Purebreds and Power
Chapter 22.

Han thrust Dax’s wrists from his shoulders. “I don’t like your tone, Alpha.”

Dax panted as he dropped into a seat and buried his head in his hands. “That smell. Please tell me where it’s from.”

Han removed his coat, draped it on the couch, and slid into the chair next to Dax. “My father will be providing me with new servants.” He smoothed his tie, crossed his legs, and leaned back. “I checked on a potential before coming here.”

Dax lifted his head and grabbed Han’s wrists. “You saw a servant?”

“Our kind uses them for many reasons.” Han brushed Dax’s hands off again. “All volunteer. All consenting.”

Standing again, Dax paced behind Han–each footfall heavier than the last.

“A scrumptious little morsel, that one.” Han examined his nails. “A werewolf. Quite unexpected. Do you know her?”

Dax stopped and plopped into a seat. “She’s someone I should know.”

“Should know?” Han folded his hands in his lap.

“Yeah.” With a shake of his head, Dax looked off into the distance. “I’ve never met her. Never thought I would. Almost did at your ball. But it’s not important now.”

“I think there’s more.”

Dax sighed, then looked at Han. He picked up the antique bottle and examined it. “You sure you want to drink this?”

A genuine smile covered Han’s face, and he half laughed. “No. Not really.”

“Thank goodness!” Dax carefully placed the wine back on the table and dusted his hands off as he stood. “Can I interest you in a beer?”

Han tilted his head to the side and furrowed his brows.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never had a beer! We peasants enjoy it with some chips.” Dax patted Han’s shoulder. “It’s good. Promise.”

“I never said I haven’t had one.”

“My mistake.” Dax stepped toward the doorway. He paused, “Hey, James, want one too?”

Standing silently off to the side, James’ head spun to look at the waiting Alpha. He opened and closed his mouth. Then opened it again.

“He’s working at the moment.” Han smiled at James and then looked at Dax. James’ shoulders relaxed as he let out a silent breath.

How strange this place was–so different from his world of formalities and strict custom.

Young children appeared from behind shut doors, most likely informed of Han’s peaceful visit. They ran and played without care, ducking behind and weaving through the adults that followed. Frowns and knit brows turned to grins and laughs, and with some hesitation, life resumed.

The sun’s golden rays beckoned from the porch roof’s edge, calling for Han to embrace the warmth.

Not yet.

A soft breeze blew, carrying hints of a floral bouquet. It reminded Han of his new favorite flower, lavender.

The delicate, sweet flower calmed his active mind and brought peace to his ragged nerves. Smokey yet soft, woodsy yet powdery, the herbal scent reminded him so much of his beloved. She embodied the scent in so many ways.

She would love it here, his beloved.

Han drew his eyebrows together and wiped his palms across his face.

Should he set her free?

Away from obligation.

Away from danger.

Away from him…

“Han!” Dax smiled when Han finally looked at him. “Deep in thought, huh?” Dax handed Han a bottle of beer. “Do I want to know?”

Han took a hesitant sip. Sweet malt and zesty citrus zinged his tongue. The unique, tangy taste danced around his mouth. Han licked his lips and raised his brows.

“Not bad, huh? That’s one of my favorites, from a local brewery that caters to all different supernaturals.” He took his seat. “That one’s blood-orange flavored, just for you.”

“You do know there’s no blood in a blood orange.”

Dax’s hearty laugh filled the veranda. “Yeah, but it sounds cool.” He held his bottle toward his guest. “To unlikely friends.”

The clink of their bottles solidified more than good wishes, and peaceful silence settled between the men–different in most ways, united only in their love for Lilly.

Their unspoken detente bridged a rift few creatures would try to breach.

It brought Han an unexpected comfort.

“Tell me why you don’t know this girl.” Han took another drink. “It seems you endeavor to.”

Dax scrubbed at his unshaven chin. “I smelled that same scent at your soiree. So I followed, thinking I was close.” Putting his empty on the table, Dax walked to the end of the porch, facing the woods. “I lost her in the maze under your home. I haven’t found her since.”

“She’ll be at my home again in two days. During the presentation of the bridal candidates.”

“Would it be weird if I was there?” Dax turned to look at Han, leaning on the railing. “Seems sort of private. No?”

Han laughed as he stood–a full-bellied chuckle. “You’ve obviously never been to a vampire bridal presentation.” Han inched toward the sunlight. “Private? No. A spectacle? Yes.”

Wrinkles of confusion lined Dax’s forehead as he pushed to stand next to his friend.

“I have to warn you.” Han put his hand on Dax’s shoulder. “There will be innocent lives lost. My slaves came willingly, and now they pose a perceived threat to the bridal applicants.”

“A bit archaic. Don’t you think?”

“We are nothing if not traditional.” Han moved around Dax, standing on the border of the sunlight. Glorious rays reflected in the sheen of his wingtips. “I also understand congratulations are in order for you.”

“She’ll be fine, though, right?”

“Lilly?”

Dax peered intently at Han. “Um, no. Your new servant.”

“The servant is not involved,” Han smirked. “Your nuptials are coming up. Are they not?”

Dax stared into the distance while one hand wrung the other. “Good. That’s good.”

“Dax?”

“Oh, uh, yeah. Lilly.” Dax looked down at his shoes and scuffed his feet before bringing his head back up. “Set for the end of the month.”

Throughout the evening, Han met many of Dax’s friends. And now, as James drove him home, new and uneasy feelings settled in his chest.

Han could understand why Lilly would love it there. It appeared as laid-back and easy-going as she was.

But he would never let her go.

The instinct to do that had been fleet. In its noble spot, roaring greed took its place.

Lilly was his.

Only his.

Forever.

—--

Han woke with the sudden lurch of the car as James put it into park. The peaceful respite came unexpectedly–although pleasant.

Han remained unmoving, staring at the roof while James removed their items from the vehicle.

The rising sun hid behind a blanket of pink and yellow clouds while the birds lifted their first-light lungs in song.

Stretching his arms and legs, Han sat up and sighed. James opened the door with an umbrella opened over Han’s head.

Han held a hand up.“There’s no one left, James.” He turned his face toward the sky. “Let me enjoy this small moment before the chaos.”

“As you wish.”

Han kept his eyes closed, basking in the early morning. His mind wandered, dreaming of his life that could be.

The board had been set.

Now Han needed to wait for the next move.

“Han.”

The timbre of the deep voice pulled Han from his reverie. Only one would address him so casually. “Father.” Han turned, surprised he had missed the arrival of the dark sedan.

Gideon stood in a coat, hat, and dark glasses as he approached, calling attention to Han’s obvious lack of protective apparel.

“I can explain…” Han’s fists clenched when he recognized the vehicle. He gritted his teeth and growled low. “Where is she?”

“Easy, Son.” Gideon patted Han’s shoulder as he passed. “Let’s go inside.”

Han grabbed Gideon and spun him around. Han’s blood-red eyes stared into his father’s. “Do not make me repeat myself.”

Gideon placed his hands on top of Han’s. “I have her.”