Chapter 2

It's about half an hour since we boarded my father's jet. Of course, there was my father, Lucas, Val' and I, Jordan, and his imaginary date. It's been hella stressful to get everything set in place.

"What's up in that head of yours?" Questioned Val' as he poked my forehead. "You look stressed out more than usual; is it because you chose me over J?"

I glared at him. "Do you really have to rub it in?"

"Nope," he replied with a proud smirk. "But it sure was amusing to do so!"

"You do know I'm here, right?" Jordan chimed in.

"You know I don't care, right?" Replied Val'.

Jordan sped to him and Val' stood proudly.

"What you gonna do big brother?" He taunts, "Stake me?"

"Kill you," he says before snapping his neck. Val' fell unconscious on the ground looking like an angel.

"Don't look at me like that," I arched a brow. "He's your mess; put him back on the chair."

"Is this really necessary?" Questioned Lucas.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, rising from my seat. "You're here; who's driving the jet?"

He grinned, taking a seat. "This jet is laced with magic. I don't need to be present at all times."

He poured three glasses of bourbon for us. "So are we talking bout the triangle you're in?"

"Triangle?" Jordan arched a brow. "What are you talking about?"

A chuckle escaped Lucas'mouth and his mouth curved to a vicious smile. "So much for the Inferno wolf that you are; you're supposed to be smarter than that."

He furrowed his brows. Confusion was evident on his face. "Do you understand the shit that's coming out of Lucas' mouth?"

I rolled my eyes. "Nope. And I think it's about time I shut him out, ain't it?"

With one snap of a finger, I can make him sleep just like Val'. I would be delighted to do so, but my father is present in his chambers just waiting for me to make a mistake.

"Okay, I'll stop," he raised his hands in defense. "But can we talk about how Dorothy and Jared came to be? I mean everyone is making a big deal about it whenever I ask about how things were when I disappeared."

I looked at Jordan who was avoiding Lucas' eyes. He must feel as uncomfortable as I am about the topic.

"Ana," Lucas snaps his fingers. "How did D and J came to be?"

"It was because of E," I replied. "E was one of the factors of how D and J became a thing—as they call it. He gave D a little push to let J see her heart."

"And let's not forget how D crushed Jared's heart in the process of "loving" him," Jordan adds, a smirk forming his lips. "What a heartbreaker she was."

"Indeed; I know," says Lucas. "I always thought she was the type to have a family of her own, you know?"

"Well, I guess she realized that unless she figures her shit out, she can't have any commitments," I smiled. It's true. D's last major decision and goal was to figure herself out until she was ready for bigger commitments.

"And what of Jared?" Asked Lucas.

"He doesn't have his priorities straight," I joked. "Maybe Jordan knows."

"Maybe Jared never loved her in the first place," he murmured.

Lucas poured our glasses full, and as if on cue, Val' rose from his slumber.

"You son of a" Val' attempted to say but was stopped by Lucas. "Did I miss anything?"

"Just the epic love story of Dorothy Greene and Jared Porter," Lucas winked. He poured Val' a glass with a Cheshire smile. "Where was Jake in that?"

"He was busy chasing after a girl who could never be his," he sighed. "A girl of beauty, talent, and purity."

I knew exactly who he meant—it was Ally Đao, a dear friend of Dorothy. She was indeed a beauty both inside and out. But all of them are dead now. Nothing can be done to bring them back to life.

"We're landing soon," Lucas announced. "This talk is really interesting; we should do it again sometime."

"Halt," I said, keeping him in his seat. "Who said this talk was over? Nothing is given out for free, noble Lucas. Info for info. Now, tell us the truth about how and why you turned into this monster henchman of my father."

My magic kept him in his seat, disabling his strength to resist.

"Don't fight it, sweety," Val' winked. "The more you resist Fallon, the more it hurts."

I dug my nails onto his forehead, trying to sink into his subconscious, reading through him. I was nearly there until some entity pushed me out.

"You've got a strong mind, I'll give you that," I sat back down. "You're free to go, honey."

"So that's it?" Asked Jordan. "You're just gonna let him go without pressing him dry?"

I smirked. "Some things are best kept in secret, love."

We landed harshly on del'Inferno grounds. My father got out of his chambers dressed to impress, and so did we.

Father wore his usual "I'm the king of this realm; I don't care about your opinions" outfit—an old-fashioned buttoned-up shirt, a matching suit of black and gold, black leather boots, and a bowtie. His blonde hair was brushed back in an old manner, and he wore a proud grin of a powerful beast.

Lucas was in his normal attire—white undershirt, a black matching suit jacket and pants, and his Jordan's—but despite that, the girls fawned over him left and right.

The brothers dressed in black everything with a hint of color. Val' chose a deep red for his tie and boots for shoes; Jordan went with a silvery-grey tie and Jordan's.

I dressed in a red satin and tulle Dolce and Gabbana midi dress, and gold heels and accessories to match. I left my hair loose and voluminous—hair is a Leo's crowning glory after all.

"Dressed to kill, my child?" Father complimented. "I see you and your date are matching."

I smiled. "We are your left and right hands, Father," I replied.

Father went down first, then Lucas, Jordan, and then Val' and I. We were greeted by a group of security guards, and the king of the del'Inferno's.

"A pleasure to meet you, Inferno," greeted my father.

The man in blue replied, "BloodStone." He was about the same height as my father. He had brown hair, grey eyes, and a muscular physique. He had a mysterious aura surrounding him, and that sends me bad signals.

The two shook hands, and it continued in the same order we got down.

"You must be Jordan," greeted the man. "I see you take after our Inferno traits."

"A pleasure to meet our relative," he shook his hand.

He then moved on to us with a big smile. "Valentino del'Inferno, you're very much different from us," he critiqued. "Still a good-looking one though, and this must be your date." He kissed the back of my hand in a gentle manner. "You must be the Jewel of BADA; The heiress to BloodStone's growing Empire."

"Anastassia BloodStone," I greeted, politely withdrawing my hand. "It's a great honor to meet you, sir."

"I assure you, it is," he winked arrogantly. He led us to the party where more women fawned over Lucas and the other men.

"Look, Fal', Jordan can finally look for a date," Val' chuckled heavily. "This is precious!"

"Ladies," Sir Inferno greets. "These are Jordan, Lucas, BloodStone, and Valentino; take care of them, girls. Oh, but not too much on Valentino," he winked, "He's with the BloodStone heiress."

I smiled, "We're just friends, sir Inferno."

"Really?" He exclaimed. "That's unbelievable! A beautiful diamond like you and a beast like him should get together!"

"Ahem," coughed dad. "As much as I'd like to discuss their future wedding, I'd rather we discuss our future alliances."

The four of us were excused to mingle with new flesh around us. They're all wolves here; mostly pure Inferno's.

Jordan disappeared with Lucas to mingle with the ladies while Val' and I were left in the dance floor.

"Would you like to dance?" He asked, extending his hand.

I smiled. "I'd be delighted." We waltzed around as the musicians played softer versions of today's music like "Stay With Me," "Give Me Love," and many more. Next thing I knew we were dancing different kinds of dances you'd see in romantic historical fiction tv series.

"What's with the smile?" He questioned, laughing at my expression.

"Nothing," I replied. "It's just very nostalgic."

"Am I taking you back to your 18th birthday?" He grinned. "It's unforgettable that's for sure."

I remember it clear as day. I danced the longest with Val' under the moonlit skies until it all went down to the unfortunate bloodshed.

"Hey," he says, tucking a stray hair behind my ear. "We're moving forward, beshie. Don't think about the bad things anymore, okay?"

I nodded, kissing his cheek. "Thanks for the dance. Throughout this whole drama-filled journey, I thank God our friendship is still the same."

Before he could utter another word, Jordan entered the atmosphere with a beautiful blonde girl.

"Hey," I greeted. "Who's this beauty you snagged from the crowds?"

"I'm Alessondra Meyers," she shook my hand. "And you must be the infamous Man Eater."

I choked on what I heard. "Excuse me, what did you just say?"

"That's right, you heard me," she smirked.

"Isn't she stunning," Jordan says, caressing the girl's shoulders. "A real beauty."

"Charmed," Val' smiled sheepishly. "I think Fallon and I can move along now. Wouldn't want to cause you and your now not imaginary date any trouble." Val' tried to pull me away and miserably failed. "Come on, Fal'."

"Sorry, babe. I can't help but admire Ariana's tattooed brows and obviously filled-up lips."

"It's Alessondra," she corrects.

"Whatever," I snapped back. "This little game of yours; you won't win it. You chose an opponent who can play games better than anyone else." I walked out with Val' with a satisfied smile across our faces.

"I honestly thought you'd burn her hair off on the spot," he chuckled.

"And risk a whole alliance for the sake of pissing off your brother and his date's sorry ass? Hell no!"

"Thought you'd crack like from our previous mission," he winks. He turned to the numerous girls waiting for his attention and flashed them a gorgeous smile.

"He's damn good," I heard one say.

"Why don't you entertain those girls like the other men?" I suggested. "Have fun, child."

"Don't go jelly on me if I end up taking one home," he joked. "See you in a bit, your royal highness!"

I faded through the crowds, followed by a group of young wolves. I turned to acknowledge their presence with a light bow.

"Gentlemen," I said, before turning away.

One of them grabbed my wrist, making me face them. "What's the hurry, heiress?"

I withdrew my hand with a killer glare. "I don't talk to strangers; didn't your mothers ever teach you that?"

"Why don't we start over," said the redhead. "I apologize for Zayn's inappropriate manners. My name's Brandon White." He had an English accent dripping out of his voice.

I accepted his gesture, allowing him to kiss the back of my hand. "Anastassia BloodStone."

"I know," he smirked. He wasn't bad-looking. In fact, he was man candy. "Anyway, this is Cross Blake," he points at the brunette, "Matthew Swift," he points at the blonde, "and this certified ass is Zayn del'Inferno, the host's son."

"This man is cousins with my boys?" I raised a brow. "I guess being ill-mannered is a del'Inferno family trait."

"They're distant cousins," said Matthew. "Everyone here is either pure Infernos, distant relatives, or allies; like us."

"You're an inferno?" I questioned. "That's hard to believe."

"We're distant relatives," added Cross. "Your boys are hybrids, am I correct?"

I nodded. "The only immortal del'Inferno's in the realm."

"A change of topic," says Matt. "As you know, you'll be building an army; I'd like to know who your top picks are."

"He means to ask if you'll pick him," Cross clarifies. "Or any of us."

I felt a hand slither its way up my waist, claiming me like a prize. "Are these men bothering you, your highness?" Val' whispers. I honestly don't even want to know how he got here. I could feel the tension in the air; not good.

"I'll take your silence as a yes," he says, "Leave her alone."

"Chill, cousin," says Zayn with a devilish grin. "We were just getting to know the heiress; we weren't trying to steal your candy."

"It's not really stealing 'cause she doesn't belong to anyone," Brandon adds, "You men both know better than to cross boundaries."

"Thank you, Brandon," I smiled. "It was a pleasure to meet you all but one."

"Trust me, you'll see us again, princess," Zayn winks.

If I could barf I would. I left with Val', leaving the men stunned. I couldn't forget Brandon though. He was interesting.

"Are you thinking of the redhead?" He asks, playfully rubbing his fingers against my skin. "He sure was cute."

"Shut up," I glared. "He was."

"And his accent," he spoke in British. "It sure was bloody sexy."

"Stop," I say, putting my arms up in defense. "Keep on doing that, and everyone just might fall in love with you."

"But seriously," he says with the warmest smile, "I think my cousin would be a fun little distraction for you whenever you're stressed."

"Hey," a person called. It was none other than Brandon. "You dropped this jewel," he raised my bracelet.

"Thanks, B." I let him wrap it back on my wrist. "About the recruiting of my army, I'll be sure to double-check your file in case I need a soldier like you."

"Flirt," Val' chuckles. "Anyway, cousin, I'll be sure to make a recommendation letter for you."

"Wait, weren't you pissed at all of us del'Inferno's?" Brandon furrowed his brows.

"Just when they act like vultures around Fallon here," he corrects. "She's not just any girl; she's the sun—dangerous and hot."

"Are you dating?" He asked in confusion.

"I meant to say a metaphor," he face-palmed. "Forgive my troubled speech patterns."

"How old did you say you were again?" I asked.

"I'm sixteen," he states, reaching my hand for a shake. "And you are?"

"Nineteen," I replied awkwardly. "I can't believe you're the same age as Val'."

"Wow," he says in relief. "I honestly feared you'd be too old for me."

"And why would I even be too old for you?" I arched a brow. I can't believe he's only sixteen. He looked at least nineteen as well.

"Because I'd like to ask you out on a date someday," he says confidently. "The old-fashioned way; don't be disappointed."

"I'm still here; don't mind me," Val' says like a love-sick fool. "Can I chaperone?"

"I haven't even said yes," I laughed. "Again, thanks. It was a pleasure to meet you Brandon White."

"How do we keep in touch?" He asks. Before he knew it we were gone.

"Don't play the poor fool," Val' says in fake concern. "We both know why you don't date."

"Because I'm betrothed?" I glared. "That's bullcrap, you know that. My father is ruthless, but he wouldn't really force me onto an unwanted union."

"Would it really be a bad marriage?" His tone shifted into a serious one. "I mean, I don't think it would be the worst. I honestly thought it would be okay and safe since there's both respect and friendship."

"There'd be too many people getting hurt if toilet myself give in to what he wants me to do," I said.

Jordan appeared out of nowhere, sipping on alcohol. "Hey," he says, offering us glasses of champagne. "You two look beat."

"Too many boys," I replied.

Val' adds, "Too many girls and I had to look after this one."

"Who is she betrothed to anyway?" He asked curiously. "Whoever he is, I don't think your dad's really going to force you."

"You overheard us," I glared. "It's none of anyone's business, so I want you to back off."

"But Val' gets to know your secret?" He says, grabbing my shoulders. "Listen, I know that I'm not your best friend, but we've known each other for a long time. You don't have to hide things like this from me or anyone else. You know we'd fight for what you want without a second thought."

"I'll go get Lucas," Val' disappeared.

It was just me and Jordan by the balcony. The moonlit atmosphere was dull and lifeless—just like the two of us. Well, all of us.

I leaned against him, closing my eyes.

"So many girls wanted me tonight, you know?" He says in amusement. "It was as if I were a different person."

"But you are," I say. I felt myself shifting between consciousness. There must've been something in our drinks.

"I know; I know. We all are different people now. But I can't help but feel like deep down we're all still human," he says, turning to see me half-awake. "Hey, why are you sleeping?"

"I think there's something in their alcohol, Jordan," was the last thing I remember saying before blacking out.