FANGS OF LEGACY

CHAPTER 003

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"Did he truly believe that attacking with that small group would be successful?"

I eyed the vampire seated at my kitchen table while leaning against the counter. With his crisp suit, flawless face, and lack of wrinkles, Victor appeared to be permanently trapped in his thirties. He knew how to flaunt himself and didn't age like the rest of us. Victor was in charge of the whole vampire network in the Nordwest and even had influence in Bayern-Kanada. He also looked after the Feenvolk. Neither group was popular with most packs.

To be honest, the majority of werewolves detested fey and vampires. Fey were barely tolerated by vampires. No issues as long as the fey did not obstruct their path. Still, altercations erupted. Packs constantly attempted to seize territory that was under the protection of the Feenvolk or vampires. Victor and I had to take over at that point. I was labelled a traitor for supporting them. My pack gave shelter to the fey, I was on good terms with vampires, and I didn’t bother hiding how much I despised the König Alpha’s rule.

“Honestly,” I said, taking a slow sip from my glass. “I don’t think James uses his brain much.”

Victor chuckled, fingers brushing through his black hair. "Do they believe that we are lifeless? Families? Children to care for? They seem to have forgotten that we are more than just fictional monsters.

"Let them think as they please. However, he must keep his garbage on his end of the line.

Leaning back, Victor gazed at the ceiling as if it would grant him patience. Speaking of territory, some local covens are interested in making the Nordwesten's vampire road a true two-lane highway.

I arched an eyebrow. He raised his hands in protection. "They insisted that I ask even though I had already told them no."

With one leg crossed over the other, I gazed down at my boots. "I can't allow that to occur. The forest is sliced through. Too dangerous.

“I said the same. But what if you push your border north? Up to the base of Gipfelpass. That rocky patch just under the mountain is wide enough. No trees to cut down either.”

I closed my eyes, mapping it out in my head. “Yeah… yeah, that could work.”

“You serious?” Victor leaned forward, the spark of a plan lighting up his eyes.

“If I file the paperwork and you do the same, we should be good. No disagreements. You're still in your zone.

He grinned broadly. "Excellent. Let's get it done.

I squeezed my nose bridge. According to Gamma, a human recently moved into the former Magis residence. Keep your guys out of that area, guys. A dead person on my property is the last thing I need.

Victor c****d his head. "You're allowing people to purchase land now?"

I sneered. "There is bad juju in that house. The Feenvolk become agitated around it, and my wolves refuse to approach it. The human had to pay full price to unload it.

Victor grinned. "Always prioritising business."

There was silence between us. Only the sound of glass clinking and silent reflections.

"The wife is hosting a birthday celebration. I wanted to invite one of my long-time partners.

"Bar open?" I grinned.

"Obviously."

"Then I'm in." What is the number?

"Forty."

Victor laughed aloud. "Whoa! Club for old men! When will you cede the throne?

I scowled.

"You do have a child, correct?" Victor's eyes got bigger. Yes, exactly. The drama of Luna. I'm sorry, dude. It's difficult to follow your soap opera. I have my own centuries.

I gave him a glance. "Where is Bianca? She seemed to adhere to you like glue.

He looked down. "She performs poorly in pack lands."

I gave a nod. There are some things that never get better.

Victor got up. "As soon as the party date is decided, I will send you a message."

We put our hands together. "Thanks for the backup."

“Always.”

Scott intervened at that moment. His eyes sparked as his hand shot out to shake Victor's.

Have you heard that there is a hunter approaching us, Victor? Do you know who called them?

Victor gave a headshake. Nothing on my end. Marcus might be able to help. The guild has been silent lately.

"I've already done. He is also clueless.

Victor gave a shrug. Hunters don't abide by the law. They arrive and depart. Just keep an eye out. After giving me a nod, he walked away.

I looked over at Scott. "Are you going to explain that?"

He massaged the nape of his neck. It's only a rumour. Perhaps he hired someone after what transpired at the Alpha King's place. or Erich Braun, Alpha.

"Erich despises the guild" means he believes they are beneath him. He would prefer to try kicking my door by himself.

The König Alpha comes next. You made him look bad. In public.

I grinned. "Give him a chance."

"What if you are the target of the hunter? If you pass away—

I snarled and stood up to confront him. "Don't complete that sentence. I will not bow down to a freelancer with a knife.

Scott turned his head away.

And you would assist Leonhard in leading until he was prepared, should something ever come up. Do you understand?

Ricky entered carrying a bundle of documents. The tension in the room made him lose his smile.

"Not today, whatever that is."

He laughed. It's minor matters. Only needs—

"No. Tonight is your off day. Scott is, too. Return home.

"But Alpha—"

"There's no question about it, Gamma."

They complained all the way out. Children. Never stops pushing.

About fifteen years ago, both of them succeeded their fathers. Green as ever. For more than 25 years, I had been Alpha. My father forced me to start early, but initially we remained close. After my first raid, when I killed a pack of fey and paraded their bodies like trophies, I gained complete authority. My friend had been among the deceased. I ensured they covered that expense.

Lately, everyone seemed to be fixated on my age. I wasn't going to slow down. My body was still powerful. I had strong Alpha ancestry on both sides. I had at least ten more years left. Two, perhaps. Although I didn't want to be in charge all the time, I would continue to do so as long as my pack required me to.

I locked up and went down to the hardware store after making sure everyone else had left. Behind the counter, my father was tinkering with a broken drill.

"Dad."

He grinned as he looked up. "Hey, son. What's going on?

"Have you heard anything about a hunter approaching?"

Interest glowed in his eyes. Dad had put his heart and soul into this place ever since he retired. He was unable to abandon his old Alpha habits, though. He had connected himself to "the weeds," as he referred to the supernatural gossip chain. He was always aware of something.

One was seen moving west. No job request, though. Nothing new. Scott also enquired.

"Do you think it's serious?"

"I doubt it. However, you continue to prod wolves. You will eventually get bitten.

I smiled. "It was inevitable for Alpha Erich."

Disappointed, he shook his head. I grabbed the tool from him, undid the bolt that was holding it in place, and gave it back.

"Thank you, Dad. On Thursday, I'll be at dinner.

He smiled mischievously at me. "I'll sing 'Happy Birthday' at the celebration, and you'll miss this one. Quite loudly.

I let out a groan. "All right, all right. Should I bring the children?

He dismissed me with a wave. "Leave them alone. Also, don't bring Helena. Your mother is not very patient.

I let out a sigh. Helena was never liked by my parents. She wasn't my partner. Years ago, I lost her scent. I was twenty-two when Helena was born. She was eighteen, attractive, sly, and willing. Everything was business. She gained authority. I obtained a Luna. It worked for us both. She was referred to by my parents as a gold digger and climber. Perhaps they were correct. She was tough, though. Beside me, she never flinched.

"Dude."

At the door, I stopped.

The weeds claim to have spotted the fey queen. The Feenvolk feel uncomfortable. And you're prodding beasts out here. Avoid tempting fate. The Mondgöttin is not fair.

I gave an eye roll. "I'm not a kid, Dad. I've got this under control.

He gave me a fierce look.

I raised my pinky. "Decades have passed since my string was cut."

I then shut the door after myself.

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