Posts by Heda#9393 (discord)

Oliver

Did she realise what she was doing? Oliver was confident she did and this display of playful teasing caught him a little off guard at first but he recovered quickly. His eyes tracked every movement she made as she devoured that last bite of chocolate cake. This one she took her time with and closed her eyes, making a display of savouring this last piece of dessert. Oliver swallowed thickly as the air around them crackled with a tension and energy that could only be summed up by one, simple word; desire. Oh, how he wanted to devour her just like she did the cake.

The billionaire waited patiently as she took her time. She was playing a game with him and he rebelled in this surprising new side of her he was seeing. When she did open her eyes, a breath escaped him and she leaned forward oh so slowly to place the plate on the table in front of them. The urge to take her then and there was so strong, it made him pause for a moment, his eyes ravaging her body until he couldn’t take it anymore. He needed to be closer. He needed to feel her under his touch. He needed to kiss her like he was starved for breath and she was the only source of oxygen to be found. He could have taken his time, perhaps he should have but the fire she lit within him was searing and blinding. His hand reached up and cupped the back of her head, his fingers already tangling in her hair as he swooped in and descended on her like a bat out of hell. Their lips collided and a moan sounded in his throat at the sensations coursing through his body. He pushed her against the back of the couch, trapping her body between it and his own. She cast a spell on him that he was helpless to fight against and nothing else mattered but her as the world fell away and she became his sole focus.

Otan

Otan was left feeling numb when he ascending the stairs. Was leaving her down there the best course of action? She wouldn't be safe. His father, his brothers and just about any palace guard had free access to those cells but time and time again, she spat poison at him with her words. Despite her reaction to him that first night in the tent, even though she was the one to kiss him, it didn't change the fact she openly despised him. What was he doing? He'd done his duty. Won the gladiatorial fights, brought the prisoners back alive and now they were in his fathers dungeons. His job was done. It was getting late as he walked through the halls to the room that was his. He could only ever manage to remain here for a night or two before it became too much for him. His anguish was written in the walls and they began to close around him, trapping the prince within his fathers domain. One night and then he would leave, return to his camp and the open, fresh air of the wilderness. The border needed to be watched. Although they had been gifted these warriors as the winners prize, the fact Azgeda now had prisoners from each tribe, would not go down easy for some clans. Warrior taken prisoner by Azgedakru never made it back over the border.

The prince rounded the last corner and halted in his tracks, eyes widening. His brothers stood shoulder to shoulder. Both were large men, thick with muscles and the strength to break bones with their bare hands. Otan was puny compared to these princes and they could easily snap him like a twig if they so dared. Otan was the runt, the weakling, the one that got bullied and beat on. He made to step back before they could see him but he had no such luck. They were waiting for him and his older brother, Acher, turned to him with a grin. "I actually wasn't expecting you to make it back, alive and with so many new toys for us to play with." His dark eyes bore into Otan and it took everything for the youngest prince not to shrink away. They all had their fathers dark eyes. His genes, it seemed, had been stronger than their mothers. There was nothing left in this palace that reminded Otan of her. Another reason he couldn't bare to stay here. "So why don't you go find your favourites and leave me alone." He wasn't in the mood to play games with his brothers. He simply wanted to sleep and leave in the morning, and try his hardest not to think about the Trikru he was leaving behind. She wouldn't survive here and he didn't want to watch his father break her before killing her. "Not to worry, little brother, we intend too." The oldest, Redick, spoke up then. Both men stalked toward Otan and he remained frozen to the spot under their dark gazes. "We were even thinking of starting with that fiesty, little Trikru warrior. Teach her some manners." Redick's voice was low and smooth. He was the more level-headed of the two, the clear ringleader. Whereas Acher was the hothead, always jumping headfirst into danger and dragging Redick down with him.

Meaty hands landed on Otan's shoulders as he started to protest. But they didn't listen to him and it was all too easy for the large warriors to drag their younger brother to his room. He tried to sturggle against them but his attempts of wrenching free of their grasp was feeble and much in the same why he had pushed River into that cage, they shoved him into the room and the doors slammed shut behind him. He heard the sound of something heavy moving outside and their laughter fading away down the hall. Otan's knees hit the ground and pain shot up his thighs but he grit his teeth against it and stood. It took him a moment to realise why they'd shut him in here. They didn't want him interfering with whatever dastardly plans they concocted.

The metal door swung open and firelight filled the cold, dark space as the two eldest princes swept into the dungeon. Danger glittered in their dark eyes as they stalked forward, a metal bar in the hand of Acher. As he walked forward, that weapon ran arcoss each cell bar with a *clink, clink, clink* and a wicked smile spread across his face as he stopped before the cage that harboured his intended target. "Now then, Trikru, let's have some fun." Acher free the lock and yanked the cage door open, stepping over the threshold with a predators grace. He stopped before her, eyes landing on the bloody knuckles of her hands and the smirk widened to show his teeth. "Making friends with the cage already, I see." He knelt down beside her, poking her shoulder with the metal rod. "Why don't you open yourself to the possibility of becoming acquainted with us? We are much more fun than our runt of a brother."

Adrian

He buzzed with an electric energy as the buck crashed to the forest floor and Sage didn't waste a single heartbeat before going for the creatures throat, her fangs tearing and snapping its neck. He watched as she tipped her head back and a victorious howl sounded from her. Adrian's wolf forced him to join in and it was an odd feeling but one he welcome as he added to her victory cry. The direwolf dipped his head as she bounded over too his, brushed up against him and his tag wagged at the attention she showed him. They'd brought something down, they Hunt had been a success. He was hers and she was his, in the deepest, most profound way and he knew nothing would ever come between them again. They were bonded for life and beyond that.

The red direwolf carried the buck with a sense of achievement and pride as they made their way back too the camp. He wasn't expecting the excitement and applause, nor the turn out from the pack as they crowded around the returning wolves. He watched the interaction between Lily and his mate. It warmed his heart to see there were those in this pack that cared for the young Alpha. She had friends and a kind of family here apart from Adrian. She'd won the hearts and minds of the pack when she defeated her brother and the admiration he witnessed from those gathered around them was hard to miss. He thanked Lily for the blanket when she draped it around him and it took a moment of concentration before he could shed the wolf form and stood once again, on his own two human legs. Adrian was right behind her as she made for the large house at the edge of the clearing. He was becoming less and less weird about entering the place. Sage was beginning to overwrite the memory of him sneaking in here and plunging his knife into the alphas heart that night.

The sight of her brought joy into his heart and a smile on his damaged face. The scar left behind by the fire Fenris held him over was still tight, and pulled whenever the muscles in his face moved but he wore it with pride because it reminded him everyday of the horror he endure at the blond man's hands. They both bore scars from the man and Adrian stepped forward, pulling Sage into his arms and planted a kiss to her forehead. "I felt things I never believed were possible and it was all because of you. So, now that we are official in the eyes of the pack, how would you like to spend your first night with your..." he searched for the right words but couldn't find it, so picked the next best thing. "Soulmate?" When he said it out loud, it felt right and he beamed with affection and love for this woman.

Lily

He wasn't wrong. Many times she observed him starting the day early, sometimes before the crack of dawn and finding the time to rest only after that same sun a had set. He looked more than tired she noticed, observing her love with a keen eye for that sort of thing. He looked exhausted, physically and mentally. The task he face everyday must be wearing him down and Lily wanted nothing more than to take him from this place, their son in her arms, and find their own little slice of paradise. But she knew that could never happen. She had a duty to the pack just as much as he did. She was their healer. There was no one else that could do her job half as good as the ginger. Perhaps she needed to take on an apprentice? Train someone up to take over when she was done. A surprised squeal left her lips when Thorn picked her up. She wrapped her arms around his strong neck and rested her cheek against his shoulder as he carried her to the bathroom. "I love you with all my heart." She whispered too him while he was filling the bath with steaming water and sunk into it when it was ready. He stayed by her side and she was content to just bask in his presence. Was this even real?

She spent the rest of the day with Thorn on her mind and her heart still blooming with warmth for the handsome, dark-haired Beta. She was busy sorting out her supplies for a majority of the day while he was busy running things and organising patrols. More than a few times she caught him watching her and it brought a smile to her lips every time. She was at the edge of camp, just within the treeline, replenishing her medicinal supplies when she heard the howls and her hands clasped together in front of her mouth. She rushed back to her little cottage, the one her father had built for Rose and dumped the basket of herbs and plants on the table, leaving with two blankets in hand as she waited for the two wolves to appear. She brushed her fingers along the black she-wolfs cheek, proud of her friend for succeeding. Thorn found her soon after and she glanced up at him, a smile parting her pink lips. "Yes, I remember it like it happened only yesterday. You took my breath away again and again." It was the one memory that Sage's brother had no tainted. Her eyes followed the alpha and her mate as they made their way to the house and she turned back to Thorn. "You should tell her soon, I'm sure she would love to know about Rhys."

Otan

Pain lanced up Otan's arm as he crashed into the doors. He knew his brothers had done this for a reason. They were just like their father. Always playing very, very dangerous games. They didn't have to wait here for him. They could have bypassed his room entirely and gone straight to the prison and he couldn't have known a thing... but they wanted him to know. They wanted their little brother to storm down there after them and try to stop them. They'd done things like this their whole lives. It was only when they got older they started playing these games with other people's lives. His breath rushed out through his gritted teeth as he backed away from the door and charged at it again... and again, and again until... he broke through with a deafening *crash*.

Her fist connected with his face and Acher blinked, slowly. His grin remained and a low chuckle built up in his chest as he turned back to face his older brother. "You weren't wrong Redick, she has spirit." His fist closed around her throat and he lifted her until she was standing on two feet. He leaned into her, his dark eyes narrowing, the metal bar resting in his fist. "Whatever you're planning just hurry up and get it over with. We don't have all night. Those doors won't hold him back forever." Acher stiffened and glanced back at his older brother, his fingers tightening the grip on River's throat. He looked back at her when he felt her fingers clawing at his hand and his brows rose, releasing her as she collapsed onto the cold, hard floor. "Whoops. Look what you made me do, Redick, I almost killed her." He shook his head, tapping the end of the pole against his leg. He could see the fire burning in her blue eyes when she glared up at him and it only made him want to choke it out of her but he knew his father wouldn't appreciate her dying on her first night within the palace. So with great effort, he restrained himself and instead backed away from her, waiting for her to get too her feet. The other prisoners were watching the encounter. Some with concern and others glad they weren't the current focus of the princes' attention.

"Come on, little girl, I want to see what you've got. Show me how you beat my brother." A wild delight shone in his eyes as he taunted her and his muscles flexed under his shirt as he rolled his head on his shoulders, loosening his muscles as he prepared for her to launch her attack at him. The metal pole twirled in his fingers. He guessed he could have brought a sword but the intention wasn't to kill her so quickly. No, she would suffer many terrible things before they gifted her with an exit. Redick closed the cage door, locking both his brother and the Trikru warrior in. It wasn't a very large space but enough they could at least circle each other without touching the bars.

Oliver

She tasted so good, so damned good... or was that the chocolate cake she'd just eaten? Oliver didn't know anymore, or didn't care, as she responded to his kisses. She leaned into him, melting against his lips and his hands. The whimper he drew from her was like music to his ears and he wanted to hear it again. He'd gone without this kind of interaction the whole week. It wasn't that he hadn't received offers from other beautiful women he met during his mothers functions and parties. There had been many but the thought of seeing Bella again, the promise he made too her at dinner on their first date, forced him to decline every one of their advances. The leather jacket was removed and dumped on the other chair and his eyes devoured her body again, that white dress clinging to her curves and back up again. "Not too worry Bella, you've made your boundaries clear but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun." He respected that she wasn't so easy to get. It made her so different from the others and that was just a small part of why he was drawn too her so.

He didn't dive back into her straight away. His heart was racing and his breath was slightly ragged from the passionate onslaught of kisses he ravaged her with. A little breather would only give him a chance to admire her body, the curve of her hips. His hand still in her head, gently guided her toward him and his mouth peppered kisses from the corner of her mouth, along her jaw and all the way down her neck. He gave each place the same time and attention as the others, thoroughly enjoying the way she reaction to his touch. His other hand trailed down her side, finding the end of her dress. His warm hand splayed across her thigh above her knee and moved up oh so slowly, tickling the inside of her thigh. He went no higher than the dress allowed. He knew tonight wasn't about getting laid, not like that first night had been. That was the plan then, it wasn't the plan now but that didn't mean he couldn't enjoy touching and teasing her. He was playing the long game, while learning as much about her as he could.

Adrian

Could he love this woman anymore? Yes. The answer was a strong, definite yes. He didn't think he would ever lose the desire to love her the way she wanted, the way she ached for him too. She was the Alpha in their day-to-day lives, yes but in the privacy of their room, she submitted that power, begging for Adrian to dominate and worship her. And he obliged. He would never deny her in such a way.

Being a light sleeper for most of his life and accutely attuned to any sudden movements made by Sage due to the week he spent watching over her when she was on her deathbed, he woke with a start when she scrambled from the bed and made for the bathroom. He could her hear coughing after she was sick and he slipped out of the bed, his underwear the only clothing he wore and padded quietly after her. He found her sitting on the ground, her back against the wall beside the toilet and closed the lid, pushing the button to wash away the mess.

He knelt beside her, taking her face between his hands and tilted her head up so she could look at him. "Do you feel better?" He couldn't be sure what was wrong with her. The silver poison had passed from her system almost a week ago. She made a full recovery and was back on her feet. He expected she would return to her duties very soon which is why he cherished every moment he had with her alone no matter how small. He brushed her hair away from her face and offered her a small smile in the darkness of the bathroom.

Lily

Lily smiled up at him and nodded. "Just... don't leave it too much longer. I've gotten you back and now I want my son, our son back." She knew he was stalling a little. Perhaps he didn't know who to bring it up with her but she knew he would find the words eventually and she couldn't wait for the day their little family would be whole again.

She spent the rest of the day completely her rounds with the rest of the pack. Talk of Sage and Adrian's Hunt was on everyone's lips and she found herself laughing happily along with everyone. Joy. They all felt it, something that hadn't been seen here in many years. When Thorn returned to his cabin later that night, she greeted him with a tired smile and as many kisses and cuddles as he wanted. She couldn't contain the joy she felt at having him back and when she woke to find him still in bed with her in the morning, she nuzzled into him, his arms wrapped around her like a protective shield. She believed him when he said things would be different this time, that he would protect her and Rhys.

It was pushing mid-morning when he finally began to stir and she tilted her head up a little to stare at his beauitful face, her hands resting against his chest. A smile tugged at her lips and she leaned closer to place a kiss against the skin of his chest, right over his heart. He was her life, her protector, her home. Without him, she wouldn't have the life she always dreamed of. "You're still here, this must be real and not just a dream." She whispered the words against his skin. It was a fear of hers that she would wake up from these moments with him and find she was alone, in her own bed, nothing changing.

Otan

Otan landed with a heavy thud as the he managed to break through the doors. His shoulder screamed with pain as he landed on it and a hot warmth life fire burned under his skin. He would feel that for a few days. They'd blocked his door with an old bookshelf. It wasn't meant to keep him in all night. It was too slow him down and give them enough time to get started with whatever sick games they had planned. The prince scrambled too his feet, ignoring the ache in his shoulder and the burn in his leg as the sudden exertion aggravated the wound River left on his leg. Luckily, he still had his swords strapped too his back. His footsteps thundered through the halls as he raced back to the cages holding the prisoners. The few remaining guards did not stop him, no one would dare lay a hand against him. He wasn't as strong or skilled as the other men in his family but he could beat down any other Azgeda that tried to chellenge him.

There wasn't much room to maneuver in the enclosed space of the cell and Acher didn't even try to dodge her attacks as she launched at him. She was a wild and reckless little thing. How she had managed to beat his brother was beyond him. Otan could hold his own in a fight, though not as good as Acher but she shouldn't have stood nearly victorious over him. Redick stalked along outside the cage, like a bear waiting for his own chance to strike, a wicked grin to matchi Acher on his face. The prince inside the cage took River's strikes and when she was done, he brought the metal rod up. "Impressive but now it's my turn." He wasted no time and the weapon in his hand found its mark, striking her in the gut and when she doubled over, hands clutching at her stomach, he brought the bar down on her back with enough force to break bone if he so wanted.

Acher backed off for a moment, giving her enough time to catch her break and when she stood back up, a hand reached through the bars, latching onto the back of her tank and yanked, pulling her against the bars. Redick held her there as he pressed up against the outside of the cage, his other hand reaching through to claim a hold on her chin. "We noticed the way he looked at you. Is there something you want to tell us about our baby brother?" Acher grinned at his older brother and stalked toward River, running his hand across her bare shoulder and down her arm, the other pressing the metal rod into her side. If it had been a sword, it would have pierced flesh. "He's always had a soft spot for beautiful things. Why should he get all the fun?"

Otan

Time seemed to move at a snails pace. Otan felt like he was wading through sludge as he pushed his legs to work harder, faster but the halls seemed to lengthen as if they were never ending. He should have spoken up against his father in the throne room. He should have known his brothers would try something like this. He did know, in fact. He just chose to ignore it. Partly because he wanted nothing more than to leave this place and also in part to River. She had a way of toying with his emotions in a way he didn't like. He told her he didn't care because he thought that's what she wanted to hear but if that was true, he wouldn't have saved her that night in the forest. He would have let his warriors have their way with her.

Finally his eyes landed on the stairway that led down to a sublevel basement. He took the stairs two and three at a time, jumping the last few and stumbled into the metal door at the end. He wrenched it open and flew into the room. Candles flickered as the cool air rushed in behind him, causing shadows to dance around the cages and their occupants but he wasn't searching for just anyone. His eyes found her, trapped against the bars of her cell between the older princes. Before either of them could notice him and react, Otan dove forward, his arms wrapped around Redicks middle and Otan swung his brothers large form around, using his momentum to maneuver the larger man.

Acher swore as his brain registered what was happening and caught up with him. He dropped his grip on the Trikru girl and moved for the entrance to the cage, only to find his brother had secured the lock. Didn't want the prisoner escaping. Otan and Redick tumbled to the hard ground, the younger prince landing on his already damaged shoulder and he clamped down on the cry of pain that clawed its way up his throat. The pair wrestled for control and for a moment, Otan thought he was going too win but Redick's superior strength won out and Otan felt himself being lifted to his feet and slammed against the side of the cage, right where River was standing on the other side. Otan grunted at the impact and his hand reached down for the dagger strapped at his side. He passed it through the bars before Redick could do anything, the younger princes head twisting around to face River. ""Take this. You beat me, you can beat him too."

He needed to give her a fighting chance while he held the eldest prince at bay. Otan may not have been able to outright win a fight against his brothers but he could hold his own, at least for a time before they would begin to wear him down. Otan was shorter than Redick by a full head length but that didn't stop the youngest prince launching a fist to the underside of Redicks chin, forcing the other to lose his grip and Otan took his chance. He wasn't fighting for himself anymore, he was fighting to protect someone who... did she even deserve to be protected? Yes! His heart screamed at him but his head was telling him to think about his own safety, his own survival. Coming down here to defend a prisoner would only draw a certain kind of attention from his father but that was a problem for another time, right now, he had his brothers to deal with. The prince struck out with a wide kick, his foot connecting with Redicks knee and the larger man grunted with pain and Otan felt the muscle and bone give way. Redick crumpled to the ground, his eyes glaring up at Otan. "Take her if you want, I didn't really care. Acher was the one who—" but Otan didn't give him a chance to finish as he clocked Redick in the mouth and blood splattered on the ground. "You're pathetic, Redick." Otan spat the words, his gaze sweeping around to see if River was okay.

Otan

This was not okay. She was not okay. Acher was bleeding from the few cuts she managed to land in him but Otan could see she was tiring quickly. The physical abuse her body had sustained the past few days was taking its toll on her body and the princes gaze was stuck on the tip of the dagger that was aimed at her throat. No... No!Otan knew it in his bones then, he would end his brother if she died. Why? Why did she make him feel this way. He stuck his neck out for her so many times already and now... now he was risking so much more. Redick forgotten, Otan rushed to the bars, his face appearing beside River as she struggle to hold Acher at bay. "Acher, you don't need too do this. Drop the knife and let her go." There was a panic to his tone and Otan hated himself for it. It sounded like he was begging and they both knew it. Acher didn't relent on the dagger but his dark eyes met Otan's. "Say that again. I want to hear you sat it again." Acher smirked, leaning into the dagger and it lurched toward Rivers throat. "Come on, little brother. I want to see you beg. Be me to spare her life, your little pet."

Otan wanted to reach through the bars and wipe that ugly smirk of Achers face but he couldn't risk it. He knew Acher was waiting, he could have easily plunged the dagger into her throat by now. Otan knew he was holding back. His breath was shakey as he exhaled and clamped his mouth shut for but a moment. His brother wouldn't care what came out of Otan mouth, so long as he gave the older prince what he wanted. "Please don't. You don't need to kill her. Please." He whispered the last words, his voice barely audible. This was a power play between the princes and Otan couldn't help but feel Acher was upset he hadn't been chosen by their father to represent Azgeda in front of all the clans and maybe he should have been chosen, then Otan would be in this position begging for a life he told himself he didn't care about. Acher looked mildly satisfied and relented on his assault against the Trikru girl. "Could be better but I suppose that will do, for now. Maybe next time, Trukri." Acher's eyes turned too River for but a moment before he stood waiting at the cage door. "Now be a good dog, Otan and let me out."

Otan swallowed his pride and released the lock, pulling open the cage door and Acher stepped out, walked over to thier older brother and kicked his leg with his boot. Redick grimaced, shooting a deathglare at Acher as the other prince helped him too his feet. They left without a word and Otan swept into the cage as soon as the metal door shut behind them. He caught River in his arms before she could tumble to the ground, his hands lifting her head. "I'm sorry, I never should have let them come down here." Before she could protest, Otan picked her up and carried her out of the cage, out of the dungeon and up the stairs. He couldn't leave her down there when his brothers could return to finish what they started. She looked like she wouldn't be able to survive much else. The least he could do was give her body some time to recover. Tomorrow would no doubt prove challenging for all of them.

It didn't take him as long to reach the open doors to his room and he carefully stepped over the broken bookcase. He'd need to get someone to clean that up. Otan carried her over to the bed and laid her down on top of the furs that covered it. She looked to be in immense pain and he wished there was something he could do for her. He turned from her, moving to the entrance and closed the doors, shutting away the outside world. He took a deep breath before he turned to face her again. The next words to come out of her mouth would no doubt be insulting and force Otan to wonder why he risked his neck to save her... again.

Otan

The room was deathly quiet as the prince stood at the bed of the bed watching over River. She had drifted off not too long ago but he found himself unable too move. The sight before him was... not something he expected to ever see. How had it come to this? He was mad to continue protecting a warrior from another clan and in his own home, no less. His father would know about this, he was certain, if he hadn't been told already. Otan half expected the man to crash through the doors any minute and drag them both off to suffer an agonising death. But all remained quiet, peaceful even.

Otan sucked in a deep breath and turned away from her for a moment. Thank you... Those words repeated over and over and over again within his mind. It was the last thing he expected to come out of her mouth. He had been ready to feel the sting of her sharp tongue not gratitued for saving her from whatever fate his brothers had planned. Acher had been ready to kill her when Otan appeared and the prince wondered if that would still be the case if he hadn't gone down there. But if he remained in his rooms, another fate would have befallen the Trikru warrior. Much the same he had prevented in the forest. He rubbed his hands over his face as exhaustion pulled at him. He was tired of being here already and now he didn't only have himself to look after but her too. Slowly, he moved through the room, extinguishing all but a single candle for him to see by and kicked off his boots before slipping into the bed on the other side of her. It's not like they hadn't slept side by side before. But his mind remained active for a long while before sleep finally pulled him under and when he woke next, it was very early morning.

His eyes felt heavy and when he glanced over at River, she was still sound asleep. He was careful not to wake her as he removed himself from the bed and wondered into the adjoining room, finding a container of fresh, cool water that had no doubt been left here the previous day in preparation for his arrival. Finding a washcloth, he returned to the main room and knelt down beside the bed, dipping the cloth into the water, ringing it out and began carefully cleaning the blood that coated her neck. Acher had nicked her when they'd been struggling with the dagger and although it wasn't a life threatening wound, if it wasn't cleaned, Otan knew she risked infection setting in.

Adrian

Concern was written all over Adrian's face as he stayed with his mate, a hand rubbing her back while she struggled against whatever was making her feel so ill. He couldn't think of a reason why she was suddenly so sick. She had been fine for the last few days. The fever had passed, the poison was gone. She was recovered. He stayed with her as long as she needed to remain here. There was no way he was leaving her side unless she asked him too and even then, he felt reluctant to fetch her a glass of water after helping her back to their bed. "I do know you and I know how you like to cover things up. Don't try to hide it from me, please. If you need help, I'll get Lily. All you need to do is ask." He retrieved what she asked for and watched over her like a hawk for the rest of the day while she fought her stomach and rested.

Adrian was immediately at the door when the knocks sounded and opened it, surprised to see Thorn standing there. Adrian stood in the doorway, a barrier between his sick mate and the dark-haired Beta. Sure, he was beginning to like Thorn but there was a part of Adrian that wanted to protect Sage, from everything, expecially when she was weak like this. "Now's not really a good time—" he began to say but Sage cut him off and Adrian stepped aside to let the other man enter. He closed the door and returned to his mate's side, standing guard over her, ready to get her anything she needed. He no longer had a mission to hunt werewolves but what he said to Thorn while they waited for Sage to wake up after being shot was still true. He was a man of action. He needed a purpose. Otherwise he would wither away without something to do and eventually, he found that in Sage. That night they spent together in the cabin by the water, he knew what his purpose was. He would devote his life, time and energy too his mate.

He waited patiently while Thorn and Sage spoke, following along with the conversation half-heartedly and when Thorn eventually left to go share this happy news with the healer, Adrian knelt down beside his own mate. He was still worried about her, she still looked like she was ready to throw her guts up again and he took her hand in his. "Do you want me to go get Lily? I know she has exciting things going on but she still has a duty to this pack, too you." He couldn't even force a smile on his face he was that concerned about Sage's health. "I just... I hate seeing you like this when there isn't much I can do to help you."

Lily

The young girl's injury wasn't bad as Lily cleaned the scrapes with expert hands and wrapped a thin bandage around her arm. It looked worse than it actually was and the shock would soon pass. Lily found kids bounded back from such things quickly and wouldn't be surprised to see the young girl running around in no time. She noticed when Thorn entered the cabin and watied patiently for her to be done, offering him a smile as she finished up with the girl. "There, all better now. Run along and Abbey, be just a little more careful next time." The girl nodded vigorously before exiting the healers cabin.

A surprised squeal slipped from Lily when she turned to where she thought her mate was, only to find his lips pressing against hers and his arms wrapping around her, lifting and spinning her around a couple of times. She was left breathless when he pulled away, the question shining in her eyes. The news caused her to claspe her hands together in front of her lips and tears welled in her eyes. Tears of joy and the promise of being reunited with their child. "Oh my gosh, really?" Lily could barely form the words. She almost couldn't believe it. This had to be some crazy dream, that she would get both of her boys back at the same time. There was no way so much good could happen in such a short amount of time, was there?

She launched herself at him, arms wrapping around his neck as she hugged him tightly. She never wanted to let go and her mind began to spiral. What would he look like? Who's eyes would he have? Had he started walking yet? All question that would be answered tomorrow. Tomorrow! She buried her face into the side of Thorns neck, unable to keep the smile from her face. "We are getting him back Thorn, our baby boy is coming home." She let the tears slide down her cheeks then and her body trembled with the overwhelming joy that coursed through her.

Oliver

Every sound she made only spurred him on. He wanted to take things further, he so easily could have but he wasn't about to force her into something she wasn't ready to give, especially in her own home. This was her place now, not his and her wishes were to be respected. But the very taste, smell and feel of her was enough to almost drive him over the edge and when she pushed him back against the couch, climbing onto his lap it was like a crazy sense of deja vu. They'd been here before, in this position and she had gotten scared. Backed out and left him feeling high and dry. He was determined to prove to her there was more to his being here with her than getting into her pants.

He pulled back from her for a moment, his eyes finding hers. All of this was so new too her. He found out he had been her first real kiss, she had never done anything like this before. Never let anyone kiss her like this, touch her like this, be with her like this. Oliver was demtermined not to ruin all these firsts for her like so many guys in his position did. He was better than that. A playboy he may be labelled but he wasn't about to use her for his own, personal gains. He had been down this path before. A relationship and although it hadn't ended well, Bella was beginning to change his mind about his 'no dating' policy. His hands travelled up her back, pressing her closer to him and he leaned forward to claim her lips again but this time more tender, slower. They had all the time they wanted too take, there was no need to get too crazy and rush into things. The way she made him feel, drove him crazy however and he longed to touch her in ways she could only imagine.

Otan

Otan focused on the task at hand. Cleaning the blood from her skin and not looking into the deep blue depths of her eyes as she watched him. His lips pressed together in a thin line, the silence hanging heavy in the air around them as his hands worked. He had questions but he wasn't sure if she would appreciate him asking them. Teeth grinding as his jaw worked, he wasn't expecting her question and his fingers stopped, pulling away from her. He looked down into the bucket of water, ribbons of her blood swirling in it. What did he want? Many things. He wanted a different life, a different family. He wanted to not feel the shame of being so weak against his father. He couldn't protect his mother but maybe he could do something for this girl. It was his fault she is here, after all.

He dropped his hands into the water, focusing on cleaning the blood from the cloth. He was silent for a moment before lifting his head to meet her gaze. But what did he want from her? That was the question, wasn't it. Even he didn't know but it was clear he couldn't just let her rot away down there and became the plaything of his family. She was... his. But what kind of answer did she really want? That question had so many layers and all of them he wanted to avoid. "If you don't want my help, by all means, march straight back down to that cell and wait for them to come back." Although his words sounded harsh, he squeezed the water from the cloth and brought it up to her face to wipe away the blood staining her cheek. She could fight him all she wanted but he was hoping his actions spoke louder than his words.

Adrian

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her brow. "Thank you, I'll be right back." The last thing he wanted to do was leave her side but seeing her in so much discomfort was what drove him to seek out the healer. He hadn't meant to interrupt the moment Thorn and Lily were in the middle of and shot the Beta an apologetic look before heading back to the house with the healer at his side. She asked him a few basic questions about their alpha before they got there and he gave her all the information he could. He helped Sage to their bedroom as Lily instructed and waited expectantly as both females turned and looked at him. After a moment, he got the message and left, closing the door behind him.

He couldn't stand still as he did indeed pace up and down the hall, his nerves getting the better of him. It was unusual for Adrian to feel so nervous. He was a hunter. A level head when things turned upside down and got out of control. He was able to run miles and still pick up a gun at the other end and fire on target. He was able to infiltrate the territory of a werewolf pack, slip passed all their patrols and defenses and take out their alpha, remaining unnoticed until it was too late. But this, waiting to find out what was ailing his mate was causing his stomach to roil and make him feel sick. He wouldn't go in there until they were done, they asked for privacy and privacy he would give them.

Lily

Lily couldn't be happier for her friend. At last, everything was beginning to return to normal. The pack was still recovering from the rule of a psychotic monster and probably would be for some time but the promise of new life was a good omen. It secured the future of the pack, especially with their alpha expecting. Though it was early, a trained eye such as Lily's was able to pick up the signs and when Sage asked her if she was sure... "Of course I am. I've never been more sure of anything in my life." She beamed, her smile reaching from ear to ear and sat down on the edge of the bed beside her friend, taking Sage's hand in her own and giving a gentle squeeze. "I know that look. That's the look of someone worrying about what kind of mother they are going to turn out to be. You're wondering if you're ready for such a thing, if you're going to be able to provide a better life for you're child than the one you were forced to endure."

The healer's green eyes met a set of blue ones and she clasped Sage's hand with both of hers. "I know you probably weren't planning for this to happen so soon, neither were Thorn and I," her smile turned into something sweeter as she thought of holding her son in her arms again very soon. "But there will never be a perfect time for these things to happen. You'll do fine— both of you. Sure you'll make mistakes and probably second guess everything you do but that's all a part of learning." Her eyes lit up with a special kind of joy when the realisation hit her. "Not too mention our babies will get to grow up together and become just as good friends as you and Thorn are."

Adrian

Adrian had left the house, finding himself standing on the porch in need of some fresh air. This strange emotion he was feeling, like their whole lives were about to change, had him on the verge of freaking out. He had a white knuckle grip on the wooden railing, staring out across the clearing that made the packs home when he heard Lily saying goodbye to her friend. She still startled him when she opened the door and spoke to him. "She's ready to see you." Adrian spun on his heel, his heart racing from the unexpected sound of her voice and he offered her a strained smile. "Thanks, Lily, for looking after her so well." The healer touched him on the shoulder, a smile on her face before she headed off back to her own place, a cabin across the way.

Adrian raced into the house and up the stairs quicker than ever before, finding a place on the bed next to his mate, his hands taken in hers. He waited patiently for the words to come out of her mouth and when they did, it was like time had stopped. The world around him froze. She was... what? All he could do was stare at her like a deer caught in headlights, stunned by the sudden revelation. Pregnant. Kids. Family. They'd only just discussed such a thing, not a few nights ago. Adrian had told her he didn't think they were ready for such responsibility but there was nothing they could do to stop the course her Ancestor had her walking upon. When he finally came to his sense, Adrian shot to his feet, standing in front of her, staring at her belly. There was life growing inside her. A creation made by both of them. A baby. Her baby. His baby. He swallowed, hard before his eyes drifted up to meet hers and a slow, hesitant smile pulled at his lips.

His hands were still in hers and he pulled her off the bed and into his arms, hugging her tightly. He buried his face in her neck, the smile still on his face, his eyes closing and he breathed in her scent. She was his everything and he had promised to do always remain by her side and support and defend her until his last breath. "Wow." He breathed against her neck. "That's... I love you, Sage. More than I can ever express and I know I said it was something we should wait on but we can do this. We can do anything, as long as we are together." He had even more reason to stay by her side now. To protect her. His mind thought back to the day she'd been shot and he wondered if she'd been pregnant then and if she had have died, this child would have too...

Lily

She almost skipped all the way back too her cabin. She thought about stopping by Thorns place, wondering if he'd gone back there. It was getting late but she wouldn't be surprised if he was still sorting out pack business this late into the evening. He never stopped. It was one of the reasons she loved him. He was so devoted to this pack. Her pack, her family, her home. She could only hope their son would have those same qualities. Her smile widdened at the thought of the little guy. Time couldn't be moving any slower for the healer. She ached for the sun to rise and to be on the way to the neighbouring pack. Her heart would be whole again when she could hold him in her arms, when Thorn could meet him for the first time.

She half expected Thorn to still be waiting for her when she stepped inside her home. He said he would but he was no where to be found. She breathed in deeply. His scent was strong, telling her he was still here... somewhere. An amber warmth filled her when she saw him passed out on his stomach in her bed, sound alseep. He must have been tired and that was okay, she was glad he was getting rest. She could tell he needed it, badly with all the tasks he'd been taking on since everything changed to drastically. Lily changed into something a bit more confortable, her night clothes and slipped under the covers next to her mate. She got comfortable on her side, facing him, running her fingers through his hair and brushing aside some of the stray dark strands. He looked so peaceful like this when he was able to get the rest he needed. She pressed her lips to his shoulder briefly, careful not to distrub him too much and snuggled up beside him, savouring the warmth of his closeness. She drifted to sleep with a smile on her face, eager to face the morning that was just around the corner.

Oliver

He was struggling. Every place their bodies melding together was like a fire being lit under his skin and he burned with desire for her. She was like putty in his hands, the way she melted against him with every touch, every kiss and though he slowed the pace, the passion with which he devoured her didn't change. She sent his mind spinning and he couldn't understand why she didn't see what he did when he looked at her. Although he supposed he was glad she was shy and nervous, it prevented anyone else from snatching her up. He did, unfortunately, have to give Blake credit for chosing her. Though, she had caught his attention all by herself when she'd started too sing. That part of her, the artist drew him to her more than her looks.

He didn't know how long they were there in each other's arms, their lips locked and breathing coming in ragged gasps but eventually, Oliver found the need to break away from her. He was barely holding himself back. The urge to flip her around on her back on the couch was overwhelming and he knew if that happened, he wouldn't be able to stop himself from crossing that line Bella so clearly laid out for him. He hands moved up to hold her face and he closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply to try and calm his racing heartbeat. "The things you make me want to do with you, Bella... I..." He opened his eyes and instantly wanted to claim those lips again but held himself back, brushing loose strands of her blond hair from her face. "You are something special, you know that?"

Otan

He saw the frustration on her face. A reaction to his words, his avoiding of her question. Again. Why couldn't he just be straight with her? Would she even understand? They were both warriors, both fighters, survivors. He had no doubt she had her own problems. Everyone in this world did. It was a harsh place to live and not just in the north. Otan knew everyone struggled, everyone fought to live from one day to the next, everyone died some horrible way. It was their world and what a terrible one it was. He couldn't get her out of this head and he wondered if she struggled with the same thoughts. That night in the tent, the feel of her hands on him, the kiss they shared. Sure, he'd been doing those things to get a rise out of her, to tease her for the fun of it but he couldn't deny the way it made him feel. The twisting of his stomach when she kissed him.

His eyes fell on the bruises as she lifted her shirt up and he blinked. His brothers had really done a number on her. He couldn't let them touch her like that again. Next time he couldn't guarantee he would be there to save her, to protect her. Next time, she might not survive them. He pushed away from the bed, rising to his feet, the bucket of water in his hands and he spun on his heel. Otan made his way back into that other room attached to the main chamber, giving himself time to think of an answer, time to collect his thoughts. How much longer could he keep avoiding the same question she seemed to ask? Not much longer, he imagined. When he returned to her, he sat down at the other end of the bed, his elbows resting on his knees as he leant forward. How much could he share with her? How much should he share with her? She was from an enemy clan but that didn't stop him from doing everything he had to save her. "Maybe I'm just sick of all the fighting, tired of spilling blood and seeing it get spilled. I don't like the part of me that enjoys killing, enjoys harming others and I hate that this world makes killers out of all of us, out of our own children." He turned his head toward her, deciding to give her something so she would stop pushing him for answers. "And don't say that, everyone's worth something to someone. It's the only way to truly survive in this world." Otan swallowed hard, his thoughts returning to the one thing he had cherished most about this place. The one person he could always count on when things became too tough, when his father became too much to deal with. But he didn't have his mother anymore and it was his own fault.

Otan

Maybe he said too much. Those kinds of words shouldn't be spoken lightly or around the wrong people. Such a view was unpopular, especially around these parts. Was she the wrong person? She certainly seemed to take that part of her very seriously. The warrior. Her clan must be proud to have someone as devoted as her to keeping them safe and protecting their borders. The same could not be said for Otan and his self imposed exile to get away from this place and away from the brutality of his father, the bad memories that kept him up at night. It was then he realised how well rested he felt. For the first time in years, he had a peaceful sleep and the only factor that was different from every other night he spent here... was River.

He looked away from her quickly, unable to face the nagging thought that crossed his mind. No. He couldn't go down that path. Doing this with her, for her, was enough to see his father execute him on a bad day for the king. But he couldn't shake the idea she was a kindred spirit. He knew from experience things weren't always what they seemed to be. There were always hidden truths, tucked away and buried deep, deep down. He wondered what her's were... She startled him with her question and he blinked at the warrior sitting in his bed for a few long, drawn out moments. What was she worth too him? Wasn't that the question of the day. He didn't give himself time to think about it because there wasn't much to think about. "You're someone worth saving." He knew the answer almost immediately. He knew that back in the cave the moment he laid eyes on her.

Oliver

She is so distracting. His thoughts had been consumed by her all all week. Day and night, and even with her here, in his arms, he couldn't get her out of his head. The more of the small things he found out about her, he more he realised how special she is. She is so different from any other girl he met. Unique. One-of-a-kind. Exceptional. Unparalleled. He could go on, finding many different ways to discribe her but none could do her justice. He was changing the way he did things, for her and if he was being honest with himself, that scared him a bit but Oliver was never one to back down from something. He sees something he wants and he takes it. At first, that was the goal but now... now she was just too damned interesting to kiss and diss.

He never expected her to ask such a thing from him. Normally he would jump at the chance to stay a girl's place, especially one as intriguing and beautiful as Bella but he wasn't sure that was a good idea. He could barely keep his hands too himself as it was... what if things got out of hang? She had to know that was a possibility. As much as he wanted to respect her boundaries, he was only human, after all. But he also wasn't going to deny a beautiful woman that clearly wanted him around and when she kissed him again, asking that quesion didn't take much convincing. "I'll stay as long as you want me around, Bella." He was content to just snuggle up with her a bit. Bask in her presence while he could. "I'm not that special. I don't have any skills or hidden talents, not like you." The billionaire held her close, not ready to let her up... just yet.

Adrian

His eyes widened when she guided his hand to rest on her belly. She wouldn't be showing that baby bump for a little while longer yet and although there was no physical sign of a life growing inside her, he could still feel it. Like there was already a connection, a bond, between parent and child. He bit his lip as he gazed down into those wide, beautiful blue eyes of the woman he loved. They were going to be parents, together. Everything they did and would do from now on until the end of time would be as a pair, as a partnership. He was going to be a father. Responsible for something, someone, else that wasn't his mate. The thought both excited and terrified him at the same time. "Whoever he or she is, I love them already." The former hunter scooped his love into his arms, placing a kiss to her cheek and did exactly what she asked of him. He took her to their bed, nestled down beside her, cuddling and holding her all throughout the night, his arms wrapped around her and his hands resting on her belly. His face buried in the back of her neck as he held her, peppering her with kisses until they eventually drifted to sleep. And too think she was having some kind of late reaction to the silver poisoning. It scared him, that they were stepping into a new and unknown land, a new chapter in their lives but it also thrilled him all the same.

Adrian woke up much earlier than he was intending too but the revelation of the previous evening washed over him again and he couldn't hide the big grin that spread across his face even if he wanted too. He didn't wake Sage up though. She needed all the sleep and rest she could get. He wondered how well she would cope with the pregnancy and fulfilling her duties as Alpha but he would do anything and everything he could to help her and make that burden easier for her. After some time of watching her sleep, his arms squeezed her gently and he pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. "Good morning my beautiful, stunning, amazing mate." He whispered in her ear. He'd had plenty of time to think since he woke up, his thoughts drifting back to the conversation they had when they discussed children a few nights ago. He waited until she was awake and listening to him before he conitnued. "I hope you don't mind but I though of a name if it's a boy." He paused a moment, choking up a little as he thought about the boy he once knew but that was another life and he felt like it was only right and a way to keep the memory of his little brother alive. "How would you feel about calling him Ethan? After my little brother."

Lily

She woke to the feeling of his lips on her face, smothering her with kisses as he held her in his arms. She couldn't hold back the smile and the joy that filled her heart at his words and his own excitement. Today was the day. It was the day they would finally get to become the family she always wanted them too be. A small squeal left her lips when he picked her up and it quickly turned into excited giggles as he began to make his way too the bathroom with her in his arms. She couldn't hide the love she felt for this man and she never wanted to be forced too again. Those years pretending they weren't mates during Fenris' reign almost ruined her and now she had all the time in the world to bask in Thorn's presence. She wouldn't waste a second of it. "I am yours Thorn, always and forever." She craned her neck and stretched to close the distance between them, her hands grasping each side of her face and she kissed him with everything she had.

Lily enjoyed his company while she could as they slowly got ready. She knew she would always have him and as much as she wanted her son to return to her arms, she knew their dynamic would change. It was inevitable once they let Rhys back into their lives. Their attention would be devided, shared, as they looked after the child their love created and raised him to be the best versions of them. Lily knew he was scared, deep down, of tainting their son with the darkness and pain that plagued him. She knew because every now and then she caught that glimpse in his eyes whenever he was close to her. She was restless to get going, a nervous energy building up inside her as she waited for the patrol Thorn and Sage organised to escort them to the neighbouring pack. She linked her fingers with Thorns and gave him a gentle tug on the arm, asking for his attention for a moment. Her hand raised to touch his cheek softly as she spoke. "You're going to be a great father to him, I can see that. I've always known that. You'll teach him to be brave and strong and compassionate because those things are what make you, you."