“Stop!”
“What the—you!”
Alexandru stepped forward. “You’ve been challenged to a death duel, Anatoli Corvinus.”
“This is preposterous,” Anatoli sputtered. “I am the leader of The Family! By the rules of the old ways, it is my right! Our ancestors said only the strongest of us can lead. They’d been killing each other for centuries for the right to rule.”
“That is true,” Alexandra said. “But death duels are also the way of our ancestors as well. So, you must accept and fight or concede defeat.”
Anatoli let out a strangled cry and his face went red. “Do something,” he hissed at the mage.
“This is your mess,” the mage scoffed. “You clean it up. I just want what’s mine.” He turned to Adrianna. “I will take you when this foolishness is over, and once I do, I will drain every last drop of your blood.”
“Damn you,” Anatoli sputtered.
Alexandru motioned to Remus and Simion. “Let him go.”
“Darius!” Adrianna broke free and ran to him. “Darius, please … don’t do this!”
He wiped the tears streaming down her cheeks. “I must.”
“But why?”
“To keep you safe,” he said. “Please forgive me for—”
“No, don’t say it! I should have known you wouldn’t … Darius please I need to tell you something.”
He silenced her with his mouth, savoring the kiss like it was his last. “I need to tell you something too.”
“What?”
“I love you, Adrianna.”
She froze in his arms. “Darius—”
“You can tell me later,” he said. “For now, I must do this.” For you. For my family. Once Anatoli Corvinus was dead, he would kill the mage next. “Please,” he said, calling to Julianna. “Take care of your sister.”
“Darius!” Even as he untangled her from his arms, she fought him. Julianna soothed her, prying her away.
It pained him to ignore her, but he had to focus. Anatoli may be older, but he would not give up without a fight. Besides, even if he killed Anatoli, there would be the mage to deal with. Who knew what that scoundrel had up his sleeve?
“Ready?” he asked Anatoli.
His uncle had already stripped his clothes. “You fool. I will kill you and enjoy every minute of it.” Anatoli began to shift into his wolf—a large, dark gray wolf that matched Darius in size and bulk. He could feel Anatoli’s rage and that’s what made him so dangerous. He had everything to lose in this fight and victory would mean he could get rid of Darius and gain two major territories.
But, looking at Adrianna, Darius knew he had everything to lose too. He called on his wolf, and he didn’t have to wait long. It was ready to duel to the death to protect her.
The two wolves circled each other, sizing up one another. Anatoli made the first move, bounding forward with paws raised. They swiped and clawed at each other, dodging and parrying off attacks.
Darius’s wolf let out a growl and advanced, snapping its gigantic jaw. He thought to push him back until he had no place to go. But Anatoli’s wolf wouldn’t let itself get boxed in. Much to his surprise, it came forward, leaping up to pounce. Claws scratched at his face and blood blinded Darius’s vision.
Anatoli took advantage of the momentary weakness and attacked again. This time, it was his uncle who underestimated him. He rolled to the side and Anatoli went splaying to the ground. The dark gray wolf sprang to its feet and faced him, fury evident on its face. Darius knew it was time.
Attack!
Darius’s wolf jumped at Anatoli. The gray wolf raised its front legs, but Darius twisted to the side at the last minute and raked his claws down the other wolf’s right side, digging in as deep as he could. It let out a yelp of pain, and Darius’s wolf held on, feeling the flesh underneath his claws tear open. They sprawled to the ground and broke apart. Anatoli’s wolf got up, but Darius was faster and he attacked—going straight for the neck.
The loud gurgling yelp the gray wolf let out was sickening and Darius did not relish the sound of his uncle’s death nor the blood gushing into his mouth. In fact, it disgusted him. But it was all worth it, knowing Adrianna was safe.
Darius released Anatoli’s neck and limped away. As soon as he transformed, Alexandru came to his side and helped him to his feet.
“By the old ways, Darius Corvinus is our leader now,” he declared. “What are your orders?”
“Stand down,” he said in between heaving great gasps of air. The shifting and fighting were taking their toll on his body, plus the claw marks down his face were still throbbing. Once his lungs were fully functional, he waved Alexandru away and stood up straight. “The Family will continue under my leadership, but we will be pledged to the Alpha of New Jersey. Anyone who does not agree is free to leave.” He looked up at Frankie Anderson, who stood on top of the porch, a stunned look on her face. “We will obey her rules and serve her. Her allies are our allies and”—he looked at the mage, who stood rooted to his spot, seemingly frozen—“her enemies are our enemies.”
“Damn you!” the mage thundered. “You will die, Darius Corvinus!” The mage raised his hands and opened his mouth.
The killing spell. He knew those words, remembered them. The pain began to gather in his skull. He fell to his knees, and as he felt the life leaving his body, he heard a long, low growl, followed by a scream.
The pain was subsiding. His head shot up and the mage was on the ground, a large magnificent brown and white wolf on top of him. Its massive maw was attached to the mage's scrawny neck, tearing into the soft flesh. The mage’s body convulsed several times before eventually going very still. The wolf released its victim and turned to him, its mismatched green and blue eyes glowing.
“Adrianna.” He gasped and reached out to her, extending a hand. The wolf galloped toward him, licking his hand and nuzzling at his neck. As soon as his arms went around her, she was back in human form.
“Darius,” she cried. “Oh. God.”
“You saved me, Adrianna,” he said.
“Of course I did,” she exclaimed. “I love you, you damn fool!”
He chuckled and stroked her back. “I love you, too.”
They struggled, but leaned on each other as they got to their feet.
“Adrianna!” Julianna cried as she ran to them. “I thought you were …”
“I’m fine,” she said as Julianna embraced her.
“Mimma!” Frankie flew to her side. “Oh God, I thought I was going to lose you.”
“Mama,” she said. “I’m fine. In fact, I’m—” She stopped suddenly. “Can I please … can we get cleaned up? I don’t want their blood on us anymore.”
Darius glance down and realized that his jaw and chest were covered with Anatoli’s blood, while Adrianna bore matching stains from the mage.
“Go ahead,” Frankie said. “I’ll take care of things out here.”
“Thank you,” she said gratefully. She grabbed Darius’ hand. “Let’s go.”
Darius followed her into the house, but stopped when they got to the foot of the steps. “Adrianna, wait.”
“No,” she insisted. “Please, come upstairs with me?”
She seemed really eager, so he let her lead him to her room and into the bathroom. She pulled the shower curtains aside and stepped into the claw-foot tub, then motioned for him to join her. It was a tight fit, but they managed and she turned on the shower.
“Oh.” She let out a satisfied moan as the hot water poured over them. He had to admit, it was nice to get the stench of blood off him and feel clean.
“I’m sorry about your family.” She turned around to face him, then pressed her face to his chest.
“At least I finally know.” Somehow there was a part of him that always thought Anatoli had been responsible for their deaths. He just couldn’t find any evidence at the time.
She sighed. “I’m glad we can finally be alone.”
“There’s so much we need
to talk about,” he said. “About what happened this morning.”
“Shhh.” A finger stopped his lips. “No need for that. It’s done.”
"But I should have been honest from the beginning.”
“You still saved me from those men,” she said. “You didn’t know at that time your uncle was responsible right? It’s obvious that he’s been keeping you in the dark about his involvement with the mages.”
“He’s kept everyone in the dark. I think deep down he knew it was wrong, but he was in too deep.”
“You still sympathize with him,” she said quietly.
“He was abusive and cruel, but that was a product of how he was brought up.” His Grandfather had been loving to him and his siblings, but Gregor Corvinus couldn't have grown The Family to what it was if he didn't rule with an iron fist.
“But Anatoli was also a murderer,” she reminded him. “Don’t feel bad for what you did.”
“He was still my blood,” he said. “I will have to live with what I did.”
“I’ll be here for you.”
“We’re clean,” he declared as he turned off the shower. “We should head down. Your mother is probably wondering where we are.”
“Yes—oh wait!” She snapped her fingers. “I almost forgot why I needed to get you alone.”
“You did?”
“Yes.” Her eyes seemed to sparkle. “Darius,” she took his hand and pressed it to her belly. “I’m pregnant.”
He stood there, dumbfounded, wondering if he heard her right. “You’re …”
“Yes,” she said, her voice caught in her throat.
“Are you sure? Isn't it too soon? It's only been a few days. Did you take a test yet?”
She nodded. “Yes, I’m sure. Darius, this isn’t just any pup. You and I, we’re True Mates.”
For the second time in a span of five seconds, he was confounded. But deep in his soul, he knew it was true, that she was meant to be his, the other half of his soul. His wolf too, knew it from the beginning. “I love you,” he said with growl, before leaning down to devour her mouth. She parted her lips, allowing him to deepen his kiss. When he finally pulled away, she let out an unhappy sigh.
“We should probably go downstairs,” he said. “We can’t keep hiding up here.”
“I suppose,” she said. “But I do want to put all this behind us.”
He pulled the shower curtain aside and stepped out, then handed her a towel. “You finish getting dressed. I’ll be waiting for you downstairs.”
“You promise?”
“I swear.” Now and forever, he would always keep all his promises to her.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Just as he said he would, Darius was waiting by the foot of the stairs. His damp, silvery hair looked like it had been carelessly combed back with fingers, and he was dressed in his usual shirt and jeans. The look he gave her as she came down made the butterflies in her stomach flutter.
She still couldn’t believe he was here. And that he was her True Mate and he loved her. It seemed like a dream, and she was afraid she would wake up. He reached out a hand to her and as their fingers touched, she felt that familiar buzz of electricity between them.
“I think we have company,” he said, cocking his head toward the kitchen.
She heard voices. Familiar voices. “We should go and see what’s going on.”
The kitchen was abuzz with activity when they walked in, and she was taken aback as she wasn’t expecting so many people there.
“What’s going on here?” Her gaze ping-ponged across the room at all the new faces. "Papa?"
Her father’s head turned to her and his face lit up when their eyes met. “Adrianna!” He dashed toward her and cupped her face. “Baby, I thought—” He stopped and looked down, staring at her and Darius’s linked hands. “Care to explain what’s going on?”
“Papa,” she said, pulling Darius closer. “This is Darius Corvinus. My True Mate.”
“Your—”
“Adrianna!” Frankie exclaimed and practically leapt across the room. “True Mates? You’re sure?”
She nodded. “Yes, Mama.” She pressed a hand to her stomach. “I’m going to have his pup.” When her father let out a strangled cry, she shot him a warning look. “Papa …”
Grant let out an indignant harrumph. “I know, I know. As I’ve been reminded a long time ago, these aren’t the dark ages.” He massaged the bridge of his nose. “I just … it seems like yesterday I was waiting for you and your brother to be born.” He took a deep, long breath before turning to Darius. “So, you’re Darius Corvinus. My daughter's mate.”
Darius bowed his head. “Alpha. It’s an honor to meet you.”
“My mate has told me all about you,” Grant began. “She told me that you worked for Anatoli.”
“I am his—was,” he corrected, “his nephew.”
“She also told me that you saved my daughter. Numerous times.” He held out his hand. “I’m grateful, thank you.”
Darius seemed stunned, but shook the hand Grant offered. “I would do anything for her, Alpha. She is my mate. I love her and the child that grows in her, and I will protect both of them with my life.”
Grant flashed Adrianna a pensive smile. “I have no doubt.”
“Papa …” She embraced her father. “I’m glad you’re here. But,” she looked around. “What are you all doing here?” She counted a total of seven people that hadn’t been here earlier. Her father, three members of the Lycan Security Team, Uncle Dante, and to her surprise, Cross Jonasson, the powerful warlock-Lycan hybrid. Anatoli’s right-hand man, the older, burly Lycan who had proclaimed Darius as the new leader of The Family, was there too, talking to Frankie.
“We had come to help. I’m still technically part of the New Jersey clan.” Uncle Dante scratched his head. “Though, it looks like you didn’t need our help, huh?”
Frankie chuckled. “Didn't you think we could handle things? Are you underestimating the women of our family?”
“I learned long ago never to make that mistake,” he quipped.
“Adrianna,” Cross began. His blue-green eyes bore right into her and she couldn’t help but feel like she was pinned to the spot. “Your mother has relayed to me what happened with the mage that attacked you.” He turned to Darius. “I’m sorry for your loss. That magic the mage used on your family is an abomination.”
Darius squeezed her hand tight. “My mate has avenged them.”
"Did the mage mention anything important?" Cross asked. "Did he say why he wanted to take you and not just kill you?”
Adrianna shivered. “He said that he wanted my blood.”
Those blue-green eyes turned stormy. “Then my initial theory was incorrect. They don’t want to stop you from ascending to Alpha. They just want you.”
“But what do they want with Adrianna?” Frankie asked.
“They want both of them. Adrianna and Lucas. Specifically, their blood.”
“What?” Grant asked, incredulous.
“Do you know how a mage is made?” Cross asked, but it was obviously rhetorical. “Through blood magic. Mages are former witches and warlocks who break the laws of nature by killing and using blood to increase their power. And Adrianna and Lucas, as the firstborn children of two powerful Alphas, have potent blood. I believe they mean to use it for some ritual or spell.”
“What kind of spell?” Adrianna asked. Her knees felt weak at the thought. That mage really was going to literally drain her dry.
“I don’t know, my father and I are still gathering information.” His jaw tightened. “But we will find out soon enough.”
“That means we have to be more vigilant,” Grant said. “Lucas and Adrianna must be protected at all costs.”
“I will have to tell my father about these new developments,” Cross said. “This is new information, and we can use it to find out what the mages are really planning.”
“We have to find out what they’re planning and stop them
,” Adrianna said. “I refuse to be a target.”
“I will be by your side,” Darius said. “And I will not let anything happen to you.”
“I know you won’t.” She pressed up to his side, taking in his scent. It wrapped around her, comforted her. She knew from now on, she would do everything in her power to stop the mages and protect her mate and her family.
Epilogue
It was one of those rare winter mornings when the sky was bright blue and the air crisp and light. There was an almost ethereal, serene beauty to Greenlawn Cemetery, and the gravestones dotting the landscape didn’t mar its loveliness, but rather, enhanced it. The drive there was long, but Adrianna knew it was worth it. Despite the fact that it would be a three-hour drive back to Barnsville, she gladly made the trip.
“We are here,” Darius declared as they stopped in front of four gravestones grouped together. The markers were simple etched only with names, but obviously well-cared for. Adrianna stepped around carefully and with Darius’ help, placed the four bouquets they had been carrying on top of each grave. She also placed a teddy bear on the smallest one.
They stood side-by-side, hands linked together. The silence between them was comfortable, but she knew this couldn’t be easy for him. Last night, he had confessed that although he paid someone to maintain the graves, he hadn’t been here in years. “What were they like?” she asked with a gentle squeeze of his hand.
The corner of his lips turned up slightly. “To be honest, the memories of my father are unclear, as I hadn’t spent a lot of time with him since he had left us. But from his letters that my mother would read to us every night, I knew he loved us very much. Thomsin was a troublemaker, always getting into things he wasn’t supposed to. Elena, she …” He paused. “Elena was a sweet girl. Always smiling and running to me when I came into a room. I would ruffle her hair and pick her up.”
“And your mother?”
Now she saw something she rarely saw—a genuine smile. “My mother was very beautiful and strong. She was very traditional, but fierce. She would have loved you.”
“Me?” she asked. “I’m hardly traditional.”
Claiming the Alpha Page 18
