Chapter 28
Unfortunately, I’m a realist, and within another moment, I stop myself from imagining that Rogan’s and my bond is real.
It’s not, pure and simple.
What is real is the child growing inside me. The child I must protect from anything that may want to cause him harm.
A shiver snakes down my spine as the cold wind whispers through the meadow.
Something’s not right here. This beautiful place has morphed into something ominous, and I want to leave.
Rogan’s hand is warm and steady in mine, an anchor in the eeriness that now surrounds us. I clutch my clothes and dress quickly.
“What will we do about clothing for you?” I ask Rogan.
“Same thing I always do. Arrive wherever I’m going in wolf form and then find something.”
I nod. “We need to go.”
“How? You think I know how to get out of here?”
“You got us here, didn’t you?”
He shakes his head. “I wish I knew what this place is. This isn’t the ether. At least not the ether I know.”
“I want to learn about the ether, Rogan. I want to know everything my father never taught me. But right now, we need to get out of here. We need to do something—” A light flashes in my mind.
It flashes with a word.
Unite.
Unite.
Unite.
Unite what?
And I know. I know as if it’s my destiny. I may not be Rogan’s true mate, but I need to unite the vampires and the lycans once and for all, or my child’s safety will always be in danger. But how? Wolves and vampires have always been natural enemies.
“Rogan, we need a plan to protect our unborn child from the demons,” I say, my voice trembling with fear and determination. “Our two communities—vampire and wolf—must unite against this threat before it’s too late.”
“Agreed, princess.” His deep voice soothes the unease that coils within me. “But we must tread carefully. Convincing the vampires and werewolves to set aside their differences won’t be easy.”
My mind races with thoughts of our unborn child, fragile and innocent, threatened by the dark forces that stalk our world. Anger simmers beneath the surface, fueling my resolve. “We have to make them see the bigger picture, Rogan. If we don’t come together, we’ll all suffer the consequences.”
“I need to speak to your father,” he says. “As a high alpha, it’s on me to approach the vampire king.”
“Vampires and werewolves have been at each other’s throats for centuries.” I tighten my fingers around his. “This is necessary, but it seems insurmountable. How do we do it?”
He sighs, though it’s more like a growl. “I wish I knew. We’re going against centuries of hatred and mistrust.”
“And your side is fighting with the demons,” I remind him.
“That will end. The demons are rising against their king.”
“And your covenant was with Richard?”
He nods. “It was the only way at the time. Besides, I employ a lot of demons at The London. They’re model employees.”
I roll my eyes. “So you’ve told me. The demons seem to think I’m the one who must end Richard’s life. Honestly, there’s nothing I’d enjoy more, but I have my mother to think about.”
“I know, princess. I know.”
“I almost did it,” I admit.
“Again…I know.”
I let out a sharp breath. “We have to make this a safer world for our child, Rogan. We have to.”
“Nothing is impossible when we stand together.” He squeezes my hand.
I want to believe him, but his true mate is out there somewhere—a woman who carved out two vampire hearts.
And when he finds her, I fear his loyalty will no longer be to me.
Or our child.