Chapter Seven- Agreements

Atem sprang from his bed and leaped to the floor, snarling at the vampire. The fur on his spine stood on end, his ears were flat, and he was crouched as if to lunge.

Bakura held up his hands. "Whoa, easy pharaoh. I just want to talk."

"I prefer 'alpha' at night, vampire," Atem growled. His nose flared and he snorted. "So, it's your smell I picked up this morning. I demand to know who you are and why you felt the need to invade my home."

"First, alpha, I am King Bakura. Second, I have more than one reason to enter your home."

Atem's ears stood up and his pose slackened. "The vampire king. You seem as young as I."

"Correct and I've been ruling as long as you have."

"So, you are responsible for the attacks on my people for the past year."

"I am, but I've come to the realization that I need to insure my subjects' health and happiness and sending them on suicide attacks isn't helping that."

Aknadin was right; the new king is young and was foolish. He now sees that it's wiser to stop attacking. "What brings you here?" he asked out loud.

"Yes, my reasons. One reason is to talk to you about ending the hostilities between our races. I personally would like to exist peacefully with you and your pack."

"We would like to not have to fear attacks from your kingdom."

Bakura smiled, fang tips exposed. "Then, you will not. I will decree to my subjects that we are to leave you and your pack alone."

"I will make it clear to my pack that seeing a vampire does not mean attack. They will be told to leave them alone."

"I would appreciate that." Bakura's eyes moved over the wolf's form. "Alpha, I have given my name. May I have yours?"

"Atem. My name is Atem."

"Atem. That's a nice name. It suits you."

"Uh, thanks?" Atem found the comment strange as did the look on the young vampire's face. "Are you all right, Bakura?"

"Oh, I'm fine. I want you to know the other reason I'm here. You see, I saw you on the first full moon and found you to be a fine werewolf."

"You…saw me? Wait. Were you the one whose feeding I interrupted?"

"I am, but I don't mind that. I enjoyed watching you eat that human. I knew then that I had to meet you. Tonight, as I watched you sleeping, I found that I may be in love with you."

Atem stepped back. "What? In love with me? You don't know me and I don't know you."

"I'm aware of that, but that doesn't change the fact that I find you attractive. I bet you're just as handsome in human form."

Atem felt his cheeks grow hot from the vampire's comment. He was finding it difficult to believe that he was having a conversation with a vampire. He shook off his embarrassment. "Bakura, I would like to get to know you, especially if we are to end the hate between our people."

"I would like to know you, too. What would you say to a meeting in the desert tomorrow night? I will feed on a human and leave enough blood for you to track it."

Atem tilted his head as he considered this notion. Should I accept? It could be a trap; a way to throw my pack into chaos by murdering the alpha. He would be a fool as I will wear my full suit of silver. "Very well. Tomorrow in the desert."

Bakura smiled. "Until then, Atem." He went to the balcony, leaped over the railing, and departed the palace quickly and without detection.

The village gaped at Bakura and one, Kevin, said, "We will not attack the werewolves anymore, Your Majesty?"

"That is correct. Let us be honest, my people: Attacking them ends in failure each time. That is a sure way to lose favor and support with one's subjects. I believe if we leave them be and not interact with them, we will be able to exist and thrive for centuries not to mention grow our population." The people clapped and chanted his name. He beamed at their support, but inwardly he was thinking to tomorrow night. He looked forward to meeting with Atem and learning more about the alpha as well as his race, what being a werewolf was like, and make it clear that Bakura would like to be friends first before seeing if romance between them was possible.

I may have been hasty in declaring love for him as I really don't know him. I should get to know him before courting him. Promising safety from vampires is a step to earning his trust. Peace between us can be real.

Atem smiled at his court. Mahad seemed a bit tired and surmised it was because of the increased security. "Mahad, all was well last night?"

"Yes, my pharaoh. No vampire was sighted, though his or her scent seems to still linger."

"It may take time for it to fade. Speaking of vampires, I had spent some time thinking of times when we roam when we're not wild. As pharaoh, I decree that should any see a vampire, do not engage on the assumption of an attack. Leave the vampire alone and go about your business."

The court exchanged loos and Aknadin said, "We won't attack?"

"That's right. We only attack to defend ourselves. Let us focus on living peacefully with our human neighbors and live healthy, happy lives."

"Well said, pharaoh," Seto said. The others nodded in agreement and Atem felt gratitude for Seto's support. I think Seto will be my successor. His view on my policies match my own. He would rule same as I am and with Kisara, they could have a family to pass the throne to. Yes, he will succeed me and I will tell him.

"Seto, please stay a moment," he said as court was adjourned and the members were leaving.

Seto approached and knelt. "My pharaoh?"

"I have been dwelling on and off about who would lead the city after me ever since I took the throne a year ago."

"You will find someone, my pharaoh. I have faith you will."

"I appreciate your confidence, but my death could occur at any time and in any number of ways before I take a mate and have an heir. I have decided that I need to name a successor should such an event come to pass. Therefore, I have decided that you will be my successor."

Seto looked up in surprise. "Me, pharaoh? Succeed you?"

"I can think of no one better. You agree with the policies, laws, and precautions I have made. You honor tradition as I do and you have a mate which will insure future heirs. Of course, you will only take over if I am dead or unable to lead."

"Pharaoh, I really do not know what to say except I accept and am honored to be chosen."

"That is all I need to hear." Seto rose and left the room, leaving Atem to contemplate his meeting with Bakura. He considered the vampire's love declaration to be a bit rushed as they didn't know each other. Well, we will tonight. I'll ask how he became a vampire, what it's like being one, and how his kingdom runs. Perhaps we can map out a suitable partnership so that we can end this ancient feud for good.