The Princess and the Two Dukes

Meeting with the Elites

The next day after the very interesting encounter between the vampire Duke and the family of his beloved, everything that happened got to the Queen and Alpha Lord’s knowledge.

Because of that, Camilla talked to her children and their family over breakfast.

“What happened yesterday is really... what can I say...” Camilla paused and then she heaved a deep sigh.

“I’m really lost for words.” She said and she looked at Alex.

“Alex, you almost annihilate the whole pack because you cannot accept the fact that your daughter is old enough to have her own life, and kiss her own mate.”She said, and Alex pursed his lips.

“They did not just kiss but made out.”Alex grumbled and the Queen let out a low growl.

Alex bit his tongue as he knew better than to argue with his mother because he knew he’ll just lose.

“Yes you are her father, but going ballistic like that won’t do anything good, but bad. What if someone got hurt? They are innocent people and has nothing to do with your issue.”She added.

“But if you think about it love, I would’ve done the same if Alex was with us when we found out he impregnated Zab at sixteen.”Liam grumbled and gave Alex a side glance.

Camilla turned to her mate and gave him a deadpan look, while Zab groaned.

“You’re not helping.”Camilla grumbled, but Liam just shrugged.

“I’m just saying. He’s lucky enough that he’s nowhere to be found when I am out for blood because Zab is wasting away.”Liam said, and Camilla cannot help but groan and rub her forehead.

“I think Alex is just surprised.”Lynox said.

“Yeah, since for the longest time Zari has been single and then poof, her mate popped up.”Lykos added.

Everyone’s eyes are on the twins.

“It’s very unlikely for the two of you to say mature words.”Creon said, and the twins stuck their tongues at him.

“Very mature indeed.” Creon mumbled.

Then Roe softly giggle.

“I think my mates could relate to the situation as they have dealt with the issue ahead of his siblings. We had to watch Philip care for Lysandra at the very young age.”Roe said.

“We also saw them made out.”The twins said in unison, and it made Lysandra cover her face.

“And how did you two take that?”Zab asked.

“The same way we take care of the people that irritate us.”The twins answered and then they grinned like a Cheshire cat.

Everyone sighed as they got what the twins meant. They dealt with Philip their own way, and that is that they played multiple pranks on the werewolf elder.

Camilla let out a sigh of frustration and just leaned back, and then she turned towards her granddaughter.

“Are you certain with your decision Zarina?”She asked.

“Yes your majesty. I want to give it a chance like everyone in this room gave their mates a chance.”Zari said.

“Alright, but make sure that you put the mission first.”Camilla said and Zari nodded.

“Have you thought about your second mate?”Liam asked and then Zari looked at him.

Zari sighed and looked down.

“Yes grandpa. He’s one of the reasons I am determined with this mission. He could still be alive despite Lord Demetrio said that it’s been months since the attack on his territory and heard from him since then.”Zari said.

Camilla looked at her granddaughter and she sees something that she didn’t see while she was talking about Lord Demetrio. Pure, raw concern.

“Very well. There’s nothing else I can do but support you, and give a hand if you need one.”Camilla paused and smiled at Zari.

“I called in the Elites and they will be here this afternoon.”

***************************.

In the afternoon, Zari meets with the Elites in the Alpha’s office. The Queen and Zab are there too.

“Since your Commander is currently pregnant, the commanding position now falls on Zari.”Zab said, and the whole Elites greeted Zari.

“Alright team, let us talk business.” Zari started and then each and everyone in the Elites straightened up.

“During the wedding, the vampire Duke asked for help as there have been attacks in his territory that killed humans. And because of that, a group of people are now slaying vampires. The situation is still unclear, so we have to go there; investigate, find and eliminate the creature as well as stop the slayers from killing more of Lord Demetrio’s people.”Zari said.

“That sounds exciting.” Zack said, the assassins’ team leader.

“But which team are you taking commander?”Jayson, the Informant’s team leader asked, and then everyone looked at Zari.

“I’ll be taking two from each group.”Zari answered and it surprised the Elites.

“I want someone who will gather information about the creature and the slayers. I need people to find someone, and I will need people with me to fight that said creature.”Zari told them.

“Wouldn’t you be short of people, commander?”

“That’s why I will ask the rest to be on standby, anytime I will call you in for back up.”Zari told them.

Then the office door opened and Zander and Ivan came in. Zab scowled at them as they came in and closed the door behind them.

“We are in a middle of a meeting.”Zab said flatly.

“We know that, and we also know that you are talking about the mission in Croatia. We want in.”Zander said.

“Zander.”Zab sneered.

“We want to help. Besides, I want to make sure my sister will be okay in that place.”Zandern pressed.

Zari rolled her eyes at her brother.

“Zander, I am fine and I will be fine.”Zari paused and then she turned towards her youngest cousin.

“How about you? What’s your excuse why you barged in this meeting?”She asked Ivan.

Ivan looked at her and then shrugged.

“I’m curious. I wonder what kind of shitty situation your mate is in.”Ivan said, and the Elites were surprised, making Zari sneered at her cousin.

The Elites began looking at each other before looking at Zari. It’s the first time they heard about their new commander’s mate.

“You just want to gossip.”Zari hissed.

“That too. But I am really curious about the said creature. Who knows Zander and I will come handy. Besides, can I tag along since I was kind of left out during your last mission.”Ivan told them and pouted at the last part.

Zab and the Queen looked at each other then the Queen spoke.

“Who knows they can be of use.”

And then everyone looked at her.

“Are you sure?”Zab asked and the Queen nodded.

Zander grinned and then he turned to his sister.

“I’ll be your bodyguard, sister.”Zander said and Zari rolled her eyes.

Zari took a deep breath and then started as she turned towards the Elites.

“Let’s get the assignment started.”

“I thought hard last night on whom I will bring with me. All of you are equally talented, but I only need some of you at the moment. Remember, the rest will be in standby that I can call any minute if the mission goes south.” She said and the Elites nodded.

“From the Informants team, I’m taking Naomi and Leo. I am in dire need for a tracker for this mission, and Leo is a great tactical planner.”She said and then the two mentioned informants nodded.

“Got it commander.” Naomi and Leo said in unison.

“From the mercenaries, I’m taking Kareem and Zafira. I believe that having a witch can be a very big help on this mission, not to mention you’re a weapon specialist. And Kareem is also a gifted tracker; very useful pair as the person I want you to find is very important.”Zari said.

“Copy that, commander.” Zafira said, and then Zari turned towards the assassins’ team.

“And from the assassins’ team, I’m taking Cruz and Celeste. Both are excellent warriors that can blend in, in a territory of vampires with their specialties.” Zari said, and the two vampire assassins gave her a curt nod.

“Now what will I do with you two?”Zari asked as she looked at Zander and Ivan.

“I told you, we’ll be your bodyguards. Who knows what will happen in their territory. They are using blood affinities, it may not affect us but its better if you have backup.”Zander said.

“I agree. Besides, I heard it’s quite fascinating in Croatia. I wonder if it’ll give me the excitement that I felt here in Hobart.”Ivan said.

“Did you even tell your mother that you’ll be joining this mission?”Zab asked.

Ian looked at her and smiled.

“Of course not. She needs to focus on her mate and pregnancy and I will just bug her if I stay here. Besides, I heard mom drove everyone crazy when she’s pregnant, so I don’t to be around her while she’s still have that bun in the oven.” Ivan answered, and Zab just let out a frustrated sigh.

“Okay fine. You two can come but I am the leader in this mission, what I say goes.”Zari said and Zander gave her a mock salute.

Then Zari stood up.

“You can all prepare for the mission, gather everything you would need; pack them and I’ll meet you at the tarmac tomorrow evening.”Zari said, and then she turned and left the room.

“Well, you heard your commander. Go ahead and get your stuff ready.”The Queen said and then she went out of the office.

The Elites bowed their heads as the Queen exited. And then soon after, they made a bee line as they went out of the office.

“I should get my stuff ready then.”Ivan said and then he left the office.

Now that Zab and Zander are left in the office, Zab stood up and approaches her son.

“Zander.”She called.

“I am very sure of this mom. You can’t tell me not to go, I can really –“

“I’m not.”

Zab cuts off her son, and Zander gave her a curious look.

“It’s good that you decided to go. But listen.”Zari paused.

“Don’t you ever leave your sister’s side.”She said and Zander furrowed his eyebrows.

“Why are you so worried?”Zander asked and when he noticed how serious his mother looked, he let out a sigh.

“I understand mom, don’t worry. I don’t feel good about this mission that’s why I volunteered to go. I know Zari needs all the help she could get.”Zander told his mother.

“I can’t help but worry; this is her first commanding mission. Also your sister is in for a roller coaster ride once she sets foot in Braeden territory.”

Zander looked at his mother intently.

“Why?”

“At one point in this mission, your sister will have her heart broken.”