The Taste of Seduction

She had assumed it would be a magical carriage with horses or an advanced technological vehicle but surprisingly it was a simple full-sized tour bus.

As they stepped inside, Meredith\'s eyes widened in surprise.

There was nothing simple about the bus. It looked much more like a living room with a couch and chairs in a warm aesthetic.

The interior was beautifully adorned with LEDs. The luxurious interior consists of a wooden floor and marble countertop, along with an upper deck and staircase.

It had every amenity imaginable, with modern and sleek ascetics, high-tech electronics and an amply-stocked wine and liquor bar.

The large windows on both sides were tinted in such a way that they could see outside but the person outside couldn\'t see inside.

Katrina motioned for her to sit while Timothe walked into one of the cabins to talk to Marcus. He had come early and was apparently working.

Meredith sank down into the nearest chair and she was surprised at how comfortable it was.

The engine of the large vehicle roared to life and they were in motion.

Katrina wasted no time in her lectures. She removed a stack of papers and gave it to Meredith.

"Marcus told me to brief you on what to expect and the people who will be there. The first man on the list is King Talon. He is the King of the Northern Territory and our host for this meeting. He is a vampire too.

"When you meet him,you will need to curtsy and lower your eyes. Maintain that position until he

tells you otherwise. Since you\'re not yet Queen, it\'s against their culture to look straight into the king\'s eyes. They see it as a form of challenge."

Meredith nodded in understanding.

Katrina continued, "King Talon is not sadistic;

however, he is neither gentle nor kind.

He rules with a firm hand, never showing mercy and always exacting due punishment when earned. Do not make the mistake of crossing him, because you will regret it."

Meredith shivered. She had no plans on crossing a vampire King.

Katrina noticed Meredith\'s anxiety and flashed her a smile, "Just follow protocol and you should be fine."

The second person on the list is Alpha Jaso. The Alpha and leader of the southern territory.

He on the other hand he is fierce and cunning, he

has maintained his compassion, and their people

love him."

Meredith noticed a trace of affection in Katrina\'s voice and she raised her brows.

"You like him." Meredith mumbled.

Katrina stiffened and she widened her eyes in shock.

"Yes. I have a little crush on him but it\'s just a crush and nothing more." She answered sadly.

"Then why don\'t you work on this crush of yours. Who knows he might like you back." Meredith winked at her causing a blush to taint her cheeks.

"Well, I don\'t know. I have never talked to him about that and I know that he would never love me like he loved his first wife and mate."

Her eyes glazed over and she sighed heavily,"Ever since his mate was killed by rogues he had been pretty closed off and even though they\'re rumors of him sleeping around I know it\'s just a coping mechanism for him. No one can get over their mate\'s death.

Also I\'m a vampire. His people would never accept me. Only the city of Arkaans accept vampires, witches and werewolves to live together because of the pledge marriage alliance between the two forces.

Vampires, witches and werewolves have been enemies for centuries. They only created the alliance and started tolerating each other just because of the great dragon war.

The dragons were greedy. They wanted to be the sole ruler of the supernatural realm.

They started destroying cities, taking slaves and stole treasures from powerful kingdoms. Fortunately your mother was able to get rid of them. She is our hero."

Meredith forced out a smile and nodded. Even though she didn\'t know her, hearing people talk about her made her a little uncomfortable.

Seeing her discomfort, Katrina changed the subject and continued her lecture.

One hour later, Meredith was beyond tired. Since they had to leave at dawn, she had woken up earlier than usual now sleep was catching up to her.

There were a lot of things she was supposed to know. She couldn\'t believe some of the powerful vampire leaders had human pets and slaves.

She yawned and shook her head, trying to force her brain to continue functioning. Seeing her struggle, Katrina offered softly,

"Why don\'t we take a break?"

Meredith smiled at her appreciatively and reclined the plush chair to a more relaxed position. She glanced at the surrounding and frowned. She still hasn\'t seen Marcus.

After they visited Elvin yesterday he has been behaving a little weird. He kept stealing glances at her on their way back like he wanted to ask her something.

She knew Marcus was smart and was probably suspicious of her and Atlas but what were the odds that the nephew of Elvin was the man she was in love with.

He would probably think Atlas liked her or something. Despair rushed through her as she thought about Atlas. After he walked out from the dinning room yesterday, she hasn\'t heard from him again. She hoped he was okay.

Meredith sighed and closed her eyes to rest. After all, it was a long journey and she had to mentally be prepared to meet powerful supernatural leaders.

*****

Meredith felt someone nudging her shoulders gently to wake her up. She snapped into a sitting position and rubbed her eyes.

"Have we reached Kat?"

"Yes." Instead of Katrina\'s voice, she heard a male\'s voice.

Her eyes snapped opened and met Marcus\'s own.

She sucked in a deep breath when she saw Marcus wearing a suit!

He smirked when he saw the look of shock on her face.

"Are you stunned by my beauty?" He teased her..

Meredith smiled and shook her head. "Sorry but I have seen far more handsome men."

"Lies. But whatever that makes you sleep at night, princess."

Meredith raised her eyebrows. Was she overthinking or Marcus seemed a little different from his usual cold self these days?