Forsaken and the Alpha Series: Warrior's Heart

The clatter of heels echoed in the hallway, followed by a new scent. I turned to see who it was, and instantly, Vincent and Albert ceased their shouting.

“Quit your whining,” she commanded, her voice as firm as Vincent’s. The two alphas obeyed, a rare occurrence indeed.

She was striking, with ash blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and a tall, commanding presence. Her face was a blend of Albert and Vincent’s angular features, but softened with a feminine touch. I remembered her—Dandara, their older sister.

She was dressed in a chic navy blue suit, paired with black stiletto heels—an ensemble that only added to her authority.

“If your little brother did his job right…,” Vincent muttered, almost too quiet to hear.

Albert rolled his eyes.

“What did he screw up this time?” Dandara asked, moving closer to them.

“He failed to send the break-in report. According to the guard’s interrogation, it was a message to overthrow him…” Vincent’s voice was low but firm, every word sounding like a command.

“And now he can’t request the guard’s assistance or the council’s help because legally, they’re unaware of the invasion.” Dandara sighed, rubbing her neck. Her gaze then landed on me.

I extended my hand toward her. “Sammantha Harris, deputy head of the guard.”

“Dandara Magnolli, Vincent’s beta, and their sister. So, you’re the fucking chief of the guard who is more alpha than Albert is?” She squeezed my hand, her eyes flicking to Vincent as she quoted him.

“She’s Diana’s daughter,” Vincent informed his sister.

“Diana Hasendolf?” Dandara squinted at me, still holding my hand. She broke into a smile, and I mirrored her. “You have your mother’s smile. You’re beautiful, Sammantha. I adore your mother.”

“Thanks,” I replied. When she released my hand, the silver burn stung my fingers again. Despite the serum in my bloodstream, cutting Trevor’s cheek without gloves had reignited the burning sensation. I rubbed my fingers together, looking down at my hand.

“How do you know Diana? I didn’t even know her before I came here,” Albert asked.

Vincent moved toward me, his brows furrowed. My heart pounded as he approached, my nerves fraying.

“She got married and stopped attending council dinners with her parents before you were born,” Dandara explained, watching Vincent’s approach with interest.

“Is it still burning? That’s impossible… You’ve had the treatment, and there’s still serum in your bloodstream.” Vincent stopped in front of me, resting his hip on the table. He took my wrist, examining the burn on my hand. His touch sent shivers down my spine, and I let out an involuntary sigh.

I looked up, meeting his gaze, and my breath hitched. I stood there, breathless for a few seconds before remembering he had asked a question.

“I burned again when I slashed the exile…” I exhaled, feeling everyone’s eyes on me. “He recognized me and said that ‘my fucking uncle should have put me there, that I couldn’t be there on my own.’ I lost control, and…”

I glanced at my hand, then back at Vincent. I expected disappointment or surprise in his eyes, but instead, he was smiling.

He released my hand and moved toward the bar, pulling out his handkerchief again. It was as if he knew that the trust he had in me had caused my reaction.

“I would have done the same,” Dandara said, moving toward Albert.

“I know you would have. You two are indeed very similar.” Vincent returned with the whiskey-soaked handkerchief. He leaned against the table in front of me, holding my hand and placing the handkerchief over my fingers. This time, he held it there, and the burning sensation slowly subsided. I sighed in relief.

“You would need ointment here again, but since you already have the serum in your bloodstream, maybe alcohol alone will be enough.” His gaze met mine, and I was locked in his intense stare. We were oblivious to his brothers beside us, the tension between us almost palpable.

Dandara cleared her throat, snapping me out of my trance. My mind started working again.

“Which department receives this document?” I asked the three of them.

“The legal department,” Dandara replied, furrowing her brows.

“So, the head of legal could take it if he wanted to?” I tilted my head slightly.

“He could, but I wouldn’t even dare to try…” Dandara responded.

“Prepare the paperwork, and I’ll take it to him and make him accept it,” I sighed.

“And why would you make him accept it?” Dandara crossed her arms, stepping to the side.

“Because he’s my ex-boyfriend, and I caught him cheating on me with his secretary, who was also my college roommate and best friend… So, let’s just say he owes me a few favors,” I said.

Dandara gasped. Vincent choked in surprise, and Albert looked utterly shocked.

“How did I not know about this before? I love gossip.” Albert leaned back in his chair.

“It was five years ago, before you came here.” I looked down, the topic still a sore spot.

“That’s why you didn’t finish college.” Vincent connected the dots.

“And he was still my professor at the time.” I sighed, then straightened my spine. “Give me whatever paperwork I need, and I’ll handle it.”

“I have a council meeting in a few hours. I’m heading there. I can give you a ride,” Vincent offered, making every fiber in my body tingle.

“Thanks.” It was the only word I could manage.

“Lunch is almost ready. You two should eat before you go.” Dandara, fulfilling her role as beta, made sure her alpha brother was fed.

“I need to get ready. I’m seeing my stupid ex-boyfriend after five years, and I need to look hotter than ever. I’ll get ready, then we can go,” I said, laughing.

“I fully agree,” Dandara said, leaving the meeting room with Albert.

I was still smiling when Vincent removed the handkerchief from my fingers. I looked him in the eyes and mouthed “thank you” before leaving.

“You’re already hotter than ever.” His voice was a soft murmur, meant only for my ears, but the words were loud and clear, embedding themselves in my mind. I glanced back just in time to see him tuck the handkerchief into his pocket.

Damn it…