The Price to Rule
Alejandro
We had returned earlier today, and to my surprise, it was a fucking full house. Scarlett, Raven, and her pups were all here. It seemed Scarlett hadn’t known when Kia and I would be back, so had come to help with the kids.
We were having a meeting later, but Maria had quickly filled us in on what they had learned. Dante was the target. It all made sense from the start. Even Enrique had tried to attack him. I just fucking wished I knew why they wanted him. What exactly did his blood offer them?
The smell of food wafted through the house as dinner was being prepped.
Kiara was baking with Scarlett, and even Maria was making some desserts.
Everyone had been happy to hear the news of the new pup.
Chris seemed a little quieter, but I was sure the concern for his mate and pup would do that to anyone.
Raihana had bought all the kids and women new clothes; the girls were all in glittering dresses that reminded me of disco balls.
The women were in equally fucking sparkly dresses as well.
I wondered if I should grab a pair of sunglasses.
As for the boys, they were in matching shirts, pants, and boots – only Dante was refusing to wear them.
He was sitting on the sofa opposite Raihana, who was in a deep pink sequined dress, glaring at the clothes on the sofa next to him.
“I am not matching babies.” He scowled across the sitting room, directing it towards Raihana.
The living room in itself looked like a tornado had fucking hit it.
There were toys, cups, clothes, as it seemed all the younger pups had changed in here, as well as Raihana’s table full of makeup products.
It was obvious she had decided to go full-out on dressing everyone up for this small dinner in celebration of her new addition.
I wasn’t complaining; it was good to see them all enjoying shit, but the makeup and the glitter were fucking too much.
“Oh, zip it. Stop being dramatic, you’ll look cute!
” Raihana replied to Dante as she applied makeup on Delsanra, who I felt fucking sorry for.
Kiara rushed to heal her and Dante upon our return, but it did little to help raise her energy levels.
She was getting worse. She lay there with her eyes closed, whilst I had to admit Raihana did a good job of covering those veins that covered her.
Kataleya was sitting against the far wall, holding a teddy bear tight to her chest and staring out at the sky from the window.
“Perfect…” Raihana smiled proudly, finishing applying Delsanra’s lipstick. The woman could barely keep her eyes open, and Raihana was using her as a fucking makeup doll. What the fuck was wrong with her?
“I am not wearing these clothes. You wear them,” Dante shot at Raihana.
“Dante, listen to your sister,” I remarked, wanting the fucking conversation over with.
“No. She’s annoying.”
“I am not! You’ll look so handsome! Look, I even chose a shirt for you to match your eyes! Come on, you’re making me sad,” she pouted. I glanced at her as she looked at Dante. Yeah, that shit worked on everyone but the fucker.
“A no is a no, or do you want me to answer you in a different language?” Dante remarked arrogantly.
“Oh, don’t show off your bilingual skills. I can speak several languages, too,” Raihana replied.
“But you still don’t understand a no in simple English?” Dante replied, smirking victoriously as Raihana pouted, and he lay down on the sofa, closing his eyes.
“That boy…”
“Is a bit like you,” Delsanra said, opening her eyes. Raihana smiled, holding up a small mirror so Delsanra could see what she had done. “Thanks, it’s gorgeous.” She smiled at her friend.
“You look a tad fucking better,” I added, making her smile grow.
“Thanks, King Burrito.”
“Daddy, look, I am Maleficent!” Skyla said as she did a twirl in her green dress, which made her eyes look even greener.
And Raihana had put black lipstick on her.
Seriously.
“You fucking do.”
“Yes, I just need horns. Now, give me one pound for swearing.” She held her hand out, and I frowned.
“Later,” I growled, leaving the room, being careful not to step on any of the scattered clothes or toys.
I heard the giggling from the side of the room where Sienna was busy playing with Ahren, Tatum, and the Westwood five. Dante had a fucking point. Why the fuck were they all dressed exactly the same? One sparkly princess with seven bodyguards. That’s what that shit looked like.
I shook my head, leaving the room and almost knocking into Rayhan.
“Seriously, this fucking place is a tad too fucking small,” I growled, making him smirk.
“Or you are just too big to manoeuvre smoothly.”
“Jealous that I’m fucking taller?”
“Not at all,” he smirked. He had his hair pulled back, making him look a bit less fucking annoying.
“What’s the count now?” I asked, knowing he’d get what I meant.
“Just another twenty. Stuff has slowed, it’s hard to find those who fit all the criteria.
Although the witches the Coven sent to check the blood said fifteen of the previous batch weren’t of virgins,” he replied quietly, glancing down the hall, but it was just us other than near the far side, but it was only Liam and Chris who were talking to Darien and Serena.
We just had to be careful that Kiara didn’t hear of this. I hated hiding stuff from her.
“But those who said they were questioned under Alpha command… unless they didn’t know…” I mused, frowning as we exchanged looks. The same thought came to both of us at the same time.
“Yeah, I thought the same thing.” Rayhan crossed his arms, a frown on his face.
“They had the bottles labelled with identities, right?” He nodded.
“Good, then find the details of those who didn’t qualify.
Check if there’s any sexual abuse or anything involved.
For someone to believe they were a virgin but aren’t…
I want to make sure it’s not ignored. Have Nicholson handle it.
I need someone who’s trustworthy to deal with this. ”
“Sure. I’ll let him know.” Rayhan nodded, walking off to make a call just as Kiara stepped out of the kitchen with Raven, both laughing over something.
“I swear it was the funniest thing.” Raven smiled.
“It was not funny,” Azura added, stepping out of the kitchen from behind them. All three were in the dresses Raihana had gotten, with Kiara’s being a blue-green that suited her eyes and Raven’s black. The Westwood devil’s was a bright blue. “Hey, Al!” She waved.
“Hey, pup.”
“I’m not a pup anymore,” she stated, tossing her hair.
She was about to say something else when she smiled slyly, spotting Liam.
I really didn’t give a shit about stuff, but I did feel for the fucker.
The girl loved to play pranks on him, and he didn’t even realise she had him twisted around her finger.
She walked off sneakily, and I looked back into Kiara’s gorgeous face.
She smiled at me, and I closed the gap between us, pulling her close and kissing her passionately.
The dickhead Elijah coughed loudly, and Kiara pulled away, blushing lightly. I ignored him, my eyes dipping to her breasts. She was so fucking sexy.
“You look fucking fine,” I growled huskily, making her let out a breathless laugh, her cheeks only darkening.
“You, too, handsome.” She kissed my neck before pulling away.
“Are you two done?” Elijah remarked.
“Not really, but-” Kiara placed her finger to my lips and smiled at her dad.
“Yes, we are.”
Before Elijah could reply, Maria and Scarlett came out of the large dining room. They, too, were wearing the same blinged-out dresses in red and silver.
“I’m so happy to hear the news,” Scarlett was saying to Maria.
“Another grandchild, although I still have a way to go before I match your eight.”
“We are not having more kids, Mom,” Rayhan added, walking back over to us and looking at his mother.
“Ya Hayati, you never know.”
“You never know. They are still young,” Scarlett smirked.
“I’m pretty sure,” Rayhan replied, smiling at both women.
“Five kids are too much, trust me,” Raven said, making Kiara smile.
“You are superwoman. Liam is immune to it or something, but just thinking of five is intense,” Rayhan replied.
“I like the house full,” Kiara added.
And I like you fucking full with me, I added, making her blush.
Just then, my phone rang, and I pulled it out, frowning down at the number. Janaina. Giving the group a nod and Kiara a tap on the ass, I walked towards the front garden, not wanting anyone to hear the conversation.
“Yeah? What’s up?”
“I wanted to let you know that I have created the blade. The question is, have you chosen someone to wield it? Remember, there is only one chance,” she said quietly.
I glanced back towards the open front door at Chris and Liam, seeing Liam’s sharp eyes watching me. The fucker’s hearing was good. I walked around the side of the house for some fucking privacy and stared at the dark cloudy sky.
“You just need to deal with the blade. I’ll handle the rest,” I replied, taking out a cigarette and lighting it. She sighed heavily, her irritation obvious.
“You know the price.”
I did. Her words from that day still rang in my mind. The price to kill an immortal meant death.
“You know you cannot do it yourself. This world still needs you,” Janaina admonished. I frowned. I wanted to fucking live and be with my family. It wasn’t like I wanted to fucking end all that.
“I know, but it’s my fucking job, and I am not going to send someone else to their death,” I growled. “You’ve done your part, I’ll do mine.”
“There is still so much darkness in the world, King Alejandro. Your son is still a child.” I know that.
She hung up, and I resisted the urge to throw the phone across the fucking garden. I turned sharply, frowning as I scanned the area. For a moment, I felt as if someone had been there, but I didn’t pick anything up. Fuck that shit. Maybe I was just being paranoid.
I stormed inside, trying to hide my irritation, only for Kiara to take hold of my arm, her eyes filled with concern.
“Are you okay?” She whispered.
“Fucking perfect,” I replied coldly, kissing her, the frustration within me only rising.
I glanced around before pulling her against me and rounding the corner.
I tugged her into the nearest room. I shut the door, drowning out all the sounds from outside as I claimed her lips once more and deepened our kiss, pushing her up against the wall.
Her body reacted to me instantly, and she returned my kiss with equal passion.
We broke apart after a few moments, both of us breathing hard.
Her eyes were shimmering a dazzling purple, the sparks still dancing along our skin, and I could still feel her against my lips.
My dick throbbed against her, and I had to force myself to put some space between us before my semi-hard state became fucking obvious.
I didn’t think now was the time to fuck her in the bathroom.
“What’s wrong?” She asked me. I wanted to tell her, but Dante’s words returned to my head, and I knew I couldn’t risk it. I cupped her face, pressing my forehead against hers.
“Nothing I can’t handle,” I said quietly. She looked concerned but nodded.
“If you do need to talk, I’m here.” She reached up, kissing me once more. I looked into her blue-rimmed green eyes; I couldn’t wait for the day that all this crap was over. “Alejandro… you’re scaring me,” she murmured, cupping my face.
I was given a second chance once long ago…
I didn’t think third chances existed. I had lived several years of happiness.
My queen was strong enough to live without me.
I fucking didn’t want it to come to that, but there was no other option.
I didn’t want to hurt her or leave… ever.
But we needed someone strong, powerful, and able to deliver the final attack.
I pulled her into my arms, hugging her tightly. Her heart was thumping, and I wasn’t sure if it was her fear or my own that swirled through me. She locked her arms around me just as tightly. I didn’t want to do this... but for our family, if I had to make a sacrifice… I would.
“Alejandro…”
“I love you, Amore Mio. Let’s get back out there,” I replied quietly.
“Everything is going to be okay. As long as we’re together, we can rule the world.” She smiled, and I couldn’t resist giving her a small one back.
Yeah, the only fucking thing was, with great power came great fucking responsibility…
I placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. What fucking killed me most was knowing that my decision would break her.