Chapter 12
Tristan's POV
I stood near the fence, staring at the number of people impaled on it. When I had first accepted these men here, they had been nothing but dust beneath my feet. They'd begged for shelter, and Hayley had let them in here.
My gaze fell on Collins, Hayley's supposed fiancé. Ever since he set foot here, I had never approved of his relationship with my sister. To her, it seemed like I didn't love her, but I was only trying to protect her.
I never liked him around Hayley, and now that I had the chance, I wanted him to suffer. I wanted him to die slowly. He was barely alive, and he still had a few hours left before death would claim him.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed two maids from my brother's house passing by. Their cheeks turned pink as they blushed. I grinned, flashing them my bright red Lycan eyes, and they quickly composed themselves, bowing their heads as they hurried off. Everyone reminded me of her. With her curly brown hair and skin the color of chocolate, she was incredibly beautiful.
The sun was high this morning, and the servants bustled about their morning activities. Two maids were in the garden chopping the flowers. I ran my fingers through my hair, my emotions overwhelming me. I wanted nothing more than to sink my sharp teeth into her fresh skin and taste her blood. Like vampires, we feed on the blood of werewolves or humans, though only when we are injured or weakened.
Sniffing the air, I caught a familiar scent. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The sound of her small footsteps as she approached made the corner of my lips curl into a smirk.
Hayley, I thought. Slowly turning around, I saw her standing at a distance, staring at Collins. Her eyes filled with tears, and she raised her hand to brush her cheek.
I allowed her a moment to grieve before approaching her. As I walked closer, my stomach growled with hunger.
"Hayley Hawkins," I called out with a smile. My throat was sore from the amount of whiskey I had consumed this morning.
She snapped her head toward me, her green eyes blazing with fury. Her hands clenched into fists, as if ready to punch me. I smirked, crossing my hands behind my back.
"How dare you speak to me after what happened?" she asked.
I took a step forward, enjoying the annoyed expression from her.
"You wound me, sister," I said. "I expected you to ask how I was doing after your boyfriend tried to kill me."
"Aren't you the one always boasting that you're unkillable?" she retorted.
"Hayley, I was doing you a favor," I said. "Collins is nothing but a liability to you."
"That is not for you to decide!" she yelled. "You have no right to take him away from me."
I tilted my head with a grin. "No right, you say? I think you've forgotten that everything that happens here is because of me. Besides, I want someone as strong as me to be your husband."
She laughed, shaking her head. "You're wrong because I would never want someone as cruel and evil as you."
She walked closer to Collins, extending her hand to touch his foot, which was dripping with blood.
"I promise I'll find a way to get you out of this," she whispered.
"Sister, I can assure you his burial will be fitting," I said. "I'll buy him the best coffin in the world and make sure he's well taken care of before he's laid to rest."
Glaring at me, she pressed her lips into a thin line before stepping closer.
"The Sisterhood is requesting a meeting with us," Hayley said, changing the topic.
My expression turned serious as I stared at her.
"Do you think they've heard about Aaliyah?" I asked.
"People started talking the moment you brought the girl here," she said. "Word must have spread to the Sisterhood witches. You need to find a plan if you want to keep her safe."
"And that's why I brought her here."
"To harm her?"
"No."
"Then what?"
I smirked. "It's better if I keep that to myself for now."
"Brother, whatever you plan to do, think carefully. We can't break the deal with the Sisterhood. One wrong move, and you know what happens."
"I know."
"Just be careful."
I smiled. "Worried about me, dear sister?"
Raising my head, I saw Aaliyah standing on the balcony, staring down at me. When our eyes met, she blushed and took a step back.
I grinned, lost in thoughts of her.
"One night, and you're already captivated by her," Hayley's voice broke my reverie, and I turned to her.
She glanced at Collins again, sadness flashing in her eyes.
"I feel sorry for him. He doesn't deserve this," she said.
"Neither do I."
"Tristan."
"He could have killed me," I snapped. "What would've happened then? Him taking the throne and marrying you?"
"But you're not dead, Brother," she said softly. "Have mercy on him."
"Mercy?" Collins scoffed from above.
I grinned, looking up at him. "Enjoying your time up there?"
"Shouldn't you at least beg him for forgiveness? Do you want to die a traitor?" Hayley asked Collins.
"I'd rather die a traitor than beg this bastard for forgiveness," he spat.
I grinned.
Before I could respond, Piper approached me.
"Your Grace," she bowed her head.
"Speak, Piper," I said.
"Breakfast is ready," she said before turning to leave.
"Would you like to join me for breakfast, sister?" I asked.
"No," she shook her head. "I have a meeting with an old friend at the cemetery."
"Enjoy," I said before walking away.
Reaching the dining room, I stepped inside and saw Aaliyah seated at the table. Her hair was braided into cornrows, and she was dressed in a white shirt and blue jeans. She ran her tongue across her lips, and the urge to capture them in mine overwhelmed me.