Chapter 45

JANETTE was enjoying a small berry in her mouth when Jeffrey pointedly looked at her with a sneer. She almost choked on the sour juice. 'What in the world is he up to now?' "What are you glaring at me for? I asked the kitchen ladies to make you pancakes and bacon. Isn't that what you liked the most?"

Kael nodded in greeting as he sat down on his chair. "You had a bad morning, kid?"

"Not really." Jeffrey drawled, "I just saw someone I shouldn't."

He gave him a timely expression of pity and understanding. "You should stop surfing on your phone so you won't see any news about him. You're just tormenting yourself out of nothing. You're a good kid, Jeffrey."

"Why not?" He smiled wanly in turn. Now he can't help but feel his entire family are bunch of actors. "I think I should thank him. He made me realize I'm lacking and immature before."

Kael's hand stiffened imperceptibly but he was grinning when he said, "Yes. You've grown to be a very reasonable man, Jeffrey. Though, as your father, I think you're not lacking."

"Hmn... thank you, dad." Jeffrey wiped the side of his mouth and prompted, "I think I should consider marriage now, mom. The announcement will be a good distraction now that we still have no leads about Howard and Peter."

Peter had defected. Jeffrey would like to think that he didn't expect it but it was not totally unpredictable. Cedric had always told him to be weary about that man. He was never really good with Jeffrey before. So he didn't put it in heart to feel betrayed.

Mirtle succeeded Peter's position and Jeffrey worked as his assistant, or their colleagues like to call it, partnership. Mirtle never treated him like he's inferior. And the fact that his mate left him behind for another woman didn't diminish his respect for Jeffrey.

They were both young but Mirtle is a seasoned worker. He knew how it works. And since this is just temporary, their actions were supervised every once in a week.

"Once I get married and settle down, the rest of the coven will stop thinking of me as a kid. There will be a lot of opportunity once I marry a woman from the known families."


Kael's spoon fell on the floor. Janette coughed loudly to get his attention. "You don't have to be so hasty about this, Jeffrey. You just lost your mate, remember?"

"It's been five months, mom, and Cedric will marry Dianne in less than a month now. Why can't I?"

Kael opened his mouth. "Son, how about you wait for two months? I just want you to think about this thoroughly. If you won't change your mind in two months, we will find a suitable partner for you."

'Two months?' Jefrrey's suspicion tightened in his gut. 'What's going to happen in two months?'





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"HE WHAT?" Daniel was scared for a moment. Cedric's head snapped back at him faster than a bullet. He thought he'd break his neck! "How can he request something like that? Someone must have seduced him at work!"

"Jeffrey has three companions following him around to be his 'therapy'. What do you expect?"

"Max told me that he will take care of him. What does a companion do?"

Daniel went for the heaviest blow. They've been talking for twenty minutes now and his attention span was long blown to the wind. "They kiss. They touch. They offer comfort."

"Fuck!"

He refused to sympathize with Cedric. He should've known from the start that Max won't play fair. "See, he can punish you dearly. It was your fault for not marking the heir while you had the chance."

"…I." Cedric went silent. He gasped. "I'm just scared. My vampire side marked him, and I can't barely stop myself from wanting him so much. If... If my wolf..."

"You said I'm a dog. Well, that dog side of me is my most vulnerable point. I get easily attached. I'm afraid I'll love him to the end and leave nothing for myself. Once he die or he suffered even the smallest grievance, I know it will hurt me the most. I can't...give myself away like that."

"How did you become such a mess, Idrik?" Daniel worried his lips. This mating stuff is scary. He should stay away from Kayden. Or just, keep a little distance.

"There's still two months. Are you sure that the Howard will be there at the wedding?"

"Yes. I scented him from Dianne on the hotel when Max married. It looks like he gave her the invitation. He wanted to use Dianne's family to cause problems in the coven. To create a steady connection with their pack and his side, he will absolutely go on Dianne's wedding. I think he's going to change his appearance. We need to scan the guest list and have their background checked one by one and narrow it down to him." Cedric raise a hand and gripped his hair hard. "Where is Jeffrey now? Do you know where did he go?"

"He might be working at the moment. Don't worry. Max sifted through their papers, no field work until Howard and Peter is caught. Stop frowning now. You're ruining my day." Daniel stood and put on his wig. "Play safe, Idrik. You still have a mate to coax when you get back. Shave that beard, will you? A three day old beard looks like one weeks' growth on you."

"Shit..." He winced. "I hadn't shave since the last time I saw him."

"You're getting married soon. Shouldn't you be smiling?" Daniel left his new home while laughing. He could only roll his eyes before going to the bathroom.

'How dare you think about getting married?' Cedric grumbled as he cleaned himself. He needed to see the brat again. Max advised him to tone down his movements since the point zero is near but he can't expect Cedric to take his words seriously when he never took his part into action.