My Vampire Mate

Chapter 20: Remingtons' POV

Waking up the next morning, I snuggled against King for another few minutes just watching him sleep before kissing him head lightly and climbing out of bed. Going to the bathroom, I completed my morning routine before checking on Seri, who was also still asleep. Finding my phone, I checked for any missed calls or text and found nothing. Worried, I stepped outside onto the porch and called auntie but got no answer. Deciding to try calling uncle, I waited as the phone rang yet again with no response. Hanging up the phone, I sat on the porch steps leaning against the railing and waited trying not to think the worst. Twenty minutes passed before my phone beeped, unlocking it and glancing down I saw a message from an unknown number. Taking a deep breath, I opened it and saw an image of my adoptive parents kneeling with their hands cuffed behind them and pleading looks in their eyes. Then my phone beeped again with another message that read

[My dearest nephew, if you wish to see your adoptive parents alive again turn yourself in to me at the place where it all began]

I was so lost in the feelings of anger and grief that coursed through my body that I didn't realize I'd woken Kingston up until he wrapped his arms around me pushing his scent of warm honey and vanilla into the air around us. Jumping slightly, I said "hey bunny, I didn't realize you were up."

"I wasn't until you got angry and then the waves of grief told me something bad was happening" he whispered against my hair. Showing him my phone, he reached out and took it with one hand studying the messages for a few minutes before asking "I take it he means the Crimson Palace?"

"Yeah, wait how did you know it was a guy?" I asked confused.

"Well, two things really. First, it's a short message and too the point which is how a man would write. Secondly, I'm pretty sure you or auntie mentioned it was your uncle that wanted the throne causing this whole mess" he said then paused as he studied the image again before asking "you know why they look like that right? They aren't asking for help love, they're asking you to protect Seri and both of us."

"How are you so sure?" I asked as tears slid down my face as I realized he was probably right.

"Because they love you like you were their own son and it's what any parent would do. You know mine died protecting the Alpha and Luna but what I didn't say is that I was standing there when it happened. I saw all of it and blame myself for not being old enough to help them" King said taking a shaky breath.

"I'm sorry sweetheart. I just don't want Seri to deal with the grief we did growing up. I realize it would be slightly different for her but I don't want to be the reason for it either even if I'm doing what they want" I cried.

"I understand love, I really do. Here's the thing though, you aren't going alone. I'm coming with you. We can have Noah, Carly, and Genie come stay with Seri while we go save our family" King said kissing my head before going still. A few minutes later, I was mentally pulled into a conversation with Noah.

"Hey Alpha and Luna, what's up?" he asked.

"Stop that smart ass" King thought making both Noah and I laugh before he continued "so, yesterday on the way back from that, auntie and uncle were taken by the vampire council who apparently took them to Rems' biological uncle, the king, who is trying to hold them as bargaining chips. We need you, Carly, and Genie to come stay with Seri while we go save them."

"Anything for my Alpha but seriously you know I'd do anything for you" Noah teased.

"Thanks, can you guys meet Rem at the high school and he'll teleport you to Seri and I" King said.

"Yeah, give me about half an hour to get the girls together" Noah said.

"Thanks and by the way, I'm not taking the Alpha position. I have no interest in running the pack. So, in two days I will officially be a Rogue. We'll figure out that crap later" King answered then I added "Thanks Noah."

"Anything for you guys. See you soon" he said before closing the link. Moving to sit beside me, King took my hand and asked "do we have a game plan?"

"Not exactly, I'm trying to remember the castle layout but it was such a long time ago" I shrugged leaning over to lay on his shoulder. Kissing my head, he whispered "we're going to have to tell her what's going on though it might be better to wait until the others are here."

"Yeah, I know. I just don't want to scare her" I whispered back just before we hear the sounds of someone moving around inside the cabin. Sitting up, King releases my hand before standing up and kissing my head then heads inside. A few minutes pass before Seri comes to sit next to me on the porch wrapping her arms around mine and leaning her head on my shoulder. We sit in a comfortable silence until she says "King is making breakfast but he said you could use a hug before I drag you back inside."

"He's right, I do need a hug. Wait, since when can he cook?" I ask looking over at her. Laughing, she said "he said you'd be surprised too."

"I've always known how to cook, love. I just never really needed too" King said through our link with amusement clear in his tone. Shaking my head, I smiled and leaned my head against Seris' until King said breakfast was ready. "Come on kiddo, your loving brother in law says breakfast is ready" I smiled down at her before kissing her head. Sitting up, she looked at me and asked "are you okay? I know the events of the past few days have been rough."

"I'll be alright sweetie. I just need to work through it and I'm sure King needs to do the same" I said sadly.

"I'm worried about mom and dad, Rem. Have you heard from them?" She asked. Closing my eyes as waves of fear and panic courses through me, King opened our link and asked "what's wrong baby?"

"Seri just asked about mom and dad. What do I do here bunny? I don't want to scare her" I thought as another wave of panic flowed over me.

"Have her come inside with you and we'll talk to her together, okay?" King said calmly.

"Alright" I thought then aloud said "come on Seri, King is waiting for us. We'll talk about that inside, I promise." She simply nodded before we both got up and headed into the cabin. Once we were all seated at the table, King took my hand and gently said "I know you're both worried, trust me, I am too but I promise everything will be fine. Seri, as for your question about your parents, the honest truth is they were kidnapped yesterday after we left. Rems' uncle is holding them prisoner but Rem and I are going to rescue them. However, you are staying here. We've asked Noah, Carly, and Genie to come stay with you while we go get our parents back. Rem is going to go get them after breakfast." Nodding again, Seri began to cry silent tears prompting King to let go of my hand and move to hug her whispering "it's for your own safety because we love you so much and don't want to put you in harms way." Sniffling, she said "I know but now I'm more scared because I could loose everyone I care about."

"That's why Noah, Carly, and Genie are coming. I can stay in contact with Noah and Rem can use my powers to do it too just in case" King explained gently. Picking up where King stopped, I said "I promise, we'll keep in contact with Noah and through him you. I also promise to bring mom and dad back alive."

"Promise me, you'll all come back alive" Seri sobbed pulling us both into hugs. Looking over at King we both nodded and said "we promise."