VAMPIRE PRINCE

Chapter 1: Drawn Gisellianna “Behind you!” I scream out as I toss my knife at the dark form, rushing toward my sister. The cloaked creature roars as it extends its sharp claws and prepares to pounce. Before he can make contact, Exia rolls away, giving my knife space to embed in its chest. The creature flies back, slamming against the ground as it tries to remove the knife. Exia apparates her knife and plunges it into its skull, delivering death. Rising up, I wipe dirt from my pants and growl, “This is the fifth assassination attempt on you this month, sis. What the f**k?” Exia stops beside me and gives me an exasperated nod, “Yeah, since the Tueur Hunters' existence was confirmed by the council, our enemies have been attacking full force.” My brow furrows, “So, what are we going to do?” Exia gives me a non-plussed shrug, “Right now, all we can do is survive. This is why we need to meet with the Council and establish allies. It won’t stop until our enemies know we are too powerful to kill.” She looks at her phone screen and exhales deeply, “Which reminds me, we better get our asses in gear, or we’ll miss the Council meeting.” I shake my head but don’t comment as I follow my sister out of the dingy alley we had to run toward when the assassin attacked. Fortunately, the Council headquarters is not far, and my niece Fiona and my grand niece Jules are already in attendance. I stand next to my family as the Council leader, Mathias Black, and several of his Council’s allies assemble. Jules’ mate, Rowan, and the demon, Azazel, walk into the room, followed by other unfamiliar males before he walks through the door. It has been several centuries since I last saw him, but I will never forget the Vampire prince’s beautiful golden façade. I knew I’d run into him eventually, considering he was Rowan’s brother. But I’m still jarred to see the male who left me at the altar and broke my heart standing mere feet from me. Tristan Valarek looks even hotter than the first time I saw him. Fiona had already mated and moved across the county when our parents decided to ally with the vampire royals. Since the Tueurs were considered hunter royalty, Tristan’s family and mine thought we would make a good match. I was sixteen years old, which, at the time, was an acceptable marriageable age. However, Tristan did not agree with the match. In fact, he was horrified to learn that he would marry me and made it clear the moment we first met. Unfortunately, I knew that he was my mate when I met him. As soon as hunters reach puberty, we can sense our mates. Unlike other supernatural beings, we don’t dream or have to taste our mate’s blood to know who they are. No, once we are in our mate’s presence, the mate bond hits us like a shockwave of power, and that’s what happened to me. I’m jolted from my thoughts when Exia elbows me in the ribs and makes introductions, “I am Exia Leandra Tuerur, Grand Imperial of the Tueur clan; this is my sister, First Imperial hunter, Gisellianna Tueur, my daughter, Imperial Visier, Fiona Martine Tueur and my granddaughter Juliet Tueur.” Tristan’s head snaps in my direction at the sound of my name, his eyes widening with surprise when he sees me. He probably thought I had died during the hunter wars, as others assumed about our family. I try not to look, but despite the amount of time that has passed since I last saw him, I’m still drawn to his potent s*x appeal. After all, he is my mate. Tristan’s tall, muscled body fits perfectly inside his black jeans and henley. His golden hair is cut in a trendy style with the sides trimmed and longer on the top, and his golden eyes contrast perfectly with his pale skin, high cheekbones, and square jaw. I ignore his gaze, opting to pretend not to see him. However, I can feel the heat of his gaze appraising my body. Thankfully,. I’m wearing flexible matte black armor that molds to my body like a catsuit beneath my black leather duster. I hate to sound conceited, but I have a nice body. I’m five foot nine, with a slender but curvy build honed with muscle in the right places. I have long brown hair, violet eyes, long lashes, and high cheekbones. Jules says I look like a supermodel. I tighten my jaw when I feel the heat of Tristan’s gaze. I’m sure he’s wondering how I survived after he discarded me. Jules and Rowan told us that they gave Tristan and the Council very little information when questioned about the Tueurs. After Rowan told us he was a royal vampire, I suspected he and Tristan were brothers, but I wasn’t sure if Tristan was alive since he disappeared from the kingdom before our wedding, and I never saw him again. Because of that, I never told Rowan about the engagement. It was pointless, considering it had been centuries since I last saw Tristan. Mathias, the Seraphim Council head, clears his throat, spreads his arms across the large glass podium in the middle of his council chambers, and speaks, “Thank you for meeting with us, Grand Imperial Exia and Tueur Clan. The Council has asked you here because we wish to right a wrong perpetrated upon your family’s legacy. Centuries ago, the hunter clans were accused of murdering a powerful witch coven, leading to a domino effect that nearly destroyed the supernatural world. Due to Sahara and Marael’s betrayal, the hunter-clans were persecuted and nearly hunted to extinction. As head of the Supernatural Council, I sincerely apologize for our part and wish to help you claim your rightful place within our community.” Exia nods while I restrain myself from scoffing cynically. Unlike my sister, I have no desire to return to the supernatural community’s fold. It feels too little too late for me after losing our parents and loved ones during the Hunter wars. Regrettably, Exia lost her mate, Draven. She was inconsolable for years since he was the love of her life. My eyes narrow, and my fists tighten with the need to release my knives as I meet Mathias and the other Council member’s gaze. Exia nods, “Thank you, Mathias. Though our history is painful, the Tueurs are also ready to come out of the shadows and rebuild our once illustrious standing with the supernatural world.” Mathias nods, his expression sure as he gazes approvingly upon us, “I am glad to hear it, which is why we are offering you and your family a place with the Council.” My jaw pops as I place my palm against my sister’s shoulder and mutter, “We did not agree to this, Exia.” Exia looks at me and quietly mutters, “Let me handle this, Lia.” I shake my head and retort, uncaring who hears me, “f**k that, Ex. I am the First Imperial, and you know you have to run decisions involving our clan through me. I am your shield, and I’m afraid I have to disagree with this.” There’s no way I will roll over for the Council after all the Hunters suffered due to the Council’s negligence. Fiona steps between us and places her hand on Exia’s shoulder, muttering, “I agree with Lia. Though the Council seems sincere, we need to discuss this before making any decisions.” Mathias clears his throat again, his expression more curious than annoyed, “Is there a problem, Grand Imperial?” Jules interjects and quietly tells us, “How about we go back to Tueur castle and talk this out there?” Exia hesitates, so I turn to the awaiting males and reply, “Council Black, as the First Imperial of the Tueur clan and the Grand Imperial, my sister and I are charged with weighing all clan decisions. You have to understand that our clan has suffered greatly over the centuries. And though we appreciate what you offer, we need time to think about it and choose the right path as a clan.” “Of course,” Mathias answers, “We understand, and please know that our offer will be available indefinitely, First Imperial Tueur.” You might find it odd that we refer to each other with such formality, but in ancient times that’s how we established respect within our circles. Exia is our clan's Grand Imperial, the equivalent of a queen. And as second in line, I am the First Imperial which makes me her right-hand and general. Because we’re of Hunter’s caste, we are all fighters, and our roles correspond to our power level. Exia is the most powerful hunter globally, with me being a close second. Exia gives me a heated look before she glances back toward the Council head and bows, “We will not keep you waiting, Councilman Black.” With those words, everyone bows and exits the room. I walk beside my sister and watch for any threats while my nieces stay behind us and protect our backs. Now that the supernatural world has become aware of the Tueur Hunters’ resurrection, we can’t take risks. Especially after all the attempts that have been made on Exia’s life. Rowan walks up to us at that moment, the other males, including Tristan standing behind him. I have to admit they are an impressive wall of muscle and sinew. All of the males are quite a feast for the, eyes─including my mate─Damn him. Jules walks up to Rowan and tucks herself within the circle of his broad arms, “Hey,” she mutters happily, “Thanks for coming, guys.” Rowan kisses the crown of her head and looks back at us, giving us all a friendly grin, “I figured you could use our support.” Exia and Fiona stop in front of the males and warmly smile, but I remain where I am. There’s no way I will interact with the man who broke my heart. Tristan must feel the same way because he stays rooted where he is. Unaware of the undercurrents between us, Rowan waves his hand toward us, “Exia, Fiona, Illiana, I want you to meet my foster father, Alex, and my brothers…” he waves to each brother as he makes his introductions, “…Mikhail, Kell, Carrick and Tristan.” Exia and Fiona greet each male fondly and frown when they see I am not doing the same. Jaw tight, I give each male an even smile, but I don’t vocalize my greeting. Rowan’s brow furrows. I’m sure he’s confused since I’ve always been friendly toward him. However, I can’t muster any kindness since the man who left me at the altar is standing before me. “Anyway, we were going back to Alex’s house for brunch and would love it if you joined us,” Rowan asks. I shake my head before the ladies answer, “Sorry, but I have plans.” Fiona quirks a brow, “Where are you going?” I snicker as I pull my leather jacket close to my chest, “I have hunter things to do. Will you assist Exia while I’m gone?” Fiona’s brow furrows with curiosity, but she doesn’t question me further. She knows better than to question one of us in front of outsiders, “Sure.” My lip quirks as I give everyone a silent nod and walk away. The hem of my jacket flutters behind me as if waving goodbye while I rush down the corridor. Halfway down the hall, a familiar male voice echoes behind me, “Giselle!” Tristan calls out. He’s the only one who has ever called me Giselle. The rest of my family calls me Illiana or Lia. Tristan mocked me for having such a frilly name the first time we met, which pissed me off. It became a game for him to see how angry he could make me so he could have an excuse to get away from me. However, it doesn’t bother me anymore because I’m a confident female who knows her value. I proved that when I learned to live without my mate by my side for centuries. Turning back, I come face to face with the male who abandoned me, “Yes?” I state evenly. Tristan’s expression is shuttered as he gazes intently into my eyes. His eyes twinkle with mirth, and his lip twist into a smirk, “I can’t believe you’re alive. For years, I was under the impression your clan was eliminated,” he mutters. I shrug my shoulders while maintaining my usual cocky stance. Exia was always the more diplomatic of us, whereas I don’t give a crap if people think I’m a b***h. “It seems that would have solved the little problem of our engagement. However, as you can see, my line is strong.” Tristan reels as if I struck him, his eyes dimming with what looks like regret, “I’m sorry if you feel that way. But you have to understand that…” he licks his luscious bottom lip and looks away, “…you were sixteen, and I was several centuries old. I just…I didn’t feel it was right, and I was angry that my parents would have forced me to marry someone who wasn’t my mate.” I stifle a scoff and take a step back, “Yeah, it doesn’t matter anymore. It’s been so long since I had forgotten about it. Either way, it’s not like I didn’t enjoy all that was offered once I became single.” Tristan winces and reels back as if I slapped him in the face. However, he manages to quickly mask his reaction, though I can tell he’s bothered by it. He may not know why he’s reacting that way, but I know why. Though he’s unaware of our connection, his instincts sense that I’m his mate. I was underage when Tristan met me, and he never got to taste my blood, so he never learned the truth. The thing with vampires is that they don’t know who their mates are until their mates come of age and taste their blood, and I was not of age when we met. Regrettably, that information does not make me soften toward him because he still chose to leave regardless of his ignorance. Seeing that I got the desired reaction, I smile and mutter, “I should go. Good to see you,” I wave over my head, turn around, and walk away before he can answer. I learned long ago that there’s no point dwelling on what could have been. Tristan made his choice, and I managed without him. It’s the hunter’s way.