Chapter 226

Matthias' POV

It seems that Davyna has been doing better now that Sage has come to visit. I was really getting worried. Ever since Klaire died, I know she's struggled. I've tried my best but nothing seems to help her move on. I've given her as much space as she needed, and that's continued now that we're here at the Hollow. It works for her, instead of having me hovering over her at all times. She's an adult, and I have to trust in her that she's doing what's good for her. I miss my wife terribly. I wish she could have been here to see the work l'm doing, and for Davyna's sanity.

My duties here as a councilman have taken up much more of my time

then I thought. I understand why though, it's been a hard transition between the human and supernatural races and there are a lot of kinks to work out. The other council members have welcomed me with open arms and have treated me fairly, even when I've discussed topics that make them uncomfortable. For example, the vampire covens initially wanted to open up feeding stations so their kind could have access to blood whenever they wanted.

I explained how things like that wouldn't work for relations because then the humans would most likely perceive that as them being treated as cattle. And when we're supposed to engineering peace, that would be the furthest thing from it. I suggested in place, that we keep all blood readily accessible, and humans can donate their blood if they feel comfortable doing so. If someone wanted to offer "from the vein" then they would have to put in a request to do so in their local city.

The council saw my point and have made some necessary adjustrments

so that we can continue to work towards a peaceful coexistence.

The current situation is baffling though, and actually doesn't have to do with the human race for once, at least not yet. Celeste and Cyrus, the leaders of the largest vampire coven, and Kellan and Meira, Alpha and Luna of the largest werewolf pack, have been getting reports from other clans and packs all over saying some of their members are just up and disappearing. It's worrisome to some extent, considering what these beings are capable of, but investigations have come back empty-handed. Until we find some concrete evidence of what's been happening, there's really not much else we can do.

Davyna's POV

Why did l agree to this? Ugh.

I wipe the sweat threatening to pour down my face. Vincent

"How you doing?" Caleb asks as he comes up beside me.

"I'm starting to really struggle now, are we almost done?" He nods. I throw my hands up in the air

"Finally! What else is there?"

"3 15 rep sets of weighted squats." Fuck. I hate squats.

"You're gonna kill me, Caleb." He chuckles and goes and grabs a 51lb weight for me, and then grabs 2 clearly heavier weights for himself. I guess he's doing some arm weight lifting as his last exercise. He hands me my weight and I get into position to start my first set of squats.

"Remember to keep your core tight, try to keep level with the

floor and exhale as you come up." I nod and start. After my first set is done, Vincent makes his way over, throwing a towel over his shoulder and sits on the bench near Caleb and I go to start my second set, but I quickly glance at Caleb and my god.

Seeing him so focused, I can't help but admire it. The muscles are okay, too. I get slightly distracted in my thoughts and I drop my weight I was holding. I gasp as it falls from my hand and go to jump back so I don't crush my toes, but Vincent has already caught it. He looks up at me, blond hair tousled, hazel eyes burning into mine. My heart jumps into my throat. He's really goddamn beautiful.

"I think we're done for the day Caleb." He says as he goes and puts the weight back on the racks. "Sure thing, Vincent." He says as he goes and puts his own weights back. I go over to my bag on the bench and take a few sips of water and see them chatting t

other. I managed to Keep it cool until that last moment, damn! What is it with these need to talk to Marcella. I can't take this anymore

Vincent's POV

Caleb really tested her with this workout today, but she managed to

keep up. t's hard for even me to keep up with him sometimes. She's

definitely going to feel it tomorrow though. I'm sitting watching them finish up their last sets, when I see Davyna's grip loosen on her weight as she looks at Caleb. She's going to drop it.

As soon as I sense it leaving her hand, I race over and catch it before it hits the floor or her feet. I then look up at her and our eyes lock, really lock for the first time. I hear her heart start to race and a slight blush reaches her cheeks. Such a loudly mate.

I tell them that we're done for the day, and I go put the weight back and Caleb comes up beside me. We talk quietly.

"Good catch, Vincent" Caleb says as he places his own weights back.

"She kept up with you, you know." He nods.

"l know, she's incredible."

"That should have been more difficult for her, she's human." Caleb looks at me with a stern expression." I think we need to start looking into what this all could mean.

"I agree, let's head to the research wing soon and take a look at some of the archives." I nod in agreement and then can feel our lovely mate's eyes on us.

We both turn around and pack up our stuff. Davyna keeps looking at us and then finally says,

"l'm gonna go take a shower and then find Sage and Marcella, What are you guys up to after?" Is she actually wondering what our plans are?

I look at Caleb and then back to her.

"I don't have any plans for the rest of the day, unless my parents need me for something What about you Caleb?" He shrugs his shoulders,

"Same here really, Why?" Davyna looks at her feet, clearly slightly embarrassed.

"I... uhm. I was going to ask the girls if they wanted to have a movie night tonight in my room" I reply for both Caleb and myself knowing our answer already.

"We would love to, Davyna. It would be nice to just take a breather and relax. What time should we be at your suite?" She looks between both of us in awe of us actually saying yes

She's so surprised with our answer that she continues to stutter a bit. I would say around maybe 7? Caleb responds this time.

"Sounds great. Vincent and I can bring some snacks if that's cool with you?"

"Yeah of course." She pauses.

"Uhm okay.. I'll see you both later then." She waves and then puts her bag over her shoulder and leaves.

"Did she iust..." Caleb starts.

"Yes she did....our mate just invited us to hangout.

Davyna's POV

Back at my suite, I'm laying on my bed after my shower and...I'm

freaking out. Why did I invite them? I'm going to be in a small room, watching movies with them both here?! Just fucking fabulous. I already get so flustered and confused around them, this is just going to be absolutely awkward as all hell.

I don't want to admit that there might be feelings developing, but the vibes I get from them both makes me want to just say fuck it and let go. but I can't afford to. They're supernatural. A vampire and a werewolf.

What if it's all a joke, some kind of prank because l'm human and don't belong like Asher said?

I can't believe they have me feeling like this. I can't focus when they're around, I always catch myself staring or looking their way, like l'm just pulled to them. It's insane. I'm going crazy. I have to be to think that any of this could be possible for me. I haven't had feelings like this since before Mom died. I thought I was dead inside after she was murdered. Is possible to avenge her, and live a normal life with friendships and relationships? l'd given up hope on being happy ever again but I can't deny what is happening,..can 1? Can't go back now l guess. At least for tonight.

I sigh loudly and decide to get dressed in some black leggings, my comfy socks and a loose purple t-shirt. I tie my curls up in a high ponytail and head out to my living area and push my couch further back closer to the wall, and grab some extra blankets and toss them on the floor, along with a few pillows from my bed. I move my glass coffee table so that its alongside the makeshift lounge space on the for and easily accessible for snacks and drinks.

I pull out some glasses, a bottle of wine that Sage brought with her and a few bowls and fill them with some snacks I have here in my suite. I tidy up the rest of the place a little bit and when I'm just about done, I hear a knock on my door. I go and open it, it's Sage and Marcella. They both walk in, Sage bringing some items to the kitchen area and Marcella sits

on my couch.

"Hey, you're back! We went shopping, How was the rest of the workout with the stud muffins?" Sage asks.

"They hate names you know"I reply dryly

"I know, but they're just so damn attractive, speaking of which have you even attempted to get to know them yet?"

I remain silent. Marcella then asks,

"Hey why are there blankets and pillows on the floor?" I turn to her,

"Oh that... I was wondering if you guys wanted to do a movie night tonight. We've been on the go since you arrived Sage, so I kind of wanted to relax a bit." Marcella stands up,

"l'm down, I'Il just have to get some super" I told Caleb and Vincent 7, so that should be fine.

Something clatters in the kitchen and I see Sage turn around to face me with a huge grin on her face. Oh shit. I just said that out loud? I wasn't even thin king..

I don't have time to react as Sage collides with me in a huge hug. "You actually invited them yourself? I'll knew it! You're interested.!" She pokes my nose with every pause. I smack her hand away,

"Stop that! I didn't want to be rude!" Sage walks back into the kitchen swinging her hips obnoxiously.

"Yeah, okay D. suuuuureeee." Marcella comes up behind me and says,

"I think I was a good idea to

include them, don't worry about it so much."

I turn to face her.

They're the most loyal men I have ever met. They're like my

brothers. They might tease and play around, but they won't hurt you.

They'd never forgive themselves if they did. They'd kill me if they found out I said this but...you're important to them.

can't reply. I just stand there trying to process her words. She speaks again,

"I'll be back at 7 when the guys arrive. See you then!" I don't even look up as my door closes behind her. I go and sit on my couch and place my head in my hands.

Sage comes over and sits beside me.

"Way to drop a bomb and bail." She chuckles lightly and then continues.

"Don't think. You over think all the time. You put too much pressure on yourself, just try and let them in. They clearly want to be here, so don't push them away."

"Just see what happens, there's no harm in getting to know them at

least right 7" I wipe the tears threatening to fall, and sniffle. I really hate crying. and It's been so dam emotional lately.

"I know.. I was thinking of seeing if l could come live here for a while. It seems fine here. Might take some convincing for my parents but I want to be here for you. I don't want to leave." so hard for me.

"l don't want you to leave either, I hope you can."

"Plus, I kind of want to see where this goes with those two stud

muffins." She laughs as I playfully smack her.

"Of course you do. Always an ulterior motive."

Sage gets up, laughing and finishes putting the things she bought with Marcella away. I go and rinse my face, fix my hair and I'll grab my current book I'm reading from my beside table. I head back out to the couch and start to read to calm myself down and wait for everyone else to arrive.