Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.
WaRnInGContains a lemon.
Mirror of Contrast
Chapter 7
"You look lovely," Diamond said appreciatively, his gaze travelling gentlemanly down Serena's body.
"Thank you," Serena replied, charmed by his courtly manners, which made her feel like a princess.
"These are for you," Diamond said, handing her a bouquet of fresh white roses, "They match your dress."
Serena made a gasp of delight, taking the tissue wrapped bunch and dipping her head to breathe in the heavenly scent.
"Thank you! I'll put these into a vase. Please come in," Serena responded, widening her door and allowing Diamond through.
Serena located a blue vase, carefully arranging the bouquet in the water before grabbing her white beaded purse, and rejoining Diamond, who led them to his private limousine waiting outside. The drive was quick, heading towards a hotel renowned for its brilliance and ridiculous prices. It had been dressed for the occasion from the large red carpet, expensive lighting and uniformed men, to the paparazzi who were bordering the carpet waiting for the celebrities to step out.
"Welcome," A man said as he opened their door.
Diamond got out first, looking impeccable in his white tuxedo, his gold cuff links glittering under the harsh camera flashes as he reached to help her out. There was an increase of noise on her introduction, the blinking lights almost blinding, disorienting her for a moment. Diamond whispered an amused 'smile' and placed a hand on the small of her back, leading her towards the entrance of the hotel.
Once under cover, and privacy, of the hotel lobby they were greeted by a staff member, who politely asked for their jackets. Serena removed her long dress coat, revealing a pearly white off the shoulder gown, which had been in the back of her closet screaming for an event like this. On entrance of the event hall people within visibly reduced movement, staring in awe of the striking couple, who matched perfectly with their fair colouring and white clothing. At their decent onto the dance floor, they were immediately served with champagne, to which Diamond declined, wanting to have his first dance with Serena.
The music pulsed from the orchestra, Diamond and Serena looking like an idyllic image torn from the page of a romance novel. People joined in, the floor turning into a swirl of bright colours and joyous festivities. Serena thoroughly took pleasure in the ball, her race's free-flying nature revealing its self from her usually serious exterior. She danced from man to man, eventually calling it quits, desperately needing to recuperate from the activity. Serena found a nice quite corner to drink her glass of champagne, using the coverage of a decorative pillar to hide from overzealous men wanting to dance.
Serena gave a gasp, dropping her bubbling glass of champagne with a twinkling crash as she felt a body press behind her. A large hand spanned her waist, all of which created an instant reaction, her body erupting with desire, her chest laboriously drawing air into her lungs at the lust consuming her. Only one person could do that, especially with the full moon a day away; those skilled hands slipping to her hips and grinding her against his arousal.
Serena spun around in his arms encountering his substantial chest then, tipping her head up, drunk in Darien's serious face. Needless to say, his eyes reflected her desire, though his lips were sensually pulled in a displeased look – however Serena was pretty sure she could change that.
"Why are you here?" Serena managed breathlessly.
"Inter-Relations Conference. As far as I know, I'm invited, unless our cold war has switched temperatures," He answered matter-of-factly, "The question is though," His voice dropping an octave dangerously, "Is why you are here, with him. I thought we were beginning to connect last month, in my bed."
Serena breath gave a sharp intake, her hand shoving over his mouth and head flicking side to side, in case anyone had witnessed his words.
Serena rose on her tip toes, glaring angrily into his eyes, "We're in public, for crying out loud! Besides I'm only his da…guest," Serena amended, "…for the night. You said I couldn't have a relationship, technically I'm not having a relationship, he's my friend and I'm not going to have sex with him. God you're an ass!"
Serena released her hold of him, shaking free of his grip, using agitated actions to emphasize her annoyance at his uncalled accusations. The moment she got her freedom, he swung her against the pillar, sandwiching her between it and his stone like body.
"That's a great reassurance," He said softly, lips mere millimetres from hers, "But I guess I didn't specify 'relationship' properly. No filling in as a 'guest' for any man, apart from me. No dancing, no touching, no flirting."
"What!" Serena shrieked in outrage, "I was not flirting, how dare you!"
"Those men were fawning all over you, and you enjoyed it," He hit back.
"I was dancing with them, that's all!" Serena defended, "Dancing is fun!"
"You don't know how jealous I get, you know that. You make me want to rip them to shreds. You're driving me crazy," He said just before crushing her mouth against his in a punishing kiss.
How could she resist? Her hand automatically burying itself into his sinfully luxurious hair, drawing him closer, wanting every bit of him right there. Darien broke off with a growl, both their breathing laboured, his face nuzzling against her hair and neck, drawing in her aroused scent.
"Let's go," Darien whispered against her collar bone.
"I'm not doing anything you tell me to do, you jerk! I will not be subjected to your bigoted ways," She replied sharply.
"Well then, I suppose we'll just have to continue out here," His lips crushingly descended, this time his advances increasing, his large hand moving up and cupping her breast, his thumb rubbing her hard nipple through the thin fabric of her gown.
It was a drunken man jostling past, only missing them because of his stupor, which informed Serena about the scandalously of what they were about to do. She ripped her lips from his, looking shocked and embarrassed at succumbing to him again! She knew how it would look if they were discovered by that man, there was no way they could disguise her thoroughly kissed mouth or Darien's very tousled hair – the scene just reeked of lust.
"You want to reconsider?" Darien said smugly, point proven.
"Fine," Serena snapped, her womb throbbing for him. Serena knew that if she didn't have him, she'd probably attack him with the entire sexual energy gathering within her. The moon was potent beyond measure!
Darien pulled her along to the ladies bathroom, which looked more like a boudoir, fluently locking the door and shoving her up against the richly painted wall to continue.
"We don't have long, Diamond will notice I'm gone," Serena whispered between feverish kisses.
"Don't mention his name when I'm about to make love to you," Darien growled.
Serena's shaky fingers slipped to his belt, undoing it and starting on the button. Darien sacrificed caressing her body, shoving a hand into his pocket, extracting a foil package which he handed to her. Serena looked into his serious face with surprise, her features conveying gratitude at the respect of her request. As soon as his throbbing member was revealed, Serena sheathed it with the condom, Darien's impatient hands wrenching up her skirt and flicking the thong to the floor. High-heeled legs wrapped around his narrow hips, their hot kisses never faltering while she teased his velvet tip.
"Do it, Serena! God damn it! I don't think I'll live through this," He groaned.
Serena impaled herself on him, her head throwing back in rapture. Darien took advantage of this, kissing and biting down her throat to the heaving swells of her breasts. With the wall behind Serena and Darien's hands supporting her lower body, he began to drive into her with strong strokes, each thrust creating even bigger ripples of pleasure. On instinct, her legs tightened drawing them even closer, her hot cries inflaming him further. They spiralled higher and higher, Serena swore she would shatter if Darien so much as changed position, even marginally. The fine line was crossed when Darien bit her oversensitive ear, the reaction instantaneous and her muscles clamping down, causing him to swell and explode – joining her in bliss.
In those incredibly short moments the fusing beyond their bodies was almost tangible, it was beautiful and movement ceased while they savoured it. When Serena began to ground back to her body, she became aware of the environment she was in. The walls of the bathroom were a royal red imprinted with posh patterns, large circular mirrors, with gilded wrought frames on the walls, reflecting the image of their passion to Serena's eyes. She gasped when she realized that the lavish crimson curtains weren't closed and since they weren't in the restroom area, it revealed the dark night crystal clear. No doubt this could mean anyone outside could have seen the couple at their passionate wild dance – which was a stupid risk they just took.
Serena got all jittery with nervousness, wriggling down and breaking their physical connection.
"The curtains were open," She gasped, rushing to the window and drawing the material closed. Thought there was really no point, the spectacle had just finished.
When she turned around Darien had already sorted himself out, looking just as sharp as he did when he first came through the doors. She however, was pretty sure her carefully styled hair had been ruined by his roving hands.
"Someone could have seen us!" Serena said. Darien chuckled in response, causing Serena to glare at him, not finding it the least bit amusing.
"Don't worry, baby. My pack have been on guard for us, making sure no one else could see us. Nothing is more inspiring then having the moon on us while we make love."
"You mean they could have seen us while we…we were at it?" Serena squeaked feeling a hot blush coating her cheeks.
"Personally, I think it's sexy to have them watching," Darien purred.
"Sexy!" Serena repeated dumbly.
"Relax. I told them to clear off," Darien added, picking up her thong, "As much as I'd like to keep this, I don't want you near any man knowing you don't have anything on. Not that this counts as much." He finished, looking over the lacy thong shaped in a butterfly with a concerned eye.
Serena snatched it and slipped it on, giving a slight wriggle to get it up her hips. She then headed towards the porcelain sinks, wanting to fix up her hair.
"Darien! You bit me again!" Serena exclaimed, spinning around. But all she heard was a masculine chuckle in her head, the bathroom now empty and silent. "Pig!"
Serena had no idea how to fix the budding mark on the left swell of her breast. Grabbing her purse, which was discarded on the floor during their activities, she poured out its minimal contents and grabbed her compact. With impatience she tired to layer it with makeup, only succeeding in removing some of its redness.
"Stupid man. Stupid, stupid man!" She cursed like a song, giving her gown's neckline a yank up to try and hide the love mark. She wasn't completely satisfied with her fix up, but it would have to do. She finished by spraying some perfume around her throat and putting a new coat of pink lipstick on her red raw lips.
She glanced at the delicate gold watch on her wrist, swearing at the realization she'd been over twenty minutes. Who took twenty minutes for a pee? Flying out the bathroom, she rushed back into the hall slowing down, from her full-throttle into a walk, so that she entered in a ladylike fashion. The first thing she saw was Darien at the other side of the hall, with a very beautiful brunette at the end of his arm. His gaze was hooded and hungry as it slipped over her body, no one would have guessed that he'd just had sex two minutes ago. Serena couldn't believe it herself, but her body was reacting to it, a flare of heat surging within her. Just great! He's turned me into a nymphomaniac. Serena glared, feeling jealous of the brunette in her daring purple gown, looking very smug about her gorgeous date.
The insecurities began to pop up. What if Darien said this soul mate junk to every woman, getting laid at every corner? He was a criminal after all, notorious for his incredibly sharp brain and popularity amongst the ladies, she wouldn't put it past him. Now she felt stupid, if it was true she'd just fallen for all his bullshit. Serena looked away, feeling disgusted at herself. Picking up her gown, to descend down the stairs, she wove though the partygoers towards Diamond. On the way, she caught sight of Nathan Lucius who raised his glass of champagne in a salute. Next to him was Jed Theodoric added a lopsided grin with a wink.
Her face flamed with embarrassment, the look in their eyes telling her that they definitely knew what she'd been up to. Had they really been watching them through the window? Goddess, this was mortifying! She took her side by Diamond, who laced his fingers between hers.
"There you are, Serena. Where have you been?" He enquired under his breath.
"Umm, the queue in the bathroom was murder," She lied with a wince, "Sorry."
"You're supposed to be next to me all the time," Diamond answered disapprovingly, placing an arm around her waist and pulling her, rather roughly, so they were hip to hip.
Serena gasped at the sudden action, feeling rather suffocated in Diamonds arms, and it was uncomfortable. Diamond pulled her along to meet his acquaintances, frankly she felt like a piece of meat, being critically inspected. Serena began to feel her mind switch off amidst a particularly boring conversation Diamond, and other socialites, were in with a middle aged entrepreneur, obviously eager for Diamonds attention.
"Boring, isn't he," Diamond whispered close to her ear, "Let's go for a dance, shall we."
Diamond swung her around, leading her into the waltz, where she settled her head against his shoulder. Serena felt immensely guilty, Diamond was so sweet to her and while he was oblivious, swamped by people, she'd been with Darien doing it. Did this count as two-timing? Technically, Diamond and she weren't a couple; she'd merely agreed to go with him to the convention, he didn't ask if she had a boyfriend – which she could have had. Or not, considering her record short romances that had slipped to an all time low of bedding the enemy. Serena went through her head with a sledge hammer, trying to remove all the tangents which had formed from her original topic. Serena settled with she wasn't Diamond's girl friend so she wasn't two-timing.
Serena gave a soft sigh, wiping her head blank of the pressing issues ruining her evening. She savoured the quiet moment, giving Diamond full lead as she closed her eyes. This was nice, just a casual waltz, Diamonds breathing hypnotic.
"Good evening, Prince Diamond," Darien purred, shattering the tranquil flow of their dance.
Serena despairingly took a moments refuge in Diamonds shoulder before letting them face Darien. Serena felt especially used with the brunette bombshell standing there – not to mention jealous. The brunette was the total opposite of Serena. Tall, straight russet hair, a thousand mega watt smile and a figure to kill – yes, she was the complete antonym of Serena. And, annoyingly, she matched Darien really well. Serena was not used to the resentfulness engulfing her, she actually felt like kicking the brunettes butt from her man, which wasn't the scary part – she was putting possessive pronouns on him! Serena pasted a happy smile on her face, but her eyes remained ice cold.
"Hello, Mr. Shields," Diamond replied amicably as if he didn't know Shields purpose was to get rid of him, "Enjoying your time?"
"Of course, I was with your guest only a few minutes ago," He said ever so smoothly, "We didn't talk much though."
Serena's heart pounded and the colour dropped from her face, his comments hitting close as his hot gaze began to thaw her composure.
"Yes, this is my date, Serena Linton," Diamond responded, Serena wincing silently inside. He was ruining all her carefully woven tales.
"You wouldn't mind if I took your date for a spin on the floor, would you?" Darien asked, but his eyes made it a demand.
Serena shot a 'please no' look at Diamond, her eyebrows furrowing in an attempt to make a puppy dog face.
"You don't mind do you, Serena," Darien added, sensually breaking her name up. Serena sent him a dirty look that silently conveyed 'back-off'.
He had the indecency to chuckle at her, sweeping her right into his arms and whisking her onto the floor. It was humiliating that she couldn't match his strength, Serena's rigid body being pressed to do whatever he wanted and he didn't even look like he was doing it!
"Why are we dancing?" Serena hissed, "This looks suspicious."
"Relax, baby," He said, easing his large hand around her back, "I've danced with nearly every woman here. It would look suspicious if I didn't dance with the most beautiful one."
"You know, one day that slick tongue is going to get you in trouble," Serena retorted.
That devastating grin sculpted his lips, a smug look that made Serena nervous, "You weren't complaining before. In fact, I think you quite enjoyed my tongue. We could go for a re-run if you need further – convincing."
"Try that again, and I'll bite your tongue off," Serena snapped back, "And, you had the audacity to imply that I was getting around Mr. I've-danced-with-every-woman-here. You're a big hypocrite! You said I couldn't date, well who's the brunette, hmm?"
Is someone getting a bit…jealous? He purred in her mind.
Serena glared at him, sparks almost shooting from her large eyes, pixies don't get jealous she lied they just move on she finished, congratulating herself, no way was he holding the upper hand.
Got to be careful with what you say – baby he paused, the previous amusement evaporated with his good mood, because someone, mainly your date could suffer the effects of your comments. I've told you before, and I'll tell you again, there is only one man for you – me.
Serena wanted to add that technically he wasn't just man, but the comments died quick at the aggravated snarl exposing canine fangs.
"Oh come on, Darien!" She said exasperatedly, "You think I'll dote on you? Think again. I know you wolves are chauvinists, but in my society I have equal rights – just remember that. You can't threaten me and I don't like it. You wouldn't like it if I put a leash on you."
"That's because we're different," Darien replied softly, his honeyed tone concealing the steel beneath his words, "If you were a wolf, I'd trust your fidelity. However, your not; in fact you're from a breed known for playing around. I think my concern has a valid justification."
"What!" Serena shrieked, a hot flush coating her cheeks, "You're judging me on my species. That's it! I'm out of here!"
Serena jerked from him, almost toppling into another couple. With a haughty exhale of her trembling breath, she spun around storming from him. Serena made the mental note that if she ever got into a werewolf society, there would be a women's revolution. He had many things to acquire before he could even think about 'relationships' with her, some sensitivity, civility, control and anger management at the front of the list.
"Valid justification my arse," Serena grumbled bitterly to herself, wanting some comfort food to fill the void of unhappiness.
Darien watched her, the corner of his mouth tilting up in cynical amusement.
"That went well," Jed said, slinking in from the side, "In fact, she's radiating so much love energy, she could power the chainsaw she's fantasizing of killing you with."
"I needed to take precautionary measures, so now I've enforced them," He answered simply, "She doesn't understand what being my mate entails."
"Personally, I'd lock her in my room and enforce my approach in more productive ways," Jed answered nonchalantly, "Telling my female she's unfaithful is not exactly a great way to get her in bed."
An animal growl rumbled from Darien's throat, his eyes flaring and becoming more distinctly wolfish, "Keep your mind on your own female."
"I was speaking hypothetically and anonymously. Besides, Raye is crammed in my head at the moment – no room for any thing else. She doesn't approve of my date and I'm in for it when I get back."
"You're too soft on her. Keeping their identities ambiguous keeps them safe, if you have issues send her to me," Darien answered.
"I can deal with my own female, thank you," Jed snapped back, Darien's comment challenging him as a good mate.
"Foremost we are protectors – then the lover. Just remember that when you see Raye. As for myself, I'm going to retire, I cannot stand to see Serena with that scrawny prince," Darien spat, his muscles aching with his constraint to steal Serena, but he'd have to settle for a lone run in the forests until tomorrow, when he'd see her again.
Jed nodded in agreement, the alpha radiating agitation, the other wolves at the ball keeping their distance from their frustrated leader.
"Watch over Serena. Look after her like I did for Raye. Make sure that prince keeps his bits to himself and she gets safely home, understand?" Darien stated, "I trust you, don't fail me."
"I will always be in your debt as Raye's protector. You can trust us, nothing will touch your female," Jed reassured.
"Good," Darien said simply, picking each male out, sending a silent message to his brothers of retribution should anything befall Serena.
Serena thought she was living her life like usual, but Darien had ensured that he knew what was going on in her life. It wasn't easy, considering she was trained to spot changes, but he'd managed it with careful preparation.
His date flocked to his side at his departure and, after dropping the beautiful gold-digger off, roared his Ferrari into top gear. The speed was addictive to Darien as he shot over the black highway, over taking people smoothly and leaving them behind in his dust. Though no machine, with its outstanding acceleration could beat the exhilaration of running on four paws, breathing in the crisp night air and feeling the blood boil through his veins.
The gates to Shields property opened smoothly, allowing for Darien to roar up to the huge gothic structure, nestled within the dense coverage of the dark forest. It was a massive imposing castle, with beautiful stain glass windows, decorative carvings and elegant sculptures – it was his territory. On arrival, a beautiful raven haired woman exited the house, running with fluid grace to his black car.
"Good evening, Raye," Darien purred as he exited the vehicle.
"Don't 'good evening' me, Darien!" Raye snapped back, "You tricked me! Now Jed is with that thick-headed I'm-so-hot super model woman!"
"I knew we'd have to punish you, so I stopped you from putting yourself in that position," Darien answered simply, "You should be thanking me."
"It's not fair!" She exclaimed, angry tears glittering in her eyes, "I don't want to be cooped up here, and it's boring!"
"Don't push my patience, Raye. Everything that is done is for your protection, remember that. Tension is mounting between faeries and night creatures, and until it is all over, you will remain within these walls. Do not make me the bad guy, and do not force me to take drastic measures," Darien responded with infinite wariness.
"Fine, but I don't like it," Raye managed through pursed lips, "Where is Jed?" She added tentatively.
"He and our brothers are looking after my mate. I cannot be with her without risking the precarious situation she is in," Darien answered, entering his home.
The house was a gallery of beauty, hidden away from the world for only selective eyes. It was sumptuous! Deep red and gold Persian carpets adorned the wooden floors, heavy paintings hung the walls and intricate wrought chandeliers were suspended from the high ceilings. It had an old-world elegance but also an element of obscurity curling in the corners. Darien looked like a dark king strutting broodingly through the corridors. He shook Raye off, entering his chambers and discarding his jacket and bow tie on a chair.
Darien looked over his room, his eyes focusing on the antique ebony bed. The room was opulent and seductive, the predominant colour a red so dark it was nearly black. The gentle moon filtered through gothic windows, the rays falling over the rippling silk of Darien's bed. The old bed was surprisingly simple compared to the rest of the extravagant room, made of black ebony, heavy and beautiful in its own right. No woman had ever slept in its depths, the bed, made in his youth, was a marital bed for his soul mate, when he eventually found the one.
He wanted Serena in his home, in his life. Unbuttoning his white shirt, he discarded it, stepping out onto his balcony, the silvery light of the moon creating shadows on his heavy muscled chest. Darien couldn't take Serena from the NDS, it was too risky. However with the disturbances of the other dark races, like the shadow people, a revolt was imminent, then he would extract her, kicking and screaming if need be.
Discarding his last items of clothing, he transformed into his majestic wolf form, the wind ruffling his black glossy coat. Darien jumped over the edge of his third floor balcony, landing perfectly on his haunches, his nose being assaulted by scents of the forest.
Darien headed off to his favourite spot, a crag overlooking the thousands of treetops that made up his territory. With the moon, a slither off becoming whole, Darien threw his head back and howled a chilling call conveying his love, wariness, desire but mostly his consuming loneliness.
I cannot update both MOC and NMT so this is my update for the week. Sorry for any mistakes – I did my best. Thank you.
oni
