Chapter 30: Bucking Up

WILLOW

The helicopter touches down in the same spot as before, and Andrei and I disembark. Jenna is waiting for us, ready to fill me in on the latest pack activities. We remain just outside the pack’s territory to keep Andrei out of sight.

Eros swoops down from the sky, shifts into his human form, and joins us after pulling on a pair of shorts. He shakes Andrei’s hand and then pulls me into a hug.

“Glad to see you found a way to free Andrei,” he says, grinning.

“I’m relieved too!” I reply, laughing. “What can you tell us about the caves and their camp?”

Eros teases, “Straight to business, huh? That’s what I like about you, Willow. Always on duty.”

“But not always.” Andrei pulls me closer by my hips. “My mate is focused, but she still found time to claim me.” He proudly shows Eros his mate mark.

Eros chuckles. “Well, I’ll be damned! It’s about time someone took you off the market, King Andrei! You’ve been wandering for centuries!”

Jenna squeals and hugs me. “I think it’s wonderful! You’re very lucky to have our princess. She’s the best!”

I thank them for their well wishes but quickly redirect the conversation. “Let’s get down to business so I can get back to my life. Talk, Eros.”

“All right. The location is about two miles south of here. There are about four caves in the system. They’re not huge, but they’re enough to keep the vampires hidden from the sun. The trees provide additional cover. I saw what looked like campfire rings—four of them—and dead animal carcasses scattered around. The whole area felt…dead. No birds, no animals. It’s like they’ve all fled.”

Andrei asks, “The dead animals you found, were they large?”

“Mostly deer. I did see a fox or two. I was flying high to avoid being seen.”

Andrei nods. “They have new turns. They feed their blood lust with animal blood because it’s not satisfying. It fills them temporarily, but they’re priming them. Getting them worked up for the frenzy of the kill.

“They feed just enough of their own blood to tie the new turns to them, then start feeding the animal blood to boost their hunger. Then they will set them free on the pack to kill and feed. It’s barbaric, but it’s how they’ve managed to overtake lands in the past.

“The new turns that survive then join their makers and are considered children. Our history is not good. When children were denied my people, they found a way to still get the families they craved, just not out of love.

“The Goddess took their heartbeats as a punishment when taking the ability to bear children didn’t work. Hence we are referred to as the undead. We are not dead exactly. Just our hearts no longer beat.

“The new turns are essentially undead, because they were killed then brought back in a horrific way. I was one of the first born this way. My maker’s first son. I am ashamed of how the vampires act now.

“We have lost so much of our heritage. The elders were supposed to preserve it and pass it down. They failed. In some ways I did too. I should have insisted that my people knew the truths, and what abominations we were becoming.”

“You were never supposed to be a vampire by birth, Andrei. You were human. It was a selfish vampire who stole your life away. Now you are a man worthy of being a king. Yes, a vampire, but still a strong and protective king.

“Your maker forced this on you, but you turned it around and became the man your Goddess wanted all vampires to emulate. That’s not failing. That’s persevering. That’s putting a black eye on the ideals those monsters in those caves are trying to create.

“We can stop this and make it better for those that want that chance. Your people can turn things around with the right leader. We had hundreds of years of peace when you were king before. The only reason your brother revolted was when you became a day walker.

“Getting the gift of the sun back made them afraid. Fear drives many to their own deaths. Let’s get busy and make Mihai very afraid.”

I wrap my arms around my mate’s neck and kiss him with all my love.

Eros announces, “I’m with her! Let’s get you back on the throne. I miss our debates. It was fun watching you turn red in anger back in the day.”

“I was never angry, just a tiny bit pissed when things got out of order. I believe in proper decorum when conducting a meeting,” Andrei replies staunchly.

I laugh. “Oh darling! Then be prepared because I approach things by action, not decorum.”

He grins. “Yes, but I now know how to get your attention.” He pulls me closer.

I whisper against his mouth, “Yes, you do!”

Jenna clears her throat. “I need to get back to the pack and the two of you need to disappear. I’m not comfortable with two of the human mates that have returned. They’ve been, snoopy, shall I say? Always asking questions and there whenever one of us tries to make a move. It’s weird.” She shrugs her shoulders.

I look at Andrei and he nods. “Love you. Lay low. I’ll link you when it’s time.” I kiss him and Eros turns with him.

“I’ll show you to the Fae camp. They are expecting you.”

I watch them move off then turn to Jenna. “Okay, tell me more about the nosy humans. It’s time to buck up our security and take control of this pack in order to save it.”