#Chapter 68: Everything will be alright

Olivia’s POV
Gabriel and I were sitting in the foyer when the news came to us.
“Good evening Alpha and Luna…I come with tragic news,” the attendant came to us.
After hearing about Herold’s death, nothing could console me. I could not stop crying no matter who tried to comfort me. Celine had been in and out of the palace since she found out about Herold’s death.
“I know that your history with the Alpha was shaking, but at least you and he had closure before…” Celine said as she saw Gabriel enter the room with Reese.
I had told Reese after he was released from the hospital that he was welcomed to stay with Gabriel and I. When he refused and asked why I cared so much; I told him the truth. Reese sat down next to me and pulled me into an embrace.
“Everything will be alright Olivia. I promise we will find out who did this to Alpha Herold.” Gabriel said as he grabbed my hand.
“Can I have a minute alone?” I asked as I kissed Reese on the forehead. I looked over to my best friend Celine and she gave me a smile and a nod. I know it would be hard for my mate to leave my side.
In times of grief, mates would stay by one of each other’s side. It made me ponder how Herold did not stay with me when we grieved for his mother’s passing. I shook the thought and other thoughts of hatred towards him out of my mind. I walked out of the house when everyone gave me space and made my way to the beach.
I slipped off my sandals and walked towards the wading tides. I smiled a sad grin as I crushed all the grounded glass with my toes. My breath was shaky as I made a decision that I hoped I would not regret.
“I know I have asked for your blessing, but I ask you once me. Please give your gift to the man that meant the world to me. Let him come back even if….even if I never see him again in this life.”
But when I stared up at the sky, there was nothing. I dropped my gaze to the tides and saw that my prayers had gone unanswered. I fell to my knees and sobbed. As I hung my head down, I felt warmth around me.
The scent of my mate overwhelmed me. I opened my eyes to find that Gabriel had wrapped his arms around me. He brought us away from the current. I figured he thought that in my grief I would try to end my life, but I did not have the heart to tell him it was the last thing on mind.
He shushed my sobs as he embraced my body and pulled me into his. His back was against a polished rock half submerged in the sand. I cradled my head in his chest, while my lower half was in between his legs.
“I know, my love. I know he meant so much to you. Cry to the heavens and I will be here when you are ready.” Gabriel said, as he planted a kiss on my forehead. I don’t know when we returned to the palace, but Gabriel never left my side, even when slumber took over my body.
When I woke up, I entered the kitchen to see that one of the bodyguards that had been shot during the ambush was standing at the door.
“Good morning, Queen Luna,” he said as he bowed to me.
“Good morning...I am sorry I never got your name.” I said, looking at the man. There was a scar by his throat. Funny, I did not remember him having it before. I shook my head as i made my way to the kitchen table.
I smiled when I saw Gabriel sitting across from me, reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee next to him.
“Good morning Gabriel.” I said as the kitchen attendant handed me a mug of hot coffee. He flipped down his paper and his smile touched his eyes.
“And to you, my love. I hope you got plenty of rest.” Gabriel said as he put down the paper. “Well, there has been a development with the new Vampire King.”
We heard a growl behind us; I turned to see the bodyguard standing and trying to hold in his frustration.
“Pardon me, your majesties. I apologize for my outburst.” The wolf looked at me and I saw a hint of yellow in his eyes.
Gabriel waved him away. “No problem Emanuel, this matter has every wolf on edge. I would be surprised if you were not upset. You may go.”
Emanuel left us, and Gabriel continued as soon as he left the room. “The new Vampire King still wants to continue his attack. His warnings have spread that he aims to come to our pack next.”
“But that makes little sense. He is passing at least two other packs to get to ours. Why?”
Gabriel shook his head. “I am not sure, but I do know that many of Herold’s pack members have sided with the Vampire King in his mission. What that maybe is still unclear.”
“Will there be a meeting with him?” I asked.
Gabriel nodded. “The President and I arranged for us to meet with the and his two subordinates later this week. I am bringing my Beta as well.”
“I would like to attend.” I said. I wanted to see the monster that took the life of Alpha Herold.
“Out of the question. I do not want you in harm’s way,” Gabreil growled.
“Please, I want to know why the Vampire King is doing this. Why Alpha Herold of all wolves?” I looked at my mate and so the confliction in his eyes. I knew he did not want me to be there, but if he refused, I would not let up on asking.
“Fine,” he growled. “But whatever I say, you listen to me, understand?”
I nodded as I got up and sat in his lap. “I understand my king.” I said as I kissed his lips.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
When the day finally came, Gabriel and I met the President at the rendezvous. I was so nervous that I kept wiping my palms on my pants suit. Luckily, I chose the color black to hide it.
Everyone stayed silent during as we entered the sanction. Gabriel had warned me before we got there that we would stay mind linked to one another if we got separated. I was to stay near Emanuel if anything happened to Gabriel. I did not want to think of losing another mate.
We made our way to the hall, and I was in awe of everything around me. There were several tapestries hanging on the wall. Many of the statues on display were made from a black ore instead of white marble.
When we come to the end of the hall, a small woman with silver hair stacked on top of her head like an updo. She bowed to us with a smile. I could sense that she was no human, but I could not be sure.
“Good evening, Mr. President.” She extended her hand and Pres. Fernadez took it. When he let go of it he seemed to snap out of a trance.
“My name is Marina, and it is a pleasure to meet the great Alpa King Gabriel Nunez and his mate Queen Luna Rebecca Nunez.” She said as she curtsy to us. When she picked up her head, I saw her smile flashing her fangs.
‘Where is your King?” Gabriel said as he looked away from the young woman.
“Our Master is in the foyer awaiting your arrival. It pleases him that you made a safe journey. If you follow me, I will take you to him.” Marina said as she skirted away from us. That was when I noticed that her dress stopped at her waist and the folds of the dress continued as if she wore a layer of tutus like a ballerina.
Entering the foyer, I saw one man I did not recognize. I saw Herold’s Beta sitting in a chair with his hands clasped. Sitting, I could only see his red collared shirt. I was upset to hear that he had turned against his Alpha.
There was a fireplace that was not ignited. The table that was near the fireplace sat at least eight people, but I saw six chairs.
The other man was standing and leaning against the wall. He smiled at us when we entered the doorway. But what shocked me was seeing my old friend sitting at the end of the at. He smiled at me when our eyes met.
“Eugene,” I whispered.
I started to move away from my group, however Gabriel caught my arm and growled.
My love, he is not your friend anymore. Stay with me.
I looked at my mate and nodded. He ushered me to the opposite side of the table. The President sat at the end of the other side adjacent to Eugene.
Gabriel sat me in between the President and himself on the right side. There was enough room that Gabriel was not closer enough to touch the traitorous Beta, but he was closer enough to try. Gabriel’s Beta and Emanuel both stood behind me. Gabriel made his instructions clear.
Before anyone could speak, I shouted, “Eugene, you must end this war.” No one silenced me.
“Please tell me you are not the one that killed your brother.” I said. I could feel the tears fall.
“Yes, my queen, I killed the late Alpha because of his treatment towards you and those around him.”
“HE ATONED FOR THAT!” I screamed. I stood out of my chair and when Gabriel reached for me, but I shrugged out of his touch. “You killed your brother out of jealousy. You are attempting to attack the pack of my mate because I did not choose you!”
I hiccupped as I tried to gain my composure. I felt like there were invisible chains wrapped around my body. I was clenching on to everything around me. Trying to figure out why death followed me wherever I walked.
“Please, I ask, not as the Queen Luna to the Vampire King. I am asking as your friend. Please Eugene, end this war,” I said.
I felt his hand palm my cheek and wipe the tears from my eyes.
“I will end the war for you. I am happy that you were reborn. Herold was not the only man that needed to make atonement for you.
I have always regretted not taking you away from that monster before you died. I felt the Goddess gave us a second chance and being the Vampire King gave me the opportunity to seize the moment, but not at the expense of your tears,” Eugene said.
He sighed as he nodded to his Beta. He removed a rolled up scroll and placed it on the table.
“I will end the war on the conditions that you make the Beta of Herold’s pack, Joseph, their new Alpha. I will govern it as an ambassador and nothing more.