Aakifahlynn was sorry she missed the opening but was too busy recovering from draining her strength after healing folks at a hospital and then having to recuperate. Nevertheless, she told him not to let her absence keep him from moving forward in their adventures; she would show up when she could to check on things.Plus, Aakifahlynn preferred the surprised visits; keeping him on his toes is always better. However, she must admit he still had that eagerness to help in any way she wanted after their encounter that faithful day she visited the Stygian.Nevertheless, Aakifahlynn learned that Taisiya does not exist, literally. She was found washed ashore at the age of sixteen with no family.And this Jarrod had confirmed as he lived it. He was there when Jairus brought her home. Taisiya had woven a web of lies throughout her life, leaving a lingering mystery about her true identity. Even Spencer, who had his men gather all the intel, was unsure. But he went on to explain his spy's find
Aakifahlynn spun around, looking everywhere, wondering what was going on. She then shouted, asking Jarrod if he knew what was happening and if anything like this had ever happened while he was there.Jarrod thought momentarily, then told Aakifahlynn that the last time this happened, Demarion's sister was kidnapped, and they locked down the empire.They did not make it far with her.Aakifahlynn shouted, and Jarrod heard her when she said, "The emperor went through all this for the disgraced emperor's sister?"But before he could correct her and tell her the Emperor was not disgraced, nor ever was he. It was like an alarm went off in Aakifahlynn's head—the thought of her parents struck her. She needed to know if they were safe, her concern overriding everything else."Oh my goddess, my parents," she shouted over the blaring again. And an excited Jarrod, forgetting all about the Emperor, almost jumped up and down, jumping out of his seat, "Oh Goddess, my dear old friend is here." His e
Demarion sighed. He did not mean to come off so aggressive, he thought for a moment. There were many reasons why he was holding off on bombarding Aakifahlynn with all the information he had about their past lives. "Because she never believes me at first, always... and always tries to escape me. Which always led to her death before I could." Demarion's voice cracked, and when he regained it, it trembled. He fisted.He was tough and mighty, powerful and feared by many; however, this one woman could bring him to his knees without even trying."Before I could even hold her in my arms and show her how much I loved her before she could ever love me, I simply cannot risk her life like that this time; I won't." He declared.Danica's heart ached for her brother. " What if you are wrong, and she does believe you this time?""Why would she? I haven't been completely honest with her, and it's damned if I do and still damned if I don't.""You should not think like that. This time, it is different
Demarion had come by earlier, but now it was dark out, and Aakifahlynn was still nowhere to be found. This was a bit unusual. And the fact that Demarion was worried, Aakifahlynn's mother was now.By Mrs. Arwen's response and stricken look, Demarion got his answer without even asking. They still had not seen her since. "Guards," Demarion shouted.There were guards at almost every post. How could Aakifahlynn slip past them, and neither of them saw her? "Yes sir," the nearest guard came almost at a run, "sound the alarm. Our Empress is missing." Demarion orders.Those words about 'his empress' flew over Mrs. Arwen's head as she was now stricken with fear, being consoled by her husband, Aakifahlynn's father, Mr. Ludwig Arwen. She had left the door wide open, and Danica walked in to get them up to speed. She mentioned her brief conversation with their daughter earlier today in an attempt to reassure them that she was certain Aakifahlynn was just fine. Demarion barked a few more orders
Yes, she was cloaked. She had thoroughly cloaked herself so Demarion could not keep such a tight hold on her.And even though Aakifahlynn saw the errors of her ways because her father could not feel her through their bond, she would blame Demarion.It was his fault. "How could you?" Aakifahlynn shouted, her voice shaky with rage, not giving him a chance to respond. His gaze bore into her, so Aakifahlynn felt as if she could not breathe under his intense gaze.She continued anyway, refusing to let his allures get to her, "What gave you the right to raise such an alarm?""Why would you provoke such a raucous that would cause my mother and father such pain? They thought I was in serious danger and that something was seriously wrong when I only wanted to get away from you and your lies." she snapped.Her words, a cascade of pent-up emotions, not letting him get a word in.Now, she was breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling. "Aakifahlynn?" Her mother's gentle voice called out to h
Aakifahlynn was still cloaked, and Demarion was wearing gloves, so she did not experience the full effect of his touch. And yet, for a second, she lost herself in his eyes, and her eyes fell to his lips. Then, she moved up to his eyes again and licked her lips.Her face suddenly moved closer to him.At Aakifahlynn's apparent intentions, Demarion wasted not another second; he had been waiting an entire lifetime for this again; he instantly closed the distance between them, his head swooping lower to meet her as she tiptoes wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him.It quickly became hungry and heated, his hands moving down her back, caressing her waist, pulling her flush to him as he sat on the table, she between his legs.She grabbed the hair at the nape of his neck and slid her hand up, massaging his head. Her fingers ran through his hair as they melted in this passionate kiss, and they both moaned in pure pleasure.However, Aakifahlynn had been fighting this for the last few
Aakifahlynn quickly flew off the bed. After eating, she brushed her teeth, showered, and dressed for the day. She wanted to return to visit her parents to tell them where she really was yesterday and give them the news about Jarrod, her father's friend, and Alpha, who was presumed dead.She knew her father would be thrilled that his old pal was indeed alive. However, she did not want Demarion to know about that development just yet, simply because she wanted to keep some things to herself. Goddess knows how much Demarion has been keeping from her.Aakifahlynn also planned to keep busy because there was a gala soon, but she had no intentions of attending.Meanwhile, last night was the most restless night Demarion had experienced, and he had been around for centuries, so that's saying a lot.And it was not because he slept by Aakifahlynn's door; that had been his norm since she arrived. No, that was not it.He was happy that Aakifahlynn was safe and sound. He'd gathered that she must ha
Perhaps this dinner was a stroke of luck. Aakifahlynn's primary goal was to avoid Demarion and direct all her focus toward the families present.This annual ball and fundraiser can be the start of her getting close to the Emperor. And if she was being honest, Demarion did mention this to her weeks ago, but it may have gone in one ear and come out the other. She was too busy with her 'kill list,' the people she sought revenge on for past wrongs.Since then, she'd already decided she would not attend, and she knew him getting her parents involved would be a way to get her there. So you know what? She would dress to kill, wine, dine with the elites, and maybe find herself a wealthy man. She rolled her eyes inwardly at her last thought as if."Fine, I'll think about it," Aakifahlynn said, not wanting to suddenly give in."Come on, Aakifahlynn, pleaseeee do it for me." Her mother's plea echoed. Aakifahlynn was not ready to give in so quickly, but she could not resist her mother."Okay, o
Jarrod had all but pledged his life to the man, grateful to him for saving it. The same was true of her parents. She understood why they were faithful, but they were all missing the 'why' in this situation. Aakifahlynn's mind was a whirlwind of confusion, unable to grasp the true identity of the man they all revered.It scared Aakifahlynn, not knowing the 'why' of Demarion's actions in saving them. This could be more sinister than they all thought or imagined. And what did her parents do? Blindly worship him.Now that she saw and understood where her parents stood on the matter, she would drop it and let the chips fall where they may, but that does not mean she would suddenly let her guard down. No way, no how.The rest of the day went by pretty quickly—it was almost a blur. Aakifahlynn had left her parents and visited her garden, where she'd started growing flowers for her scented soaps.She checked on the progress even though she knew they were already being taken care of, thanks
Perhaps this dinner was a stroke of luck. Aakifahlynn's primary goal was to avoid Demarion and direct all her focus toward the families present.This annual ball and fundraiser can be the start of her getting close to the Emperor. And if she was being honest, Demarion did mention this to her weeks ago, but it may have gone in one ear and come out the other. She was too busy with her 'kill list,' the people she sought revenge on for past wrongs.Since then, she'd already decided she would not attend, and she knew him getting her parents involved would be a way to get her there. So you know what? She would dress to kill, wine, dine with the elites, and maybe find herself a wealthy man. She rolled her eyes inwardly at her last thought as if."Fine, I'll think about it," Aakifahlynn said, not wanting to suddenly give in."Come on, Aakifahlynn, pleaseeee do it for me." Her mother's plea echoed. Aakifahlynn was not ready to give in so quickly, but she could not resist her mother."Okay, o
Aakifahlynn quickly flew off the bed. After eating, she brushed her teeth, showered, and dressed for the day. She wanted to return to visit her parents to tell them where she really was yesterday and give them the news about Jarrod, her father's friend, and Alpha, who was presumed dead.She knew her father would be thrilled that his old pal was indeed alive. However, she did not want Demarion to know about that development just yet, simply because she wanted to keep some things to herself. Goddess knows how much Demarion has been keeping from her.Aakifahlynn also planned to keep busy because there was a gala soon, but she had no intentions of attending.Meanwhile, last night was the most restless night Demarion had experienced, and he had been around for centuries, so that's saying a lot.And it was not because he slept by Aakifahlynn's door; that had been his norm since she arrived. No, that was not it.He was happy that Aakifahlynn was safe and sound. He'd gathered that she must ha
Aakifahlynn was still cloaked, and Demarion was wearing gloves, so she did not experience the full effect of his touch. And yet, for a second, she lost herself in his eyes, and her eyes fell to his lips. Then, she moved up to his eyes again and licked her lips.Her face suddenly moved closer to him.At Aakifahlynn's apparent intentions, Demarion wasted not another second; he had been waiting an entire lifetime for this again; he instantly closed the distance between them, his head swooping lower to meet her as she tiptoes wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him.It quickly became hungry and heated, his hands moving down her back, caressing her waist, pulling her flush to him as he sat on the table, she between his legs.She grabbed the hair at the nape of his neck and slid her hand up, massaging his head. Her fingers ran through his hair as they melted in this passionate kiss, and they both moaned in pure pleasure.However, Aakifahlynn had been fighting this for the last few
Yes, she was cloaked. She had thoroughly cloaked herself so Demarion could not keep such a tight hold on her.And even though Aakifahlynn saw the errors of her ways because her father could not feel her through their bond, she would blame Demarion.It was his fault. "How could you?" Aakifahlynn shouted, her voice shaky with rage, not giving him a chance to respond. His gaze bore into her, so Aakifahlynn felt as if she could not breathe under his intense gaze.She continued anyway, refusing to let his allures get to her, "What gave you the right to raise such an alarm?""Why would you provoke such a raucous that would cause my mother and father such pain? They thought I was in serious danger and that something was seriously wrong when I only wanted to get away from you and your lies." she snapped.Her words, a cascade of pent-up emotions, not letting him get a word in.Now, she was breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling. "Aakifahlynn?" Her mother's gentle voice called out to h
Demarion had come by earlier, but now it was dark out, and Aakifahlynn was still nowhere to be found. This was a bit unusual. And the fact that Demarion was worried, Aakifahlynn's mother was now.By Mrs. Arwen's response and stricken look, Demarion got his answer without even asking. They still had not seen her since. "Guards," Demarion shouted.There were guards at almost every post. How could Aakifahlynn slip past them, and neither of them saw her? "Yes sir," the nearest guard came almost at a run, "sound the alarm. Our Empress is missing." Demarion orders.Those words about 'his empress' flew over Mrs. Arwen's head as she was now stricken with fear, being consoled by her husband, Aakifahlynn's father, Mr. Ludwig Arwen. She had left the door wide open, and Danica walked in to get them up to speed. She mentioned her brief conversation with their daughter earlier today in an attempt to reassure them that she was certain Aakifahlynn was just fine. Demarion barked a few more orders
Demarion sighed. He did not mean to come off so aggressive, he thought for a moment. There were many reasons why he was holding off on bombarding Aakifahlynn with all the information he had about their past lives. "Because she never believes me at first, always... and always tries to escape me. Which always led to her death before I could." Demarion's voice cracked, and when he regained it, it trembled. He fisted.He was tough and mighty, powerful and feared by many; however, this one woman could bring him to his knees without even trying."Before I could even hold her in my arms and show her how much I loved her before she could ever love me, I simply cannot risk her life like that this time; I won't." He declared.Danica's heart ached for her brother. " What if you are wrong, and she does believe you this time?""Why would she? I haven't been completely honest with her, and it's damned if I do and still damned if I don't.""You should not think like that. This time, it is different
Aakifahlynn spun around, looking everywhere, wondering what was going on. She then shouted, asking Jarrod if he knew what was happening and if anything like this had ever happened while he was there.Jarrod thought momentarily, then told Aakifahlynn that the last time this happened, Demarion's sister was kidnapped, and they locked down the empire.They did not make it far with her.Aakifahlynn shouted, and Jarrod heard her when she said, "The emperor went through all this for the disgraced emperor's sister?"But before he could correct her and tell her the Emperor was not disgraced, nor ever was he. It was like an alarm went off in Aakifahlynn's head—the thought of her parents struck her. She needed to know if they were safe, her concern overriding everything else."Oh my goddess, my parents," she shouted over the blaring again. And an excited Jarrod, forgetting all about the Emperor, almost jumped up and down, jumping out of his seat, "Oh Goddess, my dear old friend is here." His e
Aakifahlynn was sorry she missed the opening but was too busy recovering from draining her strength after healing folks at a hospital and then having to recuperate. Nevertheless, she told him not to let her absence keep him from moving forward in their adventures; she would show up when she could to check on things.Plus, Aakifahlynn preferred the surprised visits; keeping him on his toes is always better. However, she must admit he still had that eagerness to help in any way she wanted after their encounter that faithful day she visited the Stygian.Nevertheless, Aakifahlynn learned that Taisiya does not exist, literally. She was found washed ashore at the age of sixteen with no family.And this Jarrod had confirmed as he lived it. He was there when Jairus brought her home. Taisiya had woven a web of lies throughout her life, leaving a lingering mystery about her true identity. Even Spencer, who had his men gather all the intel, was unsure. But he went on to explain his spy's find