(Daimon)
I sat in the back of the limousine, waiting for Ariel. My fingers tapping on my arm, annoyed. Today was the last day with her, and I had to go out in public with her. I frowned. The contract was over. It took five years, five fucken years to get this over with. If I could go back in time, I would have slapped my younger self that this was a terrible idea, but no. I couldn't and I was stuck with this promise between two families.
Five years of torture between the Regis pack and the Laughton pack for a business deal that my grandfather had promised. Our end of the promise was complete without marriage, which I was grateful for, that we did not have to tie our families together.
Blood brother bonds wasn't easy to break, especially under the moonlight. A blood bond of brotherhood that my grandfather had made passed on to me to uphold. I could shimmy my way out of marriage and instead help Laughton rise in power, especially Ariel. The alpha's daughter.
One would say that she was a perfect luna; I would say she's a walking, two-legged disaster. I remember my grandfather speaking to me this morning about her. The memories swarmed in my head like an unwanted locust buzz.
"Daimon," my father spoke, "isn't it time to tie the knot and have a luna by your side? Isn't Laughton a suitable candidate? She has been with you for five years. She's faithful. By now you should have feelings. Laughton had been pushing for a wedding arrangement."
"No," I spoke with a snap. "The contract of your brother's blood bond stated that for five years, it would help build Laughton's pack because of your blood bond. Tonight, that bond is complete. The god has approved of my contract when I pledge that blood oath, old man."
"Yes, but I would like to see some pups running in this house. I am getting too old, son."
"Well, wait longer. Ariel is not Luna material."
"Then who would be Luna? This pack needs a healthy balance of luna and alpha that would reign. It has always been that way."
"Not in my era."
"Is it because of Racheal?" My father asked. His tone radiated deep disapproval.
"No, she was a chosen mate. Plus, that relationship ended a long time ago." A pang shot through my heart; remembering her brought unwanted memories of the blissful days. The loneliness that she had carved out of my soul. I would have tied our fate together with an iron fist, not letting her go. I knew I would have fought against fate to keep her, but she left as if being with me would have hindered her path. Her chance at a fated mate, she called it. I snarled.
"Then why not marry Ariel?"
"Because there is no love in it. Why should I put a woman through hell to live with me through my misery? I would burn her with fury the longer she stays. Do you want me to destroy someone, especially our family?" I asked; there was lingering resentment and spite in my tone. I knew, God, I knew it. Ariel didn't deserve the anger, but she was egging me on every single day.
A heavy sigh lifted my father's voice. "Alright, I'll tell Will. I'm thankful you helped fulfill the promise."
I waved my hand. The memory disappeared as Ariel burst in with a pep in her voice. She squealed, leaning over to give me a kiss on my cheek. My hand darted up, stopping her.
"Baby, you allow me to kiss you out in public," Ariel frowned.
"That's public and for image's sake."
"We went all the way as well."
"We never did." I scoffed; not once did I touch her. That was a disaster that I did not want to entangle myself in.
We sat in silence; my head was throbbing. Just six more hours and the promise will be fulfilled. How I wish six hours would pass. I leaned back, closing my eyes. There were too many things to do in the Regis pack, so many things that needed my attention.
Still, today was one of those days I wouldn't mind going running in the woods just to let the wild take over. It's been a long time since I let my wolf run.
The limousine stopped. I stepped around and walked around. Opening the door for Ariel and giving her my hand. She took it with enthusiasm and stuck her body close to me.
Get her off us. Logan spoke with a snarl in his head. My wolf despised her.
Behave. I chastised back. Six more hours and this is over.
Six more hours will not cut it. She's exuding marking claims on us!
"Ariel." I barked, and Ariel snapped her attention toward me.
"Yes?" she said. She smirked, knowing what she was doing.
"Do not test me or help me God, I will tear you apart." Logan and I growled in a low, threatening voice.
Ariel reeled in her scent, looking at me with fear. She shuddered, but didn't let go. She knew Logan hated her. We walked the red carpet hand in hand. Flashes of light blasted, news reporters yelled, "Mr. Regis, is it true that you are engaged to Ms. Laughton?"
I scoffed at that question, ignoring it.
The door opened, allowing us through.
Something is here. Logan whispered. He paced in the back of my mind. I haven't seen him pace like that in a while like. The last time was at the photoshoot, and the other was at my office, which was brief as he was more confused than restless.
I wondered what he was talking about. The room became muted. Every gaze snapped toward me. My eyes scanned across the room; I saw Tyler in a group of men and women, talking with each other. While in the corner, Eric and Sarah were sitting down and conversing. Her four enormous black wings, which looked heavy on her, were resting on her back. There was something unique about her; I couldn't tell what.
Even in this heavy room, I could smell her scent of jasmine and mixture of frankincense. A subtle smell that lingered in the back of my nose, something you can't quite keep out. Heck, I didn't mind it staying.
Eric leaned in; I felt an uncomfortable twist in my guts. Glaring at Eric, my steps were already moving before I could think about what I was doing. Ariel was half dragged with me to our destination. I stopped in front of the table, observing Eric and Sarah. An annoying itch bubbled in my mind; I didn't like Eric near her.
"Eric, it's good to see you here at the Luna Gathering." Ariel had a lofty tone of voice that made me want to close my ears. She winked at Eric and gave him a sultry look that said many things all at once.
"Daimon, why did you bring her here?" Eric spoke, annoyed.
"Because he loves me," Ariel said with a pep in her voice. "We're going to get married."
"Bullshit. No one has made an announcement. Eric snapped. "Rachael got divorced, and your time with Daimon ended."
Ariel glared, angry at Eric's words.
"Racheal isn't here, is she?" Ariel spoke, with a arrogant tone of voice. "If she were, she would be here, not me."
Daimon growled, "Ariel." I was getting a growing headache. Six more hours. Damn it, why does it feel so long?
"What! It's true! She dumped you."
"Ariel, enough."
"It's been five years, Daimon. I know you have moved on, don't let that bitch ruin what we have."
"Ariel! Enough! We will not talk about this."
"But Daimon," Ariel's hand raised up, reaching into his blazer, fiddling with a button to loosen. She whined, doing her best to look innocent and sweet. My skin crawled whenever she did that. "You love our nights together," she spoke.
Daimon pulled her away, growing colder. "Either you go eat something or I will send you back."
Ariel frowned; she pulled away. "Fine, but we still need to talk." She turned around, swaying her hips.
"Man, how do you deal with her for five years?" Eric stated, waving his hands in front of her. "I would have lost her the first week."
I shifted. "She has her uses." She did; she kept the other wolves off my radar. Even still, there were many who slipped through. They all tried, but none of them caught my attention, nor did I care.
"Are you going to marry her?"
"No," Daimon snorted.
"Daimon, as your friend, leave her. For all our sake, she's a problem. And a problem like her will not let go. Hell, what would Racheal think?"
Daimon snapped, "Racheal isn't my concern. She decided."
Racheal, just the thought made my heart twist hot. Anger bubbled, and just as quickly as it rose, it disappeared as I stuffed those emotions into the dark. She still affected me, I knew it, but I didn't want to look into it. Not now, never.
"But she's free now."
"So?" I asked. I knew that she had divorced. What did that get to do with me?
"I hear she will be here in half a year."
I shrugged it off as if it meant nothing. "How is the Luna gathering?" Changing the subject, I turned my attention to Sarah.
"As you can see, I'm enjoying my meal and watching some interesting drama. It was live." I waved my fork in front of me.
"Was it interesting?" I pulled back the chair and took a seat. Leaning back, I placed his hand on his lap. Her scent was addicting; how can Eric stand there unphased? No, the last time I saw him sniffing her scent like a dog in heat.
"Very," Sarah stabbed at the cut steak and ate it. Her eyes held a sparkle I caught. Her lips smacked, and I couldn't help but stare at her lips. What would it be like to take a bite of those lips? I shook my thoughts away; that was not what I should be thinking about here.
"Is it true that pairings happen here?" She asked, finishing the last bite. The way she smacked her lips and licked it made my core tighten. I felt a slow heat burning. Sarah placed her fork down and reached over to take a drink.
I could see her throat gulping, slow and savory. I watched each gulp; my throat dried.
"Yes, there is a legend in this gathering." I stated.
"There is?" She leaned forward, curious. Her scent is stronger than before. I gritted my teeth.
the moon and happy marriage will bless "Anyone who finds their fated partner." I spoke with softness in my voice.
"Did you find your fated partner?"
"No, I thought I had in the past, but it seems I was mistaken." My gaze locked into hers, wondering what she was thinking. Since the first day she walked through that door, she caught my attention. There was something about her I couldn't put my finger on too.
Sarah melted in her seat as she took a few more drinks. The band playing snatched her attention away. I followed her gaze; there were werewolves dancing together. This Luna gathering was a major gathering for all werewolves in the United States. There were other major packs from neighboring countries that came as well, but all of Germany was here.
Alphas from different counties to countries, the Bellecross, the Gilman, and even the Locus from Los Angeles, California. Every single major wolf came here to find their mate, chosen by fate. Fated, rarer than the chosen. Many come out of this gathering with a pair one way or the other. I caught their gazes, resting on Sarah multiple times as if she were a curiosity that needed to be deciphered. Even the normal pack members all took quick glances, trying to figure her out.
Sarah got up as if enchanted.
Eric and I looked at each other, confused. Sarah walked into the middle of the dance floor, curious about what she would do. Her hand raised , her wings seemed to open up. Her feet shuffled and danced as the light dimmed around her. The moonlight hit her body, casting a magical glow.
Everyone gasped and stared. Nobody could take their eyes off her. An angel graced our dance floor. Each movement was sensual but beautiful. I felt an unusual pulse of energy; my nose flared.
She was a sweet temptation in the dark. Her wings ruffled and trailed; her dance mesmerizing. I leaned over, Logan paced, leaning in on the view. I knew he was entranced too; The music was like a backdrop as her voice broke through. Soft, but powerful, that tingled the very soul. I felt it calling; we all did.
Aerate my embers
Let the fire burn
Let the sword temper
Let the red strings vibrate in one.
My king, let your will be done.
She swirled. Moving from one floor to another. Like sirens, the pair of couples stepped forward, entering the song as more and more came forward.
My gaze watched, waiting.
We need to go up. Logan whined.
Not yet.
Why not? There is something there that we need to figure out.
We will.
Sitting here will not solve the problem.
I snorted at Logan's words. True, but I didn't want to break the spell of her songs. It possessed a magical, cloying quality. I could taste the honey-like texture in the air; what was fascinating was her scent was electrifying the very air.
Eric was on the edge of his seat, enthralled. I could tell that he was about to bolt up and step in to have a dance, but he didn't. Just like me, he wanted to finish hearing her sing. Every inch he pulled out of his seat, my lips curled up into a snarl.
Fuck this. I got up, heading straight toward her. Every step, I wondered what the hell I was doing until I stopped in front of her. She gazed up with those beautiful black eyes that looked straight into my eyes. I shuddered. I'm fucked.