“Silas Shadowborne’s son?!” Zander’s eyes narrowed into piercing slits as he appraised Jasper. “And you expect us to believe you when your name has never crossed my ears?”
Jasper’s voice was tinged with bitterness as he explained, “Damon manipulated our father, forcing my mother and me into exile from the kingdom. I was prepared to return when I learned of Father’s death and Damon’s treachery, but my mother insisted it was Father’s dying wish for Damon to rule. When I heard of Uncle’s murder and Damon’s flight, I returned to confront whoever was plunging my land into chaos.” His gaze swept over us, a glint of disdain flickering in his eyes.
“We aren’t causing chaos; we liberated your land from the clutches of your half-brother Damon. Now, we’re striving to restore peace and unity after your king fled in defeat,” I interjected, sensing the tension escalating.
“We don’t need your interference, especially not from wolves who deceived and killed my father!” Jasper’s voice thundered, causing Zander to step forward protectively, positioning himself between the vampire prince and me.
“Stay the fuck away from my mate!” Zander’s voice echoed through the room, a low, dangerous growl rumbling from his chest. His eyes blazed with protective fury as he stood tall, his presence commanding and fierce.
I placed a steadying hand on Zander’s shoulder, feeling the tension radiating from him like a storm about to break.
“Listen, Jasper,” I urged, my voice firm yet calm, “we need to talk calmly. Anger won’t get us anywhere but into more trouble.”
Jasper’s gaze locked with mine for a long, tense moment before he finally released a sharp breath, his jaw tightening in reluctant agreement. “Fine.”
I gestured to Maddox to escort Jasper to the conference room, ensuring he was comfortable while Zander and I delved into the details to verify Jasper’s claims.
Althea and Blair had been safely escorted back to the Moonglow Pack by warriors, while Austin, left alone, seemed agitated. Blair’s presence was essential to soothe him until my return. Despite his grandmother’s presence, Austin’s crankiness was evident after several days of separation from me.
“Yes, Alpha. Everything he said was true. The late vampire king Silas had two wives, and the second wife had to flee with her son because of Damon’s cunning plots against them,” Ethan, Zander’s gamma, reported, his voice heavy with the gravity of his findings after investigating with the members of the royal vampire court.
I glanced at Zander and saw the wheels of his mind turning, deep in thought. I motioned for Ethan to leave us, giving us privacy. As the door closed behind Ethan, I stepped closer to my mate, watching his broad forehead furrow with stress.
“What’s going on in your head?” I asked eagerly, searching Zander’s face for clues.
Zander turned to face me completely. His eyes were sharp and contemplative as they landed on me.
“If he is Silas’ son and a victim of Damon and Silas’ cruel injustice, we can turn him to our favor,” he spoke with a strategic gleam in his eye.
“Yes, after all, the enemy’s enemy is a friend,” I muttered, nodding in agreement. “However, we also need someone who can take the throne of the Vampire Kingdom, and Jasper could be the suitable candidate,” I mused, the gears of our plan beginning to align.
“You’re right. I saw that fire to protect his people in his eyes. He can be a great ruler. And if he remains on good terms with the werewolves, we can sign the peace pact with them, provided we find him trustworthy enough not to meddle with the rules,” Zander agreed, his voice filled with conviction.
“Please, Alpha, let’s do it and settle everything here. I need to return home to my son,” I pleaded desperately, my heart aching with the need to be reunited with Austin.
“As you wish, my Luna,” Zander said, smiling warmly as he cupped my cheek in his large palm and leaned down to kiss me. I breathed in his intoxicating scent, the touch of his lips a soothing balm that revived my soul, my heart, and me completely.
When he broke the kiss, I was breathless and wanting more, the intensity of our connection leaving me yearning.
“Let’s do this and go back home. I can’t wait to be alone with you,” he murmured, looking deeply into my eyes as his fingers caressed the side of my face.
I nodded, grinning, and we went to find Jasper, our determination renewed.
Zander approached Jasper, who sat at the end of the conference table, his posture rigid and guarded. Zander’s expression was a blend of authority and resolve as he took a seat at the other end, the distance between them symbolic of the tension in the room.
“Jasper,” Zander began, his voice steady and clear, “we need to discuss the terms and conditions of our agreement. We will accept you as the new king and hand you over the throne. But as the new vampire king, your support is crucial in return. However, we will support you in every possible way and offer you a place on the Paranormal Council, which will grant advanced benefits to your land and your people.”
Jasper listened intently, his eyes narrowing as he considered Zander’s words. There was a palpable tension in the room, a silent battle of wills as the two leaders sized each other up. Zander continued, “We expect your full cooperation and loyalty. This is not just an alliance but a bond that will shape the future of our worlds.”
To our surprise, Jasper nodded slowly, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. “I agree to your terms, Alpha Zander,” he said calmly. “The prosperity and safety of my people come first, and this alliance will ensure that.”
A sense of relief washed over me as Zander extended his hand to Jasper. The two leaders clasped hands, a show of mutual respect and newfound unity. There was an undeniable match of energy between them, a shared determination that promised great things for both kingdoms.
Everything happened in a blur. We declared Jasper the new king, and his people, for the most part, accepted him wholeheartedly. A few seemed reluctant, their faces etched with uncertainty, but they had no choice but to accept him. Otherwise, my ruthless Alpha king would have thrown them in the dungeon and had Jasper tortured them to death.
The coronation was a grand affair, filled with solemn vows and resounding cheers. It was then that we met Barbara Shadowborne, the second wife of Silas and the mother of Jasper. Her presence was commanding, a royal vampire with an air of elegance and strength.
Everything went remarkably well, and Zander managed to arrange everything in such a short time. The way he worked flawlessly and seamlessly left me in awe of my alpha mate. He was perfect in every way, and I was the lucky one to have him as my fated mate.
Finally, Jasper and Zander signed the papers of mutual compromise, which Zander had prepared himself. The conditions were designed for the betterment of all shifters and the entire paranormal community. Jasper agreed to these terms, proving himself to be a good vampire, different from his evil half-brother and father.
With the kingdom and throne now handed to Jasper, we left the vampire kingdom with our warriors. The anticipation was intense; I couldn’t wait to be back in my pack again. It had been quite a long time, and my heart yearned for home and my son.