The Alpha And His Mate (Silver Hills #1)

Chapter 26

I felt strangely anxious as I stared up at the Mason house. I'd walked through those doors countless times now yet... it felt different now. Behind those walls was a vicious vampire who had tried to force me to marry him. I wasn't sure how comfortable even being this close to him.

"Are you ready?" Jax asked me.

I took a deep breath. I had faced my mom's wrath and tears this morning (after sneaking into my bedroom and making myself decent). She had been seconds away from ringing the police after hearing from Angel that I was last seen in the woods. I would have to think of a good excuse for that later, but for now I would have to face the council.

Despite it being summer, I felt chilled enough to need to wear a light coat. It was one of my longest ones, brushing past my knees. The unconventional length and light brown colour reminded me of Caspar. He had saved me from the vampires last time. Maybe one day I would manage to save myself instead of being useless.

I knocked politely on the door, a tense Jax on my arm glaring at every single object he caught sight of. Unfortunately, Richard opened the door and his glaring intensified.

Richard's lips turned into a scowl when he saw my companion. "I presume you're here to see Victor," he said in a dead voice, ad if he expected me to be there to see him.

How much clearer could I be that I didn't like him?

"Yes," I replied quickly before Jax could start growling again. "And to thank Diana for her help finding me."

Richard began to lead us into the house. As we walked he casually said, "that's if you have a moment to speak to Diana. Victor won't let anyone but her tend to his wounds, even though she has no medical experience and has been hysterical since she found out about everything! Genevieve thinks it's because she's the only mortal here who doesn't have some former connection to him and therefore is unbiased."

Jax raised an eyebrow at me, clearly thinking the same thing I was. Before he could speak the words I knew he was dying to say I cut in with, "that makes sense to me."

Richard stopped and gestured for us to enter the main lounge. It was strange seeing the pristine and modern room, so often seen covered in drunk teenagers and strobe lights when the Mason boys threw one of their infamous parties, transformed into a bizarre hybrid between a hospital and jail.

One of the white leather sofas had been pulled out to make a vast sofa bed. Pillows and blankets were thrown across it to make the space more comfortable for the injured vampire lord sat bundled up in the middle.

"Look at his chains," Jax whispered to me as we stood awkwardly by the door, not yet noticed by the preoccupied council members bustling about the room.

I took a sharp breath when I noticed the heavy metal chains worn like jewellery on his wrists and ankles, all tied together to a shimmering copper post in the corner besides the sofa.

"It's awful," I agreed solemnly.

My mate gave me a strange look. "It's not that. If Victor wanted to he could easily break free. Those chains may be enchanted but Lord Thornwood is an ancient power."

"Is he likely to do that?" I asked. My question was instantly answered when a familiar red-haired girl came to my side. Diana. She hadn't been in the room when we first entered.

I looked at how Victor, still bleeding profusely from the gashed Jax gave him despite all the bandaging and ointments used, snapped to attention as soon as the Thorpe girl came into close proximity.

Diana had her long hair tied back into a braid. She had changed out of her skirts and scarfs into a short sleeved blouse and practical trousers. The blood stains that painted the white fabric of her top made it obvious she had been playing nurse all night.