Page 77 of The Vampire Curse

A growl rumbles up from Oliver’s chest. “They may be our lands, but it is a vampire’s higher demon—that should be more than enough for the vampires to get involved.”

Holding up a hand, Alaric silences him. Though Oliver’s emotions have breached the surface, Alaric remains calm. “I agree with you, I am merely explaining how the others will see things. I have agreed to do what I can, but I am afraid it is a waste of time attempting to persuade the others.”

Oliver straightens his back, a muscle in his jaw ticking. “There is something you can do. Just give in to—”

Alaric bares his fangs, grabbing Oliver by the lapels, bringing their faces close. The two beta’s take a step forward, halting in their tracks with a motion from their alpha.

“Never make such a suggestion again.” The warning is a deep and low snarl.

Alaric releases him. I blink, my jaw hanging open when they both reclaim their seats as if nothing happened. I don’t understand Alaric’s anger. Oliver hadn’t even finished his thought.

“Track the demon and mark the territory they're haunting, and I will see what I can do. In the meantime, you and your pack must herd the animal population away from the demon.”

The man takes another half step forward, his fists clenched at his sides. “You presume to tell the Shade forest’s alpha what to do?”

The woman places a hand on his shoulder and pulls him back.

Oliver narrows his gaze and faces the man. “Dominance is not important. I do not care if a pup is the one who comes up with the solution that works so long as thereisa solution.”

“We must find something more permanent. Clara and I will be leaving for Nightwich in two weeks.”

I nearly drop my cup at the mention of my name. Though that’s the last mention of future plans as they turn back to the topic at hand.

Alaric and Oliver lean in discussing possible strategies, pointing out flaws in each other’s ideas.

Eventually, their conversation comes to an end, and I’m not convinced they have come up with a plan at all. Perhaps it’s an impossible situation.

I shift on my feet, aching from standing in the same place for so long.

“Shall we adjourn to the dining room?” Alaric says, leading Oliver out into the hall.

The light through the window is bright after spending so many hours with the drapes drawn and only a fire to light the space.

The betas take up positions near the door as Alaric takes in his usual seat at the table's head. Oliver sits two places to his right, leaving a single spot empty between him and Alaric.

“Excuse me,” I say. “I will go check on the food.”

Alaric’s brows furrow, but I push my way through the kitchen door before he can object.

The kitchen is empty, though there are trays upon trays of food set out on every flat surface. Enough for a feast.

I let out a breath and slump against the counter. I’ve never witnessed anything like that in my life. Intense and strange.

Pushing away from the wall, I reach for the closest tray. The soft thump of the door swings open, then closed.

“I was just—” I start to say, but the words die on my tongue.

Oliver blocks the door with his body, arms crossed. He looks me up and down, a frown that looks out of place on him.

“Are you all right?”

I shake my head. “What do you mean?”

He steps closer, taking the tray from my hands and setting it back down. “You were running away that day, were you not?”

That night feels like a lifetime ago. “Yes. I was.”

I remember everything about that night. I can still feel the tree at my back, the press of Alaric’s body against mine.