“Before?” I stared at him dumbly. “Sheridan said you intercepted …”
Valentino nodded. “We thought it was best to use discretion in the story of her survival.”
I waited for Dad to refute it, but he wouldn’t meet my eyes. I turned back to Valentino. “That’s why she had bite marks on her neck,” I said. “Because you tried to save her like Owen did with Charlie.” Valentino nodded. I turned back to my dad. “And you knew.”
He nodded. “But the killer didn’t. As far as they knew, the poison was the only obvious cause of death.” He turned back to Lane, who cowered now underneath the weight of Dad’s and Valentino’s glowers. “We let everyone think a vampire killed her in order to draw out the real murderer. And now we have her.”
Charlie broke away from Owen and walked over to my dad. She laid a hand on his arm. “She wanted justice for herself,” Charlie said quietly.
“Take her into custody,” Dad said. Brent and Al came forward along with a few others to shadow them as they seized a struggling Lane and dragged her off. “The rest of you are all dismissed. The reception is set up inside with plenty of food and drink. We’ll join you in a moment.” The crowd dispersed slowly with glances backward. No one wanted to miss whatever was going down next.
No one said a word until the last straggler had gone.
When the crowd had departed, Dad turned to Charlie, but instead of snapping, he only shook his head. “Justice and vengeance are not the same thing.” he said. “She wanted the second, not the first, but hurting the new alpha wasn’t the way to get it.”
“Wait, what?” Charlie asked at the same time I breathed, “The new…?”
“But the Test of Endurance?” Charlie said. “I had to forfeit.”
“You never forfeited,” Dad said. “You were both going through the Test of Endurance the entire time. It began the day you arrived, Charlie, and found out everything you’d have to go through in order to win. And Regan,” he said, turning to me. “Everything you’ve done. Putting the pack’s interests ahead of your own. Being willing to marry for the blood treaty, for duty… All of it was part of your own endurance challenge. But the key was rooting out the traitor.” He gestured to Lane. “And you did that, Charlie. Alpha is yours, if you want it.”
Dad turned back to me, regret painting every single line of his drawn expression. My heart dropped to my ankles. My knees threatened to buckle as I realized he was serious. And it wasn’t jealousy or defeat that threatened to suck me under. It was fear. And just like that, I knew marrying Owen Rossi was only the second worst thing that could ever happen to me.
I rushed Charlie and threw my arms around her, squeezing until I felt her wince. I remembered her injury and eased up. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” I whispered. “And I’m honored to serve you as beta.”
“But…” Charlie stared back at me, her mouth hanging open. “You want alpha more than anything.”
“No.” I shook my head and gave her a genuine smile. “There’s something I want more. I never want to lose you again.”
“Well, hopefully, you won’t have to,” Dad said. His eyes lit up in a way I hadn’t seen in months. “What I mean is … You both completed every task so you both win according to the terms laid out in the competition’s guidelines. Alpha belongs to both of you now.”
“But—the rules state only one can win,” I said, shaking my head in confusion and disbelief.
“No.” Thill stepped up, his gnarled fingers reaching to squeeze my shoulder. “The rules for each competition are written by the council.” His eyes crinkled at the edges as he turned to Charlie. “We wrote the rules. You both completed all necessary tasks. That makes you both an alpha. It’s your choice what to do with it.”
“We knew forcing you to compete would draw out the killer, so we created a situation that forced them to act somehow.” Dad’s brow rose. “Did you really think I would pit my daughters against each other like this if it weren’t vital to locating a murderer and a traitor?”
It was probably wiser not to answer that. Instead, I stared up at Thill, disbelieving, until finally turning back to my sister. Charlie’s grin was slow to spread. “Regan, we did it.”
“We did it,” I breathed and then grunted as Charlie caught me up in a tight hug.
“William, stop being a tease and tell them everything,” Sheridan said.
Charlie and I broke off and found Dad frowning. “Sheridan’s right. There’s one other thing. The treaty was … well, it wasn’t exactly laid out like we told you.”
“Dad,” I warned.
“There’s a provision in it.” His gaze flicked to Charlie. “I never thought you would develop … Charlie, you surprised us all with your capacity for love and acceptance. You might have to choose.”
“Choose?” Charlie echoed.
Blaine Rossi smirked as he pushed his way through the crowd, a knowing twinkle in his gaze. “Before she died, Myra came to me. She wanted peace. We both did. I was tired of fighting over something that shouldn’t have happened.” He flicked a gaze toward Thill who stood, hardened and unmoved.
I remembered what Sheridan had explained to me the night Charlie was poisoned. How Thill had witnessed Blaine feeding—but hadn’t stopped long enough to realize he had no intention of killing his lunch. Even now, Thill couldn’t admit he’d acted rashly. Maybe the changes to the competition, the fact that he’d allowed two alphas to emerge, was his way of acknowledging change was needed.
Blaine adjusted his shoulders and went on. “After Myra’s death, William and I did create a treaty, but the terms are … not quite so intimate.”
I glanced between him and Gretchen—whose expression showed only the slightest hint of relief. Owen didn’t give away anything. Beside him, Charlie looked pale.
“What are the terms?” I asked, chest tight.
“A joint council, shared decisions. Peace talks. Regular interaction from both sides,” Blaine said. “Democracy,” he added, giving me a pointed look that reminded me of my scathing comments regarding his politics during the Test of Knowledge. “It’s one of the reasons you are now a two-alpha pack. No more dictatorships. No more monarchy having the only voice.”
“We’ll work together now,” Charlie said, so much hope in her voice it made my chest ache. I’d already read between the lines.
“So, no marriage?” I asked.
“No marriage,” Blaine confirmed.
“Specifically, no marriage between the monarchy and the alpha—ever,” Gretchen Rossi put in, and I realized her relief was for me not being allowed to marry her son. Blaine frowned at her and then looked back at Charlie, brows raised in question.
“If I’m going to be alpha, I’m not allowed to marry Owen?” Charlie asked, even paler than before.
“That’s right,” Sheridan said. “It’s expressly forbidden in the treaty documents. Which are, in fact, enforced with blood,” she added, glaring at my dad anew before turning back to Charlie. Her expression softened. “I had no idea you would have feelings for each other when we allowed William to seal the treaty. An engagement alone would disqualify you immediately.”
“And then what?” Charlie asked. “Would Regan have to—?”
“Choose someone else,” Sheridan said just as a familiar hand slipped into mine. I looked over and found Carter staring down at me and my heart threatened to overflow.
“The choice would be entirely Regan’s?” Charlie asked, but her tone had changed and I swear I could hear the laughter in it. Still, I didn’t break away from Carter. I held my breath waiting for Sheridan’s answer.
“Yes,” she said after what felt like an eternity.
And with that single word, all of my greatest fears turned to happiness. It was exactly as Charlie had predicted. We would have them both: duty and desire. And we would have each other. That was everything.
Epilogue
Charlie
The lace gown felt entirely too formal, but arguing with Gretchen Rossi was like
arguing with a brick wall. I was learning fast to pick my battles. Besides, if it meant Owen would be forced into formalwear to match, it could be worth it. I smirked at my reflection in the mirror but it faded fast as nerves quickly forced their way back in. The gown was floor length, although low cut enough to make me uncomfortable. I wore my hair down, just in case any vampires got any ideas about making me their snack at any point in the evening. The scars Owen’s fangs had left behind were healing fast but still, why tempt fate?
I studied my new room through the mirror’s reflection. It was beautifully decorated with an antique, bronzed-framed mirror and a full bedroom suite to match. It was the same room I’d stayed in the night we’d come here for the Test of Knowledge. And even after only sleeping here at the Rossi estate for the past six nights, I’d already come to appreciate the history behind every piece inside the house.
Amongst the fancy décor, I caught sight of the ugly cat artwork Regan had sent me from my room in Paradise. The one I’d found inside that antique mall in town. The sight of it made me feel strangely at home.
Someone knocked and I whirled just as Regan slipped in and closed the door behind her. I smiled, some of the nerves dropping away at the sight of my sister—in pants. She whistled as she crossed to me. “You look gorgeous,” she breathed, wrapping me in a quick hug.
“You think so?” I asked, biting my lip and smoothing my skirts. “Gretchen insisted—”
“I can’t imagine Gretchen not insisting,” Regan said wryly and we both grinned.
“Where’s Carter?” I asked. “Did he come with you?”
“He’s walking the perimeter with Dad and Blaine,” she said, waving a hand. “I offered to come but he said it was official alpha number two stuff and chased me away.”
My forehead wrinkled. “Is something wrong? Has there been a threat?”
“No, nothing. You know how Carter is,” Regan said and the irritation that clouded her features made me grin. Only Regan could look irritated about being in love.
“Not as well as you do,” I pointed out, which earned me a scowl. But I saw Regan’s cheeks flush before she turned away. I decided not to give her too much crap for it. Choosing Carter to be her second alpha had been the biggest gesture of love she could have made. Regan was going to be a sappy romantic soon enough.
“How are things going with the wedding planning?” Regan asked.
I suspected she was only trying to change the subject but I shrugged. “It’s going well. Mostly because I’m not picky enough to care that Gretchen wants to choose everything.”
“And no one’s in a hurry to set a date,” Regan added.
“Yeah, that helps. I love Owen but … marriage at seventeen?” I wrinkled my nose. “I don’t even think that’s legal.”
“Even if it were, Dad would never let it happen. So, you think a year or so?” Regan asked.
“At least. But the engagement party now solidifies it. Gretchen said it will help introduce me to the vampires and make friends.”
“Right.” Regan shuddered. “Friends. Not food.”
“She’s actually been really nice—for Gretchen,” I said, thinking back to the inches I’d gained with my future mother-in-law. She was thawing, albeit slowly. But when you’d had centuries to harden, I guess warming to someone new was bound to take time.
“Is she talking grandkids yet?” Regan asked and I blanched. Not just at the idea but that Regan would even suggest it.
“No,” I hissed. “Why would you even—?”
“Relax,” Regan said, laughing. “I’m just messing with you. I mean, it’s not possible anyway.”
My cheeks heated and I looked down, fingering the lace of my skirt. “Actually, Gretchen says there’s this herb that grows wild—”
“Oh geez, stop right there.” Regan held up a hand and this time it was my turn to laugh. “I can’t hear about this. No talk of babies and definitely no more talk of wild herbs.”
“Fair enough,” I said.
I stepped back, again facing the mirror to double check that I was ready. “Perfect,” Regan said. She caught my eye in the reflection. “When does your mom get here?”
“Next week,” I said, relief sliding through me even as I thought it. My move to the Rossi estate hadn’t been an easy choice but, unlike Paradise, Mom was welcome here. Next week, we were both moving into an empty cottage on the grounds. I couldn’t wait to be back with her and have my new families—both of them—at my fingertips. “She wanted to make it tonight, but the house is closing tomorrow morning,” I explained.
“You’ll have her back soon enough,” Regan said. “Permanently. That’s what matters.”
I nodded, and felt a quick pang as I realized Regan must be thinking of her own mom. “What’s happening with Lane?” I asked quietly.
“Oh, you know. Prison. Interrogation. The usual.” She said it lightly but I knew it still hurt that her friend had been responsible. “A team has been sent to retrieve her mother as well. She was banished when she tried poisoning my mom the first time.”
“Why only banished if they knew she was guilty?” I asked.
“To keep it under wraps. Like Dad said, they didn’t tell anyone about it to avoid more conflict while they attempted peace.”
I sighed. “I wish it had worked for them,” I said.
Regan murmured an agreement. “Lane’s mom will be brought in. She’ll get what she deserves. Finally. We’ll have a trial next month when you’re all settled and the vampires officially join the council,” she added. “Valentino wants to put a mixed jury together.”
“Everyone’s okay that you’ve given him a special seat on the council?” I asked.
“After learning what he did for my mom and for us, some of them asked for it. Sheridan thinks it was her idea.”
I laughed. “It’s probably better that way.”
Someone knocked and before I could call out, Gretchen Rossi strode in. She looked like a walking ad for a jewelry store with the twinkling diamonds that dripped from her ears and throat and a soft amethyst dress to match. “Charlie, the dress fits even better than I’d imagined,” she said, the frigid set to her expression a little warmer than usual. It was nowhere close to a smile—but it was the closest I’d ever gotten.
“Thank you,” I said.
“Regan. You look well,” she said simply before waving us toward the door. “It’s time. Let’s parade you,” she said briskly.
Regan and I exchanged a look and hurried out.
On the landing, I paused, my hand on the smooth marble railing. I stared out at the sea of faces that filled the open foyer. The party would be held in the ballroom but, for now, everyone hovered, drinks in hand, near the stairs to get a glimpse of their new werewolf princess.
“This is so weird,” I heard Regan mutter.
Before I could respond, the crowd below caught sight of us—of me—and cheered. One by one, they clapped and a few whistled. Tears sprang to my eyes. I don’t know what I’d been expecting but it wasn’t this warm welcome.
At the bottom of the stairs, a face emerged, staring up at me with wide, intent eyes. Crimson irises. A black-and-white tux with perfect creases. And Converse sneakers poking out the bottom. Owen. My pulse sped and the roar from the crowd faded. He arched a brow at me as if to say “Well?” I descended the stairs, my gaze locked on his, my nerves gone.
He greeted me at the bottom with a kiss and the cheering quieted a bit. Peace treaty or not, we were still a little ahead of our time. Owen didn’t seem to notice or care. “You look beautiful, kitten. Just beautiful,” he breathed in my ear.
“I better. Your mom wasn’t having anything less,” I muttered and Owen laughed as he drew me into the throng waiting.
We made our way toward the ballroom, greeting everyone in our path. I was surprised how many werewolves showed up. It hadn’t been mandatory outside of the council members. Dad was trying to ease them all into this new peace. Give them a choice. Probably so we could avoid any mo
re reactions like Lane’s. But seeing so many of them here now made me think maybe the pack would come around after all.
Regan caught up to us again a little later, this time with Carter in tow, and I tensed when I saw her gaze trained on Owen instead of me. They hadn’t actually seen each other since the day of their almost-wedding.
“Rossi,” she said stiffly.
“Vuk,” he said, the last letter popping as it always did when he addressed her. I rolled my eyes.
“I have something I want to say to you,” she said. “And I think it’s overdue.”
Owen’s brow lifted. I squeezed his hand and leaned in. “Regan, I don’t know if now is the best—”
“I want to say thank you,” Regan said, cutting me off. I fell silent in surprise. “For saving my sister’s life. Twice, actually. You surprise me,” she admitted.
Owen arched a brow. “A Vuk apologizing to a Rossi. Maybe there’s hope for a friendship between us after all.” His words were friendly enough but the tone was teasing and Regan’s eyes narrowed. I sighed inwardly.
“Baby steps,” she said and turned on her heel and strode away.
Carter shrugged and went after her. I turned to Owen. “You could have just said you’re welcome,” I said.
His eyes sparkled as he pulled me onto the dance floor. “Where’s the fun in that, kitten?”
I shook my head, my response dying on my tongue as Owen pulled me into his arms. I couldn’t stay irritated with him when we were close like this. The way he smelled, the way he held me … it was everything.
No, that wasn’t right, I realized as I caught sight of Carter and Regan dancing not far from us. Her arms were wrapped around his neck and their foreheads were bent low and pressed together. Their eyes were open and the way Regan was looking at Carter was probably what she’d call “unbefitting an alpha.” It looked like pure, true love to me.
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