Page 60 of Red

“Welcome to the monsterland!” Edwin says after he lands next to us, together with his boys.

A woman immediately runs into his arms, who I take is Clara. Then, she hugs her sons, one after the other. “I was so worried for you!”

“It was pretty badass.” Tristan grins.

“I almost fucking died!” Maddox adds.

“Language!” Clara smacks the back of his head before doing the same to Tristan. “What is with you two?!” She next turns toward me. “Hi!It’s so good to have another full-human woman here. These wolves are driving me mad!”

She is much taller and slimmer than me, but with an hourglass figure. Her skin is a rich, deep shade of ebony, complimented by a big, friendly smile, warm, expressive eyes, and dark hair left in a natural afro.

I welcome her back, introducing myself, as if she wouldn’t know who I am already. And I have a feeling we’re going to be best friends.

“I hope to see you two later for dinner!” She winks at both me and Alex before they all head out toward the buildings.

I return to being charmed by the weird sky.

“Older vampires are able to walk in the sun, but this way all of them can roam freely. You’ll get used to this.” Alex explains. “We have a lot of artificial lights for plants and some animals. But we go hunting outside. You can always pass the veil to get some sunlight if needed. Though, it’s extremely dangerous as hunters are always on the lookout for us.”

“I’m a redhead, I burn in the sun. Seriously, it’s worse than being a vampire.” I joke, making him laugh. “I love it here.”

“I hoped you would.” His clawed fingers tangle into my hair as he leans in for the kiss. “Youhave no idea how glad I am to have you here.”

“Show me then.”

He takes my hand, leading me to his home, I presume. Curious about this little world, I try to remember every detail.

“How do you have electricity?”

“Well, magic and ancient technology that’s entirely free. Everything on this planet is, but humans prefer to control the masses. Money is their greatest invention.”

“Technology… umm, like, from the aliens?”

He shakes his head with amusement. “That is what science calls them. In the Scriptures, on the other hand, they are referred to as the fallen angels. But to us, they are our gods.”

And that’s from where I recognize the name Marduk—an ancient Mesopotamian god.

I think my subconscious already knows, but my brain hasn’t fully caught up yet when I ask, “Who lives there?” I point at the castle.

“My family and myself. You see, I’m kind of royalty around here.”

Nancy wasn’t lying about that then.

“Alex, who are you, really?”

“The HebrewBible accurately depicts some historical events. Of course, it’s written through the lens of a man-made propaganda. But there once was a Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar II, who was, indeed, the first werewolf. And he happens to be my great, great grandfather.”

I stare at him without blinking and I don’t believe I’m even currently breathing. “So you’re not just some ordinary wolf?”

“Did you seriously think I would drag you into the cave and keep you there forever?”

“Youdiddrag me into the cave.” I remind him. “And you fucked me in there.”

He hums. “Well, now I’m going to fuck you in my castle,my queen.”

22.

Prey

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