“A useful discovery,” Cain acknowledged. The benefits outweighed the risks. He simply had to ensure all hybrids bore the utmost loyalty to him unconditionally. That was well within his power. Yes, the potential was staggering. With an army beholden only to him as their master, Cain could quickly amass a force to rival any in the supernatural world. All would kneel at his feet or be crushed beneath his might.
Eyes alight with dark purpose, Cain turned to Willis. “Summon the human beneficiaries. Tell them Phase One is nearly complete.”
The shadowed forces funding Cain’s work would be eager to know their investment was coming to fruition. And they would offer fresh subjects to fuel his continued efforts.
Cain stared down at the hybrids still prowling below. “The time has come to increase production. Soon, we will have an army strong enough to reshape the world.”
His expression hardened, his mind returning to the woman fate had cruelly dangled before him, only to snatch away. Perhaps one day, if he were powerful enough, not even the laws of the universe could keep Alice from his side.
But first, he had an arsenal to build. He would see the fruits of his labor flourish across the earth. And anyone who dared stand in his way would be swept aside like chaff before a storm. His reign was at hand. Nothing mattered now but that destiny—not conscience, morality, or the costs to others. Power called, and he would answer, reforging the world as he saw fit. And a new era would rise from the ashes of the old.
As he considered his victory, another thought hit him with such force that he had to grip the table in front of him. If this new development started with him, then that meant if he were killed, it wouldn’t affect Lizzy or Alice. He wasn’t a fool. He knew the only reason Fane had left him alive was because of the two females and their tie to him. If Fane figured out the difference in the hybrid sire bond, Cain’s life was as good as over.
His head snapped around to look at Willis. “Start packing up. We need to be gone as soon as possible.”
“Where are we going?”
Cain’s jaw clenched as he considered his options. He didn’t like them. He was going to have to do exactly what he was fighting to get away from. “Underground.”
* * *
Alice let out a contented sigh.Though her body was languid and relaxed, her mind was a whirlwind of worry that she kept trying to keep locked down from Maxim.
As if sensing her thoughts, Maxim smoothed a hand down her back. “What troubles you, my love?” His voice was a low rumble against her ear.
Alice turned in the sanctuary of his embrace to meet his gaze. “I just… I’m still struggling to believe this is real. That you truly want me after everything that happened.”
Maxim’s face softened with understanding. He stroked her cheek tenderly. “You are my saving grace, the missing piece of my soul. Darkness has reigned in my life for so long, and now I have your light. Of course I want you.” His eyes turned distant and his voice thoughtful. “I’ve dreamed of our future together often. Though I didn’t know what you would look like, what I imagined didn’t come close to the actual beauty you are. I’ve dreamed of a joyful bonding ceremony before the pack, a home filled with love and pups. Growing old side by side as our family blossoms around us.” Maxim’s tone grew husky with emotion. “You are my fate, Alice. My entire world.”
Tears stung Alice’s eyes at the beautiful vision he wove. This male who felt like home even after only days together. Her anxieties could not withstand such steadfast devotion.
Heart overflowing, she traced the swirling markings that decorated his neck and shoulder. “I want your bite,” she whispered fervently. “I want there to be no doubt who I belong to now.”
Maxim’s eyes flared. “Truly?” At her nod, he crushed her to him with a rumbling growl. “I vow here and now to be faithful to you and only you. But we should ask Fane to perform the ceremony. I want it completely official.”
Joy suffused Alice at his words. They would be bound officially before the pack, pledging her life and love to Maxim forevermore. The cadence of fate aligning at last. A level of peace Alice had never known descended upon her, and tears streamed down her face.
Gazing up at Maxim, she knew only certainty. The shadows of her past could not withstand the radiance of the future this male offered. She would walk willingly into the light and never look back.
“Yes.” She breathed against his lips before kissing him deeply. “Make me yours in all ways.”
Maxim’s arms tightened possessively around her slight form. No matter what came, he would be her shield and shelter. And she would find home and healing in his heart always.
Maxim tried notto fidget as he stood at the front of the large room. It was full of people he didn’t know, other than Fane, his mate, and his closest warriors and friends. When he’d reached out to the alpha about doing the bonding ceremony, Fane had been so overjoyed that it had nearly knocked Maxim to his knees. He’d never had someone so excited to see true joy in his life. Alice had been whisked away only an hour later. They’d put off the hunt for the hybrids for another couple of days, which had shocked the hell out of Maxim. He’d expected Fane to tell them he and Alice would need to wait. But no, Jacque had said pack always comes first. To have another bonded pair was a blessing and one they wouldn’t wait to add.
“You getting cold feet?” Costin asked him from where he stood on his left side.
Fane’s first two males, Decebel and Costin, stood in as his groomsmen, since they were doing a bonding slash wedding ceremony. Apparently, it was how the other females had done things because for them marriage made them feel attached to their males. That made sense since most of them had grown up human.
“Not even a little,” Maxim answered.
“Good answer,” Decebel agreed. “There is no greater blessing than a true mate.”
Maxim had no doubt that Decebel meant what he said. He rarely took his eyes off his blonde mate. They were like two magnets continually drawn together.
Music played, and everyone in the room stood. It was a huge gathering of supernatural beings, and all seemed delighted, although they didn’t know Maxim or Alice.
Maxim’s heart swelled watching his radiant Alice walk down the flower-strewn aisle toward him. Her shy smile was only for him, eyes bright with joy. This remarkable, intelligent woman was pledging her life to his. It humbled Maxim deeply.
