Chapter Twelve: Dangerous Bets

Myra raised an eyebrow at the sheer number of suitcases being dragged to the car. "I thought they were going for a few days, not a few months," she muttered. There had to be at least ten of them. She turned to Nathan. "Where did they say they were going again?"

"The U.S.," he answered casually.

Myra nodded, still watching the chaotic scene outside. They were all gathered in the living room, waiting for Madeline, but it had been over ten minutes. By the time she finally arrived, they had dozed off on the couches.

Madeline stopped in the doorway and smiled. They looked almost angelic when they slept—almost. Then she shook her head. These kids were a lot of things, but angelic wasn't one of them.

She clapped her hands. "Wake up."

They groaned, stirring sluggishly.

"I need everyone paying attention. Sebastian and I will be gone for a few days, and I expect the five of you to behave. Nathan's in charge, so listen to him." She paused, watching them nod. "We'll be back on Sunday."

"Sunday?" Nathan frowned.

"Yes. I don't want to miss Myra's first day of school."

Myra immediately scowled, making Madeline sigh. Couldn't she at least pretend to be excited? "It's a school for both humans and vampires—you might actually like it," she added.

Myra didn't bother responding.

Madeline rolled her eyes. "Fine, whatever. Just remember: no parties"—she turned to Nathan—"no demons"—then to Arielle—"and you." She fixed Myra with a pointed stare. "Try not to kill anyone."

"No promises," they all said in unison.

Madeline exhaled. Raising supernatural kids was exhausting.

Sebastian honked from the car, signaling it was time to go. She kissed each of them on the cheek before heading out. The moment the car disappeared down the driveway, a mischievous smirk spread across Ezra's face.

"So… which rule do we break first?"

"As much as I'd love a raging party," Nathan said, "we have other things to do." His gaze met Myra's. She nodded and wordlessly headed upstairs, Arielle following.

---

A New Look

Music Recommendation: "Checkmate" by Jena Rose

Arielle stared, her jaw slightly open.

"…Is it that bad?" Myra asked, fidgeting under her gaze.

Arielle shook her head. "This won't work."

Myra frowned. "What won't work?"

Arielle took a step closer, taking in every detail. The cropped leather jacket. The ripped jeans hugging her legs just right. The entire look was bold—confident. It wasn't the Myra she was used to.

"You look amazing," Arielle finally said. "They fit you better than me." Then, a sly smile. "I don't think King will be able to stand after seeing you."

The temperature in the room dropped.

Arielle blinked up at Myra, whose glare was sharp enough to cut through steel.

"Oh, come on. The guy seriously likes you."

"Well, I don't like him," Myra snapped. "And besides, I already have a mate. And so does Nathan."

Silence.

Arielle lowered her gaze, her fingers twisting into the hem of her sleeve. Myra sighed. "Arielle… Nathan already has his fated mate. When she shows up, you'll get hurt."

Arielle said nothing.

Myra hesitated before adding, "The only way you could stay close to him is if you became his blood servant… and I don't think you'd want that."

Arielle's shoulders tensed. Then, softly, she murmured, "I wonder if my blood would be sweet enough for him."

Myra stiffened. What the hell?!

Before she could say anything, Arielle turned and left the room.

Myra groaned, rubbing her temples. This was going to end badly.

---

The Race Begins

It was midnight when they arrived at King's mansion.

Myra had originally wanted to see his garden—the one she'd heard about—but decided it could wait.

King was already outside, waiting. Next to him stood a tall, thin man adjusting his glasses.

"You actually showed up," King mused, his smirk infuriatingly smug. "For a moment, I thought you chickened out."

Myra rolled her eyes. "You wish."

King gestured to the man beside him. "This is my assistant, Alvin."

Alvin handed Myra a folder. She opened it—and her blood boiled.

It was a contract.

She skimmed the contents, and her hands tightened around the pages. What the hell was this?!

King's smirk deepened. "Let me spell it out for you. If you lose, you—" He counted on his fingers. "One, become my girlfriend. Two, stay with me on weekends. And three…" He stepped closer, voice dropping to a husky murmur. "I get to kiss you whenever I feel like it."

The sound of her hand slapping his face echoed through the night.

Alvin blinked.

Arielle gasped.

King only chuckled, rubbing his cheek. "That hurt." He didn't look the slightest bit surprised. "Well then, I guess you don't want the dagger after all. Alvin, have it destroyed."

"Wait." Myra's fists clenched.

King tilted his head, waiting.

She hated this. Hated that he was playing her. But more than anything—she needed that dagger.

"I'll sign it," she said through gritted teeth.

King's smile was slow and victorious. "Good girl."

The moment her pen touched the paper, the contract was sealed.

The race was on. And unfortunately...

King won.

Myra stood there, staring at him. Her fingers dug into the handle of her helmet. Her throat felt tight.

King watched her silently before stepping forward. He took the dagger from Alvin and placed it in her hands.

"I never bought this for myself," he admitted. "I actually got it for you. You seemed hesitant to spend Madeline's money, so I figured I'd save you the trouble."

Myra's breath caught.

"I didn't mean to kiss you that night," he added quietly. "I had to. I hope you can forgive me."

Without thinking—she hugged him.

King froze.

Arielle's eyes widened.

"…Thank you," Myra whispered.

King's heart did something strange in his chest. Maybe the fact that he hadn't expected this much gratitude. Nervously he cleared his throat. She unwrapped herself from him, looking away.

Why the fuck did I do that?!

"We should go inside.." with that King started walking.

Once they got settled in, she joined King in the kitchen to make snacks.

Myra sat on the counter, watching as King prepared the hot cocoa. The warm scent of chocolate filled the kitchen.

"So," he said, pouring the drinks. "Let's get to know each other."

She raised a brow. "What?"

"We're friends now."

"…Since when?"

"Since you hugged me."

Myra clicked her tongue. "That's not how it works."

"Sure it is. Now, five questions each." she rolled her eyes, "So tell me.. why were you so eager on get that dagger."

She hesitated, it wasn't something she was really ready to share but maybe it would be good to get it off her chest, "It was my mum's" her voice soft and a small smile on her face, a look he rarely saw on her face. "She gave it to me when I was younger.... I don't know how but I ended up losing it"

He could see the pain of loss in her eyes, it was rare to see vulnerability in her, guess even she felt pain. "I lost my grandma when I was little too... Tell me, what was your mum like?"

And just like that, she found herself answering. She told him about her mother. The memories, the warmth.

And then, King asked one last thing.

"What were your parents' names?"

Myra hesitated.

"…Thomas and Winter Thorn."

King's expression didn't change—but something in the air shifted.