Page 48 of Betrayed Mate

Strange.

“Fine.” At the end of the day, there were two things that mattered. “If you all believe it could help, I’m in. Anything to get Briar back before something happens to her.”

“Briar?” Queen Ambrosia leaned back. “Who is that?”

I’d left out that part of the story, not wanting the vampires—especially the guards—to know that there was someone out there who meant everything to me. Enemies thrived on finding out people’s weaknesses, and after losing my pack, I’d sacrificeanything for her. Still, the damage had been done after my speaking so carelessly. “My sister. I believe the Blackwoods have her and are keeping her hostage to try to locate me or get me to find her.”

The queen frowned before she let out a faint gasp. “Oh, thank Fate. Not everyone in your pack perished after all.” Her eyes glistened with what I thought must be unshed tears. “That’s so lovely to hear.”

I hadn’t expected such heartfelt concern, especially from the queen of the vampires. “It would mean a lot more if I knew she was safe and unharmed.”

“Then we must find her as quickly as possible.” Queen Ambrosia took a slow breath and then turned to the vampire guards. “Give us your update and then give whatever resources are needed to Ryker and Ember to help locate Briar. It’s imperative that we assist them so we can rest assured that the right wolf becomes the new ruler for the good of every species.”

Now I understood how peace had been possible between our kinds. She cared about all supernaturals; otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to empathize the way she was.

“We found nothing beyond what the wolf shifters stated—other thantheirscents,” Bella spat, her face twisted in disgust. “So, either we’re being played by the shifters or any clues about who attacked the nests vanished by the time we arrived. If it’s the latter, then a witch must be involved.”

Kendric bared his teeth. “We didn’t attack your nests. How many more times are you going to accuse us of being your enemy?”

“Our spells would detect any scent-mitigating spells on them, so if there isn’t sulfur in the air, they speak the truth.” Queen Ambrosia shook her head and stood.

Martin pouted. “There’s no scent of a lie nor any indication of magic on them that would hide the smell, Your Majesty.”

Of course, she’d have spells in place to detect if we were trying to hide anything. She’d been around for centuries, enough time to collect favors from witches to do her bidding, especially since supernatural blood made coven magic much stronger when included in a spell or seance.

“Even though I trust the Grimstones, I do have detections in place in the event anyone tries to deceive us.” Queen Ambrosia gestured to her guards. “That’s one reason that I get annoyed but appreciate the fact that my guards are cynical because they’re being protective of me and our species. It’s why the three of them do their jobs as well as they do.”

“We understand their mistrust regarding outsiders because our pack is the same way.” Ryker spoke slowly like he was controlling his tone. “That’s the only reason that we tolerate it. However, we came here alone, and we’re completely outnumbered. That should provide reassurance that we don’t want to risk our relationship with you.”

Lucinda leaned back in her seat. “Unless you’re trying to lower our guard.”

She had a point, but I wouldn’t admit it to the treacherous woman. Instead, I wrinkled my nose, wanting to convey exactly how I felt about her.

Mimicking my gesture, she made her point clear as well.

We despised each other.

“That’s enough.” The queen sighed. “My decision regarding the Grimstone pack stands. Please take them to their rooms and allow them to hunt in our woods for sustenance.”

My stomach dropped. Even though I enjoyed being in wolf form, I preferred eating in human form. Unlike most shifters, I didn’t enjoy killing prey, and I didn’t eat as much meat, balancing it with fruits and sweets. I blamed it on my upbringing. All the shifters in my father’s lineage had an affinityfor sweets. Still, eating was eating, and I had to stay strong to locate and save Briar.

“As you wish.” Raven smiled, taking Kendric’s hand before continuing. “The quadruplets should have their room prepared by now.”

That must be the four similar-looking vampires who’d greeted us.

“Good. I have business to attend to, so I must leave. If there are any issues, please alert me immediately. Lucinda, Bella, Martin, I’m counting on you to ensure the shifters remain unharmed and protected here while under our care. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Martin’s neck twitched as if it pained him to say the words.

Raven turned our way and rolled her eyes. “Now that we’ve settled all that, let’s get you to your rooms so you can get something to eat. I don’t smell a strong meat odor on any of you, which means you probably haven’t eaten in a while.”

I flinched, realizing it had been almost twenty-four hours since we’d eaten. No wonder I’d crashed so hard. Between needing to heal and not getting enough calories, I hadn’t had the energy to accomplish it. I needed to rectify that.

We followed her into the hallway, leaving the other three vampires alone. I knew they’d be talking about us. I didn’t like being somewhere that I wasn’t wanted, but lately, that seemed to be wherever I went—including with Ryker and his packmates.

We headed back through the entryway, walking past the stairs and turning left once again. I glanced to the right and took in a formal dining room with a table that could easily seat twenty. Over it hung a grand chandelier in the shape of a skull, made with diamonds and red rubies placed in a way that resembled dripping blood.

A shiver raced down my spine. Ahead of me, a gigantic room with a glass wall that showcased the yard and woods came into view. Three large crimson couches sat in aUin front of a TV and splayed on them were three vampires, one on each couch, each having sex with a human as they drank from them.

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