War Amongst the Realms

Chapter 3

Delilah pulled her sweater tighter around herself as the wind sent chills down her spine. Tears rolled down her cheeks and she leaned closer to Kylen. Her eyes focused briefly on the woman speaking, before letting them wander between the bodies of the fallen wolves. The bodies were all draped in beautiful hand sewn black linens. Real gold and silver string painstakingly woven into the fabric to display the pack crest. Those that had mate's had their mate mark displayed in a pale teal color on all four corners of the fabric. Those without mate's had their individual family crest on each corner in lavender. The belief behind the detail was to help the souls remember who they were and allow the Goddess to deliver the fallen wolves to their loved ones waiting on the other side. It was said a wolf who was not draped would not be able to cross the river of fate into the afterlife. Their souls would be trapped and wander the earth realm for eternity. That cruel fate was usually reserved for rogues or betrayers.

"Do not weep. For I am not dead. I did not die. My soul ascended, but I am still by your side. I walk with you and hold your hand. 'Til daylight fades and night begins. When night falls, the Goddess calls. I watch from afar and keep the evil at bay. When the dawn breaks and sheds light on a new day, I return to your side. Do not weep. For I am not dead. I'll walk with you forever, in your heart and in your head."

As the woman's words came to an end, hundreds of wolves began to howl. The howling slowly faded as archers, dressed head to toe in black and cloaked in silver ceremonial robes bearing the pack crest raised their bows and prepared their arrows. The tip of each arrow was set ablaze. The archers released the arrows into the air all at once. Each arrow gracefully landed on a fallen wolf. Flames danced high into the air as the wolves once again began howling.

Several minutes passed before the howling ceased and the wolves began to retreat to the main pack house. Delilah gave Kylen's hand a gentle squeeze before making her way over to Marcos' side. She locked her arm with his and kissed his shoulder, letting a sigh escape her lips.

"I'm truly sorry, brother." She whispered. Marcos untangled his arm from hers and wrapped Delilah in a strong embrace. He inhaled her scent, sucking in the air to contain the tears threatening to spill out.

"I couldn't save him, Li." He muttered into her hair. Delilah's heart sank at the pure agony in his voice. She had no words. Nothing she could do or say would bring Shilo back and take her brother's pain away. She did the only thing she could. She wrapped her arms around Marcos and slowly lowered them both to the ground, rocking back and forth gently just as he used to do for her when she was little and would get hurt or scared. Marcos could not hold his tears back any longer and let go in the comforting arms of his baby sister.

"My precious children, please do not weep. For the Goddess has Shilo and all her fallen babies at her side once again." The two siblings were pulled from their thoughts by the woman's words. Standing in front of them was a petite, slender woman. She had beautiful dark curls that wound down her entire back, reaching the top of her backside. Her pale skin is a stark contrast to the black dress adorning her body. She wore a simple, yet beautiful crown of leaves made of gold, sitting perfectly atop her dark curls. She knelt down beside the two and cupped their chins tenderly into her hands.

"Look at my beautiful children. It pains me to see such sadness in your eyes."

"You're here." Said Marcos. He brought his hand up and placed it on top of his mother's hand.

"Of course I'm here. My children need me." She smiled softly. Footsteps approaching made them all turn to see Kylen making his way towards the three. Marcos rose to his feet and bowed his head slightly as Kylen stepped next to Delilah and her mother, extending his hands to help them to their feet.

"Seraphina, looking as radiant as always," Kylen said, bringing his mother in-laws hand to his lips and placing a light kiss on the top of her knuckles. Seraphina smiled and bowed her head to Kylen.

"Hello, Alpha," Seraphina said, "Any word from Luca, or the other vampires?"

"Luca has agreed to meet with us tomorrow evening. If that goes well, I am hopeful the other clans will join us as well." Kylen replied.

"Alpha, the guests are waiting for you in the pack house." Said a voice from behind them. Kylen turned to see a young girl with mousy brown hair and slightly tanned skin standing with her head bowed towards the group.

"Thank you, we'll be right there." Kylen nodded and turned back to Delilah. He grabbed her hand, squeezing it gently before motioning towards the pack house

"Shall we?" He smirked at his mate. Delilah let a small smile curl onto her lips and nodded, letting him lead her in the direction of the pack house. Marcos extended his hand to his mother, taking her hand in his and following behind his Alpha.

As they entered the pack house, everything fell silent and the four were met with sympathetic stares. Marcos escorted his mother to a chair at the main dining table, pulling her chair out for her and giving her shoulder a slight squeeze before returning to stand with Kylen. Delilah used her free hand to link arms with her brother, pulling him closer to her as Kylen began to address the pack.

"Thank you everyone for coming today," Kylen began, "As we mourn the loss of our fallen brothers and sisters, let us remember their time with us. Let us celebrate the love, laughs, and adventures we have had together. Please join Delilah and myself tonight for dinner, as we take comfort in each other's company."

The wolves nodded and murmured amongst themselves in agreement. Kylen glanced at Marcos, raising an eyebrow and nodding his head toward the crowd, wondering if Marcos wanted to add anything. Marcos bowed his head and waved his hand, showing he was not able to address the pack yet. Delilah gave his arm a reassuring squeeze and kissed his shoulder.

"Let's eat, brother. You don't have to talk to anyone until you're ready." Delilah whispered in his ear. "I'm going to take Marcos to get some food, and get mom a plate. Are you okay, my love?" She asked, her attention now focused on Kylen.

"Of course, baby. Enjoy your time with your family. I will join you all soon." Kylen said. Delilah stood up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against Kylen's, letting them linger for a few moments. Kylen slid his arm around Delilah, pulling her closer and letting his hand travel down to the small of her back. "It's not polite to tease, my love," he muttered against her lips.

"Who's teasing, Alpha?" She whispered. She pulled away from him, smiling and led her brother over to the kitchen to grab some of the delicious smelling food the Omegas had prepared for the day. Kylen groaned under his breath, watching her walk away, smirking as her hips swayed back and forth, her black, lace covered dress clinging perfectly to every curve on her body. He shook his head and returned his focus to the wolves lining up to speak with him. Delilah had a knack for teasing him at the most inappropriate moments.

Delilah grabbed a plate and surveyed the spread in front of her. The counters were filled with so many wonderful dishes, all arranged perfectly from sides to main dishes and even dessert and snack foods. Delilah filled a plate up for her mother, with smoked turkey leg, green beans, a small salad with strawberries, feta cheese, almonds and a raspberry vinaigrette. She waited on Marcos to get his plate, sighing as he only had five green grapes, a handful of crackers, and a single slice of ham.

"Marcos, you have to eat more than that. You've barely eaten in days." She pleaded with her brother. Marcos rolled his eyes, grabbed a turkey leg, scooped some mashed potatoes, and a spoonful of corn on his plate.

"Is that better, princess?" He asked, sarcasm dripping from his words.

"Yes, much," Delilah said, sticking her tongue out at him before flicking a green bean towards his head, nailing him dead center in the forehead. She giggled at the annoyance growing on his face and dipped out of the kitchen quickly before he could retaliate.

"What would you like to drink, momma?" She asked, her eyes flickering up as she watched Marcos turn the corner into the dining hall, glaring at his little sister. He took a seat next to his mother, at the corner right side of the table, eyes still focused on Delilah.

"Whatever you two got going on, cut it out. You're too old for these silly games." Said Seraphina, looking between the two of them, "And as for a drink, I'll have a vodka sprite and water with lemon, please dear."

"Of course, mother." Delilah nodded, "Dear brother, can I procure you a beverage?"

"Scotch, on the rocks. Double." Marcos replied, ignoring the sarcasm. Delilah smirked slightly and turned, heading towards the bar at the far end of the dining hall. She returned a few minutes later with drinks in hand, placing them in front of her mother and older brother.

"I am going to go make Kylen and I a plate before the little wolves devour all the food," Delilah chuckled, turning and walking back into the kitchen. She grabbed two plates, reaching for a turkey leg as Kylen strolled into the kitchen.

"Perfect timing, my love. You can help me fix our plates." Delilah said, smiling at him. Kylen moved around her and pressed himself against her back, snaking his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.

"I'd rather help you with something else," he whispered into her ear. Delilah shivered at his words and pushed herself back against him, pushing her hips back against his.

"My love, you know you have to eat your dinner first before you get dessert." She said softly, trying to keep her composure. Kylen smirked and pulled her back against him even more, nibbling at her ear lightly.

"My dear Luna, I am the Alpha. I can have my dessert any time I please."

A soft moan escaped Delilah's lips, causing Kylen to push into her more, completely pinning her body between him and the counter in front of her. A cough broke the two from their moment and they looked towards the door to the kitchen. A man stood in the doorway. The man was huge, standing around six foot five, his muscles chiseled perfectly as if done so by the Goddess herself. His long dark blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail, the sides of his head shaved with traditional viking tattoos visible on both sides. His green eyes burned straight into Kylen's as he stood in the doorway.

"Alpha Leif, glad to see you could make the trip up." Kylen said, bowing his head as he stepped away from Delilah, moving towards the man, his hand extended. Leif eyed Kylen for a moment, before taking his hand in a firm handshake, bringing Kylen in for a hug.

"Alpha Kylen, good to see you." Leif said, before stepping around Kylen and taking a few steps towards Delilah. Delilah closed the space between them in a split second, wrapping her arms around the man. Lief couldn't help but laugh and lift Delilah off the ground, squeezing her tightly to his chest.

"Hey daddy!" Delilah said, though her words were muffled with her face buried into his chest.

"Hello princess," said Leif, "I've missed you so much, my dear."

"I've missed you, too."

"Is your mother here already?" Before Delilah could respond, Seraphina appeared in the kitchen, unable to hide the grin dancing on her lips.

"Hello, my Queen." Leif said, smiling as he closed the distance between them.

"Hello, my love." Seraphina whispered. Leif pulled his beloved into his arms, pressing his lips against hers in a passionate kiss. The two finally separated from each other and Leif looked around the room.

"Where is he?" He asked, eyes still scanning the room. Seraphina took his hand and led him into the dining hall towards their son. Marcos stood as he noticed his parents walking to him. Before he could speak, his father pulled his son into a loving embrace.

"I am so sorry, my son." He sighed, squeezing Marcos tighter in his grip. Losing your mate is the worst feeling you could ever imagine. The physical pain alone is enough to make a wolf crave death. Not to mention the emotional and mental pain. "Shilo was one of the strongest warriors I have ever had the pleasure of fighting alongside."

"Thank you," Marcos said, returning his father's hug. He pulled away from the embrace and gave his dad a weak smile. "Shilo always did admire you, I know he would be elated to hear you say that."

"The Goddess gained a powerful warrior today," Leif patted his son on the back and headed back into the kitchen to grab some food.

The pack house was filled with the sounds of over a hundred wolves from multiple packs. After dinner, the Omegas cleaned up the dishes while the Alphas gathered around one of the tables to discuss their next move. Delilah plastered on her best smile and entertained the Lunas with cocktails at a table across the room. She couldn't deny, as much as she hated to admit it, the gossip from the other Lunas was highly entertaining. As she listened to them tell their juiciest stories, she couldn't help but steal glances at her mate. Her eyes locked with his after many stolen peaks in his direction. The look he gave instantly sent shivers down her spine and she couldn't help but to bite her lip, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear nervously as she looked at the ground. She knew his mind was still on their interrupted encounter in the kitchen and she could feel the lust pouring from him. She couldn't stop the grin from spreading across her face at the thought of what was sure to happen later that night.

"How long have you and Kylen been married?" Asked one of the Lunas. Delilah snapped her head towards the older blonde woman speaking, almost startled by the woman's voice.

"Oh, um, three years." Delilah said finally.

"And no pups yet?" The judgemental tone in her voice made Delilah want to throw up, but she plastered her smile back on her face and nodded.

"We decided to wait until after the war to have any children." Delilah explained.

"I still can't believe Alpha Kylen is ok with you fighting in this war. My Ivar forbade me to fight in this war. He insists the battlefield is for the men." Stated the same Luna.

"My Li is one of the best warriors this pack has. Kylen is blessed to have her on that battlefield." Seraphina spoke up, refusing to let anyone judge or belittle her daughter. Delilah's fake smile was quickly replaced with one of pure joy at her mother's words. "You know, Frida, judgement looks good on no one." The table fell silent as the words seemed to echo through the dining hall. A few of the Lunas appeared shocked, or even disgusted, with the High Priestess, but most could hardly stifle their laughter. The blonde woman, Frida, had no words. After what felt like years, she waved her hand in a very dismissive way and stood up.

"I'm tired, and these men will be down here all night talking. I'm going to bed." And with that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the dining hall and towards the room she was staying in. The entire table watched her walk away, bursting into fits of giggles as soon as she turned the corner. The giggles died down and the women resumed their tales of gossip as if nothing ever happened.

As the night finally began to wind down, most of the wolves had returned to their homes. The Lunas were slowly excusing themselves to retire to their rooms. Delilah stayed until the last Luna had gone to bed, before stealing a quick kiss from Kylen and heading home herself. Those from neighboring packs began to retire to their rooms in the pack house as well. Kylen excused himself from the group and went into his office, going over details for his meeting with Luca tomorrow night. A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Come in," he called, turning his attention to the person at the door. The door opened and Leif poked his head into the office.

"You got a minute, son?" Asked Leif.

"What's up?"

"My warriors will be here by the end of the week. Any word from the vampires?" Leif asked, walking into the room and closing the door.

"They're hesitant, but I am meeting with Luca tomorrow," Kylen started to explain. "If we can convince Luca and the clans in the southern realm to join us, we stand a good chance of getting Demetri and the clans of the northern realm to join."

"I might be of use getting Luca fully on board. His father and I go way back." Leif stated.

"Okay, be here tomorrow at nine," Kylen said.

"Now go home to your wife, because if my princess is anything like my queen, she is not a patient woman and doesn't take too kindly to being kept waiting." Leif laughed, shaking his head. Kylen chuckled at his father in law's words. Delilah was definitely absent the day the Goddess handed out patience.

"Like mother, like daughter." Kylen shrugged, "Thank goodness she got her mother's looks too." He joked as he walked out of his office with Leif, closing the door behind them.

Leif gave Kylen's shoulder a firm squeeze, before bowing his head and heading down the hall to one of the many guest rooms in the pack house. Kylen stood looking after him in the hallway, letting a smile creep on his lips as he heard Seraphina's voice, already starting in on her husband for disappearing while she was in the bath. Kylen shook his head as the door closed, silencing his mother in law's voice, and headed down the stairs and out the door. He got into his truck and drove back to the house he shared with his mate, just on the edge of the pack territory.

After his short, ten minute drive, Kylen pulled into his driveway. The drive was illuminated by blue lights, placed in perfectly carved stone, lining the driveway and path to the double front doors. The house was like something out of a fairy tale. The roof came to multiple points of varying heights, to resemble a cottage style home. The tan stone exterior and dark oakwood doors and garage only further help to make their house look like a fairytale cottage.

As Kylen got out of his truck and headed up the walkway to the front door, he spotted his gorgeous mate, sitting in their large bay window. Delilah was wearing a silky black night gown that came just below her knees, with a slit that went up to her mid thigh. Her hair hung slightly in her face as she stared intently at the page in her book. She perked her head up and her gaze shot out the window, her eyes narrowing as the smell of sage and sandalwood filled her nostrils. Once her eyes fixated on Kylen walking towards the front door, her gaze softened and she sprung from the window, sprinting to the door with flash like speed, pulling it open just before Kylen's hand reached the knob.

"Mr. Hagen, hasn't anyone told you, it's rude to keep people waiting." Delilah teased, leaning playfully against the door. Kylen gave her a devilish grin, before scooping her into his arms and throwing her over his shoulder. Delilah gasped as she was carried up the stairs, Kylen pushing the door closed with his foot as he made his way up to their bedroom. The inside of the home was a perfect mash of modern goth and homely cottage. The hardwood floors, stained a deep cherry, are a beautiful contrast against the beige walls. All the furniture was matte black leather, with burgundy rugs and runners throughout the home.

Kylen carried Delilah into their room and dropped her down the bed, the same evil grin still plastered on his face. Their bed was an all black, four post Victorian style bed, with deep purple sheets and pillow cases, and a black comforter. The headboard of their bed reached halfway to the ceiling and carved into the wood was their pack crest, outlined in silver to stand out against the rest of the black board.

"Mr. Hagen, what, pray tell, do you think you're doing?" Delilah asked with a small smirk on her lips. Kylen crawled on top of her, pinning her hands above her head and stealing a kiss. Delilah parted her lips to let her tongue slip through, grazing his bottom lip. Kylen groaned against her lips, but then pulled away, causing Delilah to give him a pouty look.

"I'm finishing what you started, Mrs. Hagen." He said, gripping the sides of her nightgown and pulling it over her head. He let his gaze wander over her body, taking in every inch and curve of her body. Delilah sat up on her elbows, her eyes fixated on his as she watched him study her body. He brought his fingers up her side, tracing the outline of one of her many tattoos as he went, and tenderly pinched her n****e between his fingers. Delilah moaned softly, pushing her chest towards his hand more. She sat herself up, moving her hands to his sides and untucking his shirt from the waist of his slacks. Kylen released his hold on her breast and began to unbutton his shirt. Delilah pushed it off his shoulders and practically ripped it the rest of the way off his arms, before discarding the black shirt onto the floor. Her hands found their way to his black leather belt, quickly undoing the buckle and pulling it open. Kylen wasted no time unbuttoning his pants and slid them down to his ankles. He gently pushed Delilah back down on the bed as he stepped out of his slacks and crawled on top of her once again. Delilah wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down until their noses touched. Kylen pulled his face back just before their lips connected, licking his lips as he stared into her lust filled eyes. He brought his hand up to her face and brushed his thumb across her lips. Delilah's lips parted slightly, letting Kylen slide his thumb into her mouth. A growl escaped his lips as Delilah's lips closed around his thumb, sucking it fully into her mouth and twisting her tongue around it in a circular motion. Delilah kept her eyes locked with his as her hands slid down his chest and to the rim of his boxer briefs. She slipped her first two fingers on each hand into his waistband and began sliding them down his waist. Kylen used his free hand to help push them down the rest of the way, letting them drop to the floor.

"Damn, you are sexy," Delilah exclaimed breathlessly as she gawked at her mate, letting his thumb slide out of her open mouth.

"Not near as sexy as you, my love." Kylen smirked. His hands wandered down her body, cupping her breast in one of his hands as the other found the waistband of her lace panties. His fingers trailed along the edges of the lace, finding their way to the inside of her thigh. He pushed the thin material to the slide before slipping his middle finger inside her tight, wet entrance. Delilah threw her head back into the bed and moaned as Kylen's finger slowly started pumping in and out of her. Kylen gazed down at his mate with pure desire, continuing a slow, steady rhythm as he began moving his thumb in a circular motion against her c**t. Delilah's moans grew louder and more intense as his pace increased. Delilah gripped the comforter, balling her hands into fists around the blanket, feeling herself tighten around Kylen's finger as she felt her sweet release approaching. Kylen felt her tightening around him, groaning as his rhythm became faster and harder with each stroke. He bent his head down and sucked Delilah's tingling n****e into his mouth, flicking his tongue over the tip and continued to massage her left breast with his other hand.

"Kylen!" Delilah gasped, her body tensing up as the release she craved came crashing over her like a tidal wave. Kylen slid his finger out of her and pulled away from Delilah long enough to grab her hips and flip her onto her stomach. Delilah growled in response, raising herself onto her knees and elbows, bending forward so her perfectly round posterior was up in the air. Kylen licked his lips, in awe as he stared at her glistening treasure. He placed one hand on her hip before guiding himself inside of her, filling her with his entire length. Delilah moaned, grinding her hips back against him as Kylen began pumping into her. Kylen gripped Delilah's hips, pushing himself deeper inside with every stroke.

"Oh God, baby," Delilah moaned, her fist digging harder into the sheets as Kylen thrusted harder. Delilah threw her head back, her moans growing louder. Kylen snaked his hand around her neck and brought her body up until her back was pressed against his chest. He brought his lips to her ear, nibbling lightly before kissing down her neck, playfully nipping the delicate skin. Delilah breath caught in her throat as moved her hand around the back of his head, tangling her fingers into his hair and pressing herself back against him more. Kylen groaned against her neck, sinking his teeth deeper into Delilah as he slid his hand down her chest to her stomach until he reached her throbbing slit. He once again began rubbing her c**t, his thrust becoming rougher and faster.

"Kylen!" Delilah screamed out, the pleasure building inside her. Kylen felt himself close to the edge and moaned into her neck as he thrust hard, burying himself deep inside her. Kylen growled, feeling himself, along with Delilah, lose control as the two surrendered to their pleasure. Delilah collapsed back against Kylen, her entire body quivering as the waves from her orgasm continued to course through her. She gasped softly as she felt Kylen slide himself out of her. Kylen laid down on the bed and pulled her into his arms.

"So did I make up for making you wait?" Kylen asked, combing his fingers through her purple locks as she lay on his chest.

"It's a pretty good start," Delilah teased. Kylen laughed, moving his hand down and tickling her side. Delilah shrieked and tried to move away, but he held her in place.

"I was only kidding, baby." Delilah pleaded, gasping for air between fits of laughter as he continued his tickle assault.

"How can I believe you?" Kylen asked, briefly stopping his attack to hear her answer.

"Because I love you, baby. You know I would never lie to you." Delilah said, trying to sound as innocent as possible. Kylen chuckled and pulled her back into his arms, kissing the top of her head.

"You're lucky you're so damn cute." He laughed. Delilah snuggled into him and pulled the covers up over them both.

"Goodnight, my love." She said, tilting her head up towards his. Kylen lowered his head to meet hers, pressing his lips against hers.

"Goodnight, Li." He said after breaking the kiss. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before reaching up and turning the light off next to him. Delilah buried her face in his chest and draped her arm across his chest as the two drifted off to sleep.