Begrudgingly Yours

VICTOR

Liam only had to knock once, but his knock was firm, deliberate and commanding. Beside me, I felt Ash's breath hitch and the faintest tremor ripple through his slender frame. I resisted the urge to reach for his hand again, keeping my stance neutral but close. Gerard didn't know about us yet and I didn't want to tip our hand this soon.

The door opened smoothly, not by magic but by the deliberate hand of a tall, sharp-featured man in a charcoal-gray suit. His ash-blond hair was tied at the nape of his neck, his pallor was unmistakably vampiric. His steel-colored eyes swept over each of us with clinical precision before his gaze settled on Liam.

"Pride Chief Kerrisk, I presume," he said, his voice as smooth as cut glass. "His majesty, King Gerard Dargan, welcomes you, and your party. Please, enter and state your lineage." He stepped aside fluidly, gesturing us in with a sweep of his hand.

The air inside the conference room shifted. It became cooler and heavier. The low lighting cast a soft glow against walls paneled in deep walnut. A wall of long windows stretched the length of the room with heavy blinds blocking out the night sky. At the center of the room sat a long obsidian conference table, its reflective surface shone under the overhead lights. At the head of the table sat Gerard Dargan himself. I could feel Ash tense beside me and for good reason. The Vampire King was every bit the legend whispered about in both shifter and Vampire circles alike.

He was tall, regal, his raven-black hair brushing the collar of a midnight blue velvet coat. His angular face, symmetrical and flawless, could have been chiseled from alabaster stone, and his eyes, I realized with some fascination, were nearly identical to Ash's. Not in color. Ash's eyes were an emerald green while his father had glacial gray eyes. The shape was similar though. Both had almond eyes, elongated and upturned at the corners creating an almost cat-like appearance. It was obvious to me now where both Ash and Jai had gotten their angelic looks.

To say Gerard Dargan was beautiful was an understatement. He was absolutely stunning. The man could have been mistaken for a Greek God. He was over four hundred years old yet he didn't look a day over thirty. His face was an ageless mask of timeless perfection. Only his eyes hinted at his true age, watching each of us with mild curiosity as we crossed the threshold to stand before him. Liam stepped forward and it was only then that I saw Gerard's eyes move past him and settle on the two angels that stood beside him, his sons.

Gerard's gaze sharpened and for the briefest, unguarded second, I saw the mask of the King slip. His lips parted slightly, as if he might speak and his gaze swept over his children with something that looked almost like...longing. His fingers curled slightly atop the table, knuckles white, but he did not rise. He couldn't.

Beside me, I caught Ash's faint swallow. His jaw tensed as Gerard's gaze lingered--long, wordless, unblinking. There was grief there, and restraint. Then, the mask returned just as quickly, his face smoothing into the calm stillness of an ancient ruler.

"Lord Dargan," Liam addressed the Vampire King, unhurried and composed, his broad shoulders set, his chin held high. He halted, exactly twelve feet from the table and bowed at the waist, observing every protocol with absolute precision, not missing a single step. "I am Liam Kerrisk, Rionach chief of the Belle Village Pride, son of Tomas and Ada Kerrisk. On behalf of my Pride and my people, I greet His Majesty, Lord Gerard Dargan of the house Dargan, King of the Highblood Coven."

His voice did not waver, steady and respectful just as he'd rehearsed. Straightening, he turned slightly, gesturing to the rest of us. "I now ask your permission to present the members of my coalition."

Gerard said nothing, only nodded, his eyes now focused on the man before him.

"My mate." Liam stated as Jai stepped forward and bowed, just as Liam had done. "Rion Jai Kerrisk of the Belle Village Pride, son of King Gerard Dargan."

Gerard gave Jai a respectful nod though his face remained impassive.

"Jonah Kerrisk." Liam continued, introducing each of us according to rank. "My brother and second in command. Victor Kerrisk, also my brother named Vaire, Guardian of the Pride and Commander of my Brannach." Brannach, was a term usually reserved for formal meetings like this as it was pretty outdated. Commander also wasn't a term used often. We were a more laid back Pride, everyone knew their place and we didn't need to throw around fancy titles but the Vampires were a species rooted in ceremonies and formality. Anything less, to them, would be offensive. It was the same with the bowing. It was a sign of respect and necessary if we wanted negotiations to go smoothly so, I gave a small incline of my head, never dropping my gaze below the Vampire King's line of sight.

It was just enough to remain respectful, following the protocols they had laid down prior to the meeting, while also showing our host that I didn't entirely trust him just yet. From what I knew of Vampires, total submission would have appeared weak to them and they would have questioned my status as a guardian and warrior of my Pride. Vampires respected strength and power as well as blood-line and rank and someone of my rank would never break eye-contact with someone of greater or equal power.

Gerard nodded, acknowledging me then Liam went on with the introductions. "Carter Madden, my chief negotiator and advisor. Sloan Rearden, our law keeper and historian." Sloan, poised and ever the gentleman, bowed as well, as did Carter. Both equally acknowledged by the King.

"And lastly, Ashlynn Dargan, Prince of the Highblood coven, son of King Gerard Dargan and currently Saoirse of the Belle Village Pride and under my protection." The Vampire who had received us at the door and who was now standing beside the King, asked Liam for explanation of the term Saoirse, since apparently none of them had ever heard the word before.

"It's Gaelic." Liam explained. "It means freedom and is a title given to someone who seeks liberation from the threat of violence, persecution, or injustice. The title can only be given by the Pride Chief and the Pride Chief then becomes responsible for the conduct of the Saoirse while inhabiting his territory."

The Vampire leaned over and whispered something to Gerard who then nodded an approval. The Vampire addressed Liam once more. "His Majesty acknowledges and accepts your introductions as proper and in accordance with our traditions." Then, in similar fashion, he introduced each member of the King's council. His voice was rich, crisp and perfectly enunciated. It was more ritualized protocols, set forth centuries ago when honor and ancient blood-lines were as valuable as currency was today. The entire thing was long and drawn out but since we were basically on Gerard's turf, we had no choice but to stand there and listen, patiently, acknowledging each of them with nods and bows as if we were gathered in a medieval court instead of a very modern and swanky hotel.

The Vampire who appeared to be Gerard's spokesman, we were soon to find out, was Lord Evander Rathmoor, a noble of the Eastern Isles and Royal advisor to the King. Sitting to Gerard's right was a female Vampire called Dame Seraphine Vael. She was the Captain of the royal Guard and blood-born warrior of the Northern Clans. I remembered the term Blood-born from when Ash had explained it to me earlier. Blood-born Vampires had never been human so were much stronger than a Human-born Vampire. Most Vampires today were blood-born. Mainly because it was forbidden to turn a human without permission from the King and high council.

Warrior wasn't what I would have thought of when looking at Seraphine. She was strikingly beautiful, slender and ethereal with white-gold hair that cascaded down her back like silk. Her gaze was sharp and calculating. Her heavily lidded eyes were the color of garnets, honey brown with flecks of red.

On Gerard's left, Sir Alaric Dorne sat. Royal Guard and noble born warrior. Dorne was a broad-shouldered man clad in somber gray, his short blond hair and scarred jaw gave him the air of a seasoned warlord; his ice-blue stare weighed and measured each of us in turn. I got the feeling he'd make a worthy opponent if we ever had the chance to spar. I'm sure he could give me a run for my money.

Finally, furthest left was Master Marcellus Virelli. The title of Master was honorary, given to the eldest son of a Lord though Marcellus held no titles or lands of his own. He was the junior advisor to the King. Wiry and impeccably dressed, his waxen complexion and stark white hair contrasted his dark eyes and sleek black suit. His smile was thin and polite but there was something snake-like in the way he leaned back in his chair, silently watching. His eyes narrowed when he noticed me glance his way, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. I didn't like this one and I certainly didn't trust him. Every instinct I had was telling me there was something off about him and to keep an eye on him.

None of the Vampires rose from their seats when they were introduced. They didn't need to. The weight of their presence filled the space around us like the suffocating heat of an inferno. After the introductions, we were ushered forward, stepping together, closer to the obsidian table as an unnamed servant, a pale and visibly nervous Vampire, scurried to pull out our chairs for us. As we sat, he placed glasses and pitchers of water on the table in front of us, his hands trembling as he worked. He kept his head down, silently moving around the table with care. He offered us fresh and steaming coffee which Liam, Sloan, and Jai accepted graciously.

After he'd served us, he quickly made his way to the other side of the table where he set out water for the Vampires as he had for us but instead of coffee he placed wine glasses before each of them, the contents I didn't have to guess at. Dark, thick, liquid with a very potent metallic scent. The same thing was offered to Ash though he declined it with a wave of his hand. I was grateful at first. The thought of him drinking that made my stomach turn. But the uncomfortable look on his face hit me with a very sobering reality. Ash was a Vampire. A young Vampire at that. He needed blood to survive. Just being in the presence of it had triggered the urge to feed.

With his heightened senses, the smell must have been overwhelming to him and nearly impossible to ignore. And, honestly, I had no idea how long it had been since he had fed last, but I could feel his desire, his hunger, griping him tight and rolling through the mate bond, hitting me square in the chest. Painful and almost violating. He was hurting but he did nothing to ease his own discomfort. With a pang of guilt I realized that he'd denied himself his most basic of needs as a courtesy to me and the other shifters in the room. He didn't want us to witness that part of him. He was ashamed of it. Ashamed of what he was or, of what I might see him as.

By the time I'd made this revelation it was too late to do anything about it. The frightened little Vampire had scurried to the back of the room, presumably to await further instructions. Once we had all been seated Lord Evander, still standing at Gerard's side, flicked his eyes briefly to Ash and Jai, regarding them both with contempt.

"Before we proceed," he said, his voice flat and unreadable, "it must be stated that all parties shall abide by council protocols. I have been designated to act on behalf of the high council as their representative during these negotiations and as such have the authority to enforce said protocols as is mandated by the high council. As such, Rion Jai Kerrisk and Prince Ashlynn Dargan are prohibited from speaking to the King or any member of the King's council unless addressed directly and given permission by King Dargan himself. Any breach of this will be viewed as a violation of the customs and will be grounds to nullify the terms of this meeting. Is this understood?"

Liam gave a single, informed nod. "It is understood."

I didn't know how Liam could remain so calm when being spoken down to like a child. His restraint was a testament to how strong my brother was. Personally, I was finding it increasingly difficult to breath as I suddenly began to feel like a noose was being placed around my throat. I looked to Ash and I could feel the tension growing inside him. The way his body tried to shrink even though he refused to cower. I realized then that the suffocating sensation was coming from him, not me.

I reached out with our newly formed bond, surprised by how strong it had grown in such a short time, and let it curl around Ash, warm, steady and grounding. His eyes flicked once to Gerard and in that moment, I felt something raw and unguarded. Ash's heart fluttered and I knew what it was he was feeling. Fear, yes, but underneath that, something sharper.

Yearning.

After everything that had happened, somewhere deep down, there was a part of my mate that still wanted his father to look at him the way a father should. With pride and love. I squared my shoulders and slid a fraction closer to him. I couldn't speak to him but I could at least let him know that I was there and that he was loved. It may not have been a father's love but I wanted him to know that he was loved and he was precious to me.

There was an awkward silence, followed by the rustling of paper as Evander pulled out a stack of documents and placed them on the table in front of Gerard. Gerard disregarded the documents, his eyes never leaving his sons. Jai, dignified as ever, kept his head down, not making eye contact but Ash locked eyes with Gerard, neither turning away, as if both were engaged in a staring match that neither wanted to lose.

Evander returned to Gerard's side, his shadow stretching across the glossy black table as he moved.

"Why don't we get to the reason we're all here." He said, a hint of irritation in his voice as though he found the proceedings a trivial matter not worthy of his time and attention. "This gathering stands under neutral sanction to discuss the matter of Prince Ashlynn Dargan and the request for sanctuary as granted by Pride Chief Liam Kerrisk."

His eyes cut sharply to Liam. "Chief Kerrisk, I want it understood that should His Majesty grant the request for sanctuary, it does not absolve Prince Dargan of the accusations brought against him. Granting sanctuary provides only temporary protection and a limited reprieve--not pardon or exoneration."

Liam's hands folded calmly atop the table. His shoulders were relaxed but his voice left no room for misunderstanding. "Yes, I am aware of that but, I am also told that by invoking sanctuary, Prince Ashlynn will be afforded seven days to prepare his defense in accordance with the treaty of Der Nacht."

Marcellus exhaled from the other end of the table. Not quite a laugh. He lounged back in his chair, fingers steepled loosely, his smirk sharpened like a fine honed blade. "Defense?" He purred, his eyes glinting like obsidian. "Forgive me, Chief Kerrisk, but the Prince stands accused of attempted murder, against a noble and an alpha, no less. There is no defense."

"That may be the case, Master Virelli, but Prince Ashlynn has the right to defend himself in court." It was the female, Dame Seraphine who spoke now. I could tell her words held merit. She appeared to be someone who was well respected by her peers.

"He was apprehended with the weapon in his possession and covered in Lord Kautz's blood, might I add." His eyes darted toward Ash, his lip curling with disdain. "The honorable course of action would be to surrender himself and accept his punishment."

Anger surged through me, my fists curled under the table, my nails biting into my palms hard enough to sting. It took everything in me not to bare my teeth and growl at Virelli's cold indignation. Ash shrank down beside me, the tremor of his breath betraying the anxiety he was trying so hard to mask.

Liam's jaw ticked. "Regardless, there are mitigating circumstances that you are currently unaware of." Liam spoke evenly, though his voice had dropped an octave lower. "The treaty guarantees Ash the right to defend himself and we intend to exercise that right to its full extent."

"I agree, Chief Kerrisk." Seraphine said, glancing toward Ash with a look that was almost kind. Fond. Ash nodded to the woman then smiled and I realized that in all likeliness, he knew her. He probably knew all of them. They had most likely been there since his birth, watching him grow, play, and become the stunning young man that he was today.

I wondered how they felt about this whole situation. Was it hard for them, passing judgment on someone they literally had known all his life? Was their cool, emotionless demeanor just custom and protocol, or did they really not care?

Across the table from where we sat, Sir Alaric Dorne shifted. The scar that ran down his cheek pulled as he inclined his head thoughtfully. His voice, when it came, was low and roughened with age, but not unkind. He was younger than Gerard, they all were, but his eyes reflected a long history of battles fought and won, probably some losses as well. He was a formidable man though, a protector like me. I respected that about him.

"Perhaps," he suggested, "it would benefit us to know Prince Ash's account of events. Thus far, we have only heard Lord Kautz's version. It is difficult to weigh the merits of sanctuary without understanding what provoked such...drastic actions."

Marcellus scoffed, sharp and dismissive. "With respect, Sir Alaric, the Prince's testimony is immaterial. He is an omega. His voice carries no weight. Under coven law, an alpha's word holds precedence in matters of dispute between mates. Prince Ashlynn's guilt shouldn't even be in question. He broke the law and should be punished accordingly."

I felt the heat rise under my collar--a flash of instinctive rage so sudden and powerful I almost saw red. I hissed low, between clenched teeth. If Ash's life hadn't been on the line, I would have leapt across the table and slashed Marcellus's throat open. I didn't understand the little prick. What was his deal? Did he have some stake in the outcome of Ash's trial? It seemed so. I wouldn't have been surprised at all if the man was in bed with either Niklas or his father. Maybe they had offered him lands or money to steer the King's decision in their favor. Whatever his deal was, I knew he was no ally.

"That," Liam said coldly, his voice cracking through the tension as his eyes, hardened to sapphire ice, landed on Marcellus, "is outdated and baseless logic. Omega or alpha, Prince Ash is entitled to equal protection under your own laws. His position as a promised mate does not negate his personal rights nor his rank and title. Or, do you still subscribe to the archaic and small minded beliefs that all omegas are property and hold no individual rights?"

A thick and uncomfortable silence filled the room.

"You insult my integrity?" Marcellus hissed as he leaned forward, glaring across the table.

"Not al all." Liam retorted, retaining his composure. "I'm merely trying to assess your stance on this matter and whether your opinion is even relevant, considering your own council had abolished omega ownership two centuries ago." A faint arch of his brow punctuated the statement. It wasn't smugness, that wasn't Liam. He was just making a point, loud and clear.

Marcellus shot to his feet, his chair tumbling back behind him, his eyes burning like hot coals. "How dare you mock me!" He snarled. Ash flinched beside me when Marcellus's fist hit the table. He might have been slightly intimidating if he wasn't so small. He was at least a century old yet looked only slightly older than Ash and was quite short for an alpha. Seeing him confront Liam was like watching a chihuahua bark at a wolf.