Music In chapter
Aston Wyld - Next Level
Mariah Carey - Fantasy
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Klaus Pov
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
JASON LABONAIR WAS NOT AS GRACIOUS AS I HAD ANTICIPATED.
Rather than shake my hand and thank me for rescuing his daughter he simply stared.
Not wanting to appear intimidated, I stared back unflinchingly. There were many rumors surrounding the Labonairs...one of them being that the current alpha had nearly killed his older brother two decades ago over a girl...
Jason did not strike me as the type to fight over something so superficial, there must be more to it...
I could see where Luna had gotten her high cheekbones and striking eyes from. The beautiful woman standing beside Jason had to be her mother, I was so sure of it as they shared the same warm brown skin, and soft pink lips. Marcel had introduced Madeline and I once before.
Even though I knew very little about her I reckoned that she had a fiery side since I saw her in the courtyard of the Abattoir.
Her hand came to her chest as she stepped forward, speaking in her smooth, honey-like voice.
"We would like to thank you for saving our daughter, Nik."
I nodded, "I'm sure anyone sane would have. What those men wanted to do was heinous."
Remembering the filthy words that came out of their mouths made me grit my teeth.
"I- I could not just stand idly by as they - -"
She closed her eyes, "hurt her."
"We've met once before."
She extended her hand, and I took it. I shook it long enough for Jason's glare to deepen.
"We have... and I must say it is an honor to meet the French King."
Jason frowned, "Is that what they call me these days?"
"Yes."
"Well, the notion that my bloodline can be traced back to France is false. The Labonairs originated in Russia over a thousand years ago. Now, you wouldn't have any idea as to what happened to the wolf packs in Tennessee that went missing?" He asked this with his arms crossed over his broad chest.
I tensed, remembering the time when Hope and Adah had been abducted.
"I'm afraid you aren't going to like my explanation."
Madeline sighed, giving Jason a pointed glare as they settled onto the sofa. I remained standing...too tense to sit.
"The packs that you possessed, not only threatened my daughter's life...but they kidnapped her and the mother of my child."
His brows furrowed, "They were a shady group of individuals... And I wholeheartedly apologize for any trouble they may have caused you. If it would have been any of my children... I would have done the same."
I nodded once, and the tension in the air began to fade.
"Now that that's over with...I can thank you for saving my daughter... Although, I have no doubt that she could've handled it herself. She is her mother's daughter after all."
Madeline grinned before she gave Jason a passionate kiss. I looked away smirking, the two made a lovely couple.
Marcel waltzed into the room with two glasses of an amber beverage.
"How's it going?"
Madeline frowned, "As well as it can go I suppose... How is a mother supposed to act when her child was treated as prey? Do you know where she is?"
Jason and I reached for the glasses and each took a sip. The whisky burned as it went down, but I welcomed the discomfort.
"She is with Davina and a few of my night walkers. No one is getting to her tonight," Marcel replied, taking a seat beside me.
"That's good to hear," I added, feeling pleased to know that she was safe.
For centuries I had pursued the one who graced my dreams with her transcendental presence...I don't know what I'd do if she was suddenly taken from my grasp...to never feel that warm feeling that radiated a soft glow would surely be a fate worse than death.
I had never been one for dramatics but what I felt was true.
In all my years of life, I had never come across another feeling like the one Luna gave me...
I yearned to get near her...it seemed that the closer in proximity we came the more emphatic the feeling grew...
Jason stood, and I noticed that he had barely drunk his whisky. He wasn't staying much longer it would appear.
"I'm going to go check up on her...see if she's okay."
Madeline smiled as she stood, kissing his cheek. "You go ahead, boo, I'll be here for a little while longer."
Her coffee-brown eyes glittered as she took in both Marcellus and me.
After Jason nodded at me he left the great room, surely headed out.
"So, are you as ferocious as those rumors floating around out there suggest? They say that the wolf King is always looking to conquer more ground."
"That depends on who you ask. And one should always look to expand their empire."
She simpered, thanking Marcel as he offered her a glass of water.
"Jason's been trying to win over the Gurreara wolves as well but that Francesca is quite a nasty piece of work...if you know what I mean..."
I laughed, remembering the meetings I'd had with the piggish alpha. She was very much out for blood. I wasn't so sure she would be worth all the trouble.
"For sure."
Madeline leaned forward, "would you like to meet my daughter? So, that she can thank you properly."
I tensed and her eyes narrowed, catching my slightest movement.
"Unless...you've already met her..."
Marcel muttered an expletive.
"Man, I knew it! Your eyes were totally glued to her when she was on stage singing. It was like you were seeing the sun for the first time- -"
I shot him a glare, and he stopped speaking.
Madeline twirled one of her curls around her finger. "Most men see my daughter as an object."
"Others are overwhelmed by her beauty, they may be blind to her other attributes but I am not."
Marcel whistled lowly, and she arched a brow. "Your that guy she met the other night...aren't you? The one who tattooed her."
There would be no point in lying, so I nodded.
"She was right...you are quite savvy."
I couldn't help but smirk...Luna thought of me as intelligent...interesting...
Madeline chuckled, "And charming too... I like you, though it would appear that my husband - -"
I chuckled, "Only shares a mutual respect."
Madeline nodded, "Just know that if you show up at my house in the middle of the night looking for my daughter, you might meet him instead of me."
Marcel leaned forward, "Klaus, are you interested in Luna?"
"Only a fool wouldn't be."
My friend leaned back, looking winded. "Jason will have kittens if he finds out you've been sniffing around his daughter - -"
Madeline cut Marcel off, "She'll be eighteen next September, and I was dating guys way older than me when I was sixteen. I trust my daughter to know what's best for her."
I watched as she stood, gathering her coat and purse.
"But Nik, if you hurt her...I will claw your eyes out," her eyes glowed gold for a moment before they shifted back to their normal shade of coffee brown, she followed her husband's footsteps and made her way out of the Abbattoir.
My mouth was still open in shock at her sincere threat.
No one had spoken to me in such a way before. I wasn't angered only stunned. I quite liked Madeline...her boldness was truly something to admire...
"So, how did this all start?"
I turned to Marcel, downing the rest of the whisky...I relished in its smoky flavor...
"Well, it all began in a dream..."
·𖥸·
Marcellus was not one to judge harshly, that's why I felt comfortable with sharing my nightly visions with him.
Walking up to Adah's suite, I recalled his words.
"You've been dreaming about this girl for a hell of a long time, and now that you know she's real...I think you should act...what's your strategy, man?"
The truth was...I didn't have a strategy...All I knew was that I was interested in Luna.
It had nothing to do with her beauty that left me winded or her alluring voice that sent shivers down my spine... An invisible force appeared to be driving us together...and I could not name a reason to resist the pull toward her.
"Hope's asleep," Adah whispered after she let me into her space.
As always, the crafty dryad always managed to incorporate greenery in her chambers...temporary or not... There were a few bird-inspired minimalistic touches on the walls. A lonely desk sat in the corner, and a large queen-sized bed with a duvet set lay in a separate location, not too far from the large plasma screen. Hope's room was just to the right, past the bathroom. It was cozy for the two of them sure, but it wasn't a permanent situation.
"That's good. How was your day?"
Adah smiled wildly, as she sat on the bed."Well, I met that girl again."
"Oh, did you speak to her this time?"
She rolled her eyes, "Nik, I've spoken to her every time. You know I'm not the bashful type. Anyway, she invited me to her birthday party. I was going to ask you if I could take Hope. She hardly gets out much... I can ask Lucien to accompany us."
I sighed, watching as Adah gave me her best puppy eyes. Since they had been abducted I hadn't let either of them out of my sight. If I went somewhere they went too. But I suppose I could loosen the reigns a bit. Lucien could go and he was my royal advisor. I trusted him enough to protect them.
"Alright, alright, you both can go as long as Lucien accompanies the two of you."
Adah's blue eyes twinkled and she kissed me chastely on the cheek, "Thank you, Niklaus."
"What is this girl's name?"
"Davina."
She had a serene look on her face. "This girl also happens to be Luna's best friend."
That caught my attention.
"How do you know that?"
Her shoulders shrugged, "People talk, I simply listen. Have you seen the wolf princess recently, Nik?"
"Yes, I went to Rosseau's and she sang."
Adah grinned, "How sweet, she's such a pretty thing... And you approached her afterward...right?"
I shook my head, and she groaned.
"Did you freeze up? I've never seen you look so pained, darling."
"That is not what happened, I swear it," I held my hands in a defensive position, "There were men planning to do something horrible, and I- -"
Her pointer finger jabbed at my chest.
"You thwarted them. That's so romantic, Nik...Very fairy tale like...did she see you?"
"She ran," Adah's smile faded, "Well if I had been in that situation I would run too. You can't blame her for following her instincts."
"I don't," I sighed, placing my hands on my knees. Was it normal to feel so hopeless?
Adah's hand came to rest on my shoulder, "Beasty..."
I cringed, "I hate it when you call me that."
"What can I do to help get your Beauty?"
Raising a brow, I turned to her, "You'll help me?"
She slapped my chest, and the sound echoed. "Of course, I'll help you!"
"Shhhh...Hope is asleep."
"Oh, right...sorry... I could get in touch with Luna, and work something out."
The thought of meeting her again, made my heart beat away in my chest.
"Whatever it takes...I have to meet with the human council tomorrow morning with Lucien."
Adah's wide-lipped smile was worrisome and I was thankful that she was on my side.
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Luna Pov
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Panic made my heart beat faster in my chest. Feelings of near hysteria begin creeping up on me like ivy vines.
I just saw someone... a man lift another man, up in the air by the throat.
There were a few things said but with my heart beating as loud as it was they were impossible to discern so I ran...and I didn't look back... I had seen scarier things and been face to face with dreadful situations but I was smart enough to know that in that particular position I was outnumbered.
I found myself in Aceveda's. It was a quaint little herb shop that Genevieve's family owned. It was tucked away between two big restaurants that had a beef with each other, I would not be found easily in case I was being followed. Tonight there were no employees which I found odd...since the door had been unlocked...
Feeling a hand on my shoulder I gasped, as I turned I relaxed, realizing that it was Davina.
"Oh my god! Are you alright, you never ditch karaoke night but you just - -" her face was red as if she had run to catch up after me.
"I got this bad feeling Vina, there were men following me."
A green tinge began to appear and she took out her phone, "I'm letting Marcel know that I'm with you."
"Is everything alright?"
Another voice entered the establishment, but I didn't tense because it was just Thierry.
"Everything is alright now that you two are here."
He nodded, twisting around his gray cap, "Well, I'm going to do some patrolling. Don't do anything reckless."
Thierry left shortly after that and I remembered my mom saying something similar.
What was up with people assuming I'd do something reckless?
Davina's nose crinkled as she took in our surroundings...
"What the hell are we doing here?"
A strong peppery aroma began filling my nose and I sneezed. My eyes widened...this was not a good sign.
I usually sneezed before something bad happened.
"I think something could be wrong with Genevieve. I had a dream of her being murdered here but I brushed it off."
Davina tensed, "And now you're thinking that - -"
A muffled scream tore through the air and I took off in the direction I heard it coming from.
I could hear Vina calling my name but I didn't turn, fearing that I would be too late.
The back room of Aceveda was roomy and well lit which made it easy to see that a man had Genevieve bound and gagged.
A tire iron was in his hands, and just before he could swing I kicked him in the abdomen sending him flying into a mirror, it shattered to pieces.
Damn, I really needed to work on a more subtle technique.
Tears swam down Genevieve's puffy face, seeing her in such a defeated state saddened me.
"Do you want me to call your dad?"
I looked back at Davina who had now paled, "That wouldn't be the worst idea, Vina. Thank you."
Grabbing a dagger out of my back pocket, I cut through her bindings easily enough. But her wrists were raw from the rope digging into her skin. I untied the gag from her head and she breathed a sound of relief.
"I've never been so happy to see you."
"Who was that guy?" I asked, and she flinched, her eyes darting across the room to the man that groaned loudly.
"That was Henry. He lured me here by threatening to burn down my family's shop. We had just broken up and as you can see and he wasn't particularly happy with me."
I helped her stand, and I noticed the purple bruises blooming along her skin.
I brought her out front where I could see Davina and my father talking rapidly but I ignored them and went straight to the vials on the shelves. Chamomile caught my eyes, I grabbed the neat vial of crushed flowers and water. I found a bowl at the register, I mixed the two ingredients until a fine paste was made.
"You'll have to pay for that you know."
Out of my wallet, I took out a hundred and placed it on the counter. Genevieve didn't comment again until I began applying the paste to her wounds.
Genevieve's eyes were glassy as she asked, "how did you know I was in trouble?"
"I had a dream the other night..."
She smirked, leaning in enough for me to see that there were flecks of gray in her blue irises.
"Was I the star?"
I tilted my head to the side, dropping my eyes to the cut on her arm. The blood had dried but I could see where it had trickled down.
"Yes...I -I saw you get murdered."
The corners of her lips dropped. And before she could say anything else I made my way to my father.
"Are you alright, little wolf?"
His kaleidoscopic green and gray eyes were full of nothing but concern.
"I'm ok but she was almost murdered," I gestured to Genevieve and she nodded once at my father.
"You were aware you were being followed?"
I nodded. "Someone stopped them, I don't know who because I ran but I'd sure like to thank them..."
My father's lips pursed and he didn't say anything for a few moments.
Genevieve sighed loudly capturing my attention.
"I would appreciate it if the princess would walk me home."
Davina and Jason's brows shot up but Genevieve was already taking my arm and leading me away from them.
·𖥸·
The Aceveda witch was smiling as we walked to her apartment, even though there was a solemn chill in the air.
Her shoulder bumped against mine, "So, are you dating anyone?"
"No."
Her eyes widened, as a breeze blew around her wavy red hair.
"I find that hard to believe."
"And why is that?"
Genevieve snorted, "You are so great... I mean, I can't think of a single person who doesn't desire you in some way."
I stopped, and she did too. We were alone walking in the streets I was not familiar with, the moonlight was our only source of light.
"No matter how I dress people tend to sexualize me. I am not blind to that, finding someone who cares about more than my body feels unattainable."
She held up her hands, "I get that. I know I'm nowhere near as sexy...but I get it...
"You are awful chipper for someone who was almost killed," was all I said before I began walking ahead.
My strides were purposefully long, making it harder for her to catch up to me.
"Hey! Wait up, princess!"
I paused, sighing as I checked the time on my phone. It was midnight, the beginning and end of another day...
Genevieve finally caught up to me.
"People say I can be a little bizarre...but I've been thinking about running a campaign."
That made me turn my head in her direction. "For regent?"
She smiled, "Well, I'd certainly look good in the portrait."
I smiled too, thinking of Davina's reaction when she found out Genevieve would be running for the title of regent for the nine witch coves of Louisiana. The current regent, Sabine Laurent was stony and very much old school. She didn't want the witches interacting with other supernatural beings. In her eyes, the vampires and wolves were beneath the witches.
"Can't argue with that."
Her eyes narrowed, "Was that a compliment?"
"Don't overthink it," I said, avoiding a puddle on the cracked sidewalk.
"Is it hard? Leading I mean."
I tilted my head to the side, "I guess it depends on the person leading. It's important to be in control of your position."
She frowned, "What do you mean?"
"You can't get superior on your subjects. While you may technically maintain them, you can't act - -"
"Like an asshole just because you're in charge," she cut in and I nodded.
"I think you'll struggle with that but you'll learn."
She puffed out her flushed cheeks and exhaled, her breath wafted above her head. "Do you honestly think I'd have a chance against Sabine?"
"You'd have a fair shot. She's been regent for three decades, I've heard the witch community is ready for someone new."
Genevieve nodded, "I see you've heard the rumors. Being a princess I'm sure you practically know every secret in the city."
I smirked, "Some...not all... I could tell you stories that would make your hair stand up on end."
She paused in front of a blue-painted door. Off of her charm-free keychain, she plucked a silvery one and stuck it in the lock.
"Would you like to come in and share some of those stories?"
"Perhaps another time, Genevieve. I have to head home - -"
Genevieve closed the distance between us and kissed my cheek. She pulled away quickly, a red flush began to appear on her smooth alabaster skin.
"I never did thank you for saving my life. What's going to happen to Henry?"
"My father and Marcel will take care of that scumbag, from now on, try and be more careful about who you choose to spend your time with."
She nodded, pulling down on her sweater.
"Alright, I guess I'll see you at Davina's birthday party."
"She invited you?" I asked surprised and Genevieve nodded, looking down. "I guess she felt bad for me."
"Well, I'll be happy to see you there."
"Really?" she asked, in a doubtful tone. I could sense that she was feeling surprised at my words.
Stepping forward I gave her a light hug, she looked like she needed one, "Really."
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Davina Pov
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
It was 3:00 a.m. and I couldn't go back to sleep.
Technically it was my birthday but no one was awake.
Luna stopped texting me after 2:00, I bet she was tired though...it would be cruel of me to call her.
Groaning loudly, I tossed my phone onto my nightstand and slid off my bed.
I hummed a tune as I went to my cd player, I put in one of my favorite mixtapes hoping that it would slowly lull me back to sleep.
In seconds the Backstreet Boys' voices cut through the silent air like butter.
Yeah
You are my fire
The one desire
Believe when I say
I want it that way
I lay on the floor and put a cartoon cloud pillow under my head. Adah invaded my thoughts.
This song had been playing when we met at the reservation.
But we are two worlds apart
Can't reach to your heart
When you say
That I want it that way
She had been wearing a simple silk emerald gown that complimented her figure and her sky-blue eyes. Her lips were still painted maroon and her long brown hair had been piled up onto her head. And she was toting a little girl with fiery red hair at her side.
Adah would have won the award for the best dressed.
I stupidly stared, she was the one to approach me.
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way
"Davina, you look lovely."
I looked down at my cropped anime tee and skinny jeans in disbelief.
"Umm, thanks. So, what brings you here?"
"To be truthful, I am a sucker for harmony. Seeing people of different backgrounds come together...brings me joy."
"That's really sweet, Adah."
"Ah, but how can one begin to be as sweet as you?"
I blushed and looked down at my shoes not knowing what to say... after that the treaty proceedings began and we did not see eachother again.
Am I your fire?
Your one desire
Yes, I know it's too late
But I want it that way
It wasn't until yesterday that I invited her to the party.
I was surprised to see her at the Abbattoir, looking as stunning as ever in a pantsuit.
Somehow I managed to pluck up the courage and approach.
"It's nice to see you here, Adah."
She grinned, "You stole the words right out of my mouth. Whatever are you doing here, dearest?"
"I live here."
Her eyes grew wide, "Oh, you must be Marcel's daughter."
"Are you two friends?"
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way
"Yes," she nodded, confirming my assumption.
I looked down at my hands, "There's going to be a party here, tomorrow night, would you be interested in coming?"
She hummed, standing on the tips of her toes, "Let me see if my calendar for the day is cleared. I hope to see you tomorrow night, Davina."
Adah walked down the stairs leaving me bug-eyed.
There was just something about her that bedazzled me.
Now I can see that we've fallen apart
From the way that it used to be, yeah
No matter the distance, I want you to know
That deep down inside of me
I yawned, stretching my limbs...surely the answer she gave me wasn't a no...but it wasn't a yes either...
Hugging a pillow to my chest, I exhaled, clearing my mind before I shut my eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep.
·𖥸·
"Davina," a voice called, I groaned, and turned to my side, troubled by the sunlight.
My name was sung again and I finally opened my eyes.
Josh held a cupcake covered in sprinkles in his hands, I beamed rising from my spot on the floor.
"Did my dad send you up here?"
The vampire shook his head no as I bit into the blue frosting topped cupcake. My eyes widened as I detected the bubblegum flavor. It surprised me.
"Wow, this is really great."
"I know, I had one before I got here."
Lightly hitting his arm I glared at him, "Aren't you forgetting something?"
Josh nervously scratched the back of his head, "Happy Birthday."
I smiled, "thank you, now I need you to get out for a hot second while I get dressed."
He disappeared leaving me alone with a cupcake in my hands. As I made my way to my closet I discarded the cupcake wrapper with my name on it.
I chose a blue sweater that reminded me of the cupcake's sweet icing, a khaki-colored skirt, and a pair of cute white tennis shoes.
I put my hair into a low bun and skipped out of the door. My phone dinged loudly, causing several vampires to look my way.
After unlocking it I saw Luna's sweet text.
Hey, girl, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday!! You are the best friend I could ever ask for! I look forward to spending the afternoon with you :)
I smiled, sending her a kissy face emoji.
"So, did you like your cupcake?"
I turned to Josh, "I loved it, where did you get it from?"
"The kitchens, I asked chef Mike to specially make it for you."
"Aww."
He was such a sweet guy.
I wrapped my arms around his frame, and he awkwardly returned the hug.
"There's my birthday girl!"
I turned towards the booming voice and smiled, pulling away from Josh.
Marcel was beaming as he climbed up the steps, he scooped me up in his arms and squeezed.
"I can't believe you're already eighteen."
I nodded, sighing, "I know, Dad, I'll have to move out soon."
A disgruntled expression took over his features and I giggled. "I'm kidding, I'm never moving out."
"That's what I like to hear."
·𖥸·
The rest of the morning was filled with laughter and talk of tonight's party. All of Marcel's vampires gathered in the courtyard and sang 'happy birthday' to me.
Luna arrived not too long after the hilarious occurrence claiming she had something to show me.
"What is it?" I hissed as she led me to my room.
"I can't show you until we're in your room."
Vampires parted as we made our way up the stairs. Once we made it to my room I shut the door behind me.
"I got a tattoo," she whisper yelled, and my mouth dropped open in shock.
"Oh my god, let me see it!"
She laughed, pulling down her jeans, my eyes immediately went to her hip where a single, intricate rose lay.
"It's so pretty, who did it?"
She simpered as she pulled up her pants. "I think...Dreamguy did it..."
"Are you for real?"
She nodded and I brought her over to the sofa in my room.
"Why didn't you tell me before?"
"You just had a lot going on."
I winced, looking back on the first of the month...those had been a particular batch of bad days.
"Did you like the basket I sent?"
I took her hands and gently squeezed them, "Oh, those bath bombs were everything I never knew I needed."
"I knew you'd love them," she grinned.
"So, what are you going to do now? Dreamguy wise..."
She hummed, reclining back. "I've thought about sending him a postcard."
"If only we knew his address..."
"Do you think Adah would know? She does have a child with the wolf King and all the evidence we have points to him being my dreamguy."
At the mention of the brunette's name, my heartbeat picked up.
"That's a possibility."
"Did you invite her?"
"Of course, I would invite the girl I have a crush on...it's my birthday party."
Luna exhaled, "And you also invited Genevieve Aceveda, you know she's thinking of running for regent."
"Are you serious?"
Genevieve as regent?
As much of a bitch as she acted most of the time, I was mindful of her political aspirations. At every meeting she was always the first to question Sabine on her tactics, she even provided better ones...not that Sabine ever used them.
Luna nodded, her green and gray eyes sparkled, "I think she'd be a great regent."
"You seem to be getting awfully friendly with the snake."
She frowned, squeezing my hands. "She's nice enough if you give her the chance to be, Vina."
"I'll speak with her at the party."
"Maybe you could apologize for your attitude towards her," Luna suggested.
I patted her knee, smirking, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, babes."
·𖥸·
Silver and pink streamers hung from the ceiling. A live band was performing all of my favorite songs. Zesty fares and drinks with lemons on the side of the glass were being handed out.
Diego, and Thierry both kissed me on the cheek and gave me their presents early.
The youngest vampire gifted me an Xbox, asserting that I needed to get in touch with my inner warrior princess. Thierry gave me dozens of blank CDs, I always needed those. I thanked both of them. After they left, Josh came and gifted me a new pair of heels.
Guests began arriving in no time.
In the middle of the courtyard presents begin piling up, some in bags, others wrapped in colorful wrapping paper.
My heart sang when I noticed Adah arrive, and the same little girl with the fiery red hair who was at the reservation was with her.
"You should go approach her," my best friend suggested, as Adah lay a skinny box upon the pile of presents.
"Come with me," I pleaded, Luna, squeezed my hand and began leading me down the stairs.
After disembarking from the staircase our path was cut off by Genevieve.
I tensed, "Oh, you made it."
Her mascara-coated eyelashes fluttered, and the smile on her lips widened.
"Of course I did. I know in the past we haven't always gotten along but maybe today is the very first page of a dependable affinity."
I smiled, as she handed me a crystal ball. "If you wanted to be friends you could have asked."
Genevieve's blue eyes narrowed, "I like to keep people guessing."
Luna cleared her throat, "We'll get back to you in a moment Genevieve, right now we have to speak with someone."
The Aceveda witch stepped to the side and gave a little wave, "by all means..."
Perhaps I didn't have to hate her. Our families had been feuding for years but maybe she was right...this could be the very first page to a new beginning...
A smile graced Adah's full lips once she saw Luna and me.
The little girl ran straight into Luna, and the man beside Adah wearing the mischievous smile tensed.
"Luna, it's so nice to see you!"
My friend got down to her level, "It's nice to see you as well, princess Hope. Do you want to go play a quick game of war?"
The man stepped forward, looking Luna up and down. "I'd love to see your combat skills, princess."
Luna winked at me as she led both the man and Hope away leaving Adah and me mostly alone. I couldn't wipe the grin off my face.
"Happy birthday."
"You came!"
"I couldn't imagine a better way to spend my evening in the company of a pretty girl."
I laughed, and my eyes found themselves glued to the floor. The music caught my attention and I nervously teetered back and forth to the beat of the song.
"Do you like to dance?"
Her blue eyes twinkled, "I would be lying if I said I didn't...though I must admit I am terrible at it."
Plucking up the courage, I stepped forward and held out my hand. "I can lead."
When Adah's smooth skin touched mine, I got shocked.
We both laughed, as I led her closer to the band. I was nervous about everyone seeing me, I mean what would they think about me dancing with a girl? Would they leave revolted at my choice?
But then I remembered Luna's words, no one can make you inferior without your consent.
I liked Adah and I had an inkling that she liked me back...wasn't that all that mattered? Two people liking eachother should be enough for a connection to form.
We slowly began to sway side to side, her timing was off but I found that cute.
"How has your day been so far?" She wondered aloud.
"It's been wonderful. Everyone is being so generous, it's all very sweet."
"You deserve the best."
More people joined us, including Marcel and a pretty blonde woman.
Adah caught my intention when she interlaced our fingers. When I looked back at her I noticed she was smirking as she stepped closer.
We were inches apart...I could smell her sweet, and spicy mint fragrance.
"I'm sorry if I'm quiet, I just enjoy being in the moment," I said, feeling bad for my lack of responses.
"Being centered in the here and now is quite mindful."
I nodded smiling, a few moments later Adah accidentally stepped on my foot.
She apologized presently and I shrugged it off.
"Ok, step to the side like this," I demonstrated and she followed my lead.
"Then step forward," she copied my movements, laughing as she began to get the hang of the simple waltz.
"I never knew dancing could be quite so fun."
"All it takes is a little time every day to memorize the steps," I said and she leaned in...kissing my cheek.
I flushed deeply, "Thank you for teaching me how to dance."
"It was no problem, if you want I could continue to teach you..." I trailed off, surprised at the words that came out of my mouth.
Her smile was wide, "Oh, I'd like that. And I think you would like that too."
I smirked, "How can you read my mind, Adah?"
She giggled, "While I have no telepathic abilities... I simply voiced my hopes...and desires"
Her eyes darted down to my lips before she playfully twirled me around...and around...
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Luna Pov
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Seeing Davina dancing with Adah brought a smile to my face.
I turned to Hope, watching as her ace took my queen. Lucien's lips dragged upwards in a smile. "I'm afraid, that's game again."
Hope cheered loudly.
"You are kicking my butt, kid. Where did you learn the art of war?"
She grinned, "My father, have you two met yet?'
"We might have," I responded, not being able to tell her no.
Hope took something out of her bag, it looked like a blank postcard with lilacs strewn across the corners.
"Here... you should write him something."
Lucien handed me a pen, and I let it hover over the white surface. What could I say to the wolf King?
This might be the strangest postcard you've ever received.
I wrote in neat cursive.
I wanted to ask you some questions, but none pertain to your alpha rank. If two people have never met, is it possible for them to dream of eachother? For them to desire one another? Sometimes I feel isolated because of the discrepancies between what I feel at night and what I feel during the day. I was wondering if you feel the same...
"You know, the King has been dreaming of a girl," Lucien's words caught my attention. "He confessed this to me earlier in the day. I'm willing to bet that she is sitting before me."
I smiled, and Hope leaned forward.
"I've been dreaming of a man and a wolf. I believe them to be one and the same."
Lucien looked down at the postcard, "I shall deliver this to him."
Hope smiled and my heart beat faster in my chest.
What have I just done? What if the wolf King isn't my dreamguy?
All the evidence points to him, I rationalized, and all the doubtful thoughts stopped filling my head.
"Thank you, really appreciate you doing this."
The hybrid bowed his head, "I'll make sure he reads it, princess."
.𖥸.
Dictionary: Dryad - in folklore and Greek mythology) a nymph inhabiting a forest or a tree, especially an oak tree.