For the future of our kinds, we’re all sacrificing something important. We’re sacrificing their fated mates and happiness.Freja smiled and nodded to Hunter, signaling him to agree to the terms. Both couples were agreeing to seal the treaty with an unbreakable bond. A union of blood.
“If we have a daughter, she will be betrothed to your son. And with this union, we will unite our kinds forever.” Hunter reached out and clasped Alaric’s hand.
“An unbreakable bond. Our two children will unite our kinds and seal it with a child of their own. Forever mixing our royal bloodlines.” Alaric nodded and shook Hunter's hand.
“I hope they forgive us.” Willa met with Freja’s green eyes, who nodded along with her.
“I think they’ll understand that this was the only way to ensure a peace that transcends through the ages. And while they may hate us at first … I hope one day they’ll develop their own unique love and bond through their shared situation.” Freja smiled. It was obvious that this was a big decision for all of them, which showed just how important this treaty was.
“Our daughter will be raised with us until she’s twenty. Then she will move here to unite our kind.” Hunter wasn’t going to send her any younger than that.
Alaric and Willa both nodded in agreement. “And you will always be welcome to come and visit. She will also have the freedom to visit you … with several guards, of course. She will be well guarded and protected.”
“So, I guess this is just a verbal agreement, and the official one will be sealed once our children … are mated.” Freja watched as Alaric nodded.
“Well, I guess we’re in agreement then.” Hunter then stood up from his chair, along with Alaric.
“We will also be assisting during the war against the demons as a show of good faith toward the uniting of our kinds.” Alaric held his hand out and helped Willa up. “I have to say … this is probably one of the greatest things I’ve ever accomplished for my kind.”
Hunter nodded his head. “Same. Now, to end this demon war so we can finally have some peace.”
“And start making babies,” Willa winked with a smile.
“My thoughts exactly.” Hunter beamed, looking at Freja. ”I bet Chasen is chomping at the bit.” He wrapped his arm around her.
“You don’t have to hurry off. You’re welcome to stay,” Alaric offered, but Hunter shook his head.
“I’ve already been passing my duties to my beta for far too long. I need to get back to my pack. But thank you. I’m sure we’ll meet again soon.”
Alaric and Willa led Hunter and Freja back to the great room where they had left the others. They’d come to an agreement. The vampires and werewolves were now allies. And the price … the price was their children. An alliance of this magnitude couldn’t just happen, not without a price to be paid.
Hunter’s arm tightened around Freja. They’d just made one of the toughest decisions together as a couple. For the greater good, they did what was necessary. And while a union should be a happy occasion, this was one that had both couples feeling the bitter sting. Their children would bear the weight of this burden. This was now their destiny, and their sacrifice.
There was still one more thought on Hunter’s mind as they approached the doors to the next room, and that was how to come up with another treaty if they never had a daughter. It was something the two couples would have to hash out if that time came. For now, they’d gotten the vampires to join them in the demon war. This was a big win. The pieces were getting stacked in their favor. And he couldn’t wait to put that chapter behind them.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
“Hunter! Is everything okay?” Chasen asked cautiously when his brother entered the room.
“Yes, Chasen, everything’s good.” Hunter kept his arm around Freja as he led them further into the room, Alaric and Willa following closely behind.
“So, Jester, are you planning on staying for a while, or are you leaving with them?” Alaric asked, walking up to his brother.
“Actually, I’m planning to stay for good. If that’s okay.” Jester faced his brother and watched his brother's lips curl upward in a big grin.
“Okay with it? You know how many times I wanted to drag you back here? I only didn’t because I thought it was what you wanted. I didn’t want to force you to live here. But I missed you every damn day. Hearing that you’ll be staying here for good is the best news.” Alaric’s eyes were filled with excitement. “I need to introduce you to your nephew. You haven’t met him yet.”
“I can’t wait to meet him. This is overdue, but congratulations.” Jester patted his brother on the shoulder. “Also, there’s one more thing.” He turned and motioned for Irene to come closer. “I want her station to be changed. Irene is my mate. She will be moving inside the castle to be with me.”
“You’re stealing my finest assassin.” Alaric turned his attention to Irene. “As Jester’s mate, you can no longer live as our assassin. But we would be honored for you to join us at the castle.” Irene nodded, and Jester wrapped his arm around her waist.
“Honestly, I feel better about Jester living here, too. Especially in the future.” Freja looked at Hunter, who nodded knowingly. Freja trusted Jester and knew he would watch over their daughter when that time came.
“Wait, what am I missing?” Chasen asked as he studied Hunter and Freja’s faces.
“We reached an agreement. We are forming an alliance with the vampires.” Hunter smiled as he looked at Alaric.
“Uh huh. And?” Chasen asked, waiting for the catch.
