Four Mates And A She Wolf
63

While the party was going on....

Vincent stood at the edge of the grand hall, his eyes scanning the room filled with joyous pack members, Alphas, and their mates. The celebration was in full swing, laughter and music mingling in the air. But Vincent's heart was dark with anger and bitterness. He had come to the ceremony with the expectation of blending into the background, of observing from the shadows as he always did. The news of his nephew's survival had reached him only recently, and he had hoped against hope that it was a mistake.

As the crowd parted and Vincent finally caught sight of Romeo, he felt his stomach twist in shock and fury. The boy he thought he had left for dead so many years ago stood before him, not just alive but thriving. Romeo was surrounded by his mates-Avery, Shane, Cruz, and Sean-each of them a testament to his strength and resilience. They were the picture of happiness and unity, a stark contrast to the venomous hate that festered within Vincent.

He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he struggled to contain his emotions. How had Romeo survived? How had he managed to find not just one mate, but three, and become a central figure in the pack? Vincent had been so sure that the boy would perish in the aftermath of his parents' murder. He had been so thorough, so careful.

Vincent's thoughts spiraled as he watched Romeo move through the crowd, greeting guests with a confidence and grace that was infuriating. Each smile, each handshake, was a reminder of Vincent's failure. He had underestimated the boy, and now he was paying the price. The realization gnawed at him, a constant reminder of his own inadequacies.

His mind flashed back to that night. The chaos, the fire, the cries of his brother and sister-in-law as he struck them down. He had felt a sick thrill at the time, a sense of power and control. But the boy, that damn boy, had escaped his grasp. He had thought the fire would consume him, that the terror would break him. But it hadn't. And now, years later, here he was, standing tall and proud, a symbol of everything Vincent despised.

As he stood there, seething, he noticed someone approaching him. It was Lucian, the vampire king, his presence as commanding as ever. Lucian's keen eyes seemed to see right through Vincent, his expression unreadable. "Vincent," Lucian greeted him with a nod. "It's been a long time."

"Lucian," Vincent replied, forcing a smile. "Indeed, it has."

Lucian's gaze shifted to Romeo, who was now talking animatedly with some of the other Alphas. "He's grown into quite the leader, hasn't he?"

Vincent's jaw tightened. "Yes, he has. Quite surprising, really."

Lucian's eyes flicked back to Vincent, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "Surprising? I would think you'd be proud of him."

"Proud?" Vincent repeated, his voice dripping with bitterness. "Perhaps. Or perhaps he has simply been fortunate."

Lucian raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. He gave Vincent a final, piercing look before moving on, leaving Vincent alone with his thoughts once more.

The night dragged on, each moment an agony for Vincent as he watched Romeo and his mates revel in their happiness. He nursed a glass of wine, the bitter liquid doing nothing to soothe his dark mood. Every laugh, every cheer, was a dagger to his heart. He wished he could turn back time, finish what he had started. The boy should have died that night. He should have perished alongside his parents, leaving Vincent free to claim the power and position he so desired. But now, instead of wielding power, he was a shadow, skulking on the edges of the pack, watching as his nephew basked in the glory that should have been his. It was infuriating. And it filled him with a burning desire for revenge. As the night wore on, Vincent's mind churned with dark thoughts and plans. He would find a way to rectify his mistake. He would make sure Romeo paid for his defiance, for surviving when he should have died. The thought gave him a grim sense of satisfaction, a promise of future retribution.

Unbeknownst to Vincent, Romeo had noticed his presence. The sight of his uncle brought back a flood of memories, dark and painful. But Romeo was no longer the frightened boy of the past. He was a leader now, strong and determined. And he would not let Vincent's presence cast a shadow over this night.

"He's here," Romeo whispered to Avery as they danced.

Avery followed his gaze, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Vincent. "What is he doing here?"

Romeo shook his head. "I don't know. But I'm not going to let him ruin this for us."

Avery squeezed his hand. "We're with you, Romeo. Always."

Romeo nodded, feeling a surge of strength from his mates' support. Together, they continued to dance, their unity a silent message to Vincent and anyone else who might doubt their strength.

Meanwhile, Vincent continued to seethe, oblivious to the watchful eyes on him. He downed another glass of wine, the alcohol doing little to dull his anger. He needed to get out of there, to think, to plan. He can't lose everything after all his hard work.

Vincent smirked as he thought of just what to do.

As the ceremony began to wind down and the guests started to disperse, Romeo felt a mixture of relief and tension. He had been on edge throughout the event, keeping a watchful eye on his uncle, Vincent, who had mingled with the guests but had remained distant and aloof.

Suddenly, a messenger approached Romeo. "Alpha Vincent wishes to speak with you in the garden," he said, his voice low and respectful.

Romeo nodded, his jaw tightening. He had expected some form of confrontation and was ready for it. He glanced at his mates, who were nearby, enjoying the evening.

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"Shane, Cruz, Sean, Avery," he called out softly. They turned to him, their expressions curious and concerned.

"Vincent wants to talk to me in the garden," Romeo said. "I think it's best if I go alone."

Shane frowned. "Are you sure about that? We can be there if you need us."

Romeo nodded. "I'll be fine. This is something I need to handle myself."

Avery stepped forward, placing a hand on Romeo's arm. "Be careful," she said softly. "We'll be close by if you need us."

Romeo smiled reassuringly. "I will. Thank you."

He made his way through the palace, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and dread. The garden was dimly lit, with lanterns casting a soft glow over the flowers and trees. Vincent was standing near a fountain, his back to Romeo. "Uncle," Romeo said.

Vincent turned, his expression unreadable. "Romeo," he greeted, his tone cold.