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Only the cries and screams of the witch’s dying coven behind us can be heard as Markis stares down at the witch.

“Bring him to me,” he calls out without turning from her.

The moment the witch sees what Markis has, she tries to get to her feet. I wave my hands through the air, causing her to crumble back to the ground.

A tall, dark-skinned man that looks as if he’s been beaten within an inch of his life is escorted in front of Markis.

“Now, how much do you love your mate?”

The witch sobs. Her tears roll down her face. I can see the contemplation cross her features. Witches, like wolves, mate for life. It makes sense since male witches have very limited power. I can tell this witch is willing to give us the information we seek for her man. Despite the fact that giving us what we want would damn all mankind.

Unlike many others, witches had spells that could lock their thoughts and memories away. No matter how much Markis presses on her brain, he can’t get what he wants.

“It’s okay, Zola.” the man says, breaking the silence. “I love you. I’ll wait for you on the other side.”

His words give the witch strength. She lifts her head, although the tears are falling down her face, she eyes Markis without fear. “I will tell you nothing.”

With a vicious growl, Markis slaughters the man. His body drops to the ground. The witch lets out a deep sob as she nearly folds in on herself.

Markis turns to me. “Take it all from her.” He walks away, knowing I will follow his orders without complaint.

I go over to the witch, lifting her from the ground. Her cries and pleas fall on deaf ears as I sink my fangs into her neck.

I come awake abruptly, shaking the memory of the dream out of my head.

“Mizani,”his deep voice calls out in my head.

I quickly place my blocks back up, thinking of a solid brick wall. Once I feel secure, I plant my feet on the floor. The coldness of the wood is welcoming to my flushed skin.

Dreams are not a place I like to be. Which is one reason I don’t sleep much. But my body will occasionally demand it.

Climbing out of bed, I grab my robe, covering myself. I stop by Marley’s door, listening to the soft sounds of her snoring. A smile lifts my lips when I hear her steady breathing. Pushing away from her door, I make my way outside onto the porch. The smell of wolves is strong out here, but I’m getting used to the stench. I step down off the steps, lift my head to the sky, and shut my eyes. The chilly mountain air feels incredible. Snow will come soon.

“Trying to run away?”

I groan as I open my eyes to the Beta.

“Clearly,” I state.

He watches me from his porch, his large arms folded across his chest. I can tell he wants to say something else. I wait for him to spit it out.

He rakes a hand down his face, glancing away from me. “I didn’t know the rat would kill her.”

“Would it have changed anything if you knew?”

He glares at me. “This is as much of an apology as you’re going to get from me, Vamp.”

“Then keep it, Wolf.”

He scoffs, holding his hands up in a surrender posture. “Fine.”

“I don’t get you people,” I say, shaking my head. “Witches weren’t exactly on your side in that war, but I don’t see you guys refusing to break bread with the witch.”

“The war may have started this feud, but I’ve witnessed vampire’s savagery firsthand. You move through his world with no care for anything or anybody but yourselves. You are heartless, power hungry, narcissistic, monsters. The day the world says bye to the last vampire will be a good fucking day,” he snarls with so much vitriol that spittle flies from his mouth.

I want to argue. To tell him he is lying. That not all vampires are that way. However, that dream plays back in my head. Reminding me I have no right to defend myself.

His front door opens and a she-wolf with dark brown hair and tan skin walks out onto the porch. She’s wearing nothing but one of his shirts. She steps up behind him. Her face pinches with disgust as she looks at me.