Chapter 8 Coming to somewhat of a Truce

I woke suddenly with a throbbing headache and a horrible taste in my mouth. My eyes narrowed at Lucian sitting before me shirtless holding a cup out toward me. My eyes traveled down his pecs and abs. He was put together very well for his age.

"Drink this, it will cure the hangover I'm certain that you have," he said softly and I sat up and groaned holding my head. Grabbing the cup I thanked him.

"That little wolf makes some mean liquor. I even felt its effect this morning," he mumbled casually and leaned back showing more of his fine flesh.

I sipped on the tonic and Lucian grinned at me.

"Sorry for locking you in my room but I figured we would all be safe with you behind closed doors after what your friend Jaxon told me about what you did the prior moon festival," he said softly and I grimaced.

"Yeah, I recall…I stripped, flaunting my naked self before shifting and challenging all the men to fight me," I mumbled sourly and he chuckled.

"I'm sure it was an unforgettable scene. Like the one, I came to see in my living room. Did you cut yourself with my sword?" He asked with concern.

"No sir, I'm surprisingly skilled with handling a blade," I bragged and his brow rose.

"Perhaps you would practice with me?" He questioned curiously and I grinned slightly and shrugged.

"Sure, I would enjoy putting you in your place," I smirked and he chuckled heartily and told me to finish the drink. I drained the contents and felt much better. Lucian stood and I watched his nice butt move underneath his pajama bottoms as he walked across his room and disappeared into his closet. When he came back out he handed me the clothes I had worn when I first arrived.

"These have been cleaned so you can shower and wear them until your father purchases your wardrobe," he said solemnly and placed them in my hands. He looked down shyly and mumbled softly, "I haven't laid in my bed for over a hundred years or have slept an entire night for that matter. Thank you for allowing me that simple pleasure." My brow creased as I stared up at him.

"Thank you for being a gentleman," I replied and he smiled.

"It was difficult, you are a very tempting morsel," he growled and turned once again and disappeared into his bedroom. My stomach rumbled slightly and I wondered where they had blood or food within this realm. Holding the clothes I stood and searched for Lucian. When I was about to enter his bedroom I stopped and stared at his bare ass. Lifting the clothes over my face I addressed him.

"Is there blood? I'm a bit peckish," I said firmly and heard him turn. I lowered the clothes and saw him standing there holding a pair of blue jeans over his privates.

"Sorry for my state of undress," he grunted and I laughed and told him there was nothing he should be sorry about. Lucian grinned slightly.

"We can go to the kitchen for blood bags after you've finished dressing. You can shower if you want," he mumbled casually and I nodded and turned to go to his bathroom. I entered the steaming shower and my thoughts went to both Galen and Lucian. Comparing the two males I chewed on my bottom lip as I washed my hair. Galen I realized was my friend first but due to us being close acquaintances I was more comfortable with him. Lucian was someone new. Like a new toy, I thought and laughed.

"I'm going to beat him in swordplay," I said softly and Eva was chortling loudly in my subconscious making me frown.

"You believe I can't?'' I questioned her. Eva told me that Lucian was alive during a time when swords were a tool used to remain alive and he had years of knowledge and training. I rolled my eyes as I turned the water off.

"Well I will still give him a challenge," I said assuredly and my wolf quieted. I dressed quickly and exited the bathroom towel drying my hair.

"Want me to braid your hair?" Lucian asked. I glanced up to see him dressed casually.

"Wow, you look less like a pompous asshole," I mumbled and he lifted his hands and said, "tada."

I saw that he had a brush in his hand.

"Do you have a hair tie?" I asked curiously and Lucian glanced around his room and headed toward his dresser. He pulled out a black ribbon and turned to smile at me. I went to the vanity and sat in the chair as he stepped behind me. I glanced at him in the mirror as he brushed through my long locks.

"Have you done this a lot?" I asked curiously and his eyes met mine.

"No, Nia. I have never had a female in my suite besides the female workers that cleaned it and at no time have I brushed or braided their hair," he grunted and I scrunched my mouth not believing him for a second.

"Surely you've had lovers during your lifetime," I muttered and he grinned.

"Of course, I have dear, and have learned much on how to thoroughly please a female," he boasted and I laughed. Lucian's brow rose at me.

"You doubt my words? Would you allow me to prove it?" He asked seductively and my breath hitched as my heart started racing. He smiled at me as he quickly braided my hair and tied the end with the ribbon.

"Come along, if you're hungry…unless you would rather feed from me?" He asked teasingly.

"A blood bag will be fine. I feel you would enjoy my bite too much," I replied coyly as I turned in the chair and watched his eyes begin to glow down at me.

"Minx," he growled roughly as he sat the brush down behind me. The rich scent of lush forest filled my nostrils and I closed my eyes savoring the unique smell. My soul perked up within me and I felt a light touch on my cheek. I opened my eyes to see Lucian gazing at me and running his knuckles down the side of my face.

"You are going to be the death of me, sweetheart, he sighed. My eyes narrowed at him.

"I certainly hope not. I don't wish anyone's death on my conscience and not yours..." Lucian kissed me more firmly this time as he cupped my face. This time I kissed him back and felt my insides combust. There was no doubt that I was his and he was mine. Running my hands up his neck he stepped back from me and instantly I felt the heartache of the separation.

"We must stop or I will mark and mate with you and I don't want your lust to overrule your heart, mate," he growled possessively. My stomach growled at that moment and so did his making me laugh.

"Let's go eat, my dear, Nia," he growled roughly and lifted my hand. I watched him under my lowered lashes to see if he had been affected as I had. Lucian escorted me down the stairs and into a huge dining room. The large windows were all stained glass. We entered a huge kitchen with a table and barstools. Micah was sitting there by the counter drinking a bag of blood and eyed the two of us sourly. When he spoke it was harsh and in Russian. I could only understand a few words and took a seat at the table while Lucian went to the refrigerator to grab us both bags of blood.

"How do you like it here sister? I imagine it is much less chaotic than with the dogs," Micha sneered. My eyes narrowed at his boorishness and I shifted my hand into my Lycan and examined my long claws.

"It is very dull here, brother, but Lucian has been great company and has made my short time tolerable," I replied smartly back and my brother's eyes landed on Lucian giving me the bag he'd gotten. A loud burst of curse words came from his mouth and then angry Russian. Lucian's brow creased and he looked down at me and hissed.

"I must go, quickly," he growled firmly and I told him I'd go with him. Lucian huffed and glared at Micah.

"Stay with your brother, please, Nia," he growled roughly and shifted into his vampire beast before dashing outside the patio I could see off the kitchen. I pulled the bag off my fangs and asked Micah what all that was about. He grinned slightly and turned toward me.

"A Lycan was spotted coming through a portal and was asking for directions to the king, our father. The male was asking specifically for you and Lucian. A very stupid move of the idiot since the rogue vampires will shred him like they did our mother," he growled and my eyes widened.

"Shit, shit, shit," I chanted and slapped the half-drunk blood bag onto the table.

"Point me where, please, I beg of you!" I cried. Micah shook his head and told me hell no.

"You are the Elders mate, it's blatantly obvious and I won't do something so foolish and put you in harm's way," he said sternly and I quieted as I glanced out at the patio Lucian had left from.

"Don't sis," he growled low and I grinned as I shifted, ripping the clothes I wore, and ran out of the patio door while he chased after me. I followed Lucian's scent as Micah chased after me. It was difficult to scent him as he flew most of the way.

"Stop Nia!" my brother growled roughly and tackled me to the ground. I growled bitterly and snapped my jaws at him.

"Calm yourself, Lucian was going to escort

him back to his realm so he makes it back unscathed. I closed my eyes and exhaled deeply.

"Are you alright to let up?" He asked and I nodded.

"Are you sure Lucian won't harm him?" I asked bluntly and Micah gave me a stoic look.

"He is an Elder and won't compromise the treaty," he grunted.

"Let's get you back and dressed before Lucian returns," Micah said staunchly as he rose and helped me to my huge back paws.

"Damn Nia, you're exactly like our mother, it's bittersweet," he growled emotionally. I lowered my muzzle and felt an odd sadness. It was disappointing not getting the chance to meet her. Micah grabbed my clawed hand and walked with me back to our home as I glanced around at the amazing forests and lush foliage under the unusual sun that shone above.