by D. R. Rosier
Samuel frowned, “You mean trade, right?”
I shrugged, “This non-aggression treaty is between all four races, I don’t think we’re going to find agreement on trade among all of us, but there’s nothing to stop you from making one with each of us, heck, you already have a trading relationship with the coven and packs.”
Samuel said, “Yes, but the current trade agreement excludes spell craft that is defensive or offensive, to maintain our neutrality. Now that there is a tentative peace, our people should be able to sell ward services, since it would only protect from illegal rogues bent on violence. I want to make sure we all agree on that, so that our neutrality isn’t brought into question if we start warding coven or shifter businesses.”
Annaliese said, “That’s a good point. I’d be willing to add a proviso that set magical defenses on a location would be acceptable, if those defenses are triggered off intent to harm or destroy. Nothing mobile, or something that could be used by rogues to cause mischief.”
Damon interjected, “I can agree under the same conditions, that the spell craft can’t be moved. Is that even possible?”
Samuel said, “We don’t do it, but it’s possible. We have warded cars for instance, it wouldn’t be hard to add a few more offensive wards to the cars and turn it into a death machine, but we would never do such a thing.”
I shrugged, “I don’t have a problem with it either, if they don’t mind a mage only proviso, then I don’t object.”
Annaliese laughed, “You should be included as well, so you two can have a price war.”
Samuel looked shocked at that idea.
Damon said to Annaliese, “Agreed. That would save us some money.”
I was a little amused, something both the vampire and shifter leader agreed on.
“Sounds fair, anything else that we need to consider? Other treaties can be formed with more specifics between just two parties if needed. The simpler we keep this… base treaty, the better.”
No one else seemed to have anything.
Annaliese said, “I can review the minutes, and type up a treaty and send it out later tonight?”
Damon said, “That’s fine, my alphas will need to agree to what we’ve done here.”
Samuel added, “My council as well, why don’t we meet back here in two days? Either to sign the treaty, or start over.”
I hoped it was that first one.
No one objected, and just like that we had a non-aggression treaty, or at least agreement for one in the top leadership. Why did I feel like violence was going to break out because of it? I didn’t doubt there were a lot of shifters and perhaps vampires that were content to wait to build back up before continuing the fighting. Now that there was peace, it would be a different story…
One of the disadvantages of having four amazing and wonderful mates, was that I was always outvoted when it came to picking out a movie. There was just far too much estrogen in the room, which is how I ended up on the couch later that evening, holding Katia in one arm, Lilith in the other, and watching a really cheesy Lifetime movie. One of those romantic tear jerkers.
It was still worth it, and a small price to pay.
Lilith was being extremely affectionate, and so was Katia, their hands on my body, and soft kisses were a decent distraction, but I knew better than to make any real moves before the movie was over. By the time that happened, I’d been rock hard for at least an hour.
Katia asked, “Did you like the movie?”
“Loved it,” I said, which made Lilith giggle, traitor.
Katia raised an eyebrow.
“I enjoyed holding you?”
Katia snickered, but then she said, “I enjoyed being held.”
Then she kissed me, and I sighed into her mouth as her hands roamed my chest, and then lower. I was playing with her hair, and the back of her neck, while my other hand played with Lilith’s. I barely even noticed Samantha and Julia leave together toward the bedroom, but I felt it happen.
Katia rubbed my cock through its confinement, “You’re swollen, I should look into this.”
I laughed, “You really should.”
Lilith turned my head and kissed me hungrily, as Katia slid down to the floor and got between my legs. I gasped in Lilith’s mouth, as I felt her fish it out and eagerly take it into her sweet wet mouth.
So worth the pain of watching a chick flick.
I got a little lost in the kiss, and the feeling of Katia making love to my hard cock with her lips, tongue, hands, and throat. I managed to cast a spell, and we were all nude at that point, I broke the kiss and pushed Lilith sideways on the couch. It was a little awkward, but I managed to get my head between her legs, and eagerly started to eat out my sexy succubus, while the heaven of Katia’s mouth continued to pleasure my cock.
I didn’t think I’d last too long, their teasing attentions the last half of the movie had me on the edge before we’d even started.
I licked up slowly, and circled her clit with my tongue. Lilith’s body twitched, and I did it again and again. It didn’t take long, before her thighs closed around my head like a vice, and she pulled my hair as she ground into my face, and her liquid bliss soaked my lips, tongue, chin, and ran in dirty rivulets down my neck.
That set me off, my beautiful succubus cumming all over my face with my name falling off the tip of her tongue, that, and Katia’s talented mouth on my cock. I heard Katia’s deep pleasured moan of approval, as I exploded in her mouth, painting her throat and tongue with my essence as I rode a wave of euphoric bliss.
I moved to take care of Katia, she’s the only one who hadn’t come yet.
Katia shook her head, “Take Lilith first. Then fuck me doggy style while I eat your essence out of her.”
I hardened at that thought, I’d forgotten she liked to do that. It was a bit kinky, but hot, that she liked to taste and lick out the mixed liquid pleasures of myself and my other mates.
We were just getting started, it would be a fun evening on the couch, before we joined Samantha and Julia in the bedroom for even more…
Chapter Eighteen
Annaliese was pleased.
Things seemed to be coming together, both within the coven, and with the peace treaty. She still regretted the needful death of her turn, but it was obvious she’d made the right decision. She’d just finished typing up the treaty, it was easy for her. She’d kept the language as simple as possible, none of them were lawyers after all, and sent it out.
For the last few minutes she’d paid surreptitious attention to Jason and Helen. Helen and Jason had their heads together, and were discussing the coven. She didn’t think they were even aware of it, but she could see that they were growing closer. That was a good thing in her opinion, it would take both of them to rule the coven when she left, and a mating bond would make that easier. Though, it might be too early to tell.
It was probably too early to call, but she also had the impression that Helen would be a better and more compassionate leader than Jason. Helen was also older than Jason, so that worked out well enough. She was pretty sure that when the time came, she’d be turning the reigns over to Helen, but there were still many years before that could happen.
She really didn’t want to rule a coven again, but she also couldn’t abandon them until things were stable. She was too old, and she’d never really had the ambition for it. Not many vampires made it to her age because of fearing loss of control, paranoia, and eventually insanity would kick in. She thought that like her, Helen might live longer than most.
It was a constant thing, it took effort to dive into the future, and for her to fake enthusiasm for changes in society, to see whole empires rise and fall, and not get lost in the past. She wasn’t immune, but she did have the personality and outlook on life to overcome it as long as she kept trying to.
Which brought her thoughts to Andrew, and the possibility of making him her mate. He would help with that, keep her focused on the present and future, possibly for centuries to come. He wasn’
t immortal like her, but he’d be very long lived, if he managed not to get himself killed that is.
She’d very much enjoyed their date last night, and was looking forward to tomorrow night. She wasn’t quite sure of him yet, but so far she hadn’t found anything out about him that would be a deal breaker. She was also quite sure he desired her, as much as she desired him. Chemistry wasn’t and wouldn’t be an issue.
She thought about his warm hazel eyes, his alluring scent, and the idea that she’d be in his arms tomorrow night, at least, dancing in his arms. She got up and moved to her room, and looked through her clothes. Maybe she’d go shopping tomorrow, she wanted to look perfect, and none of her dresses would do for swing dancing. She needed a tight bodice, and loose flowing skirts. Her red dress might have worked, but she could hardly wear it again, no matter how much she’d enjoyed his eyes on her while she’d worn it…
Samuel had been impressed last night when he read over the treaty. It had only been four pages, and while still a treaty, it had been clear, concise, and had contained everything they’d agreed on, but not one iota more.
He’d sent it to the other eight counselors late last night, and they were reviewing it this morning in council, going over it line by line looking for traps and tricks. Unnecessary, but wise so he didn’t complain while he waited for questions, or objections.
His thoughts were wandering a bit though, as he kept stealing sidelong glances at Sally. Sally was one of his main detractors on the council, and always argued with him. He also couldn’t get their date off of his mind, he’d… had fun, and wanted more. They hadn’t really talked since their date a few days ago, which had ended with a scorching kiss, and not much else.
She was gorgeous, at least he thought so, and was quite… passionate as a fire mage. That kind of thing usually annoyed him, being a water mage, but on her he couldn’t get enough. Or at least, when not in a council session. Just the thought of their kiss, and his hands on her curvy sexy waist was stirring his manhood, so he pushed the thoughts out of his head. It was hardly the time to fantasize about his colleague. He’d ask her for a second date, maybe at the end of the day.
Then she glared at him, which made him harden a bit more, and that made him question his sanity.
Sally said, “I see you got what we wanted, but the provisions for selling ward services also covers the warlock?”
He nodded, “Annaliese and Damon insisted on it, not Andrew. They probably believe it will bring prices down, if they have two sources for services, but I don’t believe the warlock has any intention of providing any. He’s just one man, and he already has the treaty with the cat shifters, and wards to maintain on the other shifter pack houses. He can’t possibly keep up with us on the supply side of the equation, and I don’t think he wants to. He’s too busy with his mates and deals to run a service company.”
Jaime said, “Young man, are you saying we should just hope for the best?”
He glared at the older man, “Of course not, but we also don’t have a choice. Even if we threatened to pull out of the treaty, that wouldn’t stop the warlock from having inroads with both the shifters and the vampires to sell services. We got what we wanted, but the treaty is also a compromise and peace between four races, we can’t have everything our way in something like that. Are you saying we need to fear the competition of just one spell caster? One that will most likely be focused on other things in his life?”
Sally said, “That’s not entirely true. Samantha Antonin is in his employ, and she won’t be teaching him forever, eventually he’ll reach master competency, and she’ll also be available for services.”
He refrained from banging his head on the long-curved desk.
“Samantha is an investigator and researcher, and will soon be a mother, I don’t think that will be a problem either. Regardless, even if it is, we’ll deal with it competitively and life will go on. The peace treaty is bringing changes, and It’s too late to back out of it. Backing out would only hurt us at this point, and also earn the enmity of the shifters and vampires who want peace to go forward. We’re in a time of change, and we will adapt, adjust, and deal with it as it comes. Change brings risk, but it also brings opportunity. We can still create secondary treaties if we wish, directly with the other races. Vote to approve the basic non-aggression treaty as is?”
No one objected, and the vote came back six out of nine. He’d managed to win over another vote, not that he needed it, but it made him feel better anyway.
Now if he could just get that date…
Damon looked around the clearing, and then over at the wolf shifters.
“Where is Jeremy?”
The female stepped forward, “Jeremy is no longer alpha. I’m Kelly DeMarco, new alpha of the wolf shifters.”
“What happened?”
Kelly waved at her witness, “Kenneth told us that he was the only one who rejected peace. I challenged his scraggly ass, and made him submit. I lost my oldest son, and my mate to this war, I won’t lose the rest of my children, or my brothers, not if it can be prevented.”
Damon asked, “You do not seek revenge for those deaths?”
Kelly snorted, “Revenge was stolen from us, there is none to be found. That sick bastard Arthur is dead, and so is Joseph, why throw away our sanity and waste more lives when the ones responsible for the insanity are already gone?”
Damon asked, “Do you wish to pursue the right of challenge?”
She was a new alpha, it was a courtesy to ask, since she may want his position of head alpha too.
Kelly shook her head, “I will fight for peace, if you stand behind that and our will, I see no purpose in it.”
Damon nodded, “I will always do so. You’ve all received copies of the treaty?”
He looked at Kelly, who nodded in agreement. He hadn’t been sure if it would have reached the new wolf shifter alpha or not, since he’d sent the treaty to Jeremy’s email. He wasn’t sad to see the hotheaded alpha wolf out of authority, but wished Kelly would have done more than made him submit. The previous alpha would be a nightmare if he went rogue, especially if Jeremy took a large number of shifters with him. Better if she’d killed him, but wolf pack politics were none of his business, so he didn’t say anything about it.
Damon asked, “Any questions, or comments before we vote on it?”
No one did. This time the vote was unanimous. Tomorrow, he’d go to sign four copies, one for each of the races to keep. Assuming of course, that the mages also approved…
Chapter Nineteen
I’d have rather picked her up, but just like our first date, I wound up meeting her at the swing club instead. This time she was in a light blue dress, which made her gorgeous blue eyes pop, and her long blond hair was completely up, revealing the gentle curves of her neck, and her petite ears.
The dress hugged every sinful curve from her breasts to her hips, and then flared out in a loose flowing skirt. She had a mysterious smile on her face as she walked up to me, went up on her tip toes, and kissed my cheek. Her scent was alluring, added altogether, she was very captivating, and she held that cheek kiss just a little too long. Her breathy sigh reached my ears, and I returned the kiss on her own cheek, as I caressed her waist. She was so… sexy. The whole package, not just her perfect curvy body, but her smile, her scent, the way she smiled.
Annaliese was going to kill me, or maybe just drive me crazy.
“I’m glad you’re here. You are stunning, as usual, I’ll try not to embarrass you on the dance floor too much.”
She gave me a curious look, and I imagined she’d scented my amusement. I had a bit of a surprise in store for the breathtakingly beautiful vampire in my life. I only got away with the deception, because we’d been talking on the phone at the time.
“It’s good to be here, shall we go in?”
I nodded, and took her hand, which got her to throw me a pleased smile. We went into the club, which had a large dancefloor, a DJ, and a number of tables to the side.
They didn’t have a full kitchen, but after she’d sent me the name of the place I’d checked, and they did offer good food and dining as well. We weren’t here for that however.
I asked, “Dance, or should we grab a drink first.”
She shrugged, “Dance? Drinks really don’t affect me, at all.”
I nodded, “I don’t like to have my mind clouded either, and with you here I’m dangerously close already.”
She smirked, “Smooth.”
I laughed, but really, it’d been true enough. Her presence intoxicated me. I loved the other women in my life. They were all different, and that went double for the beautiful mysterious vampire, only Lilith could compare with her much longer life. I still wasn’t sure what her end game was with this, but I had a good time with her, and I’d find out eventually. We were… dating, and it was fun. It was something I’d kind of skipped over with Lilith and Julia for obvious reasons, and even Samantha, although in the latter case I could argue us studying magic together sort of counted. I wondered if I should start taking them all out, at first I hadn’t been because it wasn’t safe, but now I had no reason not to, and they all deserved it. Why not full blown dates, instead of just the alone time thing we had going now?
I decided I would, but right now I needed to focus on the gorgeous blonde at my side.
I pulled her out on the dance floor, and smiled down at her as I pulled her close.
“I love it when a plan comes together.”
She snickered, but her eyes told me she was enjoying being in my arms, as much as I was enjoying holding her. I’d say dancing was foreplay, but I was pretty sure she wouldn’t be jumping in bed with me tonight either, and I was very much okay with that, taking it slow and getting to know her I mean.
Then the next song started, and I led her firmly as we started to dance. I started out slow, so we could develop a common rhythm, even the best dancers in the world took time to get accustomed to a new partner. But in this case, it wasn’t necessary, she was putty in my arms, and responded perfectly to my lead, as if she’d been dancing with me for years and knew exactly what I wanted to do next. I imagined it was her preternatural reflexes and speed that had something to do with that. Graceful didn’t even begin to cover how she moved in my arms.
