I Shall Cuck Everyone

[A/N: It's been a while, everyone! I'm really sorry for the long hiatus. I know I messed up by disappearing again, but no excuses this time, I truly apologize. I'm back now! My writing might feel a little rough since I'm picking this up after such a long break, but I'll find my style again in a few days.]

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Applause echoed across the hall, encouraging Jake and Zamira. Jake held Zamira's hands, guiding her to the center before pulling her close, one hand resting on her waist while her back arched slightly, her red hair brushing against the floor. He lifted her up gracefully just as live music began, and the two moved in rhythm with the traditional vampire dance steps.

Thanks to Jake's private lessons, his movements were flawless. When the dance ended, Jake and Zamira sealed it with a deep, passionate kiss, parting only with a thin string of saliva between them. Zamira's flushed red face said everything, she was savoring every moment.

"Honey~ I wish every day could be like this…" Zamira whispered.

Applause rang out again as the dance ended, and the celebration resumed with Jake and Zamira returning to their seats.

'What the hell? Zamira looks way too happy. Don't tell me she's actually enjoying this! Damn it, I want to sink into the ground,' Jake thought as sweat trickled down his forehead. He always got nervous during ceremonies like this.

"So, your Highness, what do you think? Should we sign the pact? Naturally, the vampires will prepare the contract!" Galak said, downing another cup of beer. The young man beside him wearing a hat tried to caution him, but Galak simply shrugged it off.

"Come on, Maxwell! Loosen up a little. It's great seeing how much the vampires have changed, I can see it clear as day," Galak said with rare seriousness before quickly slipping back into drunkenness, leaving Maxwell shocked.

'Damn it… Father must be right. I'll use this chance to drink away my heartbreak. Sigh, women can be cruel. I won't lie, I'm jealous of this guy, he's got a gorgeous vampire wife and even got her pregnant. I'm jealous as hell,' Maxwell thought, downing a large cup of beer in frustration while Galak chuckled at him.

Though Galak often acted indifferent toward his sons, only caring about their strength, he always looked after them in his own way. He already knew about Maxwell's breakup with his fiancee and how badly it scarred him. As a father, this was his way of cheering him up.

"Try this meat, it's amazing!" Galak said, pushing a large bowl of meat toward Maxwell, who devoured it hungrily, chewing with his mouth full as if he hadn't eaten in days.

'What's with this guy?' Jake thought, staring at Maxwell. The man who was once overly cautious now ate as if nothing mattered. Jake felt tempted to use a skill he hadn't touched in a while; mind-read. But he restrained himself, remembering the vow he made not to rely on it unless necessary. He knew from experience that the skill caused more harm than good when abused.

Not long after, an official returned carrying the stack of documents Galak had requested.

'That was fast.' Jake collected the contract and quickly skimmed through it. Everything was exactly as he had requested. He then handed the document over to Galak, who began scanning through it as well. At that moment, cameras flashed, capturing the historic moment while paparazzi broadcasted the event live. This was no small matter, it could shape the fate and relationship between vampires and Dhampirs. But would Galak actually sign Jake's contract, despite verbally agreeing to form the pact?

Galak's brows furrowed as he flipped through the pages. He slipped on his eyeglasses while his advisor whispered explanations about a few clauses he didn't quite grasp. At first, Jake wondered why Galak even needed glasses when vampires were known for their sharp eyesight—then he remembered Galak was a Dhampir. They still carried some lingering human weaknesses.

'Why that expression? I didn't add anything excessive or unfair. It's just a war pact and a bilateral trade agreement,' Jake thought, suspicion rising that Galak was reconsidering. His patience was thinning fast.

'If they refuse after all this, I might as well finish what my father couldn't. With Amber's help, it would be easy.'

Just then, Galak raised his head and broke into a wide, dazzling smile, flashing his teeth.

"I have thoroughly reviewed the contract, your Highness, and just as I said earlier—I will sign it. Forgive me for the delay, but one must always read carefully for hidden clauses. You are indeed unusual; my instincts weren't wrong about you," Galak declared in his booming voice, carrying weight and authority.

Jake was momentarily stunned. His words hinted that in the past, a vampire leader must have once signed a contract laced with hidden clauses. Still, Jake was certain it wasn't old man Duke. Truth be told, without sentiment, Duke had been a terrible king. Under his reign, the vampires lost their former glory. He was far too weak to rule, especially after Derek's capture by the Blood God.

"Thank you, your Majesty. On behalf of all vampires, we deeply appreciate your cooperation," Jake said, shaking Galak's hand. His words, however, caused visible frowns to spread across the faces of several district lords.

"Aren't you going to thank the Dhampir King?" Jake asked, shifting his gaze toward them. The lords stiffened instantly, swallowing hard before rising to bow slightly toward Galak.

"Haha, such formalities aren't necessary, your Highness. Still, I appreciate both your cooperation and the banquet you prepared for us," Galak replied, standing with his followers and offering a respectful bow in return.

Once again, the cameras flashed as Galak shook hands with old man Duke. With matters settled, Galak and his escort departed the hall. But as they stepped outside the royal palace, Galak suddenly halted, lifting his gaze toward one of the watchtowers before glancing back at Maxwell.

"Did you sense that presence up there?" Galak asked.

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[A/N: Check out my new novel! Baddie Distribution System.]