Page 55 of Rafe

“Before you get rid of the vampire, which I’m not convinced is possible. I’d like to point out that you might have had a shot at the human as a vampire.”

“I have a shot at nothing. It’s not possible. And it’s not about her. It’s about me. If I somehow separate the beast, remove it, I can go back to my pack. And if I really am an Alpha, I can have my own pack one day. Whatever happens, this is my life.”

“Fine. We’ll go to Ilsbeth, but you damn well better ask Samantha first. She’s just as powerful these days. And she won’t take your life.”

“I agree with Greyson. Don’t underestimate Samantha,” Xavier told him. “While she doesn’t weave the trickery of Ilsbeth, her magick’s potent. She protects her circle.”

Rafe turned to Xavier. “But I’m not technically in her circle. No, for good or for bad, Ilsbeth’s my witch.”

The whistle of the tea kettle cut through the tension, ending the discussion. Rafe looked to Greyson who sighed. He supposed even the most ancient creatures, especially ones like Greyson, who was first created human, held onto a sliver of their humanity, the goodness, the knowledge and memories that only time can gift one.

Rafe reckoned the vampire had earned grace. He pulled out a seat next to him and sat down, resting his arms on the aged oak table. Kenji nodded at him and sat across from him. The demi-demon crossed the room, with flair that only Thorn could display.

“Tea’s a good, idea.” Xavier set mugs onto the table and tossed packets of teabags onto the table. “No cream but it’s all good.”

Rafe laughed. “You know what’s funny. I was planning on stopping in Vegas on my trip. Before all this.”

The table erupted in laughter.

“They say there is good hiking,” Kenji offered as he reached for the electric pitcher and began to pour. Steam billowed into the air as each man reached for a packet.

“In one-hundred-degree heat? Nah, I’m good.” Rafe ripped open a peppermint packet.

“It’s hotter than hell here,” Thorn commented as he fingered a pack of cinnamon.

“The demon doesn’t lie.” Greyson selected an earl grey then tossed it back in favor of chamomile.

“Nothing wrong with heat. It’s good for you.” Kenji chose black tea and ripped open the bag.

Rafe lifted his steaming cup into the air. “You’re right Xavier. Tea is always a good idea.”

Silence filled the space as the men drank their tea. Vampire. Wolf. Dragon. Demon. Each with their own weaknesses, strengths. All still committed to fighting evil.

Rafe felt the Alpha before he saw him. A knock sounded at the door, and he rushed to answer it. His heart pounded as Hunter came into sight.

“Alpha,” Rafe averted his gaze out of respect. Though his wolf asserted dominance, he urged him to relent.

“Rafe. You look…tired.” Hunter gave a small chuckle and reached for him.

As his Alpha took him into a bear hug, Rafe fought the emotion rising in his throat. He missed his old friend. Though it had been months since he’d seen him, it was as if nothing had changed.

“I’m so glad to see you,” Rafe offered as he stepped outside. He wanted to talk to Hunter alone without the group. Instead of inviting him inside, he stepped onto the front porch and closed the door. “Greyson’s inside but can we just have a minute?”

Rafe caught him up on the developments of the previous night. Hunter had also sensed few remaining wolves. He needed to get them out of town.

“Maybe you’d consider running your own pack one day,” Hunter suggested.

“You know I can’t do that right now. That’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.” Rafe sat down, gesturing to another Adirondack chair for Hunter to sit. “I don’t want you to freak out. The decision is already made. We haven’t really talked about this, but I can feel the wolf inside me. The Alpha.” Rafe locked eyes with Hunter who he suspected always knew. “But as long as I’m vampire, I’m never gonna be able to be in a pack, let alone run one. This hunger for the blood…it’s too much some days.”

“I’ve always known. I’m sorry Rafe. I wish I could take back that day you got hurt. I should’ve never let Viktor take you.”

“Don’t say that. If he hadn’t taken me, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be here without Ilsbeth.” Rafe watched Hunter roll his eyes. “Look, I’m getting to the part of this where I need you to trust me. I know how everyone feels about Ilsbeth. I know why. But I also know that she’s connected to me somehow. I know she won’t hurt me.”

“I don’t know about that⁠—”

“This is the trust part. I do know. And there’s a possibility she might be able to fix this so I can have my life back. But this thing you asked me to do here? I can’t take on a pack right now. I’m just being honest. If I was selfish, if I was in denial, I’d say, ‘sure, I want to be the leader. I can definitely do this.’ But I can’t. It’s not the Alpha, it’s not my wolf that’s the problem. But this vampire, ah, he won’t let it go, and I can’t in good faith be responsible for other people’s lives when I’m worried about feeding, when I’m fighting the battle to control the thirst. Last night, when I was fighting those things, and I’ve got Greyson, Xavier, Kenji…” Skylar. “I just knew I needed to be whole again. Ilsbeth isn’t promising anything. She said she might be able to help me. So if that chance is even possible, I’m gonna do it.”

Hunter leaned back and crossed his arms, looking onto the desert. “Okay.”