Chapter 5- The return of Claudio

"What?!!". My head went blank for a minute.

"Yes my dear, you heard me right... I think...". Agatha tried to explain but I turned to leave immediately, "I shall take my leave now".

"Please hear me out". She pleaded and stopped me with her hands on my shoulders, "Believe me just this once little flower.... This time the outcome will be different ". She said and it was starting to get on my nerves.

[Calm down Sel, I know you don't want to get your hopes up again but Agatha is just trying to help]. Listening to my wolf I composed myself almost immediately.

[I know that lena, I just don't have the energy again]. I replied internally before letting out a convincing smile.

"Agatha, it's been 17years already, I have long accepted my faith ...... Just leave it be". I didn't bother to bid goodbye as I just headed for the door, at this point all I want is to leave before she can say another word.

"I just got here so don't tell me you are leaving!".

Upon hearing this voice joy and disbelief hit me simultaneously. "Claudio?". I can't believe it but my legs worked faster that my brain cause I ran into his embrace.

"I can't believe this is this really you ?", I embraced him tight like my life depended on it.

Feeling his arms wrap around me, I smiled and nuzzled closer, and like his cheeky self he replied, "One and only".

"Oh my goodness! Why didn't you tell me you were coming back ?!". I heard Agatha from behind.

"Surprise !! ". Claudio said grinning from ear to ear making me mutter, "Childish".

He pulled away gently and placed his hands on my head, "How have you been ?".

"Great!". I replied with what I will call the perfect smile, but only I know how much I want to run into his arms and cry all my troubles away.... It's just that... I can't! As the next Alpha I must show no sign of weakness ..... Not even to my closest family.

"Good to hear". Claudio said before he was attacked by Agatha, I'm sure she chased him around with broom with the way he kept yelling .

"You naughty little fellow !!!! Come back here". Agatha yelled while trying to catch her breath.

"Lovely aunt, I just came back... Have some mercy will you". Claudio answered back pleading .

Hearing their lovely banter I felt warm inside, claudio has been gone for too long I'm sure Agatha is very glad to have him back, right... I'm also glad to have him back.

Claudio is Agatha's nephew and only family, A powerful warlock aiding our Pack. Growing up, he was always by my side, my only friend ... My safe place, with him there was no need to pretend like everything was okay, unfortunately we were separated by our different duties. Now that he is back I couldn't be anymore happier.

'Wait a minute! Why is he back?!'.

Claudio didn't let me think about my question because he dragged me back inside and sat me down, "Do not even think of leaving", he says and I nodded in agreement.

"Hold on a minute Claudio, why are you back?". Agatha raise the question and I waited patiently for an answer because i wanted to ask the same.

"Alpha summoned me back, something about attending a peace meeting with you ". Claudio says making me confused.

"A peace meeting... Why am I not informed?". I wondered.

"Don't think too much about this, the Alpha is probably doing this to shut the elders up again". Agatha assured me.

I then felt claudio's hand on my head, "Being the representative of the peace meeting won't be an easy task with the vampires, witches and humans coming together, but worry not cause I will not let you fight alone", he said and patted my head gently.

My heart warmed up instantly, it's been a while since I have had company, I raised my head confidently and said with a smile on my face, "Worry not, I am not the kid you used to know".

"I know that". He responded.

"I guess I have to go now, I need to see the Alpha". I said and stood up.

"I will come with you". Claudio added.

"Alright, send my regards to the Alpha". Agatha said and hugged me, just like I expected she whispered, "Think about it little flower".

I didn't say a word and just left with Claudio, I must say Agatha succeeded in brain washing me, because that dead hope in me has finally been ignited.

VAMPIRE EMPIRE

ETHAN

I opened my slowly to realize I was back in my room, how is that possible? The last memory I remember is meeting with Mom at the palace gate.... Looks like I passed out.

"You are finally awake".

I heard this voice and sat up straight, my hands swiftly reached for my dagger ready to attack, but then I saw who is it is and I dropped my blades, "It's you...".

"Yup! Her highness asked me to watch over you". Natalia responded with a mischievous smirk on her face.

"A Vivian dancer in a prince room, aren't you afraid of the kings wrath ?".

"Why should I be afraid, I'm was only carrying out her highness order". Natalia replied instantly.

GONG!!!!!!!!

The sound of the palace bell resounded loud and we turn to each other immediately .

"Something has happened ". We said simultaneously .

"I will get going now". Natalia stood up and left in a haste.

Since it is an emergency I quickly got off the bed and changed into a formal attire before heading to the palace.

I cannot deny the change in my body, because the formidable aura excluding my body screamed 'Power', I tried my best to hide it.... The last thing I want know is unnecessary attention .

On reaching the palace the guards opened the gigantic golden door and I calmly walked in, no matter how hard I tried to hide it that dangerous aura still filled the air.

The palace turned deadly cold upon my entry, looking at my Father who was sitting on his mighty throne I smirked slightly and greeted, "Greetings Father".

His face widened in surprise but he managed to mask it off immediately but thank heavens I noticed every single detail.

"Where did you run off too yesterday ?!".