Page 129

Story: The Vampire's Soul

It was ruthless, but necessary.

The king hadn’t missed a beat. Even Craig had side-eyed him a few times, but Ari was clear; eliminate any and all threats.

“No life is worth more than the collective.”

That was the king’s mantra. One they all lived by.

The door opened, and the queen walked in.

“We’re coming to listen,” Sage said, carrying the heir in her arms. “Hope that’s okay.”

“Gah!” Little Gio cried, his lungs more powerful than any of the warriors in this room.

And that was saying something.

Ari crossed the space between them without hesitation and kissed Sage, then his son’s head. “Hello, my little prince.” Then the king tucked his queen and prince under his arm and nodded to Brayden. “Let’s begin.”

Brayden nodded at Tom. “Power it up, big guy.”

He stared around the room at all the warriors and knew they were in good hands. All of them were powerful, strong males who would protect the race no matter what was thrown at them.

With a growing team and more warriors wanting to join the king’s army in record numbers, they would ensure the race thrived for many years.

“Just for the record, I recommended we double the weaponry budget in this proposal.” Craig lifted a single shoulder as he chewed on a pen. “But apparently I’m being”—he used both hands to do air-quotes—“dramatic.”

Brayden rolled his eyes.

Here we bloody go.

“Let me translate. Craig wants more shit to blow up.”

“Always.” Craig grinned, and Bray couldn’t help it, he grinned back.

Life was good.

Brayden walked over and leaned against the wall next to his best friend and let the SLCs and wolves present their new strategy to King Ari. One that would take them into the next few decades, protecting them from known and unknown threats.

Brayden glanced at his uncle, and the two shared a knowing look. Something was different...and yet the same. He wasn’t sure exactly what, but a sense of rightness pulsed through his veins.

The power of the Moretti blood was strong.

That was all that mattered.

EPILOGUE

ARI

I lied, Ari gets the last word now he’s the Moretti king.

Ari pushed open the throne room and held it open for Sage to walk inside. She had Gio on her hip, and when the door clicked closed behind them, Ari locked it.

Without hesitation, they turned to one another.

“Do you—?”

“I remember.” Sage leaned into him, and he wrapped his arms around her.

“Thank God.”