The Wolf (Everdark Tales #2)

3.

Queen

A fter I finish breakfast—or rather, an early lunch—Alex gives me a tour of the castle. The soft flicker from the orbs grows on me, no longer eerie, but instead exuding a cozy ambiance and charm. We wander through the common rooms, each adorned with intricate tapestries, marble and gold pagan statues, and carved wooden furniture. There’s an enormous library, filled with titles I’ve never seen before, a wealth of witchcraft and occult textbooks, and file cabinets full of ancient tablets and papyrus. A few operating computers with Internet access serve as additional research tools, providing information on modern humans and news from the outside world. The clash between new technology and historical artifacts is fascinating—where the past and present meet.

As we step into the courtyard, a cool breeze brushes against my skin, carrying the fresh scent of various blooming flowers—I’m not even going to question why the flowers are blooming mid-October in a place without the sun because… magic , I guess. The courtyard is spacious and serene, surrounded by tall arches with ivy-covered columns lining the outer walls of the corridors. At its center lies a mosaic of colorful tiles that form intricate patterns underfoot, and a massive marble fountain with a statue in the middle bubbles peacefully. The crystal-clear water reflects the mesmerizing spectacle of the Northern Lights dancing overhead across the sky dome, casting an ethereal glow upon us.

“This is insane.” My chest rises and falls rapidly as I admire the view.

Alex cracks up. “Wait until you see the gardens.”

He leads me closer to the fountain and we get seated on the curved stone bench beside it. The sound of the water trickling down is soothing, but my mind is still racing. He squeezes my thigh, running his large hand up and down against my jeans in a gentle, comforting rhythm.

“How are you holding up?" he asks, his voice low, filled with concern.

“I’m… better,” I reply honestly, but I can hear the hesitation in my own voice. “I just… don’t know if I’ll ever fit in.”

“Julia, they accepted you before they even knew you. You have nothing to prove here. Please, stop worrying.”

“It’s—” I exhale, not knowing where to begin to explain how overwhelmed I feel. Frankly, I don’t know who I am anymore… or how to even begin figuring that out. I’m lost, and clueless about where to start.

“Baby, you can talk to me.”

“Uh, because it feels like a lot . Too much, too fast. And this whole opening up to others thing… is something I’ve never been good at."

“I know,” his voice is soft and understanding, his golden eyes steady, filled with that familiar warmth.

Even he and I are not past the getting-to-know-each-other phase yet, despite the bond that ties us. Which is utterly ridiculous since we’re mated for life, yet still navigating the awkwardness of figuring each other out. But it is what it is, I suppose. I have zero regrets. However, it will take me a while to adjust and get used to the new normal.

“Don’t you think it might help if we talked about what happened? It could make things a whole lot easier for you, Julia.”

I stare at his concerned face, feeling the burn in my eyes and my throat rapidly closing. “Ugh, I trusted him!” The words spill out, raw and agitated, as I break down, unable to keep holding it together even a second longer.

Without a word, he pulls me into his big, strong arms, cradling me against his firm torso. I realize it can’t be comfortable for him to talk about Dean, and yet he’s still here, so fucking lovely, even though I know it must hurt him, too.

“There was a moment when I saw our future together, and…” I stammer between my hysterical sobs, wetting the soft fuzz of his chest. “And he was only using me!”

His arms tighten around me, protective and possessive. “Do you want Farah to bring him back so I can kill him… again?”

“Really, the third time?” I smile weakly through my tears but consider it for a moment as the idea lingers. “Could she?” I crane my neck to meet his gaze.

He smirks , a hint of dark humor in his eyes. “Well, for the resurrection to be successful, we need all the remains. With the way I handled him, I doubt it’s possible.”

I let out a breath, my chest feeling lighter, though I can’t tell whether I’m more relieved or disappointed. “How did he even turn? Was he bitten or something? I didn’t see any marks on him.”

“A bite that releases venom followed by blood exchange is usually how it works since vampires tend to intentionally choose who they turn. However, if someone dies with both vampire venom and blood in their system, they will change post-mortem within twenty-four hours. He must’ve self-administered it before coming over that night.”

An inkling of a different idea creeps at the back of my mind.

Alex tosses his head, dropping his eyes to the ground. I’m almost certain he read my thoughts, but then he spits out, “It was my mistake. I should’ve known, and I’ll never forgive myself for that.”

“How come?” I ask, confused at the sudden wave of guilt in his hoarse voice.

“Vampires have a smell,” he explains. “A peculiar, unpleasant odor. It’s the worst during the transition period, much more foul than even rotting flesh. Dean stunk horribly, but he did something to mask the scent so I couldn’t figure out his plan. Either way, I would’ve never thought he , of all people, would try to turn. Hunters always feel superior to us, so I’d assume his pride wouldn’t let him demean himself like that. But it all makes sense now—he was obsessed with revenge.” He pauses before adding, his voice strained, “I don’t think he was using you. Not entirely, at least. He must’ve felt something for you. How could he not?”

I pet his head, scratching behind his ear with affection. “Only you are this obsessed with me. He clearly had different priorities.”

It all worked out in the end. I wouldn’t know true happiness with Dean, even if the supernatural didn’t exist. Yet still, I can’t believe I got fooled this badly. I never considered myself na?ve, but how can I trust again if I can’t even trust my own judgment?

“It breaks my heart that he hurt you, darling,” he murmurs, nuzzling into my hair.

I close my eyes, letting the solace of his embrace chase away the sting of betrayal. With Alex, it feels different. Safe. Real. I can feel it in every touch, every glance. There’s no pretense, no hidden agenda. I don’t have to question it. I know where I stand with him at all times. He chose me, not because he needed something from me, but because he wants me . All of me.

“So… I pull back, managing a shaky giggle. “Vampires stink, huh?” I jest, attempting to cheer up the mood and push past the pain.

“I imagine it goes both ways. Katia never lets me forget how much I make her gag.” We both laugh at that before he continues, “Werewolves used to protect humans from vampires and demons a long time ago. It’s a deep-seated mutual hatred.”

I arch a brow. “Then what about your sister?”

“Penny doesn’t smell as bad because we’re related. Normally, humans get drained of their own blood as they transition and wake up starved in their new bodies. But it’s different if you’re a magical being. She still has the same blood as me lingering deep in her tissues, a mix of both witch and werewolf.”

“What happens after they turn?” I ask, curious as ever. “I know you mentioned vampires need human blood to survive, but I don’t get what’s the science behind it?”

“The blood they drink courses through their veins and can sustain them for a while. It’s sort of like a fuel. They grow weaker, and the more energy they use, the more they need to fill up to get stronger again. And so on, and on forever.”

I wince at his words. It’s such a pitiful existence for the sake of immortality.

“My sister and Katia…” his words trail off before he corrects, “matter of fact, most of the vampires that live among us, feed only on the ones who harm the innocent, utter lowlifes that deserve to die, like murderers, rapists, and hunters. But it’s ugly, regardless.”

“And the demons? What exactly are they?”

His expression darkens at the mere mention of them. “Our enemies, still. They exist only in the shadow realm, invisible and powerless, but they can and will possess people like vessels when the door gets opened for them.” His fingers gently brush against my cheek, then he tilts my chin, locking eyes with me. “They can’t reach us here. As long as you’re in the Veil, no harm shall be done to you. But you need to understand that outside, there awaits a much bigger danger than just hunters. Especially for you being my mate.”

“What sort of danger?”

“You see, demons have their queen,” he tells me, and there’s something in his voice that makes my skin crawl. “My mother, Dahlia, sacrificed herself to seal Lilith away in the underworld, using a very powerful ancient magic known only to gods of the time.”

“I’m so sorry.” I circle my arms around his neck and hug him. “And your father?”

“Cyrus. They were fated mates, just like us, so he faded with her.”

I squeeze him tighter. I didn’t expect such a revelation, and I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for him to lose both of them at the same time. The loss of my parents caused a hole in my chest, and they aren’t even gone… I wasn’t even that close to them, to begin with.

“Julia, can we talk about your parents now?” he asks, his tone quiet and delicate. This time I’m sure he read my mind.

My bottom lip wobbles. “I don’t want to.”

“What you did for them is wonderful,” he praises, his eyes shining brightly with pride. “Your mother was suffering all these years, and the grace and kindness you showed her, even after she deceived you, is outstanding.” He rests his forehead against mine, then adds playfully, “Perfectly fit for a queen.”

My lips curve in a smile at his words, though this part is not something I can comprehend. Because me? A queen? This must be a joke.

“I just hope she can find peace.”

“She already has,” he reassures. “They’re selling the house and moving to Europe.”

“Really?” Fresh tears fill my eyes, but they are happy tears this time. “She always wanted to leave.”

“Farah will make sure they remain under the protection spell wherever they go.”

“Thank you. I appreciate you and your family so much.”

“Our family,” he corrects.

“Yes.” I nod in agreement. “I was also wondering—Did you ever find out what happened to the werewolf who…” I gulp. “Um, you know, to my biological father?”

“Unfortunately, he was utterly rabid and got put down.”

“But since my mom has a mark, that means he claimed her, right?”

“A werewolf can claim a mate, any mate, but if they reject him, their fates don’t tie down.”

“Oh, that makes sense.” I take a moment, processing. “Does everyone have a fated mate?”

“It’s a phenomenon among my kind. But a soulmate? Maybe. You’ll notice that most of the supernatural beings take the bond with their partners as a sacred union.”

“You better,” I challenge. “Or else I’ll use that silver sword of yours to cut your balls off.”

He roars in rich laughter. “Do you seriously believe that after waiting for you this long, I’d not be faithful?”

“Just reminding you who you’re dealing with. You saw me in the field, didn’t you?”

“I sure did.” He leans in, and the tip of his tongue traces the seam of my lips.

I enthusiastically part them for him, pulling him even closer, and we join in a kiss—a reminder that I’m not lost. Not anymore.

I feel myself relaxing, the weight of everything lifting off. He grounds me like an anchor in a storm, my rock for life. Maybe I don’t have to figure it all out right now. Maybe it’s okay to just… be here, in this moment, with him.

He hums, flicking his tongue across my jaw. “I love you.” His voice is deep and throaty.

I let those words settle into me, and for the first time in a long time, I truly feel at ease. I love him, too, and maybe that’s all that matters.