As we approached the estate, I immediately noticed Annie's car parked in front of the guest house. When I stepped out of the red vehicle, I left the door open, expecting Dahlia to follow me inside. But instead, I watched her move farther from the door, avoiding the harsh sunlight streaming into the car.

I turned to her as I reached the door. "I almost forgot you’re a vampire. I guess this is where we say goodbye... for now."

Dahlia nodded. "Being a vampire in Adams is not as easy as people think. During the night, we are nearly invincible. During daylight, we can still move around for brief periods of time. If a vampire suffers prolonged exposure to the rays of the sun, our bodies will weaken until we are completely immobilized."

"I thought vampires would die almost instantly if exposed to sunlight."

"That's just a myth from the movies. We can walk in the sun, but not remain in it the way normal humans do. We can also live for decades—some elders have even lived a few centuries. I often wonder if living that long is a blessing or a curse. I've heard tales of a place where vampires go when they’re ready for life to end. In the Scarlet Enclave, there’s a place known as Watcher's Hollow. When a vampire feels they've reached the end of their path, they walk into Watcher's Hollow under the sun, transforming into a statue. It's home to thousands of vampires who chose to end their lives peacefully, letting the sun petrify them."

"I hope you're not thinking about visiting that place anytime soon. We just met."

Dahlia chuckled. "Not likely. But I have thought about it. It's the only way a vampire can be completely free."

The drivers from the escort approached, each handing me the keys to the vehicles they’d been driving. "Your escort is giving me keys. Care to explain?"

"Those vehicles are yours, puppy. A gift from Elenore. Just a word of advice: read every word in those documents. Don’t agree to anything that seems even slightly vague or uncertain."

"I definitely will. And my offer still stands if you'd like to discuss business further."

"You wish," she replied with a smirk. "But I'll think about it."

Her response brought a smile to my face as I closed the door of the red vehicle. Talking with Dahlia had been insightful. I now understood why the elders relied on humans to handle daytime affairs, sparing themselves from the weakening effects of the sun. Many of their habits intrigued me, especially the feeding practices of the elders. The strange scent of the servant's blood remained in my thoughts, knowing it was infused with a potent substance difficult to identify. As I stepped through the front door, I found Annie waiting in the receiving room.

"Annie, you're back. I didn’t expect you until early morning."

"I received a call from the Hunter estate, my lord. Your guests have arrived. Chief Harrow and the Inquisitor are waiting in the gathering room."

I found it curious that Chief Harrow had gone directly to the basement and into the gathering room. It suggested he’d been here before, perhaps knowing the estate better than I did.

"Annie, please take this bag and leave it on my bed. I will gather with our guests."

"It will be done, my lord."

While descending the stairs to the basement, I unintentionally overhear a conversation between them. The details seem to have displeased one of the guests, as I notice the irritation in the tone of voice. I stopped my advance, catching some words that drew my attention.

"I don't have it yet. I know it's here somewhere. Is just a matter of time until I find it."

I chose to disregard what I overheard and stepped forward, making my presence known. "Gentlemen, you're earlier than I expected," I said, entering the room.

Seated across from me were two men. The first was an elderly man, likely in his seventies, while beside him sat another figure dressed in dark leather armor, his face concealed behind a black mask.

"Mr. Reinhart, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. We understand that your arrival wasn't entirely welcomed," Chief Harrow said. "You look just like her. The resemblance to your mother is undeniable."

"You knew my mother?"

"Indeed. Together, your mother and I gave birth to the werewolf clan. She was an extraordinary woman. She exuded a remarkable combination of resilience, tenacity, and unwavering passion. I remember when we assembled the initial petition for consideration with the Towns Council, your mother exhibited fierce determination. She adamantly opposed labeling the emerging clan as simply 'The Werewolves Clan'. Her vision extended far beyond that. She aimed to dispel fear among the people of Adams and to demonstrate that werewolves could be positive contributors to society."

"What about my father? Did you know him as well?"

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Chief Harrow glanced briefly at the Inquisitor before nodding. "I made a promise to your mother that I would never reveal the full details of what happened nearly twenty years ago. For that, I must apologize. Understand, in this town, walls have ears, and the winds carry tales that, for some, become burdens they’ll bear for life. The only thing I can tell you about Harold is that he was a loyal servant to the clan and your mother."

My father—a loyal servant? Chief Harrow’s words resurfaced a lingering doubt that had been haunting me for a while. Harold’s recent behavior had been more like that of a companion, not a father. The thought that he might not be my real father had crossed my mind more times than I cared to admit, but I’d always pushed it aside, trusting that if it were true, he would eventually come forward and tell me himself. Still, no matter how much I tried to deny it, Harold had never acted like a father, even when my mother was alive. A surge of adrenaline rushed through me, and before I knew it, I slammed my fist down on the table.

"Stop with the lies!" I snapped, feeling the beast within me stir, growing restless. "Harold couldn’t have been just a servant, as you claim. I find your words insulting!"

The Inquisitor stood abruptly, hovering his fingers over his sword. Chief Harrow raised a hand, signaling him to stay seated and calm.

"Please, accept my apology," Chief Harrow said. "I have no intention of starting a conflict over a minor detail. Let’s start this conversation again, shall we?"

"Agreed. Let’s focus on the purpose of your visit. I have pressing matters to attend to."

Chief Harrow nodded, gesturing toward a seat. "Please, take a seat, Mr. Reinhart. I trust you've successfully reclaimed your role as the head of the Reinhart family."

His interest in my family affairs was unsettling. Even from the tone of his voice and the rhythm of their heartbeats, I could sense an intent to obscure the truth.

"My attention remains on the purpose of your visit, Chief Harrow. Family matters are not up for discussion with outsiders."

"Outsiders? I believe you misunderstand me, Mr. Reinhart. The only reason you’re standing here today is because I was the one who helped your mother escape while she carried you in her arms. Without my aid, you’d have been dead long ago."

I paused, realizing I might be slipping into a defensive stance, expecting this conversation to veer into unwelcome territory. It was clear that their visit had little to do with uncovering the mystery of Harold's disappearance.

"I'm sorry, Chief Harrow. The journey here has been... challenging."

"We understand, and no apology is needed."

Determined to cut through the formalities, I decided to address the pressing issues directly.

"As you may know, Harold vanished the day we arrived. Despite reaching out to the enforcers, we’ve had no substantial updates. Do you have any insight into why the enforcers seem to lack urgency on this? Additionally, last night, I was confronted by an unruly pack of werewolves."

The Inquisitor leaned in, exchanging hushed words with Chief Harrow. Amid their murmured conversation, I caught the words "found" and "deal."

"It’s deeply concerning to see such conduct, but unfortunately, it's typical within werewolf ranks. The arrival of a potential new Alpha rarely receives a warm welcome. Your mother left behind a difficult challenge, and if I’m not mistaken, you’re here to face that challenge, aren’t you?"

"Correct. I am working on it."

"I’ll look into the reports on Harold’s search. It’s the best I can do at this time, and I’ll pass along any information I find. However, some unresolved matters between your mother and me require your attention."

It was obvious that his focus wasn’t on Harold’s disappearance. His motives were clear from the change in the scent emanating from him—an unmistakable signal that he was here on a personal mission. For Chief Harrow to come in person over an agreement forged nearly two decades ago indicated that whatever the arrangement was, he still expected me to fulfill it.

Deciding to adopt the same approach I’d taken with the vampires; I prepared to enter his game of subtle manipulation.

"The deal you struck was with my deceased mother, now resting six feet underground. Whatever your intentions are, they’d better offer me a substantial advantage. I won’t entertain the notion of reviving an old agreement that holds no value for me."

Talking about my mother in such a detached way stirred a deep ache within me, but I refused to let Chief Harrow or anyone else manipulate my emotions further.

"Are you suggesting a new arrangement?" Chief Harrow asked.

"I'm here, ready to listen. However, ensure that what you propose holds genuine value to me."

The old man motioned to the Inquisitor, who leaned in closer. They exchanged brief whispers, and then the Inquisitor drew a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Harrow, who extended it toward me.

"This paper holds the coordinates of Dylan’s pack. It’s a secluded area deep in the forest where they often gather. You might find clues to Harold’s whereabouts by following their scent. But I warn you, your presence may not be welcomed, so I’d advise bringing a few companions if you have them. In exchange, I require that you locate and retrieve a vial of essence your mother once acquired for me."

His request struck me as strange, especially since Elenore, the elder vampire, had shown a similar interest. "A vial of what, exactly?"

"The specifics of the vial’s contents are irrelevant to this agreement, Mr. Reinhart. If you find it, you are to turn it over to me."

Chief Harrow rose slowly from his chair, leaning on the Inquisitor for support.

"I’ll sweeten this deal for you, young man. I’ll allocate the hunter’s special task force to assist you, allowing you to track down Harold’s abductor and exert the necessary retribution."

"I must admit, the prospect of revenge does have its appeal. I might require more time to thoroughly assess the implications of your proposal."

"Very well, you have twenty-four hours. I will send a messenger to retrieve your decision, Mr. Reinhart." Chief Harrow said, walking out of the gathering room.

I sank into one of the chairs, my gaze lingering on my mother’s portrait as questions began to flood through my mind. What could have driven her to make a deal with someone as corrupt as Harrow? The door creaked open, and Antolio and Derrick entered the gathering room, their eyes scanning the portraits that lined the walls.

"Tobias, we’re ready," Derrick said. "Mind if I ask what Chief Harrow’s visit was about?"

"His visit was a waste of my time. Wait for me in the receiving room. I need a moment to clear my thoughts."

Frustration tightened around my heart, as my patience began to thin, noticing that everyone I meet wants to exploit my situation. My mother’s death wasn't a simple animal attack. I was starting to suspect a werewolf had killed her. And now, the disturbing possibility that Harold might not be my biological father added another painful wound to my heart. Then there was this strange vial, something both Chief Harrow and the elder vampire seemed deeply invested in.

I needed to understand the vial's purpose and contents before handing it over to the wrong person.