Chapter 40: 27: A Disturbing Discovery

SIERRA

I found myself staring at my phone, the one I’d brought with me from Red Coven, with a slight frown. I’d been switching it on at random intervals to check for messages, knowing that if I didn’t reply to my father, he’d take drastic measures. Now, I didn’t even want to speak to him, and I was at a loss for what to do when he inevitably demanded my return.

It was bound to cause a major problem. Harper was now my bonded, my mate, and there was no reversing that. I found myself hoping that our passion had resulted in conception.

I wanted this, and it was something I could now envision for my future. Harper had made me see that I didn’t have to be afraid. Afraid of how my child would be treated.

Afraid of how my daughter would be exploited, my son corrupted and turned against me because I was a woman. Now, I could contemplate having children without fear, but with desire. Maybe having children wasn’t something everyone wanted, but it was something I yearned for.

Now, I felt like I could.

“Something wrong?” Harper’s arms encircled me from behind as I stood at the counter, sending a shiver down my spine. His head rested on my shoulder, his lips grazing my neck lightly.

Instantly, my body responded to his touch. I was head over heels for this man. I loved how natural and right it felt for him to touch me, to hold me close.

We’d barely left the house in the past few days. Apparently, wolves had a system of heat days for mates, allowing them time alone together. It seemed like a smart system to me.

I was thrilled to have Harper’s undivided attention. My body would never be the same, not after every inch had been explored by the man behind me. He’d claimed every part of me, and I’d done the same to him.

But now, my lust had subsided.

“Actually, yes. I haven’t checked my phone in a couple of days, and I expected to find messages from my father. But there are only messages from Kaven. He hasn’t responded to my last message. It’s not like him, and it’s making me worry that something is being planned,” I confessed.

Harper sighed as I scrolled through Kaven’s increasingly aggressive messages. What was going on? Why was Kaven acting like he was in charge? I didn’t understand, and I was starting to fear that something had happened to my father.

Harper’s phone rang, and he released me to answer it. The cool air of the kitchen filled the space he’d vacated. I watched him, and from his conversation, I could tell it was Axel on the line.

Kaven’s last few messages had contained some pretty serious threats. He’d threatened my life if I’d let an animal touch me while I was here. He’d demanded that I return or face severe consequences.

He’d warned that if I cared for those at Red Coven, I should return immediately to prevent an uprising. His messages were more vicious than usual. I knew he was cruel, but this was a new level of malice, especially to send such threats in a message my father might see.

Particularly the one where he threatened to skin us alive if I returned pregnant with an abomination. Kaven was a truly terrifying demon in my eyes.

“Yeah, be in shortly,” Harper said before hanging up. He turned to me.

“Axel just received another demand from Red Coven for your return. They’re threatening to terminate our contract with them if you’re not back by tomorrow,” Harper informed me.

I met his gaze and switched off my old phone to prevent it from being tracked. I hoped it hadn’t been on long enough to be located. You never know.

“Did Axel say what he wants to do?” I asked, looking down.

Harper stepped closer, lifting my chin. “No, but you’re not going back. I saw some of those messages. Something else is happening at Red Coven. We need to talk to Axel. We can’t ignore this threat, especially now that it’s escalated,” Harper said.

I knew he was right. We got dressed and left the house, heading to Axel’s home. It was still early.

Harper held the door open for me. We could hear voices coming from his study. This was my first time in his house, not his office building.

I felt a bit out of place, but I followed Harper, who seemed completely at ease. I wondered how long it had taken Harper to earn Axel’s trust the way he had. What it was like to be trusted like that.

We entered his study. Luna Layla was there, talking with Axel, and so was Grace. Both women were holding infants. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the babies, despite the serious atmosphere.

“I just received this a few minutes ago. We’re going to have a serious problem soon, I think,” Axel said, setting his phone down on the desk.

Harper picked it up and read the message, then handed it to me. I read it and blinked a few times.

“My father is dead?” I asked, my voice devoid of emotion. If these words sent to Axel were true, I felt nothing. Not even relief. Just nothing.

But I did see Kaven’s threat of my return or an open hostile front between Red Coven and Axel’s territory.

“It would seem so.” Axel grumbled.

I set the phone down and cleared my throat. “Well, then there’s even less reason for me to return. If my father is dead, then Kaven will use me and the bloodline I carry to maintain order in the coven. I’m the last of my bloodline, and it’s an old one. Vampire royalty. I’m more than prepared to make a statement and speak if necessary. But it won’t stop Kaven from seizing control of what he can,” I said calmly.

“Figured as much,” Axel commented.

“Are you all right, Sierra? I’m sure the news is shocking,” Layla said.

I met her gaze, my eyes dry. My father had been abusive, both mentally and physically. To him, I was an object, nothing more. I appreciated her kindness, but his death didn’t hurt me.

“It is shocking, but I must admit I’m not upset. Forgive me, Luna Layla, I know it’s unbecoming not to grieve the loss of one’s male heirs,” I said, my voice flat. I realized I’d reverted to my old, defensive mannerisms in response to the news. It would take time to unlearn them.

“Don’t beat yourself up about it. You mentioned your dad wasn’t exactly a saint. You’re here now, and it’s okay if you don’t feel much for him,” Grace reassured me.

I could hear Axel and Harper in the background, their voices laced with tension.

Grace and Layla were both there for me, their support making me feel valued. It was a feeling that almost brought tears to my eyes. I hoped that one day, I could call them friends without any fear or hesitation.

I locked eyes with Layla.

“We need you here, anyway. You can do so much more for your people by helping us improve our territory. Make it a safe haven for more than just our kind. Your presence here will encourage others who want to escape oppression,” Layla said.

I was taken aback by both women. Their immediate support and their offer to include me in their circle meant the world to me.

“We’re going to have to seal our border and start extending our reach toward the territories controlled by Red Coven,” Axel chimed in.

“I’ve already spoken to Kane. He’s agreed to close his border to Red Coven and join us, provided we help him with research labs and access to pharmaceuticals once we get started. We need to finalize this agreement with them, get it signed and sealed. Then they’ll close their borders. They have strong walls and guards, especially against vampires. We can start with volunteers who are willing to guard the border in fae territory,” Axel explained.

“But the southern tip of their territory isn’t guarded and there’s a direct road connecting all three of us,” Harper pointed out.

That was where Miguel had intercepted us and I had jumped out of the car. It was a sort of no man’s land.

“True, but if we station that area with fae backing us, it won’t be easy for vampires to infiltrate. I’m more concerned about a takeover in the fae territory. Kaven will head to the southern territory when Sierra doesn’t return. I’d bet good money he’ll try to assassinate Jasper and Kane to create chaos in their territory. Kane is their king, and the fae are powerful, but they’re outnumbered,” Axel said, scrolling through his phone.

There was a dark intensity about him.

“Sierra, I need you to stay here and help me draft a new agreement between your people and mine. One that those who respect your bloodline will hesitate to disobey Kaven’s orders. We’re going to operate under the assumption that he’s the reason your father is dead,” Axel said.

I thought Axel was a smart man, even if the others didn’t give him enough credit and just labeled him a brute.

“I can do that. I’m a woman and they might not listen to me, but they will if I speak on behalf of the male heir I will bear,” I said.

I knew it sounded archaic to those in the room, but that’s how vampires operated. Harper looked at me and I met his gaze before turning back to Axel.

Axel studied me for a moment. “Then sit down and help me draft something before all hell breaks loose in Red Coven and they come knocking on our door,” Axel said.

I nodded and took a seat, glancing up at Axel. “Has Miguel’s family arrived yet?” I asked.

He nodded in response. “Yes, they arrived this morning,” he informed me.

Relief washed over me. Miguel wouldn’t do anything rash then. His family was here, and he was on my side. He had connections too, which was a plus.

“Good, then let’s see if we can buy some time,” I said, aware that my expertise in vampire relations would be crucial here.

I just hoped I wouldn’t disappoint Harper. Kaven was the type who enjoyed revenge—brutal, nasty revenge. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little scared of what he might do.