The Scroll of Osiris: An Eva & Lilura Novel

Chapter 8 Lilura

Chapter 8 Lilura

Eva and I made our way back to the screaming match that was once meant to be a civilized meeting of the leaders. Marcus and King Oberon were yelling at each other across the field and Rita was in Alpha Liam's face attacking his character.

“I need to go stop Rita before she gets her face bitten off.” I sighed and left Eva’s side. As I approached Rita I could tell she was close to losing her control. Her curls were vibrating with energy and I could see sparks at her fingertips. I focused a calming spell on my hand and placed it firmly on her shoulder.

“Relax Rita. Step aside and speak with the Coven and no one else the rest of the night.” I commanded gently. I drained her overloaded energy and she nodded sedately and wandered back to the witches. I hated doing that for two reasons. One it put me close to being overwhelmed with energy, and two I felt it was unkind. I balled my fist to contain the added magic to my system and turned my attention to Alpha Liam.

“Please forgive Rita Alpha Liam. We have suffered some great losses and we are all on edge.” I pleaded sincerely. He gave out a frustrated sigh.

“I came to this ridiculous meeting because of you, Lilura. We have had a good friendship with you and I had intended to honor that, but not like this. Our pack has suffered too.” He expressed, his warm brown eyes sad and weary. My heart went out to him. Liam Scott had suffered great losses before. His oldest son, Corey, was the werewolf who had helped build my cottage. He was next to be alpha until he died in a car accident. I had attended the funeral by request of Kodan who had also pitched in to build the cottage.

He was right that this meeting was ridiculous and we would get nowhere like this and may even cause more animosity among the groups. The extra energy from Rita pulsed in my hands. The shouting continued, and I knew I would have to make it stop. I unclenched my fist and brought it together with my other hand. I focused my own energy into the magic burning my hands. In a single fluid motion, I flung my arms wide releasing the magic, sending a shockwave across the entire park.

“ENOUGH!” I bellowed. Silence followed.

“We came here to discuss these murders peacefully and to determine the best course of action. I wanted us to work together. I know that we have all lost people. But Eva and her team have determined that this is one killer and he is human. We can easily find him with all our skills combined.” I admonished. Eva gave me a reassuring smile. Her hand was on Marcus’s shoulder, holding him in place. I could only imagine the wrath she had endured from him. The other faces in the crowd still seemed too angry to agree to anything. I nodded and the frustration ate at my heart.

“Fine. That’s fine. We will allow this killer to continue murdering our people because we are too childish and foolish to let go of our prejudices. Just know when one of your own is killed that is on you and you should take the full brunt of that decision.” I spat at the leaders.

King Oberon stepped toward me. His eyes were full of rage.

“You are an arrogant one. You dare stand there and pass judgment on us. You thought you had the power to overcome centuries of animosities in one meeting?.” His words were like ice and I could hear the cracking of tree bark in the distance. This pompous ass didn’t scare me. If he wanted a fight he would get one. I stepped toward him threateningly. He opened his mouth to say something but a gloved hand grabbed King Oberon’s arm. We both were astonished to see that it was Tyr. He was dressed in his court attire. The maroon against his skin and his dark features made him look ethereal. I schooled my expression so as not to reveal the simmering feeling in the pit of my stomach. To show such emotions around the Fae would be dangerous. I could handle a fight with magic, but I stood no chance when they knew an emotional weakness to exploit.

“My lord, this woman means nothing. To spend any thought on her would be a waste of time and energy. She is a small witch from a small town. She is arrogant and foolish. Let us leave.” Tyr said soothingly. His words stung and heat rose to my cheeks from shame and hurt. He was right I was foolish, how could I have let myself get involved with a Fae and not expect this.

King Oberon straightened himself and shrugged off Tyr’s gloved hand.

“I couldn't agree more with Lord Tyr. Let us leave this place.” He announced. He turned on his heel and walked towards the tree line his guards in tow. Tyr lingered behind. He peered at me under his lashes. My heart fluttered but I stomped on those feelings and scowled at him.

“I will see you at your cottage.” He said. I continued to scowl and was about to shout at him but his long legs had already taken him across the park and out of earshot.

I turned back to the others. Obviously, the meeting was over. People were already making their way out of the park. Marcus and Eva remained with their security team, but most of my coven had left except for Rita and Jess. Liam Scott also remained, standing awkwardly by himself. I walked over to Rita and Jess.

“So the others had the good sense to call it a night,” I noted.

“Florence rounded up the troops and convinced them to go home. Bunch of lemmings.” Rita huffed. She looked wiped out but she wouldn’t admit it.

“Sounds about right. How are you, Rita?” I asked. She glared at me.

“Lilu I am fine.” She sighed heavily.

“Well, why don’t you two go home. I’ll finish things up here.” I suggested. Jess and Rita muttered agreements and started their way towards their cars. I made my way over to Liam who was waiting for me.

“I’m sorry this didn’t go well.” He said. I placed my hands in my pockets and rocked on my heels nodding my head.

“Well, I expected as much. But I had hope. It was a long shot. We still need to stop this murderer.” I said.

“I agree. But there is no way I can get my pack to agree to work on this. I can spare you one. Kodan will want to help anyway. That’s the best I can do.” He offered.

“Thank you, Alpha Liam. I do appreciate it.” I said. I reached out my hand to shake his. We shook and he took off from the park. Now for the last goodbyes, the vampires.

“I must apologize for how poorly this went,” I announced to Marcus and Eva.

“Yes well, I could have told you that.” Marcus snipped. He placed his head in his hands and rubbed his temples. Eva gave me a reassuring look.

“Marcus we had to try something. We need to stop these murders. It was at least a chance to get help.” Eva responded. She glared at Marcus.

“Well Eva you can continue to investigate, but I’m done with this.” Marcus moved past Eva and the guards followed him to the black SUV.

“This was a mess,” I said.

“Yes, but we tried. And we will still be on this. We will figure it out. Even if it’s just us.” Eva affirmed.

“Well, there will be three actually. Alpha Liam offered us the help of his son Kodan.” I added.

“Good, almost a whole collective. What about Tyr, do you think he will help?” Eva inquired. The heat in my cheeks returned. It was a reaction completely out of my control.

“Don’t even mention Tyr. I’m pissed at him.” I fumed.

“What? Why?” Eva asked, confused.

“He was a d**k to me in front of the King.” I groaned.

“That was Tyr! The tall dark drink of water next to the King? Well, I would say congrats on the hottie score, but you seem pissed and that would be inappropriate.” Eva giggled. I couldn’t help but laugh too, she was always supportive and knew how to lift my spirits.

“Yes, he is extremely hot, but also temperamental, rude, mysterious, dangerous, sexy, a good kisser, sweet…” I babbled. I caught myself and shut up mid-sentence. Eva just stared at me and smiled knowingly.

“Sounds like someone has a little crush.” Eva teased.

“Stop it! This is not the priority. These murders are the priority!” I laughed. My cheeks grew hotter.

“Well if the murders are a priority, then you’ll have to get over yourself and ask for his help. Judging by your little spat with the King of the Fae he won’t be offering much assistance.” Eva pointed out.

“Alright, I will get over myself. I will keep my hands to myself. I will ask for his help. And there will be no kissing, no touching, and definitely no s*x!” I declared with confidence.

“Sure! Good luck with that.” Eva teased again.

“You know what? I resent your lack of confidence in my ability to keep my pants on.” I mocked. We both laughed again.

“Let’s go home,” Eva suggested. I agreed and we walked together to our cars together and said our goodbyes.

———————-

Dawn had peeked past the clouds and morning was almost here. As I pulled into my driveway, Tyr was sitting on my front porch steps. He had changed and was wearing a black tunic over black trousers and boots that wrapped along his calves. I had not slept all night, been in the middle of a high tension situation, and I was not in the mood for Tyr.

I slammed the door to my truck and stomped to the front porch toward Tyr. I suddenly realized that I had never seen Tyr in the morning or during the day. We had always crossed paths at dusk and at night. Seeing him in the sunlight I noticed that there was a warmth to his black hair. The sun revealed strands of chocolate and coffee brown. I could feel the spring of attraction and emotions overwhelming my system. I took a deep breath and pushed them back down.

“What are you doing here?” I snapped at him. He looked up at me surprised.

“You’re angry.” He stated. He got to his feet and stood before me. His figure towered over me, but his size would not intimidate me.

“Of course I’m angry! I’m infuriated! You just insulted me in front of your King! You were rude to me! You just left me after we kissed! I mean I have a million reasons to be angry at you! So take your pick!” I yelled. I stepped closer to him, our chests almost touching. We stared at each other and suddenly his large hands wrapped around me and he bent to press his lips against mine. His lips were soft and hot and they moved quickly against mine. I couldn’t pull away, his kiss was like the tide pulling me into deeper waters. I fisted my hands in his black soft waves. I moaned against his lips and he deepened our kiss. His right hand grabbed the back of my head tangling his hand in my red curls.

He pulled away slightly, but still had me wrapped in his arms. “Invite me inside.” He ordered breathlessly.

“What?” I answered. His eyes were almost black the pupils dilated. I wanted him, all I had to do is ask. I know I had made grand declarations to Eva, but I was 98% sure that I wouldn’t be able to keep my promises.

“Please come inside,” I whispered against his lips. I didn’t get to say more as he lifted me off my feet and wrapped my legs around his waist. He carried me effortlessly up the front porch steps and through my front door. He kicked the door shut behind him. I placed his face between my hands and kissed him again, teasing him by biting his full bottom lip. He let out a soft moan.

“Where’s your bedroom?” He asked his voice husky. I realized that Tyr had only ever been in my living room. I laughed at the absurdity. In my life, I had never brought a man to my bed who I knew nothing about.

“You’re laughing at me.” He said with a chuckle. I pointed to the hallway where two-bedroom doors were located.

“The one on the right,” I said before placing another feverish kiss on his lips. He carried me to the room I had directed him to, he kicked open the door almost knocking it off the hinges.

My room was small but I had managed to shove a queen-sized bed with a dark wood frame in. Tyr threw me on it and I bounced on the impact. I got on my knees and leaned on the edge of the bed, my hands wound around Tyr’s neck. He bent his head to kiss me again. This time it was softer and slower and lingering. My hands drifted down to the hem of his shirt and I pulled it up and over his head. His hair was a mess and sticking out in odd places. His chest and torso were wide and the skin taut over muscle. I ran my hand across the soft skin of his chest, his whole body shivered at my touch. I loved how his body reacted to me, and I loved how mine reacted to him.

He pulled my t-shirt off and removed my bra with precision. His right hand danced across my breasts and goosebumps erupted on my skin. I reached for his left hand which still was in its glove. I attempted to pull it off, but he pulled away from me. I felt the absence of him like an ice bath and I shivered.

“Wait! Don’t leave.” I almost panicked.

“I just need to warn you first. I won’t leave.” He explained.

“The glove is enchanted. If you remove it…” He trailed off. I didn’t interrupt.

“I lost this hand. A long time ago. That’s why I wear this glove. I just didn’t want you to be surprised.” He finished. I climbed down off the bed and took his left hand in mine. I gently pulled off the worn leather glove. There was no hand, but instead, his forearm ended abruptly at the wrist. I could see the faint white marks of scars that had healed with the passage of time. I brought his arm to my lips and kissed him gently on the scars. I glanced back up at him and he was staring at me in wonder.

He pulled me against him again. He removed his boots and I rushed to get my jeans off, kicking them into the corner of my room. I scolded myself for not wearing cute underwear, however, Tyr didn’t seem to notice as he pushed me back down on the bed. I worked hurriedly at the ties on his pants. He hooked a long finger in the waistband of my underwear and slid them down my legs. I pushed his trousers off with my legs. He leaned between my legs now, both of us completely naked. He rested his weight on his arms and looked down at me. His hair falling into his face. I brushed the hair away with both my hands and pulled his face into mine.

In one fluid motion, he pushed easily inside me. I let out a surprised cry of pleasure as he began to move in me. I wrapped my legs tighter around his waist. His lips moved down my face, to my neck, then to my breasts, and back up to my mouth. All the while his pace quickened. I could feel myself reaching the edge. My body convulsed sporadically. His breathing matched mine, I could tell he was close. I pulled at his hair and my other hand clawed at his shoulder blades. He groaned and buried himself deeper into me. We reached our peak together and I let out a loud moan before my body gave out one last surge of pleasure. Tyr followed quickly after me, and then collapsed, holding his weight off of me.

Several minutes passed as we caught our breath and slowed our hearts. He rolled off of me and I turned on my side, our legs still tangled. I propped my head on my hand to look at him, he returned my gaze and gave me a wide smile that stretched across his face and up to his eyes.

“Are you still mad at me?” He asked with a chuckle.

“You know it’s weird I’m not mad at all.” I laughed. He leaned up to plant a quick kiss on my lips.

“Now if you were to suddenly leave like you usually do, then, I would be mad,” I warned. I gave him a scowling look. He reached up and pushed a stray red curl out of my face and behind my ear.

“I won’t leave unless you ask me to.” He said his tone was serious. The green of his eyes was starting to peek through.

“Good, then you will stay and we will sleep,” I commanded. I reached down and pulled the floral duvet over us. He was too large for my bed and his legs dangled over the edge but he situated himself so that I could lay with my leg across his waist and my head on his shoulder. I fell asleep almost immediately to the sound of Tyr humming a song to himself.

——————

I woke to the sound of my alarm going off. I launched my arm toward my nightstand and slammed the off button.

“Fuuuuckkk.” I groaned. I picked up my phone to check the time. 8:45am. As the fogginess I’d sleep left me I suddenly remembered. I’m supposed to be meeting with Eva and Kodan. I sat up in bed and realized I was still naked. I reached over to Tyr to wake him, but the bed beside me was empty and cold. He had left. I fumed but had no time to dwell. I threw myself angrily out of bed and slid on new underwear and shoved on pants and a t-shirt, stuffing my feet into my ankle boots.

I entered the adjoining bathroom and ran a brush through my messy curls, brushed my teeth and put my hair in a low bun. I never wore makeup so I was saved a step. I rushed out to my kitchen to get some hot tea to wake myself up.

Tyr was in my small bright kitchen. He again looked so large in such a small space. He had changed and now wore a white shirtsleeves and a forest green vest with black slacks and simple black boots. He leaned against the counter with a mug in one hand and a book in the other. He was wearing his leather glove again. He looked halfway normal. Except over course for his pointed ears hidden by his long black hair.

“You’re still here?” I half asked, half stated.

“Yes. You asked me to.” He answered his brows knitting together in confusion.

“Yes, I did. That’s good.” I stuttered. I had never been this awkward around someone I had slept with before. With Tyr, everything was new and different.

“I was going to let you sleep. Your energy was...drained.” He added with a wry smile. My cheeks burned but I moved past him and made a quick cup of tea.

“Yes well, it’s been an eventful few days and I have a meeting this morning that I am already running late for,” I explained.

“Yes with the vampire and the werewolf. I was hoping to accompany you.” He stated. He put down his book and mug and crossed his arms.

“How did you know about that?” I inquired.

“There was a text on your phone from the vampire.” He shrugged.

“You read my texts. And by the way, that vampire is my friend and has a name, Eva.” I scolded. He smiled again at me.

“Well aside from your total invasion of my privacy, you are correct I am meeting with them. And as for you going with, I think that would be wise, we need as many minds on this as possible.” I relented.

“Good. Now shall we be going?” He stood before me looking down at me.

“Yes, I think we should.” I started to walk through the kitchen out the back door when I stopped dead in my tracks. Tyr bumped into me from behind.

“My truck!” I exclaimed whirling around to face him. He looked confused.

“What? It seems fine to me.” He said glancing over at my truck.

“Iron. It’s made of iron. Won’t that kill you?” I panicked. He just went back to grinning.

“Well iron only kills me if I’m pierced with it, and it’s left in my body. Sitting in an iron box will only make me extremely ill.” He said still grinning. I was shocked by his cavalier attitude.

“So we can’t drive! You’ll be sick.” I noted.

“I’ll be fine Lilura. This isn’t the first time I’ve ventured into this world. I’ve come prepared.” He reached into the neck of his shirt and pulled out a gold chain with a small gold coin attached to it.

“This will prevent iron poisoning. It’s enchanted.” He explained, placing the amulet back underneath his shirt. I was relieved. We both headed to my truck. I slid into the front seat and he climbed into the passenger.

We drove to the city and parked out front of a small coffee shop where I had told Eva and Kodan to join us. Hopefully, we could get more answers. Tyr followed me inside and we sat ourselves at a table in the back away from the other customers. Tyr was glamoured and the edges around him were blurred like someone was erasing the outline of his shape. He grasped my hand under the table while we waited for Eva and Kodan to arrive.