What do you guys think? A bit corny? or the right dose? I love a little cliche romance. Do you?
?This chapter contains elements of Pagan rituals, proceed with caution? As soon as the couple had entered the temple vicinity, the wedding priest rushed to the couple smiling and congratulating them. The maids dressed in pagan Earth-themed costumes and flower tiaras on their heads, took the couple's hiking gear and sweaty jackets and then led them into separate temple chambers to change and get ready for the second part of the ritual. To their surprise, Clara and Nathaniel awaited Iris and Dom respectively, in their respective chambers to ready them like the two rituals before. As soon as the maid left, Clara squeaked, "Eeeeh, I am so happy for you guys! And even happier that, after everything, Nath and I have been allowed in here to do the honor of helping you guys get ready." She had initially opened her arms to hug Iris but seeing her soiled form reeking of forest and whatnot, decided otherwise, concluding, "I am gonna hug you after you have had your bath. For now, just take co
'Nubendi in Aerem', which translated directly to 'Marrying into the air', was just as literal as it sounded. The third elemental ritual of their wedding. Dom and Iris were led to separate chambers to rest while all the members of their family rushed up and down Mount Matrimony to ready the mating grounds for the second last elemental ritual. In no time, Iris and DOm were being woken up and rushed to get ready for the ritual. Dom was once again given a loose robe to hang on his hips and cover his lower half as Nathaniel drew the same symbols on his naked back for the fourth time. Iris' top, on the other hand, had strips to hold it in place this time, and her skirt was of mesmerizing white net strips that rustled in the slightest wind. Their hairs were left to flow as tiaras were fixed on their heads, much more firmly than before. With a deep breath and a sign from the wedding priest, Dom and Iris were led to the mating ground, on the highest point of the mountain summit. Dom helped
It had been two days since the 'Nubendi in Aerem' ritual and Iris just felt her mood dropping with every passing minute. She had blocked her mind-link to Dom, who was now getting worried about her as well as everybody else who came in contact with her. Anyone could sense from miles away that something was troubling her and she was unable to say it, but it was eating her insides. With the next ritual, the final elemental ritual, getting closer, Dom wanted to fix things with Iris and to know the reason behind her downhearted and aloof attitude. He needed things to be as they were before. But Iris was avoiding everyone and somehow only Lily managed to get through to her during mealtimes. Iris was worrying everyone but she was the most worried of all. Lily's words were still ringing in her ears and she had lost her appetite, her sleep, and her usual cheery demeanor that this marriage and mate bond was bringing her. Lily knew what was wrong but she acted as oblivious and worried as every
The crowd gathered as all the guests prepared to send the couple into the Cave of Ignis et Probitatis, which simply translates to, 'The Cave of Fire and Honesty.' The day had begun awfully for Dom as the last two days had been, but when Clara came out of his mate's room with a triumphant smile on her face, he finally relaxed a bit. He had no idea what was going on with Iris, but he felt so helpless and upset that she wasn't okay and she wasn't sharing it with him. He was confused too and everything had made him lose his appetite and sleep. But when Clara gave the good news that Iris was ready to go out and have lunch with him if he didn't probe her, he finally realized how hungry he had been. If he had to trust her to talk to him on her own terms, then so be it. At least she wasn't staying away from him anymore. At least she wasn't having cold feet about their marriage as his mind kept telling him. Dom was kept unaware of Liliana's little trouble-making since she was his sister and
A tiny crackling was heard like small, almost unnoticeable sparks around them. Dom and Iris quickly looked up to notice the numerous lanterns decorating the cave walls were beginning to catch fire from nothing and lightening up the dark cave. Şekileus had started to accept the part of the ritual that surrounded the passion and devotion of the couple to each other. But the main ring was still silent and cold. That reminded them of the ritual they were there to perform. Dom went back to his position after a soft peck at Iris' forehead as she sat straighter than before. It was time to resume the ritual and be done and over with the last elemental ritual of their wedding. It was time, to be honest. And Iris still had some heavy weight on her heart. They gazed into each other's eyes and Dom saw guilt still swimming in hers. He sighed and started, "Alright, My Queen, I'll lead and you can follow as you feel comfortable. Hm?" Iris wordlessly nodded and with a deep breath, Dom began, "
The next whole week could be expressed for Iris in two words: Utter Bliss! She was on cloud nine and felt like floating mid-air all the time. The days were spent busy with everyone getting ready for the Christian wedding, the nights were spent yearning for the mating ceremony to arrive, which was on the very night of the wedding. Dom and Iris had mind-link conversations almost all the time, sometimes teasing, other times having heart-to-heart, and other times random tidbits were being exchanged. Lily was yet to be invited to the wedding. Since her act on the third ritual, nobody wanted her to mess up anything else, but it was her only brother's most important day of life, and neither of them wanted her to miss it. Plus, it would be suspicious if Alpha's little sister wasn't attending the vows and ring-exchanging. And yet no one dared to bring up the topic in front of Dom. Iris had, after all, been upset for days because of a few seemingly harmless sentences. And then there was the
To say that Iris was surprised would be a huge understatement. Because when Carlisle Gilbert walked in wearing a black tux and bow tie, smiling tenderly, her jaw almost literally dropped to the floor.Before she could even begin, he complimented, "When I say you look drop-dead gorgeous, I mean it. Because you do look mesmerizing, Iris. Dom is going to have his mind blown.""Carl." Iris breathed, still not sure if he really was there or if she was imagining him.He smirked, "O please, don't be so surprised. I wasn't going to miss my best girl's wedding now, was I?"He hugged her, careful not to mess up her dress or makeover. And she finally realized he was really, actually there."H-how are you even here? I thought after the last time you and Dom were in the same room-""I know, I know. It all went downhill. But you know it was all just a huge misunderstanding. We later met and talked like adults and clarified it all up. So much so, that he even allowed me to walk you down the aisle, if
Everyone's gaze shifted from the almost wedded couple to the newcomer. To the surprise of everyone, it was Freddie. He wore a nice black tuxedo himself and stood smiling at ease. Before anyone had a moment to process what was happening, Freddie looked at Dom and regained composure, "That came out wrong. I swear it sounded way cooler in my head." "Freddie, get on with it," Dom spoke through gritted teeth as Iris asked him, confused, "Hold up, you knew he was going to do this?" "Not this! I knew he was going to intervene but this idiot chose the worst possible timing." Dom glared at his friend for almost ruining his wedding. Freddie raised his hands in surrender, "I am so sorry, Your Majesties" His face was that of a child who knew he had committed a blunder but tried to make it right nonetheless, "I don't have any objections to this wedding. I mean, Alpha and his lady's reunion has been the most awaited for so long. I just wish to be included in the ceremony." "What?!" Iris almos
Hello, my beautiful escapists who kept up with my shenanigans throughout the ups and downs of this book. First things first, I love you all. I feel so lucky to have found this platform and through this all of you. I love the comments and I hope you weren't bored with my author notes. Multiple TV shows, novels, and movies came together in my head every night, and I created Iris. Through her I created Dominic and you guys know the rest. I have two news to share with yall. The first one is about this book. I am delighted and proud to tell you guys that 'Under the Dragon's Protection' is available on A****n Kindle. I have ordered my author's copy of the paperback for this book. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, A****n is unable to ship to Pakistan to my remote location in the middle of Thal, the second largest desert in my country. So, I have sought the help of an abroad friend to get it for me and then send it to me by post. The whole procedure will take more than a couple of
Marie had wanted to be the first one to see the Sun on the first day of the year. She had convinced her parents to fly her to the East coast of Japan to stand on the highest point and catch the first rays of the first Sun of the year. They had reached there a day earlier, and Marie was determined to stay awake the whole night, countdown to midnight, and then watch the sunrise before sleeping. Iris was sure she wouldn't make it past ten, but she still promised her daughter not to force her bedtime and in case she does fall asleep, to wake her up before midnight and sunrise. * Dom walked from behind Iris, who was leaning slightly on the balcony railing deep in thought, the mug of tea brewed from local Japanese herbs forgotten in her hands. "Penny for your thoughts, Little Wolf?" Dom whispered close to her ear and took pleasure as her body reacted to his voice. Iris turned around slightly, placing the mug on the nearby table as Dom placed his hands on the railing behind her, envelo
"Daddy, watch out!" But before Dom could duck, a ball of snow flew into his face and then Iris' laugh rang through the chilly morning. "My turn!" Dom laughed louder wiping his face and threatening, "Now, watch out!" He threw the two balls of snow in his big hands, one at each of his girls. Purposefully missing his daughter, making her sweet laugh ring in the crisp morning air. "Mommy, I need more!" Little Marie called out, making Iris temporarily lose concentration and head towards her daughter to create a bunch of little snowballs for her to throw. That's when Dom sneaked behind his wife and masterfully pulled back her neckline to drop a handful of ice down her back, making her shriek and run inside, "Dom! You'll pay for this." "You wanna make snow angels?" Dom offered his daughter who still stood bewildered at what had happened and why had mommy suddenly stopped helping her make more snowballs. She nodded enthusiastically and laid on the snow as Dom joined her and the two str
"Dom, she is too young for this. Wait a few more years." Iris laughed as she read a book and kept watch on baby Marie while her father was doing things nobody expected him to. Ever since the war had been won and peace had been settled. Dominic and Iris chose a secluded place untouched by war or any bad memories, a small cottage beside a private white beach in Brazil, to raise their daughter. Of course, there were times when they had to fly or teleport to a meeting halfway across the world when Freddie or Nora needed them to be present. The Alpha King and Queen could simply not vanish with the little princess. The secret perfectly up-to-date with technology and the magic, basement of the cottage was an example of how Dom and Iris were working from home while giving Marie the childhood that neither of them had. They had settled into this new routine of mundane chores which meant everything to the couple who had seen and suffered so much in their millennia-long lives. Dom had changed
[The semi-smut scene of the patch-up in the cave.] This was the first time a man had looked at her with this hunger and not to harm her but with a need to love her. That was all the motivation either of them needed because they didn't know who began it but with another loud thunder, they were on each other. More like Dom was hoisting Iris by her thighs as she had jumped on him and wrapped her legs around his torso. The patch-up makeout was intense as they kissed each other wanting to drown in the other. Their tongues danced to the wild rhythms of their hearts as their combined shadow danced with fire on the cave walls on the music of the magical storm that was raging outside. Once their lips were kiss-swollen and their lungs could not take the lack of oxygen anymore, they unwillingly separated. But Dom had had enough of staying away and the factors that were trying to pull them apart, so he headed for an attack of kisses and nibbles on her neck making it hard for her to control her
[Dom's dream from the Med-Bay bed after getting rescued from Y's Island and recovering.] Dom outlined the edge of her black lace panties with his teeth as Iris couldn't help but squirm under his ministrations, making Dom stop and look up from his position between her legs and say in his deep sensual voice, "Little wolf, if you don't stay place, these lace panties are not going anywhere tonight!" Iris looked at him doubtfully, "You don't mean that!" Dom sat up straight, revealing his tanned chest that flowed down to his smooth torso ornamented by rigid eight-pack abs and that sexy v-line that made Iris drool. "Try me!" He challenged and Iris was quick to give in, not only because she knew he would do as he said but also because she was too eager to avoid delay. She wanted him and she wanted him soon, so she huffed making her naked breasts jiggle. "Fine!" Dom's bulge in his trousers got more obvious at the show of her hot body lying almost naked on his bed waiting for him to do
Implied Smut. The salty water washed its foam around their feet as their eyes gazed at the mesmerizing sunset. After an exquisite lunch, Iris found herself being led out of the house by Dom and towards the beach. The weather wasn't particularly sunny, but it was perfectly cloudy enough to walk in the not-so-hot sand barefoot and roam around without sunglasses or hats. The salty sea wind blew through their hair and clothes, and Iris felt a sense of euphoria she had always yearned for. Dom couldn't help himself but keep his eyes fixated on his mate. Lady luck had smiled on him, and he couldn't be more grateful. He wanted to provide her with everything she had been missing for centuries. They kept walking silently on the beach, savoring each other's company and the gorgeous beach around them. No exchange of words was needed. Somewhere along the walk, Dom's hand found Iris subtly. She didn't pull it away, relishing in the little skin-on-skin contact they were allowed before the rituals
It is said that there are two parts of war. The battlefield and the aftermath. The battle was won. The cost came in the aftermath. Dom along with his family and those of the deceased was the first one to enter the Shifter Cemetery. It was the huge ground where all the shifters who lost their lives to Y's madness were buried after the war. Those who had been recognizable had tombstones, the rest got collective plates with lists of names of those lost in war. There was an empty grave for the innocent Isabella, about whose whereabouts no one had any idea. But Freddie deserved a place to mourn, and Isabella deserved to be remembered like the rest of the innocent victims. Liliana's body had been recovered, but it would've been unfair to all those who died fighting Waai if she had been buried in their ranks. So Dom had placed her in the backyard of his private mansion, where only the close family would be able to visit and remember. Iris still hadn't been able to entirely move past the
[Warning: This chapter contains an account of childbirth. Readers are advised to proceed with caution.] Dominic walked haphazardly through the emergency field hospital that had been set up by the witches to help the wounded in the war. "We need more people, just give the order and the women can come to aid." Nathaniel was trying to keep up with Dom's pace and convince him. "I cannot allow them to be on the battlefield when I promised their men that their women, children, and elderly would be safe at all costs." Dom looked around at his people, some lying motionless on the makeshift cots with missing limbs, some lying on the ground groaning because there was nowhere else to go, awaiting medical and magical help. "I am not asking you to order them to be here or break your promise. Just give the women a choice. Let the ones who volunteer come and help us get these brave people back on their feet. The war isn't over just because Waai is dead." Nathanial was persistent. Dom suddenly st