The New World
Chapter 22 - Introductions

“For once, the vampire gossip mill was true and you mated with a vampire.” I felt Grayson stiffen next to me but he just nodded and smiled. It was obvious they knew each other and it was a shock to Grayson which was surprising to me because I was positive we sent out all invites to the most important Alphas and yet this one was throwing Grayson for a loop.

“Alpha Francis, what a pleasure; it’s been way too long. Fire; let me introduce a long time friend, Francis. This is my mate Fire. So yes, the mill was true.” I held out my hand and Francis took it, a smile barely overtaking his lips.

“Tell me Grayson, why would you mate with a vampire?”

“Look at her Francis, she is gorgeous, would you want to let her go?” Francis shrugged and I almost laughed at how he was viewing me; disdain was dripping off of him in so many ways.

“No offense Fire, but I have seen more beautiful women.” I smiled and shook my head.

“None at all. Beauty is seen in each person differently.”

“Do tell me, Grayson, as an old buddy, aren’t you worried that as a vampire, Fire will bite your dick, and won’t it hurt?” I ran my tongue over my fang and then my lips as I eyed Grayson and practically laughed as gaze flew to Francis who shifted.

“Actually, no fear what so ever and it was the biggest jolt of pleasure I got when she did bite me there. You really should try it sometime, promise you won’t regret it.” They shared a laugh, but I couldn’t help but watch Francis; something was feeling off.

“Got to say Grayson, I still would never see you with a vampire. Besides, isn’t this against the law? Since half breeds can’t run any pack or families.”

“No, no law just doesn’t make sense to others but it did to us. That’s why I’m having my beta become the Alpha. As you know, vampires can’t have kids, so it’s not like I can pass along an heir.”

“So you guys don’t have kids?” he asked and I could see the wheels turning in Grayson’s head. Though I had never personally met the man, I had heard of Francis and he wasn’t a dumb Alpha so he knew it was impossible for us to have kids so I found the question odd, unless he was fishing for information. But that brought up the question of why.

“I wouldn’t mind some with a creature as gorgeous as my mate,” Grayson started to say as he glanced at me, “but that will never happen. And I think both of us are okay with that. Allows for a lot more sex and you know how sex with vampires can be.”

“I’m sorry for butting in gentleman,” now wanting to hear that answer from either one, “but I’m curious Francis, I didn’t see your name on the guest list how did you get in?”

“I’m a guest of a friend; they asked me and of course, I couldn’t say no. Actually, quite funny that you would mention sex and vampires Grayson because the friend I’m here with is Mariana. I’m sure you would remember her.” Francis turned to me, a glint in his eye. “That would be the vampire he was fucking around with before you. Actually, of the two of you, I would have picked her as a mate. Really Grayson, Fire over Mariana?” I took a sip of my wine that was laced with Grayson’s blood and I don’t think I could ever be more grateful for it in fact. Because I sure as hell needed that soothing power only my beloved could give me. I was so overhearing her name and sadly Grayson knew that but it also seemed like Francis was pushing that button but I couldn’t figure out why. Just like I couldn’t figure out how he got in because I knew Mariana didn’t have an invite for I helped make up the guest list.

“Oh, don’t worry;” I told Francis, wanting to wipe that smug look off his face, “I know all about Mariana and their past, doesn’t bother me anymore. As the old saying goes, all water under the bridge.”

Francis leaned close to my ear to whisper his next words, “you lie, I can smell how pissed you are.” He pulled back and I swiped at my nose with my thumb.

“That must be your cologne Francis; did you bathe in it? And do you think it actually smells good?” Francis barked out a laugh and a few heads turned to look at us, Dylan included Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“You are a feisty one Fire.”

“That’s why the eyes go along with the name.” I finished off my wine but held onto the glass. “Now, I will let you two young pups talk while I go talk to Grayson’s dad; enjoy your night Francis.”

“You as well Fire.” The guys watched my back and I fought to keep my anger down for anyone here would be able to pick up on that right away.

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“She has your mark Grayson.”

“She is my mate Francis.” Francis turned back and looked at Grayson.

“And you have hers?”

“I am her beloved.” Grayson flagged down a waiter who held the champagne flutes and grabbed two glasses, handing the other to the Alpha. “What brings you to the States? You never liked coming and really didn’t care for too many things that were Americanized.”

“As much as I hate it, I had some business to attend to and then I was with Mariana and she mentioned that Dylan was becoming Alpha and I will admit I begged her to bring me. I had to see why Grayson was giving up his pack. When Mariana told me, mind you I already heard it of course, but when she said your mate was a vampire and you knew you couldn’t pass on the line so you were giving it up. I really couldn’t pass up the chance to see what the fuss was all about.”

“Funny thing,” Grayson muttered as he took a sip and Francis lifted a brow.

“And what would that be?”

“That everyone thinking me being unable to have heirs would make me give up my pack. As you know my dad’s dad was a Beta’s son, not an Alpha’s son. But the Alpha at the time lost his mate before she could have pups so he chose the next Alpha. Why wouldn’t anyone think I wouldn’t do that?” Grayson finished his glass and sat it down on a passing cart. He wanted to make sure he could poke holes in Francis’s thoughts because he sure fucking knew something was not right. “If you excuse me, I need to go talk to Dylan and make sure he is ready.” He clapped Francis on the back and walked over to the group.

I watched him and lifted a brow then watched Francis walk away, talking to a few female wolves. Dylan looked at me then at Grayson and lifted a brow as well. I smiled and lifted one right back at him. He shook his head and sighed.

“Is anyone going to explain how he got in because I know I didn’t put him on the fucking list for an invite, especially because I knew what he would tell me, which is what he told me after all.” Dylan made a face and scrunched his nose up and went on, quoting Francis, “lucky for you Dylan that Grayson is giving up his pack or you’d never be Alpha. His exact words thank you very much.”

“You will laugh when you hear how he got in, and Grayson will tell you.” Grayson shot me a glare and I threw him a kiss.

“Fire asked him how he got in as she did help with the list so she knew the names. He told her he was with Mariana and he begged her to allow him to be her plus one.” Anna came up as she heard that and both her and Dylan looked around.

“Fire I thought you were the only vampire here?” Dylan asked.

“I am; Mariana never got an invite, which is why this is so fucking funny. Clearly, he is lying, so why? And how did he really get in?” I asked, causing everyone to frown as they watched his retreating back walk to the edge of the party.

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