Purebreds and Power

“My Lord, we have a tribute for you.”

Han’s mind fixated on his previous transgression, and he had not heard the burly man, genuflecting in front of him, enter the room. The obese human smelled of dung, but even that couldn’t cover the stench of his amalgamated blood that reeked of poverty and need--a consequence of two weaker species procreating.

“I found a werewolf wandering outside of pack lands. I understand there is a reward…” the man bent even lower.

Han snapped his fingers and then continued to inspect his nails.

James entered the audience room and gave a gentle bow to his vampire lord.

“Have you received a new tribute?” Han leaned forward in his chair.

“Yes, my Lord. She is being prepared for you as we speak.”

“Please give this man what he is owed.” Han stared down at the man kneeling on the floor. “If I find out that you kidnapped her or threatened her family, you will lose more than the money I am about to give you. Do we have an understanding?”

With one glance at Han’s red eyes, the cowering man gave a frantic nod.

“Good. James will see you out.”

Silence settled in the room once again.

Han hoped the new tribute would be the distraction he craved, but he had his doubts despite it being the third woman presented to him in two days.

That night in the woods, the scent filling the air had only fueled his desire. The human just happened to be there, so he fed.

To be caught in flagrante by an alpha wolf was one thing; to be seen by the female beside him was something entirely different.

Public acts of pleasure never bothered vampires. Breakfast alone could be considered an orgy under different circumstances. Han found sexual acts with feeding made the experience much more memorable and satisfying, and he rarely did one without the other.

Seeing the female wolf there--watching--was unexpected, but Han didn’t hesitate to inspect her thoroughly. He hated her attire and loathed the Alpha’s lack of it. And Han barely controlled his anger when the male wolf attempted to protect what wasn’t rightfully his.

Recalling the she-wolf’s response brought a smirk to his face. She knew how to stand up for herself. A strong woman, to be sure. Her entire being called to him--her scent, her beauty, her courage. Han knew who she was to him the moment their eyes met.

No beloved should watch their soulmate take pleasure in any body other than their own. So Han did the only thing he could think of to rectify the situation.

Han advanced behind the Alpha and she-wolf using his super-speed, popping up undetected. With whispered words in their ears, the vampire made them forget what they had seen.

Han prayed his memory manipulation worked seamlessly; he didn’t want the forest encounter to be Lilly’s first with him.

Since a memory wipe required sleep for the planted thoughts to root, Han gathered his beloved in his arms and gently laid her on the ground.

He growled--long and low--when he saw her proximity to the Alpha, so he tossed the werewolf’s limp body further into the woods.

After moving a soft curl of hair out of the she-wolf’s face, Han slowly, purposefully guided his pointed nose along the length of Lilly’s neck, committing her sweet scent to memory. He would not claim her this way. He had already risked enough by stepping onto the pack lands.

Anything further would risk war.

With a chaste kiss to the temple, Han vowed to find Lilly again and properly court her. For the first time in centuries, the she-wolf’s aroma alone gave Han a modicum of genuine satisfaction. He had never truly believed in her existence, yet that day he had found her-- his soulmate. His beloved.

“When you remember these words, come to me willingly, and I promise to make you mine.”

Han’s final sentiments would trickle into her memory. If he needed to, he would wipe their initial encounter again and again from her mind.

“My Lord,” James cleared his throat. “The new she-wolf is in her chambers and ready for your arrival. I have a good feeling about this one.”

“Don’t get my hopes up, my good man,” Han sighed. “I’m not sure how much more wolf stench I can tolerate in my halls. Why must they smell so much like peat?”

“Well, my Lord, they have been known to roll around-”

“No need for a rebuttal. I know how they act.”

“Sorry, my Lord.”

“What else is on my schedule?”

The vampire walked toward the window. Darkness had set in, and the lights from the distant village reflected the activity there. For the first time, Han found himself wondering about the day. His soulmate's presence would give him the ability to walk in the light. Only the fates could provide that sort of magic.

How would a warm hand in his own feel as the bright sun shined on his face? The only warmth he had known in his lifetime was that of a prey’s blood down his gullet and the fading heat of a dying body. But he always returned to the cold.

Han had never cared and had never minded, but now he wondered.

“... the Elders have requested you.”

Han furrowed his brows. “My apologies. Would you please repeat yourself?”

“You must be very excited about your encounter later. I have never seen you so distracted,” James smiled slightly. “Your father will be stopping by after lunch to discuss the upcoming summit. The Elders have requested your presence.”

“I have no desire to attend. Will you inform my father of my new engagement this evening and tell him I will contact him later?”

“As you wish, my Lord.” James gently bowed and removed himself from his master’s sight.

Turning away from the window, Han prepared himself to meet his newest tribute. Some small piece of him continued to hope that she--Lilly--had appeared. He would deal with the issue of her species later. He needed to find her first.

Han customarily buttoned his suit jacket before tugging on his silver cufflinks. Then he ran his palm over his flawlessly styled hair.

As Han strode down the hall, he heard an uncharacteristic scream in the servant’s quarters.

“I want to see him now!”

“You must be fully prepared. He will not take you any other way.” Han could hear the hushed voices and fabric rustling. “We have questions we must ask and things we must do.”

“I told you! Yes, I am here of my own desire. He is meant for me! You can’t keep me from him!”

“Do not raise your voice. The master will not tolerate it. You’ll find yourself gagged!”

“Maybe I like being gagged. I bet he would want to gag me. I’ve heard about his tastes. But he’s mine, so you can forget it.”

Han paused outside the tribute quarters.

As he reached for the door, the wooden panel flew open, revealing a traditionally attired tribute as well as two of his castle maids.

The maids lowered their eyes before excusing themselves while the barely clad tribute rushed toward the sullen vampire.

“My Lord! You’re finally here! Those pitiful servants wanted to keep us apart. Can you believe that?” the petite brunette she-wolf rubbed her hand up Han’s muscular arms.

“And who, my dear, do you think you are to insist that we should be together?” Han placed his hand on her shoulder.

“Why, we’re mates! You are my goddess-given soulmate! I’m so glad I found you.”

“Ah. Is that so? Why don’t you come with me, and we shall see.”

Han held his palm out in front of him. The young woman gave Han a toothy smile and winked before skipping forward down the hall.

Han moved with precision behind her. He breathed in and out and closed his eyes before speaking. “Do you know the penalty for lying?”

She halted and did not turn around.

“Not sure? Let me tell you,” Han whispered into her ear before quickly stepping in front of her.

“Death.”

With her rancid, dirty smell and lackluster looks, this girl was far from his beloved mate. There would be no pleasure in Han’s dinner that day, only fear.

No one lied to Jun Inhan Kang and lived.