3. The First Move

The sun had set on what should have been a joyous day.  The city square was unrecognizable in its current state.  Blood still ran through the cobblestones that paved the courtyard.  Strips of cloth that had been used for mopping up the wounded were strewn all about.  Most heart wrenching were the families gathered by the various beds of those who hadn’t made it.  Some were still arriving as they had journeyed from all over the kingdom territory of the Iceni Pack.  It hadn’t taken long to get the word out but most had also shifted in order to get to the Harvest Moon in the fastest way possible.

Andraste and Ceres made their rounds handing out donated clothing to those who were still arriving as most hadn’t thought to bring a spare change of clothes.  Nothing is more important than getting to those you love.

Adonis continued to watch from the shadows as Andraste seemed to glide from family to family.  He had never had to consider how to approach before, but now his heart thundered with nerves and anticipation.  It was more than evident how capable she was.  Since the discovery of her brother’s injuries it was Andraste that had stepped in and stepped up.  Adonis could already see what a perfect Luna she will be.  He noticed too how each group that she spoke with all seemed just a little better, a little calmer after she’d been with them.

As though Selene herself was encouraging Adonis, a breeze floated past him in his current hiding spot.  It carried her scent and to Adonis it was nothing like he’d ever experienced before.  The wind smelled of the sea salt waters near home mixed with the lavender that grew wild all about.  There was also the faint hint of vanilla, an exotic treat that some traders had once brought to their home.  How was it that she could smell of such wonderful things?  With the fragrance came a sense of knowing and peacefulness.  Adonis looked towards the skies and for the first time in his life, acknowledged Selene.

“Goddess, thank you.”  And with that he stepped out of the shadows to greet his future Luna.  Both girls, having been focused on their task at hand, jumped despite themselves at the sudden appearance.  Ceres stood wide eyed, nearly leaned backwards, trying to look up at him with the height difference.  Andraste on the other hand immediately blushed.  This was the same stranger that had been staring at her earlier and try as she might to forget him, she had failed miserably.  Now, here he stood right in her way.

“Ladies.” Though his eyes were only on Andraste, Ceres let out a little giggle.  His husky voice matched his appearance and made both girls’ hearts flutter.  “I was wondering if I may have a word?”

His question broke whatever spell held her and  Andraste curtsied.  As Ceres still stood giggling, Andraste elbowed her best friend who followed suit.  Adonis rolled his eyes, being one who enjoyed ignoring decorum.   He reached his hand out to initially place it on her shoulder.  Instead, it seemed his hand had a mind of its own as his palm cupped her chin and lifted her face to his.  The touch gave them each tingling sensations wherever skin met skin.  He was right, her eyes really did shimmer when up close.

Andraste had never felt the touch of another man outside of her father’s.  Little did she know that the shivers coursing down her spine were not a normal occurrence.  She could feel the heat blazing in her cheeks and had never been so tongue-tied before.  She swore she could see the storm clouds brewing in his eyes.  

“Well?”  Adonis softly pressed.

“You are having a word sir.  You do not need my permission.”  It was Ceres turn to do the elbowing.  She had not been near as sheltered as her best friend and princess.  She recognized when he was meaning something more intimate.  And boy oh boy she wasn’t going to let this moment or chance pass Andraste up.  Ceres thought he even looked more gorgeous than Seth and his eyes were only for Andraste, a woman no man had ever dared approach before.

“Princess, I believe I’m needed elsewhere, may I take your leave?”

Andraste looked at her best friend as though she’d grown horns.  She was so confused.  She and Ceres were doing what was needed and where they were supposed to be.  Where could Ceres possibly need to go?  But before she could argue or question, Ceres had disappeared.  Panic started to set in and she realized she had been left alone with the stranger that was still holding onto her face.  She’d yet to catch her breath from the moment he touched her.  There must have been doubt or fear in her eyes as he released his hold, dropping his hand to his side.

“I’m told your name is Andraste.”

“I don’t think it’s fair that you should know my name and I don’t know yours.”

“Adonis.” He answered with a gleam in his eye and a cocky smile.

“Adonis, it’s a pleasure to meet you.  And what is it that I can do for you?”

Scream out my name as I taste every inch of you, thought Adonis.

“I was hoping that you could help me in finding something to eat.”

“Of course.  I believe the Omegas have just finished preparing everything.  We will all be gathering and eating in the Great Hall at the end of the square.”

“I’m sorry, it’s such a large square, do you think you could show me the way?”

Andraste, confused once again, tilted her head.  Was he blind or dumb?  The Great Hall was by far the largest building in the capital that no matter where you stood even human eyes could see it.  It was beyond her sheltered youth to understand the hidden invitation.  As though realizing how naive she was, he grabbed her hand before she could pull away.

“Forgive me, I’m merely creating an excuse to be in your presence.”  The flush that had started to subside from her cheeks returned and little did he know just how much her innocence would turn him on.  He was grateful that the togas of the day's fashion were loose for surely anyone in the square would be able to see his erection.  It was bad enough a few she-wolves nearby had started glancing his way, when all he wanted currently was Andraste's attention.  Once upon a time he would have gladly abandoned the quest at hand knowing it wasn’t going to end in the way he wanted and to instead take advantage of the hunger in their eyes.  How simple it would be to pick up one of the three he saw standing near the stage and make quick work of releasing his frustration.  For that matter, why stop at one?  Only yesterday he’d enjoyed the company of twins.  But that was yesterday.  That was before he’d known Andraste existed for him to love, admire, and crave.

“Oh! Well then.” She stuttered as they had already begun to make their way to the Great Hall.  Butterflies danced in her stomach as she tried to figure out what else she could say.  His hand was so large that it engulfed hers.  And in a rare change for her, she found herself having to look up to meet his gaze.  And she shouldn’t have looked up.  One glance into his eyes and those butterflies dancing were now accompanied by the beat of her thundering heart.  Her reactions to him didn’t go unnoticed and a smile spread across his face.  He knew that he wouldn’t be leaving the Harvest Pack without her, whether she was 18 or not.

It didn’t take long before they reached the entrance to the Great Hall.  Geb stood there greeting each as they came in.  Gaia, who normally would have been doing the same, could be seen inside bringing plates instead to the wounded still too weak to get up on their own.  Geb stood straight as an arrow, his posture giving off the idea that he was strong.  But his face betrayed him showing all the weariness of the day.

“Father!” Andraste greeted him enthusiastically, launching into his arms.  Gone was the shy and reserved woman who had just walked with him.  Adonis instead saw her face light up with such pure joy that made his heart drop to his knees.  He would spend the rest of his life to earn that look from her.

Andraste released the hold she had on her father and turned towards Adonis.

“Father, I’d like to introduce Adonis a…” Andraste faltered as she realized that was literally all she knew of him, “a member of King Apollo’s pack.” she finished with some embarrassment.  To her surprise, Geb let out a boisterous laugh and Adonis rubbed the back of his neck in what was either embarrassment or shame.  Apparently she was missing something vital here.

“Daughter, I know Adonis quite well.  Well, at least I thought I did!  Who is this in front of me and where is little mischievous Adonis?”

“Geb, it’s been too long!  I was so sorry you hadn’t been able to make my Wolf Ball.”

“Yes, most unfortunate timing.  But I dare not have been away from my territory when there was such a large skirmish of rogues.  That mystery still has yet to be solved, but our borders have been secure until today.  I’ve already sent my best warriors to learn more.  Perhaps being the warrior and future Alpha that you are, you could fill me in?”

Adonis watched as Andraste stiffened and could feel the cold blast immediately.  The warmth her aura had taken on in the presence of her father was now ice cold.

“Well, it appears that I didn’t need to abandon my task to escort such an able prince.  I apologize Father for allowing him to distract me.”

“As I hear it Andraste you are far from the first to be distracted by the likes of him.”  And with that Geb turned towards Adonis with a brow raised and a frown in place.

“Geb, I mean no harm towards your beautiful daughter.  Seth had spoken so big brotherly of her that I just had to know what could manage to get under his skin.  So, I asked her to walk me to the Great Hall, now here we are.  Though, before the night is over, I would greatly appreciate a word with you.”

“If it is in regards to the attack, I have asked all able warriors to stay after dinner for a meeting.  I’d greatly appreciate it if you were one of those warriors.  Past that I fear I’m still needed throughout my pack.  The shock and strain of Seth’s injuries kept me from some of my other responsibilities.  But now that he is awake and already complaining, it is time I take stock of today’s events.”

“Yes, yes of course.  And I will be at the meeting.  Father had said something to me about it and I know he feels it’s wise to discuss the events while still fresh.  He also mentioned that you and he have sent runners to the other alliance members.”

“Your father, and I undoubtedly agree, that anyone foolish enough to attack today’s caravan would be willing to do it to anyone in our territories.  So yes, we have called for a grand meeting and since there are still wounded recovering, Harvest Moon will be hosting this summit.  Unusual, I know, but these are unusual circumstances.”

“Geb, this could take some time to come to terms with what is happening and create the best plan.  Is your pack prepared for that?”

“Each runner was sent with instructions to not only bring the alpha of each territory but to bring supplies.  As for housing, my pack will open their homes.  Everyone will have a place to stay.  You and your father were always meant to stay at our home and so that remains but for how long we are no longer sure.  But in the meantime please make yourself at home.  And anything you need you only need ask.”

Andraste began to understand that things were much more serious than just a rogue attack.  She’d been so busy doing what needed to be done that she had missed all conversation of a summit with the other alliance Alphas.  But worse, how had she not realized that this god-like man was going to be staying only doors down from where she slept?  She knew that her mother had been preparing the home for guests, only at the time she hadn’t concerned herself with it.  Now that same mixture of fear and excitement was making its way up her spine.  Best to ask Ceres if she could just bunk with her until he left.  Yes, that was the perfect idea.  Especially since her best friend would surely need her once Ceres found out about Seth.  Relieved at the idea a small smile played on her face.

Adonis wanted desperately to know what had finally put a smile on her gorgeous face.  He doubted it had anything to do with him at this point since he was still feeling the chill his way. But he was determined to win her over.  He knew he had ground to make up for in his lack of forthcoming.  Though, Seth had once referred to her as the "Ice Queen."  Adonis could easily see why.  If it all irritated she was nothing but cold.  He couldn't wait to get to what he knew must be a hot center.  His gaze began to wander down as he thought not only of the warmth of her character but of the warmth between her legs.  Just thinking of reaching that center made his dick twitch with anticipation.  Before he could continue his daydreaming of a naked Andraste, Adonis smelled another approaching just shortly before his footsteps could be heard.