He was more ruthless than I thought. “You mean… a curse? To make vampires human?”
“It was all speculative, of course. That was my summer home on the coast.” A nostalgic smile stole his lips, enhancing the dangerous gleam of his fangs. “Before my uncle passed, he set me on my task to continue our work. Especially now since vampires aren’t permitted to roam the estate.”
“What was your work?”
His eyes drilled to slits. “To make sure that the mutts never interfered with our salvation. To use them as we see fit. To make them obey.”
“But why?”
“Wouldyoubow to a vampire?”
I frowned. “Well, no. I wouldn’t—”
“I wouldn’t bow to a…” His mouth twisted with disgust while looking at Matéo. “Your species has constantly thwarted our attempts at relief. Nobody rules us. We rule ourselves.”
“None of us have tried to rule you, Domingo.”
His eyes flashed agitation. “Are you so sure about that, little Miss Pascal?”
“Nobody wants to rule you.” I looked at my sister for support. She bowed her head, doing her best to avoid my gaze. “We’re not looking to rule you. We all want the same thing here, Domingo.”
“I don’t think you understand the gravity of this war.” He grinned maliciously while looking at Matéo. “Why, a petite little flower such yourself couldn’t even begin to fathom the gallons of blood spilled by my family.”
Matéo lunged from his chair. Several men surrounded him from both sides, fighting through super strength just to shout expletives at Domingo. And Domingo, smug and satisfied with his jab landing, sat back with a curious expression as Lars whispered something in his ear.
Once the chaos diminished and Matéo was being held at a distance from the table, Domingo leaned forward. “Miss Pascal, I understand you have a witch holding that spellbook your wolf sister stole from us.”
I frowned. “Nobody stole from you.”
“Ah, that’s where you’re wrong, sweet flower.” He grinned when he heard Matéo growl but proceeded nonetheless, “Your wolf sister stole from the crypt of my cousin.”
“The betrayed bride is your cousin?” My eyes widened. “But that would mean—”
“That she suffered at the hands of your kind, yes.”
I shook my head. “But that doesn’t make sense. Who attacked her? What happened? Don’t you know the whole story?”
His eyes burned red. “I don’tneedto know anything other than the simple fact that my family has suffered at the hands of wolves for decades. Don’t you understand, little boxer? How grave this has become for us? Your hero over there—the Black Wolf—is the key tomysalvation.”
My head spun as his words settle into my chest. “But that would mean—”
“Yes, precious flower,” Domingo said in a level voice while standing up. Lars followed suit. “It would mean killing your darling mate.”
Chapter 15 - Matéo
The two bikers released me once Domingo and Lars leave the room. I shook them off and rushed to Rose, taking her shoulders gently and looking her over repeatedly.
“Are you alright?” I asked. “Did he hurt you?”
She rolled her eyes. “He didn’t lay a finger on me, Matty.”
“Yeah, but he—”
“He hurt my fucking feelings, that’s for sure.”
It was shocking to hear her curse but indicative of her alertness. I hid my grin as I whispered, “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“Who said I was okay?”