Chapter 229

Almara’s Pov

The moment of silence hangs heavy in the air. There aren’t many options to consider. Either we join forces or we don’t.

If we do then there’s a better chance we take down the familiars and reunite with Grace, my parents, Roman, Cathy, and Robert. At least the familiars still believe the vampires are an ally to them, that will work as an advantage for at least a little while.

If we don’t team up, then that’s an even bigger risk. One that I don’t think we can afford to take. I glance at Arthur who has his locked down on the cement flooring, though he’s not really looking at anything, he shakes his head.

I walk up to him and put my hand gently on his back, he stirs under my touch and I know he was a million miles away.

“Bess would roll in her grave if we ever fought side by side with them,” Arthur says in a low whisper. I nod my head, though I don’t know if I agree. I think Bess would do what’s best for her pack, and definitely what’s best for her granddaughter.

She wouldn’t like it, but I think she would bull up her boot straps and take down one enemy at a time.

“Yes, but we all could end up in graves if we don’t,” I swallow the lump in my throat. “Arthur, look at us.”

I take a step back and let the reality of our physical condition sink in. His skin is torn to shreds, and dried blood is caked into every crevice of his body. I’m getting more and more pregnant by the day and I’ve taken a beating of my own.

Arthur turns his head away and I give him space. Ultimately this is his choice and I’ll follow whatever he decides. I just hope he doesn’t let his pride get in the way of his reasoning.

A bell-like ring echoes through the chamber walls, snatching our attention. We both look at Delfino, Arthur moving quickly to jump in front of me.

Delfino ignores our advances and pulls out a small screen from his robe pocket. He brings the small tablet up to his face and the beeping stops. “Tier 3, Code Yellow” an unfamiliar voice crackles through the speaker.

Arthur and I look at one another with an equal amount of confusion. “Got it,” Delfino says and slides the small tablets back into his pocket.

“Looks like two of your friends have escaped their cells,” Delfino says more annoyed than alarmed. “You better hope I get to them before the familiars do,”

“Who is it?” I ask. Delfino shrugs, “Don’t know, but code yellow isn’t of the highest concern”

“Robert,” Arthur says under his breath, and if the circumstances were any different, I’d probably laugh. The soft pitter patter of Delfino’s footsteps walking away emphasizes the growing realization that Arthur and I are still stuck in here.

“Hey!” I call after him, “What about us?”

“Discuss among yourselves the proposal. I’ll be back and I’ll want an answer,” With that, he turns his back and leaves and the sound of the heavy door shuts hard behind him.

Arthur turns his nose up at Delfino’s last words. “Who does he think he is? Who does he think he’s talking to?” Arthur asks with more agitation in his voice. “Has he forgotten he’s still the defeated enemy? As long as the Hurricane Pack still stands, he still loses,”

“I know,” is all I say, thankful for the firs time ever that Arthur can’t read my mind. Delfino may have lost the battle when Bess was in charge, and we may have defeated him in court. But right now, he’s making his way back up and using us as the ladder.

“Well, what do you think?” I ask leaning against the cool stone wall. Arthur throws his arms in the air.

“I think we kill him when he comes back. We tell him that we accept his deal, when he unlocks the doors, we lunge,” I’d be lying if I said that thought hasn’t also crossed my mind, but I shake my head.

“You know that wouldn’t go over well,” I say. “The familiars would find out and we’d just be provoking another war,” I’m not even sure if Arthur can hear me. “Arthur, I’m tired,” I say. This time Arthur pulls himself back and looks at me, eyes filling with sympathy.

He strides over to me and cups my face in his hands. He brushes my hair back and gently kisses my lips. I kiss back and get a slight taste of blood. He hisses a bit in pain, but doesn’t pull away. He slides one and down to my belly. The baby goes wild with kicks.

Only then does Arthur pull back to look down at my belly, smiling with pride. “Looks like he still has a fight in him,”

“Must get that from his father,” I say back and lean my forehead against his. “We have to join them,” I say and hold my breath as I wait for Arthur’s rebuttal.

Though instead of an outburst in anguish Arthur gently nods his head. “I know, I just can’t believe it came to this,” he says.

“Well, I don’t think Delfino is particularly thrilled about it either,”

“What are the rest of the wolves back home going to think?”

“Who cares,” I say with a shrug, “While they’re busy pissing and moaning about it we can remind them that they’re alive.” I hesitate on what I’m about to say and Arthur picks up on my distancing.

“What is it?” He asks.

“I mean, after it’s all over, would it be the worst thing that the vampires and wolves worked together? We might stop all future wards,” I say. Arthur doesn’t say anything back, at least with his words. His body on the other hand is doing a lot of talking.

He wraps one arm around my waist and another under my shirt. I suck in my breath, “Arthur, here?” I ask, suddenly overcome with giggles and desire.

“It’s been far too long,” He says in a husky whisper into my ear as he starts to unbuckle his pants. I become tingly all over and hurry to remove my clothing.

I would’ve thought that looking as I do that Arthur wouldn’t be as attracted to me, but once he guides my hand to below his waist I quickly realize that he has no issue being attracted to me at all.

Feeling how turned on he is causes a small moan to escape my lips and suddenly a deep hunger comes into Arthur’s eyes. He moves quickly, his hands exploring my body as though he has never touched me before.

“You look so good carrying my child,” Arthur says nibbling on my lobe and I begin to shake. Our lips taste one another’s body and we’re breathing hard and heavy.

Under his touch my body lights up with fire. I forget all about the pin and weariness of my body and instead become alive and excited.

We make love, loudly. Each movement has me crying out wanting more and Arthur gives it to me. By the end of it my body is pliantly humming, and I’m already thinking about the next time. “I love you, Almara,”

“I love you too, Arthur.”