by L. C. Son
How I want to kiss her! I want to fill her lips with all of me. I want to taste her on my lips. All of her!
As we continue grinding on the dance floor, I swing her leg around my waist, and she lifts up and presses her femininity against me and the warmth from her body pulsates through me and my manhood responds. Harder. I know she can feel me, and she doesn’t mind. Nor do I. Crap! What is she doing to me?
I exhale along her neckline softly and her body shivers in my grip. I try to read her mind, but I cannot. Beyond the loud thumping of my own rekindled heart all else is silent. The music comes to a slower beat and I twirl her around and gently slide her down, releasing my hold. Once more, my manhood takes a stand, stroking her precious place as I lower her to the ground, and I hear her grunt in willful desire.
Oh the things I want to do for her and to her! Right here and right now. But I cannot. I feel the raging beast within yearning to be free, but I will not allow any harm to come to her—especially not by my hand. Although she does not yet know it; she owns me. Every part of me willfully submits to her entreat. I know nothing about her but this: she needed tonight. She wanted tonight. There was a deep longing in her to be caressed, to be touched, to be loved—and to be free. I want to make her every desire come true.
So, I say no to the beast within me. He no longer holds sway because she holds my all. My heart.
Leaning down, I rest my lips on her neck, kissing her softly while inhaling her wholly. “Mon cœur t'appartient,” I whisper in her ear. Though she may not know it, my heart already belongs to her. The next time I see her, I plan to make her heart mine.
Chapter 14
Jackson
“Jackie,” Sophie’s voice seems distant although she’s seated across from me. It’s at least the third time I’ve heard her call my name. I’ve wanted to answer each time, but I cannot. All my mind does is replay my conversation with Kyra.
My aunt even gave me a big portion of her famous wedding soup but I’m sure it’s cold now since I’ve done nothing but stir the spoon repeatedly for the last forty or so minutes. Perhaps my aunt is upset I’m not eating, or she’s grown tired of the sounds of my spoon scraping the sides of the ceramic bowl, but her firm grasp is enough to revive my wandering thoughts. If she hadn’t grabbed my hand this time, I doubt our eyes would connect.
“I’m here, Sophie. I’m sorry. I’m just—”
“Distracted. I know. You’ve been like a statue ever since you spoke with Kyra yesterday.”
“I suppose,” I quietly respond.
“Truly, I wish you never gave her the time of day. Ever. You know I was never a fan of her anyway.”
“Ha! Sophie, you’ve never been a fan of any girl I’ve brought home.”
“Impossible! That’s not true and you know it. There was that one girl, Eva, or was it Everly? Oh whatever her name was, I recall liking her quite a bit!”
“Her name was Evelyn, and we only made mud pies together! I don’t think I’ve seen her since the fourth grade!”
“Well, there must’ve been something special about her.”
“I suppose she did make one hell of a mud pie. So, there’s that!”
We both burst into laughter and it’s the first time since that night that either of us have shared a laugh or even cared to do so.
Sophie squeezes my hand in hers and smiles, patting it firmly to regain my attention.
“You know, Jackie, there is still one woman, that I’ve liked—dare I say loved more than all the others,” Sophie says in a warm tone with a sincere smile to match. “What are we going to do about getting her back?”
“I did speak with her briefly. Now at least I know she’s safe. She’s keeping in touch with Dacari. I think she just needs some space. Perhaps I owe her that much.”
“That’s rubbish and you know it, Jackie! You need her as much as she needs you. The last thing either of you need is any more space between you. Now is the time for her to learn the truth—from you.”
“But what is that truth, Sophie? Just the other day I was ready to pour out my heart to her—tell her everything!”
“So what has changed?”
“The truth, that’s what.”
“Jackie, I don’t understand.”
“Last night when I spoke with Kyra, she told me that there are some who believe Damina is Fated. No one, not even Delia or Damina’s father have mentioned that she might be Fated.”
Sophie’s gaze darkens, and she shifts in her seat, pulling her hand from my grip slowly.
“Jackie, the last thing you should be worried about is anything that comes from Kyra!”
“Unless there’s truth to it. Tell me, Sophie, what do you know?” I demand. I know she’s stalling.
“There’s nothing, really.”
“Sophie, tell me the truth! Is Damina Fated?”
“If you are asking whether she is Fated to be with another in such a way that it’s a curse to not only her, but her very existence and all of mankind then, no. But if you’re asking whether she bears the marking—perhaps.”
“Perhaps? Is that really all you have to say? Perhaps? You’re telling me the one woman that I love is Fated, marked, cursed to be with another so much that it will bring ruin if the two are torn apart? How could you let me get this far knowing all of this? Even more, how could Delia or her family—”
“Do you recall your vows to her father?”
“Of course, I do! I’ll never forget them!”
“Well then you remember that you vowed to protect her—even from herself!”
“What does that have to do with anything, Sophie?”
“It has everything to do with it! Maybe the Duacin Elders wanted to prevent her from accepting her Fated state. That’s why your wedding was so important. Your ability to cloak her with your lupine nature would nullify the curse.”
“So that’s why they were apt to allow me to marry her? It was all a ruse?”
“Of course not, Jackie! They adored you. And you are a good man! They wanted you to marry Damina for all the right reasons—for all the reasons any family would be proud of. You being a Prime Alpha was just the icing on the cake!”
“I can’t believe you knew all this time and you’ve said nothing? How could you do this to me? To Damina?”
“You love her, don’t you?”
“Yes, Sophie. You know I love her with all that’s in me!”
“Then nothing else matters.”
“Except it does. Both Damina and I have the right to know the truth of our lineage. These lies are exactly the fuel Keiron needed to execute his deception. I knew he had help. What I didn’t know is that we were the ones helping him!”
“How do you mean?”
“Keiron knew I hadn’t been upfront with Damina about her being an Altrinion, me being a wolf, or about my past with Kyra, and he used it against us. Somehow, he must’ve discovered she was also Fated. He convinced other den leaders that I couldn’t be trusted to do what is necessary should Damina succumb to her curse. And he was right.”
“How would Keiron know what you would or wouldn’t do.”
“Oh, come now, Sophie. We both know I’d die first before taking Damina’s life. Fated curse or not, we know there’s no situation possible where I would take Damina’s life. No way.”
“But that’s why your wedding was so necessary. It still is. That is why you must do everything you can to reclaim her as your wife. Jackson, her father trusted that you would be the only one to protect her from herself and I’m sure this is what he meant. Only you can walk her through what is to come!”
“How can you be so sure, Sophie?”
“Because I know you love her! Not only that, but she loves you too! Sure, she’s upset now, but she will soon realize you’re only doing everything in your power to care for her and protect her.”
> “And what about the packs and den leaders? Kyra says I’ve lost my standing with most of them. Many think I’ve given so much to Damina that I’m blind of their needs. Is there truth in what she speaks?”
“Jackson, every leader has to endure the disgruntled underbelly of those he leads. Sure there may be grumbling—but that comes with the territory. If you’re doing good, they will say more can be done. If you’re doing horrible, they’ll say they want someone new until they get your replacement. People are fickle.”
“Sophie, you don’t have to say that because I’m your favorite nephew,” I say trying to soften the mood.
“Yes you are my favorite, but even you know I’d never stroke your ego just to pass the time,” Sophie adds in a mildly censuring tone.
“Thank you, Sophie. You know I love our talks,” I say pushing away from the couch. I pick up my jacket from the arm of the chair and head toward the door.
“Jackie, you barely touched your food! Where are you going?”
“Well, I can tell you this. I’m done talking. Now it’s time for some action. And since the den leaders and packs feel they haven’t seen me in a while they’ll get to see a great deal of me tonight—under a full moon!”
Dalcour
I don’t know what’s worse releasing her from my grip or the daggering pain piercing through my newly revived heart upon leaving her side. Sure, I’ve felt pain before, but nothing like this. At her side, a cascading stream of peace washed over me like dew resting on the leaves on a midsummer’s morning. If it weren’t for the beast raging inside me to be free, I have no doubt I would have never left her alone.
Still, even the beast within was somewhat subdued in her presence. Perhaps even he wanted nothing more than just to be near her. But I can’t risk it.
As I take my flight away from the club, the throbbing beat of my heart fades to a quieter rhythm, but it does not die. For that I am thankful. If what I now feel even faintly resembles true love, then I anxiously await the joys of experiencing love in full bloom!
Thoughts of her body pressed against mine stir my loins with titillating desire. But this was unlike any fleeting guise of lust. I want to know her. What does she like? What does she want? Need? I also know I would gladly end any who seek to harm her, and I would do so without question. I only want to keep her safe, loved, and protected. Always.
Once more, Trieu’s warning flickers through my mind and the lingering notion of threats against my newfound love, fuel a burning rage within me. Knowing she is with Braelyn and under the watchful eye of Jerrica gives me some peace that she is safe.
However, tonight is a full moon and that means there is still more to fear. Not only does the threat of the full moon terrorize my thoughts but so does my brother’s scheming. Mania fills my mind at all the possible perils lurking in the distance and I know I must do what I can to ensure no harm comes to my beautiful lady or those I care for.
I hear a faint cry and tussling from the ground at the edge of the Quarter and I make my way to the area.
“My Lord Marchand! Always glad to have you lend a helping hand,” Cedric’s bright tune is welcoming despite his scuffle with a large Scourge as I land in the wooded lot. His wide smile meets his eyes, and he tosses two mangled Scourge arms at my feet, obviously proud at his triumph.
“Looks like I came too late for the party,” I answer kicking the Scourge husks aside.
“Never too late, my lord,” he answers pointing behind me. My instincts drive my elbow deep into the belly of a lanky vampire approaching my rear. Lifting it overhead, I body slam the creature into the ground, burying my feet into its chest wall and reaching down to pull its slimy head from its body before it combusts.
“Nice work!” Cedric laughs as he lunges his sword between two Scourges, impaling them to the ground.
“Good work, yourself!” Cedric’s wife, Abigail exclaims as she leaps from atop a large tree branch, slicing through three small vampires with one sweeping thrust. She lands flawlessly at his side and the two share a quick kiss before simultaneously plunging their blades through the heads of the Scourge at their feet.
“Looks like I’m interrupting date night,” I chuckle, walking toward them after a quick glance at our surroundings.
“I’m sorry, my lord. Abigail and I just like stealing moments when we can,” Cedric says almost bashfully, lightly squeezing Abigail’s hand, and they share knowing glances.
“No apologies needed,” I respond and continue staring at their small bouts of affection while they discard the Scourge husks as they burn.
“Well, I’m glad you asked us to patrol the perimeter. For it to be a full moon there’s an uptick in Scourge activity tonight,” Cedric replies while wiping his blades and putting them back in their sheath as he makes his way toward me.
“He’s right, my lord. Usually, the vermin know to stay clear of the woods during a full moon. But tonight it’s like they’re after something,” Abigail adds coming to her husband’s side. She keeps her eyes tight as she gazes around the lot, searching for any signs of danger.
Or someone. The thought of Scourge tracking Damina’s scent or even looking for her enrages me.
“Do you think it could be Decaux, my lord? Perhaps he’s pulling another coo,” Cedric offers, watchful of my response.
“I wouldn’t put it past him,” I answer dryly as I put a final end to one remaining Scourge trying to slither away under a bushel of leaves and pinecones. “Any word from Titan? Are other areas just as populated?” I question.
“Yes, both Titan and Lux have reported an influx of activity tonight,” Cedric replies.
“And what of the Skull wolves?”
“Not many, my lord. I’m sure most are staying away from pack soil tonight. Most of the trouble have been Scourge. What’s more surprising is that the Guardians have done well to keep a census if you will on how many are in the City and neighboring parishes.”
“Cedric, what are you implying?”
“I think it’s highly possible that someone is making more Scourge,” Abigail answers softly, looking at me under her eyes, almost hesitant.
Or creating an army. Crap! What is my brother up to now? I’ve seen him do this before—back during the Great Fire of New Orleans. He created his first Scourge army; bred for one purpose to destroy mankind and any who oppose him.
“She’s right, my lord. And these vermin are different. You can tell they are new, smaller—more fragile. Some haven’t even gotten full fang, still wet behind the ears!”
“I’m glad you’ve shared this with me. Have you told Titan?” I ask.
“Yes, him and Lux ran into large herds with both of their company just an hour ago,” Cedric quickly answers.
“Good, well tell no one else. Let’s keep the perimeter strong tonight. But let’s not start a panic. I don’t want people afraid for no reason. We’ve got a lot we’re working towards and the last thing we need to do is make the nobles or the human faction nervous.”
I’ve done well over the last hundred or so years rebuilding much of what my brother destroyed in New Orleans. Now, with things so close to perfect I dare not risk an intrusion of his brutal attacks. I’ve worked for years resetting the beams of balance in the supernatural world all while repairing the breach he created between us and humans. I will not allow him or anyone else to undo all the good that has been done.
“We understand,” the duo nod in affirmation. Even now I stand in amazed at their synchronicity. They are the epitome of unison.
Abigail gets a call on her receiver, and she turns away and responds.
“My lord,” Cedric begins, pulling my elbow and leading us away under a small tree. He quickly glances over his shoulder at his wife who pays us no attention as she lashes at her caller, apparently annoyed. I gesture for him to continue. “Is there something more that you’re not saying? I mean, I hadn’t
expected to see you tonight, especially after your recent rip through the City a few days ago. I hope you know you can trust me when I say, I’m here for you however you need me.”
“Thank you, Cedric. Out of everyone you still remain one of the most observant. Yes, the last few days have been a firestorm—especially with everything my brother is pulling. I just needed to get away from the noise. The mansion is swarming with Jerrica’s new pet project and though I haven’t seen him in a while, Brian and I need to keep our distance.”
“Ah, I see,” Cedric replies with an undercurrent of suspicion burrowed in his brow line. “Are you certain there isn’t anything—anything more, my lord?”
“Nothing to worry about I assure you,” I lie, working hard to scatter my thoughts. Thankfully, after five hundred years I’m rather adept at burying my truth from others, making it painfully difficult to read me.
Cedric relaxes the growing frown on his face and smiles. I know he’s not buying the bull I’m selling, but he opts not to push the issue.
“Dearest,” Abigail calls from behind us to Cedric, “my apologies for disrupting you two, but we must head over to the westside. Sonja tells me there have been more Scourge sightings and Raja and Demeter’s company never made it to post.”
Cedric blows a sharp curse under his breath, before staring back at me with a half-irritated grin. I can tell this is not how he planned to spend the night with his wife. For the first time, I feel a tug on my newly beating heart and a small part of me almost understands his apparent angst.
“Well, I suppose the night is far from spent. Duty calls.” Cedric’s faux chipper tone betrays him.
“No, you two stay here. I’ll go. I could use another round with some Scourge anyway. Besides, maybe you might be able to salvage whatever is left of your—um, date night,” I swiftly reply.
Both instantly protest and shake their heads and try to convince me otherwise, but faintly, I hear their harmonic sighs of relief. Tonight, I’m more than empathetic to their plight. Soon, I shall have such a quandary of my own. And in that, I take great delight.
