Chapter XLVIII

The twenty-fifth flew by between games and talks, night falls the whole house falls silent except of course for the guests they, go down to their rooms when a handful of werewolves arrive to interrupt the tranquility of the night, an omega was charged with going to the Alpha's room, he knocks several times but there is no answer swallows hard turns the handle enters quietly identifies the occupants of the bed, approaches him, moves him slowly, Elián frowns, his black eyes turn blacker, out of anger he covers Secundina's bare shoulders with the sheet, he turns around, the omega feels like his legs can't do it he gathers all his strength he leans down to speak in her ear, receives no answer, leaves, the Greek sits on the bed with his fingers fixes his hair, searches and finds his underwear wearing only his robe, leaves his rooms from the railing of the third floor he can see the newcomers, recognizes each one of them, goes down the stairs, visits her, they see him come down the stairs, The Greek weighs up the situation as well as his position vis-à-vis them.

• If you are interrupted late at night, it is for something important.
• We heard you killed Grigori.
• I did it with my own hands, but what's all this about, Hans?
• You've killed an Alpha. The Russians won't be long in entering my territory.
• Svetlana hasn't said anything, has she?

• You killed their Alpha by treachery, that's a declaration of war.
• "Treason? War?" he ponders. "That's a low blow to me."
• I don't understand.
• Betrayal... from what I see they didn't say that Grigori dared to raise his hand against my alpha being her human.
• Did you say your alpha? – they look at each other – we didn't know you had one.
• Yes, Hans, my alpha. I assume you know the unified rules.
• Do not attack puppies, do not attack pregnant women, or human lupes, respect the marked territory.
• Stop, stop, stop! There you have your answer.
• That being the case. Although this news has already spread throughout Europe.
• In that case I must go claim a clan and a magnifying glass.
• Two magnifying glasses are not allowed.
• Who said I want her for myself, if I already have a partner?
• Will you really do it? Claim the herd?
• Unless they tell the truth.
• Do you have proof of what you said?
• You're scared to death that the Russians will invade. I never thought you were such a coward, Kenan.
• You know I'm not, but right now I'm not in a position to...
• No one is, not even my clan, so I'll resort to the old rule... I killed an alpha protecting my mate, so Svetlana's only option is: fight or submit, it's her choice.
• I don't believe you're capable of doing something so vile.
• A trial is fair.

Elian's passion

The smile that appears on the Greek's face scares his interlocutors - they already know the way out - he turns his back on them and returns to his chambers. When he entered, Secundina was already awake waiting for him.

• I'm not going to ask anything about your business, but is everything okay? Close the door.
• I'll let them judge me.
• For the death of that man?
• “I killed him by treachery.”

Footsteps coming from the balcony – That's a lie, I can witness that slander.

Elián covers Secundina with the sheet without taking his eyes off her— I know, we'll see what happens.

• My question is, why didn't you defend yourself?
• Because I'm right. – he smiles at Secundina – My friend, I hope you weren't spying.
• Ha! I don't have those tastes. I came as soon as I heard growling, to protect my new friend.
• Thank you, Daedalus. – he kisses his Alpha on the forehead.

—We were planning to spend these dates with you, but due to events, we'll be leaving right now.

• I understand perfectly.
• How much do they talk?
• Our guests are leaving because of what has happened.
• But they don't. Why?
• My dear, we should not get involved in werewolf matters because we are allies of the Lycaon house, not of the others, although we have peace agreements.
• If they stay, their testimony may not be valid in the future.

• In that case, safe journey. – Daedalus arrives at the bed with all his characteristic solemnity and bids her farewell, placing a kiss on the back of her right hand.
• My lady, you will always be welcome in Germany. Elián, if you feel her life is in danger, don't hesitate to send her.
• She will not be in any danger, history will not repeat itself.
• My dear, I know you can't transform at will, but what I do know is that you can trust your instincts and if they say run, you must run.
• Yes sir – and in the blink of an eye he disappears – believe me when I say I'm scared.
• The Russians are strong, we will be stronger.
• Are you going to fight?
• I hope I don't. Honestly, I don't want to kill anyone else. He sits down next to her and rests his head on her left shoulder.
• But why the trial? Why do they say it was treasonous?
• My love, do you remember when I said in my world all gossip spreads fast?
• Yes, I remember it was because of the Zinerva thing.
• Well, it was already known throughout Europe that I killed Grigori, but they didn't say why.
• I don't understand that.
• They want to wipe out my pack.
• But you just saved them from extinction.
• That's a turning point. If things get ugly (which I don't think they will, to be honest), you'll listen to Artemis—get back out of bed.
• Where are you going? – worried.
• It's a man's business, when I need you, I'll take you with me.