Bren Foster as Alpha Darric Grey

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Jeffery walks over and takes our gowns. This guy is always around. What's his deal? Georgiana leads us to the first level where we meet and introduces us to Original Drago, Elder Thomas, and Elder Alexi, the ruling class of vampires, werewolves and werecats respectively.

"Congratulations Rafe", says Original Drago.

"Thank you."

"After the 'walk around' we must meet with you, Darric, Salim and Tobias in your office asap. The issue with the 'Nightwalkers' is getting worse and I am on the verge of cleaning your house."

"Yes, sir."

We all bow as they head over to Rafe's office.

"Crap," Rafe murmurs.

"What's wrong?" I whisper.

"I meant to update you, but I let it slide with everything else going on but the gist of it is we have an influx of 'nightwalkers' in this area and at BloodDusk Clan. I found out that there are weres involved."

"Shit, rogues AND nightwalkers?"

"Hence, the involvement of the ruling class. Let's get this over with so we can meet with them and go on our tri-date."

We walk up the staircase to the second level where we meet the leaders of the neighboring Clans and Packs. Some familiar faces, Salim, Esme, and others not familiar.

"So Darric how does it feel to be the head mutt in this clan?" Esme jokes. Now I realize who Georgiana reminds me of, this crazy witch!

"Nice to see you too, Esme."

"Cal," she hugs and kisses him, "you're all stamped for eternity," she laughs holding his right hand and admiring the crest.

"Esme, you came!"

"Of course. Who else will give you away to these two? I must witness the mating of my favorite fur coat, the mutt, and the leech. These vampires sure know how to bore people to death though. Dang, that ritual was long as fuck!"

"Esme!"

"What? It's true. You're thinking the same thing too, right Georgiana?"

"Hi, Esme. I couldn't agree more. I had forgotten the darn language. I had to do a crash course with my parents. I ask you, why not say the darn things in English? Do they think the Sun god doesn't understand English? Anyway, you three must be thirsty. Mom says it is a body draining ritual. What can I say, we vampires have some rituals that make us seem more uppity than usual!"

"Darric we need to head over to the meeting. Georgiana, I'll leave Cal in your hands. Get him to the car. We'll meet you there in about twenty minutes. Hi Esme, bye Esme." Rafe heads out and I follow.

"I seriously think the Moon goddess and your Sun god have warped sense of humor. Cal as Esme's root?"

"Don't get me started. So quick update before we get to my office. What I have learned is that some Lord or Lady is turning humans into nightwalkers with the help of some weres. Who? I don't know yet, but I have a trusted friend working on it. And he gets results. I must reassure Original Drago that I have it all under control. I need your support."

"You got it." I will always support my mates, hands down.

I walk Darric back to my office to face the ruling class. Three of them in one place is enough to make the earth shake a little. I link Jeffery to bring Tobias and Salim to my office for this very important meeting.

We enter and everyone is assembled. No one is sitting down, because everyone is on edge.

"Rafe, Tobias, seems there are more and more 'nightwalkers' by the night. What are you doing to find out who's causing this unrest?" Original Drago asks.

"And are we to understand that weres are involved?" asks Elder Thomas.

"Do you know what type of weres are involved," Elder Alexi chimes in.

"Right now, all we know is that weres are involved, not the type. Our man working on this is close to finding the Lord or Lady involved. My impression is that once we find out who, we'll know his or her associates," Tobias answers.

They all look at each other and I bet they are communicating.

"You both have two months and not a minute longer to find this ass wipe. Now if you don't, we will clean house. And if we do step in, it won't be pretty. There will be casualties when we take over. Remember that! And congratulations, this union is the beginning of great things I'm sure," smiles Original Drago.

I don't know which is scarier, his threats or his smile. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I must speak with Rafe alone?" he asks in a telling manner.

We all shudder.

"Rafe, I will stay if you want me to," Darric says.

"Leave now pup before I make you."

I usher my mate out the office promptly. I just completed our mating, I don't want to go through a burial on the same day.

"Apologies sir."

"No need. He did what any mate will do, I respect that. Sit."

"Yes, my Lord."

"How long did Jeffrey give you?"

"Three weeks."

"I know you have a lot on your plate. The ruling council cannot interfere in his affairs. Jeffery's deadline supersedes mine in every way. My advice is to comply fast. None of us know their location so if he takes your mates, we won't be able to find them for you, understand? Remember their motto?"

"Safety over order."

"Exactly, even I cannot do anything to help if you exceed his three weeks."

You're not much help now are you, I think to myself.

He looks me in the eyes and says, "You're right, I won't be much help," then smiles. "Good to see you again, Rafe. Your mates are waiting."

Dang, I forgot, Originals can read minds.

He leaves. I grab my 'other' phone. I need to contact him, time is running out. I walk out and Darric is waiting outside my office.

"Are you okay he asks?"

"I'm fine. Let's find out mate and go on our date." I lead the way through our back entrance and Georgiana is there waiting. "He's waiting in the Lincoln with Jeffery."

"Oh shit!" Darric exclaims.

"What?"

"I forgot. I came with my brother and sister. I need to let them know I'm fine and to go back home after the party."

"Don't worry, I'll let them know. Just call them confirming that you're okay. We don't want them to think we had you for dinner now, do we?"

"Georgiana!!!"

"What! Weres are so paranoid. Just because we drink blood doesn't mean we like steak tartare."

"OMG! How do you deal with her?"

"One moment at a time, my friend, one moment at a time. Let's go."

We reach the car, Cal is in the back seat with Esme. Oh no, another pain in the ass. I get in the driver's seat. Darric is riding shotgun. "Esme, good night." Jeffery opens her door, and she gets out.

"Good night boys."

I drive off and head towards 'Mama Bella', a nice Italian restaurant I know. It is small, intimate and unknown to the public. The owner is a friend, and I'm an investor in her restaurant.

"So, what's Esme on about? You two had your heads together."

"She brought her crush with her. A man called Lars Crane. All these years she never revealed who he was until tonight. I know she's smitten. She didn't say anything of course, but I can tell from what she's not saying. He came with her tonight as her escort, I can't wait to finally meet him. Isn't that great? Esme is in love," Callum gushes.

"Poor man. I wouldn't wish Esme on my worst enemy."

"He needs to run for the hills," we both burst out laughing.

"Hey, you two, she's my friend."

"We're here." I pack and valet my car.

"Good to see you again, Mr. Klyne," the valet greets me.

"Evening, Marco how's school."

"Going well, sir. Mama Bella has your table ready for you." I walk around to my mates. We enter and are led through the restaurant to a small room in the back. My home away from home. And I'm excited to share it with my dates.

"I hope you both like Italian food."

"Love it."

"Like it."

"Well, I have never had an unsatisfied customer, right Rafe?" says Maie aka as 'Mama Bella'. She's a tall, slim woman, in her twenties, with curly black hair, hazel eyes, full lips, ample bosoms, and light mocha skin. She has a beautiful face, with two dimples on display when she talks or smiles.

"Maie, how are you?"

"Fine. It's been quite a while since I saw you and I see why? Introduce me, will you?"

"Maie, meet Callum Yorke and Darric Grey, my mates."

"I'm so happy for you. Finally! So good to meet you two. You have a good man here, treat him well."

"Nice to meet you."

"Pleasure to meet you."

"This calls for a celebration, I will personally prepare all your favorite meals tonight. Enjoy."

"She knows about mates?" asks Callum.

"You both can't tell?"

"Tell what?"

"She's a fairy."

"No!"

"Yes."

"So are they all fairies?"

"No, they are all humans. Fairies don't have much power, so they mingle well with humans. And most paranormal can't sense them because of their limited powers."

We start to talk. Callum and I learn about the changes going on in BloodRose and I must say, it takes a man to realize his mistakes, take ownership and fix it. Darric learns about Wood Inc and the look on his face is priceless and that made Callum proud. They learn about my childhood with Georgiana the terror, Julian my cousin, and Raul my best friend.

It is a relaxing and getting to know each other evening. Time flew by so fast that it was around one am when Maie sent the key to the restaurant to me to lock up. Not the first time that has happened.

"I need to use the bathroom, I'll be right back," Callum says.

"I'll go with you," Darric follows him.

I need to make an important call, so I wave them off. I call him.

"Any update?"

"No, nothing absolute yet."

"I had a visit from Original Drago, Elder Thomas, and Elder Alexi. They gave me a deadline of two months to find the instigator and squash this whole problem or they will."

"The 'big bads' came to town, that's not good. This much I can tell you. This person is not only building an army but he or she is also building a homestead in Nebraska. And I find it significant that the land is the halfway point between you and Tobias. He's well-funded. And most of the minions I've infiltrated don't know him by name or face, only the head weres in charge know him or her. I am working my way up and I should have something definite for you in a few weeks, latest a month. And a bit of good news."

"What?"

"No hunters involved."

"Thanks, I'll hold you to it. I must go, I have a call coming through on my other cell."

"And congrats, I heard about your mating ritual. Talk soon."

How does he know these things? And where are my mates?

"Hello", I answer my other phone

"Rafe, it's Darric and Cal."

"Where are you two?"

"We're on our way to my family's cabin."

"Excuse me?"

"I need some alone time with Cal, so I sort of brought him along. Oh, and I took your car."

"Darric Grey, did you just kidnap our mate?"

"No, Rafe Klyne, I would never kidnap our mate, I just, umm, sort of 'borrowed' him. We'll see you tomorrow," he says laughing and I can't help but laugh with him.

My life is going to be very interesting with these two.

A mischievous Darric is emerging, good!

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