Chapter 48

"DON'T YOU think I look older than Julien?" Howard laughed. The ridicule in his eyes made Cedric feel pity for him. This is a kind of vampire who has lost his reason and his self-respect. He paid a lot to pave himself a way and have recognition at last, but the world won't allow him. Even nature itself know that he's not deserving. "Regardless if Julien was an Adenhart or not, he can easily fight for the highest position. You know why? He was born for it. He transformed earlier than Max. I live my childhood always being reminded how exceptional was he. How can I keep up? It took me 45 years."


"Julien worked hard to achieve enlightenment—"

"And you think I didn't? No, you're wrong. Julien didn't even raise a hand. He just woke up one day and my parents congratulated him because he fucking transformed fully, overnight." Howard leaned closer to Cedric, whispering, "He doesn't need to sweat for it. Why is that? My brother is the favored son of the fates! Then what am I?"

"That still doesn't qualify you to lock him up!" Jeffrey shouted, his neck straining from exertion. "He spent almost all of his life confined! Why didn't you just kill him?"

Howard frowned. He inched closer to Jeffrey. Without another delay, a sound slap made his face askew. "Who said I did that to harm him? In fact, I've always wanted to preserve his body. Make him immortal. He's my idol, even if I hate him sometimes. I want him to be pure and not tainted by filth like you and that hybrid."

"You simpletons misunderstood my meaning. I wanted Julien to cooperate and help me scheme and expell Max from the coven. He wouldn't obey me so I resulted to forcefully getting his blood and saliva from him. He only has to have a mate." He spat beside Jeffrey's seat. "Another unworthy—"

"Julien chose to die because of him." He reiterated. "You won't disrespect Owell in my eyes."

"All the more explanation why I firmly believe he's stupid. He wasted his natural talents on that weak raven!" Howard purse his lips. A flash of speculation entered his eyes. "Ah, right. You were betrayed once, aren't you? Right. That raven was lucky to have Julien while your mate chose to be engaged to someone else. Do you want to know what they did, Jefferson? Do you want to hear everything that Cedric promised to Dianne?"

A diabolical laugh erupted from him. Eyes squinting with tears. "Yes, isn't it crazy? No one can stay faithful."

Jeffrey's face dimmed. Cedric's breath caught. He was more agitated by this moment than when Howard pointed a gun at him. 'No...'

Peter had gone to guard outside. Until now, the man can't still fend off this instinct. His gut-feeling insisted that something bad might happen.

"Was there really a thing that he did to Dianne?" Jeffrey's question met silence. He continued, "Was there really a promise left behind?"

"I'm sure there isn't. Even if Cedric did, I know he feel like shit after doing it. You know why?" The corner of his lips curved. "He spent every night in my room. Fostering our bond. Healing both of our souls. Touching me like I am his everything when I'm asleep."

'You are.' Cedric lowered his head. He won't let Jeffrey see the corners of his eyes. They are red. He can feel the warmth. He struggled with the chain around his hand. If he has to break his hand while doing it... he won't hesitate. As long as he can free his mate.

"You think you won a step ahead. Your expectation exceeded your ignorance." Jeffrey's lower lip trembled, eyes going unfocused. "Once Uncle Max get ahold of you, you won't live past another day. Cherish your time, Elder Howard."

Howard tilted his head. The scheme in his eyes recovering with a blink. "You're threatening me? Jeffrey Duvas, the heir, is threatening someone! Haha!" He massaged his neck. "I know about Max, you don't need to remind me. You're just wasting your breath. Before Max can kill me, your dead body should be buried six feet under."

"Don't!" Cedric thrashed. Both of his feet and hands are tied. Only his head can turn with little space. "You!"

"I recalled a day where I heard you spurting curses after curses because of the heir, Cedric." Howard turned to the table. Jeffrey swallowed audibly when he saw him reaching for a syringe with a pale blue liquid inside. "Can you believe that I can cure you? You see, when I heard that Julien marked a raven, I exhausted myself just to find a way to break it. Look what I found?"

"Without the heir, you will get your life back on track. No mating pull. No whiny mind link at the back of your head. No more unnatural lust around a man. You can play around like you usually do."

'Fuck you.' Cedric's hid his expression of disdain. He took a discreet glance on Jeffrey. "What do you mean, Howard?"

"Hmn." The confidence in Howard's eyebrows made him look arrogant, proud but still stupid. "I knew a pharmaceutical company. The owner is a man just like you, but he's forced to mate with a woman. A tiger shifter. They were fated mates. Yet my friend knew that he's just being manipulated by destiny. He won't allow it. He understood how it works and he figured how to stop it. He was the first one to use this."

"The price made me lose half of my wealth but I thought, Julien, my brother's prospects, is worth triple than my own money. I bought one. Just for him." A sad smile crossed his face. It gave Cedric the illusion that he is indeed remorseful on what happened with his brother. "He's gone, but you're still here. I'll give this to you. But you have to understand that your loyalty should be mine. You're a good dog, Cedric. It's a pity to lose such a good fighter like you."

Cedric hesitated. Howard showed Jeffrey a triumphant smile.

His mate's eyes flickered with heartache. He payed no mind and asked instead, "Is there any side effects?"

"There are none. I know you're a sensible man." A secretive smile formed at Howard's mouth. It evolved to a lecherous grin when he looked back at Jeffrey. "Don't worry about the heir. After I cured you, the heir will naturally fall under my hands."

Cedric hurriedly hung his head. The pupils in his eyes contracted with loathing. He bit the insides of his mouth to prevent him from clenching his fist. He had those ideas with his mate.

This dirty old man has nasty thoughts with his mate!

"How can I be sure that you won't kill me?" Cedric made a skeptical appearance. He purse his lips. "After all, you killed your own brother."