Dr. Luna
The Vampires Promised Bride Chapter 70

Jasper came a couple of steps closer looking between Lucy and Derek. "What happened?" He could see Derek's hands trembling in anger. It was one of the rare moments calm and collected Derek had looked like this. He saw him like this when Lucy had been taken so he knew this was serious. Lucy reached up and intertwined her fingers with Derek. "Let's take a moment here and be calm okay. Um okay. I worked it out in my head... I mean I was upset and still am but-"

"But nothing Lucy!" Derek growled angrily, raising his voice at a level she had never heard before. She

his emotions were not directed at her and it was just the result of his frustration.

feel his anger but also his hurt... he was also in pain because of the rumors. She watched as his eyes softened towards her immediately. She could feel how

"I'm sorry Lucy. I'm not yelling at you. I would never... I am losing my temper but in no way is it directed to you. I didn't mean to raise my voice there. I'm..."

Lucy reached forward and cupped his face in her hands. "Derek. I can read your thoughts and emotions. What are you stumbling over an apology for." She giggled and pecked his lips. "Thank the gods for the soul mate bond." Derek sighed out, reining his emotions in. He wouldn't upset his pregnant mate. He would approach this calmly and rationally. He looked up at Aba, Justice and Jasper. "Mira is out searching for the culprit now. But apparently, someone has started a malicious rumor tha they are believing the rumor. Which means..."

"Which means it must come from someone close to your family." Aba said darkly, his eyes turning blac know now why I didn't let you give her the vervain."

Derek nodded his head. "Thank you Aba. But that isn't necessary. We will find the culprit and peel his Jasper squeezed his hand into a fist. "Damn it, who the hell would try something like this? They know

ek set his jaw, it made him sick to even have to say it. "They are saying that the child Lucy is carrying isn't mine. That it belongs to that bastard Erebus. And

n swear an oath in front of your people that I knew Lucy was pregnant before she was taken. As her servant, I felt the energy inside of her. Which you already

f his body publicly and defang him. We will proceed to pour vervain over his exposed skin giving him a slow and torturous death." portant Lucy is. How could our people spread something like this around?"

"I don't think they were being malicious but it was out of pity... maybe even worry about their future." Lucy watched as Justice shook his head angrily. "This wouldn't happen back at the pack." Justice growled out and folded his arms over his chest.

"What if Sam or Adam had told the pack something? The pack would believe them and take their word for it right? This is probably a similar situation here. And who knows how long this vampire had been around. They are immortal after all. They could have a lot of clout." Lucy could feel Derek's pride brimming at the top for her. She looked at him and gave him a reassuring smile.

"I won't allow it, Justice. Just as your father wouldn't either. No one will mistreat Lucy. And I will make a very bold public statement making an example out of whoever did it. Regardless of who they are." Derek reached out to Lucy and pulled her into his chest. "I am going to hold a public meeting. I am addressing this issue immediately. And once the culprit is found. Mira should be able to track down the source. That is what her goal is."

"Should I assist her?" Aba said with dark orbs filled with anger.

"No... but I want you making your way through all those on the castle ground. Please make sure you dispel this rumor among all who are inside of the castle. Don't kill anyone... but get through to them." Derek said darkly as Aba quickly nodded and vanished. He wouldn't tolerate rumors in his kingdom let alone his own castle. This was their safe space. And the rumor was insulting.

Derek reached down and placed his hand over Lucy's stomach. His unborn child had been insulted too. This was something he couldn't take lightly. His little love was already someone he was incredibly protective of.

"Derek... calm down." Lucy smiled up at him. His anger was storming and raging in energy spikes. But it was more than that. His fairy magic began spiking a red aura that flickered around him. It was a curious energy and she wanted to touch it so she could know it better. But it seemed hot. There was a heat that radiated off of it. She had never seen a fairy energy like this and wondered if it had something to do with mixing with his pure vampire blood?

Derek looked down at his body trying to see whatever Lucy was seeing. But he didn't have the gift to see the energy.

"That looks like some pretty wicked stuff there." Justice said as he walked closer. As a guardian, he could see it. And since Derek was Lucy's prince he was also his guardian too.

"It's different, isn't it Justice?" Lucy said, looking for traces of the energy that disappeared.

"Very different. And angry." Justice chuckled and slapped Derek on the back. "Thank you though. I'm glad I am not the only one livid. It helps calm me down seeing how angry you are." Justice chuckled.

Jasper stood there quietly deep in thought. In his head, he was going through everyone that could have a problem with Lucy. The best candidates that were potential threats. Someone that was an established vampire whose words would be taken as truth. A lord or lady among the vampires who had been there through the ages. Was it someone jealous of Lucy? This would lead to a lady... Or was it someone who had a problem with her coming from the werewolf pack? Maybe it was someone wanting to cause discord through the royal family.

"Don't bother Jasper. It will drive you nuts. Let Mira do her job. She will get the answer through any means necessary." Derek looked up at Jasper and knew what he was doing. It could be anyone and it hurt to think about someone doing this to them. And then there was the why...

"Lucy, I'm going to speak with my parents. They need to know about this immediately. Do you want to come with me? Or stay in the room? Those are your only two options my sweet little mate." Derek's lips curled up as he felt her playful agitation. He reached his hand out and brushed it through her hair. "Stay here and rest. My loves are tired." He leaned in and brushed his lips against her forehead. "Jasper and Justice will stay here and keep you company. Why don't you lay down and maybe try to get a nap in." "Napping alone is no fun." Lucy said with a small pout.

"Baby, if I was napping with you we wouldn't be napping." He winked at her and looked up at the two men. "Stay in this room. Under no circumstances is she to leave until I return."

Lucy watched him walk away and she looked at her guards. "Well, he is gone so what is the plan?"

Justice chuckled. "You want to rest on the bed or couch? If we turn the television on will that be a bother?"

"I'll rest on the couch and watch you guys play. What are you going to play? Anything interesting?" Lucy watched Justice pulling out the games for the game consoles.

"Eh... some sort of fighter game or something. I need to take my frustrations out on killing something. Virtual killing will have to do for now."

"Sounds good to me." Jasper said, sitting on the couch patting the seat next to him for Lucy.

She smiled and sat down beside him, tucking her feet up underneath her. Justice came back, handing Jasper a controller and taking the seat on the other side of Lucy. She was safely sandwiched between the two of them. And honestly... it was an incredibly safe and relaxing feeling.

She leaned her head on Jasper and tucked her feet under Justice making herself comfortable. She wondered how Willa and Alaric would feel hearing about this news. It must be upsetting for them too. The people they ruled over and protected were spreading something hurtful about their family. She wondered how they would want to handle it.

She closed her eyes and let her mind wander. She wondered... and a thought popped into her mind there but she tried to push it away. Yet, it came back. As if this nagging idea was being put in there by someone. She furrowed her brows slightly and sighed. She would bring it up to Derek when he came back and see what he thought. This would also depend on what Mira found...

For now, she would just have to wait for Derek...

Alaric paced across the room angrily as Willa and Irene stayed seated watching him. Jester was quiet but the darkness in his eyes showed the fury that was building up inside of him.

"Mira is investigating the matter now. I don't care who it is father... I want the person dead for this." Derek said with absolution. He watched his father slow his walk and pause. He lifted his head up and met with Derek's amber eyes.

"You do realize what you are calling for..." Alaric said carefully.

"I'm calling for whoever is against my princess to be destroyed. I won't allow them to live, not even in exile." Derek growled lowly.

"It isn't so easy... This could cause an uprising." Alaric shook his head slowly.

"This could already cause a war. You think the werewolves will tolerate malicious rumors about their princess without proper retaliation? Hell... I won't tolerate it. If you won't just execute the person then I will challenge them to a duel. This should appease any sympathizers." Derek felt his composure slipping again as his anger surged. It was ridiculous. No one was above being punished.

"If this was an act against Jasper you would see to the person being executed." Jester said firmly, meeting his gaze with his brother's. "You must do the same for Lucy. She is your daughter now too."

"Hell I know that. Don't you think I am angry?!" Alaric sighed bitterly.

"Not angry enough!" Willa finally spoke out loudly. "I want this person caught and eliminated. They tried to cause doubt and division. They were saying our grandchild isn't worthy. OUR grandchild!" She roared. It was so hard for her to conceive and Derek was her precious baby. The dream of being a grandmother was finally going to happen and her people were saying the baby wasn't a legitimate heir?! The always composed Willa released a dark aura in the room as her anger grew. This was not something she could ever tolerate. She didn't care who it was... there was only one path for them. Death.

Alaric rubbed the back of his neck and looked down. "I know Willa." His voice was soft and somber. Yet the fire in his eyes showed his own rage he was trying to battle. There would be consequences if they put to death a vampire who was centuries old. Oddly enough age did play a factor because the longer you have been around the more allies you can have. And some of the prominent families had been around since before his time. Some of them were close to demons. Though demons were no longer the power like they were twenty years ago. Still... you don't want to involve yourself on their bad side. The other problem is some were devout followers of Rogio. Angering their deity would not be a smart move.

It was best to see who the culprit was and go from there. They would be severely punished. But he couldn't immediately say it would be by death. And as strong as his son was he wouldn't want him dueling with any of the older vampires. They were sneaky and have well developed their unique skills.

Being a leader meant you had to put your personal feelings aside and do what was best. He needed to make the decision that would not cause trouble later. It would be like covering up a fire thinking you put it out but it was really smoldering underneath. And when your back was turned it would rage on with a burning vengeance. What happened wouldn't be tolerated... but he was going to have to really think about how to handle the situation.

"No decision will be made right now. First, we find the culprit. That is my command. Now... we need to address our people though. I don't want any more of this nonsense being spread about. Jester, call an emergency meeting. I want all to gather below the upper balcony where I will address everyone. Mandatory all should be there within one hour!" Alaric turned to Jester who nodded his head.

Derek balled his hand up in a fist and turned to storm out.

"Derek!" Alaric said in a crisp fatherly voice. "We can't just rule with emotions. There will be justice. I promise."

"I won't rule like that father. I don't care how long someone has done their due diligence. A vicious rumor like this has only one outcome...death. What if it was a slanderous insult against mom? Would this still be the same route you would take?!" Derek snapped and glared at his father in defiance.

"Yes, it is. Because we need to remember our actions can have trickling effects. Solving one problem now could create a mess in the future. We must not just think about the now but what could come. You are young and hot-headed."

"Hot-headed? That is my mate and child that those rumors are about. Calling my child an illegitimate heir to the throne... and I am just supposed to remain calm. I should sit across from these people and discuss this rationally over tea?" Derek scoffed angrily. "I will never rule that way father. And I will say this once. If I feel this situation isn't handled well I won't stay here with Lucy. Jasper can have the damn crown. I don't want it if this is how my family will get treated." "Derek!" Willa said mortified.

"Derek, I am not saying anything right now. Only that we should think about this is all. I am not saying yes or no. I am just wanting to speak to whoever did it and go from there."

Derek shrugged. "Do what you need to do. I've said my peace and I mean it." There was a deadly calmness to his voice as he turned and left the room. "He's just upset." Jester said quietly.

"He is hurting. He feels betrayed by his own people too... Alaric..." Willa said in a whimper.

"Willa, I'll handle the situation... both of them. Derek is young. But sometimes the best thing you can do is approach things at a calmer pace. You can see more clearly and not make rash decisions. I'm angry too. I'm hurting for him too. I love Lucy and the baby she is carrying. I love them too!" Alaric shook his head. "I would approach it the same way no matter who the rumor is about. It isn't easy to be a father and a leader. My first instinct is to rip apart anyone who hurt my son and family. But as a leader, I need to think about my decisions. I just need time to think." He whispered out, rubbing his hand over his face.

"Jester, please see to the announcement and have the arrangements made."

Alaric watched Irene and Jester walk out of the room together. Willa came up to Alaric and he pulled her into his arms. He leaned his head down into her neck and breathed in her scent.

"I hate this..." Alaric whispered out as his hands shook slightly. Being a king was not the easy job a lot of people think it is. Often the crown that is worn can be very heavy. This was one of those moments.