The Beta's Regret (Eden and Eros) novel Chapter 222

(Eden’s POV)

I was still standing.

Eros held my chair behind me and waited patiently for me to sit. But when he saw I didn't make a move, he touched me.

I sat down, my eyes glued on Cheryl, who winked at me. Just like Susie, Cheryl was a recipe for disaster. The vampire was a walking, talking, breathing danger.

“Welcome.” I heard Elder Vallarta greet. I ignored him, my gaze still fixed on Cheryl.

“What are you doing here?” I said through clenched teeth.

She shrugged. “The same thing you are here for.”

I frowned. I looked at Ryker, who looked tense. From the way the muscles on his shoulder looked, I had a feeling he was gripping his knees as tight as he could.

“We have a new guest.” Elder Crandall continued.

He looked at Cheryl.

“This is Cheryl, daughter of Lady Maria.” Cheryl’s smile became wider.

I looked at Elder Crandall. “Why is she here?”

He raised a brow in surprise. “I thought you were aware of the relationship between Miss Cheryl and Ryker.”

I frowned. I felt a feeling of dread hit me. I didn't want to believe that Cheryl was here for what I assumed she was here for.

“No, I don't.” I said it as stiffly as I could.

Eros, who sat close to me, gave me a look. He must be wondering why I was suddenly guarded.

“Miss Cheryl here claims that she is mates’ with Ryker.” Elder Vallarta said.

My head snapped to Cheryl. “Mate?”

She shrugged. “That's what it seems like.”

“No way.” I snapped. “Ryker!” I looked at him. His lips were pursed in a straight line.

It didn't look like he would say a word. However, he looked mad.

“Now that we are all here, let's get started.” Elder Crandall announced.

Immediately, the maids entered with different dishes. The room was filled with different aromas.

But nothing took my focus away from Cheryl, who pretended that I didn't exist.

When the maids had served the food, Elder Crandall took a half-filled glass of wine and tapped his spoon against it.

“Everyone!” He called our attention. “We are here together not just for a meal, but to celebrate the acceptance of diversity amongst us.”

He looked at Cheryl and tipped his glass to her. She beamed a wide smile and tucked a strand of hair behind her ears.

“For the very first time, we will be having a female full-blooded vampire competing to be Queen. It had never been heard of that a full-blooded vampire reigned as Queen, but if Ryker prove himself worthy, we will be breaking history for the first time.”

He grinned. “Cheers.”

“Cheers.” The remaining elders in the room, along with Cheryl, who said loudly.

Glasses clinked together, and a soft laugh filled the room.