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“They definitely made some powerful allies to achieve that barrier too,” Holt noted.
“Or paid them an insane amount of money,” I added.
“Money does talk,” Nyx said. “Us wolves were just living secluded, weren’t we?”
“My coven didn’t talk to any wolves or vampires. Maybe it’s a proximity thing, like a coven nearby they’d always held an alliance with,” Holt mused.
The doors opened and a man in a tailored suit stepped out. The suit was an inky black with red accents that amplified the red tint around his irises. He was handsome, in an otherworldly way, his features almost too perfect. Unlike the other vampires we’d met, this man lived up to every human stereotype I’d ever heard.
Callum walked right up to him and held out his hand, no hesitation. It was nice to see him back in his usual confidence. He’d worried me for a bit.
“Thank you for hosting us. My name is Callum, I’m the alpha of this pack,” he said. The vampire glanced down at his hand for a moment before shaking it once and letting go.
“My name is Victor. Welcome,” he said quickly as he took a step back. “I’ve got several rooms set aside for your people. Seems you might be in need of someshowersand sleep.” The way his nose wrinkled told me that we did not smell as good as we could. It also explained the step back and reluctance to shake our alpha’s hand.
“We apologize. It’s been a very rough few days and our entire packland was decimated. We’ve been roughing it for weeks,” Callum explained. “The tent life was not easy. A real bed and hot shower sounds amazing.”
Victor’s eyebrows furrowed. “I’m very sorry to hear that. It’s been an awful time for the supernatural world, it needs to end. We’re here to help and we’ll be joining the fight.”
“Really?” Leven asked. “That’s great to hear.”
Victor nodded as he led us into the foyer. The dark wood and stark whites were mixed with the occasional shocks of burgundy and silver. It was beautiful here and well maintained, not a speck of dust in sight or thing out of place. Victor came to a halt at the center of the room and pointed to our right.
“This entire wing is yours. All of our rooms have a bathroom attached so there should be enough showers and beds to go around. The door right here—” he pointed to a door to our left “—is the office where you’ll find my assistant, Clara. She will help you find anything you need and once you are cleaned up and ready to meet, she can lead you to me, Alpha. You’re welcome to bring your inner circle as well, mine will be with me.”
“Thank you,” I said, bowing to the man in respect. He’d given us far more than we could have hoped. He nodded once before turning and walking away.
It was pure chaos for the next ten minutes while we got everyone into their respective rooms. There were plenty but we still had to bunk several together, but no one was complaining. It was all too comfortable and safe.
Each room was set like a hotel with a king size bed or two full beds, a bathroom, and a TV. Essentially we had everything we could need and it definitely beat the camping life we’d been forced to endure.
“I’m taking a shower first,” I announced as I grabbed my bag and headed for the large bathroom.
“Let’s conserve water,” Holt said, following me in. “No funny business, I’m too fucking tired.”
“Sold,” I said around a yawn, both of us laughing. We’d found this groove between mates and friends, both of us knowing our relationship would continue to grow. Sure we weren’t afraid to kiss or fuck, but getting to know everything about each other was also a priority. Nothing felt rushed, it was just… easy, with him.
“Sign me the fuck up,” Nyx joked as he flopped on the bed. Callum’s answering growl had me rolling my eyes. Men.
* * *
Callum
Nyx might have been joking,but I was too exhausted and on edge to let my mates be alone right now. I grabbed my own bag and followed them in.
“I don’t know how big you think this shower is—” Vanya laughed “—but we aren’t all going to fit.”
“That’s all right. I can watch the show and take mine when you’re finished,” I promised. She huffed out a laugh as I settled on the closed toilet, leaning back and staring at them as they started to pull their clothes off and toss them aside.
“Can I burn my clothes? They smell awful,” Holt muttered as he waited for Vanya to get the shower going to her usual skin-melting temperature.
“Agreed,” Vanya said. “Remind me to send this hive some fresh humans to feed on or something. Maybe the guards we take alive?” Neither Holt nor I gave a response to her ridiculous statement.
They were exquisite to watch. Holt was a dark and tattooed opposite of Vanya who was pale and unblemished outside of the scars on her back. Even those seemed beautiful on her. Now that Holt had been with us for a while, his form was filling out, though it was clear he was just slender by nature.
None of us were in any condition to fuck after what happened to Vanya yesterday. Not only were we terrified of her having a hallucination in the middle, but we didn’t know how she’d handle it. She needed a mental break, we all did. Which was part of the reason I wanted to be with her at all times right now, the idea of letting her out of my sight was terrifying. We didn’t know when that bitch would strike. Part of me hoped the barrier here would keep those visions at bay, at least for the night.
Holt gently took the shampoo from Vanya’s hands and gestured for her to turn. She complied, and I couldn’t help but love him more as I watched him gently wash her hair. They were so sweet together, gentle, taking care of each other almost better than anyone else. We were protectors, but Holt was the soft and gentle one, keeping her grounded. He was intuitive, knew what we needed before we even did. We were lucky to have him.
