Chapter 17: Chapter 17

BLAKE:

Blake turned to Vampire Keat's direction as the vampire lord advanced towards him. The drums making music as a result of the moon festival were put to a hold. Everywhere became as silent as a graveyard. Everyone watched with keen interest to know what was going to happen next. They didn't know why the Vampire lord would come to ruin their celebration at a time like this. When Vampire Keat got close to Blake, his guards growled and prepared to charge at him.

He said nothing, but looked at Blake with the eyes that entailed, 'tell your guards to step back. I'm here for peace.'

Blake got the message and raised his palm as a signal to stop the soldiers. "Step back!" He ordered.

"But, Alpha—" Ian tried to interrupt, but Blake waved his hand, meaning no objections. Ian sighed, and the soldiers moved back. Vampire Keat stood before Blake and said, "I would like to discuss something very important with you."

"It would be best if you'd wait till the festival is over." Blake whispered.

"How long before that?" Vampire Keat asked.

"It won't be long anymore. I would leave here soon, anyway," Blake said and turned to face Ian. "Please escort him to the meeting room. I will be with him shortly." He ordered.

Ian nodded and led Vampire Keat with two of his companions to the meeting room. Blake faced the pack. He knew that they weren't on good terms with the vampires, and the people might find it weird and absurd that he allowed a vampire into their territory, but he knew more. The enmity wasn't as strong as before anymore. It was mostly based on mutual beliefs.

"You do not need to fret, my people. There is absolutely nothing to be worried about, so let us go on with the festival and celebration, shall we?" He said and the people cheered.

The merriment that had died down continued like nothing had happened before. After the elders were done, they returned to their seats, and it was time for the she-wolves to dance. After the dance, Blake glanced at where Ivy was seated with Meredith, and smiled before standing up. The festival was almost coming to an end and he needed to address the people.

He cleared his throat and began, "I want to thank everyone of you for making this year's festival a memorable one. Today's event would forever be engraved in our hearts, seeing that we have appeased our goddess. A big thanks and congratulations to the Baker's family for choosing a stupendous theme, and we hope that we would gather here once more to celebrate another wonderful year. Thank you all." He finished his address with a smile and applause followed.

The golden chalice, which was placed on a stool close to where the sacrifice was made, was brought before him. Blake picked it up and stretched it forward.

"We shall enjoy more years in peace, love, health and happiness. With that said, I declare this year's festival of rites over!" He said.

"Azaaa! Azaaa! Azaaa!" the wolves chanted with applause, and the drums came alive again. The wolves started dancing, while the Bakers hugged one another, happy for the first time in weeks. Blake bowed to the elders before leaving for the meeting room.

He opened the door and entered. Vampire Keat and his companions stood up to welcome him. He nodded with a grin and sat down in his special chair.

"I am here. What is that thing that is so important you couldn't wait to talk about?" He asked in a mocking manner.

"Haha, very funny," Vampire Keat rolled his eyes. Sarcasm was evident in his tone. Blake chuckled. Vampire Keat clapped his hands and his companions went to wait outside, leaving only him and Blake in the meeting room.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Blake asked, his facial expression turning serious.

"A conclave meeting will come up in a few days, so I have come to invite you," Vampire Keat said.

Blake scoffed. Since when did the vampire lord become a messenger? It was well known that if a conclave meet—which would involve those disgusting witches—was coming up, there were messengers assigned to deliver the information. Why on Earth would Vampire Keat come into his pack to tell him about that? Besides, wasn't his father murdered in the same conclave meet?

Blake looked intently at Vampire Keat and asked what he had wanted to take out of his system. "Since when did you become a messenger, Vampire Keat?"

"Don't misunderstand me, Alpha Blake. I came to tell you, so that you would be prepared. I am aware messengers are supposed to do this, but I haven't come here to deliver the news alone. I am here for more," Vampire Keat said.

Blake scrutinized Vampire Keat's expression for a while before asking, "What are you here for?"

Vampire Keat chuckled and replied. "I have intentions of dethroning the witch queen."

Blake blinked twice. "Why would you want to dethrone the witch queen, considering how powerful she is?"

"That power of hers is what I want. Imagine if she is no longer in power, imagine if she is defeated and I take over the throne, a lot of things would change. I want us to be a team," Vampire Keat said.

"Why?" Blake asked.

"Stop playing ignorant with me, Alpha Blake. You should know why," Vampire Keat said.

"If I do, I wouldn't have asked you, would I?" Blake asked with an eye roll.

"Alright. We could be a team because you have scores to settle with the witches and what better way to do that than dethroning the witch queen? You will become more powerful, Alpha Blake! The throne would become ours!" Vampire Keat said.

Blake sighed and squinted his eyebrows like he was trying to think. Although Vampire Keat sounded convincing, he won’t give in to such an obnoxious request. His aim all along had been to take revenge on the witches for his father's death. He was not interested in their throne or whatever. He only wanted to avenge his father's death and make sure that he would be strong enough to hold off the witches.

"Vampire Keat, I will not agree to that," he said.

His response took aback vampire Keat. "Why, if I may ask?"

"I am not interested in her powers or her throne," He said.

"Come on, Alpha Blake. Don't you want to avenge your father's death anymore?" Vampire Keat asked.

"You know that is what I want more than anything." Blake answered.

"Then this is the best opportunity. The conclave meet is the best place for you to do that. My army, combined with yours, will be unstoppable. We will storm into the conclave, meet and take her down. Problem solved!" Vampire Keat said.

"That is not the way I want to get my revenge. Of course I would get my revenge, but I am not aiming for her throne or power," Blake said.

He wanted to make the point clear. Vampire Keat was right; The conclave meet would be the best place to take that monster down, but power isn't his aim. He knew it frustrated Vampire Keat because of his insistence on not wanting to acquire her throne for power, but that was what he wanted, and he believed no one can change his mind about that.

"You know the conclave meeting is private, which means there are going to be top witches in attendance. All your enemies gathered in one place, and you do not want to strike?" Vampire Keat asked in a disappointed tone.

"I will strike if I want to, but my father had taught me a lot about attack before his death. I can't walk into the conclave meeting and attack without a well-laid plan. Do you want me to get my wolves killed?" Blake asked rhetorically.

"That is why I am suggesting we join hands together. We can do this! The witches will be no match for my soldiers and yours combined," Vampire Keat said.

"Yes, I know that, but I am not interested. I will get my revenge my own way. Power isn't everything, you know." Blake concluded.

Vampire Keat sighed in defeat and said, "It would have been a great opportunity for you to exert your revenge, but since you have refused to listen to the voice of reasoning, I will respect your decision. Besides, you are the Alpha and the one who wants revenge. I can not force you, so I accept."

Blake nodded in affirmation. He was glad that Vampire Keat didn't push farther. His patience was already wearing thin at that time. He wanted so much to throw the Vampire lord out the meeting room and the pack, but he controlled himself.

"Thank you for understanding me, Vampire Keat." Blake smiled.

"Oh, it's nothing! But you are going to be in attendance at the conclave meet, right?" Vampire Keat asked.

"I will check my schedule and look into it." Blake answered.

"Alright, but if you are going to come, I'd suggest you come prepared. No slacking off," Vampire Keat said as he rose to his feet.

Blake stood up, too.

"Why do I have the feeling that there is a hidden meaning to what you just said?" Blake asked with furrowed eyebrows.

Vampire Keat chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Just come prepared," he said.

Blake sighed. "I have heard you."

"I will take my leave now. See you some other time, and if possible, at the conclave meet," Vampire Keat said with a short yet charming smile.

"You are welcome." Blake replied and followed him outside.

When they got outside, Vampire Keat bade them farewell and left with his companions. Blake ruffled his hair as he thought about the meeting he just had. An enemy of all werewolves had trespassed and it didn't end bloody.

He also thought about what Vampire Keat haf said about being prepared. Blake hoped it wouldn't be what he was thinking.