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battlegroundofdreams · 21 days

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The meeting in Krios' office doesn't go exactly as planned....

An hour later, and after both getting cleaned up after training, Morpheus and Melinoe headed up to Krios’ office. Both were dressed fully in black and looked like a matching pair, and in time they would be; however, at the moment, Morpheus was still trying to figure out the enigma that was the woman walking next to him. To be called to the office of the Prime, to have a messenger treat her as if she was an officer in the corps, the name the messenger had called her, there were questions that he wanted answers to, and if they didn’t come in the Krios’ office, he’d find out later.

There was no wait once they had arrived at the office. Krios’ assistant had been waiting for them and showed them in immediately. The auburn haired Prime had his back to them when they entered, but his posture left no donut that he was unhappy. Surely soon he would be letting them both know his thoughts on the matter that had called them up.

“Andromeda will be joining us.” The Prime’s deep voice echoed around his office as they took seats across from his desk. He still had not turned from the window. He was expecting problems with Morpheus, and was preparing to reign in his temper to keep from losing one of his best agents. It was no secret that the agent didn’t want a partner, and now to have a case so soon after being assigned, it was sure to cause issues.

Morpheus and Melinoe looked at one another. Not only was the Prime meeting with them but also the Adjutrix, even with what was in the scroll, it didn’t seem a serious enough situation to require that. For the first time since she received the scroll, Melinoe became nervous. Not killing a nightmare on the first attempt was hardly a rare occurrence, let alone when there had been more than one and she had been alone. Morpheus couldn’t miss the trepidation he now saw in her eyes.

“I apologize for my delay,” Andromeda entered the office and closed the door. There was little doubt in either her or Krios’ mind that this would get loud and messy. Morpheus was known for his temper just about as much as his ego.

“EMA (eema) Melinoe, to be honest we're not sure that this nightmare is part of that team you took on, but if not then he's duplicating their methods.” Krios turned from the window, his heavily tattooed forearms crossed over his broad chest. They were a testament to the battles he had fought as an agent. “We've had two more agents almost taken out by him. They're not getting even close to him. This is why we need you.”

Now what the messenger had said made sense to Morpheus. He'd pronounced the acronym wrong, Melinoe was an Elite Master Assassin. That was a rank he hadn't even achieved. It added to his respect for her, but also brought up new questions.

“Agent Morpheus and I will be ready tomorrow to start tracking, sir.” Melinoe answered, still not sure why they had been called up to the office for a routine thing. “We spent today practicing and training, I have no doubt we'll make a good team. His reputation, as I'm sure you know, is well earned.” She turned her head slightly towards Morpheus and gave him a small smile. She was honest .

“EMA Melinoe, we are not worried about your abilities. We want to ensure we do not have another agent down to injuries that could be avoided if one were to use caution, patience, and check their ego at the door.” Andromeda was frank, and the look she cast towards Morpheus made her disdain clear. Now everyone knew why they were there, and none looked happy about it.

“I can assure you..” Melinoe started trying to head off the fight she could almost feel coming. As Andromeda has spoken, Morpheus has straightened and his hands had balled to fists. She couldn’t blame him, the Adjutrix hadn't even attempted to be delicate .

“You're worried about ME getting her injured or killed? Come out and say it if you have the balls.” Morpheus interrupted. “You heard my partner, we function well together and be fine. Can you both fuck off now?”

“Until she steps on your toes or says something you don't like, right Morpheus?” Now Krios was going to take him head on. “Then what? You'll leave her in the dream alone? Tell her to fuck off now? Make her carry your weight? I need both of you back, and I don't care if your ego has to be sacrificed for it.” He leaned over the desk after Morpheus, his hands going flat on it. His muscles could be seen flexing under his dress shirt. Obviously the Prime was ready for a fight.

Unfortunately Morpheus wasn’t looking to disappoint, “you really think that I would do that?” He was now on his feet, quickly followed by Melinoe who was going to try to keep the two powerful men from destroying each other and the office.

“Check my ego and temper, but I'm not the only one with either of those, am I? I get it, she's higher rank, but I have earned respect.” He looked between Krios and Andromeda, obviously enraged. “I would never abandon another agent, or endanger them, because of my ego. I know where to find Mel if I have a score to settle.”

“Morpheus, I don't think that's what they..” once more Melinoe started trying to defuse the situation.

“No, he understood me.” Andromeda cut her off this time. “You're reckless, Morpheus. You take risks. Only now it won't be just you. You'll have one of the best with you and…”

“And who is another of those bests? ME! So I'm pretty damn sure we have this…” Morpheus took a step towards Andromeda, Melinoe gently touching his arm to try and calm him.

“AGENT MORPHEUS!” Krios’ hands slammed down on his desk to get everyone's attention. “You will respect the chain of command in my office or…”

“Or what? You'll take me off the case and send Mel in with someone inferior? You are actually standing there and threatening me?”

Melinoe felt like she was watching the beginning of another World War and she had no interest in it. “Sir, I trust Morpheus and that should be enough. No one is going to be left behind or not protected. I think we all need to think about what we're saying. Morpheus is right, you're both being insulting to his abilities.”

Her hand tightened on Morpheus’ arm. She didn't want a full on fight. If she was going to have to go back up against one of those nightmares, she wanted him as her backup. “Morpheus, it's fine. Don't take their bait.” She kept her voice low and hoped they'd built enough of a report that he'd listen .

“You should listen to your partner Morpheus. It seems at least one of you…” Andromeda started, before being cut off.

“If she's so fucking perfect, what do you need me for? Clean up duty? Someone to take the blame if it goes sideways?” Morpheus didn't ever let her get started before raging. “I've never had to clean up someone’s messes before and I'm not liking it now. It’s not my fault your apparent darling isn’t capable of doing it on her own and needs someone to come in and save it for her. People don’t die on my watch, but I guess now I have to make sure they don’t die on hers too. What exactly am I getting out of this whole arrangement?”

“ENOUGH!!” Now it was Melinoe that had everyone’s attention, and none looked sure what she was going to say.

“Fine, you don't want to, how'd you say it? Clean up my mess? Fine. I'll figure it out myself, and do it without you. I didn't ask for your help, or to be your partner in the first place. Now, if you'll all excuse me, I'm going to go prepare for tomorrow. I’m sure Krios and Andromeda can find something to keep you busy while I work.” She gave no one a chance to answer, she strode from the room, slamming the door behind her so hard it rattled.

For a moment no one left in the office moved. Up until then, Melinoe had been the most calm in the room. It was clear she was now, however, seriously pissed. Krios and Andromeda had never seen her anywhere near that emotional regarding anything, let alone that enraged. It was clear that the meeting had gone in a direction that they had not anticipated and now they might have created a problem that could not be rectified easily.

“If anything happens to her either fighting that nightmare or afterwards, your career is over.” Krios said firmly, but flatly. “I will completely decimate your life outside of the agency. You will pray for death. Your skill has got you this far, Morpheus, but you've reached the end of what it can do for you. We gave you the one agent who we believed could work with you, and you’ve not even lasted a day. You’d better hope you can fix this. Now, GET.OUT. of my office.”

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the-andromeda-effect · 1 month

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TW - abuse mention, violence mention, injury mention, mental trauma, ptsd

Caliban had taken many women to his bed the first night he’d met them, and that was the only night they’d spent together. Some he’d dated for a while before becoming sexual. None of those had ever brought about the conflict that he currently felt with Adira as she returned to the bathroom to finish changing. It was not that there was not the physical desire for her, or that he knew that it would be far more than one night with her, but rather that the physical was so far less important at the moment than making sure that she felt safe and secure mentally and emotionally. The other could wait, and he would wait, because he knew how wounded she was in all ways. He did not want to add to that in any way; certainly not if there was a chance of losing the way she looked at him by rushing or pushing for anything. Whenever her eyes and his met, there was something that he could not describe within them, something that awoke a part of him that hadn’t been touched before, and he was finding he liked it.

When Adira was once more behind a closed door, she leaned against it, holding the PJ pants to her as her heart thudded within her chest. She had no idea what had made her so bold as to walk over to Caliban like that and just assume he would welcome her touch upon his bare skin and her help in disrobing. It hadn’t been until she had actually been in the act of doing it that her brain had kicked in. By then it had been too late and the only thing she felt she could do was continue, and now she was thankful that she had. Just his initial response of covering her forearms and hands with his own had almost made her knees give way in relief and also a warm and safe sensation that had flooded her whole body. She craved him in a way that she had never craved Mircea, in a way that she couldn’t even put into words. It wasn't blind lust, it was something deeper.

From the day that she had met Mircea, she had known that they would be married. It was why her father had introduced them. Also from that day, she had alway tried to garner his approval, to please him, to make him proud, to elicit praise. He had at least pretended in the beginning to be somewhat fond of her and that her efforts were more than enough. The lack of overt affection understandable due to theirs being an arranged marriage, but it was one he seemed to desire, something that still confused her with how things eventually went. However, the longer their relationship went, the more it was obvious that she was not who he wanted and that her efforts would never achieve the results that she hoped for. She had still tried, no matter how many times she failed to live up to standards he seemed to change on a whim. Up until the day she had been kidnapped, she had relentlessly tried.

Caliban was completely different from Mircea in every conceivable way. One could say that their marriage was no less arranged than hers with Mircea had been. It was not built on love, but an agreement to provide for her and keep her safe. The difference was that even in the beginning of her relationship with Mircea she had not felt as safe and secure with him, nor had she felt as accepted. Then there was something about the way that she felt when she was held in Caliban’s arms, the way just his voice calmed any fear or anxiety in her, the look in his eyes when he looked at her, his gentle and soothing touch when she was upset or hurting - it was all so new to her; at the same time, it was like what she had always been looking for in the past, but never found.

It was in wondering how he had not found a wife previously, with everything he had already shown her of who he was, that Adira came upon the thought that made her stomach turn: what if there were other women he was in a relationship with when he had saved her? Could she do that again? Could her heart take other women also being in a relationship from someone other than Mircea? If there were, could she even do a fake marriage? Her breath caught and her heart burned at the thought.

By the time that Adira finally opened the door again, Caliban had started to worry if things were okay with her. The room had been too quiet, and she had seemed to be in there too long. He had to keep reminding himself not to rush her. Patience was never one of his virtues, but he knew that if he wanted to unwrap the delicate gift that was the true nature of the woman he now called his wife, he was going to have to learn some. There was something about her that made him confident that whatever new skills he might have to learn or test he might feel like he was enduring, in the end, it would be worth it.

“Is everything alright?” He finally asked as she silently crossed over to the bed and began to place her jeans in the bag that he had brought up for her. She hadn’t looked at him when she came out of the bathroom, nor even when he spoke to her, and this concerned him. Before she’d gone back in, they’d once again been affectionate with one another and she’d seemed to be relaxing. Had she had another panic attack of sorts?

Still not looking at him, Adira’s voice came out soft and stuttered, “I hadn’t thought to ask before if…” She paused, gathering the courage to say what had come to her mind as she realized how much she was attracted to Caliban. It was as if the question was stuck in her throat, refusing to come out. There was a fear of hearing the answer once it did.

“If what, sweetheart?” Calban asked cautiously, as head cantered. He had heard the hesitation and nerves in her voice. He pushed off of the dresser he’d been leaning against to walk over to her. There was definitely something wrong, but he couldn’t figure out what could have changed in just a few minutes.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, her head still bowed as if looking down into her bag. “If you had…someone you were with..you know, when you..we...” As she let her breath out, she steeled herself for the answer. Her hands had balled to fists around the clothing she was holding, as if that would somehow protect her from the answer hurting her. She had known many men who would be with multiple women simultaneously. It wasn’t like she was naive to the way the world of rich and powerful men who looked like him operated. Even those who were married often had more than one girlfriend on the side besides their wife. This was often the life wives of family heads led.

So that was the issue that had suddenly come to bother her. The tension Caliban had been feeling waiting to hear what had upset her faded instantly. He was glad her back was to him because he could not keep the devilish smirk off of his face. Not that he was laughing at her, far from it; no, he was delighted that the beauty was concerned that she might have competition for his affection. To him that meant that she too was starting to feel something for him in the same way he was for her. Otherwise she wouldn’t care if he was in a relationship with someone else while being fake married to her. Being fake married to Adira seemed to get better every time he turned around, and now he was going to have at least two weeks secluded with her in a mountain cabin. Who knew what could happen then?

“And it would bother you if I did?” The shaky inhale of breath after his question gave him his answer, just before his arms wrapped around her from behind. She couldn't hide the slight tremble in her body from him, a tremble that he hoped his next words would quell. Placing his chin on her shoulder, he let his warm breath fan across her neck with his next words, “my darling wife, if there had been, the moment I slipped that ring on your finger they no longer existed.” He gently kissed the crook of her neck and continued, “there is now, and from now on always will be, only you, unless it is you who wants things otherwise between us.” Caliban was never one to share a woman, nor did he expect a woman to share him.

As much as his words comforted her, she also felt like they were too good to be real. “Are you sure that you can be happy that way?” Adira was afraid to even hope, even if she prayed, to a god she had long since stopped believing in, that it was true. She was under no illusion that Mircea had ever been faithful in their marriage, even from the beginning. He’d always blamed her; of course it was her failure as a wife that led him to have to find others.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” He kept his chin on her shoulder and laced his fingers with hers now that she’d covered his hands with her own. Every time he thought he’d figured out how much damage that Mircea had done, something more was revealed. There was no doubt the coming days and weeks would reveal more, and he would try his best never to repeat those wounds. If he could, he would instead heal them.

“Well,I…I don’t know. I just know that no matter what I tried, I was never enough for Mi-” Suddenly Caliban’s hand was over her mouth, cutting her off as she felt herself fully pulled back against him. Her eyes closed, her breathing stilled, and she waited for the pain. Pain always came after the wrong things were said. Hopefully Caliban would not be as brutal as Mircea had been. She still ached from being dragged by Kondrat and the abuse in that basement.

banners by: @cafekitsune

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eva-and-jasper · 1 month

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Beware of the Ides of March

Quadruple Trouble at the Shelby Mansion...

TW - Blood, Murder, Death

The two couples entered together, devious smirks all around. Their host would have no inkling of the actual motivation behind their attendance. Had he, he might have considered revoking the gold leaf edged invitations that he'd had hand delivered to the ladies that were now entering his mother's mansion on the arm of a demon and an angel.

Instead his hubris had overpowered all and he'd sent the invitations. Seeing them both now, a wide grin spread across his face. Those that doubted him would soon come to understand that he could come to run the family business just as well as any of them. He would show them, he would show the all! And with those two ladies on his side, no one would doubt that he could pull in contacts and associates that would form an empire.

Jasper and Adriel knew they had little to worry about from the mortals milling about. In fact, the mortals should be fearing them. Only slightly less lethal were the women they walked in with, the witch and the grigori. So, there was no fear that anything would happen as they momentarily left the beauties to obtain drinks from their host's bar.

With the latest bauble that Jasper had gifted her, a blood red ruby, around her neck, Eva was damn near untouchable, and Anna was a power immortal in her own right. Eva and Anna were the perfect juxtaposition of dark to light in almost all ways - magic, complexion, business dealings. They could both be ruthless and devious when the need arose, and it most certainly had this night.

For the next few hours, liquor would flow, conversations would as well, dances would be shared, and food enjoyed. The end goal would never leave the mind or sight of the foursome, but they would allow themselves some enjoyment before the pinnacle of the night.

There was supposed to be an announcement at midnight. One about the usurping of the throne of the Shelby dynasty. However, that announcement never would come.

At a quarter til, Anna lured their host into his office with seduction she had honed over the years of having to distract beings in New Orleans. The men were in the room, but kept to the shadows, they were mere observers in this endeavor. Once the door was closed, and privacy ensured, Anna pulled their host very, very close.

“Michael, you really never should have double crossed Tommy, cher. I'm afraid you have to die now. And then you can rot in Caligo.” Anna whispered it in his ear and then pulled back just in time to see his eyes go wide as Eva slipped her blade slowly between his ribs to embed it in his heart.

Both women then moved to the side, joining hands as they watched the life drain from Michael Gray. A large crimson stain growing on the beige oriental rug beneath him. Jasper and Adriel came to stand on either side of the two women. The quadruple being the last thing Michael saw as he slipped into the hereafter.

“Right then,” Jasper quipped with a devious smirk. “Time to take this bastard down to Caligo. Arioch is so looking forward to a new play toy. He has a new cerberus puppy, you know, needs a chew toy.” He winked and kissed Eva on the cheek before ripping Michael’s soul free from his body with a *pop*. “Be right back, love. Don’t want to keep the Demon of Revenge waiting, he gets testy, you know.” With a wink, the demon was gone.

“He does enjoy doing that.” Adriel chuckled as he waved his hand. All fingerprints and memories of the foursome were removed from the entire party. When Michael’s body was found, there would be nothing to tie them to it, and therefore, nothing to tie Tommy to it either. Jean Pierre’s attorney was getting him released from jail presently on the trumped up charges Michael had orchestrated with the Bowery Boys from London. They’d also brought over a few friends from the French Quarter to help him get some payback for that.

“He promised to take me to see the puppy tomorrow, I’ll have to give our regards to Michael again. It was such a nice ending to the party.” Eva smirked and winked. The surprise on Michael’s face had been quite delicious.

“Want to join us for dinner? We’re going to myst down to Tuscany for some authentic Italian. I know an amazing cook down there that is over a century old and has some tricks up her sleeve. You and Jasper are more than welcome to join.” Anna smiled. She was glad her friend had found a woman that complimented him so. “There’s also a siren down there that needs a talking to, so we’re going to take a dip in the Mediterranean. Always a fun time. We like to do it naked.” She winked at Eva.

“Now, how could I turn down an offer like that?” Eva grinned deviously. Naked fun with her demon was always a good time and if that siren looked at him wrong..well, accidents did happen and she knew Anna was always amused when Adriel had to fix things. She and the other woman did get along so well. Yes, this was turning out to be a very good night.

Eva Smith belongs to @evita-shelby

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#writeblrcafe #writeblr cafe #writeblr #evacore #eva smith #jasper x eva #anna x adriel #ides of march #peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders #tommy shelby #michael gray #tw: murder #tw: death #tw: blood #fiction #crime fiction #supernatural fiction #romance

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behindthesemasks · 1 month

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It's time to get some answers...

Mel and Klaus stood arguing about her safety while they waited for Ambrose and Nic to make an entrance. He wanted her back in the suite at the hotel, she wanted to get to the hospital or help at the dig site. Melania was tired of being treated like a china doll by everyone around her. While he understood that, he couldn’t get her to understand what that drive had just felt like to him; knowing that if the asshole in the passenger seat of that SUV had been a better shot, she could have been hurt or killed. It had felt like being on that plane when the bullet had gone through Grant and hit her during the extraction in Peru.

Finally, tired of arguing with him and getting nowhere, she had agreed to go back to the hotel, but not for the reasons he would have wanted. She didn’t tell him, but she planned on getting every drop of information from Andreas she could. His final disposition she’d leave to Klaus and Eric, but she was going to make that man hurt…a lot. Being shot at while going on archaeological expeditions was something she was seriously becoming tired of. Ever since she’d landed in Peru last year, she felt like she’d had a gun pointed at her every damn day. Whether it was because they were keeping her safe, or because they were considering taking her out…it mattered little to her at this point.

Klaus was relieved that she agreed to go back, even if he didn’t trust that his thoughts and feelings on the matter had any bearing on her decision. He could tell there was something more going on behind those crystal blue eyes of hers, but if she was out of the line of fire, he could at least focus on taking out the threat to her and their friends. When it was all said and done, he knew there would be a reckoning to be had over this, and the incident in the hallway at the hotel. That didn’t bother him; the possibility of her being hurt bothered him. He could take her anger. Seeing her in a coma in a bed again, that he wasn’t sure he could take. Twice in less than six months was too much for him.

When they showed up in the Quonset hut, looking frustrated and ready to commit great violence, Nic and Ambrose agreed with Klaus about Mel going back to the hotel. They hadn’t found anything of use in the SUV. Whoever was funding this was good, very good. Ambrose already had calls out to people who technically didn’t exist. The word was being spread that there was a price, a high one, on the head of whoever thought to try and take out the heir to the Meyers fortune. There was to be no expense spared in finding out who did it. Ambrose was calling in favors in spades, and he knew that in the end he would get what he wanted.

Tossing his keys to Case, Ambrose told him to get her back to the hotel. After seeing the man’s driving, Ambrose was sure that he could keep her safe and in one piece if there was another incident. He considered sending Gabe back with them as well, but decided to keep him with the team for the moment. With Cam and Erik back at the hotel in addition to Case, that should be enough. With the warning going across the wires, anyone attempting to harm his granddaughter did truly have a death wish that every man in that building would gladly grant. From the look on Klaus’s face and the missing rear window of the SUV they had been in, he had no doubt that retribution was going to be swift and brutal from him.

Following Case and Mel out to the SUV that was parked alongside the one that they had arrived in, Klaus hated that she was going back without him but also wanted to go hunting for those responsible for what just happened and wanted her safe. He was pissed, beyond pissed. Cupping her face in his hands, he gave her a look that spoke volumes about the warring emotions that were inside him. Her hands rested on his hips before she went to her toes to kiss him.

“Go get ‘em killer. I’ll be fine.” Her voice was low and sexy, her lips brushing over his. There was something more in her eyes though, something feral and lethal. Damn if it didn’t turn him on. She was going to be the death of him someday, but damn he’d die a happy man.

He looked over to Case as she got in the vehicle and nodded. Shutting her door, he headed back into the building and the waiting team. His strides were long and purposeful; it was clear from his gate that this was a man on a mission. He was going to find out who put her in danger, and eliminate them with great malice. Maybe he’d even let the others help.

“Dez, get to the hospital. That SUV had run flat tires. They had expected to take fire, they were on a mission. Alexander and Sasha aren’t safe and Cade isn’t enough backup in this situation. I don’t want Mel leaving that hotel and the only way to keep her there is to get Alexander back there. As soon as it’s dark, get him back to the hotel and keep his ass there.” Nic was talking when Klaus walked back in. He nodded over to him as he joined the others.

“Klaus, Gabe, Donovan…you’re with us. Grandfather just got intel. We’ve got a visit to make to a mansion just outside of town that’s being rented by a mysterious Australian. Seems there have been some rumors of the resident being a relics dealer. Seeing as how we have one archaeologist down and another as a target, I think we’ve found who we’re looking for.” Nic smirked as he looked at his men. Damn he had a good team; he trusted every damn one of them.

Both groups headed out to the two remaining SUV’s. Ambrose had gotten the keys from Case for the one that was missing the back window. Klaus took up position in the back of it as the other males got in the front. Then they followed Case and Dez back to the main road towards town. Just outside of the city, they turned off on another road, heading in the general direction of the manor. They weren’t going to just roll up to the front door, they might have before someone tried to take out four of them. Too late for being polite now.

When they were within a quarter mile, and on a road that didn’t lead directly to the house, Ambrose pulled the SUV off of the road onto a turn in that was rather overgrown. Pulling past the tree line so that the rear of the vehicle was at least partly hidden, everyone slipped out as quietly as they could. Doors were left slightly ajar and the tailgate was left up. Silence was the name of the game now. The sun was up and that meant that they would stay low and in the trees as much as possible.

That quarter mile seemed to take forever to cross. If whoever was in the house was responsible for the attack on Sasha, and the price on Alexander, they didn’t want to give them warning that hell was about to come down on them. They were as silent as possible, making sure to stay undetected and hidden the whole time. Once they reached the tree line, they were no more than 50 yards from the main house. There were no guards that could be seen, but there were people inside. While the windows did reflect some of the surroundings, shadows moving inside could be seen.

Each of the men took up observation positions to try and determine how many were inside and their locations. They would wait till the cover of darkness to move in any closer. There could be no more than two or three hours of daylight remaining. Klaus and Donovan had shotguns, Ambrose and Nic were brandishing pistols, and Gabe had an AR. They were ready for whatever lay inside that house.

As dusk was beginning to set, Klaus’s phone buzzed. Pulling it out, he looked down at the number and sighed as he swiped to answer it. “Yeah?” His eyes closed tightly, then he responded curtly, “not now,” before hanging up. Turning his phone off, he stored it in one of the pockets on his pants before returning his attention to the house.

No one asked who it was or what they had wanted. For him to answer it right now meant it was Mel or one of the other men on the team. His response told them this wasn’t a good time to start a conversation on it either. But they all did pull out their phones and turn them off. Last thing they needed was a distraction when they were raiding the house.

Soon darkness had fallen. The men emerged from the tree line and headed towards the house. Hand signals guided the entry to the house, 3 through the back and two through the front. As Klaus, Donovan, and Nic headed around back, they were careful to avoid being seen through the large windows that each room on the bottom floor seemed to have. While they had seen people inside the house earlier, no one was seen in any of the rooms now. They could only hope that this meant that they hadn’t been spotted.

At the back door they paused and listened. Seconds ticked by slowly till they heard the distinctive whistle that meant it was time for entry. Klaus and Donovan brought boots to door at the same time to break the lock and swing it open. Klaus took point with Nic bringing up the rear.

There were no sounds on the first floor when the teams made entry, but the sounds of the scraping of chairs could be heard upstairs. Neither group delayed in heading up, where they were met with two armed bodyguards that were quickly dispatched. The other men in the room looked surprised at first, and then fearful when Ambrose’s tall frame rounded the corner to enter the room they were in.

“So gentlemen, you’ve decided it was a wise thing to take out a hit on members of an expedition team on a archaeological dig that I’m financing. You’d better have a damn good reason that you just put my granddaughter in jeopardy because I don’t take kindly to her being shot at.”

This is where the stammering started, first from one then another of the men. All seemed to be claiming that they had no idea that Ambrose was financing the dig nor that Mel was one of the archaeologists on site. If it hadn’t been abundantly clear they had found out who was behind the attack on Sasha and the hit on Alexander, Klaus might have found their stammering amusing. As things were, he found it irritating and annoying.

“Boys, restrain our hosts. I think they’ve forgotten what it means to do their homework before starting a job. A refresher on exactly what happens to anyone who crosses me might be in order as well.” Ambrose smirked as the color began to drain from the faces of the men who were facing him.

Four hours later the men emerged from the house. A little blood splatter here and there, but only the two bodyguards had ended up dead. Now they needed to get back to the SUV and to the hotel. Hopefully all the rest of the team would now be there with information from Andreas.

As they got to the SUV, everyone started pulling out phones and turning them on. Most likely there would be texts or calls with updates to at least Ambrose and Nic. Klaus knew he needed to return the call he’d gotten to, but he wasn’t exactly sure how to do that with everyone in the vehicle able to hear him.

“Shit! How the fuck do I have over 100 missed calls.” Nic growled as he started to flip through his call log.

“I’ve got 50,” Klaus replied, not really wanting to look through his log.

“What, did I get the jackpot with only 3?” Gabe joked as he tried to figure out who was calling him from the 228 area code.

“FUCK!” All heads turned to look at Ambrose. In the dim light of his cell phone, pure anger showed on his face. He hit a number on his phone and the soft sound of ringing could be heard in the stillness as no one else moved. “What is so god damned important?” His voice left no room for misunderstanding that he was pissed. “What do you mean she’s missing?”

Klaus’s heart dropped through the floor and Gabe almost dropped his phone.

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magical-mistakes-vm · 21 days

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"No worries, Elmar, I have made challenge regarding Mahala. As such, she will come home with me." Balor gave no one time to react before he strode quickly from the room, leaving the others to try and catch up. He was grinning as he made his way down the hall. It was game time.

"The fuck you will," Vollrath replied, and almost jogged after Balor. He grabbed his brother, and brought him to a stop in the hallway. Elmar and Baldur weren't sure if they should step in or just go grab Mahala and run. "She is going nowhere with you."

"So, she does mean something to you?" He'd known it. Baldur had been covering for his brother. Balor broke out laughing, then calmed and leaned towards Vollrath. "She needs away from emotional stress and raw power unrestrained in the air. You're a live wire of both right now, little brother. " Balor tipped his head and raised his brows, waiting for Vollrath to try and argue. “And I still give challenge, so…she is coming home with me.” His grin grew wide.

"She doesn't even know you. After all she's gone through she should either go home alone, or with one of us. Do you really want to inflict Coven politics on her after what you know she’s gone through today? Just to be a complete asshole to me?" Vollrath could not even say why he did not want her alone with Balor other than jealousy. Unlike his two friends, it would not be beneath his brother to sabotage things with Mahala. He was ready to resort to violence to stop his brother.

Balor led a faction of the Coven that leaned towards darker magic. They butted heads regarding this frequently via email, but was one of the reasons it had been so long since a face to face meeting had taken place. Not only could Balor cause a rift between him and Mahala, he could lead her down that path. The thought of either of those made Vollrath’s heart hurt in his chest.

"Let her decide." Balor knew he was playing with fire there, but he also wanted to make sure this was not Stockholm Syndrome or some undue influence. He'd never known Vollrath to do that, but something was definitely off with the whole situation. If nothing was being done to cause her to choose his brother, he would abide by the female’s decision.

Vollrath didn't like it, but he also didn't want to keep fighting with him. "Fine. But what she decides is final." The men shook in agreement.

When the four men made it back to Vollrath’s office, it was clear Mahala was tired and really did need rest. On the walk there, Elmar shared his suspicion that she was still suffering a concussion. While he could force total healing, without knowing exactly what you WERE healing, you could do more harm than good. So he had been mitigating symptoms more than anything and trying to boost her natural healing magic.

"Sweetheart," Vollrath started, and from the beginning she could tell something was wrong, "there is a possibility that you may have a concussion. You shouldn't be alone tonight, and someone needs to keep you awake. So, you have an interesting assortment of warlocks to choose from. Baldur, Elmar, myself, or my brother, Balor. I believe you met earlier."

Mahala looked at all four of them in turn. Was this a joke? Maybe a test? How was she supposed to decide on one of them? After at least a full minute, she sighed heavily and closed her eyes. What had she done to deserve such a day? Maybe this was a hallucination and she had yet to wake up in Vollrath’s arms on his couch. Unfortunately, she wasn’t that lucky.

"I have not totally forgiven Elmar and Baldur for their behavior earlier, " she started as she slowly opened her eyes. Mahala wanted to fall into Vollrath’s arms, to feel his lips on hers again, to talk more as they had the night before. However, he was irritated, and she could feel the same pressure in her head as earlier but not as strong. As the day had worn on, she had learned to differentiate the vibration of each man, and it was Vollrath affecting her currently.

Paying no mind to the others in the room, Mahala walked over till she was right in front of Vollrath. Her hands slightly clasped the lapels of his suit coat. "I need you to trust me. You get jealous and mad after one night spent talking, and I get the migraine from hell from it. You're doing it again." A soft sigh escaped her slightly parted lips as her gaze fell to the middle of his chest.

"Löwin, he's still getting used to you having gotten under his skin." Balor interjected, garnering looks from the other four assembled. "He trusts you, he doesn't trust me." His brows rose as he tipped his head towards his brother with an annoyed smirk that narrowed his eyes slightly.

Mahala looked back and forth confused. She felt like she was being set up by being asked to choose who she was leaving with, and she wasn't liking it. "Then why even offer you as an option? What is going on here?" Vollrath tried to put his hands on her lower back as a sign of affection, but now she pushed him off. "No, I feel pushed and pulled like this is some kind of game, and I don't like it. You're all four fucked up."

Pushing away from Vollrath, Mahala strode quickly from the room, tears streaming down her cheeks. Vollrath quickly followed, not sure what he was going to say to make anything better, but knowing that he couldn’t leave her alone. Her tears were already shredding his heart. Fuck, what did he do now?

Balor was right behind his brother with Baldur on his heels, Elmar bringing up the rear. None of them wanted Mahala alone or upset. It was clear that the day's events, plus the familial issues between the brothers, had brought about a situation that needed handled, and needed handled NOW.

"Mahala, wait." Vollrath lightly touched her arm as he caught up with her in the hall. He didn't want to grab her. She'd been jerked around enough by Jonathan earlier, but he wanted her attention. "I think you misunderstood."

She stopped and spun to face him, upset etched on every part of her face and laced through her voice. "Then explain. Do you trust me? Him? What is going on, Vollrath?" Her eyes searched his face, imploring him to give her an answer that made sense, to ease the ache in her heart and eradicate the feeling she'd been a fool.

He sighed, running his hands lightly over her upper arms. "Yes, I trust you. After all we discussed last night, I would hope you would know that. I also have no reason to demand or expect anything from you." Vollrath stepped closer, still wondering where the foreign feelings of protectiveness and possessiveness came from. "Do I trust Balor to keep you safe and take care of you? Yes. Do I think he'd also tell you one sided truths and try to put me in a bad light? Also yes." One hand rose to cup the side of her face while the other found the small of her back to pull her closer to him. "We already know there is something pulling us together, little witch. I'm sorry if my fumbling of handling it is causing you pain. I don't want that, and I don't want you pushed away."

The other three men had stopped a few feet away. Balor wanted to step in, not to cause his brother problems, but because he had a clearer picture of what was transpiring; and also the complications of who she was. There were things he doubted Vollrath knew, things he needed to if he was to be with Mahala and protect her. Unfortunately, he also knew if he even tried to utter a sentence at the moment, he would most likely end up with a broken jaw courtesy of the brother he’d be trying to help.

"I…I just feel so confused with all that has gone on. Last night with us. Then today here, not only with Baldur and Elmar, but with Jonathan too." As she had earlier, Mahala’s hands gently held the lapels to his suit coat. "I don't understand what is going on. Not with us. Not with your friends. Not with any of this." Her eyes slowly closed as she choked back a half sob. Her heart hurt almost as much as her head.

“My brother is not easy to figure out, Löwin.” Balor said from a distance, he might have decided to interject, but not to get in his brother’s reach. “He’s still trying to figure it out himself, and he’s not the best with patience.” The death glare that Balor was getting would make most men wither, but he was not afraid of Vollrath lashing out at him from a distance. For one thing, his brother knew he was right, also, Vollrath had to be wondering what Balor knew that he didn’t.

“You aren’t helping.” Vollrath’s jaw locked and he closed his eyes, focusing on breathing and not hitting Balor. He would keep following Mahala if she kept trying to run away, but he would prefer not to have to.

“I’m not trying to. I’m trying to let her know what she’s in for. After all, you haven’t been paying attention.” Now Balor was just smug and all four of the others were looking at him quite annoyed. He wasn’t going to share anything any sooner than he had to. Watching his brother trying to figure it out was much more entertaining for him, and currently Vollrath couldn’t be much more frustrated.

Mahala took a breath, pulled away from Vollrath, turned and strode over to Balor quickly. The sound of her hand impacting the side of his face seemed to echo off of the walls of the hallway, as the other three men stood there with eyes widening, Baldur’s jaw actually going slack as well. For his part, Balor looked no less stunned than the others that she had not only challenged him, but physically assaulted him. He might be at least six inches taller than her, but Mahala went toe to toe with Balor and stared directly into his eyes, her face only inches from his. Her chest rose and fell with her breath for a full minute before she spoke as she fought to get control of her own anger, fuck everyone else in the room.

“I honestly don’t give one single fuck what your problem is with your own brother, but if it concerns me then I do. So either spit it out in plain fucking English or get the fuck out of here. I’m losing patience with you and for some reason it seems like the other three in this hallway won’t confront you, so I damn well will.” Her back was straight, her head erect, and she didn’t flinch from the icy blue eyes that seemed to be trying to bore a hole in her. She wasn’t sure why Vollrath, Baldur, and Elmar were intimidated by him, but she wasn’t. That could be a mistake, given she had no clue how powerful of a warlock he was, but it was her mistake to make. She’d certainly made enough mistakes in the last twenty-four hours, what was one more?

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talonandelilah · 29 days

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“Tal, why were you hiding a neck tattoo earlier? Does it mean something?” Lightly Del traced over it with one finger, the pattern ornate and flowing, she found it beautiful. “Am I not supposed to see it?” She looked at his face again and met his eyes. He looked confused and that made her a little scared.

He didn’t HAVE a neck tattoo. What was his girl…no…she wouldn’t tease him about....oh fuck! Without saying anything Talon was up off the bed and into the attached bathroom in an instant and flipped on the lights which were way too fucking bright after being in the two dim rooms. As his reflection greeted him though, there it was and he couldn’t deny what he saw. Holy FUCK!

“Uh, Red Hot, ya wanna come here? We need to talk, sweetheart.” Yeah…that was an understatement, genius.

He heard her coming behind him before he saw the red hair over his shoulder and when he turned around he saw it. Fuck yeah! “Babe, I got some good news and some bad news. Which ya want first?”

Del’s eyes searched his face and she felt like crying. After what had just gone on between them and now there was bad news of some kind? Had she done something? Was there something about Talon that Brie hadn’t told her? Did he hate her? Was she just a pity fuck?

“Bad.” She choked out and tried not to cry. He really needed to get better at teasing her. She was going to break his heart if she kept crying when he was trying to to tease.

“K, if you say so.” He got down right in her face so that their noses were touching. “You’re absolutely and positively, 100%, without any doubt….stuck with me. Yep, can’t get rid of me. I mean, you are literally going to have to put up with my fucking ass for…well, ever.” He saw confusion cloud her eyes and she did that thing where she looked back and forth between his eyes and her little eyebrows drew together. FUCKING CUTE! God, he was falling for her in less than five hours, and that was without the nifty magic tattoos they now had.

Talon leaned in and kissed her softly. “There’s more bad news.” Her eyes went wide and before she could react, he deftly moved behind her and pushed her forward so she could see herself in the mirror. “You got one too. Only yours is right over your heart. Kinda cool.” He grinned as he put his chin on her shoulder, watching her stare at herself in the mirror in disbelief. “Ya do know what this means, right?”

There it was, he wasn’t lying. She did have one, and it matched his. And, he was almost giddy over it. He was happy. She was afraid to be happy and could nor be more shocked if he’d said she’d sprouted a second head. They. Were. Mated. Married. Bonded. Paired. Suddenly her eyes met his in the mirror and she still had a look of shock as she tried to take it all in, but as their eyes met the joy in his eyes was not debatable.

“You’re happy about it?” She was hesitant.

“You’re not?” Now he looked unsure, but his arms came around her waist to hold her. He was trying to comfort her, she could tell but she honestly wasn’t sure what she needed.

“I’m overwhelmed.” She was honest, but she was happy and she put her arms over his to keep him from pulling back. This caused his arms to tighten. “I am happy, but this whole immortal thing is new. Like a week old new. And now, I’m married…ish…and…I just….well…I…” Del closed her eyes and took some deep breaths. Her anxiety was kicking up.

“Red, shh.. You don’t have to explain any more than that.” He understood now. He had been afraid she hadn’t wanted him, but now he got it. It hadn’t occurred to him how new all of it was and then this. “We’ll take everything as slow as you need it to be, ok?” Her head nodded and he kissed her cheek before turning her around and pulling her against him, then reaching over and flipping off the light. “Come on, let's go back to bed.” Tracing them over to the bed again, they climbed in and he laid on his back, letting her choose where she wanted to be. Her head came to rest on his chest and it made him smile. “You can stay in here, or have your own place. I’ll leave it up to you. Or you can go back and forth depending on how you feel most comfortable. Delilah, I’m not going anywhere. Even without this new shit, I liked ya. I liked ya A LOT. I didn’t want what just happened to be a one time thing or just something casual. I know we just kinda met and all, but I had a feelin about ya.” Talon’s finger’s were gently caressing Del’s arm as he talked to her. “Del, babe, I was gonna be all yours even before we knew about this. From the second I saw ya and Brie told me about what ya liked, I just wanted to get to know you. No one else. Just so ya know.” He stared up at the ceiling. He had wanted her to know, to understand.

He was HERS? Even before? This sexy as sin man was hers? He could have walked into any bar in any city and walked out with some hot chick and he had wanted her? She found it hard to believe and just about said it, then her brain kicked in. What was it he had asked her about when they’d left breakfast? Gaming. Hot as he was, how many women complained about their men being heavy into gaming? And being immortal, how many women were going to want a man who was heavy into gaming and killing things? Two things that were her passions.

“Right now, I’m liking right where I am.” One of her long legs moved to lay atop his and she heard a light chuckle and felt his chest move. Her fingers played lightly in his chest hair. Unlike so many of the “pretty boys” that her friend had dated, Talon was not smooth chested. He was fuzzy, and she found it sexy. “And don’t you ever shave, Feathers. I like the fuzz. Only place you can shave is the face.” That earned her an outright laugh.

“As my lady wishes, Red Hot.” His free hand rose to press her head briefly into his chest as he placed a kiss on the top of her head. HIS “Any other demands that I must obediently follow? I might have a few demands of my own for you, you know?”

“Whatever this cologne is, wear it. I think I could just smell it all day. I might be addicted.” She pressed her nose into the center of his chest and did a sniff and a slight sigh. “So, what are your demands, Feathers?” She liked their names for each other.

“Darlin, I’m not wearing cologne. Welcome to matehood.” He chuckled and kissed her head again. Damn, this was gonna be good. He might have to ask Brie to put him off of duty with the guard for a while and take her to the tropical area of Imperium for a bit of a honeymoon, a naked one.

“I saw that sports bra and panties combo,” he felt her shift a little uncomfortable and he grinned knowing she wasn’t anticipating what was coming, “get more of those.” She froze. “Like lots. When we’re gaming together, I want ya in that. God, that would be so fuckin hot. No lace, no strappy shit I gotta figure out. Just that. K?”

“Are you serious?” She sounded like she didn’t believe him. She probably didn’t.

“Dead. Get sets in every fucking color. And do you mind just either sleeping in that or naked? I want to feel your skin on mine when you’re with me. Like right now is heaven.” Another kiss to her head.

“You’re being serious? No sexy lacey stuff with heels?” Del asked again, still sure he was joking with her till he tipped her head back using his fingers under her chin and she saw his eyes. No, he was serious. “Okay, cotton panties and sports bras it is. Every color of the rainbow and then some. And I’ll steal your hoodies and shirts.”

“Now you’re talkin, Red Hot.” Talon grinned and she swore she felt herself start falling for him.

“If you hold me like this, I have no problem sleeping naked with you.” Her hand again skimmed lightly over his chest. Him being naked next to her was a pretty nice thing all on its own. “In fact, I’m pretty happy to stay just like this until it’s time to get ready for the ball. Unless you have other plans?”

“Fuck no. Darlin, I am all yours in every way. You and me are going to make plans for things for any time I’m not on duty with the legion. Even if it’s just sittin on the couch and watchin a movie with the door locked and a privacy ward so everyone else can fuck off.” His arm tightened around her. “And tonight I’m talking to the boss and getting some time off. You and me are gonna go to a private place I have here in Imperium on a honeymoon. I’m going to take care of ya. I told ya, I wanted ya before the mating thing. I’m not changin a thing, cept I might be a bit more possessive. Can’t help it, it kinda comes with the territory.” Talon kissed her head, his own still reeling a bit from being mated. “I like the sound of that, Feathers. We have a lot to learn about each other, but we have all the time in the world to do it.”

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tapperhet-em · 20 days

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Tensions spill over in an most unexpected way....

When the guys were carrying things in, Meeri couldn’t miss that there was tension that had not been there earlier. She was worried. Things seemed to have been fine before, till they’d gone out to the SUV. What could have happened out there to cause all four of them to now seem tense and on edge? She doubted it was a threat from outside since none of them were keeping their sidearms in their hands, so that meant there had been a confrontation between two or more of them. But over what?

While they waited for Lorcan to get back from stowing the SUV and covering both vehicles, Meeri and Elio busied themselves putting away all of the groceries that had been bought. Thankfully the cabin did have some electricity, so they had a fridge and freezer at the ready. The stove was wood burning like all the fireplaces, though. At least keeping things cold, and leftovers preserved, was one worry that they didn’t have. While they were working together to get the food organized, Tieran and Einar were sorting through all the bags to see what belonged to who, and looking at the bedrooms to try and determine who was going to sleep where.

There were three bedrooms in the cabin. One was more of just an open loft that looked out of the living room of the cabin. It was the largest room with a king size bed and its own bathroom. The other two rooms both had bunk beds that had full sized beds on the bottom and twin sized beds on the top. There was additionally a sectional in the living room that pulled out to a queen sized bed. While someone would have to share the closet space in their room this at least meant that they’d all have their own space when sleeping.

“I think Meeri and I will take the loft. Lo on the couch bed, and then you and Elio each get one of the rooms?” Einar suggested. It seemed logical to him. He and Lorcan were the two tallest, so having Lorcan on the larger bed made sense.

“You seem sure that she’s going to want to share a bed and room with you.” Tieran realized how it sounded and the tone it came out in after it was too late. He held up a hand. “I just mean, maybe we should ask her instead of assuming. If I have to bunk with E, it’s not the end of the world.” He rubbed the back of his neck and stretched it to one side. “Listen, I’m trying, so just know I’m not trying to pick a fight.” A heavy sigh followed his words.

“I got it bro, and you’re right. Let’s go ask her. You’re thinking clearer than I am.” Einar clapped him on the shoulder before turning to head into the kitchen. He may have hated it being said, but Tieran was right that it was wrong to just assume Meeri would want to sleep with him. It wasn’t like they had a long standing relationship, even if there had been unspoken feelings for a while.

"Uh, Meeri, can you pause a sec. We need to ask you something?" Einar hated this. Now Elio and Tieran would both be watching. It wasn't like he felt entitled to her in his bed, even if all they were going to do was sleep, but getting shot down in front of the others would be a major ego blow. He hoped he knew her answer.

"Sure." She turned from the cabinet she'd been filling with cans and boxes, after she’d put the one that had been in her hand away. Taking a few steps, she closed the distance between them, then tilted her head up to look at him. "What's up?" He seemed nervous, which made her nervous. She still didn’t know what had been wrong when the men all came in earlier, and now this. Why was everyone acting strange?

Einar rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "We were..uh..trying to figure out sleeping arrangements. You know..who goes where? And," he cleared his throat, "we just need to know where you want to sleep and if it's alone?" Fuck! Why was he so nervous all of a sudden? And why was the room so damn warm? He could almost feel the weight of both Elio’s and Tieran’s eyes on him. He hoped Meeri wouldn’t torture him too much by teasing him for this.

Meeri curled her lips in between her teeth, as she tried not to laugh. As sexy as Einar could be, at the moment he looked more like a nervous kid asking mom for permission. "Oh, weeellll…I hadn't really thought about it." Her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she stepped closer to him, her own nerves causing a whole flock of butterflies to swarm in her stomach. A mischievous grin formed on her lips as she went to her toes to whisper so just he could hear. "I'm kind of liking the thought of falling asleep in the arms of a very handsome soldier if you know one who would be willing. Waking up that way too. But if you're not up for that…." She drug out the last word as a tease as her lips caressed the curve of his ear with each word and her warm breath fanned across his neck.

By all the gods in the heavens, she was going to be the death of him one way or another. His head dropped to answer her back in just the same way she had him. "I think I'm more than up for that, love." He pulled her tight against him, where there was no way she could miss his reaction to her reply and especially the way she had delivered it. Even if nothing physical could happen because of the circumstances, the thought of her in bed with him was enough to make his jeans definitely uncomfortable.

"I'd tell you two to get a room, but we kinda still need to get stuff done. You done seducing my help now, Einar?" Elio teased, pretty sure that they both had forgotten he and Tieran were there. Not that he could blame either of them too much, after the day they'd all had he wouldn't hold it against them for holding a little tighter to each other and grabbing a hold of any distraction.

"For now." Einar chuckled and gave her a quick kiss. "I'll probably steal her for the night in about an hour El. We've got a lot to do tomorrow, and not sleeping will just dull the senses." He winked at Meeri as he backed up and turned to leave. He didn't miss Tieran trying to hide his irritation. They'd talked. They were brothers and they'd make it through the uncomfortable time. Knowing it didn’t mean that there wasn’t a part that still didn’t want a physical confrontation. There was no point in it, and it would only cause pain to more people. Tieran had his own demons to battle.

"Sounds good. We should be done by then. Lo can help you two as soon as he gets back." Elio turned back to what he was doing. Partly because he didn't really need to stare, partly to keep from saying something to Tieran again. He knew the man was trying so he wasn't going to be an ass.

“Come on T, we have bags to disperse.” Einar clapped Tieran on the shoulder as he passed. The saying ‘fake it till you make it’ was taking on a new meaning. Ignore things until they stopped, because Einar had faith in Tieran.

“El?” Meeri asked when the other men had left the room and they were once more alone. She slowed putting the boxes in the cabinet she was working on. “What's going on? What happened while you were all outside?” She saw him freeze, and her heart sank. There had been a sliver of that it was just her imagination. Obviously, that was not the case.

“Meer, I have my own question.” Elio turned around, leaning back against the counter, and placing his hands on either side of him with the heels of them on the edge of the counter, fingers curled. “You love Einar? Really love him?”

She looked back at Elio confused. “El?” He raised his brows and tipped his head as an only reply. “Yes.” She let out a shaky sigh. “It's not like I could say or do anything before. Do you know what my father would have done to him?” Suddenly her voice got choked as she remembered her father ranting at a Commander about Einar paying her too much attention. “Why do you think I never courted any Prince? I mean I thought he…and I knew I…” Meeri gesticulated as she tried to come up with the right words, then gave up and let out another stuttering breath.

“What if he's not the only one who loves you?” He wasn't sure she was still breathing after he dropped that bomb. So she had no clue, lovely. “First, Lo and I love you, in that you're our little sister that we have adopted. Tieran is not so platonic. He got called on some of his behavior, and he spilled everything to Einar. So, it's been a really heavy day, Meer. But we're a team. We're a family. No one's loyalty is in question. There is just a little tension.” Elio watched her carefully.

“Oh.” Her eyes fell. She was causing problems between them. The four had been tight friends since they could barely walk, all their families were aristocrats in the kingdom. They could all die because of her, and now she was also coming between them. They had all been brothers before she had joined them years ago and their friendships were battle tested. It was her. She was the problem, the division, the one that needed to go so they could get along. Just like her father had said, the cause of all problems was her...it was all her.

“Meer?” Elio pushed off of the counter. Something was very wrong. He’d thought being honest with her would be the best, but maybe he had been wrong. She wouldn't look at him, she wasn't talking, hell, he wasn't even sure she was breathing. “Meer, talk to me, sweetheart.” He stepped closer, not having expected whatever reaction THIS was.

Suddenly her head shook and she looked at him with tears streaming down her cheeks. “I can't El. I can't be the reason you all could get killed, and be the reason for all the problems. I…I can't.” He reached for her but Meeri stepped back too quickly, yanking her arms out of reach and behind her. Her eyes were wild, unfocused, and her breaths were almost hyperventilating. Elio was becoming scared. “It's all my fault…everything….” was the last thing she said before she turned and ran, her heart breaking that she'd have to leave them. She couldn't stay and hurt them.

Fuck him sideways. He had no clue how she'd gotten THAT from what he'd said, but she had to be stopped before she got out of the cabin. “Guys! Incoming!!” That would at least get Einar and Tieran’s attention.

As it turned out, it was too late. Neither of them was in a position to intercept, and the slamming open of the door made all three men's hearts stop. Elio went to a full run when he heard her jump off of the porch. One of the others was going to kill him for not stopping her sooner. As soon as he stepped out of the cabin, he was confronted with the next problem: the moon was gone and he could see almost nothing. Now they'd have to search by flashlight. The day kept getting better.

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devil-in-the-details-ay · 2 months

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A night that was supposed to be romantic is taking a wrong turn....

There had been an ache first in his chest that had told him something was wrong, an almost burning that seemed to grow the longer he stood at the bar. A pull of hurt that grew and twisted, it had no reason for being, and that confused him, briefly distracting him from his anger. Then he looked over towards Yara for a moment just to see how she was doing since he had been gone for longer than he had anticipated or intended to be. Her posture gave it all away, making the ache suddenly make sense to him. It was through their bond and caused by her upset. Whatever had bothered her earlier had gotten worse, and he had a feeling that Argona had not helped it. Turning away from Argona without another word, he strode purposefully towards his wife without another word to the succubus.

“Come, we are leaving.” He gently touched her shoulder, his voice matching the softness of his touch. Astaroth wasn’t upset with her in the slightest, and he didn’t want her to misinterpret that he was. “You are sitting here looking dejected on what I had hoped to be a fun evening out for us, Yara. I am sorry for whatever has upset you. I’ll call the car and we can go back to the cabin and talk.” His expression was soft, as was his voice, but his eyes were studying her meticulously.

“Don’t you need to finish your conversation?” Her voice was a little cold and a lot distant. Yara looked everywhere but at him, uncomfortable,and if he had not been supernatural, her voice would have been too quiet for him to hear. It was all she could do not to cry as she shifted in the chair a little. The last thing she wanted was him feeling sorry for her, pity was worse than anything. “I don’t want to ruin your evening, I’ll be fine. I always am.” She swallowed, fighting her emotions that were having a full fledged war within her.

“It is finished, and I’m not going to leave my wife sitting here looking and feeling dejected in order to talk to anyone.” His brows drew together, not understanding her discomfort and avoidance of him. He hadn’t done anything that he could think of to hurt her, or upset her. Jealousy or insecurity he could understand, but now he was confused. Was this part of that? Was he misunderstanding her reaction? He wanted to support her, but how?

“I'm fine. There is nothing wrong. You do not have to end your conversation with your friend due to me.” She wouldn't look at him, and her voice was anything but convincing. If she met his gaze, he would see the lie plainly in her eyes. At least looking away from him kept it hidden for a few more moments. Actually saying that she knew that he’d prefer to be with anyone in the club but her, would break her. Her father forcing the marriage had been the ultimate punishment on her. Not because Astaroth was cruel, but because he wasn’t. However, he was male. A male that she was quite sure wasn’t oblivious to the fact that many beings in the establishment were lusting over, and most of them would be a better companion for the evening, or for any time, than her.

“Yara, what is wrong?” He waived over a waitress; he needed a drink badly. He took one of her hands gently, still not understanding why she wouldn’t even look in his direction. It felt like they’d gone all the way back to the beginning again, even farther back than the beginning honestly, and he was starting to become frustrated. “You’re lying and I know it. I’m not going to stop asking until you give me a real answer.” For the moment he was able to keep his voice calm, but it was a war that he did not know how long he would be able to win. Her avoiding answering was causing his frustration and anger to rise, and it was not like he’d ever had to contain it before.

“Nothing. I said I'm fine.” Still not looking at him, her chin lifted, and she ordered a blood wine when the waitress came. “You don't have to stay sitting, go finish your conversation. I believe the alluring blonde is still over at the bar.” Now there was an undertone of bitterness that was so palpable in her voice that a deaf being would even have felt it. Yara tried to pull her hand back that he’d taken, but of course he wasn’t going to let that go either, much like the conversation. Once more she swallowed down her emotions and tried to put up walls. Somehow she found that far harder with Astaroth than with anyone in the past. After their previous conversations, the way he had treated her, and the way she had hoped things would be, it now felt like she had been a fool and that stung.

He ordered a demon's brew, neat. After the waitress walked away he leaned in and spoke right next to her ear. “Fine, I will not argue with you here.” His fingertips caressed her upper arm. “I was not having a conversation, I was waiting for the bartender and being annoyed by the bitch of a blonde. If you want to be mad at me for that, I can't stop you. However, you’re not getting rid of me. So, be mad.” He kissed her neck just below her ear then sat upright. His breath had been hot against her neck and ear, fanning out with each word.

Astaroth could have said everything sitting up and she would have heard him. He could have refrained from touching her. The kiss was not needed since at the moment she was doing her best to attempt to pretend he wasn’t there. However, he knew one thing: sometimes you had to gently push someone to pull the truth out of them. It wasn’t something he’d ever done often, but he knew just enough to be able to do it.

She felt a wave of desire flow through her for him when his lips met her skin. There was no doubt that he had known just what he was doing. He wasn’t fighting fair, but then neither was she by not saying anything. She guessed they were even. “I'm not..” Yara looked down, as he took her hand now in both his and laced their fingers. “What are you doing?” Now her head turned to look at him, brows drawn together. What WAS he doing? And WHY?

Smirking, he leaned over until their foreheads were touching as he replied, “not allowing you to push me away because you misread a situation.” When she tried to pull her hand back a second time, he held tighter between his two. “I brought YOU here to have an enjoyable night. If you wish to ruin it, I won't stop you. I, however, will also not argue with you. I’m not leaving your side, and I am still going to show the only woman here who I care to be with, the affection she deserves.” Pulling her hand up, he kissed the back without breaking eye contact. “Together.”

She sat blinking at him without saying anything. What kind of game was he playing? Why did she feel so confused? There were new emotions and feelings flowing through her and she didn’t know how to handle them. Everything was so overwhelming. The words of Lucifer battling the words of Astaroth now in her head. Astaroth’s actions battling her father’s words of foretelling.

While he waited for her to say something he was glad their drinks were delivered. He needed the strong demonic liquid to help him deal with whatever set this round of emotions off. He was perplexed by her behavior and feeling suddenly closed off from her. Why did she suddenly think that he was looking to be with someone else after they’d had this conversation. They’d agreed. This had been covered. Did she not trust him? What had he done to deserve that?

“Asti, I…” suddenly she felt unsure again and her head dropped away from his; so that her eyes were looking at her lap, “I mean you don't have to…” She sighed, and her jaw worked. Why had coming here made her feel so off balance suddenly?

“Have to what? Act like we're married? We are. Act like your husband? I am. Act like I like you? I do. Act like I care?” He reached over and took her chin gently to turn her face to look at him. “Papilio, we may not be madly in love with one another, but I do care about you and want you happy. I’ve told you that before, I don’t know why any of this should come as a surprise. I wasn’t flirting with that female, if that is what you think, and there isn't anyone else here I want to spend time with. I don't know why you're now feeling insecure, but I am yours.” Astaroth leaned over and softly kissed her cheek. He was starting to understand, remembering what she had told him about things Lucifer had said. This was their first time in public. Maybe a place with fewer people would have been better. A wine bar instead of a nightclub.

“Only because you are being forced.” Suddenly her voice was colder, she was fighting tears and she didn't know why. She was trying to put on her millennia old mask of indifference and condescension but it wasn’t working. “We both know I'm not the one in this bar you'd be with if you had a choice.” Her eyes again swept the women lusting after him, then could not meet his afterwards.

His eyes followed hers and he sighed. “I cannot help how others look at me. Just like I can't control the men who are ogling you.” They quick whip of her head, to look at him, told him she hadn't even noticed. She had been so caught up in her own jealousy and insecurity that she had not noticed anyone paying attention to her. He found that intriguing. She had been afraid of losing him. It had never occurred to her that there were others within the bar that would have been glad to take her away from him. It still bothered him slightly that she was taking her insecurity out on him, even if he was beginning to understand. “Why are you getting upset at me for what they are doing?” Astaroth wasn't sure where this patience was coming from, but he was thankful for it.

“I'm not.” Yara protested. “I just know how this goes.” She saw one of his brows raise so she continued with how her thoughts went. “Once you find a way out of…” a finger landed on her lips very softly, but it was the darkening of his eyes that gave her pause more than that. She knew that look. She’d seen it during their wedding. She’d seen it with her father. This was anger. Deep, dark, anger. The fact that what she had started to say evoked that emotion so strong and deep told her one thing: she was very, very wrong.

“I have not, nor do I plan to look for a way out of this. I have tried making plans for the future with you today about the house. We will be visiting someone who can tell us about your mother. Do not finish that sentence if you truly want things to work out between us, even if just as friends in this arrangement. Because if that is what you truly think of me, then there is no future of anything but resentment and discord.” He was angry but trying not to lash at her the way he normally would at someone who insulted him like that. A temper tantrum from her was the last thing he fucking needed.

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princess-of-thieves-id · 21 days

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Dinner is over, what more could the night hold...

"See, that wasn't so bad was it?" Diyan sat back after they had finished eating. Most of the meal had been in silence. What wasn't, had been him apologizing to her and trying to get her to relax. Arik was no doubt going to have a lot to say to him later.

"No, but now it is over and I will be returning to my cabin." It wasn't just the Captain that had her wanting to get out of there. What he'd said about Arik’s words still had her heart aching.

"Is there any way I could convince you to have coffee with me and talk for a bit?" He rose and walked over to offer her a hand to help her stand. "Nothing more. Just talk. We got off to a bad start and I upset you this evening. I would like to remedy that."

Inara took his hand to stand then felt herself pulled closer to him. She looked up into his face and saw what she thought to be sincerity. "Noar, what are you hoping to accomplish with all of this?" She gestured to the table. "I've made my feelings clear. "

"Renisa," his hand not joined with hers rose to run his fingers down the side of her face softly, "you have. I won't lie that I'd like to change those feelings." He stepped closer to her, seeing how far she'd let him go.

"And this is what you think it would take to do that? A nice dinner and some seductive looks will make me forget that the man I am starting to care about is not in this room, but up on the bridge?" Inara remembered what Noar had said about Arik not being with a woman like her, and had a feeling she knew why. Noar stole them.

"Yet he didn't protest this dinner." He closed the small space between them. "He didn't declare you his. Didn't tell me not to touch, hold, or kiss. He said nothing of the sort." His fingers caressed her face as his drew nearer.

"In fact he didn't say not to do anything you might enjoy. So what does that say?" He was going to kiss her. As defiant as she seemed, she was going to let him.

"Is that so?" Inara’s heart hurt even if she knew why Arik might have done just as Noar said. She was trying not to get drawn in by those whiskeyed pools of Noar’s but it was hard with the way he was looking at her and the deep and seductive tone of his voice.

"It is, Renisa. He may care about you, but not enough to say anything." His voice deepened. His fingers danced across her skin. Almost there…

The shove away from her and hard slap Inara delivered caught the Captain off guard. "Maybe he was saving his breath. Goddess knows you haven’t listened to me because it's not what you want to hear. You say he hasn't had a woman like me? Maybe because you were too busy seducing them into your bed, or his other best friend, the asshole Prince, was." Her eyes were narrowed and she was trying to control herself, her hands balled to fists as she shook lightly. She was beginning to not believe a word of what Noar said, even if it stung. Something felt off.

"Now wait a minute, Renisa…" He was going to die. Arik would kill him.

"No, you don't get to tell me what to do. Throw me off at the next port if you have to, but I'm not some prize for you to try to win. I’m not a rope for tug-of-war. I've made it clear how I feel about your supposed best friend and you keep trying to seduce me and change my mind. I'm done listening to you. If I didn't know better I'd swear you were the asshole Prince Diyan who I was…" Inara’s anger had gotten the better of her and she'd almost given away who she saw. Arik was going to be upset. Her eyes widened as she realized what she’d just done and she backed up away from him more.

Diyan felt he'd had all the air knocked out of him. He was before her in one step, both her upper arms in his hands. "Who you were, what?" His words came out sharper than he’d intended and his face was closer to hers, needing to know what she was about to say. There was no way that she was going to finish the sentence the way he thought she would.

She huffed, trying to play it off. "That I loathe. I owe you no explanations, Noar." Her eyes narrowed and her voice dripped venom. "The only difference between you and the Prince is at least he has royalty going for him. You don’t, but otherwise your egos are the same size, as is your behavior. I want nothing to do with either of you." She wrenched her arms free from him and all but ran from the room. She knew he didn’t believe her lie. There was no way he didn’t know. Oh by the goddess and all the fates, what had she done!?

Diyan stood there trying to process what just happened. Had he been hosting his fiance this whole time? The more he went back over Arik's words, the more that he became convinced he had; and that now he had made things even worse for everyone.

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h-yuckle · 2 months

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We are so close now

Can we stay here forever?

Feeling your heartbeat

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battlegroundofdreams · 1 month

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Training continues...

The next several hours were spent practicing different fighting styles and learning how to work together. Much to Morpheus’ surprise, Melinoe was a very skilled fighter and far stronger than he would have given her credit for based on looks alone. In the end Melinoe was having to admit to herself that Morpheus might have earned some of his reputation honestly, and that, while she still wasn’t going to put up with his ego, he was that good. She’d almost say he was as good as she was.

Then it came time for weapons training, and neither of them truly trusted the other to engage with actual bladed weapons, so they did agree that for the time being, they would use practice weapons. Trust, after all, was earned through working together. Until they were used to one another, there was the possibility of accidents, and neither of them particularly wanted to lose their head or a limb due to a slip. Once they were more comfortable, then the real weapons could come out.

Again, to his surprise, Melinoe not only held her own but bested him more than once. If he was going to have to have a partner, then she was definitely someone he would pick to fill that position. For her part, Melinoe was getting through that ego and exterior of Morpheus and finding him easier to stand than she had anticipated. Whether it was because they weren’t as unevenly matched as he had anticipated or there was something else at play, she wasn’t sure, but she was glad for whatever it was.

“Before we move on to actual weapons, I have to admit that I’ve been holding back on something.” Melinoe had been trying to gauge when the right time to reveal her secret weapon was, and this seemed as good a time as any. While she was skilled, there was one other thing that helped her when hunting nightmares. Stowing a dagger inconspicuously, she once more faced off against Morpheus. “See if you can take me down this time.” With a wink, the fight was on again.

“Really? Is this where you take off clothing and flirt?” Morpheus highly doubted it was, but he had now been up close and personal with the svelte brunette enough that he wouldn’t have complained too loudly if she had. His brow was raised as he waited for her to answer. She was giving him a run for his money, so what more she could have unleashed, yet hadn’t, did interest him.

Her eyes rolled, and she scoffed, “in your dreams, Morpheus. And, only there, is that going to happen, might I add.” She shook her head and laughed. “No, I have a nifty little trick. See, I was born while my mother was in a dream due to the battle she was engaged in. The dreamer, they left me with this.” A smirk forming on her lips, she raised one hand and snapped.

At first Morpheus wasn’t sure if he was supposed to notice something and then his eyes went wide as he did. “How are you doing that?” His eyes again looked around the room that now matched the inside of his living room. It had taken him a moment to realize what she’d done because he’d been so focused on her. Now he wasn’t sure if he should be impressed or disturbed.

“When you are born within a dream, the dreamer can give you extra powers apparently. Mine is to cast illusions. The dreamer bestowed it so that the nightmare wouldn’t see me. I was born within the nightmare of a six year old, I can’t really complain with her choice of gifts. Kept her and I safe till my parents defeated the nightmare monster.” Melinoe let the illusion fall. “It’s also what has allowed me to go after nightmares far more powerful than I am. You can see I can hold my own even without it, but it has helped when on my own.”

Morpheus had to hand it to her, Melinoe could have kept that ace up her sleeve, but she had revealed it to him. It was the first sign of trust and he knew better than to throw it in her face or belittle it. Since there was no way for them to get out of the partnership, he might as well be thankful that she was on his side than able to use that trick against him.

“I have a feeling that may come in useful in the future for us. Even with two of us, distraction and misdirection is never a bad thing when your life is on the line. Thank you for trusting me with that knowledge.” He inclined his head towards her.

“If we’re going to keep one another alive, always good to know one another’s strengths. And that is one that I won’t factor into our sparring. I don’t see the benefit in it, unless you do.” Melinoe had considered surprising him with it, but decided that might be one surprise not to be revealed in the middle of sparring or battle. Sometimes pissing off your partner was the absolute last thing you wanted to do. Knowing Morpheus’ temperament already, with him it was definitely better to not keep anything back from him.

“Agreed. How about we get weapons training started before the higher ups come and grab us for that meeting. I’m sure that neither of us want to deal with them in a bad mood.” He smirked as he flipped a blade out of his bag and sheathed it in a discreet location. He had no doubt that Melinoe was once more going to give him a run for his money, and if neither of them walked away without a few bandages it would be a miracle. At least neither of them would probably need stitches, which would be a first for someone sparring with him.

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the-andromeda-effect · 21 days

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Caliban had to stop her from finishing her sentence, he hated hearing that name in her voice, but especially with how broken her voice sounded at the moment. There was such a strong undercurrent of pain and fear that was always carried along with it, but added to that now were her nerves regarding their conversation. While she had not meant to, the almost comparison with her ex was not something that Caliban felt like dealing with at the moment either.

As soon as he’d done it, he was kicking himself for his impetuous action of grabbing her as he had. He knew how Mircea had beat her, and his grabbing her had probably put the fear of such action in her once more. Caliban was fighting grinding his teeth at his own stupidity while he tried to calm himself enough to talk without making it worse. There was little doubt he’d just scared her to her core, something he never wanted to do. Adira was so different from any woman he’d previously known, and he was going to have to be more careful in many ways to keep from causing her more pain in the future. He’d never previously wanted a serious relationship, they were liabilities in his life. He had never felt that he’d missed anything by not having them; something he was reconsidering after one evening of engaging in enjoyable conversation followed by the night of having her in his arms. This was going to be the first, and he was getting a crash course in it. One thing he did know was that he was not going to allow Adira to walk around with constant fear in her head, and feeling that she was on eggshells. She’d already done that for too long.

“Adira, sweetheart, please breathe. You’re not in trouble. I’m sorry for scaring you.” His voice came out soft and reassuring, a gentle kiss placed against her temple when he realized he wasn’t feeling the rise and fall of her normal breathing; and he hated himself even more for being the cause of it. Second day as a married man and already he was screwing it up, he was going to have to learn a lot faster from here on out.

Slowly Adira nodded and began to force herself to breathe slowly. Caliban was holding her firmly, but not painfully, so she relaxed into his strength, trying to trust his word that she was not in trouble. After a few seconds, his hand came away from her mouth to gently cup the side of her face and softly guide her to look up at him over her shoulder. It took all of her will for her eyes to meet his. The look in Caliban’s eyes when she did was one of regret for his actions, and concern for her, something that warmed her to her very core. Still, she didn’t understand it.

“The past is over, and I don’t want that name to even go through your head any longer. He can’t hurt you anymore, and you are safe from that kind of life. You’re my wife now, and we’re going to work on things in this partnership together. Consider it a fresh start.” His fingers caressed the side of her face. “So erase those doubts, and I’ll erase mine that I won’t be good enough for you. Deal?”

It had never entered Adira’s mind that he would have any kind of doubts. Caliban seemed so assured about everything, whereas she was a mess at the moment, or all the time if you asked Mircea. Could it be that he had doubts? Truly? Or was he just saying that to make her feel better about her own? Would he do something like that?

Adira remained silent and still for so long that Caliba wasn’t sure that she was going to answer. He knew he had frightened her with his response, a response he was still mentally kicking himself for, but he had hoped that he had cleared up that and put her mind at ease. That it was taking her a while to answer was making him doubt that. Then, slowly she turned in his arms to look up into his eyes. The expression on her face was hard to read; all he could do was wait for her to say something.

“What doubts could you possibly have?” Adira’s brows drew together. She truly was having a hard time understanding how he couldn’t understand that he was already more than she could have ever expected or asked for. He had not only rescued her from her kidnappers and Mircea, but he had chosen not to kill her, something he had been hired and fully paid to do.

“Sweetheart, you deserve someone that is going to treat you the way that you’ve always deserved. I am not always the easiest to get along with, and have, what some would call, a bit of a problem with my temper. So, I cannot guarantee that I will be the best husband to you. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to be as supportive, understanding, and protective as I can. I just may fail on some aspects, and you have been failed enough.” His expression was soft as he cupped the side of her face with one hand, his thumb softly caressing her cheek. She truly was something special he could already tell. He had never believed in love at first sight. He wouldn’t say that he did now. However, he might say that he now believed in connection at first sight. How far that connection would take them, he couldn’t say, but he was looking forward to finding out.

“I don’t ask that you be perfect, Cal.” It was the first time she’d shortened his name, but for some reason it felt right to do at this time. “I’m not perfect either. We can be imperfect together, and still make things work, as long as we’re willing to listen and work with one another. Isn’t that what makes a strong partnership after all? So, you have your deal.” She smiled softly up at him.

Caliban lowered his forehead to hers, a much better angle to gaze into her eyes that seemed to speak as loud as her voice did at times. Many people over the years had shortened his name, but there was something about the way that it sounded rolling off of her tongue that he found he liked more than any other. Add that to the growing list of things that he found unique and pleasantly surprising about the woman before him. He could not have anticipated how the decision in the basement could have led to the conversation they were having now, or the way it was making him feel, but he was becoming more grateful as each hour passed that he had followed his gut.

“I will do my best to always listen to your cares and concerns, and to make sure that I share mine with you. Hopefully then you won’t deal with my temper, and whatever it is that has the doubts swimming in that beautiful mind of yours will also be alleviated.” His nose gently ran along hers as a smile formed on his lips as well. Adira was unlike the women he had been entangled with in the past, and maybe that was what drew him to her so much now.

“Double deal.” Adira tipped her head to brush her lips over his. If he was saying and doing all of these little things to make her fall for him, he was doing it all perfectly. She could only pray that she was not making a mistake and believing in him.

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eva-and-jasper · 1 month

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Tour of Imperium - Pt1

“This way, darling, we need to get you into my bed.” Jasper beckoned Eva to follow him from the living room of his mansion. He had brought her down into Imperium and was going to give her a tour. If things worked out and she became a constant companion, he was considering beseeching Abriella to make her immortal, but at the moment she was still human.

“Really, Jasper. No seduction first, how disappointing.” She gave him a fake pout, knowing well why they were heading into the bedroom. Still she had to give him a tease. Eva did so enjoy the looks Jasper would give her when she needled him. It was quite enjoyable.

Stopping, the demon turned to face her, a mischievous smirk upon his face. “Now, my darling little witch, you do know me better than that.” He reached out and took her hand to pull her closer to him, his other hand reaching up to tuck one lock of hair behind her ear, then trace down her neck with barely a whisper’s touch. “There will be plenty of time for…” he paused, “more enjoyable endeavors, once we return. But for now, we must keep that delectable body of yours in one piece during our tour.” He gave her a wink and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Now be a good girl and let’s get you in bed.” He leaned down next to her ear, “for the first time this evening…”

“You are totally incorrigible.” Eva chuckled, her sultry voice caressing his senses like soft velvet. “I have to admit, it is one of your better qualities.” The two were now grinning as he led her down the hallways towards his bedchambers, their hands still together with fingers intertwined.

Jasper looked back over his shoulder with his trademark cocky smirk in place and blue eyes sparkling in the light. There was no doubt he was enjoying the banter, and looking forward to showing his favorite witch around the realm he normally resided in. In fact, she was the ONLY witch he’d ever brought to Imperium. There was something special about her, and he didn’t need Abriella’s rules to want to keep her safe.

“Here we are, my darling!” Jasper threw open the double doors with his free hand to reveal the large bedroom that contained a massive gilded and carved wood bed, elegant furniture and fireplace. Gold and blue adorned everything and the crystal chandelier on the ceiling sparkled and cast tiny rainbows across the ceiling. It was a truly elegant and impressive sight.

“You certainly don’t do anything halfway, do you?” Eva took in the room as they fully entered, obviously impressed that he did not have a typical bachelor pad and that it looked like he actually cleaned up after himself. “You have some decent digs, demon.” She winked over at him with a smirk on her lips that were the perfect shade of red.

“Now, my darling witch, you should know there is nothing small or half-way about me.” He grinned a devious grin, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her in close to him. “I thought that was one of the things you liked about me.” His nose ran along hers, his eyes sparkling with mischief and seduction intertwined. “Or was I wrong?”

“Oh, stop it!” She gave a throaty laugh as she slapped his chest lightly, brushing her lips over his. “You know very well better than that. Now, are we going to get to that tour, or spend all day in your bedroom?” An amused smirk formed on her lips.

“As tempting as THAT offer is, I did promise you a tour, and there is a new hellpuppy in Arioch’s torture chamber that you need to meet. He is the most adorable little thing. Teeth like a shark and urine like battery acid. Already he has learned to elicit the most melodious screams from his victims.” Jasper’s grin was beaming. “If you're a good little witch, I might one day even get you one.”

“Promises, promises.” She chuckled and rolled her eyes, although the promise of a hellpuppy did sound rather fun.

“Come on, you. To the bed with ya, before I change my mind or Abriella does about letting you down into the torture pits.” Jasper smacked her ass, shaking his head as he guided her over to the king sized bed. He really did have fun when Eva came down to Imperium or he went topside. Both of those had been happening more lately, which he did happen to enjoy.

“Yes, master, have to make sure I’m a good girl now.” Eva lay down when she reached the bed, an impish smile gracing her painted lips. She did so love teasing him, it alway led to the most fun of times.

“Not too good, I am a demon after all, darling.” Jasper winked as he covered her with a light blanket. “Close your eyes, now.”

Leaning over her he placed a kiss in the middle of her forehead. Not really required for the separation of her soul from her body, but Jasper did love the dramatic flair. Besides, it never hurt to show Eva a little extra attention and affection.

“Now,” he held his arm for her to take once her soul was next to him, “let our adventure begin.”

Eva Smith belongs to: @evita-shelby

Banner by: @cafekitsune

#writeblrcafe #writeblr cafe #writerblr #my writing #my oc #friend's oc #the Imperium Chronicles #fiction #fantasy #dark fantasy #jasper x eva #Jasper #Eva #evacore #demon oc #witch

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whileyouwait-dm · 29 days

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He's been searching for her, but will Djall find Miriana before it's too late to keep a smudge from her soul, and how will that meeting go?

Miriana could hear things moving in the forest around her, but was unable to see anything. So far, nothing had come out of the trees or underbrush to show itself. She hoped that would remain the case until she could find someone else. While she had no clue where she was, she knew enough about most forested areas in her country to know that the wild animals could be dangerous if provoked, wounded, hungry, or around their young. It would be preferable to not find out if any of those were true the hard way. Stumbling on a road or someone’s home would be much better, but so far that didn’t look like it was going to be happening soon.

The sky was darkening, but she wasn’t sure if a storm was coming or it was becoming evening. She couldn’t really see clouds, but she couldn’t see the sun either. She felt so lost and hated the feeling. Miriana was not someone who went hiking often, so she was totally out of her element and now wished that she had accepted those invites form her friends to go to the State and National Parks and go on the trails with her friends. Sure they were going for Instagram and TikTok, but at least then she might recognize something. The only thing she did know was that the large branch a few yards from her that she could see up against a tree was something she would want. A weapon or something to help her traverse the uneven and densely covered ground, it was at least useful.

*****

Djall saw the sky darkening and knew he had to hurry. He’d teleported to the forest, but it wasn’t like it was small. Ravens were out searching, but so far none had returned to him with any reports of a female with the aura of an innocent. If anything happened to her, he would go up personally to see the feathered fucks who were supposed to control the automated algorithm that sorted souls as they passed on the Earthly plain to make sure that this didn’t happen. Trying to restore souls was hard enough, trying to restore a pure soul, in Hell, without leaving a smudge was impossible. Then she’d be trapped.

Thankfully he’d received the name of the female at least, so he had a starting point. As he went, he called her name, making sure to project his voice so she’d hear. If he didn’t find her by dark, there was no doubt that he’d be picking up pieces of her when he did find her. While the creatures that inhabited the forest could come out at any time, and were known to, they preferred to hunt at night when their prey could not see them. It would also make it harder for him to find the poor woman.

As he went deeper into the forest, a raven swooped down and landed on his shoulder. Chattering in his ear, the location of Miriana was relayed so that Djall could go find her before any of the vicious beasts within the forests pounced. The raven indicated that there were many circling, seeming to try to ascertain the best angle of attack. The girl had only a large branch for protection and the raven did not believe she would survive the hour.

Djall swore under his breath and teleported to the location that the raven had given him. Sure enough, just in front of him was the female, long curly hair blowing in the breeze and just about to get caught on a branch. She was definitely not dressed or prepared for the forest, nor did she appear to be at all familiar in moving through one. The bastards upstairs had really fucked her over. Time to at least rescue her and keep her safe till he could fix their fuck up.

Just as Djall had stepped forward to approach Miriana, a hellcat lunged at her, biting her hand. Now he’d have to heal her, and most likely that was going to leave a smudge. FUCK! Lashing out, the hellcat was turned to dust.

In a blink, Djall had Miriana and teleported them both back to his manor. Putting her up against the wall, his hand went over her mouth when she started to scream. He had not the time or the patience for her to panic or freak out. Not today.

“You’re probably wondering what is going on. I am Djall, the ruler in these parts and you, my darling, are in Hell. Don’t scream.” He started to remove his hand, she started to scream, back it went. “Now, Miriana, if we’re going to get along, you are going to have to stop that. I will explain everything, but no screaming. Can we try this again?” He raised his brows, and when she nodded, he removed his hand. “Now, that is a good girl. Let me see your hand. You were scratched by the hellcat. I need to see how bad it is.”

Miriana slowly raised her hand and held it out to the strange man in front of her. Somehow he knew her name and she really hoped that she’d been hit by a car and this was all some kind of dream in a coma, because being in Hell wasn’t on her list of things she wanted to do. She couldn’t deny, though, that something strange was going on, because one second they had been in the forest and the next they were in some mansion. That was not normal.

“Shit! I can heal it, but it’s going to leave a smudge.” Djall gently ran his finger over the open wound that was bleeding, causing it to close completely and leaving a pale grey scar on her hand. His head rose and his eyes met hers. “You’re not supposed to be here, but the pricks upstairs made a mistake. I’m going to try and convince them that since this little smudge is their fault they should still let you in. I’m sorry I didn’t find you sooner.” He really was trying to control his temper, the poor woman looked absolutely terrified, beautiful, but terrified.

Miriana studied the man in front of her, trying to get some idea if he was a hallucination or not. He had to be close to six feet tall, slim but definitely strong from the way he’d just handled her, definitely handsome with his dark hair and eyes, and what must be a perma-tan. This Djall also had the intimidation factor down, he had her utterly petrified.

“Hell? I…I..I’m in Hell?” She finally stuttered out, breaking through the shock of trying to digest everything he’d just thrown at her. “I’m dead?” Her eyes darted around the room, sweeping over every detail, but not really taking any of them in as she fought terror overwhelming her.

“Look at me, Miriana.” Djall kept his tone and volume soft, having her completely melt down was not going to be conducive to anything. “Miriana,” saying her name, the second time, got her to meet his gaze, “there we go. We’re going to take this one step at a time. Yes, you are dead. I don’t know how.” He saw her start to tremble, and wrapped his fingers gently around the hand he still held. “As I said, you’re not supposed to be here, and I’m going to work to get you where you are supposed to be. Are you following me so far?” Normally he didn’t have to have this conversation with souls. First, he didn’t care if they knew they were dead or where they were. Second, they were supposed to be in Hell, so whether they liked it or not was not of any kind of consequence. Normally he was just the administrator over the realm.

Miriana nodded, “yes, I think so. So, you’re not going to hurt me?” Her brows slowly came together in confusion. Was he a demon? Didn’t he say he was the ruler?

“No, I’m not going to hurt you. Outside of this manor are many beasts and beings that would love to, but inside you are safe. So, please, do not go outside without me. You are not a prisoner, but you are, unfortunately, in Hell.” He sighed. There were things he could do that would ensure her safety, but all of them would add additional smudges to her soul. A smudge from a hellcat scratch that attacked her when she was in the forest, that he could probably get by the feathered fuckeheads upstairs. Putting his seal on her, that one would keep her out of Paradise.

“Okay, so inside only. And Djall, right?” Her eyes narrowed as she tried to keep it all straight. “So, are there any other rules? Things to avoid? And what about clothes? Food? Oh G-” Once more his hand was over her mouth and her eyes were huge. She already knew what she’d done.

Djall had to fight laughing, but he needed to be serious. It was clear she already figured out her misstep with the name she’d about dropped. “Yeah, let’s just leave that name out of things.” He winked at her as he let her take his hand off of her mouth with a smirk. “Other than that, avoid mentioning holy things, crosses, do not have sex with any of my employees…trust me on that one…and if you ever have questions, just come and ask. As for what you’ll need to survive until I can get you upstairs, I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry about any of that. Just, do not go outside. No matter what you think or see out there, do not. Even if it looks and sounds like me.” He tilted his forehead towards hers and his expression made it clear how serious he was.

“How will I find you if I need you?” Her teeth worried at her bottom lip as Miriana cataloged everything that she was and was not supposed to do. “And what are you? Demon? I mean, if you want to tell me. You don’t have to if it’s private. I mean, I’ll understand if it is. I just wondered. I mean…” Once again she was cut off, but this time by one finger and he was chuckling. He actually found her being nervous now amusing. “I am the Lord Of Hell. I am not a demon, angel, or other. I guess you could say I’m the brother of the big guy upstairs.” He chuckled and let his finger slip off of her lips. She was definitely going to keep him on his toes till she was gone. “If you need me, just call me,” he leaned in closer to her, enjoying the slight shift she made due to her nerves, “and say you need me. I’ll be there.” He winked as he backed up, he could hear her pulse pounding and her breath having quickened. Djall wouldn’t tease her too much, poor thing, but the flush that had come to her cheeks was flattering to her complexion. At least she’d be nice to look at for the short time she’d be with him.

“O..Okay.” Miriana nodded, glad he had backed up. There was something about him being so close that made her nerves rise and her heart pound. It wasn’t bad, but he certainly had an effect on her. Maybe it was some kind of Hell thing that he was doing, but then why warn her of the demons who would seduce her? She was so confused. “Is there somewhere I could lie down? I just need a rest or something, I’m feeling so overwhelmed?” Her eyes closed and scrunched a little as she was still trying to make sense of everything.

“Of course, Miriana. Whatever you need, you just need to ask. Tomorrow, I’ll give you a tour of the manor.” He turned and offered her his arm. “Come with me, I’ll lead you up to a guest room for tonight.” Djall gave her a soft smile, hoping that she had listened to everything that he had said. He knew that it had to be a shock and overwhelming. While she was resting, he was going to go have a conversation with his counterparts and see how soon he could get her where she was supposed to be.

Her hand slid into the crook of his elbow and she felt a vibration of some sort that seemed to come off of him, it was deep like the heavy bass of music, but not wholly unpleasant. She tightened her hold on him as they moved through the large house, seeing the number of large males that seemed to inhabit it. There was something about the way that they looked at her that made her uncomfortable and move closer to Djall. For the Lord of Hell, he made her feel safer when she was close to him.

Djall, for his part, was watching everything that she was doing. He could hear the beating of her heart and the cadence of her breath. She was still scared, but she was doing better. Having her around for a day or two wouldn’t be all bad, but he had to remind himself that she didn’t belong there and whatever breath of fresh air she might be, she wouldn’t be there for long. He wondered if he could bribe the feathered fucks to send someone down every once in a while just to lighten the atmosphere for a day or so, the souls that inhabited his realm were a little heavy. Unfortunately, he had a sneaking suspicion that the mark on her hand might make Miriana his problem permanently, then she would get a lot “smudgier” and he’d have to see how that affected her, and he truly hoped not at all.

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magical-mistakes-vm · 29 days

Text

The meeting is over, but the conflict is just beginning...

"Who is she, really?" Balor asked when only he, Baldur, and Vollrath remained in the conference room. His eyes studied the two other powerful warlocks closely. There was no missing she was more than just a novice witch that had been innocently in Vollrath’s office. Something more was going on and Balor aimed to get to the bottom of it. "Don't bullshit me, little brother. I touched her, she is no average witch, and your two best friends are twitchy as fuck. You're barely containing yourself, and that isn't like you, Vol." A smirk formed as he waited for one of the two in front of him to answer.

"Mahala Codona. Last night I caught her in the forest near my mansion preparing to summon her mother's spirit, but the spell she was going to use was not one she was prepared for. Not to mention you can sense her strength of power, and she could see through double enchantment cloaking. I thought it best to bring her under my protection. She has had absolutely no training, and had no idea of her abilities." Vollrath left a ton out when speaking to his brother, and Baldur wasn't about to add anything. Neither of them had any idea how Balor had learned of the meeting, and for the moment that meant they trusted him just barely more than an outsider.

"So she's nothing to you? Interesting and positive." Balor’s brow rose and his smirk grew. He knew Vollrath better than that, and he was pressing buttons to see which would get his little brother to react first. It had been decades since a Coven Council of Elders had been called to hand out such a punishment as the one they had tonight. For it to have been called now meant there was a reason for Vollrath not to have made the decision alone. That reason meant one of the two in front of him had a vested interest in Ms. Codona.

"Should she be?" Vollrath’s head tipped and his eyes narrowed as he regarded his brother. What was Balor getting at? What did he know? Vollrath wasn’t sure, but he didn’t want to give too much away till he did.

"What if it is not Vol she means something to?" Baldur was not about to watch the two Nachtnebel brothers spar, and have Mahala hurt again by neither of them considering the fallout. Easier to just use a little subterfuge and get this conversation over quickly. Balor was less likely to take him on than Vollrath, so there wasn’t much risk. When Balor turned his attention to him, he met Balor’s gaze evenly, their blue eyes boring into one another. There was no doubt the elder warlock was trying to ascertain if he was being honest. Baldur had no intention of flinching.

"Interesting." It was all Balor said but his mind was turning that video over and over in his head, scrutinizing every small detail. There was still something wrong with the situation unfolding now in front of him. Why hadn't she had on Baldur’s jacket when attacked? It had been his brother’s, not something that Vollrath would have given out lightly. Any stray hair or attachment to him could be used against him. Why had Vol cut him off in the healing, and Baldur let him? Yes, Vollrath was the Master Warlock, but they were not so different in strength and ability for it to have made much of a difference. Why had they been trying to hide how badly she was hurt from Vollrath? If it had been Baldur or Elmar that she meant something to, then they would have been more upset, although it was clear she did mean something to Baldur. So, Baldur was covering for little brother, time to press a little harder and a slightly different button.

"Then Baldur, you will not mind if I see fully to her current healing, and personally do the initial set of enchantments and shielding? Consider it a blessing from the other half of the Coven." Inclining his head with what could be best described as a sarcastic smile, Balor completely ignored his brother, but did not have to see him to know the nerve had been hit. The very air of the room crackled with Vollrath’s reaction. It was all Balor could do not to gloat over having found the exact button to press to get right under his brother’s skin perfectly. That had been a little too easy.

"So a new witch brings peace?" Baldur didn't trust him. However, that is exactly what Balor had just implied with his statement.

"She is a Codona. She is THE Codona. The lost witch. Of course it is going to." Balor smirked and raised his eyebrows, letting the statement hang in the air with no further clarification.

Baldur glanced at Vollrath. What was he missing? "Which means?" Something told him that he was going to absolutely hate the answer that was coming, but he had to know.

"Her father is Bazyli." Balor now grinned like a fool, and watched all color drain from Baldur’s face. The other warlock had no clue, nor did Vollrath from the looks of it. "So if you have intentions with her, you'll be joining the two Covens, and mending one gigantic ass rift. I have to say Baldur, I never quite pegged you as one with brass ones quite that big. So, of course I want to assist with that.” Sarcasm dripped like honey, pooling around their feet. “Or…." he looked directly at Vollrath, "has the Lion met his Lionessa, which is more of what I suspect. Her power is impressive, as is her ability to survive such an attack. If she is not, then I challenge you Baldur…" He felt the hard snap of Vollrath’s power, as his brother’s jealousy and anger started to get the best of him. There was the sign that had been exactly what Balor was going for to know that he wasn’t just under his brother’s skin, he’d struck a death blow to Vollrath’s ability to hide any semblance of the truth.

"Balor…." Just one word. Just his name. Vollrath didn't need to say more. His voice was full of warning in its tone, his hazel eyes narrowed and went jade green, his jaw tensed as he stood straighter, and his shoulders went back. No, this was not happening. Elmar and Baldur had been goading him teasingly, both were in serious relationship with witches within the Coven. Balor was serious and looking to challenge Baldur in a way that would take Mahala from him.

"She is a powerful, single, untrained, uninitiated, witch. I am within my rights as a Coven Elder and my level as a warlock. There is no ring upon her finger. The customs of the Coven are very clear. Unless there is a betrothal or other engagement to an Elder of the Coven, it is my right, as an Elder, to give challenge for rights to train, bring under apprenticeship, and more. She is exceptionally beautiful, so I will look forward to seeing what more there might be. I do have the right and you know it. I aim to exercise it RIGHT. NOW." Now it was Balor who looked aggressive, as he smirked at his younger brother, his eyes going from blue to an icy grey. There was little that Vollrath could say to argue with him, unless he were to reveal that she was in the beginnings of a relationship with Vollrath himself.

A knock at the door had both men stepping back and relaxing some. There was no doubt who it was. Neither wanted to cause a scene or bring Elmar and Mahala into the disagreement that they were so far not a part of. There was about to be a war in the room between the two Nachtnebel brothers, Elmar entering the frey was not needed.

"Guys, it's late. If you’re still having some kind of meeting, I'm going to take Mahala home with me and Savina. She's still having effects from what happened earlier, and really should be resting somewhere other than an office couch." Elmar was annoyed, and he let his gaze rest briefly on all three in the room to show it. Someone in the room was pissed off and trying to hide it, he guessed more than one someone.

"How is she?" Vollrath didn’t hide his concern from his face or his voice. His brother had already figured it out, and was looking for a fight. There was no reason to put Elmar further on edge by acting indifferent. This night had already gone straight to hell without adding more to it.

"Let’s see…you tried to give her a stroke over being jealous," Elmar noticed Balor’s rather surprised reaction to that news, but failed to care and continued, "then she's slammed twice into a wall, choked, almost killed, gets intimidated by your brother, and has several hours of the Council being here and none of them ratcheting down their magic. The fact she's still sane and her brain hasn't oozed out her ears might be a blessed miracle. Someone in this room is also about to go atomic, so please ratchet that down before she does decide to have a brain bleed, and I have to fix that too." His arms crossed over his chest as he looked at the other three in turn, lips thinning in irritation.

Baldur’s brows had been raised as Elmar unloaded on Vollrath. He was normally the calmer and reserved one, but it was clear he'd reached his limit. He could count on one hand the number of times he’d seen that happen with his friend. Looking between the Nachtnebel brothers, Baldur also noticed that Balor was studying Vollrath who once more looked frustrated with the whole situation. It was going to become a pissing contest and the whole building, if not area, would be the battleground. Hopefully Elmar could get Mahala out of the blast zone before that happened.

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