Captured By A Ruthless Vampire King
|99| ~The Challenge~

Embry POV.

"Firecracker," he makes his presence known to both of us. He's so quiet, not even my advanced senses were enough to detect him.

To my left, I hear Claire's soft beating heart skip several beats. This time her entire body seems to glow. It amazes me how the exhilaration of undeniable joy can be detected as it sparks fireworks inside her soul.

There is no doubt in my mind that she's head over heels for him.

Looking at the King standing in front of her, I can see why. The two are perfect together, matching one another's everlasting beauty in every way. Nicklaus cleans up well, looking regal and wealthy in his black tuxedo with a black bowtie, dark gold cummerbund, and black and dark gold sash. His silvered-cerulean eyes are illuminated behind his dark gold Roman Style masquerade mask.

"You are captivating," he says to Claire because she does.

Claire looks like a Goddess in a stunning sheer and dark gold floral one sleeve mermaid gown and a dark gold Roman Style masquerade mask which is identical to the mask that her beloved is wearing. Her makeup is subtle and her vibrant gold waves have been styled into an extravagant classy updo. Her golden crown with the memorizing emerald stone that matches her legendary pendant is secured on her head.

There stands a Queen.

"Here stands a queen in her own right," a deep baritone voice whispers inside of my ear before he kisses my cheek.

"You look stunning, sunshine," he tells me but he's the one who looks rather stunning if you ask me. His black tuxedo has an identical emerald green silk waistcoat and his bowtie matches my gown perfectly. His most fascinating shade of golden eyes looks like melted honey behind his black wolf masquerade mask which pairs perfectly with my delightfully dazzling diamond embezzled wolf masquerade mask.

My attention is placed towards the staircase when I hear footsteps approaching. More than a few figures are walking down the grand staircase. Abigail's big, bright, and ocean blue eyes behind her feather royal blue masquerade mask are the first thing I see as she clings to her mate Vlad. She appears to be a Goddess in her own right walking freely on this earthly plane wearing a Royal Blue Halter Mermaid-style evening gown. She looks bomb.

Just like the rest of the males, Commander Vlad matches his beloved in his striking black tuxedo with an identical royal blue silk waistcoat and bowtie.

The two of them are equally quite the pair, together they look enchantingly good. Everyone does, the way that Jadis and her mate that I now know to be King Cornelius killed the scene with their classic white and black attire. To be more pacific, Jadis is heavenly angelic in her all-white Ruffles Tulle A-Line Split Beaded One Sleeve evening gown, and her dove ruffled masquerade mask.

King Cornelius is as hot as the devil himself in his classic black and white tux and his hauntingly blue eyes behind his black masquerade mask can snatch away the purest soul out of anyone's body. Even Victoria looks devilishly hot in her sparkly firey red off the shoulders mermaid-style gown with feathered trimmed ends.

King Xander is her date for the night when you take in his black tuxedo firey red bowtie, cummerbund, and sash.

Wow! The two of them together would be a match made in heaven or more like a devilish pair.

They truly do look amazing. They all do, every single vampire king present cleaned up well.

My eyes glance in the direction of the newcomer that I haven't seen before. His predatory golden eyes and beautifully bronzed hair flatters his tanned skin. His masculine cypress aroma is exotically potent and judging by his frightened human companion who remains quietly as he gently pulls her diamond-encrusted leash. Plus, the fact that all other kings are accounted for. I suspect that he is King Rufus the short-tempered and impatient King.

As soon as he looks at me, I look the other way. Out of all the dangerously lethal predators surrounding me, he raises my anxiety the most.

"Really? Rufus!" Claire confirms my suspicions. In a flash, she appears in front of him."Let her go this instant. She isn't your property! No human in this world belongs to any of your kind," she growls, now looking each vampire king in their eye.

"Newsflash Clairebear," hops in Marcellus. His muscles flex freely underneath his dashing sharp tailored Royal Blue Slim Fit Lapel Tux.

Unlike the other kings who chose black and to spice up their attire with colored accessories. He decided to stand out but that's not what grabs my attention.

Sitting, beside him is an oddly familiar all-white arctic fox with a matching tux and a haircut. I almost didn't recognize him and I think that's the point. Leave it up to Marcellus to try and steal my now not-so furry little friend.

Crazy. Tail.Self!

I call To-To to come over to me and he rushes over in a hurry. As soon as I scoop him up he licks my face.

"No fair, sexy she-wolf, no fair," Marcellus places his focus on me for just a second before he finishes talking to Claire. "As I was stating before the hot wolf stole her pet back from me. You are now a part of this species Clairebear so you can't say our kind without including Y-O-U."

"Oh, shut up! Marcellus," she hisses in his direction but her eyes are still locked onto Rufus. "Release her now," she demands and her electrifying green eyes promise nothing but sweet vengeance if he chooses to do the opposite.

Rufus's face remains emotionless for a long-drawn-out moment as he stares at his queen. The rest of us are watching their exchange, all hanging on the edge of our seats.

Finally, he sighs. "Okay, Your wish is my command," he says as he takes the collar off his human, who's currently shaking. After that, the human girl still stands in place, scared to death.

Poor, thing! She's so scared she won't even lift her head. "Go, your free," he turns and barks at her, receiving a menacing growl from his queen.

Claire then turns to face the girl and says, "You can go. You are free."

"Thank you," whispers the human, so low that even my advance hearing had a hard time identifying."You are a merciful queen,"

"There is nothing merciful about doing the right thing. You should have never been a slave in the first place and I promise you that our people's bondages shall be removed regardless of what the rest of the world thinks."

"Chin up love," Claire places her finger underneath the girl's chin and literally lifts it up. "You are no one's property or possession. You are human, a part of the strongest species that has ever existed.”

“Oh please,” Marcellus sucks his teeth. Claire stops and gives him a look. The look. Now, he's the one to lower his hand like an obedient slave.

She places her focus back on the human. “Don't ever allow anyone else, King or not tell you any differently. I will fight for us," she promises, and my heart swells.

Claire is so amazing.

The human girl runs off after that and the others begin to conversate amongst one another as if all is well.

I hear Rufus apologize to Claire and then hear her say. "It's okay, you don't know any better,"

I kiss on To-To right before Victoria steals him away from me.

"Here, Sunshine. You're just missing one thing," announces Cyrus placing all my focus onto him before sitting a simple but yet beautiful diamond-encrusted tiara on top of my sleek but elaborate bun. "Yes, here stands a queen indeed."

"And forever shall she reign," Nicklaus says from behind me."Look, Embry. I've never had a chance to apologize for the pain that I caused you."

Silence. There's now an audible silence.

"You don't have to apologize it was," I start to say. All eyes are now placed on the two of us.

"Yes, I do," he holds up his hand to stop me from speaking. "Your father is my father, your mother is my mother, your sister is my sister, your brother is my brother, and your cousin is my cousin." His lasts words send daggers into my chest. Kaya's face flashes in my mind automatically.

"Embry, you are my blood," he says to me, once again rendering me speechless.

"Words could never explain how much I regret causing you pain if I could take it back I would in a heartbeat. But the reality is that I can not and I won't ever be able to truly repay you for the damage or the heartbreak that I've cost you,” his apology seems genuine.

“However I value to never, ever, ever hurt you or anyone of your loved ones again for as long as I shall live," he declares before once again shocking my entire soul.

The king of all kings bows before me. Literally.

I'm not the only one caught off guard. There's an audible gasp that bounces in the hallway as Nicklaus lowers himself on one knee.

"I pledge to always protect you right, wrong, or indifferent for the rest of eternity. I pledge to accept your flaws and embrace your perfections. I pledge to love you with my unbeaten heart for the rest of my days. I pledge to be your brother and best friend. The one person that you could call upon for as long as you shall live.”

"I Nicklaus king of all Kings pledge to give my life if need be to define yours, Embry Destiny Wilde. From this day forward, we are bound by blood." He then turns to my mate who grabs onto my arm gently.

My heartbeat races as Cyrus places his fangs onto my skin and gently bites down, drawing blood.

The world seems to move in slow motion as I watch Nicklaus slide back the sleeve of his tux, bite into his skin, and then hold out his bleeding arm in my direction.

"Drink from me, as I drink from you to seal my pledge in blood." His words bounce off the wall.

In the same instance, the world is still slow but yet somehow spin around me at a rapid speed. My heart rate is physically pounding like a beating drum inside my chest.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I see everyone watching me with unconcealed interest. Claire's dazzling smile sticks out like a sore thumb. The other's stare isn't so friendly.

I can feel their doubt, crawling throughout my skin. They don't trust me, nor do I trust any of them except for my chosen girls and Seneca. Oh, and Marcellus. He is as cool as they come but the others. Now they are an entirely different story.

They haven't taken the time out to get to know me, vice versa. It's a two-way street.

This bond is a two-way street. It goes both ways. We must all work together to gain each other respect. I must prove myself worthy to be called a King's sister vice versa. I willn't be falsely accepted into anyone's bondman ship because of my relations. I will earn my space.

With that thought, I turn to face Nicklaus and stare directly into his seriously deep silvered-cerulean eyes. "Thank, you," I say to him. "I'm honored," truly I am. "However, I have not earned my place to sit at your table, nor have you earned your place to sit at mine. None of you have.”

My eyes run across everyone, and that doesn't exclude my mate.

"Embry, wait," Cyrus goes to say but my voice continues to overtop his. "My father always said that you will get two families in this lifetime. The one that you're born into, and the one that Luna chooses for you."

They are all staring at me as my eyes continue to scan their faces.

"There is no doubt that Luna chose you all for me and I'm forever grateful to be in the presence of legends as such, even if your all monsters in history to the rest of the world's eyes but I am Embry Destiny Wilde, the chosen one among the family that I was born into and I owe them to live up to their expectations just like I owe every one of you to live up to yours."

"So, I can not accept your pledge," I turn and tell Nicklaus. "At least, not into I earn my place at your table."

I believe my speech has managed to snatch the bravest of tongues because Claire is rendered speechless as well by the time that I'm done.

On that note, I begin my walk towards the area where the ball is being hosted. As I leave I can feel all eyes are on me the entire time.

"Good job! Embry" compliments my wolf.

"Yes! Well done, Queen Embry!" Another voice appears inside of my head, stopping me in my tracks.

Oh, my Goddess? How on the hearth is that possible I think to myself as I turn back around to face all of the kings.

My mouth drops open as King Xander himself winks at me. Wait! Did he just call me Queen Embry?

Oh, my Goddess! Oh, my Goddess! Oh, my Goddess! I don't think that I'll ever get used to that.

Embry POV.

I can hear the soft sound of live music by the time that I reach the private entrance to the courtyard.

The soft glowing ambient light beans glow onto my face from the blowing flame of the ivory candles with every step that I take. My eyes travel to the pure gold gleaming and sparkling chandeliers as I look up at the mural painted above my head. The pure gold greek status craved of naked women holding ivory flames floats like magic above me. I imagine them whispering amongst themselves about their epic time in the oh so mighty Greek lands.

I'm in love. My mind wanders back to the cold-hearted king. Was that him inside of my head, or was I just imagining such a thing?

My father always said that I have wicked imagination but then Seneca already warned me about the kings who have access to listen to thoughts inside of my head.

"I just can't believe that you denied the king of all kings without me," says my wolf.

"Good girl," she begins to celebrate but her glory is short-lived. I can feel him before I see him. So, I turn to face him instead of finishing my wolf and I conversation.

His miraculously golden eyes look pensive even as he slowly takes me in.

"Sunshine that was," he begins to say but grows silent as the others catch up with us.

Claire and the other girls immediately make their way over to me. The other kings and the commander all turn to face Nicklaus. We stand in silence for a little into Nicklaus breaks it by saying, "I believe what my brother was trying to say is that your speech was,"

"Epic," Marcellus is the one to interrupt him with a naughty little smirk, and for the first time since I've met him, I don't hear anyone say shut up Marcellus.

Instead, the other kings and my girls decide to burst out laughing. "Yes!" Nicklaus seconds Marcellus observation. "Embry deserves an academy award, but regardless of recent events. It's time for us to arrive in unison. As a family," he says looking at me. "Now, is everyone ready?"

Although, no one's reply's each King walks besides their companion for the night and the kings without dates surround us as if they are our first line of defense. One thing that I'm quickly learning about this selected group is everything and I mean everything is formal and strategically planned.

Cyrus loops his arms around my own as we finally head towards our private entrance to enter the courtyard. Two vampire toy soldiers are standing by the doors. They bow before us and then pull back the thick gold curtains for the group of us to emerge out of.

As soon as we enter, Claire's guard is there to greet us. He too bows before us before immediately taking his place in front of Claire. The once soft-sounding music is now thunderously loud bouncing life into my eardrums.

Before anyone else can detect us, the music goes silent in replace of a trumpet ringing loud for all to hear.

Seconds later, some unidentifiable vampire makes the announcements about the kings and queens entering. My heart rate suddenly speeds to halt before it booms at rapid speed. I don't know why I feel like all eyes are on me when in reality all eyes are on us.

It's official! Suddenly, I'm not a fan of large crowds and this crowd is enormously large. It's gigantic. Even though I've already been to many balls by now, I have, never, ever, ever seen so many immortals standing before me. Never!

After the announcement of our arrival, the music picks back up with a different tone.

That's when I realize that we walked into a mezzanine. I turn slightly to briefly take in my inherent family and exchange glances with just about all of them. They seem ready for whatever and on high alert.

Each king's and the commander's eyes roam freely over the top of the crowd and not a single emotion can be detected on any of their faces as if they are Gods, looking down on mere mortals on the first floor. From high, we seem so untouchable and out of reach but we all know how untrue that is. It's in the air, something big is about to happen.

I can feel it down to my very bone. "Are you ready," Claire whispers in my ear as if she can read my thoughts as well. I nod my head in response.

My eyes scan over the courtyard that places mother nature's untouchable beauty on display. From orchids to nasturtiums to Japanese-style chrysanthemums, there's is so much beauty in this garden to explore. One would never be able to take it all in with one sitting. It's way too organic for that matter.

Goddess is good.

"The guest of honors has arrived," I hear Raphael whisper into Nicklaus's ears. His eyes immediately travel towards the steps that lead up here. My eyes carefully follow his and land onto not only one but three of my good ole friends.

"Em, Gem!" She calls me out before I can call on her.

"Who the fuck invited them?" I hear Cyrus asks someone as I jump into her arms.

"I missed you a lot, Speck!" I tell her as we wrap our arms around one another.

"What about me, death trap?" Laughs out no one other than Gutter Butter as he joins in.

"Get your hand off my beloved," snaps Cyrus, snatching Gutter Butter away from me. As a result, I turn to face him ready to tell him about his himself but come face to face with another friendly face instead.

"You look darling, Embry. You both do," tells Anastasia as she throws herself around me and Abigail, who seemed to appear out of nowhere.

Speck the peck makes it her life purpose to jump right back in.

The four of us embrace one another with genuine smiles on every one of our faces.

Oh, my Goddess!! I missed my girls. Now, I officially feel complete.

"Ummm umm umm," Jadis clears her throat from behind me. "Don't be rude, Sweetie pie! Introduce all of us, please."

"Don't mind her," says Claire. "Jadis is crazy." Victoria walks up next and places herself right beside me.

"Oh right! Where are my manners?"I say but before I could begin Jadis decides to do the introduction herself.

Once again, I see her eyes shine with delight as she greets them. "I'm Butter Cup and you're Cookie and Cream," she tells Speck before placing her focus onto Anastasia. "And you're Cupcake. "That's Sweetie Pie, Candy Apple, and Cherry Pop!" she calls the nicknames out so that she made up for me, Victoria, and Claire.

"And I'm hungry," says Marcellus as he magically appears out of thin air directly beside us, hypothetically speaking of course.

"I missed you cousin," Anastasia throws herself around him.

"I didn't," says an overly ridiculously handsome vampire that I've never seen before. I've been so distracted by my girls, I didn't even notice him into now.

"This is my beloved, Elijah," says Anastasia after escaping from Marcellus. She then touches the arm of the man with the cutest dimples that I've ever seen before. His dark but yet bronzed hair is sleek back providing full access to his sexy dark features. I typically love a man that hosts a wild and exotic appearance but his classical clean shaving face is oddly refreshing. His intimidating unapproachable expression doesn't waver but there's a soft and benevolent interest in his gaze and the small bow that he gives me seems to be very genuine.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Queen Embry. My brilliant beloved hasn't stopped talking about you since my arrival," he says to me after shaking my hand.

"The feeling is mutual," I agree. "And please call me Embry. We're practically related. On top of that, I feel like we already met before as much as Anastasia had talked about you.”

"Hopefully she didn't say anything too naughty about me. We all know that she's the unfortunate angel that has been paired with the devil.” He flashes a dazzling smile before pecking his beloved lips. The two of them also look as if they belong together.

"Em, gem? Who's your friend?" Speck questions me. That's when I notice that her eyes are locked onto Victoria, who's currently having it up standing beside Xander.

"Not so fast," my mate sweeps me away from her. "Before you girls decide to talk my beloved to death. I've got to have at least one dance with her. May I," he holds out his hand for me to take.

Suddenly, my cheeks are burning. "Of course," I give him my hand before he leads me down the steps onto the dance floor.

So I was wrong, so far the ball has been a ball. I've been dancing my life away with my mate and my clique.

Out of each event that I have attended this one has been my favorite for sure.

Oh, my Goddess! Tonight has been Epic but I can't shake the feeling that this is only the calm before the storm.

"I can't believe you said that to them." Speck leans over my shoulder.

All of the girls are sitting on the enormous gold sofa in our private section on top of the mezzanine. Jadis has just officially given them all the 4-1-1 about our early festivities.

"Yeah! It was epic," giggles Abigail. She's drunk.

"Brave as fuck," Claire joins in giggling with Abigail. A server then appears to bring us another round of champagne but Claire dismisses him with a wave of her hand. The others have already had their fair share of expensive bubbly by now beside me and Claire. We have to stay on our P's and Q's just in case something does kick-off.

Plus, Claire is pregnant. She's not drinking anything on my watch.

"You should have seen her." Jadis yells overtop of the music. "She was like you can't sit at my table unless you prove yourself. It was great," she slurs out the last part.

Yup! It's official. She's drunk too.

"I've think you had enough for tonight, my love." King Cornelius comes to save the day. He swoops her up from off the couch and holds her close to his chest.

"My hero has come to save me," she slurs as he kisses her forehead. "My knight in shining armor I love you. I love you so, so, much."

"Wow! She is really drunk," Abigail's fit of giggles recapture my focus. My eyes shift back into Speck's direction who's mildly quiet believe it or not. Her eyes are lingering in the direction of the staircase or should I say in Victoria's direction.

I catch Victoria's eyes briefly lingering on her as well. It's so strange. I've been catching them all night, exchanging glances whenever they believe that no one watching them and I'm not the only one.

Gutter Butter's face has been all balled up as he silently watched the both of them throughout the night. I can see his imaginary steam blowing out of his ears as a horrific expression paints his handsome features. I feel bad for him.

Okay! That's it! "Speck! Spill," I grab onto her hand and whisper in her left ear.

"Ummm, Ummm, Ummm,"

"More Champagne for the ladies and a special glass of Apple Cider for Queen Claire," Speck is saved by the bell as Rapheal approaches the table with another round.

This time, Speck is the one to grab two glasses and tosses them back. Instead of focusing on her, I shift my gaze to the left when my wolf sense someone watching us.

Imagine my surprise when I come in contact with Nicklaus, Cyrus, and Seneca. They look over the top of my head as if they weren't just watching us but it's too late. They are caught!

I knew it! They are trying to get us drunk. My gaze falls onto Claire, who's watching them as well. She then adjust her crown, giving me the signal that we created a few days ago. That means, that she is hipped and it's time to go to the ladies' room to escape them. She knows what they are doing as well.

As on queue, we rise to head to the washroom when all of a sudden I feel a surge of power rush through me like a tidal wave of wind. Followed, by the distinctive scent of earthy rain-soaked pine and fresh patchouli coming to my senses.

"Dad," I absent-mindedly call out.

"Werewolves," someone calls out seconds later from the first level.

Without thinking, I rush towards the railing and come in contact with my uncle's mates.

She's standing in the center of the courtyard aiming a gun in my direction.

"No," Cyrus yells and the next thing I feel is my back hit the floor.

Cracking sounds much like the sound of explosives erupt above the sound of the music. All hell breaks loose.

"Get them out of here," I hear Nicklaus monstrous growl roar overtop of all the screaming people.

A big and powerful body keeps me pinned to the floor.

"Get off of me! Get off of me!'" I attempt to move.

"It's okay, Sunshine," I hear Cyrus soothe." Fuck, I told him we should have been had you all removed. You're going to be fine. Everything is going to be okay,"

"I know it is," growls my wolf before using our super strength to push him up off us.

Quicker than one can blink, I'm on my feet. As expected, hell has been unleashed all around me. Out of nowhere, an intense amount of fury burning so bright surges through my body promising violet death throughout my soul nearly knocks me to my feet. Instincts take over and I begin to search for Nicklaus.

Don't ask me how, but I know that he is the source of this undeniable rage. My eyes continue to search for him throughout all of the disarrays. Gun shoots continue to pop and bullets are flying over all around me.

My ears detect a horrendous growl that sounds like a true monster in a pup's nightmare coming out to play.

There he is right in front of the mezzanine entrance. He's holding Claire. He has her dangling body in his arms and that is when the wind is knocked out of my body.

She is unconscious soaking wet with blood. My heart stops. Physically and stop. My eyes lock onto the source of the wound, a huge hole can be located on her shoulder as her blood drips to the floor.

The Queen has been shoot. Claire has been shoot.

Something snaps inside of me as my wolf takes the front line. Uncontrollable rage. My entire body is burning up. I'm shaking and gasping for air.

My vision is bloody red and gold everywhere I look. I declare war.

Without further ado, my wolf rushes to the rail, jumps over top, and lands on our two feet effortlessly.

The fighting continues all around me, vampire vs wolves, hunters vs vampires, werewolves vs other werewolves, vampire vs other vampires. No one seems to have a side today. As soon as I land, my eyes lock on my father, sister, brother, and cousin. They are here too, fighting alongside the vampires surprisingly.

Then, I see Alpha Luke he's fighting side by side with Marko. The Western pack is right behind him defending the vampires.

Seconds later, my eyes fall onto my uncle. He's standing in the center of it all watching me watch him. The other three Alphas are standing directly beside him.

Out of nowhere, I'm once again knocked to my feet but this time my attacker is anything but friendly.

"I came to end you, traitor," says my uncle mate, Mecca. Her growl is menacing. Her wolf is present. I can see the hatred in her yellow eye stare. "Just like I just ended your queen," and that's all it takes for my wolf to charge.

As soon as we collied, I lunge and grab onto her neck. It's just that easy. To me, Mecca is a fish and I'm a shark. I'm a Wilde wolf and she is just the mate of an Alpha. In other words, you can not compete where you cannot compare.

Her life is literally in my hands. I can feel her heartbeat racing as I pull her body into me. "I want you to remember this," my wolf laughs. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see my uncle rushing over towards us but I don't care. That's exactly how I want it. "Remember how quickly I could have ended you," I roar before I send her flying in the direction of him.

In a heartbeat, he's in front of me with his mate's body in his hands.

A second later, my father appears by my side with the rest of my family right behind him.

After that, comes the other Alphas and no one other than my mate and the other kings. I also can detect that commander Vlad, Gutter Butter, and Marko are behind me. I'm guessing that Luke is also close by.

"You're going to die tonight," Cyrus growls at my uncle. I can feel his monster presence as he pulls me behind him

"Is that right," my uncle responds cooly. The fighting is still going on all around us and I know in my heart of hearts that someone shall die tonight but it will be by my hands and my hands only just like Claire and I have planned from the very beginning.

That's when I step back into the front line and roar, “I Embry Destiny Wilde challenge The Western Alpha Luke, The Eastern Alpha Dickson, The Southern Alpha Bells, and The Northern Alpha Maddox for your titles. I Embry Destiny Wilde challenge each pack Alpha of North America for their packs."

My words act as an echo that silences the fights at once.

Hey, love buys, as promised here is your update if you would like to read a chapter ahead please head over to Ebookex.com. My next update shall be Wednesday. I'm sorry for the late update however for some strange reason I couldn't publish on Wattpad and it was unfair to publish on just Ebookex.com. I had to reach out to tech. Anyway, Love you all have a great week.