My Daddie's Rejected Lover

Research Project

Sabian nor Zander were especially pleased to hear about Kaoz. They both had had run-ins with a Kaoz witch or two in the past. I tried my hardest to understand just what made them so dangerous but none of it really made sense. Witches were able to talk to and summon demons and angels. I got that part.

They were also able to form contracts with those demons or angels and get them to do their bidding. But summoning the most powerful of either cost a heavy toll on their souls and lifespan because of the heavy magic the demon or angel wields. That's why most witches don't summon the really dark ones. Sometimes angels and demons found ways to manipulate and trick witches in order to get out of contracts and steal the witch's soul. It didn't make sense for a witch to want to throw their life away for nothing.

I decided to travel to the library at Ricinius Clan to do some further research. Being that vampires are low level demons not bound by contracts like me, their library held extensive materials regarding various demons and dark magic. I figured it was as good a place as any to get some information. As we were leaving, Sabian stopped us.

"Take an enforcer with you."

I looked at Marcus who was giving his brother the stink eye. As one of the head trainers and substitute beta, Marcus always thought himself strong and capable enough to handle anything. "Why?"

Sabian crossed his arms. "There were several kidnappings. Three in Luna, two in Dong'Gul."

"You think someone wants to kidnap Daniel's runty little ass?"

I squealed as he poked me in the side. Does tickle-ishness ever go away? I smacked his arm. "Shut your face, pig."

Marcus did a pig snort making us laugh. I looked over at Sabian and my smile faded. He was not amused and looked extremely tense. I walked up to him and gave him a hug.

"Sorry. We were just playing."

He kissed the top of my head and squeezed me a little tighter. "It's okay. You're young. It's what you do. Reminds me I'm an old man compared to you three."

"I'll do as you ask." I pulled away and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. "Where's your enforcer?"

He pointed with his thumb over his shoulder.

Heat coursed through me and I felt tingling in my gums. My nails clawed into my palms and my blood raced through my veins. No way in hell.

"Not a chance, bro," Marcus snarled. "Anyone but her."

Sabian raised a brow. I turned to see Marcus and Augustin were also not feeling it. Augustin looked calm but his eyes were blood red. From where I stood I could see the hair standing on Marcus's arms.

My sweet mate hadn't a clue about our beef with her. "What's wrong? She's one of the top fighters in the pack."

"Her and Daniel had a run in some time ago," Augustin replied.

Sabian pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply. All at once he looked tired and run down. There were bags under his eyes and the lines in his face seemed more pronounced. My heart squeezed in my chest. Along with Zander he ran Forest Lake Pack, the school, and Ricinus Clan. He had almost 15,000 lives he was responsible for. All he asked was that we take another enforcer and we were being brats. As co-alphas and betas, we should always put our best foot forward for the good of our alphas, clans, and packs.

I rolled my shoulders to release the tension and smiled. "It's fine, babe. Amarillis can come as well. It's all water under the bridge."

His eyes narrowed at me as Marcus and Augustin looked at me as if they'd had too much espresso. "Are you sure?"