Lilly Among Wolves

12: full moon festival

Lilly woke up feeling way too hot for comfort. She tried moving but couldn't. Ian had her against his chest with his arms around her and the blanket.

"It's hot. " Lilly murmured, trying to get him to let her go before she sweated to death.

"Lilly, it's too early." His sleepy voice said against her neck. Lilly could feel the goosebumps on her skin. He was too close. She could smell his pine and earth scent. She fought the urge to nuzzle his neck.

" Why are you in my room? " Lilly asked, blushing. Ian pulled the comforter off them, leaving her soft blue blanket. She groaned at the light, shielding her eyes.

"Stop moving so much, Lilly. " Ian ignored her question, stilling her. Lilly could feel his male part pressing against her hip, making Lilly blush more.

"Why are you in my room?" Lilly asked again, staying still and trying to keep her mind off him even though Ian's scent was intoxicating. His manhood was pressed against her thigh, making her lady parts wet. It made it hard to focus.

"To keep my beast calm. Something about you arouses me and calms me. It seems I do the same for you as well", Ian purred into Lilly's ear, making her shiver. Ian growled as there was a knock on the door. Lilly was glad about who was at the door, she could get her emotions back in check. Ian touched Lilly's hair, gently smelling it before he got up and opened the door in his boxers. Darius stood at the door, smirking. Lilly looked away quickly, hiding her face.

"What the hell do you want?" Ian said, smirking at his friend.

"Get dressed cranky pants. We are taking these two out for breakfast before the festival. " Darius said, smiling at her. Lilly smiled, passing him to go get change in the bathroom.

Chester, who was in a purple v-neck shirt and shorts and flip-flops, was smirking at Lilly as she passed.

"It's not what you think. " Lilly murmured to Chester, before shutting the bathroom door. Darius had a black t-shirt that had red skulls on it and black shorts and loafers. Darius knew Ian had spent the night with her keeping his wolf in check.

"How are you holding up, cowboy?" Darius asked his friend smirking.

"I'm in blissful hell, managing the beast is tiring. Please no roller coasters, you know how much I hate them," Ian murmured. Darius nodded, letting him get change.

Lilly changed quickly into her favorite maroon tank top over a blue bikini and shorts and sandals. Lilly put her long striped sweater over her tank. She put her mom's rose quart necklace on and Rose's bracelet she made Lilly.

Lilly put my hair in a messy bun and put dark red lipgloss on my lips. She smiles, looking at herself before going out.

"Awe, you're so cute, isn't she Ian? " Darius said, smirking at Ian. Ian had a white tank and a light blue button-up shirt with black cargo shorts. Lilly had seen him in dress attire a lot, it was nice to see him in casual clothes for once.

"She is beautiful, not cute." Ian corrected, looking at her for a moment. Lilly couldn't help but smile. Ian smiled back.

"So what do you two want to do at the festival?" Ian said, stifling a yawn.

Lilly whispered to Chester for a minute before they both decided to do the Ferris wheel, carousel horses, Bumper cars, and Gravatron.

"Breakfast first. " Darius said, smiling. Ian looked at Lilly before offering his arm out to her. She took it as he led the way through the dorm.

There weren't very many halls since it was seven in the morning on a Saturday. Darius opened the door before walking into the morning sun.

"I thought vampires hate the sun?" Lilly asked Ian. She could hear Chester and Darius snickering.

"They don't burn up in the sun, it's was a myth you humans came up with because they came at night to eat. it was just easier at night, there used to be less activity at night." He said, opening the car door for her. Lilly scooted in before he got in.

"If that had been the case I wouldn't have chosen somewhere sunny, you goober. " Chester said laughing.

"Oh hush funny boy." Lilly joked smirking at Chester. Lilly had gotten close to him. He was really sweet and funny, and had told her the truth about him and Darius being a couple. Lilly thought it was great he had found his one in this world of monsters. It hasn't happened very often for them to find their mate since they were halflings. Halflings usually get killed before adulthood.

"DJ time" Chester sang as he played 'sexy back' on the speakers. Lilly laughed as he danced along. Lilly joined in moving her shoulders from side to side and moving her hands in certain parts. Lilly had even tried getting Ian too, but he didn't want to. Darius took the iPod and put it on Pony. Which made Ian groan and hide his face in his hands.

"you suck." Ian chuckled.

Lilly moved her body to it, laughing as Darius made thrusting head movements, making Chester holler. Lilly dances against Ian, which seems to ease up. Finally, after an hour, they made it to the festival.

"Thank God, " Ian joked, getting out of the car and stretching. Lilly smiled, not waiting, and took Chester's hand, heading towards the little makeshift breakfast burrito truck. Darius and Ian caught up with them. Darius was laughing and Ian was frowning. Lilly smiled at him hugging him. Ian smirked hugging her back.

"Four bacon burritos and four blood-fused burritos. " Darius ordered at the window as they picked out their drinks. Chester picked up a silver pouch and sweet tea.

"What's that?" Lilly asked. Chester smirked.

"Blood for my love." Chester giggled, smiling. Lilly smiled but felt sick.

"Lovely. " Lilly mumbled, turning away and making Chester laugh.

"You'll get used to it sooner or later, hanging out with vampires," Chester told her.

"I don't think our blood can't mix. " Lilly countered, growling playfully at Chester before giggling.

"Aww, damn I wanted a sister." Chester pouted.

"Just make a legal pact. Darius and I have one. " Ian added, lightly pulling Lilly to him. Lilly let him, then put her cold drink on his neck. Ian hiss pulled away from her, before laughing. He was glad she was relaxed enough to play games with him. Ian smirked, taking his cold orange juice and sliding it across her cheek and smirked at her. Lilly wiggled her nose at Ian looking like a little bunny. She gasped when Chester put ice down the back of her shirt. Lilly shook it out, throwing it back at Chester, who dodged it barely.

"Wait til I have my powers, then I will be unstoppable." Chester joked.

"oh yeah, I bet I'll be stronger than you when you change," Lilly joked. Ian was impressed with her fight in self-defense so far.

"I doubt it, Lilly. You can't beat Chase yet. " Chester laughed.

"Neither can you." Lilly said, throwing another piece of ice at Chester. it smacked his arm. Chester acted like he was wounded. Lilly laughed but checked on her friend.

"thank you." " Darius said finished paying and getting the food for them.

"Time to eat my powerful little muse. " Darius chuckled at Chester's acting. The mid-morning air was starting to get warm; they sat at one of the picnic tables that were in the shade. Ian gave Lilly her bacon burrito. Lilly's eyes went big when she saw the huge burrito. Ian could finish two by himself thanks to his wolf metabolism. It would amaze him if Lilly would eat the whole thing since she was dormant. She had shown little signs.

Lilly had almost finished her burrito but couldn't manage the rest. She offered the rest to Ian, who gladly ate it and smiled at her. Ian was glad his wolf was behaving even though the full moon was inching closer and closer. He just wanted to spend as much time with Lilly before he had to get into the wolf chambers.

He knew Sam was going to be beside him since she had waited til he had picked his chamber before she picked hers. He was just glad there was a wall between them and silver bars. He would have to remind his guard to put earplugs in his room so he couldn't hear her annoying howls. He wondered what Lilly's wolf would sing. Lilly took him out of his thoughts as soon as she slid her hand into his. He looked down at her. She was blushing but smiling. He smiled back, looking at the festival grounds as they walked.

The festival grounds were alive with color and energy as Lilly, Ian, Darius, and Chester made their way through the growing crowd. The festival was a welcome break from their usual college life and a chance to create lasting memories together with Lilly.

Lilly radiated excitement as they walked around the sights and sounds. Ian kept a watchful eye on her, though he was enjoying himself as well. Darius and Chester took selfies with their dramatic flair, making Lilly giggle. Lilly had taken a few photos with Ian but knew she would be taking more to remember that night. She was having a blast, and she was with Ian. She could feel herself feeling overjoyed.

Their first stop was the bumper cars. Lilly's laughter filled the air as she deftly maneuvered her car, her competitive edge evident as she collided playfully with Darius and Chester, who were trying to outmaneuver each other. Ian joined in, his normally composed demeanor melting away into genuine fun. He deftly avoided collisions with Lilly, but couldn't resist the occasional playful nudge that sent her car spinning. Lilly had even gotten him a few times, making him laugh. He had a soft husky laugh turning Lilly's inside to mush.

Next, they headed to the Graviton. Lilly hesitated for a moment as she gazed up at the towering ride, the glowing lights reflecting in her eyes. This wasn't the ride she had thought it was. this ride shot them up and then down. She thought it was the spinning one that pushed them against the wall.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Ian asked, noticing her apprehension.

Lilly nodded, her determination evident.

"Definitely. I want to enjoy everything with you guys."

As the Graviton shot up and down, Lilly's excitement was contagious. Ian watched her with a mix of pride and amusement, admiring her ability to embrace the thrill. Darius and Chester, their supernatural resilience giving them a unique perspective, reveled in the nausea experience, their laughter mingling with Lilly's.

The Ferris wheel was their next stop, and it offered a welcome respite from the frenetic pace of the other rides. The gentle ascent allowed them to take in the sweeping view of the festival grounds, the lights shimmering below like a sea of stars. Lilly clung to Ian's arm, her eyes wide with wonder. She had always liked the Ferris wheel. it was one of the few rides she got to experience with her mother Daliyah. now she got to experience with Ian and her friends. Darius and Chester, ever the enigmatic pair, admired the view from a distance, their cool demeanor contrasting with the warmth of the moment.

Afterward, they indulged in a variety of festival games. Lilly's competitive nature came alive as she expertly navigated each challenge, her enthusiasm infectious. Ian, though focused on ensuring Lilly had a great time, couldn't resist joining in the games with a playful competitiveness. Darius and Chester, not to be outdone, showcased their impressive skills, much to the delight of the crowd. by the time they were done, they had two huge stuffed animals. After they ate cotton candy, funnel cakes, and burgers.

As the festival began to wind down, Lilly felt a pang of sadness, knowing that the evening was coming to an end. Ian's presence had become a source of comfort for her, and she knew that his wolf would soon take him away for the night. Lilly hoped he had enough room to roam in his wolf form like at the Hillgaurd manor.

Lilly had always watched the Hillguards shift and disappear into the woods that surround the manor. She had long to run with them but they always said "no due to the hybrids roaming the forest." Lilly had always spent the rest of the night waiting and watching the wolves weave in and out of the trees guarding the perimeter. She knew she had a wolf somewhere inside her, but she wasn't connected to her. She defected, but at least Chester was like her except a vampire halfling. Ian squeezed Lilly's hand, getting her attention.

"It's Time. " Ian stated, hugging her. Lilly leaned up kissing him softly. She felt Ian's body tense a bit as he deepened the kiss. Lilly pulled away, catching her breath. Ian chuckled before clearing his throat.

"Sorry, my hunger is a bit intense at the moment. Enjoy the rest of the night Lilly. I'll be fine."

"You are going to be alright for the night. Keep the door locked. " Ian continued softly. "Druis and Chester will be with you tonight."

Lilly looked up at him, her eyes filled with understanding and longing. " I'll see you in the morning, they will be trouble with those two." Lilly joked trying to lighten the mood.

Darius and Chester offered their support. "We'll behave and have her in bed at a reasonable time. " Darius assured Ian. "You have our word."

Chester nodded in agreement. "And we'll make sure she's safe and entertained. You can count on us."

Ian gave Lilly one last, lingering hug before he headed off to Crescent College. Knowing he had the support of his friends and that Lilly would be in good hands made it a bit easier for him tonight to go into the chambers.

As Lilly watched Ian disappear into the distance, she felt a mixture of sadness and gratitude. The festival had been a night of pure joy, a reminder of the deep connections she shared with her friends. Despite the challenges with Ian, he had shared a glimpse of his true self around her. it gave her hope even if it was misguided.

With Ian gone, Darius and Chester ensured that Lilly's evening continued on a high note. They led her to a quieter part of the festival grounds, where they continued to share stories and laughter around a fire pit. The night's magic lingered, a comforting presence as they made their way to the waiting Cab. Lilly was tired, and she knew Ian was going to be fine tonight. He had done this a dozen times before, and tonight would be no different.