The Lycan's Daughter (Alpha Maximus - BOOK 2) - part 2

Jazz Ford

CHAPTER 24

Trees, mountains, and rivers fly by us from the intense speed the vampires run. They are so fast that I cannot even fight, argue or speak for Lord Talon to put me down.

Finally, after an hour, they stop in an open field with low grass. There are some trees and mountains in the distance. I can hear water flowing nearby. I give the darkest glare to Lord Talon as he gently puts me down. He doesn't respond. I'm relieved our bodies are no longer in contact, stopping the sparks between us.

'We can't risk the girl seeing the entrance to our lair. So you're going to have to blindfold her. We also need to feed, Soren tells Lord Talon.

They all stare at me silently.

'Don't you dare even think about it! I refuse to be your meal!' I yell at them.

Soren and Nadia give Lord Talon a sympathetic look.

'It's fine, Lord Talon says to them. 'T'll find a deer. In the meantime, you two feed and watch the girl while I'm gone.'

'It's Lylah! Not girl!' I huff. Lord Talon smiles, but I scowl, making him frown.

'Lord Talon, now that you have your blood flame, drinking from wildlife won't be enough to...,

'I know!' Lord Talon growls, cutting Soren off. 'But what other choice do I have? I'm not going to force her,' he says with sadness and storms off towards the trees.

'Make sure you don't come back!' I shout behind him.

He flinches but keeps moving toward the woods.

Nadia races towards me in a blink. She lifts me by my throat and slams me against a tree. I'm struggling to breathe. 'You're a real piece of work, wolf! If you ever speak to our master like that again, I will rip your head off and feed you to the Blood Dwellers myself!' she growls.

My vision begins to darken from the lack of oxygen. I laugh. Soren and Nadia give each other a strange look.

'Do you think I care if you kill me? I don't think you realise how much I welcome death or how happy I would be to die and finally be at peace. Death is my best friend.

So, hurry up and get it over with, I say.

Nadia releases her grip, and I fall to the ground gasping for breath.

'She's bloody crazy, Nadia says, approaching Soren.

Soren's fangs extend longer. He strokes Nadia's cheek and yanks her into his chest before biting into her neck and drinking her blood. In return, Nadia bites into Soren's neck, and they drink from each other and let out the occasional moan. I feel sick to my stomach. They're so disgusting. Repulsed, I look away and realise it's the perfect chance to escape. I shuffle my tied wrists toward my feet. Bending my knees towards my stomach, Ilift my wrists over my feet, bringing my tied hands in front of me. I grab my old warped dagger from my boot and quietly sneak away. I have no idea where I am. Once I'm out of view of Soren and Nadia, I run as fast as possible. The sound of water becomes clearer. I skid as I force myself to a stop before I fall into the wide river.

It must be at least thirty metres wide. The water is flowing rapidly, and there are a few large boulders. It looks dangerous and deadly, but I need to get over to the other side to get away. I have no choice but to risk crossing it. The water is freezing, I use all my strength to wade through, but the rapids are incredibly strong. I imagine Micah on the other side of the river holding his hand out to take mine.

'Lylah!' I hear my name called out in a desperate tone.

'Micah, I say, pushing myself through the water towards him. His smile fades to concern as he looks to my right. I turn to see what it is. A log slams into the right side of my forehead. I'm pushed under the water by force. The rapids push and swirl me around. I gasp for breath every time my head bops above the water. I grab onto a boulder, but it's slippery and even harder to grip when your wrists are bound together.

'Lylah! Please! You don't understand your situation. You have to come back. You will die if you don't stay by my side, I hear Lord Talon yell in desperation.

Blood from where the log hit me trickles down and drips onto the boulder. I feel dizzy, and my fingers are slipping. Suddenly I see Lord Talon, Nadia, and Soren run to the river's edge. Their eyes have turned black. They close their eyes and breathe as if taking in the most alluring mouth-watering scent. Their fangs elongate, staring at me like they are about to devour me alive. I panic and lose my grip on the boulder. I notice Lord Talon blink a few times and shake his head out of his blood lust trance.

His eyes are dark blue again. His panic matches mine as he sees I'm being washed away by the rapids. He leaps with ease from one boulder to the next toward me. I'm pushed underwater but can't fight the rapids to swim back up for air. A hand swiftly plunges into the water and grabs my bound wrists. Tingles dance down my arms as I'm pulled out of the water and cradled close against Lord Talon's chest. I cling onto his shirt breathing heavily into his chest from almost drowning. He smells amazing, like mint and lavender. I hate that I like how he smells. He's a vampire, for wand's sake. He should smell like rotting flesh and sewerage.

Lord Talon continues to leap high into the air until he lands, crashing onto the ground by the river. He is sitting and holding me tight against his chest. I feel his hot breath against my neck. It makes my heart race and stomach flutter. I look up, and our eyes connect. Just like mine are flashing from light blue to dark blue, fighting these mixed feelings of hate and desire. His are flashing from dark blue to black, fighting his desire and blood lust for me. I realise Lord Talon has been feeling the sparks every time we touch. I don't understand. Micah is my mate, so why am I feeling the same sparks I felt with Micah? His handsomely structured face comes closer as we stare into each other's eyes. His eyes dart from the bleeding wound on my forehead to my lips.

Warm liquid runs down my cheek. I use my hands to wipe the blood away. I flinch as Lord Talon swiftly grabs my bound wrists and slides his tongue along the trail of blood as his other hand grips my thigh. His tongue and his touch send my insides soaring. I moan and quickly steel myself in the realisation of what is happening. No, no, no! Only Micah is allowed to make me feel this way. Only Micah is allowed to touch me this way. I yank my hand away from his grip and smack Lord Talon as hard as I can across his face.

His eyes change from black to dark blue. He stares at me in shock.

'Y-Your blood…'

he says, licking the remnants from his lips. 'In the two hundred and sixty-four years I've been alive, never have I tasted blood so powerful. Who... what are you?' he asks.

I'm furious at Lord Talon for tasting my blood. I'm furious I feel things that I have only ever felt with Micah. I'm furious he kidnapped me, and I'm furious he killed my mate. I place my hand on his abdomen his eyes go black with lust.

'I'm Lylah, and I'm your worst bloody nightmare!' I yell as I grab my dagger tucked into his waist. I slash it across his chest and jump out of his lap. He looks down at his shirt, which is beginning to soak with his blood and touches it. Then he looks at me with intense sadness. I refuse to let it affect me this time. I imagine Micah's last moments drowning out Lord Talon's pleading eyes.

'This is for everyone you killed! This is for Micah!' I yell, leaping into the air. I hold my dagger with both hands, ready to plunge it through Lord Talon's heart. I suddenly become frozen in the air before the dagger could pierce Lord Talon's chest. What in the wands! I look down at the ground. I can't move my arms or legs. Lord Talon stands and steps toward me. His hand makes a gesture, and I rise even higher from the ground until I am at eye level with him. Our faces are only inches apart.

'You cut me again! I just saved you from drowning, and you still see me as a threat?' he says in an angry but hurt tone.

'No, I see you as a murdering monster! Now, put me down so I can finish killing you;'

I say, glaring at him.

'Who's Micah?' he asks angrily.

'You should know. You are the one who killed Micah after all.'

I hear hissing sounds behind me. Soren and Nadia have finally crossed the river.

Their eyes remain black, and they run towards me with their fangs protruding, ready to devour me.

'Great, just great!' Lord Talon says, throwing his hands up in the air, 'You cut my arm.

I save your life. You cut me again, and now I have to save your life again, but this time from Nadia and Soren draining you of your blood because, for some strange reason, your blood tastes and wreaks of immense power. So which part of me are you going to try and cut off after I save you this time?' he asks, crossing his arms.

I smile and look down at his crotch. The look on his face when he sees me eyeing off his balls is priceless.

CHAPTER 25

Lord Talon raises his hand in the air and lowers me to the ground. As he takes my dagger from my hands, I try to grip it tighter, but his telekinesis stops me. I look at him, surprised, as he takes my dagger and cuts the rope from my wrists. I give him a confused look. The wind picks up and blows his long dark wavy hair across his face.

'Whether your wrists are bound or unbound. Either way, it will not stop you from trying to kill me or running away, but your wound, Lylah, he says and softly caresses his fingers beside it. His eyes suddenly turn black from blood lust, and his breathing intensifies, but he quickly regains control, stopping himself from tasting my blood again. I want to slap his fingers away, but I can't. Instead, the warm feeling from his touch makes my eyes close. 'You need your wolf to heal it, so Soren and Nadia stop blood lusting for you. They are blood flames and should only be craving each other's blood for feeds. They shouldn't be blood lusting after you like this, and if they are, then so will other vampires. I need you to know you aren't a prisoner, Lylah, but you have to stay by my side at all times if you want to live.'

I'm suddenly released from his power and now able to move. He turns his back to me as if protecting me and uses his power to hold Soren and Nadia away from me. They hiss like feral animals.

How am I supposed to heal when I don't have a wolf? Should I just run and escape while I can? But what if Lord Talon is telling the truth that vampires will hunt me for my blood? Why would I have to stay by his side in order to live? Is it to protect me from his kind, or is there something else I'm unaware of? My biggest question is why he would even want to protect me. Why does he want me to live? Why does he seem to care if I die?

Soren is fighting against Lord Talon's telekinesis and can move slowly against his power. I wonder how he is able to move even if it is slowly against the telekinesis when I couldn't even budge an inch.

Then I remember how Soren was able to make warriors from my pack fly high into the air with a single punch, which makes me realise Soren has super strength! They all have their own unique power.

Lord Talon turns his head to look at me, 'What are you waiting for? Shift! Isn't that how your kind heals quickly?' he yells.

I bite my lip and look at my feet. I don't know what to do. I turn around and look at the mountains contemplating whether to run. Then I turn back to face Lord Talon. He looks at the mountains and realises I'm considering to flee.

But then suddenly, Nadia screams, sending me onto my knees as I clutch my hands over my ears in pain. Lord Talon is still trying to hold them both away from me, but he is beginning to struggle.

'You can't run away, Lylah! You will die! You need to shift to heal so Soren and Nadia can control themselves, he yells.

Tears begin to form, 'I-I can't shift, I reply.

Lord Talon stares at me with confusion. 'What are you talking about?' he asks.

'T haven't got a wolf. I can't shift, and I'll never be able to shift. I-I'm human, I say and wipe the tear from my cheek.

'That can't be right. I could taste the power flowing through your blood. You aren't human,' he says.

Nadia stops screaming and resumes trying to wriggle free from Lord Talon's power.

T'm telling you I have no wolf. Therefore, I cannot shift. Therefore, I cannot immediately heal! So, you will have to find another way to stop these monste-' Lord Talon gives me a look to not dare finish the words. 'To stop Soren and Nadia,' I rephrase.

'Well, wands! You know how to make things worse, don't you?' he says.

'What in the wands is that supposed to mean?' I say angrily and storm right up to him. My hands are on my hips, and I stand in front of him, glaring into his eyes.

'You need to wash the blood from your hands and face in the river. It might help stop the blood lust. Just don't bloody fall in the water this time,' he growls.

Furious, I yell at him, 'No! You didn't answer my question. How on this earth did I make this situation worse? Huh! You're the one going around murdering everyone!

You're the ones who kidnapped me! But no, it's me who has made things worse for you! You're the one who destroyed my entire life!'

I grab my dagger from his waist, but this time I turn to stab Soren and Nadia.

'Wands!' he curses as he grabs my wrist and retrieves my dagger, releasing Soren and Nadia from his power. They lunge toward me, but Lord Talon pulls me into his chest, wraps his large cloak around me, and leaps high into the air over them. He lands safely on the ground holding me protectively but immediately runs.

'Why are you so stubborn? For moon's sake, Lylah, can you not go five minutes without trying to stab someone?' he growls, clutching me as tight as possible against his chest.

'Well, why are you doing this? Why do you keep saving me? Why don't you just let them kill me? I don't understand what you need me for, I argue back, clinging onto his shirt and leaning against his warm, muscular chest.

Lord Talon's breathing calms, and his voice softens, 'There is a good reason why I won't let anyone harm or kill you. In time you will know.

'Know what? What don't I know?' I ask, confused.

'Now is not the time for you to know. I'll already be sleeping with one eye open around you as it is. The last thing I need is to sleep with both eyes open,' he frowns.

"You say that as if I will be staying with you long term. I need to go home! My family will be looking for me, you know! They are strong and not like normal werewolves. My father is a Lycan and the Alpha, and my mother is a witch and werewolf! They will come for me, and they will kill you all! So, I suggest you put me down, let me finish killing you because you will be killed anyway at the hands of my parents. Then I can return home to be miserable and lonely like before all of this, but at least I'll have some kind of peace knowing you are dead!

Lord Talon slows down his pace and stares intently at me, 'You're a hybrid and the daughter of Alpha Maximus?' he says, surprised. 'Could it be witch's magic I could taste in your blood?'

'Sorry to burst your bubble Lord Talon but I already told you I'm human. Which means I can't shift nor can I cast magic!'

'Have you tried?' he asks.

'Are you kidding me? Have I tried?' I let out a manic laugh that disturbs Lord Talon enough to come to a stop and put me down.

He watches me as I take a few steps back. 'Aqua bedew! Inferno Flamo! Lifto Levitatous!' I say out loud and flick my hands towards him. But, of course, as expected, nothing happens. 'So, you can see, Lord Talon, if I were able to wield magic like my mother and her mother before her, I would have already cast you on fire and turned you into a pile of ash!' I shout.

He holds his elbow with one hand and holds his chin with the other hand, and stares at me in thought. 'A beautiful girl, born from a Lycan and hybrid wolf-witch that can't shift or wield magic. Yet, has blood full of immense power like nothing I've ever tasted before?'

He can't truly think I'm beautiful? I'm sure he would change his mind the moment he sees my scars. Not that he would ever be given a chance to see them. As he stares at me in thought, his demeanour changes. He now stares at me with sadness, but I don't want his pity.

I look away, upset, 'Yes, I get it. I'm a freak, okay!? No need to remind me, I say, turning to walk away before he can see the tears forming in my eyes.

In a flash, Lord Talon suddenly appears in front of me, bringing me to a halt.

'I don't think you're a freak, he says, surprising me, 'You mentioned you were miserable and lonely back home. Why?'

'You already know why. It's because of you I'm miserable and lonely! You will never be able to stop me from killing you. I'm unstoppable, I say, bravely taking a step closer to him, ignoring the rogue tear escaping my eye.

Lord Talon stares at me, confused as to how he has caused me so much pain and loneliness. He then takes a step closer, closing the gap between us and uses his thumb to wipe the escaped tear running down my cheek-his dark blue eyes boar sadly into mine. 'You might be unstoppable, Lylah, but you're not unbreakable, he says.

'How would you know?'

His eyes look even deeper into mine. My breath catches, and my heart deceives me and flutters in my chest.

'Because you're already broken, he says.

I burst into tears and fall to the ground onto my knees and cry. Lord Talon kneels in front of me and pulls me onto his lap. I know I should stop him, but I don't. He holds me tenderly in his arms until I can no longer cry.

CHAPTER 26

Lord Talon

The moment Soren, Nadia and I arrived at Blue Scale Rock. We could see the werewolves and Lycans were already there. My feet begin to move on their own, and the sweetest scent comes over me. Sweat begins to form across my forehead as I try to stop myself from walking any closer to the pack.

'Lord Talon, is everything okay? You don't look so good,' Soren says.

'T'm not sure. I feel strange, I tell Soren.

'Stay here, Lord Talon. We will conduct the meeting, and you can join us when you can,' Nadia says. I nod and gesture for them to go as I fight myself to keep still. What is wrong with me?

I listen to the meeting, but the scent comes closer and becomes more alluring. Against my will, I walk toward everyone. Beads of sweat drip from my forehead, and I suddenly realise what has happened. I've found my long-awaited blood flame. My fated mate that I've desperately waited over two hundred years for. I shake my head, 'No, it can't be, I say.

'Lord Talon?' Soren says, confused and worried

Then, I hear the sweetest voice that sounds like a bird singing as the sun rises, 'Lord Talon?' the she-wolf mumbles.

My head flinches up, and my eyes have turned crimson red from the Blood Flame bond and immediately connect with the most beautiful eyes that stare back into mine. Everyone else gasps in shock at my red eyes. At first, the beautiful she-wolf is briefly mesmerised as our eyes connect from the mate bond, but then she fights the bond, confused, and looks at me furiously.

'Wands! This cannot be happening right now of all the times, places and species!' Soren says, looking between me and the she-wolf.

'This is not good..' Nadia says worriedly.

My blood flame points her finger at me and glares, 'Liars!' she yells, 'His eyes are red. You did kill them. You killed them all!' she shouts, crying and withdrawing a glamorous dagger attached to her belt from a sheath.

Her eyes change from light blue to dark blue every second with mixed emotions. She closes her eyes for a few moments, and I step toward her to touch her and hold her. I can't believe my precious Blood Flame is an arm's length from my reach. Her eyes suddenly open, and she unexpectedly lunges angrily toward me and thrusts her dagger towards my chest. I'm devastated she is trying to stab me. This isn't how this is supposed to go.

I swiftly grab her arm to stop her from stabbing me but also to mark her, claiming and accepting the beauty of a wolf as mine. It makes the mate bond between us even stronger. Once you find your blood flame, the male's eyes will turn crimson red and remain that way until you have marked your Blood Flame.

She flinches at the sudden but quick burn she feels on her wrist, followed by the sensation of sparks where my hand grips her.

She gasps, and her breath catches momentarily as she becomes lost in my deep blue eyes. I stare at her in utter disbelief and shock as I still cannot believe I have found my beloved Blood Flame.

The pack warriors rush forward to attack us. Nadia screams, sending a wave of sonic energy toward them. The pack falls to the ground clutching their hands over their ears.

My blood flame falls to her knees. I release her arm, so she can cover her ears to block out Nadia's scream.

'I'm warning you all to cease fighting. We are not your enemy,' I tell them.

I notice my Blood Flame tug at the leather brace she wears to see my mark. She looks very confused and worried. I could see a glimpse of a scar near my mark, but she quickly pulls the leather brace back up and glares at me again.

'What in the wands is this? What does it mean? What did you do to me?' She shouts at me.

I stiffen and feel heartbroken that she doesn't know what has just happened between us. That she doesn't realise how special this moment of finding your Blood Flame is. I make a straight face, now showing no emotion at all.

The wolves and Lycans shift and attack the moment Nadia's scream stops. Soren punches a wolf in the stomach with so much strength that the wolf flies five metres into the air.

I hear a woman shout, 'Tumultuous Volley!'

A large cloud appears above us, and lightning begins to strike around us. We dodge the strikes, but then a glass vial is thrown towards us and smashes at the ground near their feet. Green smoke emits, making it hard to breathe. We cough and cover our mouths, stepping back.

A woman with gold chains through her hair grabs my blood flame's arm, and a look of terror appears on her face as she pulls at the bracer and stares at the symbol on my arm. She knows what it is and what it means and then looks at me with sadness.

My blood flame yanks her arm away from the woman and runs toward me with a look to kill. She swings her dagger, and due to me being briefly in shock, she is about to stab me again. She slashes me across my arm near my shoulder. I hold the deep cut and give her an emotional hurt look. Her eyes begin to flicker repeatedly, from light blue to dark blue. As if she is confused and fighting her thoughts.

Soren tosses the warriors into the air like ragdolls and punches a few more, sending them flying back. Nadia screams again, sending the wolves and Lycans onto their knees again, clutching their heads and ears. We take the opportunity to retreat. I hesitate as I don't want to leave my blood flame, but she keeps trying to kill me. I don't know why, as Blood Flames are soul mates and meant to love each other for eternity.

Leaving her behind would also be deadly to both of us as we would begin to burn up and eventually die if apart too long. It's not normal for Blood Flames to be apart.

As I turn to look back, we are a long distance ahead of the wolves due to our immense speed, but I can see my Blood Flame chasing after us in the distance. I smile that she is following, hoping she has realised we are Blood Flames and that she wants to be with me.

'We need to slow down, I say to Soren and Nadia. They look behind me and smile as well when they see the she-wolf following us.

'I can't believe you've found your Blood Flame, and she is a she-wolf!' Soren says as we come to a halt to wait for her.

'I'll kill you! You monster!' she shouts, lunging through the air toward me. She flinches as she sees my smile fade to one of sadness. Her eyes flicker in shades of blue, and she loses focus.

She falls to the ground as she fights the mate bond.

We stare at her silently.

'Monsters!' she says in a harsh tone. We flinch at her hurtful words. She lunges toward me, but I keep still with no intention of moving to see if she truly wants me dead or to kill me. I have been waiting a very long time for my Blood Flame, and if she doesn't want to be with me, if she truly hates me, then she may as well kill me because the moment our eyes met, I knew I could never live a day without her by my side. I knew at that moment she had stolen my heart, and I knew from that moment onward I would protect her and love and cherish her no matter the cost.

As her dagger is about to plunge through my heart. Soren suddenly grabs her from behind. Her dagger drops from her hand and lands in front of my feet. She desperately tries to grab it back and won't take her eyes off it. Desperation flashes through her eyes as I pick the dagger up and run my hand over it, admiring the craftsmanship.

'Don't you touch that! Give it back!' she snaps.

'Why? So, you can kill me?' I say, still looking over the dagger. She elbows Soren in the stomach, surprising him. He lets her go from the impact he wasn't expecting. She drops and rolls, swinging her leg around, knocking Soren over. Nadia is about to scream, but she knocks her down with a high kick. I watch her fist clench and fly towards Nadia's face. But Soren grabs her arm and pushes her onto her stomach. She kicks Soren's shin. 'Agh!

This one's feisty and a decent fighter. You'll need all the luck you can get with this one, Soren says to me.

'What in the wands is that supposed to mean?' Lylah yells, kicking him in the other shin.

'Alright, that's it!' he says, tying Lylah's wrists behind her back.

'Let me go!' she yells and tries to fight him off.

'Soren. What are you doing?' I ask him.

'I'm clearly wrapping your present up for you. Complete with a bow,' he replies, smiling, as he ties the last knot.

'You bastard!' she yells at Soren. 'I'm not an object you can tie up and give away!'

'Oh, really?' Soren smirks, stands her up and shoves her into my chest. Sparks tingle all over us as our bodies touch. I enjoy every second of it until she steps back, furious and falls over.

I tuck her dagger under my shirt into my belt and gently grab her arms to stand her up.

CHAPTER 27

'Give me my dagger back!' she yells and tries to pull away. I want her to feel the sparks. I want her to know I'm not a threat.

She has a sudden look of sadness, and I begin to feel guilty. All I want is to see her smile, to see her happy.

I look at Soren. 'We can't take her with us, I tell him.

'It's too late. You don't have a choice now. You know what will happen if you don't stay near each other, he replies.

'I know, but her pack won't allow it. They will want her back.

'If her pack want her to live. They will have no choice but to let us take her, Soren says.

He is right. The only way for her to live is to stay with me. If Lylah returns to her family without me, she will begin to burn up as if she has a fever, which will worsen until she burns to death. She is mine now, my love, and I won't let my Blood Flame have that fate even if it means her hating me.

'Of course, you monsters would rather murder me than give me back to my pack alive!' she yells.

Nadia walks right up to her face, 'You don't get what has happened, wolf! So, I suggest you keep your yappy little mouth shut for now as you'll be thanking us for it later!' Nadia tells her.

As angry as I am at Nadia for speaking to my Blood Flame like that, she is right. My Blood Flame still hasn't registered that we are fated mates or that she will die if she leaves me.

'Me? Thanking murderous monsters!' she laughs, 'I think not!' she says, glaring at Nadia.

'I knew this was going to be a bad idea. We need to keep moving. Let's go,' I say and gently pull Lylah's arm.

'No! I'm not going with you, she yells.

'You don't have a choice, I tell her.

'Then kill me!' she says.

I stop and turn to look at her. Her eyes are changing shades again. Then she suddenly glares, 'I'd rather die than go with you, and I will be sure to make your life hell if you take me with you.

I won't stop trying to kill you until you are dead!' she warns.

Enchanted by her eyes, I ignore her threat and caress her cheek, 'Your eyes. They change?' I say, gazing deeply into them.

'They're beautiful, I add.

Sparks explode between us as my palm brushes against her cheek. She breathes heavily and then steps back, glaring into my

eyes.

'I'm going to very much enjoy killing you,' she tells me.

I gaze deeper into her mesmerising eyes. Mine! I form a small smirk and swiftly lift her and cradle her in my arms against my chest. Thankful her wrists are bound behind her back so she can't claw my heart out from my chest. It feels amazing holding her in my arms. I've never felt such warmth, such love like this before, and she is all mine!

'We'll see,' I smile and with great speed, run into the distance with Soren and Nadia by my side.

We stop in an open field with low grass. I ignore the glare from my Blood Flame as I place her down.

'We can't risk the girl seeing the entrance to our lair. So, you're going to have to blindfold her. We also need to feed, Soren says.

We all stare at my Blood Flame, silently sharing the same thought, knowing she isn't going to let me feed freely from her.

'Don't you dare even think about it! I refuse to be your meal!' she yells at us.

Soren and Nadia give me a sympathetic look. They know that vampires can no longer sustain enough nourishment from drinking the blood of animals or others once they have found their Blood Flame. It will only give me little strength drinking any other blood now. I need to feed from her blood to keep up my full strength.

'It's fine,' I tell them. 'I'll find a deer. In the meantime, you two feed and watch the girl while I'm gone!

'It's Lylah! Not girl!' she huffs.

I smile, hearing her pretty name, but then she scowls at me, making me frown.

'Lord Talon, now that you have your blood flame, drinking from wildlife won't be enough to....'

'I know!' I growl, cutting Soren off. 'But what other choice do I have? I'm not going to force her, I say in a sad tone and storm off towards the trees.

'Make sure you don't come back!' Lylah shouts behind me. I flinch, hurt by her words, but I keep walking.

Lylah watches Nadia and Soren feed on each other while I quickly catch a deer and feed from its blood, but when I return, Lylah is nowhere to be found.

Frantic, I race around, looking for her. 'I told you to keep an eye on her!' I yell at Soren and Nadia.

They both cower.

'Lylah!' I call out, desperate to find her.

I pick up her sweetly scent toward the river. As we approach, we all become consumed with blood lust. Our eyes turn black, and our fangs elongate with a hunger for her blood. I see Lylah struggling to hold onto a boulder in the river. But my eyes won't budge from the blood dripping down her face. Her blood wreaks magnificently of immense power. I close my eyes and breath to focus and snap out of my blood lust. I then leap from boulder to boulder with ease and grab, Lylah's bound wrists as she sinks further under the water. I pull her into my arms and hold her tight as I leap across to the other side of the river. Sitting with her on my lap, my eyes turn black with blood lust again, and our eyes connect and flicker. I'm trying to control the urge to not bite her neck and feed from her, but also to not kiss her. Lylah looks at me with great confusion, and I notice she slowly takes in my facial features. My eyes dart from the bleeding wound on her forehead to her small plump lips.

Lylah then wipes the blood from her face with her hand. I lose all control, grab her wrists and devour the smeared blood with my tongue while my other hand grips her thigh seductively.

It's the sweetest, most delectable blood I have ever tasted. I feel my strength and power intensify just from licking the small amount of blood from her hands. Her back arches and she moans as I lick and suck her hands. The bulge between my legs begins to pulsate. I need her so badly. If she didn't hate me so much, I'd devour her body right now in many ways.

Suddenly, Lylah stiffens in realisation she has just allowed me to continue touching and tasting her and that she has been enjoying every moment of it, just as much as I have. She yanks her hand away from my grip and smacks me swiftly across my face.

I'm slapped out of my blood lust trance. I lick Lylah's blood from my lips and taste the power resonating through it. This isn't normal werewolf blood. I stare at Lylah in shock 'Y-Your blood. I tell her. 'In the two hundred and sixty-four years I've been alive, never have I tasted blood so powerful. Who.... what are you?' I ask her.

Lylah maintains eye contact while placing her hand on my abdomen, and my eyes go black with lust.

'I'm Lylah, and I'm your worst bloody nightmare!' she yells, grabs the dagger tucked into my waist, and slashes it across my chest, jumping out of my lap.

I look down at my shirt, soaking my blood and touch it. Then, feeling heartbroken, Lylah cut me again. I look at her with intense sadness. My eyes plead with her as to why she would do this to me, to her Blood Flame.

'This is for everyone you killed! This is for Micah!' she yells, leaping into the air. As the dagger is about to plunge through my chest, I hold my hand up, using my telekinesis to freeze her.

Lylah looks down at the ground. She can't move the rest of her body. I step toward her and make her rise even higher from the ground until she is at my eye level. Our faces are only inches apart.

'You cut me again! I just saved you from drowning, and you still see me as a threat?' I say, hurt and angry.

'No, I see you as a murdering monster! Now, put me down so I can finish killing you,' she glares.

'Who is Micah?' I ask, angry at her mentioning another man's name.

'You should know. You are the one who killed Micah after all!'

I don't understand why she thinks I go around killing everyone and why she thinks I killed this, Micah. I don't even kill the animals I feed on. I drink what I need and let them go.

CHAPTER 28

Soren and Nadia have finally crossed the river. Their eyes remain black, and they run towards Lylah with their fangs protruding, ready to devour her. They should only be blood-lusting for each other as they are Blood Flames, but Lylah's blood isn't like everyone else's. Her blood is special, and she is unlike anyone I have ever met.

I'm annoyed and hurt. Lylah keeps trying to kill me and fighting the bond, and now her blood is making other vampires blood lust after her, 'Great, just great!' I say, throwing my hands up in the air, 'You cut my arm. I save your life. You cut me again, and now I have to save your life again, but this time from Nadia and Soren draining you of your blood because, for some strange reason, your blood tastes and wreaks of immense power.

So which part of me will you try and cut off after I save you this time?' I ask sarcastically and cross my arms.

She smiles at me for the first time but looks down at my balls.

My body stiffens, and I pail. She wouldn't dare, would she?

I lower Lylah to the ground and retrieve the dagger from her hands, cutting the rope from her wrists. She looks at me, confused. The wind picks up and blows my long hair around.

'Whether your wrists are bound or unbound. Either way, it will not stop you from trying to kill me or running away, but your wound, Lylah, I say and softly caress my fingers beside it.

My eyes flick to black from blood lust, and my breathing intensifies. I want to taste her again, but I regain control, stopping myself. I watch as she closes her eyes as I caress her face. 'You need your wolf to heal it, so Soren and Nadia stop blood lusting for you. They are Blood Flames and should only be craving each other's blood for feeds. They shouldn't be blood lusting after you like this, and if they are, then so will other vampires. I need you to know you aren't a prisoner, Lylah, but you have to stay by my side at all times if you want to live, I tell her and release her from my power.

I turn to face Soren and Nadia and freeze them before they can reach her. They hiss like feral animals, desperate to drink her blood.

Soren is able to use his strength against my telekinesis to move slowly closer to Lylah. I look at Lylah as I wonder what is taking her so long to shift. 'What are you waiting for? Shift! Isn't that how your kind heals quickly?' I yell.

She bites her plump little lips and looks down, then looks over at the mountains with a look that tells me she is contemplating running away again.

But then suddenly, Nadia screams, sending her falling to her knees and clutching her hands over her ears in pain. Nadia uses her sonic scream against me as well. I'm beginning to struggle to hold them.

'You can't run away, Lylah! You will die! You need to shift to heal so Soren and Nadia can control themselves,', I yell.

'I-I can't shift, she sobs.

I stare at her with confusion. 'What are you talking about?' I ask.

'I haven't got a wolf. I can't shift, and I'll never be able to shift.

I-I'm human, she says, wiping a tear from her face.

'That can't be right. I could taste the power flowing through your blood. You aren't human, I tell her.

Nadia stops screaming and resumes trying to wriggle free from my control.

'I'm telling you I have no wolf. Therefore, I cannot shift.

Therefore, I cannot immediately heal! So, you will have to find another way to stop these monste- ' I glare at her, and she stops herself from referring to us vampires as monsters. 'To stop Soren and Nadia, she rephrases.

Of course, she has no wolf. Of course, the Blood Flame blessed to me hates me and wants me dead, and her blood is unique, sending other vampires into a blood craze.

'Well, wands! You know how to make things worse, don't you?' I tell her.

'What in the wands is that supposed to mean?' she says angrily and storms right up to me, glaring into my eyes.

"You need to wash the blood from your hands and face in the river. It might help stop the blood lust. Just don't bloody fall in the water this time, I growl.

'No! You didn't answer my question. How on this earth did I make this situation worse? Huh! You're the one going around murdering everyone! You're the ones who kidnapped me! But no, it's me who has made things worse for you! You're the one who destroyed my entire life!'

She grabs her dagger from my waist, but this time turns to stab Soren and Nadia.

'Wands!' I curse and grab her wrist and retrieve the dagger, releasing Soren and Nadia from my power. I pull Lylah swiftly into my chest, wrapping my cloak around her, and leap high into the air over them. I land safely on the ground holding Lylah protectively but immediately run.

'Why are you so stubborn? For moon's sake, Lylah, can you not go five minutes without trying to stab someone?' I growl, clutching her tighter.

'Well, why are you doing this? Why do you keep saving me?

Why don't you just let them kill me? I don't understand what you need me for, she argues back, then clings tighter onto my shirt and leans against my chest. It hurts but also feels good as she is against my wound.

I calm my breathing. I feel terrible for telling Lylah she made everything worse. When in fact, she has only made my world better by being my Blood Flame.

"There's a good reason why I won't let anyone harm or kill you.

In time you will know, I tell her.

'Know what? What don't I know?' she asks, confused.

'Now is not the time for you to know. I'll already be sleeping with one eye open around you as it is. The last thing I need is to sleep with both eyes open, I frown, thinking of how she will probably freak out and keep me on her kill list when she finds out we are mates.

"You say that as if I will be staying with you long term. I need to go home! My family will be looking for me, you know! They are strong and not like normal werewolves. My father is a Lycan and the Alpha, and my mother is a witch and werewolf! They will come for me, and they will kill you all! So, I suggest you put me down, let me finish killing you because you will be killed anyway at the hands of my parents. Then I can return home to be miserable and lonely like before all of this, but at least I'll have some kind of peace knowing you are dead.

I slow down and stare intently at Lylah, 'You're a hybrid and the daughter of Alpha Maximus?' I say, surprised. 'Could it be witch's magic I could taste in your blood?' I wonder.

"Sorry to burst your bubble Lord Talon but I already told you

I'm human. Which means I can't shift nor can I cast magic!'

'Have you tried?' I ask.

'Are you kidding me? Have I tried?' she lets out a disturbing manic laugh. I put Lylah down and watch as she takes a few steps back. 'Aqua bedew! Inferno Flamo! Lifto Levitatous!' she says out loud, flicking her hands at me.

Did she seriously just try and cast spells on me?

'So, you can see, Lord Talon, if I were able to wield magic like my mother and her mother before her, I would have already cast you on fire and turned you into a pile of ash!' she shouts.

Thinking, I stare at her in thought. 'A beautiful girl, born from a Lycan and hybrid wolf-witch that can't shift or wield magic.

Yet, has blood full of immense power like nothing I've ever tasted before?'

As I stare at her in thought, I begin to sympathise with her, that she seems unable to use any abilities.

She looks away, upset, 'Yes, I get it. I'm a freak, okay!? No need to remind me, she says, turning to walk away to hide her tears.

I appear in front of her in a flash, bringing her to a halt.

'I don't think you're a freak, I tell her. Lylah flinches as if surprised by my words, 'You mentioned you were miserable and lonely back home. Why?' I ask her.

'You already know why. It's because of you I'm miserable and lonely! You will never be able to stop me from killing you. I'm unstoppable.' She says, bravely taking a step closer to me. The tear she tries to hold back escapes.

I stare at her, confused. I don't understand how I have caused her so much pain and how she could be lonely in her pack surrounded by family. I take a step closer, closing the gap between us. I wipe her rogue tear from her cheek with my thumb. Her eyes close from my warm, gentle touch. When she opens her eyes, she finds me staring sadly into them. 'You might be unstoppable, Lylah, but you're not unbreakable, I tell her.

'How would you know?' she asks.

I stare deeper into Lylah's eyes; her breath catches, and I can hear her heart race. There is such sadness in her eyes. My heart begins to ache, knowing my precious Blood Flame is suffering immensely. To think that my precious Blood Flame is enduring such terrible pain causes me great anguish. 'Because you're already broken,' I say to her.

Lylah bursts into tears and falls to her knees, and cries. I'm not sure what to do. We are Blood Flames, destined mates, yet, she hates me and even wants to kill me. I know she can feel the sparks when we touch. I know she is fighting the pull between us, but why? She is meant to want me. Why does she seem confused as to why she can feel a mate bond between us? Does she not know how Blood Flames work? Does she not realise we are fated mates? I want to kiss her small, plump lips and tell her everything will be okay. But instead, I kneel in front of her and pull my beautiful Blood Flame onto my lap. Surprisingly, she doesn't even try to push me away or fight me. Instead, she lets me hold her and continues to cry.

CHAPTER 29

Exhausted from crying and recent events, Lylah sleeps soundly in my arms. I carry her toward my lair but stop by one of the lakes along the way. Sitting by the water's edge, I hold her tight, savouring the moment as I know she will continue being stubborn and keep fighting against the bond. I stroke her hair from her face and caress her cheek, taking in all of her features.

Her platinum white hair, high cheekbones, small but plump lips, her soft skin. The Gods have blessed me with the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Even though she is stubborn and argumentative, I've never felt so happy. She is perfect, and my feelings toward her are already strong. I pray to the Gods she will fall in love with me regardless of the bond.

Scooping water from the lake in my hand, I gently wash all the blood from her face. Thankfully the wound on her head has stopped bleeding. Hopefully, now having no blood on her, Nadia and Soren will return to their senses, and she won't cause my coven of vampires into a blood lust craze when we arrive.

Now that I have freshened Lylah up, I resume my journey to my lair. I approach the well-hidden entrance to the labyrinth of tunnels with a smile, knowing I'm about to bring my Blood Flame home. My coven of vampires will be thrilled to have their lady of the coven to now serve. The entrance is at a very old and long-forgotten medieval cemetery. Using my telekinesis, I make a large flat rectangle of stone that looks like the top of a grave slide across the ground. It reveals stairs of stone leading underground. I enter, walk down, and then, using my mind, slide the stone slate again to close it. There are fire torches and candles lit throughout the tunnels. It takes an hour of walking through a multitude of passages that twist and turn. If you didn't know your way around, you would never find your way out. Lylah begins to stir awake and stares at me angrily as she realises I have been carrying her while she slept.

'Put. Me. Down. Lylah says in anger.

I halt my steps and let her go. I watch her as she takes a few steps back and turns around a few times, looking at all the different tunnels.

'W-where are we?' she asks worriedly.

'We are going home to the underground, I tell her.

'I already told you I need to go back home! My family will be looking for me. They will come for me,' she says.

I take a deep breath and try to speak in the gentlest tone possible.

'I'm sorry, Lylah. They're not coming, and even if they did, they would never be able to find the underground?

'What do you mean they aren't coming?

I step towards her, but she steps back. I sigh and walk around and then past her, 'I will explain it later when we get back home to our lair, and once you have settled in, I will explain what I can to you, I tell her.

She runs up behind me, and I hear her heartbeat pound erratically, 'Our Lair? The lair you are going to is your home, not mine. I will not be staying, and I definitely won't be settling here anytime soon. I'm going home, and you can't stop me!' she says and turns around to walk in the way we came.

I slowly follow behind Lylah and watch her become confused and lost from taking a few wrong turns. It seems to have made her even angrier. She turns to face me and tries to shove me, but I don't budge. She growls and stomps her feet as I continue to gaze at her calmly. Her glare deepens, and the little hellion pulls a dagger out from either boot and begins trying to slash me open again.

I continue to dodge her moves as she swings her arms rapidly towards me. I can hear her daggers whipping through the air with each strike. She is incredibly quick with her moves. I lean backwards as she attempts to strike across my throat but misses. 'How many daggers do you have?' I ask.

'Wouldn't you like to know!'

'Yes, I would, hence why I asked?

Lylah smirks, 'I have enough to kill you'

'I bet you do, I say, grabbing her ankle as she attempts a high kick into my chest. She spins around, making me let go of her foot and throws a dagger at me. I tilt my head as it flies past.

She only just missed me! I'm in shock Lylah almost got me.

I'm feeling proud this feisty little spitfire is all mine. Beautiful, feisty, and well-skilled. Her fighting me is starting to turn me on. Whoever taught her to fight taught her well, most of my coven wouldn't stand a chance against her as they don't have unique abilities. All vampires are blessed with great speed, but for some, they are blessed with another power. It's usually the higher ranked that are blessed with it. Nadia has her sonic scream, Soren has super strength, I can move objects with my mind, and my dear friend Cedric can open portals.

'You missed,' I tell her.

'Clearly, but not this time!'

As Lylah runs toward me with determination. I grab her wrist, then the dagger and flip her around, so her back is against my chest. I take the dagger and push myself against her until she is pressed against the wall. Lylah gasps and her heartbeat fastens as I hold her hands above her head and slide my other hand slowly down her body. 'Let me go!' she says, half moaning from my touch.

'Are you sure you want me to let you go? You seem to be enjoying this, I say, my breath hot against her neck, triggering more sparks and sensations between us.

'You bastard!' she says, her breath hitching as my nose glides across her neck. My fangs protrude on their own. I realise the bond is drawing me to sink my teeth into her nape and taste her properly.

I find five old daggers and withdraw them from her whilst running my hands over her body, checking every pocket, belt, and any other area one would conceal a knife.

I can't help myself. I playfully nip but don't bite Lylah's neck.

Her back arches and she leans back against me as if she is no longer trying to fight the desire between us.

'All done, I say, casually stepping back and walking away while inspecting all the daggers.

'All done?' she says, annoyed and follows abruptly behind.

'Yes, I seem to have collected all your weapons. Now we can proceed to our lair, I smile. 'These daggers are old and rusty.

If they weren't slightly bent, affecting your aim. You probably could have killed me, I tell her.

'Killing you was the whole point!' she says through gritted teeth.

'Oh, well. Better luck next time.'

She lets out a scream in frustration that echoes through the labyrinth.

'Feel better?' I ask.

'No! I will feel better when you are dead and when I'm out of this place!'

I show no emotion and keep a blank face. 'Fair enough,' I tell her and turn around, continuing forward. 'This way,' I say.

But she ignores me and continues to go the wrong way. I touch my chest and arm as it's still hurting since she cut me. It's strange because they should have healed well and truly by now, but they haven't healed at all. I'll have to have a good look back at the lair.

With a blink of speed, I appear in front of Lylah and lift her over my shoulder.

'Put me down!'

'Our home is this way, not that way. That way leads to a pit of venomous snakes, but if you prefer to find out for sure, go ahead,' I say, putting her back down.

'This isn't my home,' she says, then she looks at the tunnel she was pursuing and now seems nervous and unsure to go down there.

'This, here with me, is your home now, whether you like it or not, Lylah. When we are in a better situation, I will then take you home to visit your family. But in the meantime, you will adjust and instantly fall in love with the beauty of the underground just as you will one day, hopefully, if the Gods answer my prayers, fall in love with..' If I tell her 'me', she will fight and push me away even more.

Lylah gives me a puzzling stare.

'With the coven. Everyone in our coven,'

Lylah's shoulders drop, 'There are even more than you three in your coven?'

I smile assuringly and nod.

'Wands!' she curses, crossing her arms.

CHAPTER 30

Leaving the labyrinth of tunnels, we now enter a section with great stone pillars. They are all carved with all kinds of symbols and glyphs. The steps become softer as we now walk over sand.

Lylah is intrigued by the carvings. She stops, stares at some of them, and runs her fingers over others as if trying to figure out what they mean.

We are about to enter my favourite part of the underground.

I'm excited to show her our home, but she looks sad and miserable. I can see she is forcing herself not to cry. She keeps looking over her shoulder and becomes even more depressed every time she looks back. My heart begins to ache as I realise she misses her family and home. Her shoulders slump, and she won't look at me, keeping her eyes on her feet.

As we are about to step into the final part. I give Lylah a small smile, but she looks away, making me frown.

'Welcome to the Underground, our home, I tell her as we step into the vast underground cave.

I watch as her mouth drops open, and she looks around in utter shock and surprise. The sound of water flowing and splashing echoes throughout the cave.

A massive lake glistens before us. Waterfalls on opposite sides of the lake are gushing out water from holes in the cave wall.

The water in the lake is so clear you can see fish, the odd stingrays and even turtles swimming around. There is a big island on the left full of trees and flowers and some rabbits chewing on the grass. Green vines grow throughout the walls of the cave. Small tunnels of light seeping through the walls shine against beautiful large precious crystals reflecting the light.

There are old bridges made from wood and rope to crosse the water to go to the island or waterfalls. The one across the centre leads to the largest island where my lair, my castle, is. I continue to watch Lylah's reaction.

'What do you think?' I ask her.

T've never seen anything like this before. It's like I have fallen into an enchanted world.'

She steps to the water's edge and points, 'Is that a turtle?' she asks, surprised.

I smile and nod.

'Those bridges don't look very safe,' she says.

'There safe enough, I assure her.

She holds onto the rope rail with each hand and steps onto the first plank. She begins to wobble as the bridge sways, and she panics. Standing behind her, I grab her waist to steady her.

'Don't touch me, she says and angrily turning, she slaps my hand away, steps back, loses her balance and falls into the water.

Lucky for her the bridge is only a foot above the water. 'That was your fault!' she yells when her head pops up out of the water. She clings onto a wood plank on the bridge and pulls herself up.

'I was just trying to help, so this wouldn't happen, I say to her.

She glares at me as she wipes the water from her face. 'You're the reason I'm here! I don't ever want your help, I try not to flinch and glare back at her angrily. 'Fine, you don't want my help. Then you can get across the bridge yourself!' I say to her.

She looks over her shoulder and frowns at the long bridge.

She then looks back my way but at the exit behind me. I step forward, blocking the start of the bridge so she can't get past me.

'Don't even think about it, I warn her. My eyes flash with darkness, and my heart hardens to stone at the thought of her ever trying to leave me.

Lylah stares at me as if she wants to stab me. Unsurprisingly, she reaches into her boot, then pats around her belt to reach for a dagger but then remembers I removed them all.

What would normally take ten minutes to cross, takes Lylah two hours to cross as she slowly crawls and grips each plank one at a time and very carefully at a snail's pace.

Each time she moves onto the next plank, I roll my eyes or sigh and casually take a step forward. I could easily scoop her up and sprint across the bridge within seconds. But we are angry at each other, which will only escalate her anger toward me.

As we reach the bridge's end, Soren and Nadia enter the underground.

'I see she hasn't managed to kill you yet?' Soren jokes.

'Not yet anyway,' I reply as they approach behind me.

'Oh, I will. Don't you worry about that, Lylah says, jumping from the last plank onto the large island. She rolls and lays flat on her back, relieved to have made it across.

We stand and stare down at her.

'What happened back there anyway?' Nadia asks. 'We have never craved to drink anyone else's blood before except for each other's as we are blood flames. I don't understand why we became so feral with blood lust for your Blood Flam-;

I narrow my eyes at Nadia. I don't think telling Lylah she is my Blood Flame is wise and that it's the same thing as werewolves finding their mates. She is dealing with a lot as it is. She isn't ready to know yet.

'I mean for Lylah's blood, she rephrases, taking the hint.

'Lylah's blood is very powerful, which I assume is why all vampires will be unable to resist it. Drinking her blood will strengthen any vampire from the power flowing through her and greatly enhance our powers. The small taste I had from her hands made me feel stronger than ever, and the taste was incredibly delectable, the purest, most powerful blood I've ever tasted.'

Soren laughs, 'Lylah, actually allowed you to taste her blood?' Lylah sits up, 'I never allowed the jerk to taste my blood. He decided to rudely help himself to the remnants on my hands after wiping the blood from my wound?

Soren laughs even louder and elbows me, 'You sly fox. Even you became feral with blood lust and couldn't help yourself'

'Well, of course, I couldn't help myself! I am her Blood Fl-' I close my mouth abruptly before spilling the beans to Lylah.

'It doesn't matter now anyway. What matters is making sure, Lylah, under no circumstances, ends up with any injuries, not even a scratch. The smallest drop of blood could send the coven into a blood lust frenzy, and it would kill her if they managed to get to her'

Lylah stares at me fearfully and gulps. 'I shouldn't be here, she says, standing up. I'm going home!' she storms past us, but I scoop my arm around her waist and pull her into my chest.

'Let me go, she says, trying to loosen my grip.

I turn her around to face me and place my hands firmly on her shoulders. 'Look at me, Lylah, I say.

She stops fighting me and locks eyes with mine. Although she is quite fierce and strong, I can still see she has a soft and vulnerable side, which gives me hope that Lylah and I could work. That she could one day accept the bond and the feelings between us.

'I will not let anything happen to you. I will not let anyone harm you. You are safe here with me, and I will have Nadia as your personal maiden who will stay with you when I am not around or when you don't want me around, I assure her.

'What!' Nadia and Lylah shout.

'Lord Talon. You can't be serious that I'm to be her personal maiden? Surely there is another in our coven far more suitable than I?'

'Lord Talon, I'm going to have to agree with Nadia, Lylah says,

'I don't want her as my maiden, nor do I need a babysitter or anyone to look out for me. Just lead me out of the labyrinth, and we can be done with each other for good!'

I gently but firmly grab her chin and watch her eyes change to a light blue from my gaze and touch, 'For your own sake and safety, Lylah, you will stay here with me whether you like it or not.'

Her eyes narrow at mine, and her eyes change to the darkest shade of blue possible. She tries to shove me away and then turns and storms towards the bridge to leave.

I face Nadia, 'As the Lord of the coven; my word is final. You are to be Lylah's maiden and shadow her every move when I am not with her, and if I find out you have left her side for the briefest second or she has sustained the tiniest scratch. Then you will reap the consequences! Nadia forces a smile and nods, 'Yes, Master'

I blink, appearing in front of Lylah and try to take her hand.

The sound of the slap across my cheek echoes throughout the cave.

'You're a Liar! I'm your prisoner. I don't want to be here. Please, just please let me go,' she begs, falling to the ground.

'If it were that easy to let you go, then I would have already, I tell her truthfully.

Lylah looks up at me with a defeated look, 'I hate you,' she says.

My whole body flinches in pain and hurts at her words, and I don't even try to hide it from her. It would have been much less painful to let her stab me in the heart with her blunt, rusted dagger. I take a deep breath, gently take her arm, and grip tighter each time she tries to pull her arm away, 'So be it,' I reply and enter up the steps of our castle.

CHAPTER 31

As we enter the castle, I use my mind to lower the portcullis gate behind us. The heavy chains clink as it lowers, getting Lylah's attention. She looks over her shoulder.

Then, as she sees the portcullis close, she panics and races back towards it, but she is too late. It slams down shut. Her hands grip the metal, and she lowers her head. 'This isn't happening. It's just another bad dream—a nightmare. I'll awaken from it soon and find myself in my chambers in my packhouse, and then I can look back at all this and laugh. either that or cry, she tells herself, nodding her head assuredly.

'Lylah, I say gently. She turns to look at me, and we somberly stare into each other's eyes. Her eyes have not even the tiniest bit of joy or happiness. Her soul is completely lost and broken, but now I have added to the damage already done, making her completely miserable. 'I'm sorry,' I tell her, feeling terrible for her.

If only I could tell her that leaving me would kill her. That we have to stay together in order to live, but she doesn't even know we are Blood Flames yet. It's all too much for her to handle right now. Once the time is right, I will tell her everything. Lylah looks away, no longer wanting to look at me. No matter what it takes. I vowel to myself that I will one day heal her broken soul.

As we enter the castle, we walk up a corridor and towards a set of stairs. Vampires from my coven stop what they are doing and bow as we walk passed. Although they all sneak a curious peek at Lylah, who pays no attention to anyone, keeping her eyes on her feet. She would be exhausted, and I need to speak to the entire coven before I introduce them to her. I avoid the main rooms, proceeding up the stairs to another level.

A long horrendous moan, which turns into a wailing cry, then a manic laugh, echoes throughout the castle. Nadia, Soren and I give each other a solemn stare. Lylah is disturbed by the sounds but doesn't say anything.

My best friend Cedric has lived alone in the underground crypts for one hundred and twenty-eight years. Ever since the day we sealed Lord Atticus into the dark portal.

Although it was a great victory banishing him. It was also a very tragic time for the coven. My brother, Lord Atticus, had killed our father and tried to take over the coven.

Father wanted me to take over if he were ever to die. He knew he had one good-hearted son and one evil. My father knew the death and destruction my brother would cause the world one day. He wanted to prevent that from happening. So he declared me as the heir to the coven. My brother became enraged, but our father had warned him many times to stop summoning his Blood Dwellers to hunt down humans. It was critical that humans never find out about our existence. We can live for thousands of years, but we can still be killed in the meantime. My brother summoned his Blood Dwellers and killed our father in front of the entire coven. We fought against him and were defeating him, so he fled the moment he could. Months passed, and we found out he had been killing more humans to make himself more powerful each day. When we found him again, Alanis, Cedric's Blood Flame, was brutally killed at my brother's hands. Afterwards, he ripped her heart out and threw it at Cedric's feet.

Cedric, heartbroken and wanting revenge, began to open a dark portal. My brother set his Blood Dwellers onto him, slowing down the opening of the portal, and I used my powers to slow my brother's movements which in turn slowed the Blood Dwellers down. Soren kept grabbing Blood Dwellers attacking Cedric and throwing them far into the distance, but they would vanish in thin air and reappear. The same would happen when he punched them. Again, they would disappear and reappear.

As my brother got closer to Cedric and the portal became bigger. Just as I used my power to push him into the portal, he grabbed Cedric's face with clawed fingers and ripped it off before being forced into it. As soon as it sealed up, the Blood Dwellers vanished. I remember racing over to Cedric. He was on the ground, crouched over, and rocking himself. When he looked up, we all gasped and stood back. All his facial bones were exposed. The only skin he had on his face was on across his forehead. Even his nose and eyelids were gone. It was as if we were staring at a zombie or a skeleton but with his eyeballs intact.

'Alanis! Alanis!' he wailed, picking up her heart. He holds it against his chest and continues to rock himself.

He knows he is missing skin from his face, but he doesn't comprehend the extent of his injuries as the only thing going through his mind is the grief and anguish of losing his Blood Flame, Alanis.

We returned him to our castle. Cedric stayed in his room all week, refusing to let a healer see him. He was even refusing to drink blood. After a week, we heard the most horrendous wail from his room, only to discover him looking at his reflection in a bowl of water. He threw the bowl away and ran through the castle until he reached the crypts. He has never left the crypts since. We tried to get him out many times.

He would hiss and bite at us like a wild animal. Over time we would visit him each week. We would always find him in nothing but a ragged loin cloth, drinking a rat's blood and eating it. 'Monster, he would hiss at himself and hit himself repetitively as if punishing himself and would pull at his hair. He continued to try and attack us each day. Clearly, he wanted to be left alone to live out his days in the crypts. It's been over one hundred and twenty-seven years since we last went to the crypts to see him.

I banned everyone from going down there so he would be left undisturbed. From the day he saw his reflection in the water, he has let out a loud and long wail and cry, which then becomes a manic laugh even up to this day. He had become completely mad.

Lylah continues to follow me quietly. We walk through the next corridor, and again any vampires about stop and bow in my presence. We go up one more set of stairs before arriving at my chambers. I push the door open and gesture for Lylah to enter.

She enters the room, avoiding eye contact with us, and sits in a gentlemen's chair, depressingly staring at her feet.

I think some rest might do you some good, and through the door on the right, over there, I point, 'You will find a bath if you wish to use it. Nadia will remain outside your chambers. Let her know if you need anything, I say to her.

Lylah doesn't respond. I frown and close the door. Nadia leans against the wall and nods, indicating they will be fine.

Soren follows me downstairs and into the healer's room, where Becky is organizing herbs.

'Master,' she bows, 'You're back. Did the pack attack you as I warned you they most likely would?' she says, looking me over.

'Well, yeah, but it wasn't them who caused any injuries. I was cut twice, but they haven't healed at all, I tell her.

'You're telling me someone cut you? No one has ever been able to even lay a finger on you. You must tell me all about this fierce warrior. He has me intrigued already,' she smiles.

'Shouldn't you be more intrigued as to why I haven't healed?'

'Yes, I suppose that has me intrigued too. Now show me your wounds.' I remove my cape and pass it along with my black shirt to Soren. 'The wound on your chest is deep. The one near your shoulder isn't too bad. I don't understand how you wouldn't heal from a knife wound, though?' Becky says.

I think about the knife and how it's been handcrafted using many materials. I stand and begin to empty my pockets of five old rusty daggers and then the fancy handmade one and place it on the table in front of Becky.

'What in the wands, Lord Talon? Since when did you carry so many knives?' Soren asks.

'Since Lylah attempted to kill me for the one-hundredth time, I had to put her against a wall and pat her down to find and remove them all. It was either that or continue to dodge rusty daggers thrown at my head for the rest of the trek home'

'She must love her daggers, he laughs.

'So it seems, I say, staring at Becky inspecting the fine dagger.

She turns towards me. 'Who's Lylah?' she asks curiously.

'She is the one who cut me with that dagger you hold.'

'A girl!' she says, smiling and shocked.

'Not just a girl, Becky. Lylah is my blood flame who also happens to be the daughter of Alpha Maximus, the Lycan, I tell her.

Becky bursts into laughter.

'Your blood flame keeps trying to kill you and is also a werewolf?' she asks.

'Sort of, I reply, unimpressed she is laughing at the situation.

'Why would she want to kill you?' she asks, now becoming serious again.

'She thinks it was me who killed some of her pack members and all the humans that were murdered. She thinks I've made Atticus and the Blood Dwellers up. She saw them one night months ago and remembered their red eyes. Then, of course, she turned out to be my Blood Flame, so-'

'Your eyes turned red, Becky says, finishing my sentence. 'Well, this is a bit of a conundrum for you, then?'

'It gets worse, I tell her, 'She doesn't know we are Blood Flames or what Blood Flames are. She also keeps fighting the bond between us and seems confused by it.'

'Wow...' she says, not sure what to say. Finally, she opens a cabinet, pulls out two shot glasses and a potion bottle of lion's breath, pours the potion into the shot glass, and hands me one.

'What is this for?' I ask.

She smiles, 'For all the stitches you're about to get. Bottoms up, Bucko!' she says, clinking her shot glass against mine and shotting down hers.

CHAPTER 32

Becky rolls her eyes at me after she manages to give me the final stitch. 'You're the Lord of our coven, who's supposed to be strong and powerful, yet here you are being the biggest sook over a few stitches!

'You just gave me six stitches on my arm and another fourteen on my chest! So that's more than a few stitches'

'The lion's breath was supposed to make you brave and not sook the entire time.

Must have been a dud bottle, Becky laughs.

I glare into her brown eyes, but she smiles, tucks her short brown hair behind her ear, and shrugs.

'Okay, Becky, you've had your fun. I'm out of here, I tell her, taking my shirt from Soren and putting it on.

She purses her lips which are thickly coated with red lipstick, 'Don't you want to know why your wounds haven't healed yet?' I turn to face her, 'You know why?'

Becky walks to the table and brings the well-made dagger to me.

'This isn't an ordinary dagger, Lord Talon. This dagger has been crafted to kill any supernatural. The spine and quillon are silver, and the dagger's blade is made from Moonstone. The grip of the dagger is even made from dragon bone. Moonstone will cause our wounds to heal slowly at the same pace as humans, just like silver does to werewolves. If we were to be stabbed by this in an artery or main organ. We wouldn't heal quick enough to survive. Instead, we would die. How she knows that Moonstone is a weakness to vampires baffles me. It's secret knowledge only a few know of

'That might explain why Lylah was so desperate to get it back. She kept pleading I return it to her as if it were her most precious thing in the world'

'Do you think she made this dagger?' Becky asks.

I take the dagger from Becky and tuck it in my belt. 'I honestly don't know, but I know not to underestimate her.'

'I look forward to meeting this she-wolf, Becky smiles.

Soren glances at me, and I look back at Becky.

'Lylah doesn't have a wolf. She can't shift. Her mother is also a witch, but Lylah can't cast magic either.'

'Are you serious? That would make her a human? How does she know she has no powers? Has she even tried?'

I burst into laughter, 'Has she tried? Are you kidding me? Yes, she even tried using me as her guinea pig to cast the spells on. But thankfully, she was right, and nothing happened'

Becky squints and looks me up and down. 'If her spells didn't work, then why are your ears pointy?'

I quickly grab my ears through my thick wavy long hair to feel them. The soft round edges feel the same as normal. Becky laughs, and I realise she is joking.

'Really, Becky? You still have the maturity of a one hundred and twenty-year-old vampire, I scowl.

She laughs, 'Says the two hundred and sixty-four-year-old vampire who whimpers over a few stitches.

I roll my eyes and face Soren, 'I don't have time for these shenanigans. Soren, inform everyone in the coven to meet in the hall immediately and then go to the kitchen and organise a tray of food and a drink for Lylah.

'Yes, Lord Talon,' he bows and dashes away quickly.

I make my way to the hall and sit in my regal chair. Its gold framed and lined with red velvet. There's a slightly smaller version of the same chair beside mine, which now belongs to Lylah as her being my Blood Flame makes her the lady of the coven.

Over a hundred vampires enter. They whisper and ask each other if they saw the girl who returned with me and if they know who she is. I hold my hand up, and they all become silent. I adjust one of my large ruby rings on my finger.

'As you are all aware, due to gossiping amongst each other. I have returned home with a new member of our coven.'

They all turn and talk amongst each other, curious as to why and who she is, as they noticed she isn't a vampire. 'But first, the meeting with the Alpha Lycan and his pack we organised did not go to plan, and we were attacked.'

The vampires look at each other annoyed to talk, and whisper that I, their Lord and Master, was attacked. I gesture my hand again for them to stop talking.

'They still believe we are responsible for the deaths of the humans and some of their pack members. But, during all this, Alpha Maximus's daughter, Lylah, was there, and it turns out we are Blood Flames.

'Master has found his Blood Flame, they gasp.

'We finally have our lady to serve,' others say.

'Yes, our coven is now complete with our Lady, but she has no idea what a Blood Flame is or that I am her Blood Flame. Lylah has been through a lot and is not in the right frame of mind to know just yet. So, it's very important no one is to tell her or explain what it means. Once she has settled in and become more comfortable, preferably with her no longer trying to kill me,' They all gasp. 'Then I will tell her and explain it to her, then

'She tried to kill you, Master?" Tobin asks in shock and steps forward.

'Only a few times,' I smile, twirling Lylah's dagger with my fingers.

Everyone is confused as to why I seem calm about the situation. 'Lylah has very impressive fighting skills. So, be sure not to make her angry when she decides to explore the castle grounds. Lylah can go anywhere she likes within the castle but must never leave the castle grounds without Nadia or me under any circumstance. Is that clear?'

Everyone nods and bows.

'Now, go back to your duties, I say, standing and walking away up the stairs.

I find Nadia sitting in a wooden chair outside my chambers.

'Did Lylah receive her tray of food?' I ask.

I took it from Soren and brought it into her. She hadn't moved from the seat. So, I placed it on the table beside her. I tried to talk to her, but she remained silent, so Ileft and waited here since

I nod, 'Okay, you can go and return in the morning to keep an eye on her!

'You're going to spend the night in there?' Nadia asks in surprise.

'It is my chambers, Nadia. My clothes are covered in blood. I need to bath and change anyway, and besides, maybe being near her might help?' Nadia snorts a laugh at the idea.

Iglare, making her silent, knock on the door and enter. I close the door and then face Lylah to find she hasn't moved or eaten any of the food.

'You must surely be hungry?' I ask, trying to muster up a conversation with her.

Lylah ignores me, staring at her feet.

'Okay, then. If you don't want to talk, I have other things I need to do anyway. Like, take a bath, I say, walking to the other side of the room and unbuttoning my shirt.

Lylah flinches and stares at me when she realises I'm undressing. I throw my blood-drenched shirt into a basket and turn to see her eyes looking over my body.

'You're welcome to take a closer look if you like?' I smile.

Surprisingly she stands, blushing and marches towards me, not with a smile but a scowl.

'What do you think you're doing getting naked in my room?' she growls.

Our faces are only an inch apart. If only Lylah knew how sexy she looks when she is angry. I look down at her lips. I want to kiss them, suck them, taste them even.

'This is my room, Lylah and thanks to your wonderful artwork across my chest and arm. I need a bath.'

She looks guilty as she stares at the wound on my chest. Her hand reaches out to touch it but then stops and withdraws her hand back. I swiftly grab it and place it on my chest over the wound-sparks from the contact fly between us.

Lylah breathes heavily. 'Why do I feel this?' she asks.

'I'm not a threat to you, Lylah, I say, tucking a strand of her white hair behind her ear. She gazes at me as her chest rises from the touch. 'That's why you feel this, I whisper.

Lylah steps back. 'Wait, this is your room? I don't want to be in here. You could at least be a gentleman and give me my own chambers!'

I smile, 'You don't have a choice to be in here, I step towards her, keeping eye contact.

She steps back nervously with each step I take forward until her back hits a wall. I place a hand above her head and lean in to whisper in her ear. 'But, if you let me, I can show you how much of a gentleman I can be.'

Lylah's chest rapidly rises. Her eyes flash to a light blue and flicker. The bond is trying to force us both to slam into each other, but I can see she is fighting against it. Lylah concentrates on slowing her breathing, and she mutters random words through her breath as if to distract her mind

Then, Lylah looks into my eyes with full control of herself, 'You are anything but a gentleman, Lord Talon.'

'Hmm,' I smile. 'Yet I'm sure you've been having many sensuous thoughts of me ever since we've met?'

Lylah flinches, 'The only thoughts I have of you are ill ones!'

I move my face closer to hers, and her eyes flicker a light blue again. I smile. 'I very much doubt that. Your eyes tell me otherwise, I tell her, tilting my head to the side.

'I-I', she stutters with a blush.

I turn and walk towards my bathroom, unbuckling my trousers. I let everything drop to the ground, giving Lylah a full glimpse of my backside as I enter the bathroom.

I hear her breath hitch, which makes me smile wider. I close the door behind me.

'Damn it, Lylah!' I hear her growl at herself.

CHAPTER 33

As I soak in the bathtub, I hear Lylah pacing back and forth in the room. Once clean, I step out and open the bathroom door in my full glory. Lylah comes to a halt. I casually put the towel over my head and dry my long wet hair.

'Damn you, Lord Talon! Do you have no shame!?' Lylah yells.

I remove the towel, look down at myself, and then back at Lylah, whose cheeks are now the rosiest red from blushing.

'Clearly, Lylah, I have nothing to be ashamed of, I smile mischievously at her.

'You!' she says and abruptly turns, opens my antique wardrobe and rummages through my belongings. I lean against the door frame and cross my arms as I stare at her sweet little ass as she is bent over going through my clothes. I could stand and watch this view all night. I smirk.

As Lylah grabs my clothing and turns her head, she realises what I've been quietly viewing.

Lylah storms toward me and shoves my clothes into my chest, 'Don't you ever stare at my ass again! Now in the world of wands! Will you please? Get dressed!'

'Only because you said please, I smile.

Lylah rolls her eyes at me, and I put my arms through the shirt.

'Not in here! Go in the bathroom and dress, for wand's sake. I don't need to see your... appendage dangling in my face!' she says as I notice beads of sweat forming across her forehead.

Lylah steps back quickly, trying to put space between us. She is fighting the pull between us, and me being completely naked right in front of her is proving difficult for her to fight.

'Fine, if you insist,' I say, bundling my clothes up and returning to the bathroom.

I hear Lylah sigh in relief as I close the door.

Now dressed,

I, I enter the bedroom to find Lylah sitting back in the gentlemans chair

with her arms crossed. I casually walk to a set of antique black drawers, pull out a long-sleeved casual shirt and walk over to Lylah. 'You can sleep in this until I organise some clothes for you, I tell her, placing the shirt on her lap.

'Or you could lead me out of here, and I can go home and sleep in my chambers in my packhouse,' she retorts.

Lylah stiffens as I kneel in front of her.

I stare meaningfully into her dark blue eyes. 'Lylah, I promise I will take you back home to see your family as soon as possible. But for now, I need you to trust me. I swear to you I will never harm you. I just need you to give me a chance. Just one chance is all I'm asking of you, I plead.

'How am I supposed to trust you when you killed all those people? How am I supposed to trust you when you have kidnapped me?' I gently take her hands.

'I have never killed anyone in my entire life, Lylah. I don't even kill the wildlife I feed from, and I told you I will take you back to see your family.'

'I saw you there! You were even wearing black clothing and the same cape. I saw your red eyes, just like I did the night you destroyed my life...

'she quickly pulls her hands

from mine and looks away. 'I want you to go'

'Lylah. I swear to you. It wasn't-'

'GO! Lylah yells, pointing to the door.

Sighing heavily in defeat, I storm out of the room and slam the door behind me. I pace the hallway outside my chambers.

How can I prove to Lylah that I'm not a murderer? How can I prove to her she can trust me?

I sit on the ledge of the large, arch-stone window near my chambers and peer out at the lake. It's the middle of the night, and all is still and quiet. There isn't even a ripple in the water. Then, after an hour, I hear shouting and sobs from my room. I quickly open the door. As it creaks open, I see Lylah asleep under the bed covers. She is wearing my shirt and her clothes are on the nearby chair. The leather braces she wears, for some odd reason, are also with her clothes.

'No, please, she mumbles while she turns and tosses, gaining my full attention again.

She is having a nightmare.

Her arms swing as if she is holding her dagger.

'Get away from him! Micah! Please, please don't die. Please don't leave me, she cries.

She is drenched in sweat and extremely distressed. I caress her face.

'Micah?' she asks, regarding my touch.

I'm not sure who Micah is to her. Perhaps a cousin or a brother? I remember Lylah said he was killed that night which she has mentioned a couple of times. Is this possibly what broke Lylah? I know my brother kills with great violence, so I can imagine the trauma it would have caused her to have witnessed a loved one killed by him and his Blood Dwellers.

Lylah screams and sits up, waking in terror, and bursts into tears.

I kick off my shoes, coat and shirt, leaving my trousers on, get into bed next to her and scoop her onto my lap. Her forehead rests above the deep cut she gave me across my chest, and salty tears drip onto the wound. I wrap my arms around her back, and she places her hands on my chest, sending a soar of sparks igniting throughout my body.

'Shh, shh' I say, hushing and stroking her back.

After quite some time of comforting Lylah, her crying and sobs cease. Her hot breath against my chest has been sending my insides crazy. My fangs had protruded a few times against my will as the bond was pushing me to bite and feed from her. Even though I could barely keep my eyes off the nape of her neck, and I could have fed off her, I didn't. I had to force myself to focus on what was important, and even though I need to feed soon, I'd rather starve and become feral and weak than feed from her without her consent. Her blood is hers to give, not for me to take, even if we're Blood Flames. I want to earn her blood and earn her trust.

Ilay comfortably back in the bed, keeping Lylah pressed against my chest. She sleeps soundly for the rest of the night with no more nightmares.

By the morning, she has snuggled her face further into my neck and has her hand firmly pressed against the stitches over my wound. My hand caresses her back until she starts to stir awake. She sits up swiftly when she realises we are in bed together.

"What are you doing in here? I told you to go!' she says in confusion.

'You were having a really bad nightmare. You were shouting and crying. So I rushed in here and held you, and then you fell asleep on me, I tell her.

She looks even more confused now, 'I did?'

'You don't remember?' I ask.

'I-I remember the nightmare, but nothing afterwards, she confesses.

'The nightmare you had. It was from that night you lost Micah?' I ask.

Her eyes bolt up into mine, and she nods.

'Every night, I have the same dream, the same nightmare. Ever since you killed

Micah over nine months ago.

I wish she would stop referring to me as the one who killed him, but until she sees the Blood Dwellers for herself, she will continue to blame me and keep trying to kill me. Although right now, she is more placid than usual, she does look miserable and overtired, probably from the nightmare.

'Lylah, was Micah a relative of yours? A brother perhaps?" I ask

She shakes her head no, and now I'm the one staring at her, greatly confused.

'Then who was he?'

'Micah is my mate, my fated mate, Lylah whispers.

And just like that, the colour from my face drains, and the utmost horrible feeling consumes me. I struggle to breathe and quickly withdraw myself from the bed, and without saying a word, I grab my clothes and flee the room. Nadia is sitting in the chair, waiting to take over her post. She is startled as I almost tumble over, looking out of place.

'Master? Are you okay? Did Lylah stab you again? You look paler than usual, and your breathing is quite heavy?'

I don't answer. Instead, I rush downstairs and attempt to clothe myself. I pace around, scrunching my hair in my hands. Lylah has a mate! She had a mate! This doesn't make sense. I am her Blood Flame.

'Lord Talon?'

'Soren!' I say, placing my hands on his shoulders.

'Has something happened?' he asks with concern looking at my dishevelled and half-dressed state.

'It makes so much sense now,' I say, shaking him. 'This is why Lylah is fighting the bond. This is why she is confused when we touch or when we are near. She had a mate and what Lylah feels with me, she once felt with Micah, and she doesn't understand why she feels it with me. But what does that mean if she already had a mate, and then he died, and now she is my mate? I guess what matters is I am her mate now, and she has been given to me by the God's. It's my duty to love and protect her; hopefully, one day, she will put her guard down and love me too. My back stiffens. 'Oh, wands! I'm such a cauldron! She is hurting and grieving. She has been broken and suffering from the loss of her mate, and what do I do? Strip off, bare naked in front of her!' I fall back into a chair and drag my hands down my face in deep despair.

Soren's mouth is gaped open in shock at what I'm saying

Lylah has a mate?'

'Had, a mate!

'You stripped off naked in front of her?'

'Don't even go there, Soren'

Soren tries to stop a smirk from forming.

The stitches on my chest itch. I look down to see the wound has completely healed. I brush my hand over it, and the stitches fall to the ground.

Soren and I stare at each other, completely dumbfounded. I need to show Becky.

CHAPTER 34

Lylah

'Micah is my mate, my fated mate, I say to Lord Talon, barely in a whisper.

He becomes pale, swiftly retreats from the bed, picks up his clothes, and exits the room.

I'm relieved he fled. I feel like I'm betraying Micah when he is around me, but I can't stop these thoughts I have of Lord Talon, no matter how hard I try. It has completely drained me. I'm exhausted from fighting myself from wanting to touch his skin, kiss his lips and more. I shouldn't be feeling warm and fuzzy around him. It's like something is wrong with me. I approach an arch-stone-shaped stain-glassed window and push it open. I look down and instantly regret it. I'm so high up. This is a situation I don't want to be in.

Mateless, grieving, kidnapped with feelings towards my captor... Wait a minute!

Isn't that an illness? Finding your captor attractive and developing feelings towards them? Wands! This explains everything. I have Stockholm syndrome! A huge sense of relief overcomes me, knowing why I have forbidden feelings towards my captor and mate's murderer. I need to focus again. Now I have an explanation. I don't feel so confused. I just need to keep ignoring and fighting off these feelings and focus on Micah's revenge. Being here, kidnapped, might not be such a bad thing after all. I can use this to my advantage and kill Lord Talon. His attraction toward me is obvious. I think even Nadia and Soren have also noticed. I've got the perfect plan. I need to get my dagger back from him and pretend I've lowered my guard down, and then I will strike him with my dagger. Once he is dead, the Stockholm syndrome might stop.

Then I can return to my pack and live out my days as a pack warrior with at least having the peace that Micah's murderer is dead. Yes, this will be my plan. I nod to myself. First things first. My dagger.

There's a knock at the door as I swing my legs out from the bed.

'It's me, Nadia, she says and enters the room holding some clothing items. 'Is Lord Talon okay? He looked like he had seen a ghost when he raced out of the room.' I don't know why he reacted like that. He asked me who Micah was, and I told him, and then he fled. It was like he didn't know he had killed my mate.'

'Wait! You have a mate?' Nadia asks in clear shock.

'Did have until he killed him.'

Nadia stares silently at me for a whole minute.

'Is this why you kept trying to kill, Lord Talon? Because you think he killed your mate?' I nod.

'I see, but Lady Lylah, Nadia says, daringly taking a step closer to me. 'Lord Talon never killed, Micah. He has never killed a soul. He is gentle and kind and has a good heart.'

'Why are you even here, Nadia? I don't need you to babysit me.

'I brought you some clean clothes to wear since your clothes from yesterday are covered in mud. I thought you would appreciate some clean clothes to wear, Nadia says and lays out three dresses on the bed.

I laugh at the fancy vintage silk gowns. 'Sorry, I don't do dresses. So I'll stick with my muddy clothes, thanks,' I say, crossing my arms, turning my back to her and approaching the window again.

Nadia sighs, 'At least wear one just for today while I have your other clothes washed.'

'Fine,' I reply, lacking the energy to argue with her.

I storm into the bathroom. The lighting is dim. There are a few bundles of candles on each stone ledge. The tiles are black with gold patterns, just like all the furniture in Lord Talon's room. Even his four-post bed is black with gold embellishments, swirling up the posts and along the bed frame.

Once the elegant clawed tub is filled with warm water, I remove the oversized long-sleeve shirt over my head, toss it aside and step into the bath. On the ledge beside some candles, I see a bunch of bottles. I reach for each bottle and smell them until I find the lavender.

Ilather my body and sink under the water, holding my breath for as long as possible.

Then reach over for a towel and step out. Nadia is still standing by the bed.

'Oh look, you're still here?' I say with sarcasm.

'Someone needs to lace up the back of your dress for you,' she explains.

I step back, clinging tighter to my towel with a worried expression. My scars are my own to see and not for anyone else to look at. There is no way I'm letting these vampires see my constant reminders of Micah.

I don't need your help. I will manage it myself,

'but, Lady Lylah;

'Stop calling me Lady Lylah. You make it sound as if I'm in charge around here. I told you to go, now go, I point to the door. Nadia nods and leaves.

I sigh in relief and loosen my grip on the towel as I walk over to the bed. I put the undergarments on, and then the sound of a moaning cry and wail echoes throughout the castle. I shiver. Who in the wands is that? I heard it yesterday as well. It had completely creeped me out, but I forced myself not to seem bothered by it around Lord Talon. I saw the sad stares they gave each other at the time. Whoever, it sounds so sad, so lonely, so... broken. I wonder what his story is. Why is he so sad? Maybe he lost a loved one like me? His wailing cry resonates through me. A tear forms and rolls down my cheek as I feel the same pain, loneliness, empty feeling, and brokenness. The cries stop.

The dresses are way too fancy. I take the floor length, A-line, maroon velvet dress and step into it. The neckline is low and accentuates my small breasts. There is gold lace that runs underneath my bust. The same lace graces the ends of the sleeves. I frown at the scars on my wrists. The sleeves only reach three-quarters down my arms leaving my scars exposed. I peer at the other dresses, but the sleeves are much shorter, only sitting over the shoulder. It's probably going to look a little silly, but I decide I don't care what the vampires think. I take my leather braces and put them on. Then I reach around my back to pull on the lace and tie it up. Looking over my shoulder into the mirror, I see the back is poorly pulled and tied. I shrug, deciding it's good enough. I comb my fingers through my hair to neaten it as much as possible. Now for my mission! My stomach suddenly grumbles with hunger. Fine, breakfast and then I can focus on getting my dagger back from Lord Talon. I open the chamber door and gingerly skip past Nadia guarding my door. She watches me confusingly, then chases after me but keeps her distance. Damn, Lord Talon. Making Nadia follow me. It's like Mum and Dad always having Theo and Leo follow me or wait for me after school. It's utterly ridiculous.

I walk through one hallway after another and one hall after another and realise I've been walking around in circles when I notice the same gallery wall full of goth-like portraits.

I turn around to face Nadia. 'Why didn't you tell me I've been walking around in circles?' I growl.

'Oh, I thought you were doing it on purpose, admiring all the decor and portraits.

I burst into laughter. 'Do you think I really care about any of that? I've got far more interesting things to do than admiring the décor of the castle I'm held prisoner in.

'May I ask what you would find more interesting then?' Nadia asks.

'The kitchen, I say as if the answer should be obvious.

'Oh, down those stairs and then take a right,' she says, flinging her dark silky hair over her shoulder.

I silently march down the stairs. I notice Nadia constantly gazing at me. So, I stop at the bottom of the stairs.

'Why do you keep glancing at me? It's beginning to frustrate me,' I ask her.

'Oh, I'm just surprised. That's all'

'Surprised by what?'

'Now that you aren't covered in dirt and wearing a dress. You are actually quite fascinatingly beautiful to look at. I wasn't expecting you to look this beautiful, she smirks.

'Really?" I say, stepping closer to her. "What were you expecting? Huh?' I-um..

My glare deepens, and she takes a step back.

'Nadia, Soren says, saving her ass.

He wraps his arms around her and kisses her passionately. Occupied eating each other's faces, I take this opportunity to sneak away from them again.

CHAPTER 35

Lord Talon

'Becky, it's healed, I say as I enter the room.

She is brewing something in a small cauldron, and it smells horrendous.

'What's healed?' she asks, walking around the table and toward me.

I unbutton my shirt and watch her jaw drop. 'What did you do?' she asks.

'I didn't do anything,' I tell her.

'Something must have happened? Tell me everything you did from last night up till now.

I was sitting on the window ledge watching the lake until I heard Lylah yelling and crying in her sleep. I raced in there and held her in my arms, and I spent over an hour comforting her until she fell asleep on me. I did notice the pain from the wounds had gone by then but didn't think much of it as I was too worried about Lylah. I woke up with Lylah sleeping against me. We spoke, and she told me Micah is her mate who she thinks I killed, and I bolted out of there freaking out she had a mate, then ran into Soren and told him. My chest itched from the stitches, so I ran my hand over it, and they all fell out, and I saw it was completely healed. Not even a scar, so I came straight here!

Becky walks away, walks around the room in thought, and then approaches me again.

'Do you have that dagger of hers on you?' she asks.

I nod, withdraw it from the back of my belt, and hand it to her.

She takes her own small knife she uses for chopping up herbs.

'Hold your hands out,' she says.

'Why?'

I want to see if you have somehow become immune to the moonstone, which is unheard of, or if some magic has been used on you'

'How can you find out?'

'Well, I will show you if you hold your hands out,' she replies.

I hold the palms of my hands out. Becky makes a cut across one palm with Lylah's dagger and then another cut with the other knife on the other palm.

'Now we watch and wait, she says.

We watch the wound Becky cut with her knife slowly heal over a minute, but the cut from Lylah's dagger remains unhealed.

'You are not immune to moonstone. You have been healed by magic, she says.

'But how?'

And then it dawns on me, and we both say in unison, 'Lylah!'

'Lylah said she couldn't cast magic, though? She even tried to use spells on me, and nothing happened:

Lylah is either lying and knows she can use magic and is trying to fool us, or it could be starting to awaken? Nadia is the one shadowing her, isn't she?'

'Yes, she is.'

'Maybe ask if Nadia has seen any signs of Lylah using magic and keep observing her.

If her magic is only beginning to awaken now, she might not be able to control it. Her emotions will play a big part in controlling it, and I think she may struggle with that.

As you just mentioned, she already had a mate who has died, and now she is here in this castle away from her loved ones and with the one she thinks killed her mate.'

'Wands! This is not good. Maybe we should tell her then that she healed me? Maybe if she isn't lying and it's awakening, she can be more aware of it and perhaps more in control of it?' I suggest.

'I have to meet this new Lady of the coven who has stolen your heart, well not stole it per se but trying to stab it, Becky laughs.

I roll my eyes at her.

'So let's have her join us for our morning feed. I'm sure she will be hungry. Besides, I'm hungry for my bloody breakfast anyway, she laughs. 'Get it bloody, breakfast?' she elbows me.

lignore Becky's lame joke. 'Let's get Lylah from my chambers then.'

Before I walk up the second set of stairs, I find Soren and Nadia frantically dashing from one room to another. Something is wrong. Within a flash, I appear before them and hold Soren and Nadie by their throats.

'Nadia, why aren't you outside my chambers guarding Lylah?' I ask through gritted teeth.

'She didn't want to stay in there. So I-I followed her for a while, and she asked where the kitchen was. I was taking her there, and then she just... disappeared. She has escaped, Lord Talon. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to let her out of my sight.'

'Escaped!? It's impossible for her to escape if she thinks the labyrinth is confusing, this castle has just as many rooms, hallways and passageways. What were you doing when she disappeared?'

'I'm sorry, Lord Talon. I couldn't help myself and had to kiss my Blood Flame, if only for a moment. Then we realised she had fled. Most likely to find her way out of here,

Soren confesses.

'Damn it!' I say, letting them go. 'Find her now!' I shout at them.

They nod and continue to dash throughout the castle, looking for Lylah.

Half the coven is now looking for her. I help search for Lylah as well. I triple-check each room I enter. I'm incredibly worried and trying to keep my emotions at bay. I don't want my coven to see how much she has affected me in so little time. I hold my forehead feeling woozy from not being able to feed from Lylah and not having a feed in general.

'Lord Talon. Let's go to the kitchens and get you some blood to drink, Becky says.

I nod and let her hold my arm to keep me upright.

As we enter the kitchen, my jaw drops at the most beautiful site I have ever seen.

Lylah sits at the large wooden island with loaves of bread, cheeses, butter, grapes and other foods. Her hair is the neatest I've seen, and she is wearing a dress! God's help me.

She is more stunningly beautiful than I could have ever imagined. I take in the sight and lower my eyes to her chest. The dress shows off her very fine, delectable goods. My fangs elongate in need of a taste of her. Lylah plucks a grape from a stem and pops it into her mouth. She closes her eyes, and I watch the look of pleasure on her face. The vein on her neck moves as she chews the grape, and my eyes zone in as my fangs are now fully elongated.

Lylah swallows the grape and realises she is being watched. She looks toward us, but her eyes focus on Becky's hands wrapped around my arm. She then looks up, making eye contact with Becky and gives her a deathly glare. Only to then jump up off the seat when she looks at me. My eyes are black, my breathing is heavy, and my fangs are fully extended. She knows I'm becoming blood-crazed.

'Oh!' Becky says, now looking at me. She runs towards a small room and returns with a jug of blood and a cup. She pours the blood and hands it to me. I scull it down within a second. So, she pours me another. I drink it but more slowly as the blood craze dissipates and my energy increases just enough to stop the wooziness. Finally, my fangs retract, and my eyes are blue again.

I hand Becky the cup, march over to Lylah and stand in front of her. Lylah steps back in fear. She gasps as I grab her, pull her into my chest, and wrap my arms around her tightly.

'I was so worried when I couldn't find you. I thought you had escaped?' Lylah angrily pushes me away and steps back.

'As if I would try and escape on an empty stomach. It could take me days or weeks to get out of this horrible place. I'm smart enough to at least fill myself up with food before attempting to flee so I at least I won't die from starvation along the way, she says.

'Why did you run away from Nadia then?' I ask her.

'Are you kidding? Do you expect me to wait around watching Nadia and her lover boy make out in a corridor all darn day while I waste away with hunger? Besides, they were practically eating each other's faces. I thought you vampires had decorum, but clearly, it's the other way around. You might have to put them in etiquette classes as those two have no shame at all, she says and sits back at the table and continues to eat.

'At least your food here isn't too bad, she munches and then makes eye contact as I sit opposite her at the table. 'Why were you going all blood-crazed before? I haven't got any new cuts or scratches, so it couldn't be me that triggered it?'

Becky approaches and takes a seat next to me. I watch Lylah's eyes become a darker blue as she glares at Becky.

'Lord Talon, here, hasn't been feeding on his Blood Flame like he should be. So, it weakens him. The blood I served him before will only be able to sustain him for so long. But once he regularly drinks from his Blood Flame, he will be as good as new.

Won't you, Master?' Becky says, now holding my arm again and smiling at me.

A growl, much resembling an angry wolf, is heard. Becky and I stare at Lylah.

'And who in the wands are you!?' Lylah growls.

CHAPTER 36

Lylah

'T'm Becky. I've heard so much about you, she beams and squeezes herself closer to Lord Talon.

A burst of jealousy from Becky touching Lord Talon's arm ignites within me.

'I'm sure...' I say while telling myself not to care that Becky is practically rubbing herself all over, Lord Talon. He keeps glaring at her and giving her back-off looks. But she persists in fluttering her eyes at him anyway.

Not wanting to stare at her face or acknowledge her. I ignore her and look at Lord Talon.

'You should find that Blood Flame of yours and feed off it. It's quite silly, starving yourself of blood when a human is living here against her will. The last thing I need is you trying to bite me, I say sarcastically.

Becky bursts into laughter and begins elbowing Lord Talon in the ribs, 'Master, you should take this human's advice and feed off your Blood Flame. In fact, you should do it right now?'

'Becky, that's enough!' Lord Talon growls. 'I can live off the blood of animals for as long as I need to!'

'Suit yourself. The offer was practically right there. I'm sure you will change your mind eventually, though. When we find Lord Atticus, you will be too weak and may have no choice but to take what you need in order to have the strength to defeat him; she says, walking away and leaving the kitchen.

Lord Atticus is the one the vampires blame Micah's death on. How could that be when I saw Lord Talon kill him? Maybe they are trying to fool me into thinking they aren't responsible. That must be it. I stand, walk over to a rustic tap, and pump some water to wash my hands from the butter and cheese.

Lord Talon stands and watches me quietly. I discreetly look him over but can't see my dagger in the front of his belt. He has to have it on him somewhere, but how will I find it?

I casually walk past him and through a hall. Like a shadow, he follows me closely without saying a word. I peer at the stairs and smile as an idea pops into my head. I walk up ten steps and stop to face Lord Talon.

'Can you stop following me?' I ask.

'No,' he replies casually.

'Why not?'

'I want to follow you.'

'Why?'

'I want to learn more about you,' he says.

Nadia and Soren appear at the bottom of the staircase.

'You found her!' Nadia says, relieved.

We both ignore her.

'You already killed my mate and kidnapped me. I don't want you to know anything more about me!' I say, walking back down towards him but purposely pretending to fall.

Just as I thought he would, he catches me. I ignore the tingles and sparks from his touch, and I use this chance to pretend to wrap my arms around him, not to fall but feel the back of his belt. We tumble down the stairs as I grab my dagger and pull it out.

Lord Talon lands on his back as I land straddled over his lap. I hold my dagger with both hands above him and plummet the dagger towards his chest.

'Lord Talon!' Soren and Nadia shout.

Lord Talon uses his telekinesis to freeze my action and gestures his hand making me slowly rise in the air off of him. Even though Lord Talon glares at me, I can also see the hurt in his eyes. I become frustrated at myself again as guilt consumes me. I almost want to cower, but being still like a statue, I can't even do that. Finally, he stands up, angrily removes my dagger, and then grabs my chin.

'How did you know Moonstone is deadly to vampires? How did you make this? It's made from all the materials to weaken and kill every supernatural.'

'I didn't know Moonstone was deadly to vampires. It wouldn't matter what dagger I had. I would use anything within my reach to kill you, I tell him.

Nadia and Soren hiss at me.

Lord Talon gestures for them to stop and back away. They obey his orders.

His glare deepens, 'Only a few vampires have this knowledge of Moonstone. Who gave it to you? Who made it?' he asks.

'It was a gift. It was specifically made for me to have, I reply.

Lord Talon crosses his arms and steps closer, waiting for me to say more. I look away.

'Micah made it for me. He knew my collection of daggers wasn't in the best shape.

He crafted it himself after collecting all the specific materials. It took him months to make. He was adamant I was to keep it on me at all times. As if he knew something...' I say in shock at my sudden realisation.

'He knew... Micah knew something was going to happen, but how? He made this dagger for me for a reason. He knew it would protect me but from what?' I say to myself, completely forgetting Lord Talon is standing before me.

I gaze up into Lord Talon's eyes as mine flicker in confusion. Did Micah know I was going to be kidnapped? My mind flashes back to when I first met Alpha Varan. He was pleasant until I told him I had no wolf. Later that day, after I cried. Micah promised me that his father would one day have the utmost honour and respect for me. He reminded me a few times over time that his father's views of me would one day change. Then I remembered later that night before Alpha Varan left. He was talking to my father about when Micah was a child. That Micah would always talk about his dreams and how he was adamant they always came true. Then his father said how the pack members of Storm Glenn began to say Micah was strange and worried he might not be mentally fit to be an Alpha. So, Alpha Varan made Micah swear he would never talk about his dreams again, otherwise be punished. So, he never mentioned his dreams again after that. Suddenly a particular line Alpha Varan said comes back to my mind, and it hits me like a ton of bricks. I know his dreams are just dreams. But I always hated how he used to tell me he would die young!

Even though I'm still a few feet hovering in the air, my body trembles against Lord Talon's ability and my breathing intensifies as a panic attack consumes me. 'Micah predicted his death. He was able to see into the future, into mine and his. He knew he was going to die. He knew he was going to leave me!' I sob.

Lord Talon steps back nervously and stares at Soren and Nadia briefly with worry before turning back to face me. I realise I'm back on the ground, assuming Lord Talon has let me go. But unbeknownst to me, I broke free from his hold and didn't even realise, as I'm too angry to hurt, that Micah knew he was going to die and never told me. I pace back and forth repeatedly and grab my hair.

'Why didn't he tell me? I could have saved him. We could have never gone camping, and he'd still be alive, I burst into tears and fall to my knees.

Lord Talon approaches me. I stand and step back. 'Don't come near me,' I shout and run upstairs and slam the chamber door behind me.

I spend the entire week in Lord Talon's chamber, refusing to come out. I had the same nightmares each night and every time I woke from the dream. I swore I could feel Lord Talon caressing my back or stroking my hair, but every time I sat up and turned, no one was there.

I picked at the food placed on the trays Nadia brought to me each day. I was too depressed to eat. I felt betrayed that Micah never told me about his dreams and predictions. I'm unsure what to do with this knowledge, and part of me wishes I had never figured it out.

The daily wailing cry echoes throughout the castle. I've figured out it's coming from below the castle, maybe from the underground crypt. I'm tempted to find my way down there to see who it is and why they are so sad and miserable.

My thoughts are disturbed by a knock at the door. Lord Talon enters and slowly approaches.

'Lylah, he says.

'I don't want you in here. I want you to leave me alone, preferably forever, I say to him.

He ignores me and steps even closer. 'Lylah, what you said last week about... your mate having the ability to predict the future and predicting his own death. I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry. I can't imagine how horrible that would be for you to find out. I'm sorry, he says meaningfully.

"You're sorry? You're the one who killed him!' I shout and storm past him out of the room.

'I've told you many times I never killed him. I swear to you, Lylah!' I march down the stairs, 'Where are you going?' he asks.

I'm going home!' I shout.

Sparks flow through me as I'm swiftly lifted over Lord Talon's shoulder and carried into the dining room.

'Let me go, I yell angrily.

'You're going to join me for dinner, Lylah. You've barely eaten all week, he says. I go to protest but notice he is slightly swaying as he carries me.

He puts me down and pulls my seat out at the end of the table. I plop down in the chair with my arms crossed. Lord Talon takes his seat opposite me. I keep my scowl on him, but he pays no attention to it, making me angrier. His vampire servants place cutlery, a napkin in front of me, and a goblet in front of him.

'Lady, Lylah, they say and bow.

'I'm not a lady, I growl at them.

Lord Talon tries to hold in his laugh. 'You've got that right, he smirks.

I swiftly grab the butter knife. It whips through the air with great speed towards his head but using his ability. The knife comes to a sudden halt and hovers in the air right in front of his face.

'I see we're going to be in for quite the dinner, he smiles as he takes the hovering knife and places it on the table beside his goblet.

CHAPTER 37

A plate of vegetables with a steak is placed in front of me, whilst a serving of blood is poured into Lord Talon's goblet. I refuse to make any eye contact with him. Instead, I watch the flames of the candles on the table flicker.

Halfway through silently eating my meal, five vampires I've never met before enter the dining room, marching. One leads the others as they approach Lord Talon and bow. Nadia and Soren enter behind them and sit at the dining table.

'My Lord, The lead vampire says.

'Mervin, tell me you have returned with good news? Where are the others?' he asks.

'My Lord

!, they are all dead. Along with many more human casualties.

'What!? You were supposed to observe the whereabouts of Lord Atticus and return to me as soon as he was found.'

'Forgive us, Lord Talon. When we found him, he was in a rural town. We were well hidden and observed him. He killed every single human as if it were a sport and drank the blood from some of them before he had them ripped apart. We tried to leave without him noticing us. When we turned around, we were surrounded by his Blood Dwellers. He had known all along we were there and watching him. He left only us alive and told me to send you a message. Pledge your loyalty to him, or the entire coven dies' Mervin says, placing a map in front of Lord Talon. 'He will be expecting your answer during the full moon tomorrow night at this location here, he points.

If Lord Talon and the coven have been telling the truth, then I need to know for sure, and the only way is for me to find and meet this Lord Atticus myself. I stand from my seat, quickly approach the map, and desperately snatch it up to look at the location. It has the underground marked on the map. So I can see where I am. I look at the mountain Mervin pointed to and assess the distance it would take to get there.

If I leave tonight, I might stand a good chance of getting there during the full moon tomorrow night.

'Lylah, Lord Talon says.

I look up from the map to see that Lord Talon has appeared in front of me. He holds his hand out for the map. I step back and hug the map to my chest.

'You are going to go, right?' I ask him.

'There's no reason to go. I will never serve Lord Atticus, nor will I ever pledge my loyalty to him. He is a monster, a demon, and he needs to be returned to the depths of darkness. But, even with the abilities some of us have. It's not enough to defeat him.

The last time we defeated him, there were more of us and more of us with abilities.

Most of the coven are normal vampires. We tried to reach out to your father, to join forces in hopes that it will be enough to take down Lord Atticus.

'Wait! You've defeated him before? When?' I ask.

'One hundred and twenty-eight years ago, he answers.

I gasp, 'That's over a century ago! Why have the werewolf community never heard of him before? Surely it would be written in our history if it's happened before?'

'We were able to handle it somewhat quietly ourselves at the time. It all happened suddenly, he says and looks away with a grim look, remembering the morbid events.

'You have to go!' I tell him.

'No, I don't, and I won't, he says adamantly.

'You want to prove to me you never killed Micah. Then this is your chance. Take me to see Lord Atticus. I need to see him. I need to see his Blood Dwellers. I need to know for sure, I tell him.

Lord Talon gazes into my eyes, quietly in thought. My eyes plead with his. Now that I'm directly staring at him and taking in all his features, I notice he is more pale than usual. He looks tired, weaker even. His long dark hair drapes down past his shoulders.

I then wonder if his hair is as soft as mine. Then my eyes reach his lips before meeting his gaze again.

He is incredibly mysterious to look at as well as handsome. My hand slowly rises, and I suddenly realise I'm about to touch him. I shake my head and realise Lord Talon has stepped closer and raises his hand, tucking my hair behind my ear. I close my eyes from his touch, from the warm and familiar feeling I miss and crave so much from Micah.

'No, he says, taking the map from my hand and walking back to the table.

I open my eyes, and my breathing becomes erratic, 'What in the wands do you mean no!'

He turns to face me, 'It's too dangerous. I'm not strong enough to protect you from him'

'Give me my dagger, and I can protect myself.'

Lord Talon laughs. 'You wouldn't stand a chance against him, Lylah. Have you not been listening? He has been killing humans and drinking their blood. This means he is only becoming more powerful and much stronger.'

'Becky said if you drink from your Blood Flame, you would regain your strength, that it would increase your power'

'It's not that simple, Lylah,' he sighs.

'Why not?'

'Why is it not simple? What is a Blood flame then?'

Everyone in the dining hall stares at me. If a pin were to drop, we would all hear it.

'She needs to know, Nadia says, reassuring him.

Lord Talon closes his eye for a moment before releasing a deep breath. 'Lylah, a Blood Flame is the equivalent of a werewolf finding their mate. Vampires call them Blood

Flames instead.'

A sudden sense of jealousy and hurt overtakes me. Lord Talon has a fated mate. He never told me. Why have I never seen her? Why hasn't he been feeding off her?

'Vampires have mates?' I say, confused.

'Yes, he replies.

Ilook over at Nadia and Soren and remember they mentioned they are Blood Flames.

'How did you know you were Blood Flames? What does it feel like?" I ask them.

Nadia blushes, 'Well, at first, it feels like you are being pulled toward each other. It feels as if your mind is racing with your heart. An overwhelming sense of desire and love consumes you. It's as if you are dancing on the clouds in the heavens. Once you make eye contact, the male's eyes turn red from blood lusting over you. Their eyes remain red until they touch you, leaving a mark on your wrist. Their eyes will then return to normal. Feeding off animals no longer becomes necessary once you find your Blood Flame as the only blood that strengthens us is from our Blood Flames!

I flashback to Nadia and Soren feeding off each other, and then I suddenly turn pale and grab my wrist.

Nadia and Soren realise from the look on my face that I know now. I turn to face Lord Talon with a horrified look.

'No..' I say, gripping my leather brace that covers the mark and the scar. My eyes well up with tears. 'It's not true' I fall to my knees and stare at Lord Talon as tears run rapidly down my face. 'Please tell me your eyes didn't turn red the moment we saw each other? Please tell me you didn't mark me. Tell me we are not mates?' His eyes bore into mine, welling up with tears, but he remains silent.

'Please!' I scream, 'Tell me!'

He closes his eyes tightly, and a tear rolls down his cheek. He looks away.

I stand up, wipe the tears aggressively from my face, and walk right up to him.

'This is why I've never met your Blood Flame. This is why you haven't fed from her and why you're becoming weaker. Because I am her?' I say to him. 'I'm your mate?' I sob.

Lord Talon nods as he stares sadly into my eyes.

So many memories of Micah flash through my mind. The first time we met, the first time we touched, kissed, danced, made love, replays over. I'm struggling to breathe, and then I remember what Micah told me the night he died. 'Your life doesn't end here with me. More is waiting for you, and I want you to find it. You will go on adventures.

I know you will find someone and fall in love all over again. I want you to find happiness. I want you to live again and know it's okay to be happy without me.

'Micah knew. He saw this. He knew I would have another mate, I say, stepping back.

'Lylah, Lord Talon pleads, reaching his hand toward me.

I shake my head no and run from the dining hall.

Nadia tries to chase after me, 'No,' Lord Talon says, 'Leave her. She needs some space to process all of this.'

CHAPTER 38

I run from one hall to another and then one corridor to another through many rooms and down staircases I haven't seen before. I have no idea where l'm running to, but I don't care. I just want to get away. I've passed many vampires along the way, but I completely ignore them as they stare curiously at me.

Once out of sight, I lean against the grey stone wall in the shadows before sliding down to the ground and hugging my knees. Lord Talon is my mate. That's why he hasn't killed me. That's why he wants to keep me alive and protect me. This is why I've been developing feelings toward him. Lord Talon knew this whole time since we met that we were Blood Flames.

No wonder he looked devastated and heartbroken every time I tried to kill him. I feel terrible, among many other feelings. I'm angry that Micah and Lord Talon kept things from me. I feel I'm betraying Micah by being attracted to Lord Talon. I'm upset and heartbroken that Micah isn't alive. I'm frustrated at myself for not figuring all this out when the signs were in front of me this whole time such as Micah being able to predict the future and Lord Talon being my mate.

Sobs and low-wailing moans gain my attention. I stand and cautiously walk down a narrow passageway, following the sounds. It's quite dark. There is only dim light from the odd-lit candle.

I take a candle and continue down the narrow passageway that leads down steep stairs. Although I can't see the rats, I can hear them. Finally, I reach the bottom of the stairs and enter a rectangular room. There are life-size statues behind each stone coffin. I realise they replicate the vampire inside each coffin. I walk from one to the other, curiously taking in their features. Then suddenly, I turn and jump in fright as the wailing cry starts again, but it's coming from this very room. There, in the shadowy corner, comes the heartbreaking wails and cries. I slowly walk toward the moving shadow holding the candle out in front of me. My heart is racing in fear and tells me to turn and run, but curiosity has already won this game, forcing me to step closer.

As I approach, the candlelight reveals someone crouched over with their back to me. It's a man. He has brown hair and is wearing nothing but an old rag around his waist. He is very underweight, and his bones stick out all over. He appears to be eating something, but it's hard to see with his back to me and hovering in the dark.

I place a hand on his shoulder, and he flinches, 'I hear your cries echo throughout the castle each day. What is causing you so much pain?'

He slowly turns, and I scream as if my life depends on it. His face has no skin, no lips, and no nose. It's that of a skull with his eyeballs still intact. His teeth and skinless chin drip with blood. He holds out to me the dead rat he has just been feeding on. I drop the candle in front of him, turn and run, only to slam into a warm, masculine chest that sends tingles throughout my body.

'Lylah!' Lord Talon says, pulling me tightly into his chest.

He sadly stares at the creature in the corner before he wraps his cloak over me and dashes through the castle with great speed until we enter his chambers.

'W-who was that?' I tremble as Lord Talon puts me down.

'That's Cedric, a dear old friend of mine,' he tells me.

'I don't understand. Is Cedric a vampire?' I ask, confused.

'Yes, he hasn't left the crypt in one hundred and twenty-eight years. He went mad after Lord Atticus killed his Blood Flame, Alanis and then ripped his face off just before we trapped Lord Atticus into the dark portal. He mourns for his life back every day for Alanis and for his appearance. He knows he resembles a monster and has stayed isolated and alone in the crypts. No matter how often I would try to see or talk to him. It would only cause him more distress. So I forbid anyone from going to the crypts so he could be left undisturbed.

I gaze at Lord Talon with sadness, 'He lost his mate, just as I did mine, and also by Lord Atticus, I say. Feeling Cedric's pain.

I close my eyes and whimper. Tingles and sparks run through my body. I open my eyes and see Lord Talon with his face close to mine as he caresses my cheek. 'The pain Cedric is going through must be unbearable, I say, grasping my leather-bound wrist as I think back to the unbearable pain of not wanting to live another day without Micah and attempting suicide. I hug my wrist to my chest.

'Lylah, Lord Talon says as he presses his body against mine. Immense desire and sparks flow between us, and he takes the wrist I hold from against my chest. 'This. You and me, being Blood Flames. It's not a punishment. This mark,' he says as he unties the laces of the leather brace. 'It's a blessing from the Gods. I have been waiting for you for a very long time, Lylah. All I ever wanted, more than anything, was to find my soulmate, and I've finally found you.'

My leather brace falls to the ground as Lord Talon keeps eye contact with mine. He brings my bare wrist to his lips and closes his eyes as he kisses the mark, causing my heart to ignite with flames. I have the sudden urge to not only rip my clothes off but also his. My body begins to ache for his touch. He gasps as he opens his eyes and sees the thick scar under the mark across my wrist. His breathing intensifies, and he quickly grabs my other wrist. I begin to panic and pull my other wrist away, but it's too late. He rips the brace off and throws it aside before holding my wrists out in front of him. My breathing becomes erratic like his.

'Let me go,' I whisper, feeling ashamed and broken.

'No. Lylah. Please tell me you didn't try and kill yourself.'

'I couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't live another day without him. The pain of losing him became too much. It only became harder as time went by. I was desperate to end my pain and be united with him again.'

Lord Talon releases my wrists and gently tilts my chin to look at him.

'Lylah, is this why you wear these leather braces?' he asks, his eyes well up with heartbreak, anguish and despair.

I nod. Lord Talon's hand drops, and he pulls me into his chest. I burst into tears, and he spends hours stroking his fingers through my hair and down my back, comforting me as I mourn for Micah. I know in my heart I can't live my life until I get justice for Micah. I will never have peace until Lord Atticus is dead.

I gaze up with pleading eyes. 'Please, you have to meet Lord Atticus tomorrow night.

You have to take me with you.'

I'm not risking your life, Lylah, and if he finds out you're my Blood Flame, he will want you dead.'

I remove myself from Lord Talon's arms and approach the window. 'Don't you see this is my chance to avenge Micah's death? This is my chance to help my heart heal.' Lord Talon approaches and spins me around.

'Lylah. If I take you to him, unless I pledge myself and our coven to serve him. He will kill us both. I'm not strong enough to defeat him, and neither are you!' he growls.

I shove Lord Talon's hands from my shoulders and angrily walk to the other side of the room to sit in the chair.

'Lylah?' he says. I look down at my feet to avoid eye contact.

He sighs with sadness and defeat as he walks to leave the room. He pauses and places something on the chest of draws by the door. 'I know you miss Micah. I know you love him, and I know it hurts. You will get your justice, I promise you. Your time will come but it won't be tomorrow,' he says and closes the door behind him.

I approach the drawers to see my dagger. I hold it to my heart and walk to the window. Everything is quiet. The lake's water is still. There's no wind, nor do the trees sway. I look down at the small balconies below, then at the long curtains beside me. I tuck my dagger in my belt and smile. If Lord Talon won't take me, I'll just take myself.

I yank at the curtain, pulling it off the rail, then the other. I tie them together and toss one end out the window. I look around as to where I can tie the end I hold.

The bed's post gains my attention. I tie it as tight as possible, race back to the window, and climb out. Once I climb down to the end of the curtain, I begin to swing myself until I can jump onto the balcony. I land with ease and look up. I must be at least twelve meters down from the chambers. I climb through the window into the room. It has lots of shelves with books and a small empty bed. I open the door. There's no one around. I speed walk through the corridor and down a stairwell. The double front door is only down the next hallway. As I'm approaching, I hear someone talking.

I quickly hide behind the display of knight's armour until the two vampires are out of sight. lopen and step through the front doors and quietly close them behind me. I race to the end of the island in victory, only to be met with the dreaded bridge.

I close my eyes, take a deep breath and run as fast as possible without looking. The bridge rocks and sways beneath my feet, but I keep my eyes closed. I feel the hard ground under my feet and open my eyes. I kneel, kiss the ground, and quickly thank the Moon Goddess for not letting me fall off the bridge before bursting into a run. I race past the pillars, through the sand and enter the labyrinth. I sprint up and down every path, desperate to find my way out, but to no avail. I'm lost. I'm worried Lord Talon will find me and return me to his castle. I lean my back against the wall. I don't want to give up. I have to keep trying. Then suddenly, I hear his voice in a low whisper calling me.

'Lylah, I hear Micah's whispers coming from the path to my left.

'Micah, I breathe out heavily and race towards his voice.

CHAPTER 39

I arrive at a set of stone steps that lead to nothing but a dark dead end. I feel the ceiling and realise it's a large paver. Using all my strength, I push it open and climb out. I look around and see I'm in a very old graveyard. I know where I am. I saw it on the map. I run east toward the mountain where Lord Atticus awaits Lord Talon.

After hours of running and jogging, I have to rest. The sun will be rising soon. I lay next to a large tree and sleep for a while before I continue east. By the time it's nightfall, I'm exhausted. Lord Talon would have come to check on me through the night to find I'm gone and see I've escaped through the window. I continue to look over my shoulder every so often, knowing Lord Talon could catch up to me any time now. That's if he knows I'm heading toward Lord Atticus. He might think I've possibly escaped to return home to my pack.

I'm feeling very hot and flustered. At first, I thought it was from all the running, but no matter how much I rest, it only worsens. Constantly sweating, I'm relieved to come across a lake. I dive straight in, but the cold water does nothing to cool me down. I focus my mind, thinking of Micah to keep me moving.

The moon rises. I can see the mountain up ahead. I don't realise how tall the mountain is until I reach the base and glance up. I huff as my shoulders drop in dismay. I take one step after another. My skin almost feels like it's burning. I'm only halfway up when I hear twigs breaking and the rustling of nearby bushes. I can't see well, not having wolf vision. So I steady myself and listen to figure out in which direction the movements are coming from, only to realise it's everywhere all around me. I'm being surrounded, but by what?

Red eyes appear in front of me, blinking-my heart races. I swiftly pull my dagger from my belt. 'You!' I say and lunge toward it, striking it across the throat, only for it to vanish and reappear moments later.

'What!' I say, stepping back.

Someone claps behind me. I turn to face a man stepping out from the shadows towards me with a smile.

'It's not very often someone attempts to strike and kill my pet Blood Dwellers, he says and holds his hands, palms down beside him.

Black demonic dogs flicker, appearing under his hands. He pats them gently. They have fangs three times as long as vampires. I watch as the Blood Dwellers twitch and flicker as if they are apparitions. Their eyes are red, blood red. The same eyes that had surrounded Micah and me. The Blood Dwellers are real.

'Lord Atticus, I say under my breath, now staring at him in shock.

His hair is dark, and he is dressed all in black. I can't quite put my finger on it, but some of his features seem familiar, or am I remembering his features from the night he killed Micah? I do remember seeing dark hair and the side of his face. He is wearing the same black cape as Lord Talon. I can't help but feel they somewhat resemble each other. Is that another reason why I was so sure it was Lord Talon who killed Micah?

His eyes meet mine, 'So, you've heard of me? I'm glad word is getting round, he smirks sadistically.

I clench my dagger tighter and glare at him.

He smiles, 'If looks could kill,' he laughs. 'I can't help but sense some animosity in the air. In fact,' he says, taking a step closer and shaking a finger at me. 'We've met before.

I remember your blue eyes changing shades, your white hair, and, most of all, your scent, he says, flashing past me with great speed.

I swing my dagger around to stab him, but in a flash, he has disappeared and reappears behind me. I quickly face him.

He tilts his head and stares at me curiously as I step closer to him. Then, he begins to walk around, circling me like a vulture waiting to pick at its prey.

'T'm glad you're here,' he says.

He then vanishes from in front of me, and I hear and feel him inhale my scent against my neck behind me. He presses himself against my back. I thrust my dagger back, but he vanishes again.

'That night, your scent, your smell led me to you. I couldn't stay away. I had never smelt blood so sweet in my two hundred and sixty-two years of being alive.

My mind flashes back to that night, riding through the woods on Micah's back.

The trees whipped past us. I had been struck lightly by some of the low branches, but it had only left a few tiny scratches on my arm. They were small enough that you wouldn't even bother putting a bandaid on them. It must have been enough for vampires to pick up the scent from the tiny drop of blood on my arm, triggering any nearby vampires into a blood-lusting craze. Lord Atticus was within the radius of us.

It was me who brought on Micah's death!

My breathing intensifies at the realisation that my blood had triggered the events leading to Micah's death.

'Why didn't you kill me? Why didn't you drink my blood instead of Micah's!? Why did you have to kill him?' I scream.

I was going for you, but that damn boy got in the way trying to stop me. He knew you were my target. I'd never had such a challenge trying to kill someone before. I knew if I were to taste you, I would have to get through him first, so I did just that. I was going to finish feeding off him, and then it would have been your turn, but then I heard your pack howling nearby after they could hear your screams. That darn wolf boy was hard enough to kill as it was, let alone a pack of them, so I had no choice but to stop feeding from him and retreat.'

In a rage, I run toward Lord Atticus, jump in the air and kick him in the chest, making him step back in surprise. Catching him off guard, I raise my clenched fists at my eye level and manage to swiftly hit him with three blows in the stomach before he grabs my wrists tightly and slams me up against a large tree.

I'm sweating profusely at this point, and my arms are burning. It hurts.

'How did you know I was here?' he asks. 'It's not you who I was expecting, and unless you know Lord Talon, there is no way you would have known I'd be here.'

"Why do you and Lord Talon wear the same cloak?' I ask.

He tilts his head, 'So you do know him,' he smiles, 'But how? We don't normally associate with your kind. Well, with me as the exception, I enjoy drinking the blood of werewolves. It's much tastier than humans, he smirks.

I manage to free my hand from his grip as he chuckles and slap him hard across the face. He steels himself and looks at me angrily. 'Well, aren't you feisty?' he says through gritted teeth.

He grabs my arm and squeezes it. I cry out from the pain. We look down at my arm to see my skin burning. Lord Atticus makes eye contact with me in surprise as he begins to realise something. He then looks at my wrist and runs his thumb over the symbol.

"You've been marked. You're Blood Flamed with one of my kind. Who is your Blood Flame?' he growls.

'Let her go!' Lord Talon shouts.

Lord Talon appears from the shadows of the trees. He is sweating just as much as I am and sways slightly. He needs to feed. I realise I have never allowed him to feed from me, which has weakened him greatly. I don't understand why we are both sweating and burning, though.

Lord Atticus bursts into laughter, looking between us, 'Brother, you did come after all, he smiles.

'Brother?' I mutter under my breath, now looking between the two of them.

Lord Talon looks guilty and worried as we make eye contact.

'I must congratulate you, brother, he says and swings me around so my back is pressed against his front. He holds me so tight I can barely move. 'You have found you're Blood Flame after all. You never did stop talking about how all you wanted in life was to meet your Blood Flame. It made me sick to my stomach every time you mentioned it. Yet here she is in my arms and not yours. I can't wait to taste her, he says, sliding his tongue slowly up my neck, and his fangs extend. I cringe.

'Stop! I'll pledge my loyalty to you. I'll give you lordship of the coven. Just let her go!

That is what you wanted all along. That's why you are waiting here for me.

Lord Atticus pauses in thought, 'That's true, but I must admit, ever since that night I smelt her blood, I've never stopped thinking about it, craving it, yearning to taste it, he confesses.

Nadia and Soren appear from behind Lord Talon as Lord Atticus scrapes his fangs playfully across my neck to stir his brother up further. I discreetly grab my dagger and hold it firmly.

'Nadia, Soren, it's been a long time. You'll have to give Cedric my regards, he chuckles before sinking his teeth into my neck.

At the same time, I plunge my dagger deep into his thigh, making Lord Atticus withdraw his bite and yell.

'That was for Cedric. He sends you his warm wishes, too, I smile as I step back.

Lord Atticus hisses and glowers at me. A few drops of my blood glide down his fangs.

He tilts his head back, and his tongue wipes the blood, tasting it. His eyes become black with blood lust. He lunges toward me for more, but I kick him in the lower stomach, turn and run towards Lord Talon. Nadia screams, sending Lord Atticus back, and Lord Talon uses his ability to slow his brother and his Blood Dwellers down as they race back toward us. I notice everyone's eyes are black now, including Lord Talon's, as I run toward him. Not sure what to do, I turn right and run down the mountain as fast as possible. Before I make it to the base of the mountain, my skis begins to cool and warm tingles and sparks flow through my body as Lord Talon scoops me up and dashes into the distance. I gaze up at him as the burning in my arms dissipates. I'm so happy to see him. He's fighting the blood lust and trying to get me as far away as possible from Lord Atticus. But then he suddenly collapses, drained of strength and energy.

"Talon!' I shout as I crawl over to him.

I help sit him up.

'Lylah, he whispers and gently cups my cheek. We gaze tenderly into each other's eyes. I turn my face into his warm hand and close my eyes. My hand cups over his as I allow his touch to ignite my heart into flames.

CHAPTER 40

My breath catches, and I realise at this moment how much I truly care for Lord Talon, that I've fallen for him so hard, like ocean waves crashing into rocks. Like lightning that has struck the ground. Like the sound of thunder that ripples through your body. I'm in love with Lord Talon. I place my forehead against his and use my free hand to cup his cheek. We breathe heavily in unison as a sense of overwhelming love and desire takes over us.

My walls come crashing down, and my lips slam into his with a fiery passion. My lips coax his open, and our tongues entwine and dance as if they were meant to be.

We gasp for air as we part, and I pull Lord Talon's shirt from over his head and toss it. Our hands explore every inch of each other as we kiss again. I straddle his lap and begin to undo his belt as he pulls the laces undone on the back of my dress and yanks it down, exposing my breasts.

Now, completely naked, we both pause with our foreheads touching, taking in as much of each other as possible.

'Talon, I say. The way I say his name without his rank makes the desire in his eyes burn even more. 'I want you to feed from me.'

He steels himself and gazes into my eyes to see I'm serious. He enters his member between my legs, and we make slow but passionate love, maintaining eye contact the entire time. We touch and caress every inch of each other, and then as we are about to climax, his fangs grow. He bites down and drinks as he releases his warmth inside of me. I cry out in euphoria and bliss as I release and feel him feed from me. His hold tightens around me as he continues to drink. He moans with contentment and fulfilment as he withdraws his fangs.

His lips crash into mine, and I taste my blood's sweetness and can taste the power. It has no metallic taste as I would expect blood to have.

Lord Talon is at his full strength again. He holds me against his chest and caresses my back.

'What's this?' he asks as he gently touches the three thick long scars. I stare at him with worry and quickly reach for my dress. I hold it against my chest and withdraw myself from his lap.

'Lylah, what's wrong?' he asks, standing up and walking toward me.

'Nothing, I just don't want you to see them, okay?

'See what, exactly?'

'To see how hideous and ugly I am. You've already seen these ones, I say, holding my wrists out. 'That was hard enough to show, I hug myself.

'Lylah, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. No scar or amount of scars could make you any less beautiful; he says, gazing into my eyes.

I'm caught off guard by his sweet words. He steps around me, and my back arches as he places a tender kiss on the scars. 'You are perfect, Lylah. Scars and all, he whispers and continues to kiss my back.

I turn to face him. 'The scars don't bother you?' I ask.

'The only thing that bothers me is the sombre look on your face, and I'm going to make it my mission to make you feel nothing but happiness from this moment onwards, he says and pulls me in to kiss me.

I smile endearingly at him as we part. 'Now, let's take you home to your family,' he smiles.

'Wait! You mean back to my packhouse?'

He smiles and nods. I jump happily into his arms and cover his face in kisses.

'I want you to have the justice that you and Micah deserve. Without Cedric, we can't open the portal to send Lord Atticus back into the abyss of darkness. The only way to stop him is to kill him, and the only way we can accomplish that is by bringing the vampire and the werewolves together. But first, we should bathe, he smiles and gestures his head over to a small lake.

Before he walks towards the lake, I notice the deep cut on his arm and shoulder has vanished. I trace my finger over the area of his chest where I had cut him.

'It's gone?' I say to him.

He takes my hand, kisses it and smiles. 'That night after the nightmare. I was comforting you and then without you realising it. You had healed me.' I step back, 'No, that can't be, right? I have no magic!

Lord Talon's gorgeous smile widens, 'When you tried to stab me after we fell down the stairs. I had used my power to stop you from killing me. When you became upset after realising Micah was able to see the future. You broke free of my power yourself.

Again, you didn't notice you had done it yourself?

'I thought you put me down? That you had let me go?'

'No, it was all you, Lylah'

In absolute shock, I quietly walk to the lake and step into the water. Did I heal Talon?

Was I able to break free from his power? I stare at the water and hover my hands above it as Talon watches me curiously.

'Aqua Bedew. I say, but nothing happens.

I splash water in Talon's face. 'Liar, I say to him.

'I'm not lying, Lylah.'

I decide to ignore him for a while. As I bath in the water, I think of how coincidental it was that I was sweating and burning, but once I was with Lord Talon, the burning and pain instantly dissipated.

I move closer to Lord Talon, 'I began burning and sweating as I fled from the underground. When you came and rescued me. You were in the same state as me.

Why was that?' I ask him.

'Remember how I told you that you weren't a prisoner, but I had no choice but to keep you at the castle?' I nod.

'It was because I knew this would happen if we were separated. I couldn't let you go.

Otherwise, we would burn up. You see, when you find your Blood Flame, you can't be apart from each other for long periods, nor can you go a long distance away from each other. The God's chose us to be together because we are meant for each other. We are fated for one another. Going against their wishes and trying to leave your Blood Flame will result in both of us burning until there is nothing left of us but ash. The only way to stop it is to be together again.'

I panic at the realisation that I can't return home to live with my family unless Lord

Talon is to leave the coven and live with me.

'This means I can't stay there. I can't go home to live with my family again?' I say to him.

Lord Talon looks away with guilt. T'm sorry, Lylah, but we can visit them together as much as you like, and they can also visit us,' he says.

I nod but remain silent.

We are washed and dressed as we're about to make our way to my pack until we see Nadia and Soren approach. Thankfully they're no longer blood lusting after me. They smile as Lord Talon takes my hand, kisses it, and holds my hand by his side. They can tell straight away he has finally been able to feed from me. The fang marks are also obvious on my neck.

'Lylah knows everything now. I need you both to rally the coven and have them here ready to fight. Lylah and I will gather the werewolves and meet back here. We are going to defeat my brother once and for all?

They smile and nod before racing back into the distance.

It takes us a day and a half to reach my pack house. I close my eyes and breathe in the air as we walk towards the heavy front doors. Before I enter, it swings open. I see my father. He holds in a cry, and his lips almost tremble as his eyes well up. Within a flash, we are in each other's arms.

'My baby girl, my baby is home. Your back and you're okay, he says, looking me up and down. His eyes pause on the two sets of fang marks on my neck.

'It's okay, Dad. I know it doesn't look good, but it's okay. I'm okay now. I missed you so much, I tell him as I pull him in to hug again.

My mother, brothers, Amara, Bill, Nathan, Kayla and everyone else in the pack runs toward the front door and can't believe I'm here. We all hug and cry.

My mother, Hope, cups my face. 'I thought I'd never see you again,' she sobs.

'Oh, Mother, I say, trying to sound casual, 'You know more than anyone that my stubbornness could never stop me from seeing again.'

She chokes on her cry, which changes into a laugh. Everyone else begins to laugh at the trueness of my words.

Theo and Leo glare at Talon, who stands cautiously a small distance behind me.

'It's okay. Lord Talon isn't the enemy, I assure them.

I approach Talon, take his hand with a reassuring smile, and lead him back to my family.

'I want you all to meet Lord Talon again, but this time on good terms,' I smile.

Talon steps forward, 'It's a pleasure to meet you all again, he says sincerely, but everyone is unsure about him, except for Kayla smiling at us.

I frown. 'You never came after me. You never tried to find me or save me, I say to them.

'I told them not to, Kayla says.

"What! Why?'

Kayla walks up to me and takes my wrist. 'Because of this.' she says and traces her finger over it. 'I knew what it meant. I knew the moment Lord Talon's eyes were red that he was Blood Flamed. I knew the moment he marked you that you were his Blood Flame, but I also knew it meant you would be safe and protected by him. I explained to your family what had happened and what it meant, and removing you from Lord Talon would result in your death. They knew there was nothing they could do but hope and pray to see you again, and here you are again, but with your Blood Flame; she smiles.

'It's true then? You and Lord Talon?' my father says.

I place my hand on his forearm, 'Yes, and I'm in love with him, Dad. Although I will never truly be at peace until I have killed Lord Atticus. Talon has helped to heal my heart and soul again!

My father smiles at me, then turns to face Lord Talon and extends his hand out to shake his hand.

Talon accepts it with a smile. 'Alpha Maximus, it's a pleasure and a true honour to be blessed with your daughter as my Blood Flame' My father smiles and nods, and we enter the packhouse.

CHAPTER 41

'Alpha Maximus, Luna, Talon says to my parents as we face them in the dining hall. 'We have to put Lord Atticus to an end.

Over one hundred years ago, he went on a murderous killing spree. He even killed our father as well as beloved members of our coven!

"Your brother is who's responsible for all of these deaths? For Micah's death?' Theo asks.

'Unfortunately, yes. He is my brother. We had managed to send him through a portal into an abyss of darkness. Since he freed himself over a year ago, he began where he had left off, continuing to kill and murder whilst growing in strength by feeding off his victims. He knows Lylah is my Blood Flame and, unfortunately, has managed to taste her blood. He would have figured out not long after we escaped from him that the small taste of Lylah's blood he had, has greatly strengthened him much more than anything else he has ever fed off. Lylah's blood is unlike anyone else's. Just one cut, one drop, can send any vampire within a distance into a blood-lusting craze. Her blood wreaks of pure power?

My father stands from his seat. If you and my daughter can put your differences aside and learn to love each other. Then our races can put our differences aside and fight together as one. Nathan, Alex, Theo and Leo. Contact all the packs. They are to prepare themselves and join the fight against Lord Atticus immediately. Make sure Alpha Varan and Alpha Greg are contacted first. I will organise our warriors now, he says, leaving the room.

Nathan, Alex, Theo and Leo also leave the hall.

'So what do we do, now?' Amara asks.

'We prepare ourselves,' I say, grabbing Talon's hands and leading him to my bedroom.

He looks around my chambers, taking in everything and touching everything in curiosity. He smirks when he sees my table covered in dozens of daggers as I place the one Micah made me amongst them. The wand my mother gifted is also there. I open my drawer and pull out a fresh pair of my black leggings, baldric, black tank top and a hair tie, placing them on my bed. I gesture for Talon to untie the back of my dress. I let it slide from my shoulders and drop onto the floor. I put fresh underwear on and then my leggings. Talon hands me my black crop top. I take it and put it on, then take my baldric, draping it over my shoulder. I sit on my bed, pull my knee-high cavalier boots on, and lace them up tightly. I walk over to my dresser and brush my hair before tying it in a high ponytail. Talon then hands me my special dagger that I kiss before sheathing it into my baldric. I turn my head enough to see the exposed scars on my back through my mirror and frown. As I grab my hoodie, Talon places his hand over mine.

'Do you want to wear it, or is it to hide the scars from everyone?' he asks.

'To hide them, I reply.

'Lylah, he says, tossing my hoodie aside and gently grasping my chin with his thumb and index finger. 'These scars are part of who you are. These scars tell a story of how strong and courageous you are. These scars show everyone no matter what comes your way. You will never be defeated. These scars are reminders of someone you love and should never be forgotten.

So, show them proudly like the armour these scars have become.'

'You're right, I reply as I face myself in the mirror. 'I'm ready now, I say with determination.

Talon takes my hand, and I look around my room, knowing this is no longer my home now. I leave my room for the last time. Memories of Micah climbing through my window with a smile on his face flash through my mind. The moments we cuddled up and giggled in my bed. The pillow fights and the moments we fell off the bed together, laughing on the floor.

'Lylah, I hear Micah whisper. I grip Talon's hand tighter and smile at him as we walk down the stairs together.

My father has the warriors gathered outside, ready to disembark. It's not long until all the surrounding packs arrive, including Alpha Greg and Alpha Varan.

I make eye contact with Alpha Varan. He looks as depressed as the day I last saw him. Alpha Greg breaks our eye contact, stepping in front of me and pulling me in for a hug.

'Lylah. I'm so pleased to see you, and who is this strapping young lad?' he asks, eyeing Talon up and down.

'This is my Blood Flame, my mate, Lord Talon,' I tell him.

'Blessed with a second mate, hey? Well, I'll be damned by the stars, he says. 'Most will never witness anyone in their lifetime having the blessing of a second mate. It's incredibly rare. I'm happy for you, Lylah. I supposed this means you won't become a warrior for the pack, though?'

'No, but I could perhaps become a warrior for the coven?' I say, now staring at Talon.

'You're supposed to be the lady of the coven now, Talon says.

"Talon! You even agreed that I wasn't a lady when I said I wasn't one!' I argue.

'Hmm, did I? I don't recall, he smiles teasingly.

'Let me help you recollect your memories then, Talon. It was moments before I tried to kill you for the fiftieth time by throwing a blunt butter knife at your head!' Theo and Leo burst into laughter behind us.

'That definitely sounds like our sister,' Leo laughs.

'It sounds like our dear little sister kept you well and truly on your toes?' Theo adds.

'You have no idea,' Talon says to them.

'Everyone ready yourselves! We will be heading east any minute now,' my father shouts.

'Talon, before we leave. There is one last person I need to see!' He nods and follows me. I enter the garden outside my window and kneel on Micah's grave.

'Micah, I say, staring at his gravestone. 'I wish you had told me your secret. I wish I'd known that you knew you were going to die by protecting me. I miss you so much, Micah. It still hurts every time I think of you.'

A tear drops from my face and lands on his grave. My dagger begins to flicker, giving off light. 'Lylah, I hear Micah whisper, but Talon flinches as if he had also heard the whisper and stares at my dagger in awe. I look down and withdraw it. The eye above the fuller, Micah carved. It now looks and moves like a real eye. I recognise it immediately as Micah's eye.

'Micah?' I say.

A heavy wind suddenly flows through me. 'Micah! I love you so much!'

I close my eyes. I'm suddenly brought back to the moment I held Micah before he died in my arms.

'Don't cry, my sweet princess, Micah whispers, 'I will always be here with you. I will always be by your side in spirit and have my happily ever after with you. But Lylah. Your life doesn't end here with me. More is waiting for you, and I want you to find it. You will go on adventures. I know you will find someone and fall in love all over again. I want you to find happiness. I want you to live again and know it's okay to be happy without me, he whispers.

I lean down and kiss Micah's lips for the last time.

'Forever in spirit, by your side always, he whispers.

'Lylah! Lylah!' I can feel hands on my shoulders, shaking me as my mind returns to the present time being on Micah's grave.

Talon is kneeling in front of me with worry.

'Talon?'

'Yes, it's me. What happened? Your eyes and the eye on the dagger suddenly glazed over silver. You couldn't hear me, and you stopped moving.

I look down at the dagger to see the sable eye moving and blinking. 'It's Micah. I saw him again. He said he would always be with me by my side in spirit. I get it now!' I say, standing with a smile. 'Part of Micah is in this dagger. Micah wasn't kidding when he said he had carved his eye in the dagger so he could always keep his eye on me. He said he would always be by my side! Don't you get it? The dagger is always by my side, whether it's tucked in my belt or sheathed in my baldric. Micah has always been with me from the moment he died, here in this very dagger. His spirit has always been with me! This is why I could hear him whisper my name all those times. It was him, after all, who helped lead me out of the labyrinth!'

'Wait. I wondered how in the wands you were able to find your way out of there!' Talon says.

'Micah said he knew I would find love again. He knew you and I would meet and that we would also be fated mates. Micah must have seen how happy you had made me in the future, which was why he was at peace with dying. This is why Micah didn't tell me he could see the future because he didn't want me to stop him from dying. He wanted me to live my life on with you, I explain.

Talon and I stare at each other in shock.

I don't know what to say. If Micah had never died, you might never have become my Blood Flame. He must have been able to see my life as well. Micah must have known all I wanted in life was to find my Blood Flame, to love her and cherish her as if she was the most precious thing in this entire universe. Micah died for us to be together, for us to find love and happiness with each other, Talon says.

Talon looks down at my dagger and glides his fingers across the blade of the Moon Stone. 'I won't let your death be in vain, Micah. You sacrificed your life knowing Lylah would learn to love again and that I would love her just as much as you did and no less. There will never be a day I will ever let Lylah feel she isn't loved and appreciated. You have my word, Talon says.

Micah's eye looks at Talon and blinks. I kneel back on his grave, kiss my fingers and then press my fingers on his gravestone. 'I will always love you, Micah, now and forever. I love you always, I say.

I stand, sheathing the dagger back in my baldric and take

Talon's hand.

'All in order!' I hear my father shout.

CHAPTER 42

Talon watches, intrigued, as the werewolves shift into their wolf forms while my father and brothers shift into their Lycans. Talon gestures for me to climb onto his back. I wrap my arms around his neck as he holds my legs. Together with the pack, we run forward for many hours until we meet the coven of vampires awaiting us.

'Lord Talon, Lady Lylah, All the vampires say, bowing as they greet us.

Nadia and Soren approach and stand by our sides as if to guard us. I look over at my father and nod to indicate we're ready. We head in the direction of the mountain we last saw Lord Atticus. It becomes dark very suddenly before we even approach the mountain. Hundreds of black whisps whip by us and then circle us. They are extremely fast, and I know exactly what they are. 'Blood Dwellers, I mutter under my breath.

'He's here!' Talon shouts, warning everyone.

I see you brought the entire coven and even the wolves to watch you pledge your allegiance to me, along with my dinner, Lord Atticus says, smiling at me. 'I must say tasting your blood not only was delicious, but it has increased my agility and power. Imagine how much more powerful I'll be after I feed off you properly. I could take on the largest city of humans, armies even,

' he smirks.

'I'll never pledge my allegiance to you. You have destroyed all these lives! You're not worthy of being a leader. You're twisted and evil and deserve to rot in the depths of hell with your demonic dogs. And you will never lay a finger on, Lylah, ever again!' Talon shouts. 'That's a shame, brother, as you leave me no choice but to kill you and take Lylah for myself by force!' he yells, and the Blood Dwellers attack us.

The vampires and werewolves fight against the Blood Dwellers. There are hundreds of them. Every time a Blood Dweller is defeated, it flickers and reappears in full health again. Vampires and Werewolves are being injured, and some lay dying. My mother is running from one to another, trying to heal as many as possible. Kayla throws vials toward the Blood Dwellers to poison and disorientate them, but it does not affect them.

'Talon, the Blood Dwellers can't be killed. They are illusions from Lord Atticus's mind. Although they become real, he can resummon them each time they are killed. The only way to stop them is by defeating Lord Atticus himself. If we do that, then the Blood Dwellers will disappear forever.'

'Then you stay here, Lylah. I'll go for my brother'

'No, not on your own! You can't defeat him on your own. I'm going with you!'

'I'm sorry, Lylah. I won't let any harm come to you,' he says.

I look at him, confused, as he nods to some over my shoulder,

'Keep Lylah safe,' he says.

Soren wraps his arms around me, pinning my arms down as Talon races towards Lord Atticus. 'No! Talon!' I scream.

Talon and Lord Atticus hiss and circle around one another before attacking. They are fighting to the death. They claw, bite, punch, and shred each other with their now elongated sharp claws. I elbow Soren and ram the hilt of my dagger into his thigh, allowing me to break free of his grip. I run toward Talon and Lord Atticus and come to an abrupt halt as I see Talon covered in wounds and lying limp. Lord Atticus pulls him up by the scruff of his shirt, and as he is about to rip Talon's heart out from his chest. I scream.

A massive ball of light erupts within me, sending everyone flying back, including Lord Atticus. Everyone looks at me in shock and surprise. There is an aura, a powerful glowing light flaring from all around me. I slowly walk toward Lord Atticus and withdraw my dagger, holding the blade to my wrist.

'Father!' I shout to him, 'Don't kill the vampires, just keep them back,' I say.

He is confused by what I mean. I slit my wrist and hold my arm up, sending every single vampire, including Lord Atticus, into a blood-lusting craze. As they come towards me, my father, brothers and pack form a line behind me and fight back the blood-crazed vampires.

'If this is what you want, Lord Atticus, come and get it!' I say to him.

He hisses and races toward me. As he reaches out to grab me, I hold my hand out, making him freeze like a statue. He stares at me, stunned. Talon struggles to sit up in immense pain and stares at me in awe.

Holding my dagger firmly in my other hand, I step closer to Lord Atticus and stab him in the heart. He cries out in pain, and the Blood Dwellers begin to disappear. I don't withdraw the knife yet. Instead, I stare Lord Atticus in the eyes, and to his horror, I twist the knife causing unimaginable pain.

'The pain you feel right now is nothing compared to the pain you caused me when you killed Micah.

Lord Atticus laughs as blood begins to dribble profusely from his mouth.

'My only regret, he says, choking on his blood, 'Was not being able to finish him off before your pack arrived, he smiles and flings his head back, laughing.

He heaves for air as I push my dagger in deeper. I lean forward and whisper in his ear, 'Inferno Flamo, I say.

Everyone gasps and steps back as he erupts into flames, wailing and screaming until he becomes nothing but a pile of ash at my feet.

I stare at my dagger and breath with a sense of relief and happiness I hadn't experienced for a very long time. I did it, Micah. I killed Lord Atticus. I hug my dagger close to my heart before hearing Talon struggle for air. I sheath my dagger back in my baldric and run to Talon.

I kneel beside him and see the dozens of wounds, gashes and open flesh.

'Lylah, you did it, he says breathlessly.

'Shh, don't move. You're making the blood loss quicken!

My mother kneels beside me and nods that she can heal him.

'Wait! I say as she goes to heal him. 'Let me do it, I say.

I hover my hands over his chest and close my eyes. A ball of light forms above his chest and explodes into millions of tiny particles that sparkle as they slowly land on him. All his wounds begin to heal, not even leaving a mark. Then I realise it has even removed the scar on his chest and arm. I heal the cut on my wrist, removing the vampires from their blood lust craze. The scars on my wrists also fade.

'What about the scars on your back?' Talon says.

I smile and shake my head. 'These scars are part of who I am.

These scars tell a story of how strong and courageous I am.

These scars show everyone no matter what comes my way. I will never be defeated. These scars are reminders of someone I love and will never be forgotten. So, I will wear it proudly like the armour the scar has become.

Talon smiles, nods and swiftly pulls me into his chest. We hug, laugh and kiss until Alpha Varan approaches.

'Lady Lylah, he says and gets down on one knee, bowing his head. 'I want to apologise for how I've treated you and for blaming you for Micah's death. You meant the whole world to Micah, and he loved you wholeheartedly. I should have respected his feelings towards you. I'm so sorry for the hurt I caused you and because of your determination and your love for Micah. You were able to give him the justice he deserves, and now Micah can be at peace, and because of that, you have given my heart peace. You have my utmost honour and respect.

I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive this old fool?' he says. I gaze into his watery eyes and fling my arms around his neck.

'I forgive you,' I say.

He begins to cry and hugs me tight.

I hug my mother, father and brothers goodbye.

'We will visit you each month, okay, sweety, my mother says.

'I would like that, I reply.

'It's going to suck not having our baby sister around to trick and play pranks on, Leo says.

'Well, you and Theo need to focus on finding your mates to become Alphas anyway, and besides, you'll always have Amara to prank, I smile.

'That's true, Theo says, 'Leo and I have already made plans to begin expanding our search for our mates. Maybe with luck, we will find them sooner rather than later.'

I fling my arms around my father one last time. We hug tight, not wanting to let go.

'I'm going to miss you the most, I say to him.

'I'm going to miss you the most too,' he says. 'Now remember what I taught you. If anyone tries to harm you again, what do you do?'

'Kick them right where it hurts the most and say to them, I am Lady Lylah, daughter of a Lycan, and you've just met your worst nightmare!'

'That's my girl, he smiles.

CHAPTER 43

We arrive back in the underground and enter the castle.

'Tonight, we will celebrate our victory and our official lady of the coven, Lylah, Talon shouts.

The coven cheers and dissipates to prepare for the celebration.

I face Talon, Soren and Nadia. 'There is something I need to do first before we celebrate. Can you take me down to the crypts?' I ask them.

They give each other a confused and unsure glance. 'Cedric should celebrate with us, I tell them.

'Lylah, Talon says, 'You know he doesn't want anyone to see him in this state. You know he has gone mad?'

'I know, but I need you to trust me on this,' I say, my eyes pleading with his.

'You know you always have my trust. Come on then, let's go down to the crypts.'

Nadia carries a fire torch as we descend through an abundance of stairs and narrow passageways. As I enter the crypt, I gesture for them to wait at the entrance as I slowly approach the shadow in the corner.

'Cedric, I say and watch the shadow flinch. 'We've met before, but I never got to introduce myself to you. I am Lady Lylah, Blood Flame to Lord Talon, daughter of a Lycan and your friend, I tell him.

He slowly creeps across the ground and into the light, looking curiously at me. This time I'm not scared of him. I don't scream, and I don't run. Instead, I smile kindly at him and extend my hands out for his. Cedric glances at my hands and then back at me. He hesitates, but he reaches up, places his frail hands in mine, and stands.

I smile and hug him. He is unsure and doesn't know what to do. I break the hug and cup the bones on his face.

'I lost my mate too. I'm sorry you lost Alanis. I know you miss her. I miss Micah every single day too,' I say to him.

'Unfortunately, I can't heal your heart, Cedric. I can never take away the pain you feel from losing her. No magic in the world can heal the loss of a loved one. I can heal your mind and body, but I cannot heal your broken heart, I say to him-light forms from my hands.

Cedric's face of exposed bone begins to regrow skin. His body is no longer hunching over and instead straightens. He is no longer severely underweight, and his natural skin colour has returned. I continue to watch as lips form along with his nose and eyelids. The rest of his face develops skin, and I step back.

Cedric looks down at his hands and then touches his face in

shock before he looks up to see his friends. 'Talon, Soren, Nadia?' he says.

They smile and wipe away their tears of happiness before they lunge toward Cedric and pull him in for a group hug, laughing and patting him on the back.

They break the hug and all gaze at me before nodding in agreement for some unknown reason. Suddenly they're all racing toward me and all hug me at once.

'Guys, you're squashing me, I laugh.

'That's the whole purpose, Nadia smiles.

'Thank you, Lylah. Thank you for everything,' Soren says.

We part from the hug.

'Let's get you ready for the celebrations, Cedric, Soren says to him.

Nadia follows behind them.

Talon scoops me up and carries me into our chambers.

'Lady Lylah, daughter of the Lycan. There is one thing I need to do to you before we get ourselves ready for the celebrations!

'Oh, and what might that be?" I ask him.

Talon kicks the chamber door shut and playfully throws me onto the bed. 'Show you how much I love you, he says, ripping his shirt off with a mischievous grin.

------The END---

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