The wind shifted as Helena and Stephen stepped from the stone archway, leaving the library's scent of paper and polish behind for the sharp, mineral tang of the quad. Night had just deepened: clouds scattered and stars bared their teeth, pinpoints of cold light on the college's ancient slate roofs. Helena's nerves prickled along her skin—a warning, or anticipation, she wasn't sure which.
They walked side by side, their footsteps echoing in the hush. Stephen's hands remained in his pockets, posture tight, gaze fixed on the mist stirring over the grass. Helena caught herself twirling a lock of hair, then let it fall, feeling his tension ripple through her.
"You think Kyle will come after us?" she asked quietly, unable to hide the worry in her voice.
Stephen kept his eyes ahead. "He's not interested in games. Not anymore. If he moves, it's with purpose." His tone was measured, but Helena heard the grim certainty at the edge.
**
The Original Vampire Brothers Elliot and Kyle were in sitting in their lounge at the family mansion.
The air was thick with the faint scent of blood, both fresh and stale, mingled with the musk of centuries-old furniture. The lingering aroma of expensive cigars hinted at the brothers' wealth.
"We need to attack the Moonwalker pack on the wedding night." Kyle said.
Elliot gently shook the glass of bourbon in his hand. "Isn't that a bit extreme?"
Kyle finished his glass of whiskey. "You've gone soft, Brother. We need to have our vengeance for Jenna's death!"
Elliot was taken aback by Kyle's fury. It used to be that Kyle was the gentle one and he was the angry brother.
Elliot abandoned his drink on the polished mahogany, amber liquid catching the firelight.
"Let us strike then!" Elliot announced.
Kyle gave a devilish smile.
**
Three days before the wedding.
The pack-less trio were called in to witness wrestling matches between the Moonwalker pack's members. Helena shuddered at the sight of the tents, remembering her own ordeal that night outside the diner.
Two male werewolves were going at it, each trying to best the other. They were knee-deep in mud and a crowd was gathered around watching them wrestle it out.
One of the wrestlers was smashed downwards onto the ground. He tapped on the ground to signal he had given up and the standing fighter raised his arms in victory. He gave Helena a wink.
"Smug son of a bitch." Damien proceeded to remove his black leather jacket when a hand landed on his chest.
It was Marcus the Alpha.
"Now, now." Marcus said gently. "Can't have my future son-in-law dirty himself in front of the pack."
"I'll fight." Stephen handed his brown leather jacket to Helena.
Marcus nodded.
Stephen's bare and muscular arms glistened with sweat as he walked into the muddy ring, his sleeveless t-shirt clinging to his chest and showing off his chiseled physique. The onlookers' eyes were drawn to his powerful build.
The opponent, Jeff, was super-tall and even more buff than Stephen. But Stephen had a century of experience over this fighter.
The ground shook beneath their heavy bodies, sending tremors through the mud and making it difficult to move. The wrestlers twisted and turned, their bodies covered in a slick layer of sweat and mud.
Stephen's muscular body tackled Jeff to the ground, his arms rippling with strength as he pinned his opponent down. His face was flushed with exertion and determination, his eyes fixed on the finish line.
The crowd cheered like crazy. Marcus let out of heavy laugh.
"Bravo!" He announced then glanced at Damien. "Maybe I ought to wed him to my daughter instead."
Helena was about to speak when Marcus said, "I'm just teasing you two. You should've seen the looks on your faces. Ha ha!"
Helena eyed Nina. She was far away from the nearby crowd but had been watching the fight nonetheless.
Could she be setting her sights on Stephen instead? Helena though worriedly.
Marcus patted both her and Damien on the back. "It's time for a feast!"
**
The food was a perfect balance of flavors, with savory meats, rich sauces, and fresh herbs. Each bite exploded with taste, leaving a symphony of flavors on the tongue.
As guests filled their plates and indulged in the feast, their taste buds were treated to a symphony of flavors.
"Where's Stephen?" Damien asked Marcus.
The shiny silverware glinted in the candlelight, reflecting the contented smiles on the faces of Damien, Marcus, Helena, and Nina as they sat at the table, savoring each bite of food.
"Most probably taking a bath in one of the stalls." Marcus said stuffing his mouth with a heavy bite of a chicken leg.
"He must be done." Helena said. ""I'll go find him."
**
Stephen was having a warm bath by himself when two hands enveloped his arms from behind. He didn't need to turn around to know they were Helena's.
Their bodies intertwined in the warm water, their hands and fingers exploring each other's skin, creating a sensual and intimate dance. The steam rising from the bath enveloped them, creating an ethereal atmosphere that matched the intensity of their passion. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the moment, their bodies moving in perfect harmony as they expressed their love for each other in the most intimate way possible.