A week later, Marcus informed them they had visitors.
"The Shanghai pack wants a meeting," he said. "Their alpha heard about Viktor's death and wants to discuss an alliance."
"The werewolves?" Adrian perked up. "Actual werewolves?"
Kieran sighed. "Yes, actual werewolves. They're loud, territorial, and smell like wet dog."
"I can hear you, leech," a voice called from the courtyard.
They walked outside to find three people waiting. The leader was a woman in her thirties, tall and muscular, with an air of command that rivaled Kieran's. Beside her stood a younger man with an easy smile and a teenage girl who looked bored.
"Alpha Chen," Kieran greeted formally. "Thank you for coming."
"Lord Ashford." The woman's eyes were amber, almost glowing. "I'd say it's a pleasure, but you know I hate formalities. Call me Wei."
"This is Adrian," Kieran introduced, putting a protective hand on Adrian's back. "My... partner."
Wei's eyebrows rose. "The reincarnation? Interesting. He smells human."
"He is human," Kieran said, his tone brooking no argument.
"For now," Wei said knowingly. She turned to Adrian. "I'm Wei, alpha of the Shanghai pack. This is my beta, Liu, and my daughter, Xiao."
The young man—Liu—waved cheerfully. "Nice to meet the guy who has the infamous Kieran Ashford completely whipped."
Kieran growled, actually growled, and Liu laughed.
"Down, vampire. I'm joking." Liu winked at Adrian. "Mostly."
Adrian found himself liking them immediately.
They moved inside for tea and negotiations. Apparently, Viktor's movement had affected more than just vampires—he'd been recruiting werewolves who believed in supernatural supremacy, causing rifts in the packs.
"We're cleaning house," Wei explained. "Anyone who sided with Viktor is being exiled. But we need to know where you stand, Ashford. Are you going to be a problem?"
"I believe in the Accord," Kieran said. "Humans deserve to live without fear of supernatural predators. Viktor's vision would have destroyed everything we've built."
"Good. Then we can work together." Wei leaned forward. "I hear there's a ritual planned. Something about resurrecting the old lords?"
"You're well informed."
"I'm an alpha. It's my job." Wei looked at Adrian. "And you're the key ingredient. That must be fun."
"It's a blast," Adrian said dryly. "Nothing says 'romantic reunion' like being hunted for your magical blood."
Wei laughed, a big, genuine sound. "I like him. He's got spine." She sobered. "Look, I know you vampire types like to handle everything alone, but this is bigger than vampire politics. If the old lords return, they'll come after everyone—vampires, werewolves, witches, humans. We need to present a united front."
Kieran nodded slowly. "An alliance."
"An alliance," Wei confirmed. "My pack will help protect your human, help track down Viktor's remaining followers, help stop the ritual. In exchange, we get your word that you won't interfere in pack business."
"Agreed."
They shook on it, and Adrian watched in fascination as Kieran negotiated with the werewolves. This was a side of him he hadn't seen before—political, strategic, every inch the prince he'd been born to be.
After the meeting, as the werewolves were leaving, Xiao—the teenage daughter—pulled Adrian aside.
"Can I ask you something?" she said.
"Sure."
"Are you scared? Of becoming one of them?"
Adrian blinked. "How did you—"
"I can smell it on you. The fear, the uncertainty. You're thinking about turning." Xiao crossed her arms. "I was born werewolf, so I don't know what it's like to choose. But my mom says choosing immortality is like choosing to leave everyone you've ever known behind. Eventually, everyone you love—everyone human—will die. And you'll still be here."
"That's... not comforting."
"I'm not trying to comfort you. I'm trying to warn you." Xiao's eyes were serious beyond her years. "My mom knew humans before she became alpha. Friends, lovers, family. They're all gone now. She's lived three human lifetimes, and she'll live dozens more. Sometimes I hear her crying at night, mourning people who died decades ago. Is that what you want?"
Adrian didn't have an answer.