, "The vampires are following Embassy directives. They avoid attracting attention and hide their supernatural abilities."

Lowell's face lit up in amusement. "I suppose that isn't too bad."

Merrick shrugged. "Not all vampires hide. Some of them perceive humans as mere food sources. The Embassy provides synthetic animal blood to prevent starvation, but it's not always enough."

Aiden's expression intensified as he entered morning rush hour. He moved through a sea of commuters, their features a blur of indifference. The piercing clang of a train horn rang in the distance, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

"Leaking our existence would cost us everything," he said, then trembled as he considered his responsibilities. "The vampires will target our community, and we'll be responsible for protecting those who can't defend themselves." His heart throbbed, fueled by a fierce determination to shield the innocent, even if it meant stepping into the darkness himself.

Lowell seemed surprised by that response. "As stated in the curse."

Aiden snorted. "Curses don't exist."

The young man's brow lifted. "Are we not cursed?"

Tightening his grasp on the wheel, Aiden's knuckles grew white. Every mention of curses triggered this reaction. "We're just trying to survive."

The car became quiet as air flowed through the open windows, drowning out the engine's fading sound. Aiden frowned, scanning the road for the words that eluded him. Each myth woven into his life instilled a sense of fear for unruly children, guiding them toward the way of virtue. Other myths and curses have not linked werewolves and vampires. He had no compelling reason to believe in any of them... until now.

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