"We'll be leaving tomorrow," Theo says as he gets under the covers as we're heading to bed.
"I can't wait to get back. I miss everyone," I say, getting under the covers too.
"We're not going home."
"Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise."
"A surprise?" I ask, giddy.
"Yes."
"Where could we be going that would be a surprise to me? Hmm."
"You'll see tomorrow," he says, smiling.
"Okay, good night," I say, kissing him.
"Good night, mate," he says when our lips finally part.
***
The following morning Theo and I leave very early. We spend about two hours in the air before landing. We're in the car on our way to a place only Theo knows what or where it is.
I look away from my window when I hear the driver talking to someone. I look ahead and realize we're in front of a huge iron gate. It's as big as the gates of the vampire king's castle.
"State your business here," the man inside the security post by the gate asks the driver.
"The Alpha King has arrived."
"Oh, forgive me, my King. I'll open it immediately," the man in the security post says and hustles to open the gate.
The driver takes us into a huge compound. It's bigger than the vampire king's.
"Theo , where are we?"
"We're home," Theo says, smiling.
"Home?" I ask, confused with how this strange place is our home.
"Yes, home. Come. I'll show you around," Theo says, stepping out of the car when it comes to a halt. Theo walks over to my side and opens my door. In front of me is the biggest castle I've ever seen. The vampire king's palace cannot even compare to what's in front of me.
"Theo ," I say, looking at him confused.
"This is actually where we're meant to live. It was getting renovated, which is why I was lodged with the other pack. However, renovations are now complete, and we can return home," Theo explains as we walk toward the castle entrance. The guards bow immediately once they see Theo .
"So, you're telling me you had a castle all this while like a real king?" I giggle.
"Yes."
"Wow, this place is beautiful," I say as we walk into the palace.
"I know," Theo says, smiling.
Theo shows me around the castle; words can't describe how beautiful it is. We're walking toward the training grounds. This is where Theo trains all the werewolves for combat. I see a non-werewolf in the midst of werewolves and smile. I leave Theo 's side to greet my dear friend.
"Hello, Ekaterina," I say, smiling as I pull her into a hug.
"Hello Ana, how are you doing?"
"I'm great, and you? What are you doing here?"
"I'm wonderful. I'm helping the werewolves train for the upcoming war."
"You're not a vampire. How can you help with the training?"
"She might not be a vampire or a werewolf, but she's a witch. The witches have joined the vampire king in the war. We need a witch while training our soldiers to prepare them," Theo answers my question before Ekaterina can.
"Oh, thank you so much, Ekaterina."
"You're highly welcome, Ana."
After speaking with Ekaterina and saying a few words to those wolves in training, Theo and I walk back inside our castle.
***
The following morning, I wake up early so I can train with Ekaterina and the other werewolves.
"Where are you going?" Theo asks as he walks into our bedroom. He just got back from running in human form.
"I'm going for training with Ekaterina."
"Why? You don't need it," he says, taking off his shirt.
"Why would you say I don't need it?" I ask, as I try my best to not stare at his body as he continues to take off his clothes. His chest has sweat dripping down it, and as much as I should be disgusted, I'm super turned on. The way the sweat drips down his abs is just making m-
"Anastasia !" Theo says, waving his hands in my face.
"You were saying?" I ask, swallowing saliva as I watch Theo take off his workout pants.
"I said you don't need training since you're not going to fight in the war."
"Why won't I fight in the war?"
"Because I don't want you to."
"Why don't you want me to?"
"Because the kingdom needs you to rule if I die."
"You're not going to die, and I'm fighting in the war," I say, my teeth grinding.
"No, you're not Anastasia ."
"Theo , you can't stop me from fighting in the war because you want me as some sort of safety net to rule in case you die. This war is as important to me as it is to you." If only he knew I was the reason this war was even happening.
Hopefully, if the plan I've been thinking about works, this war won't happen, and Theo and everyone I love will be safe.
"I can't let both of us go to war. Who will rule if we die? The werewolf kingdom will fall if you're not there to rule it."
"Please stop saying if you die. You're not going to die! Please stop saying it!" My voice raises a few registers in panic.
"You know there's a high possibility of me dying, even if you don't want to accept it. Please listen to me. Please don't try to go to war," Theo pleads with his deep voice and beautiful eyes.
"I'll think about it." I want to fight because I'm responsible for this war.
But Theo is also right. If both of us die, the werewolf kingdom will fall into chaos. We can't afford that if the vampire king survives the war.
"Thank you," he says, kissing my forehead before he walks into the bathroom.
"I still want to go and watch the training if you don't mind."
"I don't."
"Thank you," I say and leave.