Dark Moon & The Lightning Wveryn

Chapter 2

Ilyon Shul a Alpha Werewolf. The Sovereignty of The Children of the Moon. Home: Middle Realm

Nyx Flayre

It’s been a week since learning of my engagement. During that time leading up to now. I have been in anticipation of a celebratory Gala. The formality provides a good cover for when I meet with my guards, however, it also prohibits me from doing things directly. For all this now takes place in the Middle Realm.

I sighed at the thought. The Middle realm is home to humans. Humans who are considered Unsighted and don’t even think we exist anymore. It is thought as a neutral territory, according to some. Co-existing is the Underworld, Sphere and the Vault of Heaven. In the Before my missions would take me to the Underworld, Middle Realm, and my own home territory, Sphere. Upon my marriage I will be living in the Middle Realm which is where werewolves coexist with Unsighted.

I peer through the window of the black SUV attempting to observe my surroundings. We are apparently 15 minutes away from our destination according to Google Maps. I admire the forest grove that encompasses our vehicles down the side road that was directed. Suddenly an Astro projection of my head guard, Shibuya, is bowing to me while seated next to Mira.

“What do you have to report to me?” I ask flat out.

“The King & Queen will be watching your movements closely in accordance to the timeline. Their search has taken them to the furthest territories in the Sphere. There is now discussion of the possibility that the Middle Realm could yield better results.” He answers in definite.

I slightly shift in my seat and take a deep breathe.

“Under what circumstances do they plan to use in placing their people here- covertly or overtly?” I further ask.

“That has yet to be determined. They are concerned about the Celestials and the reach of Sovereign Ilyon Shul if he were to become aware of their movements.” He clarified.

“And the other matter?” I inquire.

Shibuya slightly lowers his eyes. Nervousness at how I will respond. He then gives a brief and compendious reply,

“No, your Royal Highness.”

I cross my legs in disapproval.

“I want you to find out about any Passageways that are easily accessible in the Sphere and where they lead.” I state emphatically.

Shibuya bows his head and disappears.

Mira bows her head to Shibuya and questions aloud,

“They must be desperate to be willing to consider coming into the Children’s of the Moon realm.”

“Aren’t we all. We only have 114 days.” I reply.

At the end of our travels I was adequately surprised at the Estate that welcomed us out of the forest.

I look down to my phone and turn on the camera to give myself a once over.

Mira, asks if I need any assistance with any touch ups to my make up which I politely decline. I stare at the image on the mobile screen. I wore a nude makeup that complimented my eyes and my heart shaped lips. I decided to wear an berry-look open shoulder bow plain white t-shirt and a black bowknot plain black pencil pant. Accompanied with my black leather Suola So Kate heels. Enhanced with red finishes which gave me a soft feminine look, but yet accented confidence.

I let my black and silver hair down as a long side bang for a more natural look which adjourned my shoulder in pretty waves.

I turn the phone screen off in a silent approval to my appearance. This in my opinion is my first battle in the ‘After.’ I have yet to ever met Alpha IIyon Shul. I may not be keen on marrying the mutt, but if I have learned anything in the ways of man. Regardless of species or being. They are suckers to a pretty face, but yet I needed to be respected as the near foreseeable Luna of the Dark Moon.

IIyon Shul

“Looking very handsome, Alpha.” I turn to a still nude Klara who is draped very appealingly on my bed. I consider if there is time to indulge myself another round.

“Oh you like what you see?” I say in a low voice, licking my canines in anticipation.

Klara’s eyes widened with lust. “I do, baby. Want to have a quickie before facing that snake?” She mockingly asks.

I contemplated feeling the initial rush of arousal, but ultimately decided it will be a pass. Klara has been fun and she understood in the past that it was just s*x, but is starting to become too attached to me. I completed a 180 back to my floor length mirror and straightened my tie. I opted for my charcoal sharkskin three piece suit. Once that was finished I brushed my man beard and put on cologne.

Wordlessly sensing that there won’t be another round. Klara’s disappointment is obvious.

“Seems like quite a bit of effort for a snake, isn’t it?” Klara questioned with a hint of jealousy. Mind you she is still on my bed.

I looked at her somewhat annoyed with the prospect of her being jealous and not taking the hint to leave. I walked over to the edge of my bed and seat myself facing outwardly to put on my black sleek Greggo flats.

“Yeah, I kind of need this marriage to go through so my people are not dying in multiple realms since the Celestials have made their intentions known. This isn’t about you.” I stated straight to the point.

I gathered the remainder of my items such as my phone, and looked back at Klara. Who is still on my bed. Blatantly disobeying me. I felt my jaw clench and eyes focus on her.

“ This will be the last time that you’ll be in here.” I advised.

Klara’s eyes open wide in shock, and realization that she went too far. I make my exit before she has a chance to say anything.

Walking out into the hallway I was met by Vikyn. Who was already waiting for me.

“Any news?” I asked while walking to the staircase to go down stairs.

“She has been brought to the Parlor by staff and is awaiting us.” He replied.

“Any word from the Driver that’s bringing her other things?” I further ask.

“Yes, here’s the manifest, and the load will be arriving tomorrow.” Vikyn answers as he hands me the manifest.

I peer through the document for a minute looking for anything suspicious, and then give it back to him as we are approaching the Parlor.

“Alright let’s meet the wife.” I rub my hands together in mock excitement.

“I think I’ll cry.” Vikyn wiped a nonexistent tear away.

I chuckled. Staff opens the Parlor doors where I am met with an unexpected vision.

Standing idly I see a side view of a woman with an athletic build, soft black and silver hair, at a height of 5’8 to my 6’0. I take note that she is in heels which will actually place her at 5’6 I imagine. The woman turns to the arrival of my presence and bows her head in recognition when her honey brown eyes settle on me.

“Alpha IIyon. Beta Vikyn.” She stated in greeting in a respectful tone.

“Princess.” I responded in kind.

I see her stiffen at the name. Oh, someone doesn’t like the nickname? I observed.

“Just ‘My Lady’ or ‘Nyx’ is fine. If you could.” She waves a hand dismissively and gives a warm smile.

My eyes focus on her face. Quite the actress or she is genuinely open which I doubt the second option, but it’s still a possibility.

“Of course, My Lady. “ I give her a smile in return.

“This is my attendant, Mira. She will be accompanying me today. I hope its alright if she were to stay here with me.” Nyx asks.

I tense my jaw. The idea of two dragons in my home around my pack is not a comforting thought. Nyx’s request to arrive here before our wedding ceremony was surprise enough already. Now this?

As if queuing in on my thought process Nyx informs me that Mira is a human familiar.

Oh, explains why she didn’t smell human. Familiars tend to have their blood mixed with their master or mistress to seal the loyalty. Creating a new scent that is similar to their respective Master.

“So you don’t have to worry.” She winks with a suggestive smile.

Internally, I am amused at her open flirtations, but her and I both know that she is merely playing the game with me. A game of false civility and romance. She may be attractive, but I imagine my Fancy Lizard isn’t keen on the ultimatum as well. Returning the favor I walk over to Nyx and lift her chin to look into her eyes and hold her gaze. Leaning down to her ear. Waiting a heartbeat before speaking I breathe onto her neck. By doing this I could not help, but notice her chest rise and still for that brief fraction of a moment. I then smell the scent of arousal and defensiveness which piqued my interest. She was attracted to me. I lower my voice and whisper, “Anything for you, Princess.”

Nyx Immediately laughs. Her laughter fills the room in what someone who can not read the mood may have described her laugh as pleasant, but I knew she was irritated at being called Princess again which made this interaction more hilarious for me.

Unsurprisingly, she was no longer aroused by me, but I was surprised to find that her natural scent was a pleasant a fragrance of wet earth after a rain shower with a hint of flowers. Accompanied with the scent of fire. Fire itself varies accordingly. Dragons tend to have a musky scent of burning pine. Nyx, however, has a more sweet aroma accompanying that scent identifier. It was truly unique. I felt my Wolf stir in interest. As we were getting lost in our thoughts and fascination over her scent. My demeanor changed once Nyx dared to utter the word that could get her killed by me.

“What a sweet Mate I have.” Nyx says while gently placing both her hands on the side of my face. She leans into my ear “You know - here I thought we wouldn’t get along.” She said teasingly.

We separate just enough so that we can look into each other's faces. Her hands wrap around my neck. I can see in her eyes glint with realization that she struck a nerve. Anticipation replaces all flirtations on both sides. This anticipation is all too familiar. It’s what is to come when you stare straight into the enemies eyes of what you will do next? Who will walk away? How much of a fight will it be? I am also washed over with the desire of hope. Hope that she can challenge me. The thrill that will give me is intoxicating.

“Vikyn, may you take Mira on a tour and show her to their rooms? I have things to discuss with the Missus.” I ask without breaking eye contact from Nyx.

“Yes, Alpha.” Vikyn answers.

Mira looks to Nyx for instruction.

“You heard the Alpha. You may go, Mira.” Nyx casually says. Her gaze was searching my eyes. What is she looking for? I do not know, but I sense her becoming excited. A hint of a smile just below the surface threatening to break out. Vikyn leaves with Mira without further issue.

Once the doors were closed. Nyx immediately drops her arms from my neck and stands poised. Waiting. Daring me to do something to her.

Nyx Flayre

I watch Ilyon straighten into a tall stance. I could not help, but notice his eyes are actually quite mesmerizing; an intense outer iris of blue accented with a gold color surrounding the pupil. If a look could kill - this man could. I recall my previous musings over the rumors. The most intimidating thing about this particular Alpha is that his Wolf, Araysh, is an over-shadower. The ability of Araysh is of a Ghost. To meet this Wolf is an omen of Death. His current vessel incarnation may be 23, but his Wolf from what I have learned is 800 years old. Another rumor that I have learned about Araysh is he only chooses a vessel that provides him the insatiable bloodlust and power for dominance. Meaning that Ilyon is just as demented as Araysh in one way or another. The fact that Ilyon attracted this rare wolf entity and shifted at such a young age… I may have even had a hard time fighting him. Now that would have been an interesting fight.

I felt a surge of emotions through me. The idea of such a combatant excited me, the feeling of a fight with him was exhilarating, the sensation of the ‘what ifs’ was driving me crazy, and to top it all off I could not deny. That I wanted this man. Wolf or not he was a fine specimen. The fact he was a Wolf was actually giving him an edge. How taboo it is… The striking ideas of conquering this man in combat vs being dominated by him sexually were such a high contrast. That either would have been agreeable at this moment.

“Lets cut the s**t, shall we?” Ilyon c****d his head to the side and focused his look into a calculated glare. The tone itself was eerily calm, but a rhetorical question nonetheless.

I lifted my chin up and stared back challengingly. Ready to meet the dysfunction that was brewing. I spoke in a cheery tone in answer,

“Oh is this the Big Bad Wolf that I heard so much about?” Flashing an amused smile.

What followed next happened too quickly for my mind and vision to communicate to each other. All I know is that I am up against the wall while Ilyon is holding me pinned by the neck off the ground.

Damn him. This is the only advantage that a mutt has over a dragon in human form. We, unfortunately, do not possess the same superhuman abilities, or at least not as strong as these dogs. I may have agility and strength in this form, but I am not as strong or fast in a human body in comparison. However, there is one thing that makes Kronos and I different from our peers. He and I are considered prodigies. Reason being for myself: I do not need to shape shift to possess fire.

Pointed right at his face I have extended my index and middle finger. The only sound is a deafening high velocity heat of flame blaring. Where to others it looks like I have a 4 inch extension of fire pointed down at him from my hand. All I have to do is let the flame be released from being tethered to me, and he’ll get to have a gnarly third degree burn as an early wedding present.

Ilyon smirked up at me at the realization of what I was ready to do,

“I’m surprised you actually had enough time to defend yourself to this extent, Mate.” He mockingly said to me.

Unable to breathe I glare in defiance. I increase the heat at my fingertips. The fire color increases from warm white to direct sunlight. Ilyon glares at me. Clearly, disapproving of the threat that I am making. He releases me. I drop to my feet and an involuntary cough escapes me. After I collect myself I extinguish the fire.

“It’s all in the reflexes, Dog.” I reply coldly.

“Uh huh.” Ilyon seemed somewhat amused at my response. He tilts his head to the side while crossing his arms against his broad chest and says with a tall stance of authority; brow raised.

“Look Princess, I am not your Mate. You were not destined for me. I may be marrying you which you will have all that comes with the title as a Wife, but do not patronize me with disrespect to my real Mate. I won’t tolerate it. You and I are here because the Celestials demanded it, and it serves in the better interests of all those I care for because believe me.”

Ilyon leans forward and with the most sickening calmness he continues,

“ If I had it my way. I would personally remove every last one of you from every possible hole that you snakes haul up in.”

After a moment of pause Ilyon ends his threat with expectations.

“Moving from this day forward. When we are in the presence of others all that they will see is an affectionate Husband. As my Wife I will not disrespect you by sleeping around now that you are here with me. I will not allow harm to fall upon you if it is within my power to do so. In return you are the Luna of this pack and the Queen of my kind. You are expected to have complete dedication to them. Do You understand?”

Do I understand? I feel an impending avalanche of rebellion and angst coming from within me to the surface.

I repeat the question aloud as if asking myself with feigned lightness.

Leaning back casually against the wall in an act of pondering.

I heard crackling from Ilyon’s knuckles that are balling into fists and a menacing growl erupting from his chest from the lack of response.

I smirk at him and begin to say,

“Yes, Husband Dearest, I do. Now question: Did you or did not prepare this monologue prior to my coming here? Because the delivery was phenomenal. Just the right amount of force and power. Coupled with murderous intent of g******e and threat. With just a hint of civility and precise instruction.” I started my one man audience of applause for him. A slow clap of appreciation to his Royal Alphaness.

“Truly inspired.” I flash my most dazzling smile at him.

Ilyon walks slowly up to me with a murderous intent radiating from his person. I observe his eyes. His eyes - they’re darkening which tells me that it’s Araysh. Both peer down at me from that damn high horse of theirs. I’m tempted to take him up for ride and drop him or burn him alive.

“Listen, b***h. Celestial or not. If you want to play stupid games. You’ll win stupid prizes. I will award you the most painful death that I possibly can give you.” He pointedly states.

I made a split second decision to throw him and Araysh off. I went up on my tip toes and gave him a peck on the lips. Ilyon's eyes widen in surprise. I whispered,

“You had me at Bitch.”

Ilyon Shul

This snake with wings just f*****g KISSED Me! I felt waves of different thoughts go through me. The most prominent and immediate being is the need to kill her, followed by step by step fantasies of beating the s**t out of her, putting her dead body out for display of what I ultimately think of the Celestials Orders, and amusement? This feeling alone gives me pause to plans of murder.

Not to be out done by her in response I crash my lips onto hers and give her a hard kiss. Nyx freezes in place, but returns the kiss nonetheless. It was raw and weighted with uncertainty. I slide my tongue on her bottom lip. Asking for entrance into her mouth. She immediately parts her lips and I feel her tongue meet mine. I started to make out with her. At first we were taking our time. Getting acquainted with each other. I encircled my arms around her waist pulling her into me causing our kiss to deepen. Nyx moans into my mouth in response. I feel her take my bottom lip between her teeth and she pulls away gently. Inhaling deeply I am flooded with her arousal. Her eyes look into mine longingly. I can’t help, but think about what she would be like in bed when I feel a tinge of guilt in my chest. Guilt towards my real mate and shame because I wanted more of Nyx. I wanted her. Araysh is fuming in the recess of my mind which made this worse. I pulled away completely and broke the kiss while straightening my tie. Nyx was taken back by the action, but said nothing.

“At least you’re not ashamed to look at, so I can thank the Moon Goddess for that. Or would that be the Phoenix?” I raise a brow to her.

Nyx bitterly laughs at the joke. “Who knows, but your looks will at least hide the disgust I have for you.” She chimes. As I walk away from her to the Parlor doors I call out to her.

“Lets go Princess.” She immediately follows and falls into our facade.

I explain to Nyx the floor plan of the Estate. There are two floors - the first floor being over 6000 sq feet and the second around 3000 sq feet, 8 bedrooms and 5 baths with 2 hallway baths. 4 Garage Bays and a courtyard. Key features are an elevator, grilling terrace, home study, Media room and MUDroom.

“What about your other pack members?” Nyx asks innocently.

“I own the surrounding land, and have multiple housings. Once you get past this home you find what resembles a town so to speak. This is just the main residence. I can not necessarily have a castle like you would in the Sphere. Humans are attracted to luxury and money which a castle screams for unwanted tourism which I am not against the extra money charging for tours, so that will be 50$.” I raise my hand out expectantly.

“I thought what is mine is yours and yours is mine?” Nyx asks with a perfectly arched brow.

“Oh it is, but I don’t work for free, baby.” I countered.

Nyx scoffs and walks past. I continue the tour and lead her to the bedroom on the second floor.

“You will be staying in here. Until we are married, and your familiar is the room across the hall.”

I informed her. Watching her enter the room I see she looks at everything appreciatively. I gave her a modern room with a color scheme of dark red and cream. The walls themselves were painted in the second lightest cream hue and were complimented with the furniture that were either the lightest or darkest cream hues from that palette. She had 2 bed tables that were the lightest and loveseat with accent chairs were the darkest. The only red colors were fixated on the bed itself which all were aligned as a bed set with a throw blanket. She had a 70’ Smart TV on the wall and a book shelf of assorted options.

“Wow, this room is a real mess, Hubby.” She smirks. “I know you hate my guts, but this dungeon is stifling.” Nyx states with false concern on her face.

“Yeah I know. I was just showing you this room actually. Your actual room is 6 feet under.” I reply smoothly.

“Oh thank Aither…” She looks up for divine intervention. I chuckle at the idea that a Celestial just might answer her knowing our luck.

“Well, for now bear with this piece of s**t room. I have work I need to be doing.” I excuse myself.

As I shut the door I heard a barely audible,

“Thank you.”

My grip on the door knob hardens. Feeling taken back at the sincerity in her voice.

When I enter the elevator down the hall I am met with Siirist who seemed to have this perfectly choreographed with being where he is supposed to be.

“Uncle.” I greeted.

“Hello, my dear Nephew. I hear things went well with your Fancy Lizard.” He replies simply.

I feel a lump form and instantly harden in my throat and cold feelings of shame and guilt consume my chest.

“Appearances sound like how I wanted it to be.” I replied. Furrowing my brows and settling myself with a deep breath. Burying those feelings down within my person. Siirist falls behind me into my office.

The moment I hear the click of the door closing behind Siirist. I throw a chair that I leave out for guests into a wall. Instantly shattering on contact.

“That bad huh?” Siirist asks coolly.

I place my hands on my office desk and bend my head down. Breathing. Hard.

Feeling Araysh pacing in my mind in agitation. What Siirist stated about things going well isn’t necessarily wrong or a bad thing. It was a statement. The fact that it went as well as it did to where I could kiss her like that to where it was so pleasurable that I wanted more was making this even worse mentally. I should be disgusted!

“We should just kill her, Ilyon. This isn’t natural. There MUST be a way to change this?!” Araysh growls.

“I know. I am working on it. Right now, all we can do is what we need to take care of. I am already trying to find a way into the Vault of Heaven. There must be something that the Moon Goddess can do.” I spit out the words aloud in disgust at this situation.

“How is that coming along?” I spare a side glance to Siirist.

“I think that we would have more luck picking out floral arrangements for the wedding.” He replies regretfully, already listening in on my conversation with Araysh.

FUCK. My mind reels in agitation. I need to find a way out of this. Vikyn enters the room. Upon noticing remnants of what was once a chair. Vikyn asked,

“What did that chair ever do to you?” He then seats himself in the spare guest chair.

“Oh you know - I was testing its durability and it lost to the wall.” I answer reluctantly, forcing myself to sit in my chair.

“You know Man, we’ll figure this out. I know you don’t want this and you are just doing what you have to do, but I’m here for you.” Vikyn speaks reassuringly.

“The bromance is strong in this room. Should I leave?” Siirist politely asks.

“This is hard, Man.” Ignoring the bromance comment I admitted this to them.

“No one expected this to be easy for you.” Vikyn replies.

I close my eyes shut and feel my face contort into a scowl. This whole interaction with Nyx is tormenting my mind. I already knew marrying her would be difficult due to what I am losing, but to play the part of a Husband to her is harder than I anticipated… My expectations of what was going to be hard or easy wasn’t as I had expected. Prior to her arrival it was assumed to be obligatory, but meeting her and actually feeling her on my tongue... Every gesture whether it was just the basic kindness of providing suitable lodging, the flirtations, kissing her, being plain polite, or just allowing her to continue to live I was expecting it to be difficult due to who she is. The fact that it isn't. Makes it a chore to continue my disapproval of her. A chore that attempts to supersede my self control on resisting this ease.

Araysh challenging me every second for control to annihilate her to avoid this feeling is a whole other level altogether. I put my hands behind my head and closed my eyes. The only thing about this that makes it somewhat tolerable is this game she and I are playing. A dance of seduction and civility. Where just beneath the surface we have caged the violence. It is amusing (and familiar), thankfully, but how long will that last though?

“That's just it, Vikyn. The Celestials gave out this Order knowing that it will not be easy in whatever the f**k way that it will be. It's almost as if I am expected to fail.” I say grudgingly. Thinking back to 2 weeks and 5 days ago…