Author's note: Not as long as most chapters, but still, exactly five pages long. Not too shabby. And we even get to the bonding with Rendor and Lydia. Chapter sixteen might come this week, possibly, as my muse has brainstormed for it and has some of it mapped out already. As of late, she's been writing ficlets or working on this story, so sadly my other multi-chapter stories have been neglected but hopefully she'll learn to spread out the updates. Anyway, enough of my rambling. Hope ya'll enjoy and please, please, leave me a review, please?

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters mentioned or seen in Underworld the movie, script, novelization, or comic books. Those characters are property of Danny McBride, Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman, and Sony. No copyright infringement intended, no harm meant, so please, don't sue me. Savvy?

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CHAPTER FIFTEEN: THE BONDING

MOON PHASE - FULL MOON

Lucian hurried back to the lycans quarters as the sun steadily rose, rushing through the halls and avoiding vampires with practiced skill. He ducked into another hallway when two Death Dealers passed by, breathing a sigh of relief when they paid him no mind, both appearing tired and more concerned about sleeping than catching a rogue lycans.

Swiftly returning to the lycans quarters, he headed straight for his room. He could change into his daily clothes and chain mail easy enough now, used to rushing to be ready by the time he and his lycans brothers were called back to guard.

He smiled as he changed, remembering how peaceful Sonja had looked when he had been forced to leave her. He knew she would probably be angry that he had not waken her before going, but he could not be so cruel to wake her when she was sleeping so soundly. And he knew how to make it up to her once the moon above was no longer full and calling the wolf out.

Lucian sighed wearily as he walked out of his room, dressed and ready for another long day of nothing but staring, talking to his fellow lycans, and thinking of his mate asleep in her bed. It was a routine he was used to, but never grew accustomed to.

"How is Sonja?" Rendor asked, coming to walk beside his brother as the many males left to begin the day. "Well I am certain or you would be nothing but a mess if you were even here," his brother added with a slight smirk.

Lucian laughed, a genuine smile forming. It was good to see his brother at ease, and more conversational on the topic of Sonja, instead of lecturing.

"She is quite well. She was sleeping peacefully when I left her, hopefully lost in a perfect dream," Lucian replied, his smile growing at the visual memory in his mind. "And how are you? You seem, different, happier than you have been in ages," Lucian told Rendor, glancing at his older brother.

Rendor grinned. "Tonight, Lucian, your brother will have a mate," he announced softly. "Tonight, when we return and the moon calls out the wolves, we will have the bonding ritual."

"You and Lydia?" Lucian asked, surprised but pleased for his brother.

"Yes," Rendor nodded. "She has promised to give herself to me tonight, and Helias has blessed the union. He has given me his daughter to be my bride this eve."

Lucian grinned back at his brother. He was elated his brother and Lydia would finally mate, and that they would bond that night, it was wonderful. He had witnessed bondings before, and each time the whole pack rejoiced for the new mates, but this time, it was his own brother.

"Tonight shall be a good night," Lucian stated as he and Rendor continued along with the others, heading for the castle roof.

"Yes, it shall be a good night indeed," Rendor concurred.

***

Soren and Obi sat inside the main room of the Death Dealers' quarters, studying over a few maps. A few towns had been circled, as there had been recent reports of vampire or lycans trials had taken place in those villages. Some were probably true, though the vast majority were not.

Still, it was proving to be a problem now, as rogue vampires and a few stray lycans could bring down the wrath of angry and superstitious villagers as well as the Roman church. Soren knew that the powerful church had secretly been sending out hunters, slayers after vampires and lycans, witches, anything that they felt was a threat.

He doubted half the people killed were anything other than recluses, hermits that did not conform and were therefore a threat to the power and control of the rulers. There were some legitimate kills, feral vampires and lycans that had escaped Death Dealers patrols, which was easy enough to do since the Council had decided the Death Dealers were to no longer patrol off the grounds of the castle. The edge of the woods was as far as they went now, and rarely went that far.

"I doubt they'll ever come closer than the last few towns, you know they fear the woods surrounding the castle," Obi told Soren. "I agree we should have a heavier watch, but still, it does seem unlikely."

Soren nodded. "I know, but we cannot take any chances. I only hope the people have calmed down by the time Lord Viktor returns." Soren sighed, tired and weary of the troubles they were facing constantly. "Though the sooner he returns, the sooner these internal problems can be controlled. The Council is no longer concerned with issues other than keeping war away, angry peasants at bay, and preventing lycans revolts."

Obi snorted. "That is unlikely. They are better off now then they ever were in the wild, and they have escaped persecution from angry lynch mobs. I have no love for them myself, but I do know that they are loyal."

"Yes. What worries me is, for how long will they be? If things continue to escalate with Anmy and others who feels the same, we could face a revolt, and a part of me would not blame them," Soren admitted. "Lord Viktor himself despises them, but he does understand their importance. He also understand not to provoke them to wrath."

"If only Anmy could be so tolerant," Obi muttered sardonically. "He still acts as though we were back in the dark ages, hunting the lycans as they roamed free and wild, ravaging our kind and humanity like rabid wolves."

Soren smirked. "Too caught up in the days when he was a hero, most likely. Still, that was a time when lycans were not the worst monsters, the humans were far worse. They pillared and maimed each other more than our kind and the lycans have ever done," Soren told Obi. "I remember my father speaking of those days. Lord Marcus had seen the lycans were more animal than monster and had decided to stop hunting them instead take them in and use them for our benefit."

"Lord Marcus is needed now. He would easily solve this problem, and would not leave the coven during such turbulent times," Obi said quietly, well aware his words bordered on treason.

But Soren did, to his chagrin, agree with the African warrior. "Yes. I know."

***

Sonja stretched out languidly, slowly opening her eyes. She was not surprised to find Lucian gone and the room lit up from the sunlight, filtering into her room a safe distance away, but she was annoyed. She hated when Lucian left her without waking her, especially when they would have to be apart for days.

And since it was full moon for the next few nights, they would be unable to see each other except perhaps in passing. Though that was doubtful, as normally that was only when he was taking care of the horses and lycans were forbidden from nearing the animals until the full moon passed.

With a disappointed sigh, she slid out of her bed, lazily walking over to pick her dress for the day. She smiled when she realized she was walking around fully nude, taking no care to hide herself, even though she was alone in her room. A small laugh escaped her.

It would seem she was taking on more and more lycans traits when she was alone or with Lucian. She knew that his kind were not so guarded with their bodies, as everyone respected the other, and so mates could freely rest in their rooms unclothed, or mate without worrying of others' irritation or someone sneaking a peak.

Well, her kind were in truth much like that. Well, it was more that they just did not care. They were far too open with their bodies and their rutting. That was all it was among them half the time it seemed, rutting more like the dogs they treated the lycans like.

Unless an Elder was around. The council only attended certain parties, and the rest of the time, they rested or discussed current events, visited with a few friends, or whatever else they did in their private moments.

But Lady Amelia, Lord Marcus, and Lord Viktor, they did not allow open mating and blood drinking. They found it frivolous and contemptible, and degrading. Sonja agreed. It was so heartless and empty, cold and unfeeling. Decadent pleasure was the only concern among the nobles so often.

If only her father was returned already, ceasing the vain gatherings and celebrations of nothing but their own lusts and hunger.

Though once he had returned to them, Sonja and Lucian would have to be even more careful. And they could no longer see each other every night, as her father would expect to see her. She would have to attend more gatherings then, and she would of course visit with him.

Hat if he caught her scent? She knew if Lucian was near her not long before she saw her father, he would easily catch her lover's scent. If there was any smell her father hated more than rotting flesh and wasted blood, it was the scent of lycans.

How ironic that she found it to be the most pleasant smell on the earth.

Do not think on this now, Sonja. Father will not return for some time, he said he would be gone for a few years. Just be thankful for this time you have without having to look over your shoulder, worrying about him discovering your secret.

Sonja tried to do that, but she was only making things worse, as guilt crept into her heart. How could she wish for her father to stay away? How could she almost beg the moon and the sun in the sky to give her more time without her father to be with Lucian? This was her father! Her own father, and she wanted him to stay away from his home, from his own daughter and the only family he had left.

Because of his own stubborn contempt for Lucian and his kind, that is why you want him to stay away.

It was so frustrating. Sonja loved her father, she did. She loved him dearly and for the most part respected him as her father and an Elder. But sometimes, he let stupid disgust and hate blind him to reason. At least he was not as fanatical as Anmy.

Sonja stilled at the thought of the vile Death Dealer. She was thankful Lucian had been half asleep when she returned, not fully alert. Thankful he had not caught the faint whiff of silver armor and disgusting male.

Now she remembered why she wanted her father to come back. He hated the lycans, and he had been unfairly cruel to Lucian for daring to look at her. She almost could hate him for that. But he would stop this dangerous provoking Anmy was aiming at the lycans, trying to cause a revolt and possibly even a war that could spiral out of control and destroy everything.

She would be quite happy when her father came home and crushed Anmy's hopes of wedding her. She smiled to herself, knowing her father would never sink that low.

Feeling a bit more relaxed again, Sonja quickly dressed, brushing her hair and tying it back. Her eyes drifted down to the pendant hanging from her neck, and for a moment she felt her eyes grow wet. But she blinked the wetness away, taking a deep breath to collect herself.

"I miss you, Mother. I miss you so much. If only I had your guidance now," she whispered, staring down at the pendant, a hand reaching up to finger it lovingly. "If only Father had your guidance now."

Sighing, Sonja walked over to her door, leaving her room silently and heading for the library. She was far from tired now, and could not stay in her room all day. The scent of Lucian was too strong, and it made her miss him, not less. Perhaps it was the fact that she would not see him for at least two days.

Smiling blandly at a couple of noble males that passed her, smiling genuinely at servants, both vampire and lycans, Sonja strode through the halls, taking her time and just walking through unfamiliar halls she only vaguely remembered.

Boredom was not good for the mind.

Abruptly though, Soren was walking beside her, face blank of course. It almost always was, unless something amused him. Like how badly Sonja truly was at chess.

"Good day, Milady," he said softly, smiling slightly when eh glanced at her. "I must admit, it is quite a surprise to see you outside your room at such an hour. Pressing matters?"

Sonja laughed. "Hardly. I was just heading for the library and taking the long way there, trying to keep myself occupied for a little while," she explained. "And what of you? Do you never sleep, Soren? For I swear you must not have yet as you are wearing the same clothes you were wearing when last we saw each other. Unless you wear those clothes every day."

"No, Milady. Important matters have kept me from taking any rest, but that is precisely where I am headed now. It seems that I have done all I can for now, and so I might finally find some peace and quiet," he told her stopping and bowing his head towards her. "Enjoy your boredom, Milady, for I doubt you will get rid of it," he said, smirking slightly before walking down a nearby hallway.

Sonja sighed. He was probably right. It was promising to be a very long day.

***

Soren sighed as he entered his chambers, swiftly removing his armor. He almost groaned when eh did, it was a relief to be free of the metal protection at last. Wearing it for longer than a night was not a pleasant experience. He almost envied the lycans with only their chain mail.

It was lovely armor, Italian and finely crafted, but it was uncomfortable after an hour and downright painful after three.

He wearily undressed and let himself collapse on his bed. He closed his eyes, thankful that he still had at least ten hours before he had to put the armor back on. Unless there was an emergency, and if there was a God, that God had best be with whoever caused any problem that forced Soren out of his bed earlier than an hour before sunset.

Trying to block out all his thoughts, Soren forced himself to relax. It would take him a while to drift off, he knew, but he was determined to get some sleep. There was too much going on, and he needed the rest.

Damn Anmy. He acted more like a relic than the Elders. He had been nothing but trouble and angry glares since the lycans had been taken in, an old hunter too set in his ways, too fond of the lycans as predators to be made prey for his arrows and sword.

Soren smiled despite himself when he remembered the argument Anmy and Sonja had gotten into one time when she was present at a meeting, the young princess holding her ground quite well against the older warrior. She had told Anmy something quite similar, and the Death Dealer had almost taken the bait.

Of course, the princess had held her ground, eyes blue and flashing a similar frozen fire as her father possessed, head held high in defiance, daring Anmy to lash out and earn himself an even worse lashing. But Anmy had restrained himself, throwing only a glare in her direction before storming out, muttering that she would bring the ruin to them all.

She was a strong one, just like her father and mother. If there was ever a need, she would be a good leader.

The lead Death Dealer sighed, rubbing his hands over his face and through his hair. It was not helping him to be thinking of Anmy or of Sonja now. He wished the former was worse, but lately, it had become the latter and not because she irritated him anymore.

Soren was beginning to grow fond of Lord Viktor's daughter. A little too fond, and he was well aware she was not interested in any relationship other than friendship, much to her father's pleasure. She was unlike the other noble females, more interested in the daily welfare and the threats of the human world than almost all of the noble males. She had gained Soren's respect, the first female to do so in at least decades.

Perhaps that was all it was. Admiration. Yes. He would leave it at that.

Letting out one last sigh, Soren's mind finally began to slow, his thoughts became hazy and his breaths started to deepen.

***

Rendor was edgy, his heart pounding so loud he wondered if the wolves in the forest could hear him. He was feverish almost, his body picking up sights, sounds, smells that normally passed even lycan senses. His blood coursed hotly through his veins, and he knew that the others had to feel something similar.

Sunset was only an hour away. It was time for them to leave their posts and to join their pack to await the sweet, blinding light of the full moon, their god and goddess once again calling to the wolves beneath their human-like skin.

Rendor felt a pull, stronger than the moon's, beckoning him back. It was like a voiceless song, a melody in his soul, and he knew its meaning. He eagerly led the males back inside the castle, a desire stronger than the bestial nature that was seeping out forcing him to move as fast as would be permitted by the Death Dealers.

When he caught his brother's eye, he saw Lucian was smirking slightly, his eyes twinkling with knowing mirth. He was obviously amused to see his brother finally going through what he know felt every moment of his life.

He simply turned away from Lucian' ignoring the smug expression. The older lycan focused his attention back to reaching the lycan quarters. Back to reaching his bride.

Which would never be soon enough, Rendor swiftly determined.

It did seem like ages before the males turned their last corner and reached the doors to the lycan quarters, opening them and joining the rest of the pack. Immediately Rendor saw her, wearing a simple, pale gown that would be discarded with ease moments before the moon's light forced the wolf out.

Lydia.

She smiled when she met his gaze, blushing slightly. She walked towards him even as he crossed some of the distance to her. Without a word she took his hand, leading him into his room. Her hands were soon removing his chain mail, setting it down on his bed when she was done.

"Are you certain?" he asked her, his voice hushed and hopeful. He could feel his body ache, desire, the moon's call, and her scent intoxicating him in the sweetest, most primal way known to their species. He wondered if it had ever been so stimulating for Lucian.

Lydia smiled back at him with surety, her eyes almost shining with her answer. "Yes."

Rendor returned her smile, leaning down to kiss her. His hands moved to hold her shoulders, his grip tight yet tender. He could feel her pulse, hear her own heart beating just as loudly as his. He groaned when her hands slid under his shirt and around his waist.

"It is almost time," Lydia whispered when they parted. She still held him, his still gripped her to his body. It was with reluctance they broke completely apart, joining hands as they left his room to rejoin the others.

***

Almost dark, Sonja thought as she closed her latest book and rose from her seat. She had spent most of the day in the library, leaving a few times to walk around, stretch her limbs, and to feed. She had not felt tired all day, which was of course a slightly annoying thing.

Days were longer than nights, she was certain. She loved the night more, it was natural, instinct. She wanted to sleep away the longer day, awake as twilight fell to stay on through the night until dawn returned and drew her back to her bed.

It appeared for now she would do the opposite. Sadly, she often did during the nights of the full moon.

Sonja smiled, putting her book back in its proper place on one of the shelves. She had often fallen asleep to the sound of the lycans' howls, sometimes imagining she knew which one was her mate's call. She liked to believe she could tell, that she would know in her soul which cry to the night was her lover's.

But that was something she would never know for certain.

Lifting her hand to cover her mouth as she yawned quietly, Sonja turned from the numerous books and walked towards the doors. She silently left the library and languidly walked back to her chambers. She would probably hear the lycans' howls when she reached her rooms, and the thought brought a familiar, warm comfort to her.

***

The pack barely acknowledged the Death Dealers when they locked the doors to their quarters. It was nothing new, in fact it brought them all a sense of joy. Especially tonight.

All of the lycans gathered around Rendor and Lydia, their heads bowed as they removed their clothes and prepared for the change. In the midst, Rendor and Lydia stared at each other, eyes dilating and changing color, flashing. They removed their simple clothing as well, eyes never leaving each other even as their bodies changed and took on a whole new shape. Their skin turned black, their hair turning to tuffs of fur.

As one, they turned their head and stared at the window above them, letting in the silver light of their moon. Joined howls were raised to the sky.

The rest of the pack followed suite, their own howls loud and clear, echoing each other as they howled several times, rejoicing in their bestial forms. They began to move about, stretching their longer limbs. They kept themselves a certain distance from Rendor and Lydia still, leaving the new mates be.

Still standing, staring at each other, the two mates took in each other's wolfen form. After several long moments, they approached each other, circling and sniffing.

Within minutes, Lydia was on the ground, submitting to Rendor. She waited for him, keeping still and silent. Then he was on the ground with her, nuzzling her with his muzzle, licking the back of her head, his claws resting on her back gently but firmly, holding her down as he gave her these affections.

From a distance, one lone lycan watched, fascinated. Pure black eyes stared at the two, a sharp, bittersweet ache causing his chest to constrict, but still, he watched them for a few moments longer, until he knew it was time to show proper respect and look away.

Rendor and Lydia pawed and nipped at each other, nuzzling and licking in between. They would continue these signs of affection, of love, until they finally were ready to give in to sleep. Come morning, they would mate, sealing their bond before Rendor left to join the other males for the watch.

They growled, softly. A canine like form of purring. An alien feeling of content filled them as they continued their loving while the others once again howled at the moon.