The Hybrid

Chapter 32

"Why do you hide this? Everyone thinks that the vampires are dying..-" Grace said when she looked to the view, the garden littered with fairy lights as far as her eyes could see, so many vibrant and beautiful flowers and trees on every hill, even down the mountain it was laced with thin white snow. The stars were something else.. So bright and shining; Grace could almost touch them.

This was beautiful and yet Byron was making it look like a toxic wasteland.

"I'm doing what I need to do in order to keep my clan safe, some vampires won't adhere to the human laws we were given so I have no choice but to exile them, it kills me each time but I can't afford to lose anymore of my home" Byron told Grace when he moved to stand by her side, his hands coming to rest on the balcony rail as he looked up to the stars.

"All of us are trying to survive, the humans think that they hold the power but they don't.. Not anymore and that is because you were set free..-" He said turning his head to look at her before turning to face her better. His hand reached out to brush a dark strand behind her ear. "Do you know who got you out?" He asked, Grace studied his face wondering if she could remember but she couldn't. Instead she simply shook her head "No..-"

"Well, guess we'll find out one day hm?" He let his hand fall from her face before holding it out to her "Would you like to honour me with another dance?" He suggested, patiently waiting for her answer and when Grace linked her arm with his; Byron lead her back inside and towards the dancefloor where he twirled her with one hand before pulling her back closer.

His free hand resting on her lower back "I meant it Grace when I said you look beautiful..-" He murmured, the glided effortlessly between the crowds of people; they parted for their leader and Grace. Almost watching their every move in anticipation something would go wrong.

"Well, a black dress and a wash will make any woman look nice–" Grace was dismissive with his compliment and Byron took hold of her chin, forcing her head up to look at him when they came to a stop; slightly in a corner away from praying eyes "I do not lie Grace– Especially not to you and not one female in here compares to you" He said, his thumb brushing over her lower brim tenderly, his gaze looking down to her lips. For a moment Grace could of sworn He was going to kiss her but he suddenly pulled away; almost like he had been stung and he released Grace.

"Forgive me, I have a matter to attend too-" He said, the once soft gaze now hardened and went like ice. Grace remained stood in the corner completely confused at what had happened and why her stomach felt like it was doing flips, her palms were sweaty. Eventually she collected her thoughts and left the ballroom, curiosity got the best of her and she followed Byron's scent until she came outside a door.

Stopping and leaning in slightly Grace could hear Byron talking to somebody then she smelt it. A wolf. How was a wolf here? Was Theo here?

"She isn't going anywhere-"

"You promised me that I would get what I wanted and now you're backing out of the deal after I fucking showed you where she was and when to get her!? I should tell Theo th-"

"Tell him what? That you betrayed him? That you've been on your knees begging me to help you take him for good since he lost the plot? Or that you tried having his ex wife killed because you wanted him? What do you think the Alpha would do to you hmm? I don't think he'd give you a second chance... Or is it your fourth? I've forgotten just how many chances you've seemed to get..-"

Grace frowned, the voice was familiar but she couldn't picture who it belonged too. The pack had changed and she barely knew the new members.

"Oh! I suppose that the Hybrid Queen knows about you Byron?! How you sent vampires to bring her here-"

"I SENT THEM TO KEEP HER SAFE, YOU FUCKING HAD HER KILLED ON INCORRECT ORDERS MAYA!"

Byron's voice bellowed, Grace was confused as sickness washed through her. Maya? The blonde wolf? Why would she want Grace dead?

"I can go out there now and tell Grace any story about you Byron and I can guarantee that she would believe her own kind over somebody like you.. She is Theo's regardless of your bond" Maya spat back. Hearing footsteps approaching Grace quickly moved backwards down a hallway.

Hiding in the shadows she watched Maya appear and the look on her face was one of murder. "I will get what I want Byron even if it means killing you all in the process-" Maya warned him before sulking off away from the party. Grace remained quiet where she was listening to Byron's breathing. It was heavy and deep, for once Grace didn't want to move but it didn't matter. He knew she was there, she knew that he knew and instead of calling for her Byron shut the door to what was an office and vanished in the direction to the left where the stairs were.

Finally Grace let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Just what bond was Maya talking about and why didn't Grace know about it?