Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 94234 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 471(@200wpm)___ 377(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94234 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 471(@200wpm)___ 377(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Bell stepped forward, still staring at the bag on the ground. It was Alessandro’s head. Bell could smell it and he wanted to scream, not celebrate. He’d wanted that fucking kill for himself. It was his. But, things didn’t always work out the way he wanted them to. He was quickly learning that he couldn’t control everything. His mate had promised him vengeance and it had been delivered to his feet. So, why was he so upset? Maybe because he knew his warrior days were over. He had to be there for his species, now. To help Wick know when they were in need and how to help them. It appeared he and Alek had the compassion their kind had been seeking. An ear that would hear them and a voice that would speak for them.
“My Lord. Will you accept?”
“I accept your gift, Adres Cavalerie.” Bell swallowed. “And I am grateful… and now whole.”
Adres nodded, “And do you accept my duty, my Lord.”
“And what is that duty?”
Adres smiled for the first time, the boyish-smirk altering his appearance to something nice and not so threatening. “As your Lord of Arms.”
Bell’s mouthed formed an ‘O’. “I see. An official of the royal court hardly seems your forte, Horseman.”
“I don’t fancy a title and I don’t seek glory. I live by oaths, Lord Belleron. I am guided by my will. No one will better protect you when you are not with your cherished than me. By saving Andrei, you saved our entire family. I am forever in your debt. If my Lord will accept my final gift before he makes up his mind,” Adres said, then removed one of the long staffs strapped to his sack and slowly unwrapped it. Bell blinked when he got his first look at the brand-new sleek, black cane sword with a gold handle accent.
Adres presented the stunning weapon with both hands, and Bell accepted it in the same manner. The shiny metal was cold in his palm, the weight comforting and familiar. He’d been without his defense arm for too long. He pulled on the handle, revealing the first few inches of the blade. He narrowed his eyes at the lettering etched into the base of the titanium steel.
Inima Mea. Dumnezeul Meu. Scutul Meu.
“It’s written in Romanian. It says. My Heart. My God. My Shield.”
Bell gasped. It was perfect. His Alpha, his Wrath and his Wolf. “Who engraved this? How could they possibly…?”
“It was made by a Strămoş—an ancient ancestor—years ago. Before I left Bucharest two days ago, he came to me with it. Said he was instructed to make it over thirty years ago but he didn’t know why. He said you would. Told me to tell you, pentru profeție.”
“What does that mean?” Bell asked.
“It means. ‘For the prophesy.’”
Bell surveyed the blade a moment longer, feeling overwhelmed. One of their grand ancestors had made this for him. It was known that the ancient ones still living had visions, premonitions of the future. If Bell still had battles ahead of him, with this weapon he’d be ready. With his beloved, his best friend, a new family full of entertaining siblings and a beautiful home, he was more than ready. He wished this was the end of the prophesy but it couldn’t be. Nothing was ever that simple.
And now he had Adres Cavalerie. He was the one Bell chose. He had a fiery passion about him and loyalty that would never waver. This was why he hadn’t picked some random name out of a hat to be his personal guard. It was a position that took serious, die-hard dedication, that no one proved to have... until this Horseman. Bell couldn’t wait to get to know his new confidante. Test his skills. He was sure Adres’ swordplay would be comparable. It was legend that no one escaped his wrath. If Mac wasn’t careful the intense vampire might set his sights on him.
Bell watched as Adres rose and was led off by Ramon Vega and the guard to prepare him for his oath to the King and the royal court. Those keen eyes didn’t leave Bell’s until he’d turned the corner. Adres was already on the job and Bell was all set to govern. Justice dismissed the shifters, and no sooner than he did, Macauley took off into the woods alone.
Alek watched his brother go.
“Is he okay?” Bell asked.
“Yeah. He just needs to work some shit out in his head.” Alek leaned in and kissed Bell’s temple.
Aleksei Volkov had brought so much into his life already. He was the not only the bringer of Wrath, but the bringer of compassion, love, family, security, happiness and much more. Bell never would’ve thought that his demigod could bring him such pleasure. But he continued to every day. What would his sexy mate bring to his life tomorrow? For now he was content. Bell took Alek’s hand and led him to a secluded part of the compound. “Tonight’s been difficult. I’d like to walk with Wolf for a while, Alek, if that’s okay? And, I’ll see you back at the cabin later.”