Claimed by the Alpha I Hate – Episode 39
The attack came before sunset. A patrol horn sounded from the western boundary, followed by a second signal warning that the enemy had already crossed the outer line.
Nolan ordered Daisy into the reinforced bedroom. She refused before he finished speaking.
“They came because of me. I’m not waiting behind a door while everyone else bleeds.” Red light trembled around her fingers, weakened by the seal but present.
Nolan wanted to command obedience. The memory of asking her to stay stopped him. “You remain beside Elias and follow every order.”
They reached the boundary as Blackwood wolves clashed with pale figures moving between the trees. The vampires fought only long enough to test the defenses, retreating whenever Nolan approached.
“This isn’t an invasion,” Elias said. “They’re measuring us.”
A vampire broke from the trees and rushed Daisy. She raised her hand, calling the power that had answered during training.
The seal closed. Nothing emerged.
Nolan crossed the distance before the attacker reached her. Claws met a silver blade, and the impact drove both men sideways.
Daisy grabbed a fallen staff and joined the fight using the skills her grandfather taught her. Wolfless did not mean helpless, and sealed power did not erase discipline.
She struck the vampire’s wrist. Nolan followed with a blow that sent the attacker into a tree.
Another figure appeared behind Daisy. Nolan saw the movement and turned his body between them.
The silver blade entered beneath his ribs.
Nolan killed the attacker before dropping to one knee. His blood struck the ground, and the scent reached Daisy with sudden, terrible clarity.
Her vampire senses tore through Lucien’s seal. Hunger rose, but love was stronger. Daisy pressed both hands over the wound.
Red power spread across Nolan’s torn skin. She did not know whether it healed or harmed, only that the bleeding began to slow.
Elias and the remaining warriors drove the attackers into the forest. None stayed to finish the battle. Their purpose had been achieved: Daisy’s reaction had been observed.
Nolan looked up at her, pain clouding his eyes. “You came back,” he said, feeling her power through the bond.
“So did you.” Daisy kept pressure on the wound while red light moved between her fingers.
From the distant ridge, Lucien watched the seal fracture around Daisy’s power. The bond made her stronger than Klaudius predicted—and far more valuable than either vampire intended to admit.