The Vampire Queen's Destined King

and more flashbacks...

Iron Claw-

About half an hour later, we were told that the births went smoothly. A little boy arrived first with the baby girl four minutes later. I followed up with Alpha Ronan and Luna Briar. They are all resting well. Enjoying the new family.

Outside the hospital, flanked by her people. There she is. Queen Mira, my supposed second chance mate who carries the scent that has been etched in my soul since I last held my first true mate. Some guy who seems to fall on her every word stands next to her. For some reason, I wanted to be the one who fell on her every word. The two of them are surrounded by her security detail. They are speaking on how to fix this night. After all the drama I’ve caused.

Okay, maybe I shouldn’t be eavesdropping on her conversation. But I can’t help but listen to the tone of her voice. It’s hypnotizing, to say the least. Her voice is like melted butter. Every now and then, I hear her Transylvanian accent kick in on certain words. My mind instantly takes a dark turn, wondering what I can do to her body to make her speak it loudly. While she moans for me. Begs for me.

Damn it. No, she is my enemy. What the hell was the moon goddess thinking giving me this woman as a second chance, mate? She definitely doesn’t like the idea of me ever being happy. So yeah, thanks, Selene.

I come out of my personal thoughts, though I haven’t let this woman out of my sight since I found her. I keep getting small whiffs of her. She is intoxicating to my sense of smell. I refuse to let it in. I won’t allow myself a moment of happiness while my mate is dead. It’s not fair. It’s my fault that she is dead. I am the one who must atone for this all the days of my life. This woman across from me is just the end of that misery. I swear to make her life a living hell just as mine has been. I can at least keep that promise.

As of this morning, I began picking up new scents. Like I can tell what someone is mixed with what species. Also, I can hear communication between others. Even if they are not in our pack. A new gift, I am sure, was activated by the Luna Briar biting me and sharing her blood to save me.

So far, one day with this gift has been exhausting. I’m too focused on trying to tune all the other voices around me out so I can focus on her.

‘Easier said than done human.’ My wolf s***h grunts. He is extremely talkative. You wouldn’t guess we would be a match, but I guess he is my complete polar opposite. After my mate died, I took my vow of silence, yet s***h spoke nonstop in my head. He drove me absolutely insane. Much like the queen here, but at least I can tolerate him.

‘Yeah, keep telling yourself that. I’m in your head so I know what’s really going on.’ s***h chuckles.

‘Enough. I am focused on enough voices. Can you please give me a break?’ I mind-link my wolf back. He only chuckles again and puts up a wall between us.

Beta Colton comes outside to speak with us as we await our meeting. As I walk towards them, I see Queen Mira touch the necklace around her neck. There is something so familiar about this piece.

Seven years ago-

The forest is filled with bodies. We have been fighting this gypsy tribe of vampires for months. They have been getting closer and closer to our pack lands. This pack is where I was raised. Where I was born. Where I met my first and only love. The battles over land have been constant. Lord Obsidian has been attacking and kidnapping our women and turning them. There are also other vampires he has been getting help from.

They snuck up on us in the middle of the night and began burning down the barns that housed our supplies for the coming season.

I hear the warning call from our Alpha Petri letting us know some vampires have breached the pack lands. I told my mate to wait with the children.

In the background, my hearing picks up screams. I turn, running in that direction, to find a group of kids being circled by three vampires. I leap into action, ripping the head off one vampire. The other two try and circle me. I mind-link the kids to run for shelter. They sprint, and I have some relief.

The vampires, however, still think they have a chance to win this fight. I grab one by the throat and wring the body until they are in two bloody pieces. The last one charges, and I extend my claws, catching the inner thigh. They bleed out heavily as I bite into their neck and spit the large mass out on the ground.

I’m running towards the next cluster of vampires, slicing them to shreds when I feel the pain.

The feeling that my heart is being ripped from my body and stomped on in spiked heels. I howl in pain. Suddenly, I see my mate in a hazy vision. I take off running towards her. I'm hoping to make it to her in time.

I have to make it to her. I can feel her heartbeat slow down. No! This can’t be happening. I can’t get my mate and lose her so soon! This can’t be what the moon goddess has in store for me.

Seven years later-

“I have the Beta office ready. If you would follow me, Queen.” Colton leads us.

“I would appreciate an elder from the vampire Coven here. I have questions as well.” She looks to me with distaste. We head towards the pack house. Queen Mira walks towards her car.

“Not so fast, Your Highness.”

“If you lay a hand on me, I will end you.” She replies. Her malice for me matches that of my own. Still, even in the darkness of the night, she is stunning. Her almond-shaped brown eyes stare up at me. Her hands rest on her hips. Her long blood-colored nails tap along her thighs. Her scent teases me, floating on a breeze.

“I was just letting you know the pack house is there. There is no need for the vehicle. Your Highness.” I smirk.

“Very well.” She ignores me further as we make it into the pack house. She leads with her people in tow. Her male assistant hands her documents and then looks at me.

“I am Gerald, Your Highness. It will be a pleasure to work alongside you both.” I frown.

“Thanks, Gerald, but I won’t be any royal anything. We are here to end this. She agrees.” I walk alongside him. He raises an eyebrow. He is a tall, willowy man. His all-black suit is suited for the vampire life.

“If you say so, sir.” He pulls ahead, standing next to Mira. The door opens, and there stands Elder Mistress Madeline. Her jet-black hair pulled back into a bun. Her green eyes sparkle like that of a teenager. She is the sweetest woman who looks no older than maybe sixty. Yet she has lived as long as this pack has existed.

“Oh, I am so happy to see you! My Queen!” She smiles. “Iroquois! I hope to see you again soon!”

“Iroquois? Wait, you know him?” Mira asks with doubt in her voice.

“Yes, he teaches self-defense to the kids once a month. They all love him here.” She continues as they bring in tea for the ladies to drink. At the rate this night is going, I may need a real drink.