Disclaimer: See a previous chapter for full disclaimer. I'm too tired to do another one tonight. Savvy?

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CHAPTER ELEVEN: POSSESSION

MOON PHASE - HALF MOON THRU WAXING CRESCENT MOON

I never thought I would ever get to wake to this. To her.

Lucian stared at Sonja, her body lying on top of his. It was almost daylight, he could tell. He needed to leave, but for a moment, he wanted to relish the fact that he was awaking to what he had once thought could only be a dream. But here he was, lying in his princess' bed, holding her slender form in his arms. He remembered the night before, remembered being inside her, touching her, being touched by her. The sensations swept through him, memories of caresses making him want her again. He had wanted her even afterwards last night, but he had restrained himself, afraid he would hurt her more.

"We still have enough time, even though we would have to hurry," came the soft voice of his princess, his mate. She looked up at him, her emerald eyes twinkling with mischief. "And I feel fine, Lucian," she assured him.

Lucian gazed into her eyes, torn between wanting to ravage her and not wanting to hurt her. But as she began kissing him, navel to chest, her kisses light and teasing, he felt himself give in. He rolled them over, pinning her gently to the bed, holding her wrists above her head.

"Are you certain?" he asked, giving her one last chance to back out. He smiled when she merely arched into him, elated. He nibbled on the tender skin just below her ear, moving down to her next as his fingers intertwined with hers. He nipped at her neck softly, carefully, making her moan in pleasure.

Sonja tried to free her hands, obviously wanting to touch him as well. He felt elated at this, and even more aroused. Her moans made him shudder, he wanted to make her writhe even more, wanted to feel the heat again, but he wanted this to last as long as it could.

But Sonja was not going to let him give all the delicious torture. She moved her leg, perfectly lying between Lucian's thighs, and rubbed against his evident arousal, making him groan softly and close his eyes in pleasure. She repeated the motion, and suddenly he kissed her, fiercely, his mouth tender and demanding at the same time.

He finally let her hands go free, moving his own to stroke her sides and stomach and breasts as he moved into position. He could not wait any longer, they both couldn't. Sunrise was nearly upon them and they needed release, heat, they needed to feel each other, connected.

Sonja wrapped her arms around Lucian's shoulders, her fingers stroking his scars and she met his eyes. Nodding, she silently told him she was ready.

He entered her slowly, gently, letting her adjust in case there was any soreness leftover. He waited a moment, restraining himself from moving again just yet. He watched her eyes, waited until he was certain she was fine. Then he moved, thrusting into her over and over, groaning into her mouth as they kissed.

They both could feel the fire building, threatening to overwhelm them and they spurred it on, clinging to each other as they neared release. Finally, they both came, trembling as the rapture flooded them, moaning into each other's mouth as they kissed.

Panting, warm, and spent, Lucian started to move so that Sonja would lie on top, but she stopped him.

"No, I want you there, it is comforting," she told him, and he nodded, carefully lying on top of her. This time she was the one who nuzzled first, rubbing her head against his own and his shoulder.

Lucian quickly responded, enjoying the feel of such an intimate, lycan mannerism coming from his lover. He kissed her shoulder softly, wishing he could stay with her for a few more minutes. But he could see the first rays of sunlight outside, and he knew he could not be found missing.

"I have to go," he whispered, holding her tightly. He felt her nod.

"I know." She sighed with resignation. "I know." She kissed his cheek, smiling softly at him as he rose up, moving away from her slowly, reluctantly. She sat up, not even bothering to cover herself as she forlornly watched him dress.

"May I," Lucian began to say, coming closer once he was fully clothed. "May I return, this eve?" he asked her softly.

Sonja smiled and moved to kneel at the edge of the bed. She kissed him. "You had better come back to me. You said yourself, we are mates now. Forget your position with me, I am yours, you are mine. You may come whenever you please," she told him.

"If I did, I would be here every night, my love," he replied, smiling back at her.

"And that would please me greatly as well."

Lucian kissed her passionately at her words, euphoric. He gave her one last smile before stepping out onto the balcony and jumping over the railing, landing perfectly on the ground below. He cast one last glance back up at her room, then turned and ran to the stables to feed the horses.

***

Sonja lie back down, grateful that if she and Lucian had to part, it was not a time when she had to be around others. She inhaled, smiling as she breathed in his scent. She wished her sense of smell was as strong as lycans'.

Lucian," she whispered, closing her eyes and remembering how he had felt, sounded, smelled, tasted, looked as they had made love, or as they had simply laid in each other's embrace. She could almost imagine she was back in his arms, the heat of his body scorching hers pleasingly.

She loved his warmth, the sound of his heart pumping and his blood coursing through his veins. The way his eyes had softened when he realized she had bled at first, the way he had begged her forgiveness for hurting her. She loved his smell, his distinct, yet lycan scent. She loved the feel of his skin against her, his hair between her fingers, his hands stroking her. She loved how he made her feel when he was inside, her, kissing her, holding her.

She loved him.

Sonja opened her eyes. "I love him." There. She had said it aloud. She had finally voiced what she had known was true. She would not have given herself to him if she did not love him. But to finally say it, it was liberating almost. But not as much as it would been when she told him.

He loved her, she knew it. He had called her his love, he was her mate. It was in his soft, gray eyes. He loved her as she loved him. But both had been to nervous, frightened to tell the other. Afraid of what it would mean. But they were already mated, bonded, they could not go back now.

"Curse the sun," she hissed, wanting to go to him now. She moved to lie on her side, sighing. She wanted him back with her. She swore she was blushing as she thought of him with her, inside her. But she would be content to simply lie in his arms.

***

Lucian almost let out a sigh of relief when he reached the stables on time, but refrained himself. He could smell a few vampires near, Death Dealers, and though their sense of hearing was not as keen as the lycans', it was still highly sensitive. He did not want to give them cause for suspicion.

Quickly beginning the task of feeding the horses, Lucian could not help but smile in awe of what was happening. His whispered to the animals softly, remembering how lovely it had been to hear Sonja's voice moaning and whispering his name. He remembered how it felt to hold her, kiss her. Love her.

And he did love her, how could he not? She was his mate, his bride. She was his and he was hers, lovers, bonded. He had called her love even this morning. He wondered if she had noticed, what she thought if she had. He had wanted to tell her before.

Three simple words that would finalize their already sealed fate. They could never go back, they could never stop. They were as good as one now. But as with her words the previous night, telling him she wanted him, voicing what was true and known could still be hard. It shattered the illusion that they could end this if they had to.

But they did not want to, and Lucian did not think they could even if he had merely slept beside her, never taking her. And so he would tell her, when he returned to his lover tonight.

Right now though, I have to make sure the Death Dealers do not notice any change in me.

***

Noon finally came and Lucian left the horses to go take his shift on the roof. He looked up at the burning sun, cursing it for taking him away from Sonja. He wanted to return to her room now. He wanted to be with her.

Striding down the halls of the castle, he wondered what his love was doing, if she was sleeping or if she was just as desperate for his touch as he was for hers.

***

She wanted it to be nightfall already. She cursed daylight yet again as she sighed and slid out of her bed. She decided to go to the library. Hopefully she could read the time away. If memories of a previous encounter didn't take up all her thoughts.

Sonja changed into a simple gown of midnight blue and left her room, heading for the library. She wondered if Lucian longed for her as much as she longed for him.

***

She was near, he could smell her. Lucian wondered why Sonja was outside of her room, awake. Then he realized something about her scent, something that made him want to run to her and forget the laws, forget the fact that they had to be careful.

She was aroused.

He turned the corner and found himself face to face with her, her beautiful, green eyes lighting up when she saw him, then casting her gaze downward when a few Death Dealers passed. Lucian moved to the side, letting them pass. He looked back over at her, her arousal growing stronger and he felt feverish. And slightly uncomfortable.

And very thankful his clothing was not that fitted.

They glanced at each other as they passed, her eyes telling him it was just as hard for her not to touch him. But they both knew if they made contact, Death Dealers would be the only ones able to pry them apart.

Tonight though, tonight they would be together again. Free to touch each other in the sanctity of her rooms.

***

Sonja knew Lucian could smell her longing, she saw it in his eyes. She would have known without his burning gaze, for all lycans possessed an exceptional sense of smell as well as sight and hearing. But the look that had passed between them told he knew, and it pleased him.

Which of course pleased her in turn. She was quite amazed they had been able to keep away from each other, but that was, unfortunately, a good thing. They could not be caught, no matter how badly they wanted to be.

It was forbidden, and therefore called for them to act as though there was nothing between them, while in public.

Casting one last glance back at Lucian's retreating form, she then entered the library, remembering the night she had found Lucian reading. She walked to the back, searching for the book he had been reading. She decided this was the closest she could get to having him with her.

***

Lucian walked over and crouched next to his brother, who gave him a knowing look. "Do not start with me, Rendor. Do not. It would not be of use, as you already know. You can smell her on me," Lucian told the older lycan. "You know that we are mates, and that this cannot be undone."

Rendor sighed and nodded. "Yes, I know. But Lucian please, just be careful. The others and I, we will protect you, keep your secret, do all we can, but please, this is dangerous. Though our kind has nothing against mixed relations, we are not to have them it is forbidden by our masters," he reminded Lucian. "And that is all I will say."

"Thank you," Lucian replied softly.

Rendor nodded. He then handed Lucian some of the food leftover from breakfast. "Here, know you would probably be hungry," he said.

Lucian eagerly took the meal, nodding and telling his brother "thank you" several times as he fed. He looked up at the sun. Still several hours until nightfall. Several hours till he could see his princess again.

He wondered how he would stay sane.

***

Her eyes were heavy finally, and she knew she could no longer read. She needed to get back to her room, sleep was approaching and she did wish for it to come, it would make the day go by so much faster, at least for herself.

She put the book back in its place, smiling as she looked wistfully at the windowsill where Lucian had been reading just two nights ago. She wondered what it would be like, hearing his soft, gentle voice reading to her.

Walking out of the room, she decided she would find out what it would be like sometime soon. Besides, they still had plenty of time before her father returned. She bit her lip as she remembered her father. As she thought about how enraged he would be. She shook her head.

She no longer cared. When her father's return neared, she would think more deeply on these matters. But not now. She was free of his reign and rules for now.

Sonja silently closed the door to the library, shoving away thoughts of her father and returning to thoughts of her mate. She smiled as she remembered his voice as he called her love. She wanted to hear him call her that again. Perhaps he would tonight.

Sonja quickly walked back to her chambers. She was about to fall asleep on her feet.

***

Lucian sat next to Adewale and Rendor, watching the horizon as the sun sank lower and lower, not quite hidden yet. The three had kept each other entertained, recounting adventures they had shared. Talking of their future. Adewale had of course caught the scent of vampire and mate on Lucian, but he had simply nodded and kept silent on the issue.

He himself had a mate and knew how Lucian felt. He was to even be a father by next spring, which of course delighted the large lycan. Lucian and Rendor had teased him almost mercilessly about it, but in truth, they were just as happy. They knew Adewale would be a good father, and that this would be a blessing to him and his family. And they also looked forward to the little one itself, running around and driving its parents mad with worry.

Lucian glanced at Adewale with slight envy. He wondered what it would be like to be a father. To hold the tiny life of your own flesh and blood. He could never have that, he was certain. He knew Sonja would make a devoted mother, wonderful and caring, but they could not be discovered.

Not unless the Covenant was destroyed, if somehow the vampires annulled that law, but there was no reason to. He was not certain of why it was so sacred, but he knew it was, and he knew nothing would change that. Not for some time. Perhaps in the centuries to come, the vampires would begin to allow change to come, relations to grow between their kind and Lucian's. But it would take time, much time. And he feared, much bloodshed.

Beside him, Rendor moved to stand. The sun was now almost completely hidden below the Carpathian mountains. "I think I shall return to our quarters now," Rendor stated. "I feel weary tonight, think I shall sleep."

Lucian nodded, bidding his brother farewell. He sighed and waited until Rendor was gone and the Death Dealers had come to take the place of the lycans. As much as he wanted to run to Sonja's room, he had to make certain he did not draw unwanted attention.

"Go to her," Adewale whispered. "They will pay you no attention tonight. The Turks are growing stronger and still fighting over these lands around us," he explained. His eyes were understanding. "Go to her, and do not trouble yourself about us. We will be fine, and will make certain you and your mate are safe as best we can."

Lucian smiled in gratitude. "I thank you, my friend," he replied. Standing, he cast one last glance at the darkening horizon. Finally, he could be with his princess again.

I am finally returning, my love.

***

Adewale soon caught up with Rendor, who was scowling slightly. The larger lycan sighed. "You should not be so public with your worry," he warned Rendor.

The other lycan nodded and tried to look normal. "I know, yet it is difficult. I fear for Lucian. And if his mate were not who she was, I would fear for her as well. This is folly, even if she and Lucian are mates, there is no way for them to ever be together."

Adewale placed a hand upon his friend's shoulder. "Some day, when you find your own mate, you will understand that risks are sometimes worth it. Trust me, you will someday realize this."

Rendor gave him a skeptical look, but did not argue. "We shall see one day I suppose. Still, until then, I shall worry for my brother's safety, and there is not a thing either of you can do to make me stop. I have lost too many people."

"I know, Rendor. I know. But so has Lucian. It would kill him to lose his mate. I fear for them as well," Adewale admitted. "But I also fear trying to keep them apart would destroy them, or at least Lucian."

Rendor glanced at Adewale sadly. "That is what I am afraid of."

***

Lucian peered around warily, making sure the coast was clear before leaping up and grabbing the railing of Sonja's balcony. Propelling himself up, he swung his legs over the railing and landed softly on the stone floor outside her room. He could see her faintly, the candles and torches in her room having already burned out.

She was lying in her bed, silent and sleeping soundly. He was glad that she had been able to sleep after their passing earlier. Her chest rose and fell with each breath, and Lucian stood right outside the sheer curtains, captivated by the simple movement. He entered her room, slowly walking over to her sleeping form, careful not to make a sound. His breath caught in his throat as he neared her, her pale features even more exquisite in the dim lighting.

Lucian kneeled beside the bed, almost content to simply watch her as she slept, listening to the gentle sound of her breathing. He realized as he stared at her why he was risking everything to be with her. To him, she was everything now.

For so long he and his brother had been all they each had. But now, he had found his mate. As much as he loved his brother, Sonja was even more precious. He knew Rendor would understand one day, would have a family of his own. And he would always be there for his brother. But now, Sonja was the most important thing to him.

He heard his princess moan in her sleep, but she did not wake, merely moved slightly to her side, facing Lucian. He smiled at her as a lock of hair fell over her eyes. Standing and leaning over her, he brushed the stray hair away. His fingers grazed against her skin, and she stirred slightly, but did not wake yet. He leaned down closer, his lips brushing hers. He deepened the kiss, and he felt her wake, her lips responding to his slowly.

Her slender hands slid up his arms, reaching his shoulders and pulling him closer. She smiled up at him when they parted. "I missed you," she whispered softly.

"And I you," Lucian replied, his voice just as soft. "So very much." He moved away slightly so that she could sit up.

She reached over, lifting up the chain mail he wore. "Are you not hot wearing all of this?" she asked, genuinely puzzled over how he could wear the heavy protective armor in the sun, even thought it was rather cool even during the day.

Lucian helped her take the chain mail off, then kissed her again. "The chain mail is not what makes me so warm, Princess," he told her, smiling almost mischievously. "Not anymore."

Sonja looked away shyly, then met his gaze again. She reached up to stroke his cheek with the back of her knuckles, her touch cold, yet he felt heat spread through him. She then traced his lips with her fingertips, making Lucian tremble slightly.

"Sonja," he whispered, closing his eyes. He could smell her arousal growing stronger, thrilling him and arousing him as well just as much as her ministrations. He felt her over hand move to take of his shirt and he opened his eyes, meeting hers. He watched her as she lifted his shirt, raising his arms so that she could pull it completely off.

It could have been snowing outside, with a cold wind blowing inside her room, freezing enough to keep any fire from burning and he would still have been scorched as she stared at him. He shuddered as she ran her hands down his chest, over his stomach, stopping as she reached his pants, then going back up again. He grabbed her wrists gently as they came back up, pulling her closer. He wrapped her arms around him, then slid his hands up them to her shoulders.

Sonja smiled and laid her head on his shoulder, softly kissing a scar that ran across him there. She played with the ends of his hair idly as he held her close, taking in her scent. They stayed like that for several minutes, simply enjoying the feel of each other.

Lucian kissed her hair, pushing her away slightly so as to face her. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, the tip of her nose, finally making his to her mouth. His lips tasted hers again, his hands coming to cup her face. "Sonja," he whispered when they parted, his eyes still closed as she kissed his jaw, going down his neck. "I love you."

She stopped, sitting back up to met his gaze again. Her eyes were soft, adoring, searching. "I know," she replied. "I could feel it. Here," she said, taking his left hand and placing it over her chest, over her heart.

Lucian's breath caught in his throat. He cupped her cheek, his thumb stroking her tenderly. "Say it," he whispered, desperate to hear her say the words. "Say it, please."

"I love you," she stated, smiling. "I love you, Lucian."

Whatever happens, whatever I suffer, it will all be worth it for this, he declared silently. He kissed her again, passionately, as he pulled her close to him again. He trailed kisses down her neck, down to where she had placed his hand, kissing her over her heart. He heard it beating rapidly inside her, could smell her arousal grow even more.

Sonja kissed his shoulder again, kissed his neck, collar bone, her fingers stroking his back teasingly, making him shudder against her, a low growl coming from his throat. She smiled against his skin before grazing her fangs over his jugular, down to his chest.

Lucian suddenly had her on her back against the mattress, hovering right above her, his eyes darkening with desire.

"Mine." His voice was a growl, possessive and feral and loving.

"Mine." Her voice was a command, possessive and husky and loving.

***

Days and nights went by, the lovers stealing every moment they could. The lycans knew of Lucian's forbidden love, though they were unaware of who. He chose to keep her identity secret as long as he could, feeling it was for the best that his people did not know. Sonja kept to herself as usual, though she would often read during daylight for often she could not sleep.

The nights of the new moon Lucian spent with his people, for his kind were often more aggressive during the nights without the silvery light that ruled their lives. Although she seemed more curse then gift, she was beloved to the lycans.

Sonja visited the Death Dealers those nights, making certain she was informed of all that was happening, keeping up to date with the situation with the Turks. She was fearful that they would be attacked while her father was away, and though she trusted Soren, Obi, and Anmy as good leaders, she knew they did not have as much experience as her father in actual war.

But Soren was quick to point out that they still had numbers and strength on their side, especially with the lycans.

Sonja knew he was right, but she was still wary. And she had noticed the contempt in Anmy's eyes when Soren had mentioned the lycans. Worse than the contempt in her fathers when he glanced at the lycans.

***

"Something is troubling you," Lucian said softly as Sonja lie on top of him, her head nestled under his. He could sense her anxiety, something was clearly wrong, something had been ever since the moon had gone into its crescent phase.

Sonja sighed. "I am just worried about the Turks. They are taking over the land, and soon they will come here, again." She sat up, sliding out of the bed and walking over to the curtains, moonlight filtering through the sheer fabric.

Lucian stared at her for a moment, in awe. Her alabaster skin seemed to glow in the starlight and moonlight. Silver light glimmered in her golden hair, her eyes staring through the curtains up at the sliver of moon that was shining down on her.

Sliding out of the bed, Lucian walked up behind her, slipping his arms around her slim waist. He shivered as their skin met again, this time in the open, cool night air. "I know. I lost a parent that day as well," he whispered gently, comfortingly.

Sonja leaned back into him, relishing his body heat, the warmth soothing her somewhat. She nodded. "I know. That was the day we met. Tell me, Lucian, do you think we would still be here, still be lovers if that day had happened differently? If one or both of our parents lived?" she asked him softly.

"I am certain we would be. We are mates, meant for each other. I know we would have come to know this sooner or later," he replied with certainty. He kissed the top of her head. "I understand your worry, the Turks do not bring up fond sentiments from me either."

"It isn't that," she whispered, upset. "I just, it is Anmy, one of the Death Dealers. He, he speaks of your kind with such hatred, it would put even my father to shame. All he does is say you are nothing but animals, worse than the Turks we are concerned about. I fear he wants to send you to slaughter should a battle arise," she confessed softly.

Lucian knew the Dealer of which she spoke, though only from one or two brief encounters. He had been fortunate that he had never had to deal with the radical vampire often. He hugged Sonja close, cursing Anmy. "Hush, Beloved. I promise you, no matter what, I shall always return from battle to be by your side. It takes a lot to kill a lycan, and even more to kill a lycan without a heart. For I leave mine with you, therefore it is safe," he told her, his tone adoring, worshiping.

Sonja turned around in his arms, smiling softly up at him. "But what if they strike mine instead? For you take it with you while I guard yours," she replied.

"Then I shall have to take every precaution to make certain it is safe with me at all time," he stated. "And I can assure you, I will, for nothing you could give me would be more precious then your heart." He kissed her gently. "Now, come back to bed, Beloved."