Royal Secrets & Beastly Desires

28: Council of Shadows: The Vampire King's Arrival

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As they prepared to meet the Vampire King, Dakota's heart raced, but it wasn't just fear; it was excitement too. She felt a sense of purpose standing beside Draiden, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that her bond with both Draiden and Braken would guide her through.

Dakota nodded and hopped down off the desk just as Micheal entered the room. "They are almost here," he confirmed, standing next to Draiden, his expression serious. "Everyone is in place; we ran the perimeter twice. All is secure."

Draiden nodded his head in approval. "Thank you, Micheal. Now let's hope this meeting goes well."

Dakota felt a palpable change in the air, nerves twisting in her stomach. The atmosphere felt charged, and when David, the Omega, knocked on the door, she felt as if she might throw up.

"Apha, King Alexander is here," he announced, motioning behind him.

"Thank you, David. Send him in, please."

David nodded and turned to speak to the man behind him. Dakota's heart raced as she strained to catch a glimpse of the approaching figure. When the door swung open and the man stepped inside, her jaw nearly dropped in disbelief.

"Alex?" she exclaimed, rounding the desk and rushing toward him, her heart soaring with surprise and joy as she enveloped him in a tight hug.

King Alexander chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around her. "Dakota! It's been too long," he said, his voice warm and familiar.

Draiden and Micheal exchanged questioning looks, both sensing the tension in the room.

Returning her hug, Alexander looked back at Draiden, who was visibly shaking, his emotions boiling beneath the surface.

"I am here for our meeting, sweet girl," Alexander assured Dakota, his voice steady but gentle. "Alpha, I assure you that what you're assuming is not the case." He addressed Draiden directly, trying to quell the anger radiating from him.

Dakota pulled back from the embrace and turned to Draiden, her heart aching at the sight of him struggling. His eyes flickered between black and green, a clear sign that Braken, his wolf, was fighting for control. Moving closer, she placed her hand on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her palm. "Draiden, look at me! You are mine, and I am yours! Trust me, please!" she pleaded, her voice firm yet soft.

As their eyes locked, she felt the tension in him begin to ease, his breathing slowing as he focused on her. The connection between them was strong, and for a moment, it felt like the world outside faded away.

Alexander cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "I apologize if my presence has made this a little uncomfortable," he began, holding his hands up in a gesture of peace. "Let me explain the reasoning behind her reaction."

Draiden's gaze remained intense, but he seemed to be listening now, his body still tense but not as on edge. "Please do," he said, his voice low and cautious.

Alexander took a step forward, maintaining eye contact with Draiden. "I understand that the bond between you two is strong, and I respect that. But the situation we're facing is delicate. I came here to discuss a potential alliance-not to disrupt what you have. There are threats looming that could endanger all of us, and I thought it best to come in person."

Draiden nodded, holding Dakota close to him, instinctively drawing strength from her presence. "Go on," he urged, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him.

"I am the vampire who saved your sister's life 15 years ago when rogues attacked her and her husband while they were traveling through Scotland," Alexander began, his tone serious and sincere. "We've kept in touch ever since, and I met Dakota here many times in the last ten years. When I received word of Victoria's death, I came to her funeral, and that's when Dakota and I started talking again. We've kept in touch ever since. Your sister and Dakota are like family to me." He paused, a faint look of discomfort crossing his face. "I assure you, my love back home would surely drive a stake through my heart if I ever romantically touched another woman!" He cringed at the thought, the levity breaking some of the tension in the room.