Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

{He had never realised how beautiful freckles could look until he saw his. They glimmered in the moonlight. He hated them.}

Shane sighed as he shut his laptop, finished with work for the day. He had had a particularly busy week, being a sport journalist and a writer for Drama of the Hockey World magazine, meant long nights of staying up till sunrise typing away covering anything from rookie fights to player retirements. Shane wouldn't have it any other way though, he loved how immersive the human world could be; so different from his own. 

Speaking off… 

Shane picked up his phone idly and frowned at the multiple missed calls from his mother that displayed on screen. Shane never answered his phone whilst he was working, often had it on mute as to not distract him; something his mother knew off. So the fact that she had called during his work hours, and multiple times had Shane’s fangs nibbling at his bottom lip in worry. 

“Did you see the news?” Yuna asked, as soon as Shane rang her back. 

“Hello to you too.” Shane greeted, dryly. 

“Shane.” Yuna emphasised. “He has been elected!” 

“Who has been elected? Mom, what are you talking about?” Shane asked, feeling exasperated. He loved his mother but her tendency to start a conversation from the middle really confused him at times. 

Yuna sighed on the other end. “Cromwell! He has been elected as the leader of the human sector!” 

Shane raised an eyebrow. “Okay…” 

“Shane! You are the son of the High Regents of Vampyre, have grown up under Vamp, Human and Were politics and still don't realise the importance of this shift in our society?” Shane winced, his mother sounded angry and now that Shane thought about it, she had a right to be. 

Ever since Shane had turned 18, he had told his parents that he wanted to experience a human life, go to college, get a job, etc. His parents had been hesitant at first but had eventually decided to let him be. They knew Shane could handle himself, and would be safe living in the human sector, living his human life, as the vamp/human relations had been robust for years. Until now that is… 

Shane mentally searched where he had heard the name Cromwell before, before his heart dropped as he remembered. Soon after, Shane had left his family’s home to move to college, he had purged himself of anything to do with his family’s political ties with the Humans or the Weres. After years of attending parties and events where he had to act as a representative of the entire Vampyre race, Shane had grown tired. He hated parties in general, making small talk by talking about the weather or which school someone’s child got into, it all felt very tedious to Shane. But ones where he had to sit whilst vamp/were/human politics were talked about, Shane would rather take a walk in the sun. 

So once he had left home, he had decided that he didn't want to know who was running for leadership amongst the humans, or who the newest alpha was amongst the Weres. He knew his parents had it covered. He knew he was not needed. 

But despite all this, he had still heard the name Cromwell, you'd have to be living under a rock to not have. 

“Is he the guy who hates us and wants all supernaturals to die?” Shane asked, already knowing the answer. 

“Yup that's the one.” Yuna replied gravely. 

Shane’s chest filled with anxiety, heart beating faster. Now he could see why his mother sounded so frenzied. This political change amongst the Humans would directly impact the Vampires, would impact the almost perfect relationship they've had for years. This would mean… 

“Wait, mom. You aren't calling because-”

“Yes, Shane.” His mother interrupted. “Its time to come home. It's not safe for you to live in the human sector anymore.” 

*** 

After getting off that harrowing phone call with his mother, Shane reluctantly packed his suitcase. He sighed as he looked around his bedroom, he would miss his tiny hole-in-the-wall apartment. Despite his parents offering to pay for a better place, Shane had wanted to buy himself his first apartment with his own salary. It was part of his whole being ‘independent’ plan. 

He was in the middle of packing his jeans into his packing cubes when his phone rang, showing Miles on the screen. 

“Hey man. I was just going to call you and Rose. I need to meet you guys, I have to go home and-.” Shane greeted. 

“Shane! Have you heard from Rose lately?” Miles interrupted. 

Shane’s eyebrows furrowed. “Erm… not really. I think the last time I spoke with her was on Tuesday." Which was four days ago. “Why, what's wrong?” 

“She’s not been answering her phone! We had plans to go see Wicked together last night, but she never showed. Then today I keep ringing her and she won't answer.” Miles explained. 

Huh. That was strange. Rose was not one to ghost anyone, let alone her friends. Come to think of it, it was rather odd that Rose hadn't messaged or rang him in the last four days. Not only was Rose his best friend, but was an avid texter and was always sending some new meme or trend to Shane. Shane had been so busy trying to finish his article for work, he hadn't realised how many days had passed since he had last talked to his best friend. 

“Well, do you think she lost her phone or it was stolen?” Shane reasoned. 

“I don't know man. To be honest she had been acting a little weird before…” 

“Weird how?” 

“Like spacy? She seemed to be lost in thought all the time. I just thought she was stressed over her job or something. But now… I don't know, I've got a bad feeling.” 

Shane nodded. “Okay, I can swing by her place. I've got a key.” 

Miles sighed with relief. “Thanks man! Keep me updated.” 

Shane made quick work to finish packing before he drove to Rose’s apartment. They did not live far from one another, so it wasn't long before Shane arrived at her building. 

Shane had met Rose during his freshman year at college. Rose had been seated next to him in his first class of the day and they had somehow bonded over their shared love for fries. She was human and Shane had felt such excitement of making his first human friend. She had then introduced him to Miles and all her other human friends, all of them welcoming him into their circle despite his Vampyre race. 

Shane knocked on Rose’s apartment door, using his vamp hearing to listen out for any sound coming from inside. Shane frowned when all he could hear from the low hum of the fridge, no footsteps, no sound of the TV or running water from the shower, and definitely no sound of Rose’s heartbeat.

A pit settled in his stomach as Shane unlocked the door, slowly walking inside. 

“Rose?” Shane called out. 

The apartment was cold and dark. The curtains closed. It looked like it had been empty for days. There was leftover takeout still left on the kitchen island, now growing mold. Rose’s laundry sat in the dryer, waiting to be folded. There was a half-drunk coffee mug sitting on the coffee table, along with her car keys. 

It looked like Rose had just left, leaving everything the way as it was. But where would she go without her car? 

Shane walked to her bedroom, eyes scanning the room for any abnormalities, anything to tell him what happened or where she could have gone. 

The room looked the same. Nothing different. Nothing out of the ordinary. 

The odd feeling in his chest started to grow. He should have called her days ago, made plans, checked in, anything!

Shane pulled out his phone and called Rose. Hoping that this time she would pick up, he had been calling her since he had left his own apartment. The call went straight to voicemail. Again. Dammit. 

Shane looked around one last time, seeing if anything caught his eye. He was just about to give up and leave when he saw a piece of paper sticking out of a notebook that was laid out on her bed. Shane slid it out, and his eyebrows furrowed as his brain tried to make sense of what he saw. 

E. Rozanov. 

That's it. A name. Nothing else.

Shane flipped the paper over, looking for more information. Nothing. Just an initial and name written on an otherwise empty piece of paper. 

Whose E Rozanov? Shane wondered. Maybe it was a friend of Rose’s? but Shane had met all her friends and none of them were named that. 

Maybe it was a guy she was seeing? But then why would she just have his name written on an empty piece of paper?

Was it even a person? Could it be the name of a building or a street name? 

Shane opened his phone, deciding to google the name. But to his misfortune, no results showed up.

Shane rubbed his forehead in frustration before he took a photo of the paper and sent it to Miles. 

She’s not at her apartment either. 

- Shane

Also do you know who or what this ‘E Rozanov’ could mean? 

- Shane 

Miles replied instantly. 

No. Where did you find that? 

- Miles 

Shane chewed his lip as he mulled over Miles’s text before he hit call. 

“Hey.” Miles said as soon as he picked up. 

“Hey. I found it on her bed.” Shane replied. He flipped the paper over, as if the words would change, before he flipped through the rest of the notebook. It was empty. 

“What does it mean?” Miles asked. 

“I don't know. I was hoping you could tell me. She didn't mention anything the last time you saw her?” 

“No man, like I said she was acting all spacy. Her attention kept drifting to something else and she looked lost?” 

Shane sighed, his anxious feeling growing by the minute. 

“Do we file a missing persons report with the police?” Miles asked. 

Shane shook his head. How many people went missing everyday? How many were found by the police? 

“I… I'm going to ask my mom for help.” Shane began. His voice wavered. 

“The High Regent of Vampyre?” 

“Yeah. My family has the resources to find anyone. They will be able to help.” Shane assured, he didn't know who he was trying to convince, Miles or himself. 

Ending the call, Shane pocketed his phone, along with the piece of paper and decided to leave. He wouldn’t be finding Rose here. With a pang in his heart, Shane left. 

It was a good thing that he was going home anyway.

*** 

Throughout his whole flight home, Shane scrolled through his text chats with Rose, the heavy feeling in his chest gnawing at him. He should have known his friend was in trouble. He should have done something to sense that she needed his help. It was clear someone took her. Rose wasn't one to up and leave without telling anyone. This was deliberate. Whoever took her did so carefully, so her friends and family wouldn't be alerted until it was possibly too late. Shane didn't like that thought. He refused to let himself think down that road. 

Shane was picked up by his family’s chauffeur at the airport who greeted him with a small smile and nod. 

“Good morning, Mr Shane.” Wiebe greeted him as soon as Shane was close enough to the car. "Welcome back."

“Good morning, Wiebe.” Shane nodded back at the man he had known since he was a child. "Thanks."

The good thing about Wiebe was that he didn't make unnecessary conversation, which Shane appreciated. He took Shane’s luggage and placed it into the boot of the car, whilst Shane climbed inside. The blacked out windows helped ease the headache that was forming. 

Whilst the sun did not burn vampyres, like humans used to believe, it was uncomfortable for a vampyre to sit long under the sun. Shane took off his sunglasses and baseball cap, and waved a hand through his hair which was getting a little long, something his mother would definitely point out as soon as she saw him. 

“Straight home, sir?” Wiebe confirmed. 

Shane nodded. “Yes.” 

He looked out of the window, watching the city he grew up in pass by. He thought about the weird events that had happened in just under 24 hours. Cromwell, the hater of all supernatural beings, elected as the leader of the human sector, and Rose’s disappearance. 

Vampyres and Humans had been living in peace for as long as Shane could remember. The two factions had worked hard to improve their relationship with one another. He could still remember the long nights he would watch his parents tirelessly work to improve the political relations with their human neighbours. Being High Regents of Vampyre meant all the responsibility fell upon them. Shane thought back to the endless dinner parties and events he would have to attend on behalf of his parents, trying to form friendships. How boring yet important they had been.

And now… all that for what? For someone else to be elected, taking them back decades. 

They soon arrived at his parent’s place. The car drove through the gated residence, and Shane watched as the castle he had grown up in loomed closer. Despite everything, his heart settled at seeing his childhood home. It would be nice to see his parents again. 

Shane climbed out of the car, greeting the staff that stood near the entrance, before he walked inside. Instantly, the smells of home hit his senses. Shane smiled as he looked around. Nothing had changed. 

“Shane!” 

Shane turned to the sound and saw his mother hurrying towards him, a big smile on her face and her arms outstretched. She pulled him into a hug as soon as she was close enough, with such force that Shane let out a small “ooof”. 

“Good to see you too, mom.” Shane huffed a small laugh and hugged his mother back. 

Yuna only squeezed harder. “I’m so glad you're okay.” 

"Of course I'm okay! Cromwell was just elected. What, you think he was going to go on a supernatural killing spree on his first day in office?” 

Yuna pulled back. Her face grim. “You’d be surprised.” 

Shane froze, the smile on his face dropping. “What do you mean?” 

Before Yuna could respond, David walked into the foyer, eyes wide with excitement at seeing his son. 

“Shane!” He too embraced Shane into a hug. “Good to see you son!” 

“You too dad.” Shane replied. “Dad, what is going on?” He then asked, not being able to handle the suspense any longer. 

David pulled back and shot Yuna an annoyed look. “He hasn't been here for two seconds and you've already got him talking about politics?” 

Yuna huffed. “He asked!” 

David sighed and shook his head at his wife fondly before he turned to look at Shane. “How about we have breakfast first, hmm?” 

Shane opened his mouth to argue but his mother nodded eagerly. “Yes. Perfect.” 

Having no choice but to follow his parents to the dining room, he trudged after them and sat at the table as their staff set the table. 

Shane winced at the goblet of blood that was placed in front of him. 

“Shane? What is it?” His mother asked, noticing the look on his face. 

Shane shook his head. “Oh? Nothing.” He rushed out. “Its just that… being surrounded by humans so long… I've kind of adapted to their diet.” 

“You don't drink blood anymore?” His mother asked, incredulous. 

“I do! I do. But… only when I absolutely have to.” Shane explained. Vampyres could not live without blood. They needed it to survive, so Shane couldn't write it off completely. But where he used to drink it all the time, hungry or not, now he only drank when he needed to feed, preferring to eat other foods, human foods. 

Yuna frowned, clearly not pleased but cleverly chose not to comment on it. 

“So, Shane.” His father began. “How’s your job coming?” 

Shane nodded. “Yeah, it's good. But…” Shane cut himself off. “I don't want to talk about work, dad.” 

Yuna sighed as she took a sip from her goblet. David nodded, having expected as much. 

“I actually have something I need your help with.” Shane began. “My friend, Rose, she’s missing and I need your help in finding her. I was thinking of getting JJ and his team to do run some checks and-”

“Shane.” Yuna interrupted. 

Shane froze. 

“I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I really am. But we have more pressing issues right now.” 

“What?” Shane demanded. What could be more pressing than his friend missing. 

“Cromwell… he’s renounced the peace treaty.” Yuna stated, her tone matter of fact, as if she had a lot of time to come to terms with the reality, which made Shane wonder how long ago this had happened. 

“What? When…” Shane stammered. 

“We got word a week ago.” 

“A week ago! And you're telling me this now?” 

David shot Yuna a look and shook his head. Shane hated it when they did that. “Please stop speaking about me telepathically.” He grunted, rubbing his forehead. 

Yuna winced and nodded. 

His parents were truemates, which meant that they could speak telepathically, something, growing up, had been the bane of Shane’s existence and drove him crazy, whenever his parents communicated to each other like that in front of him, he knew it was almost always about him. 

“We didn't want to tell you until we absolutely had to.” David began. “We didn't want to disrupt your life for something that could have been a minor… disagreement.” 

Shane nodded. Okay that made sense. 

“But. Cromwell… is an unreasonable man.” Yuna continued, huffing with anger. “Despite our attempts, he has continued with his propaganda. He already has a group of supporters, all for the death of the Vampyre.” 

“And Weres.” David added. 

Shane raised an eyebrow. 

It was a known fact that the Vampyres and the Weres had a… troublesome relationship at best. 

Their world was split into three sectors, Vampyre, Human and Were. If the relationship between the Vampyres and the Humans had been terrible before their peace treaty, the relationship between the Vampyres and the Were was worse. And still was. To put it into simple terms, the two species hated each other. It was just the way things were. As simple as the sun and the moon. Neither party liked the other. Their customs, similar yet so different. 

So, hearing that the Were’s relationship with the Humans had also deteriorated should have brought a small comfort inside Shane. 

It didn't. 

“Okay… but we're stronger!” Shane argued. 

David shook his head. “That doesn't matter anymore.” 

“Yes. The humans tend to… consummate like bunnies.” Yuna stated, her voice flat. “They’ve tripled in numbers since the Old Wars.” 

Shane hadn't been born yet, during the Old Wars, but from the tales his parents had told him, the Old Wars had not been a picnic in the park. The war between all three factions, the one that had almost rendered the Vampyre specifics extinct, had taken a large toll on the relations between the three sectors. Many lives had been lost, including Shane’s grandpa, Yuna’s father. It had taken years of negotiations, betrayals, plans falling through, for things to settle. And even then, the memory remained. The pain of what was lost was still prevalent, especially amongst the Vampyres and Weres. 

“Okay. But we have powers. If things were to lead to a war-” 

“Shane. There have been five murders.” 

“What!” Shane’s blood ran cold. 

“In the past week, three vampyres have been staked in plain daylight. And three Weres were killed. One was a child.” Yuna explained, grimly. 

“How haven't I heard about this?” 

“Well. I'm guessing the human news channels are hiding what they are doing.” David replied. 

“Yes. So you see, despite the Vampyres and Weres being stronger, strength wise, the Humans make that up in numbers. That leaves us vulnerable.” Yuna continued. “Especially due to the Vampyres and the Weres being divided.” 

Shane huffed a laugh. “If only we could mend the fucked up relationship we have with the Weres, huh?” 

Yuna and David did not laugh. Only shared another look, communicating telepathically. 

“You’re doing it again.” Shane rolled his eyes. “What is it?” 

Yuna sighed. She placed her goblet of blood onto the table, seeming to delay whatever she had to say. It had to be bad then, if Yuna of all people was hesitant to speak.

“We have an idea on how to mend the relationship with the Weres.” She began. 

Shane raised an eyebrow. He had been joking about mending the relationships with the Weres but it was clear this was something his parents had clearly thought out. His parents were nothing but meticulous, they hadn't been High Regents of Vampyre for decades for no reason. 

“Okay…” Shane prompted. 

“We think-” Yuna started. 

“Aah, Mr Shane! You’ve arrived.” A voice interrupted. The three vampyres turned to look at the doorway of the dining room. 

Lucian, Yuna and David’s advisor, stood with his head held up high and blond hair slicked back. The man adjusted his large glasses on his nose and smiled at Shane. “Nice to see you made it.” Lucian continued and walked closer. 

Shane nodded back and gave a small smile. “Yes.” He merely replied. 

“Lucian, we were just telling Shane about our plans.” Yuna spoke, her eyes shifting toward the door as if trying to tell him to leave without outright saying it. Lucian did not get the memo and instead walked to the dining table, sitting down alongside Yuna. 

“Good. Yes. We do need to update Mr Shane.” Lucian replied, fidgeting nervously with his fingers. 

Yuna huffed, frustrated but didn't say anything. 

“Anyway, we have a plan to form… an alliance with the Weres.” She continued. 

“An alliance?” Shane repeated. 

Yuna nodded. “An arranged marriage.” 

Shane’s eyebrows shot up. Were arranged marriages still a thing? Especially one between two different species? Did they still work? Particulary when said two parties wanted to rip the other’s throats out. 

“Okay…” 

“The new Alpha of the Weres seems… decent.” Yuna rolled her eyes, reluctant to praise. “He was recently made Alpha, after his father passed away. Anyway, we have been communicating and he has agreed to this… arrangement.” 

Shane nodded. That sounded good. At least the Weres were cooperating. Although, he hoped this wasn't a hoax, something for the Vampyres to drop their defences. 

“And who will the Alpha be marrying from the Vampyres?” Shane asked. 

He wracked his brain around, thinking who from his relatives would be the poor sucker to get chosen. He figured it would have to be someone from Vampyre nobility, otherwise what would be the point. Shane didn't have siblings, and only had one cousin who lived in the high mountains of Transylvania. Shane frowned, he doubted the new Alpha would want to marry his cousin, who had just celebrated her 100th birthday three weeks ago. Although vampyres did not age, being immortal and all that, his cousin could definitely use some anti age serum. Maybe it was living in the mountains, Shane thought. He had always wondered why she had looked like that, when she’d-

“You.” 

The word broke Shane out of his ridiculous train of thoughts and he began to choke. On air. 

“What!”

Yuna winced and David looked grim. 

“I’m so sorry Shane. But we can’t let this go on any longer.” Yuna grimaced. “I hate that it has come to this. We tried to avoid this. Believe me. But…” she weaved her hand in her hair, clearly distraught. Shane hated seeing his mother this way. “They do not care about our powers anymore. The humans have invented their own technology that rivals our supernatural abilities.” 

She took Shane’s hand from across the table. 

“Shane, we are losing. Human loyalties have shifted.” 

“Which is why I proposed this idea.” Lucien spoke. He adjusted his glasses once again, clearly they were too big for his head. 

Shane’s eyes shifted from his mother to Lucien. “This was your idea.” He stated, his tone was hard.

Lucien had the decency to look taken aback at Shane’s tone but before he could speak, Yuna beat him to it. 

“Yes. It was Lucien’s idea. And despite your father and I being reluctant to agree, even we have to admit that it is a good one.” 

“So you want to marry me off to some Alpha… and then what?” Shane demanded, he crossed his arms across his chest, pulling his hand away from his mother. 

“And then we both have the resources to defend ourselves against the humans.” Yuna replied, diplomatically. “Shane, think about it. The Weres are in the same boat as us. They lost people too in the past week. It makes sense for us to band together.” 

Right, because the enemy of your enemy is your friend. Or whatever the line was. Shane thought, bitterly. 

“And how do we know the Weres will even honour this arrangement? What if they kill me as soon as I land in their territory? These are the same Weres that have killed many of our own people before! What stops them from killing again?” 

Yuna flinched. 

David grimaced. 

Lucian merely fixed his glasses again. 

“Shane. We will not force this on you.” David began. “I mean surely there could be someone else-” 

“There isn't." Lucian stated. “Look, Mr Shane, your title as the son of the High Regents of Vampyre puts you in a sticky situation. You cannot return to the human sector, not without protection, as you would be in danger. Cromwell knows about you, your job, your apartment, everything.” 

Shane’s blood ran cold. He hadn't even thought about that. 

“And your title also means you are of nobility which means this marriage would hold a high impact on this peace arrangement we are proposing with the Weres.”

“And besides.” Yuna added. “We have a contingency plan.” 

“Which is…?” Shane raised an eyebrow. 

“We accept a Were to come live with us. A trade. You for the Were. We treat the Were with respect, take care of them and expect the Weres to do the same to you.” 

“And if they don't?" 

“Well then…” Yuna flicked her goblet with her finger. “They will see an end to our hospitality.” Her nostrils flared at the idea. 

Shane swallowed. This was a lot. He had come home to see if his parents would help him find Rose. Not to be caught in the middle of a war. Not only would this mean that he wouldn't have the resources to help find his friend, but he would have to give up his job, his life, everything. Although, with the way things were looking between the Humans and the Vampyres, it looked like Shane would have to give up his life in the human sector anyway. 

“But I don't think it will come to that.” Yuna continued, ignorant to Shane’s inner turmoil. “Alpha Rozanov has been quite forthcoming and agreeable with our ideas.” 

Shane’s brain came to a screeching halt. Alpha Rozanov. Wait. What? 

His mother had said that name. He had seen that name before.

“What?” He stammered, his throat suddenly dry. “What was the name of the Alpha?” 

Yuna’s eyebrows furrowed. “Rozanov. Why?” 

“Do you know him?” Lucian asked, leaning forward in his chair, his eyes full of something that Shane couldn't quite place. 

Shane opened his mouth to tell them what he had found at Rose’s apartment. The paper with ‘E. Rozanov’ written on it. He wanted to tell them, and ask them for their help again. But when he looked at his parents closer, he could see what the recent threats had done to them. His father had bags under his eyes, face grim with stress, his mother the same. Shane internally sighed. He couldn't give them another thing to worry about. This was something Shane would have to figure on on his own.

Shane shook his head. “No. I don't know him.” Not a lie, per se. 

Yuna nodded. “Okay, well, he seems decent, like I said.” 

Shane wanted to scoff at the word. Decent. Was it decency to kidnap a girl, or have something to do with kidnapping a girl for god only knows what? Shane didn't think so. 

He sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Okay. I will… think about it.” 

Yuna nodded, satisfied. David just looked like he was about to throw up. 

***

Shane was an overthinker. Had been ever since he had formed his first conscious thought. And when he overthank, he paced. It helped his thoughts flow faster. He had lost count of the amount of times his parents had told him off throughout his childhood to stop pacing, his footsteps being heard from whichever room of the castle they were in thanks to their vamp superhearing. Shane hadn't listened. He couldn't help it. It was just the way he was wired. Eventually his parents had let him be. 

So there he was, in his childhood bedroom, pacing from one corner to the next, eyebrows furrowed and face serious. Playing and overplaying the conversation he had had with his parents. 

On one hand this was crazy. Totally bat-shit crazy. He couldn't get married! He was only twenty five. And to a Were at that. His sworn enemy. Okay, maybe he was being a tad bit dramatic. It's not like he had met many Weres in his life. The two species tended to stay out of each other's way. Most of the time. 

But he had seen the aftermath of when the two species collided. All it took was a small jab for someone to end up dead on the street. 

So yes. This was crazy! There was also the fact that he had never even met the Alpha he was supposed to get married to. Weren't Alphas known for being dicks? And how long would this arrangement even last? Shane cursed himself for not asking his mother that. But in his defence, his brain had stopped working after he had Rozanov’s name. 

However, on the other hand, if he accepted this proposal he could get into the Were territory, which would give him the access he needed to find out what happened to Rose. And that was his goal for coming home was it not? He had promised Miles he would find her. He needed to find her. She had been his first real friend and Shane knew that if things were the other way around, Rose would stop at nothing to find him. 

Shane looked at the piece of paper again. 

E. Rozanov

Shane traced Rose’s handwriting with his thumb and swallowed, the pit in his stomach returning. He had to do this. For Rose. It was not a coincidence that on the same day he had encountered that name twice. They had to be connected somehow. Which meant Alpha Rozanov had something to do with Rose’s disappearance. 

“Where are you?” Shane murmured. He hoped that wherever his friend was, she was safe. Or alive. 

The paper didn't have the answers. Nor did Shane. But, Shane decided, it was time he went and got some. 

He nodded once, still looking at the paper. He would do this. He had to do this. 

For Rose. 

With that decided, Shane made his way to his parent’s studyroom. The sun had reached its peak whilst he had been busy mulling over his decision, and now softly shone through the tinted windows of the castle. The hallways were near empty, all the staff were probably making their way to sleep. Shane’s footsteps echoed as he walked, his fists were tight at his side. 

The large doors loomed in front of him and Shane raised his fist to knock, the sound loud in the silence. 

“Come in!” his mother called. 

Shane swallowed as the doors opened. His mother sat by the fireplace in her favourite chair. His father stood by the large window, looking out at the view. 

He walked in and nodded to his parents before he took his seat opposite his mother. “I’ll do it.” 

Yuna sat up straighter in her seat. David froze. 

“You are sure?” Yuna asked slowly. 

Shane nodded again. “Yes. But I have questions.” 

Yuna nodded, straight to business. “I’m not surprised.” 

“How long would this arrangement last?” 

“Well, we hope that with the help of the Were soldiers alongside our own, the threat alone would make Cromwell back off. But if it doesnt…” Yuna trailed off.

“So potentially forever?” Shane finished, not liking where this was going. 

David sighed as he came and sat next to his wife. “It is called a marriage, Shane. They tend to be till death do us part.” He said lightly. 

Shane huffed. “Yes. But in usual cases, the couple love each other… or at least aren't enemies.” 

Yuna nodded. “Shane is right, David. We can add that to our terms. Maybe add an end date to this agreement, make it for a year? That way, even if things do not improve with the Humans. We can say that despite the marriage ending, the fact that we and the Weres were able to cooperate shows that we can honour our peace and would continue to do so.” 

Shane nodded, a small knot in his chest loosening. “Okay. Thank you. Also, will I meet the Alpha before our wedding?” 

Yuna grimaced and shook her head. “Orignially, he was supposed to arrive a day before the wedding. But apparently there was an issue on his end. Now, he will be arriving the day of.” 

Shane sighed. He had hoped to see the Alpha before, maybe talk to him, determine what kind of person he was.

“And when is the day you have decided?” He asked, already dreading the answer. 

“In two days.” 

“Well… do you at least have a photo or something?” Shane asked, you know just in case he wasn't signing his life away to some ogre or something. Not that it would make a difference either way, his brain unhelpfully reminded him. 

Yuna eagerly nodded. “Yes. We requested a photo and sent one of yours.” 

Shane couldn't help but scrunch his nose at that. The idea that he was being judged somewhere by whatever photo his mother had sent, as if he wasn't a person with real feelings or thoughts. But then again, Shane was about to do the same he supposed. 

Yuna took out her phone and turned it toward him. 

The man in the photo looked young. That was Shane’s first thought. The second was how beautiful he was, which Shane promptly ignored. The Alpha had grey eyes, and blond hair that sat on his head in curls. He was good looking, handsome. 

Okay. At least he wasn't marrying an ogre. At least he would have some eye candy during his search for Rose. Bright side. 

*** 

The two days arrived rather quickly for someone who was about to sign his life away. 

Shane stared at himself in the mirror, standing in his wedding suit. Today was the day. His wedding day. If someone had told him a few weeks ago that this is where his life was leading him, he would have scoffed. He hadn't ever thought he would be here today, marrying his enemy for politics. He sighed as he straightened his suit jacket for the fifth time, a nervous habit. 

“Oh honey.” Yuna murmured, having entered his room without Shane noticing. She came up behind him and looked at him through the mirror. “You look so handsome.” Yuna wiped away the tears in her eyes and sniffled. 

Shane turned around to face his mother and embraced her in a hug. “Thanks, mom.” 

Yuna hugged him tight. “I’m so sorry you have to do this. If there was any other way, I would do it.” 

Shane nodded. “It's okay, mom. I believe you. And I understand. It's what's best for us.” And Rose, he couldn't help but add in his mind.

Yuna pulled away and searched his eyes, looking for sincerity. Shane made sure to keep his face stoic, not wanting his mother to read his inner turmoil on his face. She did have a habit of doing so. But today, if she did see something, his mother didn't comment. Yuna nodded and patted his chest, before she gently placed a hand on his cheek.

“I'm so proud of you. And no matter what happens, just know that your father and I love you. So much.” 

Shane swallowed, his throat heavy with emotions. “I love you too.” He murmured, his voice low. He couldn't help the tear that drifted down his cheek, which Yuna gently swiped away. They stood like that for a few more seconds, just basking in the silence before the inevitable storm, before Yuna pulled away and sighed. 

“Okay. Enough.” She wiped away her own tears, back to business. Shane nodded, following suit.

“The ceremony starts in ten.” She stated, tapping him on the shoulder. 

“I’ll meet you there.” Shane replied, needing a few more seconds. 

Yuna nodded and left him alone. 

“Okay. I can do this.” He whispered to himself, taking a minute to breathe before he walked out of his room. Telling himself he was ready for his new life to begin. 

***

It was a perfect night for a wedding. The stars were out twinkling as if they shared a secret only they knew. The air was brisk but not too cold, the wind hit Shane’s face gently as soon as he stepped out into the large yard where the ceremony was being held. Shane took a deep breath and looked up towards the sky, the moon was hidden behind some clouds, but its glow was still bright. 

His attention shifted to the yard, it had been decorated with small fairy lights hung up to create the illusion that this wedding was wanted. There were chairs laid out, facing what Shane assumed was the altar. Said altar had an archway in the middle, made of flowers. Most likely his mother’s doing. It would have been cute if Shane didn't feel like he was going to throw up any second now. 

He scanned the room, his presence had not been seen by anyone yet, which Shane was grateful for. It gave him a second to assess. His eyes wandered over to the guests, his side embarrassingly empty, save for his parents, Lucien and a few members from the Vampyre council. It's not like he had made many friends as a child. He wondered what Rose would say if she were here right now. Probably make some inappropriate joke about the Were's groomside. At the thought, his gaze sharpened as it found the Weres standing on the other side of the aisle. But before he could find his groom from amongst them, his mother appeared at his side. 

“You ready?” 

No. 

Shane let out a shaky breath but nodded anyway.

David appeared at his other side and curled his arm around Shane. “You’ve got this, Shane. We believe in you.” 

“Thanks dad.” 

And with that, the three Vampyres slowly made their way down the aisle. Someone started the music, some slow instrumental song that would have been beautiful if Shane didn't feel like running away. At the sound of the music, all eyes shifted to him. 

Shane nervously gulped as he eyed the Weres all staring at him with a dull serious look on their faces. Shane could hear their sharp heartbeats. Could feel their hatred. Weres were strong, fast and could shift into werewolves. Their blood smelt different from humans, more metallic. Their strength rivalled Vampyre strength, almost equal. He wondered what their thoughts were on this arrangement. Why their Alpha had decided to agree.

Shane's focus shifted to the Were stood at the altar, the Alpha he was about to marry. He looked different from the picture he was shown. His eyes, which had appeared grey in the photo, were actually blue. Piercingly ocean blue. Shane winced as their eyes met, an uncomfortable feeling beginning to form in his gums. Shane frowned as his tongue wandered to the gum under where his fangs sat. 

“You okay?” Yuna whispered to him, noticing his discomfort. 

Shane nodded, discreetly, conscious of being watched. “Yeah, my gums just hurt.” He thought back to the last time he had fed, which had been a couple of hours ago. So he knew he wasn't hungry. He did not have time to ponder on it, his attention snatched again by the godly being in front of him.

Rozanov. The Alpha was beautiful. Dirty blond curly hair that had been slicked back slightly. Clearly the photo had not done this man justice, he looked like he just stepped off a photo shoot. His right cheek had a mole, Shane couldn't help but trace his face with his eyes, following his sharp jawline to his neck where he could see his rapid pulse beating. The pain in Shane’s gum worsened at the sight. 

Rozanov’s eyes roamed Shane’s face, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He seemed to be inspecting Shane as if he was a bug under a microscope. 

Now inches away from the altar, Shane stopped short. Wasn't the Alpha also given a photo of Shane? Was Shane not what he was expecting? 

He squared his shoulders and walked the last bit, stepping onto the small podium. 

Rozanov took a small step back. 

His eyes widened. 

His nostrils flared. Then wrinkled in disgust.

His mouth opened then closed. 

Then. He took a step closer, so fast that Shane stumbled, not having expected the move. 

Yuna gasped. David grunted. 

Shane froze. His eyes wide, heart drumming against his chest ready to break out. 

Rozanov grabbed Shane by the lapels of his suit jacket, face now inches away.

“How the fuck do you smell like that?” He snarled.