The fight was over, and the intruders had retreated. We might kill most of them, but not without casualties on our side, as they were many in numbers this time. I shift into my human form, and Alec brings me shorts I swiftly wear.
Alec and Coswell report on the number of people that were injured and killed on our side. We were clearing and helping out the wounded when the min-link buzzed.
' The new Luna is a vampire,' someone said. I froze.
What did they mean by that?
' She is fighting vampires,' another male said.
Alec and I exchanged a glance. I rushed to the medical facility where Elizabeth was.
Alec, Tonga, and Coswell were right behind me. What I got there and what I saw shocked me. My eyes widened to see my mate fighting two vampires with ease and speed. Her moves were mesmerizing to watch and out of this world. Everyone was stunned. I felt pride swell in my heart that followed her betrayal. Elizabeth Valord, my mate, was a vampire. She fooled me. She quickly finished them off.
Elizabeth hadn't discerned me sooner. She finally turned, and our gazes met.
" Fuck," she muttered.
How was she a vampire? Did someone turn her in?
So many questions ran through my mind.
I snapped from my thoughts when five or six lycans shifted and jumped at her. She fled and stood on the tallest tree while the huge lycans collided and scattered. I was unable to utter a word while she stared at me, her eyes filling with tears.
The lycan warriors were now hitting the tree with their huge frames, hoping she could fall to the ground, but she was there like a cat, looking sexy as hell.
" She's a vampire!" someone shouted.
" She tricked us and our alpha!"
They were all growling and snarling at her. This hurt Elizabeth, but her main focus was on me. Just a few minutes ago, the medical staff and warriors were praising her for her work.
" Stop, all of you!" Alec found the strength to speak when I couldn't. They obeyed their beta.
" Come down," he told Elizabeth softly and added, " No one will attack their Luna," he gritted his teeth, warning everyone. After seconds of deliberation, Elizabeth jumped and landed elegantly on her feet in front of me. And then, I felt it. A robust and powerful aura overwhelmed me. It affected my warriors as well. Other warriors growled at her, but she ignored them.
" Aerys," she breathed.
" You're a vampire," I managed to whisper. She only nodded.
" I'm sorry for not telling you. I was scared," A single tear left her eye, and my chest ached terribly. My hands, on autopilot, went to cradle her face, and I wiped her tears away. The sparks and tingles that rushed through me were ten times stronger than before.
" You owe me an explanation," I whispered. I looked at the guys who nodded.
" Let's go to the house," she said. Before I could even blink, she was out of sight. She was quick, for sure.
" No wonder we lost her at the diner when we were searching for her," Coswell murmured.
I shifted into Aire and followed after my mate.
We were there in seven minutes. I followed my mate's scent to the entertainment area. She was pacing but stopped when she saw me.
" Took you long," she sighed. Elizabeth looked so guilty. Her eyes went past me to Tonga. She was hurt that her new friend lied about her identity.
" I'm sorry, all of you," she started, looking at each of us.
" How?" Tonga asked. " Were you bitten?"
" I'm a vampire born. A Princess, to be exact, but I ran away from home long ago to start a new life. I wasn't causing trouble. I was living in peace with humans. I didn't expect to find my beloved," she said, looking at me sincerely.
" But why didn't you say the truth? You know it looks bad, right?" Alec asked.
" I was scared, that's why I ran. However, Aerys was persistent." she looked at me with a slight smile, " I wasn't going to accept him because I knew he wouldn't want a vampire mate, but the bond was strong. In fear of rejection, I lied,"
How could she assume I wouldn't accept her?! She is my mate, and I'd accept her. Now, because of her dishonesty, things are complicated. I wish she trusted me.
" I wish you trusted me," I told her.
She walked up to me and held my hands.
" Aerys, I'm sorry for lying to you. I don't have bad intentions. But I'll understand if you need time to process all this," she said.
I was lost for words. I didn't want to part from her, but things had changed. Our mating started on a lie. And the pack? It would be hard to convince them to accept her.
' The pack will accept their Luna. The one the moon goddess chose for their Alpha!' Aire growled. He was right, but there were rules. We needed to speak to the council. My family has heard about it.
' Please say something to her. Can't you see the despair in her eyes the longer you stay silent?' My lycan begged. I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but no words formed in my mouth. She let go of my hands and took a step back.
" I'll pack my bags," she whispered and walked away.
" Are you going to let her go?" Coen asked. I stared at him. He was the only one amongst us who wasn't shocked about the revelations. And lately, they have been close, as though they shared a secret. They go out on long walks in the forests, too.
" You knew, didn't you?"
He avoided my eyes and bowed his head in admission.
" You knew and didn't tell me! Your alpha!" I boomed.
" The Luna was going to confess after you returned from your trip," he told me.
" Okay, I'm upset that the person I considered my best friend lied to me, but Aerys, she's our Luna, your mate," Tongas's voice was soft.
" Yeah, you can't let her leave," added Coswell.
We all turned when we smelled a vampire. Harry. The arrogant prick was leaning against the doorframe with hands crossed against his chest. Now, it makes sense. They were probably from the same clan.
" Elizabeth called me," he said. I went past him and ran upstairs to our room. I opened the bedroom door. Three suitcases were already packed and placed on the floor. I followed her to the closet. She was staring in the mirror. Her eyes were bloodshot. The color of a vampire. She blinked once I took a step closer and turned to face me. She smiled slightly at me, but she was in pain.
" I'm ready to leave. Again, forgive me for lying to you," she walked past me, but I held her waist and pulled her close.
" I don't want you to leave," I placed my forehead against hers and closed my eyes. She smelled so good!
" What about your pack? You saw how they reacted to me," her voice broke. I'd never seen her so scared and vulnerable. Elizabeth wasn't emotional, but I even saw her cry today.
" I love you. That's what matters. And if my pack doesn't want you because you're a vampire, then they don't want me as their Alpha," I was resolute. If the council or my pack rejects her as their Luna, I will step down as alpha. They will have to start training any of my siblings.
Elizabeth
I crashed my lips on his. He answered the kiss greedily. I was crying, happy that he was with me. I was going to leave for good, but I didn't know how to start life with my beloved. He owned me. I pulled away from him, and we went downstairs.
" I see your talk went well," Alec beamed. I was surprised they were not mad. They were smiling at me.
" Yes," I answered.
As the men talked, I went to Tonga. She was still mad at me. I wrapped my hand around her shoulder.
" I'm sorry. Please, please, please, please, forgive. I was scared. I didn't want you guys to reject me," I said, pressing my hands together.
" You could have been honest to me," she said. I made my best puppy dog eyes. I was unsure if it was the right thing at the time. Vampires and shifters consider themselves mortal enemies.
" How can I be mad when you look at me like that," she said, pulling me for a hug. My eyes met Coen, and we smiled at each other.
I went to Harry, and he gave me a bright smile, " Looks like you're not leaving anymore," he said,
" I'm not," I answered.
" I'm really, my lady. We shall talk later," he said, wearing his coat.
" Where are you running off to?" I squinted my eyes. He smiled at me.
" I'm going out on a date,"
" Do I know this person?" I knew it was Yorna, but I wanted to hear it from his lips.
" Yes, you do. However, I'm not telling you just yet," he said and rushed out. I felt arms around my waist and a kiss on my mark. Sparks and tingles traveled all over my body. I felt free after finally telling them the truth.
" So, how old are you?"