“And we’ve come to an understanding on how best to solidify this alliance. We’re going to form a union between my son and their firstborn daughter,” Alaric said with crisp authority.
Chasen let out a sigh but kept quiet. He knew this had to have been difficult for Hunter and Freja.
“You have my word that I will look after your daughter here. I’ll even protect her from her mate if I have to.” Jester winked up at Alaric, who clicked his tongue.
“My son will know how to treat a treasured mate. Any missteps and he would have to deal with me directly,” Alaric said, easing Hunter and Freja’s concerns over his son.
“I’m sure this was a tough decision for all of you.” Jester looked from his brother to Freja. “I think you've made the best choice possible. It is truly putting your kind first. Your children will grow up knowing they already have a mate. It’ll just be a fact of life for them. Hopefully this will make it easier for them to accept when the time comes.”
“Ultimately, it will be their choice. But we’re going to let them know this is what’s needed for the alliance,” Hunter said quietly.
“Do you guys need me to escort you back to the Black Ice Pack?” Jester asked.
Hunter shook his head. “Thank you, but that isn’t necessary. We can find our way back ourselves.”
Alaric approached Hunter and held out an amulet, placing it in his hand. “Keep this on you. All vampires will know what this crest means. Until the news of this treaty is widespread, keep it on you. It will let them know you are a friend of the Vampire King.”
Hunter smiled and nodded in appreciation. “Thank you. I’m glad we were able to reach an agreement, and I look forward to having a good relationship with you in the future.”
“Quit being so diplomatic. Best to treat each other like family, because that’s what we will be. The uniting of our children will make us family, and I insist you treat us as such.” Alaric’s eyes were kind and sincere. Seeing him like this put Hunter more at ease. A family relationship would be more normal and what he wanted for his family.
Hunter looked over at Chasen. “Ready for the journey back?”
“I’m more than ready, and might I make a suggestion?” Ciana said as she stretched her arms above her head. “I can easily carry two people at a time on my back. I can fly two of you back and then come back for the others. What took us almost two days I can do in a few hours.”
“Yes, please!” Jin said quickly and then shrunk back, a bit embarrassed. Chasen was looking down at her curiously and she gave him a sheepish smile. “I’m dying for my bed and some delicious chocolate.”
“That sounds like a good plan then, Ciana. Honestly, it’s for the best for me to return to the pack quickly. We left things a bit up in the air with the witches. I would like to see how all of that turned out with the Briar Coven.”
Alaric scoffed with a frown. “Their coven leader has been a real piece of work, thinking she is above everyone else. The misuse of her position has been revolting.”
“Their coven leader is dead. They will be putting a new leader in charge,” Freja announced happily.
“Good. I’ll rest easier with that lunatic gone,” Willa admitted quietly.
“Okay, so who am I taking back first?” Ciana was anxious to get going.
“Take Chasen and Jin back first. This will give us a few more hours to get to know each other better.” Hunter felt like this was the most logical decision and could see that Jin was happy to hear that. She seemed anxious to leave.
“I don’t like leaving your side, Hunter.” Chasen frowned.
“Freja and I will be fine here. And you don’t want to leave Jin’s side, do you?” Hunter raised his eyebrows as Chasen reluctantly nodded. “Then it’s settled. Go ahead and I’ll meet you back at the house soon. Besides, this will be your first dragon flight. Go enjoy it.” Hunter grinned, knowing Chasen wouldn’t be a fan.
Chasen’s gaze met Hunter’s. This plan made sense. His brother would be safe here, and they would only be separated for a few hours. Besides, it was much better than walking for two days. “Alright … be safe.”
Hunter watched Jin, Chasen, and Ciana walk out of the room before he turned back around.
“How about we show you around the castle, since you have some time to kill?” Willa asked with a smile.
Freja nodded. She would like to get a look at the place. This was the potential home of her future daughter. “Thank you. That sounds nice.” She intertwined her fingers with Hunter’s, and the two were led on a tour through the castle. As they were walking down one of the halls, a little boy walked into view, rubbing thesleep out of his eyes. The boy had rich brown hair and amber eyes. He yawned and looked up at the two strangers. At his side was an older woman, his nursemaid.
“This is our little boy, Derrick.” Willa reached down and picked up the small child. He leaned his head on her shoulder as he continued to look at Freja and Hunter.
“It looks like he just woke up, so he’s still a bit groggy. He may not look like much now, but give him time to grow.” Alaric rubbed his son’s back proudly.
Freja and Hunter smiled at the young child. They waved at him, and he smiled back at them in return. They were looking at the child who would one day be promised to their daughter. He was still just a child. So much could change while he grew into an adult. They hoped he would grow up to be a fine young mate for their future daughter. Time would tell, though.
“I’m going to go and get Derrick taken care of. In case I don’t see you again before you leave, it was nice meeting you.” Willa smiled as she carried her young child off toward their kitchen area.
