CHAPTER 10. THE UNTHINKABLE

Hours passed, and the sun turned into a lovely glow of gold, as the cloud's hue changed into a purplish grey, Fleur and Zeeb sat together marveling at the sight as the breeze turns cold. Her head was on his shoulder and Zeeb’s arms wrapped around her. It was a picture of happiness and love. Unknowingly though, a dark shadow is watching from the lush forest a few miles away. Gregory is lurking in the background, his green eyes sharp, looking intently at his target like a predator stalking his prey. A small smile formed on his lips as he moved quickly back deep into the forest and to the Landry’s home.

Gregory is a fine soldier himself, he always has been Ezra’s greatest ally, together they led wars and were pivotal to the fall of New Orleans. He was a great strategist and a loyal ally to Ezra’s clan. He has always believed that the Vlads are the clans to rule the world and the whole Immortal family, though Damas’ is an influential Immortal, but the Vlads, for him are superior. He never liked Damas, to him he is narcissistic and would stop at nothing to get what he wants. He knows he is not trustworthy and Fleur’s little affair with that human is the fuel he just needs to break up the betrothal and turn Ezra and his clan from the Landrys. The fact that he has a bad gut feeling about the human and the unconventional attraction of Fleur to him, makes him all the more driven to get to the bottom of the truth about Zeeb.

“Hey, Ezra.” Gregory greeted, as he entered the parlor of the Landry’s home. The place is impressive it’s modern, well-lit, and spacious. He walked on the marbled floors towards Ezra, who is seated at a grey L-shaped sofa that was in the center, the glass walls giving them ample lighting and a beautiful view of the forests of Willow Creek. He stopped and looked at the window, standing across Ezra.

“This place is really beautiful. I don’t like Damas, but he sure knows how to live glamorously.” He said with a chuckle.

“What do you need to talk about?” Ezra said with authority, he might be a prick when it comes to women but he is a good general, he is smart and direct to the point, these are just some of the qualities Greg admires about him. He is his commander and best friend. He would never let anyone stomp all over Vlad’s good name, they may be ferocious but they were the only family he has known, two centuries ago he lost his parents in a battle with the Lycans and they kept him. They treated him as if he was their own. They raised him to be the top soldier he is today, they made him powerful, and he was their killing machine.

“I followed Fleur today and she was canoodling with her human toy again. I don’t trust that human any more than I trust the Landrys.  There’s something about him that I just can’t seem to put my finger on.” He seriously said as he looked straight into Ezra’s eyes, to convey the magnitude of his distrust.

“What about this Zeeb guy makes you uneasy?” Ezra said the distaste in his voice was evident.

“Look, Immortals sure can toy with humans, but, the connection they have? It seems off. Us Immortals never fall in love with mere mortals, our very veins crave the security, power, and excitement our kind brings. Never in centuries have our kind coupled with any mortal, except…” his words trailed off as his thoughts begin to process what must be the reason for Fleur’s uncanny attraction to this mortal.

Ezra’s jaws tighten as he clenches his fist and lunges toward Gregory. He caught the collar of his shirt, his face near Gregory as his seething anger shows in his eyes.

“What are you insinuating Greg? Talk plainly to me.” Ezra hissed as he loosens and removes his grab from his shirt.

“Think about it, Ezra. We do not have any Immortal clans here in Willow Creek that we know of. The only way Fleur might be attracted to anyone would be if they are Immortal. What other creature might have Immortal blood running thru their veins than Lycans? This place is their stronghold and it is impossible that there are any Immortals living here before we moved here.”

Ezra, was deep in thought as he process Gregory’s words. Damas’ family is ambitious and the thought that maybe, Fleur is their way to form an alliance with the Lycans to get rid of their clan and become the sole family to rule the Immortals is possible. Last night, was one of his best times, everything for him is about power, and he thought Fleur and him were compatible. He feels so strongly about her now and the thought that she may be conspiring behind his back is unthinkable. He would do everything to protect his family, but last night he has already made his mark with Fleur, she is his to take and nobody, especially not a filthy Lycan can take her away from him.

“Don’t talk to anyone yet about this unless we are sure. Meet your men and have them follow this Zeeb guy. We need eyes on him. No Lycan can jeopardize our plans. I will deal with the Landrys myself when we are sure about this.” He said seriously.

Just as he finished his words, they heard the howling of wolves from a distance. Both Gregory and him were suddenly transformed into menacing creatures, their eyes alight, ready for battle, they hissed as their fangs glimmered against the yellow light of the afternoon. They both dashed outside and into the woods, but they only saw the shadows of giant creatures disappearing deep into the woods. They hopped into the tall trees of the forest like mad men hunting, however, the Lycans were too fast and they had a head start before them. They both stopped at the cliff, their eyes met and they know the big battle is near and the excitement of the looming war is pumping adrenaline into their veins. The howling in the distance, provoking and harrowing.