chapter 16
"Julian?" Rafael called out in surprise. Julian was standing in front of him. His nightwear fell on his frame in a way that exposed his chiseled fit. Despite his question, he was staring at Rafael wide eyed and innocent and Rafael's traitorous dick stirred in the confines of his pants.
"Rafael," Rafael started.
"It felt so good." Julian coughed out, cut him off. "I know. I could feel it… I wanted to join in too." It was adorably how his face reddened after saying that.
Rafael deflated. Things would have been less complicated if he wasn't a fucking vampire.
There was silence.
"You need to rest, Rafael."
It was the first time Julian had called him like that; by name.
He looked at Julian's soft and pretty face. Julian looked back at him.
He nudged Julian's chin up and took a little chaste kiss, on his plump pink lips. He shouldn't have. He knew Julian needed to heal from traumas life had dealt him. He retreated.
Julian smiled up at him. Rafael did not know what he'd done to deserve the smile but it made him relax too.
Julian tugged at his arm and led him to bed.
***
Early next morning, before the sun had risen,
Rafael was in his office with beta Elijah.
"What's the itinerary today, Eli?" Rafael asked.
"The day activities, you have to entertain the Alphas. Tonight the traditional banquet with the vampires."
The last word had Eliyah thinking of his encounter with Lord Viktor yesterday.
Just recalling had heat pooling in his stomach.
He shook his head, he had to focus.
First things first.
He had to entertain the other Alphas. Traditionally, the way to do this was a hunt.
Out in the lands just outside pack territory.
They'd even marked off the area for the hunt, everything should go well.
Rafael's mind drifted to Alpha Siluren.
And his sly remarks, and very real attempt to sabotage the treaty
The truth was sparking a war was much easier than keeping peace. Usually.
Now the only thing Rafael was relying on, was the other Alpha's unwillingness for war.
He recalled Lydia's sly smile.
Well that could change anytime.
And yet how many options did he have with Siluren. All with the secret of having a vampire mate.
A secret he had told no one yet. The troubles just seemed to stack up on each other.
He stood up, for now there was nothing he could do but wait—
"Elijah?"
"Yes Alpha"
"Prepare for the Hunt."