Purebreds and Power
Chapter 21

Chamberlain stepped back, gesturing toward the room behind him. “I’m curious what you think you own?”

The large home spread before Han’s eyes. With an open floor plan covered in antiques, the rooms screamed opulence in every detail. The old clashed with the new in exaggerated juxtaposition.

“I know you took my slave.” Han unbuttoned his jacket and sat down, draping his arm over the back of the settee. “But that’s not what interests me now.” He crossed his long legs and tilted his chin toward Chamberlain's slave. “The girl.”

Chamberlain laughed. “Over your girl already? And Sera thought you were smitten.” He waved his slave, Celia, over. She moved closer, sinking to her knees at his feet. “I do enjoy her flavor. I’m curious if it's unique to wolves.” Chamberlain grabbed her chin and turned her head, examining her. Celia closed her eyes and held her breath. “But she’s lost her fire.” He pushed her head away. “And you know I enjoy some sass. Within reason, of course.” He leaned back, shooing the girl away. “You can take her off my hands for your new wife if you’d like.”

“It’s what my father would like.” Han examined his nails. “Where is my slave?”

“Don’t worry.” Chamberlain mimicked Han’s pose. “She’s in good hands. Sera is quite giddy over the prospect of her death.” As he crossed his legs, his robe fell open, revealing his bare state. “How many will meet their fate that day?”

“Three.”

“Seems right.” Chamberlain uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You never were one to play favorites. I remember your father had ten or so. Each candidate felt threatened by someone different. Can you imagine? Fear of a human female?” He leaned back and rested his head, staring at the ceiling. “Such a splendid day it was, though. Your mother looked so elegant. She was most assuredly the best choice. Powerful. Rich. Beautiful. No comparison.”

Han pinched the bridge of his nose, then spread his fingers, smoothing his brow. “May I inspect the girl?”

“Oh! Of course.” Chamberlain gestured for Celia to stand in the middle of the room. “My apologies.” He stood and fixed his robe. “It’s been so long since we’ve had a union. I became caught in my memories.” Without hesitation, Chamberlain pulled the small garments from Celia’s shivering body, leaving her naked. “Be still!”

Han stood, removing his silk pocket square from his jacket before taking it off. He laid the expensive suit coat over the back of the accent chair before stepping forward. With his front pressed to her back, Han used the delicate cloth to move the girl's hair from her shoulder. Then with it covering his open palm, he trailed his hand down her arm. He skirted her nipples, belly, hips. With the point of his dress shoes, he spread her legs and stepped between them, bringing him even closer.

Han pressed his nose into her jugular vein as his pocket square covered hand slid between her thighs.

The girl gasped.

Han smirked.

She was just as he remembered and just what he needed.

—--

Frosted mountains spanned the horizon. Sparkling streams snaked across the meadows searching for the least resistance. Together they joined into a roaring river carving its way though the landscape.

The pair had driven all night as they headed north. Night had once again turned to day.

“The main house should be close.” James gripped the steering wheel. “I expect we will greeted soon.”

The vast expanse soon grew into tall, dense trees, and the road grave way to a beaten path that slowly disappeared until they could drive no further.

Lush foliage provided a dense canopy. Little sunlight filtered through-absorbed by the greedy branches high above. For that, Han was grateful.

An umbrella would do.

James parked the car and took a deep breath. “Are you certain this is necessary, sir?”

“Absolutely.”

“As you wish.” Slowly, James unbuckled his seatbelt and held it while it slid back into its holder. He gently slid the lock and took another deep breath, preparing to open the door.

“What are you doing?”

James’ hand flew to his mouth, stifling the scream itching to make itself heard. “You scared me!” James spoke in a whisper. “I don’t want to alert them with excessive noise.”

“Just open the door.” Han straightened his tie. “They know we’re here.”

James peered through the windshield. Just over the nearby ridge, he saw a lone werewolf standing between the trees. The animal made no attempt to hide. Nor did he make an attempt to move.

“Yes, sir.”

With legs shaking, James open the door for his master. He held out a dark umbrella but Han pushed it away before grabbing something from his seat. “Not here. Not yet.”

With a full body stretch, Han straightened after stepping out. He took in his surroundings, appearing to appreciate the view. His brief glance caught five more wolves amongst the trees.

Six.

Eight.

Ten.

Han chuckled and then began to walk.

Each stepped crunched leaves under foot. Their crinkle punched the steady stillness as Han trudged closer to his greeters. Even the birds held their song.

Like the hunters they were, the wolves moved in silence in the shadows. Their stealth like forms appeared one by one in a semi-circle. The animals held their heads low, leaning forward on their legs. Sharp teeth appeared to be smiling at him. But Han knew that was far from the truth.

With one final step, Han stopped his advance. “I would like to see your alpha.”

The animals held their posititions, knowing Han had broken no laws. He stood on neutral territory. They could not attack him there.

An unexpected rustling drew Hans attention before a man appeared from behind a tree. He stood tall, wearing only a pair of shorts. He looked right, then left and the animals shifted their weight backward, almost in unison. Their teeth remained visible. “You have a lot of nerve, vampire. What do you want?”

Han’s eyes turned red and he brushed his tongue along the sharp tip of his fangs. “I do not enjoy repeating myself, curr. Tell your alpha I have his bottle of wine.” Bringing it up in front of him, the bottle boasted a unique shape and color. The dolphin shaped handles and sealed wax top pointed to its antient age. “Vintage Roman.”

The man’s eyes grew wide before they seemed to lose focus. He remained still before refocusing on Han. “Follow me, but do not stray or I will have your head.”

Han smirked as he stepped onto their land, replaceing a steady pace behind the man. The other wolves warily flagged his sides, never getting close.

The dense woods opened to a small village. People moved about in happy oblivion until one older man stopped. He looked right at Han, then the whole village disappeared, taking shelter behind the closest door.

As if that would protect them.

Curtains inched aside as the villagers peered out at the uninvited guest.

James walked carefully behind Han, covering his master with a large, dark umbrella. As he looked side to side, surveying for threats, Han looked forward, never removing his gaze from the man in front of him.

The man had an aura of strength about him, probably second in command. He appeared quite cocky, parading a vampire through the center of town. His grandstanding brought danger.

Only he didn’t have a clue.

Han expected to wait on the edge of the forest knowing a demand, unarmed, to see the alpha needed to be met.

It became apparent that these animals had no idea what Han was capable of.

So Han chuckled.

The man stopped and turned, stepping close to Han. “Something funny, leech?”

Han stared at the man before tugging on his cufflinks. As he was about to speak, the front door to the closest home opened, revealing the pack’s leader-Dax.

“Han!” Dax stepped on the porch. “You came all this way and didn’t tell me?” He closed the space between them before patting Han on the shoulder.

“A pleasure to see you as well.”

“I’m sorry they didn’t tell me sooner.” Dax glared at the man. “Meet my best friend, Henry.”

Henry nodded toward Han before leaving for another house nearby.

“I hope they didn’t give you any trouble” Dax led Han to a sitting area on the covered veranda and James stepped to the side. “I was on the phone with Eckhard. Planning.” He smiled, gesturing toward an open seat. “Please, sit. It’s a spectacular day.”

Han nodded, placing the old bottle on the low table in front of him.

“Oh, my word! Han!” Dax picked up the antique carefully. “Do you really want to drink this?” He studied it before setting it down and taking a seat..

“I’m not sure of the taste or alcohol content, but adventure never ceases to please me.” Han pulled the pocket square from his jacket to wipe an errant leaf from the cushioned wicker chair.

A gentle breeze tickled Han’s skin as he unbuttoned his coat before sitting down. When he looked up, he found Dax glaring at him.

With bared teeth and darkened eyes, Dax visually searched Han’s body before grabbing his shoulders and pulling Han back up to stand. He pressed his nose into Han’s chest. “Tell me where you’ve been!”