Crimson Night

Chapter Twenty-Seven

I stepped back away from him. I could tell from his mind that he wasn’t sure whether he could kill me or not. He thought he had to, but he wasn’t sure if he could do it. The leaves crunched under my feet and the cold breeze wrapped around my body.

“Your sister has already tried once today to kill me.”

“And did you kill her?” He asked.

“No…I am passed that point with Maya, I am simply using a distracter right now.” The battle around Charles and I seemed to vanish, there were no other noises or sounds, just the two of us.

“I am very sorry for what I am about to do, Lana. You don't understand how this is making me feel. If only you had fallen for only me.” And he lunged at me. He knocked me on my back and straddled me. Fear shot through my body. He pulled a knife out and then brought it up. He swung it down, and I could only stare at the knife in shock. It was inches from my heart when a large wolf tackled him off. Grayson stood protectively in front of me, growling at Charles.

“Don't even think about it mutt!” Grayson growled.

“Charles, meet Grayson. Grayson, meet Charles.” I mumbled to myself and Grayson flattened his ears against his skull and snarled.

“This is the dog that stole you?” Charles growled fangs out. The jumped for each other at the same time, and they began their battle. Charles stabbed the knife into Grayson’s should in one quick movement. Grayson took that change to lock his teeth into Charles’ other arm. They continued, and it seemed like no one was going to win. They were literally tearing each other apart. I could only take so much.

“Stop!” I screamed, and the sound echoed throughout the battle. The vampires and humans froze, because I had unknowingly laced a command in my scream. And the werewolves froze, simply out of shock.

“Why are we doing this? Seriously, we could have simply shared the land! What is the big deal, there is plenty of land to share!” I yelled. “Why the hell do we need to fight? The wolves imply want recognition, not to rule the world!” Charles and Grayson looked at each other. “We need to stop this, do you understand?” I engraved the idea in the vampire’s minds that they simply needed to work with the wolves. I wasn’t sure why I hadn’t thought of doing it before. Maybe I didn't have the power before.

“Can't we all just work together?” I asked, and then felt something drip from my nose. I brought my hand to my nose and blood covered my fingers. Grayson whined against my thigh. I was over-using my powers; I was trying to force peace unto to species that had never experienced peace before. The images in front of me blurred before my eyes and I fell against Grayson, unable to stay conscious anymore.

When I woke up, I was in a bed, but not one of the werewolves’ beds. I sighed and looked around. I was in a room in the castle, I could just tell.

“Finally, the princess is awake.” A deep voice said. I turned to see Grayson sitting next to me, looking out of place in a real house. He looked handsome, the five o-clock shadow and his messy hair.

“What is going on?”

He sort of chuckled.

“We are actually writing up a treaty…I thought it would never happen.”

“How long have I been out?” I asked, looking at his dark eyes.

“A few days…we've been using that to work together.” He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “Charles has agreed to settle something…we are not equal to the vampires, no yet but we are farther than we ever have been. My packs are living in real homes, showering in real showers and eating real food.” Grayson looked happy. “We are better off than we have been in generations and I have you to thank for that.”

“I love you.” I said, sitting up. “I would have done anything for you…something I didn't really realize. I chose you…I'm not sure why, but Grayson, I chose you.” He gently touched my cheek, sending sparks gently through my body.

“I love you too, Lana. I always have. I am sorry for torturing you…I thought I had no choice…”

“You were desperate for your wolves…I understand.”

“Angelina is dead.” He said, looking away from me for a moment.

“What?!”

“After you passed out, on the battle field, she tried to kill you and Maya killed her. Maya said that she was forcing her hand to kill you, and Isla backed her up.”

“How is Anninka?”

“She's gone.” Charles said, stepping into the room. “She took off when she heard of the treaty, and Angelina’s death. I am the only Royal now.” We met eyes for a moment, and then he looked away. “Alpha Grayson, you are needed in the conference room.”

“Yes, King Charles. Just give me a moment.” Charles nodded and then he left the room, without looking back at me. I felt hurt pound through me, but when Grayson captured my lips, Charles vanished from my mind. “You're beautiful.” He whispered to me. “And I can finally say that you are all mine.” And then the kissed turned from something sweet, to something addictive.