Page 112 of Twinning and Sinning

“You little speeder.” I hugged his arm. “Breaking the law like a bad boy.”

“Do you like a bad boy, because I can give—”

“Shh, guys,” Dax interrupted us. Dax’s eyes shifted to the woods. It was just beyond the sign of ‘Benton.’ “That’s the road we need to head down if we are really here.” We all turned in our seats.

“Well, should we go?” The dirt road was wide enough for just the truck, only one way in and a crazy drive backwards to get out.

“Got no choice.” Dimitri put the truck into gear, veering off the road. The truck slammed in a few potholes, shaking the entire truck. My grip held tight to Dax since Dimitri needed two hands to handle the corroded tanker. We continued to drive deeper and deeper into the forest, finding it getting darker and darker.

How far did this rabbit hole go?

Chapter Sixty-One

Dax

Itwasn’tlongbeforethe surrounding area became dark, even though the sun should be high in the sky. The pine forest was thick, even my vision could not penetrate through the branches. After another ten minutes of everyone in the truck sitting on pins and needles, there was a break in the tight squeeze path we drove down.

Seraphina squeezed her hand tightly, looking over at me with worry. I wouldn't show my fear. She needs to know I protected her, and no harm would come to her, no matter how strong she is. Once the trees became sparse, men in dark attire walked or jogged with the car. We weren’t traveling at a fast pace because of the holes in the dirt road. The men were quickly recognizable as other Vampires. Seraphina gasped, closing her eyes several times, looking into their red eyes.

Pulling up to the large house, it was bright white, with black shutters and door with many other Vampire males crossing their arms over their chests. The grass was bright green, perfectly manicured lawn. Who knew what Seraphina was thinking, but I was surprised. Vampires in Bergarian liked dark colors, but here it was just the opposite. A large lake was off to the west. Many swimming or sitting under umbrellas. Human children ran up to the truck waving.

Behind the house, you could see dozens of large houses, water fountains and statues. What the hell was this place? The Brady Bunch for Vamps?

Seraphina waved slowly, still adjusting to the scenery, just as I.

Pulling up, Dimitri parked the car. The crowd of people walked around the truck, hovering around us. Seraphina didn’t leave Dimitri’s side while I rounded the other side of the truck. The Vampires parted again at the top of the stairway to the enormous mansion.

“Greetings!” A taller man pushed through the crowd, waving. His enormous smile showed his two fangs near his bottom lip. “I’m Elder Rowan! It’s a pleasure, a genuine pleasure!” Bringing out his hand for me to shake, I reluctantly did so, feeling the coolness to his skin.

“Anything for the Cerulean Moon Kingdom, really! Please, come sit inside and freshen up. We can have them load the blood and put it on ice so it doesn’t spoil.” I stood up straighter, still seeing the rest of the Vampires staring down at us with scowls.

“We appreciate that, but we must head back quickly. We are dealing with someone quite unpredictable, and we need to get back.” Elder Rowan nodded in understanding.

“Yes, yes, of course,” sounding disappointed. “May I at least get the name of your gorgeous mate? My wife is inside,” Elder Rowan turned and yelled, “Adaline!” A prim and proper woman with her black raven hair in the perfect bun descended the steps.

“So nice to meet you,” her enthusiasm met her mates. “You must be Seraphina, yes? Sorceress Cyrene mentioned you would be coming.” Elder Rowan slapped his forehead.

“Yes, of course, Seraphina. It must have slipped my mind.” Seraphina’s bare feet shoved back and forth, not sure what to feel. Hell, I didn’t either.

“Excuse me,” Dimitri spoke, “But why is everyone scowling?” There was a snort in the crowd and piles of laughter filled the air. We were taken surprised, not understanding why everyone was laughing.

“We had a bet that one of you would shift feeling a threat. Obviously, you Wolves take after Clara.” The laughter died down and several walked off into the house. “I’m Suron, one of Sebastian’s old friends. He found his mate here and I helped him woo her into agreeing to accept the old fart,” he chuckled.

“And we are sorry to cause such a disturbance, my lady.” Suron reached out, pulled Seraphina’s hand, kissing the back of it. Dimitri and I both growled, reaching for his arm, but Suron was faster hiding behind his Coven leader. “Ah ha! Still no shift! Shame, maybe I will see it soon.”

Elder Rowan interrupted. “Yes, yes, now go help fill the truck.” Suron gave a wink, heading up the stairs with the others. “We are sending some single warriors to help. There aren’t many, but they are strong, still hunting for their mates. Maybe they will find a mate among the Red Wolves pack?” Seraphina gave a pained smiled, still watching the Vampires and children run and play.

“You see, this place is full of transitioning humans. Many humans were married before they found their beloveds and so they bring their children with them. During their change, the transitioning period, they have a hard time controlling their blood lust. We established a program where their children are cared for during this delicate time. Humans have a harder time controlling blood lust and could easily hurt their children. This place is a small sanctuary for them, keeping them calm and learning to control those desires. We established a blood bank long ago that takes in donations from several towns around the area and uses that to help the blood thirst of those transitioning.”

Seraphina physically relaxed. My hand found hers, releasing a sigh.

“That’s very nice of you to do that,” Seraphina spoke softly.

“There is nothing to be afraid of,” Adaline came forward, taking Seraphina’s hand. Seraphina was a few inches taller than the refined woman. Her body was extremely slim and moved gracefully. “I’m sorry, we don’t get many visitors around here. We are a large coven and very peaceful. The most peaceful on Earth and we would do anything for Sebastian and the princes.”

“We will take all the help we can get. Thank you, Adaline,” Seraphina softly spoke. Adaline squeezed Seraphina’s hand as the Vampires came from the house carrying large coolers of blood.

“We will send another batch tomorrow morning. Our delivery comes then, and we have more than enough to share. Hopefully, we will arrive before the battle, but you never know. My beloved and I will join in the efforts,” Elder Rowan smiled.

---