normally used for?"
I shook my head. "No."
"It’s used in churches," he replied, and clearly noticed my shock. "The wine is given at private communion. It's reserved for the pastors and priests around the world, but this batch is owned by the Vatican."
I couldn't understand why he was telling me this, but then again, he could have seen the news and how I donated a lot to the Vatican and other charitable institutions.
"Are you implying..."
"Those who are called to this forest due to their internal misery normally never come back. They get lost in the forest until their hopelessness is at its peak, and they end their lives in the clearing. Their blood feeds the roses and they bleed again during collections."
Now it made sense, and his eyes softened while mine hardened at the truth.
"I come in the evenings to try to help as many individuals as I can. Humans are harder than our own kind, but regardless of race, I aim to prevent as many deaths as possible."
His eyes returned to Willow, and I noticed she'd fallen asleep holding her bottle of juice.
"I knew the moment I saw her that the Vatican lured her here on purpose. The blood roses love shifter blood, but even better is royal blood," he whispered. I looked at him as his knowledgeable eyes sparkled with pride. "I'm sure you're wondering why I'm sharing this? I guess now that I've seen for my own eyes how powerful this little girl has become, it motivates me to keep doing this. I was thinking of quitting since I'm not sure how much longer I can be protected from the Vatican's clutches, but I've lived a long life as an Omega, so if death comes for me, I'll be ready to meet Mother Moon."
"What's your name?" I whispered.
"Haku Park," he replied.
I nodded and with a snap of my fingers, a cross of metallic gold that shifted to onyx black appeared in my grasp. I offered him it, and he looked at it before arching an eyebrow in return.
"This is..."
"Immunity." My voice was far deeper as my wolf's power seeped into my body, and the man looked at me long and hard. I was impressed that he wasn't frightened by the glimpse of what I was. In fact, he looked delighted.
"I haven't seen a Dark Lord in a very long time."
My tantalizing smile sparked a rumble against my throat.
"You've truly walked this earth for a long time to know of our endangered species."
"It's been a long journey," he stated with a pleased chuckle.
"I hope you're not ready for that journey to end," I suggested.
"Are you sure you want to give me immunity? You may ruin your relationship with the Vatican."
Now I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm the entity they worship behind closed doors. The one who gives them the power to create miracles and foresee calamities. If they dare try to ruin their relationship with me, their entire empire of worship will collapse within themselves and they know it. I give my loyalty to those who deserve it."
"I've earned something so valuable for simply showing an act of kindness?" he inquired, as if it seemed far too good to be true.
"No," I calmly replied. "You earned this for being a speck of light for the woman who's slowly inching her way into my cold-blooded heart. The woman who's bringing together a group of Forbidden Fruit. A princess, who will one day rule. That deserves immunity."
Haku grinned and he bowed his head.
"I thank you for your protection, Dark Lord," he whispered.
"Saint Alexander," I introduced. "And thank you for yours."
I could see the way his smile widened as he rose back up to accept the cross.
"The barrier I've placed will fade in fifteen minutes. Will that be enough time?" he inquired.
"Plenty," I assured him. "My queen only needs a few short minutes to rest."
"Good," he replied and got ready to leave. "If you ever need me, Saint, simply return to this place and say my name. I will return and aid you in whatever you may need from me."
"Your loyalty will be well rewarded," I vowed.
"You've already paid me in full," he replied and lifted the black envelope I'd secretly left before I'd joined Willow to eat. "Thank you. This will last me a long time."
"Good," I replied. "I'm sure we'll come again for the food."
With that, he began to walk away - pushing his stand while humming a tune. I walked back to the bench, sitting down and gently encouraging