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Advica POV

Nothing, and I mean nothing in my eventful life, could ever prepare me for this kind of pain. I wish I could find a word to describe the way it was soaring inside me. It was simply a painful mix of physical pain and emotional distress. And the pain got stronger the farther he walked away. But what hurt the most was the look he had when he heard my answer. A look that I knew would haunt me for the rest of my life.

I wish I was capable of lying. Lying was something that I stopped practicing a long time ago. I came to learn the hard way that lying when you are surrounded by supernatural beings is simply stupid. And more importantly, it always ends in a bad way for me. So I started telling the hard truth no matter what. And at some point, I stopped caring about the consequences of my blunt words. They shouldn't ask me questions if they couldn't handle my answers. I didn't care about the reactions. Whether it is hurt, anger, or simply chock. But that was before I saw his face.

The men I knew in my life were strong, unwavering, and stone cold. But over the years, I got to discover some of their weaknesses. Even though I don't like using that word, it was the best description of the things that brought those men to their knees. Reymond, my unexpected mate, looked and acted the same way as those unbreakable men. And I not only managed to find his weakness, but I also poked it so hard to the point of making him cry. The sight of that single tear gliding on his cheek was hunting.

I don't remember much about what happened after that. I have a vague memory of my newfound protectors taking me back inside and trying to make me eat, but I couldn't. How could I eat when I could barely breathe. At some point, they both gave up and walked out of the room, giving me some space. I limped my way to the window and sat there despite my aching body. I cried silently, watching the falling snow until I fell asleep.

"Ady! Wake, princess!" Big hands shook me gently until I half-opened my eyes.

"Five minutes, Boris. I'm tired." I moaned my usual morning plead. Familiar hearty laughter filled the room, making me blink a couple of times before standing up abruptly. A cry left my lips the moment I put weight on my injured ankle. I was instantly lifted in a warm embrace and gently put down on the bed. Tears were free-falling as if they were resuming last night's pace. I launched myself in Boris' arms and held him as tightly as I could.

"Is it that painful!? Ady! Talk to me!" I cried harder as he rubbed my back, sides, and arms. It may look like a calming gesture, but it wasn't done for my comfort only. He was checking for any additional injuries other than the visible ones. When he was sure that I had no serious damage he sighed and hugged me back until I calmed down. He gave me a minute to collect myself before gently pushing me away and handing me a tissue box.

"When did you arrive?" I nosily asked him without meeting his eyes.

"About twenty minutes ago. I was sent here first to check on you." He sat beside me and started arranging the bird's nest I called my hair.

"You were sent? Is he here?" I turned to him, surprised. I expected Boris to come and get me but not him. He rarely makes public appearances.

"Of course he is. Who else can order me around?" I notice the slight twitch of his lips as he examen my face. I guess puffy I-cried-myself-to-sleep face plus bruises was not my best look.

"Take me to him!!" I urged him, but it only made him smirk.

"Oh, right! There is also this cheeky brat who thinks she can boss me around!!" His hands moved to my bruised cheeks and pinched hard.

"Aw! Aw! It hurts, Boris. Please stop!" Tears were falling again. This old vampire didn't care about my pain. No! He enjoys it.

"I'll stop if you tell me what happened!" He pinched harder, ignoring my agony.

"Nothing, I was just happy to see you. AWWW! You're killing me!" I cried harder.

"No one died of bruised cheeks! Now Talk! Girl, you know better than to lie to me." I know that, but how am I supposed to break it down to him. He must felt my resignation and let go of my poor cheeks.

"Iamawerewolfsmate," I murmured in one single breath. He frowned, his expression turning serious.

"What?" His tone was of pure chock.

"I am a werewolf's mate!" I whispered, feeling the pain crawling back inside me. He looked at me without a word. His eyes were piercing through mine. "Say something, please," I begged him after a couple of minutes of pure silence.

"Did he try to force you? Is that why you were crying?" He stood up, eyes turning red with anger. A sudden fear for Rey took over. I didn't want him to face Boris' fury.

"No, he didn't!!" I tried to stand up, and that was all it took for him to calm down. He pushed me back down, eying my wrapped-up limb.

"Then why did you cry yourself to sleep?". His rough hand held mine gently.

"I... didn't... I mean.." I mumbled, not knowing from where to start.

"Don't lie girl! You know how bad I take lies." He reminded me for the second time. "Does he know?" I nodded.

"I told him about my status and my intent to fulfill my commitment, and he...." I choked on my tears, remembering his pained expression and then his retreating figure.

"So? Did you fight?" His tone softened as he observed me.

"I wish! He looked hurt and just walked away without a word." I closed my eyes, feeling the agonizing pain again. "Since then I feel like I'm dying." I rubbed my chest, trying to ease the discomfort.

"Strange! The bond is not supposed to be this strong after a first meeting."

"It's not our first meeting." I shyly admitted.

"What do you mean? All the werewolves you've ever met were mated." A confused Boris was a very rare sight, but unfortunately, I was in no mood to relish the moment or to tease him.

"He's the guy from the train." I buried my head in his chest, needing his comfort more than ever. It took him a couple of seconds to understand what I was talking about. After all, he was the only person I've ever talked to about that strange encounter.

"Oh, Ady! It means that you both accepted and started the bond years ago. How did he survive that long? It must've been harder for him." his voice held no compassion toward him, just curiosity.

"He said that has been dreaming of me too." I smiled, remembering what he said. "Boris, I need your help, please! I don't want to leave yet. Please help me! You're the only one who can!!" I pushed myself out of his hold and grabbed his hands as tight as I could. Soon his usual blank expression was on. It may look like he didn't care, but I knew that it also meant that he was thinking.

" Who is he, Ady?"

"His name is Reymond Wilson," I felt a warmth soothing my pain as I said his name out loud.

"The acting head enforcer!! I just met him!!" He paused for a second, thinking about something he didn't feel like sharing. "We'll talk about it later. We need to join the meeting now!" I nodded, giving him time to process the new information. He helped me get ready before carrying me out. Eve and Josef were standing by the door. They both bowed as we approached them.

"How are you feeling Princeznà," Josef asked politely, while Eve gave me her signature soft smile.

"Better, thank you!" Boris walked past them without sparing them a single look.

"Follow me!"

"Yes, my Lord!" They both answered and followed us silently. Two of what looked like warrior wolves were waiting for us at the end of the hall and guided us to the meeting room. As expected, we didn't cross paths with anyone during our long walk. I suppose they warned their pack members to stay away from the cold-blooded vampires visiting today.

We walked inside a big building that looked a few centuries old but well kept. After walking forever we reached a big redwood door. Two beautifully engraved wolves were facing each other and howling to the moon. Boris stopped walking, making our escort halt too. They eyed him then the door without saying a word. He didn't pay them any attention. He just looked me in the eyes for a long minute, then put a soft kiss on my forehead. This was his answer.

He resumed walking as the door opened for us. He walked in and stood up in the middle of the room, facing a big long table. On one side were the wolves, and on the other side were the vampires. My breath hitched when I caught sight of him. There he was, standing tall in his combat suit. His eyes met mine, turning black for a split second before he looked away. My heart dropped at his reaction, and the need to cry was back again.

"Lord Birkoff, as you have witnessed with your own eyes, we did take care with the utmost respect of your people, especially your protégé." He spoke as his eyes looked straight at Boris. Something in the way he spat the last part made me shiver.

"Yes, head enforcer Wilson," Boris answered him, holding me tighter when he felt my tremor. "That is something that no one of the clans involved would ever forget." His head tilting slightly, followed by the two other vampires sitting by the table. The Heads of the Mesiac and Moonrow clans. The man, just like Boris, was wearing a fitted black three-piece suit while the woman was wrapped in a red dress decorated with beads.

"Well, now that you've made sure that your people are fine, Let us start this meeting." My mate's eyes were somewhere on the other side of the table, but mine couldn't look away from the man who refused to spare me a second glance. I hid my face in Boris' neck, trying to sniffle my tears.

"We're still missing the most important person," Boris said as he helped me sit down next to the Moonrow clan Lord. She nodded her head, acknowledging me with a grace I knew I'd never have.

"And who are we waiting for exactly?" Reymond asked, surprised by this new revelation. He was about to say something else when the door opened, and a couple walked in like Royalty. He bowed slightly, followed by the two wolves behind him.

"Your highnesses! We were not expecting you!" He looked at them with a slight frown, his eyes glazed for a couple of a second before his frown deepened even more.

"Vivy!?" All eyes turned to the man who entered with such confidence you'd believe he owns the place. Instantly, all the vampires present fell to their knees, but he ignored all of them and walked straight toward me. He kneeled in front of me, fingers rubbing gently my busted lip and eyes observing every bruise on my face.

"I'm fine, Leo!" I put my hand over his and brought it away from my face, feeling overly conscious of my mate's shocked expression.

"Duke Anetti, I assure you that our medics took the utmost care of your Protégé." The man, I suppose is the werewolves king, said with a nervous smile while his queen was observing me curiously. I guess it's her first time meeting a Protégé. I don't blame her. We're rarely exposed to outsiders before being turned.

"Still not good enough, young King." He snapped at him, not caring about the wolves growling back at his disrespect toward their leader. One of them was growling fiercely, and I knew that it was for another reason. He ignored everyone and kept his full attention on me. Both of his hands were stocking my broken ankle, accessing the damage. "My Princess, I was just briefed about the whole situation. Whoever it was, they will pay brutally for daring to touch you."

"I'm sorry, Leo. I should've been more careful." I said, ashamed for failing him.

"Shh, love. I know. Everything will be fine once we're back home". He said as he took me in his arms and stood up. My heart squeezed at his announcement. I looked at Boris, startled. Now was a good time to help. He clenched his fists without saying a word. My eyes flew to Rey. I didn't know what I wanted him to do, but I needed him to do it now.

"If I may ask you to wait for a little, your grace. We still need to discuss a few things." Rey said, earning a glare from his king. I suppose he wanted Leo out of his hair as soon as possible.

"Such as, head enforcer?" His glowing red eyes turned toward him. I couldn't help the pride I felt when my mate didn't flinch like the rest of the wolves.

"Our joined investigation?" Rey answered in a professional tone.

"I can assure you that the three clan lords are more than enough for that discussion." He answered as he took a couple of steps toward the door. My eyes shoot back toward Boris, but before he could say anything, the door burst open, and a couple entered. The man walked straight toward us, offering his hand. Leo sighed and put me down. One arm holding me securely around my waist, and the other shaking the mysterious men's hand.

"Leo, what a pleasure to see you after all these years."

"Luca, what a surprise! You look good, considering the rumors." I zoomed out of their conversation, watching the woman smile brightly at my mate before hugging him. Anger was taking over me. who is she? why does he look happy to see her? When will he let her go? I booming laughter shook the room. I refocused on the man named Luca as he put his hand on Leo's shoulder without care.

"Why would I mourn my mate when she's right by my side." As in cue, the woman walked toward us. "Love, meet Duke Leonardo Anetti, general of the vampires' army. Leo, meet Maya Santis, my mate and recently wife." The woman smiled at both of us.

"Princess Maya, It's a real pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your mate and I go way back." Leo kissed the back of her hand. I had to give credit to this Maya. She didn't look affected either by Leo's aura or the growing tension in the room.

"The pleasure is all mine, Duke Anetti. May I ask who's the lady by your side." She asked politely, taking him by surprise. By vampire etiquette, you're not supposed to inquire about the companion of a lord. "Did I make a mistake?" She asked her mate when she noticed our surprise.

"You were supposed to wait for him to introduce her if he ever felt like it." I was taken aback by the softness of his voice while he was explaining her mistake. She bit her lips and looked back at us.

"I apologize, I didn't know," Leo observed her with great interest, but before he could respond, she spoke again. "But it's not right! I mean, yes, I'm completely ignorant of all your protocols and etiquette, but still!! It's 2021!! Why would we." She pointed between herself and me. "need to wait for you, if you ever decided to, to introduce us before we could talk to each other." Leo opened his mouth, but she cut him again. "And one more thing, I really hope you're not the one behind the young lady's injuries. I may be Human, but my mate is a Lycan, and he knows how to kick buts!"

She looked at him with a pointed look, completely unaware of the gravity of her words. Even her mate didn't look disturbed as he looked at her with such tenderness, reminding me of my mate. My eyes looked for him, expecting some kind of worried or scared look. But he was not. He looked amused. Our eyes met, and the amusement was gone. He stared at me and at the arm wrapped around me before looking away.

"Well, she's worth all the wait, my friend," Leo said with a grin to his friend before addressing Maya again. "Princess Maya, allow me to introduce my protégé, Advica." He paused to put a tender kiss on my temple. "And no, I'm not the one behind her state." Maya took a deep breath as she kept his gaze for a few seconds before turning her attention to me.

"Lady Advica, it's nice meeting you. I am sincerely sorry about whatever you went through." Her hand took mine and squeezed it lightly. "I hope you find it in yourself to forgive my blunder. As an apology, can I invite you for Lunch? Your companions are, of course, included in this invitation." She asked him with a hopeful smile.

"Say yes, Leo. It's been what? a couple of decades, right?" Luca asked him too.

"Thank you, but I don't want to overwhelm Vivy after what she went through." My eyes shot desperately to her, mentally begging her to insist some more.

"Oh, you won't have to worry about it. It's nothing formal. A friendly lunch at our private quarters. Only Luca and Rey would be present." Leo's eye turned red again as he looked at Rey.

"And why would the acting head enforcer be present at an informal lunch?" My heart started beating fast. His reactions toward him were not good at all. His glare was interrupted by Maya's giggles.

"You don't know? He's Luca's hidden child!!"