Magic on the Mountain 1 - Hidden Darkness

Hidden Darkness

Prologue

My first name is Darius Greyson but, everyone calls me by my middle name Devon.  I like it just fine. I prefer it actually. It was the summer that I turned eighteen and it had been an unseasonably warm summer. Fall now fast approaching, the surrounding woods in the city of Rapid springs Colorado seemed to be preparing for the no doubt harsh winter ahead, as it is located in the Rocky Mountains. The trees were changing to take on the appearance of fall and I reveled in the way each season brought its own incredible beauty. I worked in a small diner with two ladies in their thirties, who indeed treated me like the family I never had. It made the scars of my youth sting a bit less knowing that at least I wasn’t entirely alone in the world. Being the heir to the family fortune left me in no way needing a job but, it gave me a sense of normality and routine.

  The night after my eighteenth birthday I began to experience strange things, such as seeing things, and feeling a nagging presence that lingered with a maliciousness I had never before felt. Always present and always there, fluttering at the tip of my thoughts. Needless to say, it left me feeling uneasy about my surroundings. Today though, was a good day and the last few nights had seemed uneventful, free of nightmares and that nagging suspicion I was being stalked.

 It was a day like any other and the diner was irritatingly busy. I had been cooking for the better part of the week so today I was on dining room duty, busing and taking the orders. I was fast and efficient, so the whirlwind of buzzing voices and occasional loud crash were of no surprise and did not seem to faze me. Then, something shifted in the air and the hair on the back of my neck and arms stood on end.
My surroundings seemed to fill with a haze and the world shifted around me. The air became thick with a sickly gut-wrenching presence as I began to realize those around me were frozen in place, as if the world had stopped on its axis. Dropping the bus bin, I moved back a step as if something malevolent was approaching the diner. My weight slowly shifted and I took a labored breath, the setting sun was streaming through the windows. It took on a strange hue as it became faded by ripples in the air and the light bent and curved to their will. Dark bubbles began appearing, floating like black marbles peppering the air in the diner.

  My heart already racing, I lost my balance in the thick of the moment, fear gripping me. “What is happening, oh my god I’m going to die!” Was the only coherent reality I could foresee. Then the blackness pulled in on itself and a form began to coalesce. My now rapid heartbeat seemed to skip when I felt a jolt of what I could only explain as electricity rock me from the inside. The black malice filled figure began to take shape, with hate oozing off of it and I crawled back, in inexplicable terror. I wanted to scream, but no sound would come, as if the thickness of the air had drowned out my feeble screams of terror.

Then, as quickly as it appeared It was gone, collapsing in on itself. The bustle of the diner flashed back to normal as if nothing had happened. The crash of the bus bin clanked and smashed. The world, the very feel of the air seemed right once again. I stood slowly, then I noticed the shock on some patrons faces as if I had appeared out of nowhere.

” What the fuck.” I thought to myself and tried to compose myself as fast as I could muster the clarity. “Was that just a dream, a hallucination? What the fuck is going on!” I thought as Donna and June ran out from the back.

“Are you ok?!” they asked in earnest. I thought for a moment, trying to compel the words from my fear clenched throat.  “YE, Yeah, S Sorry I must have lost my balance.” If only. Seeing the look on my face must have worried them terribly, because they sent me home straight away.

I had been experiencing strange things I couldn’t explain but, never anything this intense or in public, so I can’t say I wasn’t pleased to leave early. Truly I was shaken to the core. On the way to the house (passed down to me in my inheritance) I couldn’t shake the feeling I was being watched and not by anything friendly. The late day sun waned behind the horizon as I reached the front of my home. The door opened to the friendly face of my lifelong nanny. She smiled at me and took my coat. I turned to the horizon, night was coming and that all too familiar feeling of uneasiness crept back up my spine and into my throat. I closed the door in hurried wariness shaking as it clanged shut.

I woke the next morning renewed and pleasantly surprised that I didn’t have any bad dreams. The bedroom door knocked and Fredrick the butler stepped in announcing visitors. When I inclined as to who it was, he announced, “Thomas the family lawyer and guest.” I approached the men in earnest. Curiosity, as it wasn’t common for me being so young to have visits this early from the family lawyer, especially with a stranger in tow.

“Hi Tom.” I said with mild enthusiasm. Tom had worked with my father and for him, for ten years before my parents died and he was entrusted with my finances and well to do until I reached the age of twenty-one. But who was the strangely serious fellow he had brought with him I wondered?

“Devon, we need to talk in private. May we go to the study?” he asked with a light smile but, there was an urgency in his tone that struck me as odd.

 “Sure.” I said walking toward the study on the left of the foyer. Then a feeling of concern washed over me.

 “What’s up?” I asked, curiously and warily.

“Please, sit down Devon, there’s something you may not believe but, it is of vital importance. Something you should have been aware of years ago.” He said, giving a mildly sinister glare to the red-haired man at his side.

 “I don’t know how to begin.” the man said. “I’m Ian, I was entrusted to pass along vital information after you reached eighteen.“ He seemed quite nervous and for me that was nothing terribly unnerving, until he asked if I had seen or experienced anything strange or unexplainable.

 My half fake smile faded, the events of the previous day whirling anew in my mind. A lump formed in my throat but, I managed the words “Maybe, yeah.”

 “What’s going on?” I inquired, “Why?”

Nervously but smoothly Ian began weaving a tale that I found quite entrancing and incredible. He spoke of mages and magic, werewolves and shapeshifters, vampires and fairies. I listened as if I were in a trance. Then he asked me if I had seen anything resembling a shadowy figure, and I froze. My jaw clenched tight. How did he know about the shadowy figure in the diner the day before? What was all this crazy talk, and why do I feel an eerie unsettling gaze on me even now?  He talked about my parents and my birthright, my coming of age and then he said it, the most earth-shattering revelation I think I already knew.

“You’re a mage Devon, you have magic inside.”  My stomach sank and jumped at the same time. How and why did I believe him? It was like fire inside me when he uttered the words. I knew in an instant it was the truth. All these months alone in the is big house, running from strange phenomenon and thinking I was going mad. All this made sense now and my tingling skin confirmed it. As the air thickened and sparkled around me, the strangest sensation told me this was the beginning of a whole different life.

1. Devon

The club was busier tonight than I had anticipated, it being a Thursday night, but being the premier club in town, what should I have expected? I had only been here a couple times before. Being my 27th birthday my friend Rich wanted to go out and have some fun. Rich was rather content in the VIP booth I had reserved for us entertaining some girls. I on the other hand, stood with my back to the bar quietly enjoying my fourth martini. My eyes placidly screening over the undulating crowd when a strange sensation tugged on my magic. It was sudden, mild but fervent. At the same time the hair on my arms stood on end and I scanned the crowd trying to ascertain the origin of this strange sensation.

 The feeling passed and I chalked it up to nerves. These crowds never really appealed to me, but the thought of another night alone in that big house left me cold.

 I was handsome in my right. Dark black hair finely styled, a face that I thought was pleasant enough, with a swimmer build. Nothing to write home about, but nice looking. I was dressed in an Armani suit and Ferragamo shoes. My nature insisted I stand at the bar, as I was not the dancing type and I much preferred the sidelines. This way I could examine the prospects the evening had to offer. The thought of a real relationship left me filled with wanting and whimsy but, I knew these places were not where one found his souls mate. There were all different types of people from every walk of life, in both the supernatural world and the human world. I chose this location to spend the evening, just for that reason. It was known as a neutral safe place where humans and super naturals could mingle.

 The mages accord forebodes any fighting among the super natural in establishments like these, so as to protect the human clientele. Rich seemed happy with his girls in my booth, sparing no expense in his ordering of expensive wines and champagne. He knew It was on my tab but, also knew I didn’t mind in the slightest. He was my best friend from childhood after all, and the only friend who knew I was a mage. Plus, I knew I could count on him no matter what, when it really mattered. Most of the people I was acquainted with only liked me because of my money, and made it pretty obvious in their actions and lack of loyalty.

  Suddenly it hit me again, this strange intense sensation flowing through my magic to my chest, humming and vibrating as if my magic were reacting to something. I scanned the crowd with my mage senses and zeroed in on what I thought might be the source. A man on the balcony talking to some people immediately caught my attention. He stood maybe six foot five and broad chested, muscular arms and a dress shirt, long blonde hair that fell just below his shoulders and a chiseled jaw. I looked harder to better discern his finer features but, my eyes lost track of him in the crowd. As I scanned the balcony I finally gave into defeat with a sigh.

  “Well Devon, another night alone.” I told myself dryly, then I started on my fifth martini. I had several offers by super naturals and humans, but nothing seemed right. I was left longing for that strange sensation when it hit me with the sound of a voice, baritone and sensual.

“Having a good time?” he asked. As I turned to face him, I was shocked at the sheer beauty of this man. His strength and stature alone shown an age beyond his years and a rugged wisdom rang in his voice.

“Yeah.” I said taken aback, he seemed to exude confidence and strength, a characteristic unfamiliar to me. We talked for a while, exchanging pleasantries and smiles. His hand brushed my forearm, then settled cupping the back of my arm as he smiled and laughed. My insides jumped and my stomach did somersaults. My heightened sense of smell took in the aroma of pine and bourbon with a hint of manly musk. My senses tingled and I went dizzy in the eyes. My body reacted to every tone and reverberation in his voice, every change in his expression. That smile, oh my gods that smile. We talked for what must have been an hour and I hadn’t touched my martini, distracted by his very presence. Suddenly my phone rang and that could only mean one of my businesses was calling. They had a problematic situation with the stock market and needed me right away.

 I abruptly told him “I have to go, I’m sorry.”

 He sprang to his feet chasing after me and as I turned, he stuffed a napkin in my suit pocket with a smile “I don’t know your name.” he said

“Oh, sorry I’m --- “then interrupting me, he jumped in with “tell me later on the phone.” and patted my chest over the pocket with the napkin in it, smiled and walked away. The slickness of that one move had me inspired but I suddenly felt so foolish and giddy all I wanted to do was go. I told Rich I would send the limo back for him. As I burst through the doors exiting the club, the chilled night air hit me. I suddenly realized just how warm I had been in the club, how flushed my face was. I found that not only a little embarrassing but curious. We mages had a very high tolerance to heat and cold. So, I shouldn’t have been warm at all, even considering the warmth and close proximity of everyone in the club.

I went to the council hall and into the office where they conducted my stock market affairs. We managed to rectify the situation with a minimum amount of effort.

 I rode home in a daze, not sure if what I just experienced at the club was a dream or real, but I smiled the whole way home because the napkin in my pocket was real so, he must have been.

  Arriving home, I stepped out of my limo sending it and my driver back to the club for Rich to come home when he’d had his fill of the place. I walked in my front door and was greeted by my butler James.

“Hello sir, welcome back and might I ask how your evening was?” I was swimming inside and felt like a child, I just said, “Great.” and smiled wide. Heading to my room I was caught be Ian, my magical mentor and only father figure. He had been the one to tell me of my mage powers and trained me mercilessly these nine years. I had a singular bond with him as my mentor and he knew me inside and out. The way he could sense my magic and emotions was part of being an empath, one of the abilities he used on me tirelessly. I was never sure if he did it to make sure if I was ok, or to keep the upper hand in training. You see, it’s imperative to know the state of the person your training, so as to not push them beyond their limits of mental fortitude. That’s where the magic can get wild and erratic, dangerous and unpredictable. Especially when a mage is lost in anger and frustration. They can easily go into the abyss of their magic, so deeply that they lose themselves to it. As I left him in the hallway, he knew before I walked away What I was feeling and just smiled at me.

 As I pulled out the napkin, I didn’t know whether or not to call and give caution to the wind. I wasn’t very experienced at courting anyone. The bulk of my years had been spent in training, honing my magical skills. So, I had no clue really what I was doing regarding this, other than I might make an ass of myself if I gave in and called right away. I mean, I didn’t even know his name. I’d forgotten to ask because I had been so nervous. Anxiously I put the phone down and said “No, give it a few days and if it feels right call him.”

 The next morning, I awoke with the sunrise. The beams of light shown beautifully through the glass wall in my bedroom as I made my way to the middle of my floor. I sat in my meditation circle and centered myself. At first my magic thrummed with anticipation and a longing I had not allowed myself to feel before. I brushed all thoughts aside and ground myself to the core of my being. I felt the pulse of my magic fall into line and a stillness filled the once static air. I sat like that for so long I lost track of time. James my butler knocked on the door stating that the mornings meetings were an hour out. I hissed, stalled, but gave into my responsibilities reluctantly. My mind still trying to wander back to that baritone voice, the scent of him, the chiseled jawline. Suddenly I was right back where I had started, “Fuck!” I said, “Get it together.” I staggered to the shower and prepared for the days meetings. 

My limo arrived five minutes early. As I walked into the council chambers the doors latched behind me and I tentatively greeted my colleagues. We pushed into the day, getting right into the business at hand. The council consisted of two members from each of the strongest factions. Two vampires, two fairies, two draconic and two mages. Myself being one of them. Invitations had been sent over the years to the strongest of the werewolf packs in the region but they preferred to settle matters internally and to date, it had been a non-issue.

 The day had dragged on but I was able to focus my mind. The last order of business was about the local werewolf pack. They had a territorial dispute with a neighboring pack, which normally would be taken care of internally, between the two packs, but it seems that the contesting pack master had supposedly injured himself and couldn’t fight in the ritual. So, I suggested this responsibility fall to their second in command. The pack however demanded council action. I carefully read the file. The local pack insisted the land remain in local hands or it was in danger of being turned into condos.  Low and behold, that land bordered that of my own estate, so I decided the land was forfeit by the contesting pack. I didn’t want any obnoxious condo’s put up destroying the beauty of the packs land and I must say, my view.

 The day was finally at an end and as the last of the members left, I stayed behind to close the building. After all it was mine. I heard a strange sound coming from the council chambers just as I prepared to lock the door. I went back in to investigate when the most savage gut-wrenching sickly feeling magic I had ever encountered, brought me to my knees. The air grew thick and felt heavy on my body like so much weight bearing down on me. I used all my physical strength and barely stood on all fours. The light separated and marbles of black spotted the air and a figure slowly materialized. The dark figure stood looming over me and the putrid taste of its magic took my breath. I was eighteen all over again, my stomach sank.

My own magic leapt and swirled inside of me as if screaming to get out, but, I was helpless in its presence. The air hissed out a turbulent thunderous roar as It howled and then just as fast, it dissipated and left me heaving for air on the ground.

My phone rang out, it was Ian my mentor, his voice shaky as he asked if I was ok. He had sensed the entity and my feeling of impending doom. The worry in his voice clear. I let him know I was fine, that I was just shaken and off balance. He demanded I come home immediately and I was happy to oblige.

2. Jonah

My names Jonah Myers I’m pack master of the strongest, largest werewolf pack in Colorado. However, today’s worry weighs heavily on me. The day was waning and I stood at the border of my packs land. As I honed over the possible outcomes if I lost the land in question in the dispute, an uneasy feeling of helplessness washed over me. A feeling I am certainly not accustomed to. Being the pack master of the largest and strongest werewolf pack in Colorado, I had to admit, not being able to settle this land dispute in the traditional fashion left me a bit uneasy. My father had been pack master and my grandmother before him, back for four generations. My family made this land safe and protected from outside threats for decades and this pack posed a real threat. This was not the first time they had tried to hone in on my territory. They had even gone so far as to try to seduce my second in command, Michael into defecting. That ended very poorly for four of their wolves and they have been reluctant to take the direct approach ever since.

 My cellphone rang in my pocket and upon answering, I was greeted with the news the council had voted in our favor. I breathed a heavy sigh of relief. My choice to refuse the councils invitation earlier in the year was foremost on my mind now. I knew I would have to give it some more thought in light of recent events.

 As I stood on the hillside at the edge of my pack’s territory, my thoughts wandered to that sexy slender slice of tall dark and handsome I had met at my club the night before. I wondered if he would call, or if I would ever discover who the guy was. I thought of the strange tug I felt on my inner wolf when I made eye contact with him. My stomach leapt and the word (Mate) echoed through my mind again. He’s a mage, I thought, shaking off the emptiness I suddenly felt. I began to wonder if he had realized just how much he had aroused me and had me wishing I hadn’t worn such tight pants. I smiled and turned to the path leading up to my house.

 Just as I was making my way to the house overlooking the town, sensations washed over me raw and gnawing. It felt like pain but, somehow it burned like poison in my inner wolfs magic. The sensation intensified and made my knees weak. What in the hell was this and why did it make me feel so frightened? I was not one to give in to fear, even when I had very real reasons to be afraid. I felt dizzy and thought I could see the hazy form of some sort of apparition. As suddenly as it hit, it faded, leaving me sweating at the brow and breathing in a deep sigh of relief. Leaving the hillside, I knew my next conversation would be with the pack sage. I had questions burning in my mind.

 I made my way up to my house, out into my truck and headed straight for elder cowls. Maybe he could shed some light on what had just happened to me and how it was able to stir my wolf’s magic.

Pulling up to elder cowls cabin, I made my way up the pathway to the door but, just as I was about to knock, he answered. Staring at me calmly, he squinted and said, “AH, I’ve been expecting you, come in Jonah. You have questions.” he said plainly

“yes.” I replied. I explained the sensation that washed over me on the hillside and the sickly tug it had on my inner wolf’s magic.

He explained in cryptic detail, that the inner wolf was born of magic and that even though we do not actively use the magic we possess, the inner wolf does and it can sense disturbances in the astral plane. After all, the wolf is born from magical origins.

 I left with almost just as many questions as I had going in but, at least my mind was somewhat put at ease. I was telling myself I could handle whatever comes, no matter what. The strength of the pack would prevail. However, the question still remained, what was it? Living in rapid springs all my life, I had my own fair share of magical encounters, so I was not unaware of the effects, still this was different.

By the time I got home, I knew a hot shower would probably do me wonders, as the stress from the day crept in. I needed some kind of outlet. ”I’ll go to the club.” I said, and headed to my room to change.

Arriving at the club, I sat at my usual VIP suite in the balcony and thought about the events of the day. Breathing a sigh of relief, knowing I didn’t have to worry about the Kilian pack, the neighboring pack that wanted to hone in on my ancestral territory. I stiffened at the very thought but, I told myself, “I’m here to relax.”

 My third glass of bourbon later I felt my tension subside. Then I felt that same tingle under my skin as I’d felt the night before, that familiar intoxicating tug on my wolf’s magic, but this time light and tantalizing. I searched the club for any sign of something out of the ordinary, then my eyes caught a glimpse of the tall dark and handsome man I had chatted up the night before. The wolf in me growled and I felt it tug again, tingling ran down my spine tickling my inner magic. I had to know if he felt the same as I.  I made my way through the club to the spot I last saw him. His familiar scent still lingering in the air.

 I followed the sweet smell of the man, dark and intoxicating. My hand reached out to grasp his shoulder as I said “Still don’t have your name stranger.” As I tossed in my best smile and flexing just enough. He seemed happy to see me and said as much. I felt the nervous energy emanating off of him and invited him up to my balcony suite, hoping the distance from others would calm his nerves.

He accepted with a smile that invigorated my every cell. What was it that had me so enamored, I wondered?

 His body was a sculpture of thin, taught muscle and tan skin. The muscle in his jaw gave way to his dimpled chin and bright blue eyes.

  Just as we made it to the balcony, my hair stood on end and I could feel danger in the air, smell it and it put me immediately on the offensive. I instinctively pulled my dark-haired companion behind me, a guttural growl escaping my throat. He suddenly went to the ground grabbing his head in pain.  I didn’t know what the hell to do, all I knew was this was dark magic and I had to scent it out. My every instinct was to protect this man and I didn’t even have his name yet.

I leapt from the balcony, tossing aside the house rule of no violence. I shifted into my wolf form in midair and landed on the dance floor with a slide. The crowd filled with screams and everyone headed for the door. I growled at the stranger in the corner as he caught my gaze and sneered at me. I knew this was him, the man causing the air itself to reek of dark magic.

I leapt to attack and felt a slam in my ribs, blunt and searing, there were two of them! I turned to face the new threat. He sneered “You think you can stop what’s coming dog, you’re dead wrong.” A twisted smile crept across his face as he built his magic into a dark staticky ball and hurled it my way. It almost caught my side when Michael, my second in command, landed pushing me aside. Standing there half transformed he and I faced down the dark mages.

We knew we had to act fast or people would get hurt. We lunged in unison, each at our intended targets. I crunched down on one mage’s hand as he let out a scream of agony and Michael raked the other across the chest with his claws, swift and precise.

The two men collapsed in submission. I turned back into my human form and security put them in magical restraints until police arrived.

I ran up the stairs to the balcony suite to find my dark handsome stranger passed out on the floor. I signaled for security to empty the club and I scooped the man up in my arms, carrying him to the basement apartment.  I gently laid him in the bed pulling off his shirt, revealing his dark hairy chest and tight chiseled abs. I averted my eyes, ignoring the heat that surged to my cock.  I covered him in a soft blanket. His rhythmic breaths filled the silent room beckoning me to sleep, my eyes grew wary and I drifted off.

3.Devon

 I rubbed my sleepy eyes, with a nagging pain in my head as I awoke with a grumble, disoriented and confused. Pain surged through my eyes and head as I strained to find my bearings. As my eyes came into focus, I was met with a gorgeous smile and an unfamiliar background. The low light made it easier on my eyes through the pain.

“Where am I? W-who are you?” I asked, squinting and groaning against the pain searing in my head.

“I’m Jonah, you’re in an apartment beneath my club. There was a magical attack and you seemed to be the target of the attack. Are you alright?” he asked, genuine concern in his eyes

“I-I think so.” I grimaced as I tried to stand

“My names Devon. Sorry I must have passed out I think they hit me with a curse.” His tension seemed to ease as I stood up.

“Well just glad it wasn’t serious. You had me worried for a good minute.” Jonah said with a half-smile. “The mages who attacked you are in police custody now.”

As my vision improved and the pain subsided, I could feel my magic healing me.  I took a step forward and fell into Jonah’s arms, he must have sensed my embarrassment and hint of arousal. I could feel the feral magic of the wolf seeping from him and the heat in my groin increased exponentially. I blushed and scrambled to gain my composer. Gods he was so hot. He was every bit the sexy, muscular man I had crushed on the other night, but now there was a tenderness to him and a playful arousal. I had to admit, my heart started to beat harder the longer I gazed at those muscular arms and legs. He must have sensed something because he smirked and averted his eyes as not to embarrass me.

“Do you want some breakfast.” he asked

I said “Sure I could eat.” The magic it took to shake off the curse had my stomach rumbling in response.

 We sat at the diner in town, which was one of the more popular locations for breakfast and ordered. I was unfamiliar with the joint, even though I passed it every day heading to the office. We talked over sweet pastries, scrambled eggs and Belgium waffles topped with berries. I have to say for knowing me all of ten minutes, the man seemed to know my tastes, or we just had that in common. My eyes drifted to his long blonde wavy hair and the way it shown strawberry in the sun. I forced myself back to the conversation.

So, what part of town do you live in?” he asked

“The big house at the top of porter’s bluff.”

“No way” he replied “I live across the wood in the old log house.”

 I chuckled, because I have often caught myself staring at it wondering who lived there. I said, “I have to get home though, the house is going to be in an uproar wondering where I am.”

“Sure, thing.” he said as he jumped out of his seat and pulled back my chair. It was strange the manners this guy possessed and the gentle nature he radiated.

Pulling into my drive he smiled at me and asked, “Dinner tomorrow night?”

I hesitated than said” yes” with a smile

“eight-o-clock?” he asked

“Fine.” I said

“Ok“ he replied and off he drove.

I felt butterflies in my stomach and a nervous energy took over. I threw my fist in the air and yelled “YES!”  I had a date with one of the most gorgeous men I had ever laid eyes on. “He’s really into me.” I thought with a smile, “plain ole me woohoo!” I yelled and the front door to the house swung open, I could see the concern on Ian’s face and the intensity of his concern was palpable.

“What happened last night, I heard there was an attack?” asked Ian.

“Yeah, it all happened so fast, all I know is they hit me with some kind of curse but didn’t have a chance to bind it, I’m fine now. I’m a bit hung over from it, but I’m fine. I promise.”

Concern still taught across Ian’s face as I made my way to my room. The time was now around ten thirty and I felt the familiar tiredness of having used magic to heal myself. I made my way to the bed. I needed more rest I told myself. I laid down, slowing my breaths until they were rhythmic and gentle as the ocean tide. In seconds I was asleep. 

It was date day and I had spent the day working out, trying to pacify my nerves. Evening was coming and with it the excitement of potential. The potential of a new relationship, or at the very least friendship. Which to be honest, was probably the best I was going to get. I was unlucky in love. They always wanted money or favors and spewed nothing but lies to get what they wanted. This somehow felt, different, I was hopeful for the first time in years. Eight o-clock came so fast, I was dressed in a suit and loafers with my shirt slightly unbuttoned. 

 I didn’t put on cologne, as it reacted to mages badly for some reason and besides, mages didn’t produce much body odor, something to do with the magic in our blood. I did one last mirror check scanning over my chosen attire and proceeded down the stairs to wait in the foyer. A knock came from the door. My stomach sank as James answered it and greeted Jonah. My insides fluttered with an intense sudden burst of adrenaline as I looked over his sculpted physique. He was clad in a purple dress shirt drawn tight around his muscular chest, a pair of diesel jeans hugged his enormous thighs and calves and black dress shoes. My jaw went slack as a smirk crept up his face. He approached, smiled wide and said

“You look amazing!”

“You too.” I replied with a hint of embarrassment. He took my hand and led me to his truck. Climbing in, I had no idea what the evening had in store for us but, I somehow knew it would end amazing.

 We pulled up to a restaurant called Steins about an hour later. It was the nicest restaurant in the city. I had been here before, but I didn’t frequent the place and it had been quite some time since I had dined here. As we entered, we were met with a plethora of servers, people taking our coats and a greeter accompanied us to the table.  Giving us our menus and going over the specials for the day, the server smiled than walked away. The other attendant stood nearby and waited for Jonah’s signal before approaching to bring wine and champagne. Jonah decided we needed an appetizer so he got us the calamari and the Escargot. We made it to our second bottle and of wine and devoured the appetizers both much hungrier than we had thought. I hadn’t eaten all day in anticipation of this evening. The buzz I was feeling from the delicious wine had me a little bit relaxed for which I was very grateful. We then had a cheese and fruit course that was incredible. Then the main course. I had the Duck Madagascar and he had the Fillet Minyan and sautéed shrimp. I was astonished at the incredible flavors and unique seasonings they used, it was all so wonderful.

He didn’t miss a beat, he chimed in, in some way sensing, somehow knowing, my discomfort in crowds. My inexperience at this kind of thing was evident. He burst into a chorus of conversation, telling me everything from his childhood adventures to his latest accomplishments, not boastingly but with an air of pride and contentment. I loved it. Not only did I not have to speak but the time seemed to slow and the evening lasted seemingly longer than it should have. I was afraid he’d think I was stuck up for not saying much in return, but he seemed content to fill the time with the pleasant sound of his baritone voice.

As our date drew to a close, I could tell he had something on his mind. I was afraid of course he wanted to end the evening as fast as possible, especially after my lack of conversational skills was apparent. I have to say I was shocked to hear the words “my place” and “night cap”. Butterflies turned summersaults in my stomach and I was reduced to an angsty teenager, shy and unsure of himself once again. Needless to say, I managed the words “I’d love to!”

 I almost blurted the words, but managed to contain my enthusiasm, or so I thought.

We headed back to his place and as we pulled up to the log house, I realized just how big it really was. It stood two stories high and ran nearly as wide as my own house. I had never seen this style of architecture in a log house, something very modern yet rustic about it. My eyes studied it with enthusiasm as we made our way through the front door and foyer to the main living room. The room was dimly lit with gentle music kissing the background, drowning out the silence and a bottle of burgundy chilled on the coffee table. “Smooth.” I thought “This guy is smooth.” He took my coat and then returned with a cork screw. Opening the perfectly aged bottle, I smelled it, gently swirling it to admire its legs and took a sip. I was shocked at the quality and immediately asked what it was, but he just smiled.

 I seemed to catch his eyes staring at me from the edge of my peripheral and I wondered if I had done something embarrassing. He gently yet suddenly grabbed my glass and placed it on the coffee table alongside his. As I turned to meet his gaze a longing seemed to creep over the features of his face as he leaned towards me. Heat and nausea, excitement and fear all gripping me at once as his lips pressed mine, then desire washed over me pure and all encompassing. I reached up resting my hands against the strawberry curls of thick chest hair, his massive chest rising and falling in ever quicker waves as his need grew. His tongue gently brushing mine in teasingly light motions as a dancing moth on a flame.

His intensity grew as I felt the heat of him on my skin, the scent. The power of his want and desire was evident. He braced each of my cheeks with his large strong hands and I felt my breath catch. The fire in my belly now white hot with desire and need. Waves of arousal pulsed through my member and I could feel a longing and pressure build within me. His kisses deeper now, more intense, as if he sensed my willingness, my want and pursued it to its core with fervent determination. His hand crept down my neck, down my chest, down my stomach and I leapt inside as his hand gently rubbed my throbbing hard cock through my pants, teasing my arousal. He put one hand on the arm of the couch behind me and pressed me down with the weight of his body. Then he began rubbing my cock faster as it leapt and began to leak, seeping all the way through my pants. My eyes closed as his kisses trailed my cheek, then down to my neck and shoulder. He pulled away with a strain and I looked deep into his eyes, a passion burned in them I had never seen before.

“I want you so bad Devon!” he whispered with a strained raspy voice.

My insides leapt with anxiety and intense passion as I whispered “Yes. Gods yes!”

We stood up off the couch and he grabbed me before I could react, scooping me up in his arms like I weighed nothing at all. He carried me up the stairs, down the hall and through to the bedroom to his king-sized bed. He gently laid me down on the soft fluffy comforter, never once breaking eye contact. He stood there, over me, this man, this statue of physical perfection, taught and powerful, gentle and passionate. My cock strained against my pants. Putting one knee on the bed he began to unbutton his shirt then tore it off in a wave of desire. He unbuttoned his pants and leaned over me, resting one hand on either side of my face, blasting me with another wave of kisses, this time deeper and more aggressive. I could feel his want grow with the ever-increasing quickening of his breath. He kissed down my neck and chest catching my right nipple with his teeth as he made his way down my torso to my heated groin, now swollen and wet with want. He gently licked the wet stain on my pants. Then as if he suddenly had no more restraint, stirred by the taste of me, he hurriedly scrambled to unbutton my pants and pull them off, exposing my cock to the chilled air and I shuddered with anticipation.

His breath was hot on my member. He breathed in the scent of my manhood with a gleam settling in his eyes. The wolf within him now pawing at the surface urging him to take me. He plunged his mouth around my swollen cock, bobbing and swirling his tongue to tease the head, promoting another spasm of precum to appease his taste buds with its salty flavor. That seemed to drive him over the edge. He bounced up to his knees brushing his now loose pants down and then off. I shuddered at the sight of his massive member.

He pulled and tugged at my pants until we were both free to encompass one another. I wrapped my legs around his waist and his hips pressed against me, our cocks rubbing and leaking in unison, throbbing as an ache and pressure seemed to grip me. As if knowing I was primed and ready, he grabbed the lube off the nightstand and squeezed a dab on his hand. He rubbed my hungry entrance with his now slick fingers and pressed. My body shuddered and slowly opened up. He teased the inside of my ass with two fingers, pressing right on my sweet spot, almost pushing me over the edge. Then he withdrew. He slicked his rather impressive member with his lubricated hand and pressed against my now hungry hole. He pushed into me, staring into me with his green gem like eyes, bright and glowing now. I could feel the shift in his magic, in mine and it intensified every sensation. He pushed deeper, burying his cock all the way and I arched my back about to spill. He rubbed my prostate from the inside.

Never before had I felt anything like this, like him. The magnetism was undeniable, a force powerful and alive, as it pulled us into one another. My magic leapt up inside me intertwining with his in a primal surge of interlocking souls. He shuddered inside me as the feeling teased his wolf, drawing it out. His eyes glowed even brighter as his orgasm clawed it’s way to the surface. I heard him growl the words

“Mate”

 I was on the brink of climaxing when we locked eyes, still undulating in and out of me he looked deep into me, and I wanted him even more. I wanted all of him, the feeling so intense, so strong I shouted,

“Yes!” 

Shocked at my own self, even if he didn’t call out my soul’s name like a mage would with his soul’s mate, I didn’t care. Caution was a distant afterthought. His green eyes took on an almost yellow hue as fangs began to sprout. Something inside me screamed to hold on forever and I knew he felt it too. His cock grew in thickness as my own began to spasm, seconds away from releasing. He threw his head back, howled and plunged down into my neck, his bite feral yet gentle. His canines sharp and unforgiving, pierced my wanting flesh as spasm after spasm of hot white cum spattered across my stomach and chest in waves, one after another. He curled into me, jolts of ecstasy running up his spine as his skin gave way to goosebumps and he filled me with his essence. A growl escaped his lips and we collapsed onto one another, both completely spent. He licked the bloody bite and the wound magically closed. Wanting for nothing we allowed the soft music, still in the background, to rise and fall with the flicker of the candlelight and sweep us away. I was life mated to a werewolf.

4. Life mates

 I awoke suddenly aware of a mild ache on the skin of my neck as I rubbed the location of the bite, now healed over, but achy none the less. As I stirred, my thoughts wandered to the man next to me in the bed, where we lay, what was to come and why he hadn’t spoken my soul’s name. I began to think maybe werewolf magic can’t hear the song of my soul’s name and therefore he didn’t know it. Afterall I had never heard of a werewolf and a mage life mating before, old prejudices still alive. I blinked sadly, a hint of regret in the back of my mind when a gentle voice spoke out in that familiar baritone.

“Who’s Nire?” I shuddered a sigh of relief and excitement washed over me and the magic in me responded with a calm, now purposeful nature, and I answered.

“My souls name. It’s the way mages life mate with one another. If fated to be together the souls name would be revealed to the other.”

“So, you admit you are my mate then.” he exclaimed with a smug and playful smile.

“Of course, But you can never tell anyone my soul name or they could use it to hurt me badly.” I said raising my gaze to meet his. The seriousness of my words now understood and he nodded in agreement.

As we talked and laughed, the gentle reassurance that there was no more searching, no more lonely nights and no more fear of dying old and alone, a sigh of relief washed over me. Suddenly, I felt a massive jolt, a pull on my magic, I could tell Jonah felt it too as he jumped up standing, as if ready for anything.

“What’s happening what’s wrong?” shouted Jonah

 “It’s Ian, somethings wrong, I need to go home!”

 I shouted, my voice tight and strained. We scrambled to put our clothes on and head out the door to Jonah’s truck. Tearing out of the driveway, dirt sailing up behind us, I saw smoke up the hillside rising high into the sky and my mind flashed ablaze with a vision. Pain gripped my throat and chest as if my lungs were on fire. As I heard coughing and screams of anguish, fear and panic filled my senses. I couldn’t breathe. I was going to die. Terror washed over me then suddenly I was ripped back to reality by the gentle yet firm shake Jonah had given me.

“What’s wrong.” he said “what’s happening?” he shouted, worry taught across his brow.

“Fire.” The only word I could muster and the reality hit me when we made the last advance up my drive and my fears were confirmed by the sight of flames pouring out of my house. I rushed out of the truck and straight into the blazing inferno, as my magic created a shield of airtight power around me. I searched in a panic and then stopped, centering myself as the billowing grey fog grew thicker and thicker.  I felt a tug on my magic coming from the office. I ran to my office on the far side of the foyer and swung the door open with abandon, my eyes settling on Ian’s seemingly lifeless body, blood seeping from his scalp. I grabbed him and tried everything but he was too heavy.  I pulled and dragged him moving him to safety far too slowly. Then reality hit. We would never make it, we were going to die! My magical shield started to fade and crackle as my sorrow and fear grew, then a form burst through the fog grabbing my hand. It was Jonah.  As my shield renewed with purpose he gasped and coughed.

Out now!” he exclaimed with a growl guttural and raw.

 “Not without Ian.” tears streaking my soot covered face

Without hesitation Jonah grabbed Ian and we made for the front door. Beams and particles crashed from the ceiling, as sense of panic gripped me.  With a swing of my arm I threw the beam aside with my magic clearing the path. Out!, we were out! The firefighters scrambled around us. Paramedics rushed to our aid as I coughed and pointed to Ian.

“Help him, he’s badly hurt!”  and as they rushed to his aid placing oxygen, checking vitals, I stood in shock. Jonah pulled me tight to him in a reassuring embrace.

“You’re safe” he gasped. “Thank the gods You’re safe.”  I felt a jolt of fear skitter through the bond like electricity. I looked up at him and whispered

“Because of you. I would never have left him. you saved our lives.” I looked up into his eyes full of worry.

“I had to save you. You’re my mate and I can’t lose you now that I have finally found you.” Jonah said with a shudder. Black soot and debris staining his shirt and littering his large shoulders.

 I turned my attention back to Ian’s still unconscious body and fear engrossed me. Would I lose the only person who knew me inside and out? He was my mentor but also my friend. He knew me, my emotions, how I felt and thought. He was like the father I never had. He met every challenge set before him with grace and integrity, a quality I only hoped I had. Tears streamed my face and a sob escaped my trembling lips

“He can’t die!” I said “he can’t!”

We waited at the hospital for what seemed like hours. Jonah held me the whole time steady as a rock, unfaltering in his support. When the doctor finally made her way through the doors of the emergency room a look of concern pursed her lips.

“Well he’s suffered severe smoke inhalation and a serious concussion. A TBI it’s called, traumatic brain injury. The next few hours are critical. The healers are working on him now and we’ll repeat the scans when they have completed their work but for now it’s touch and go.”

 “thank you doctor.” I said sick to my stomach.

 What the hell happened? what hit him on the head? my mind whirled and the earth began to spin, I wanted to vomit but my eyes went grey as the world faded and silence encompassed me.

 I awoke at Jonah’s house. Several bags lay strewn about the living room, as I sat up on the couch. “Oh, brother I fainted tell me I didn’t faint?” humiliation reddening my face.

“Yeah you fainted.” Jonah said as he walked into the living room from the kitchen. “I hope you don’t mind I brought you home. I just assumed--- “

“No, no, it’s fine, it’s perfect.” I reassured him as he sat next to me on the couch brushing the back of his hand along my cheek.

“You ok?” he asked his eyes full of worry.

“Yeah.” I said my thoughts finally calm and less panicked. He leaned over and gave me a gentle kiss.

“I had clothes sent over from a couple stores I own.” he said pointing to the bags strewn about the living room. I nodded and smiled.

“Thanks“ I said as my heart swelled a little at how thoughtful he was. I made my way to the bathroom to relieve myself and Jonah started back preparing a late dinner. We had spent the better part of the day at the hospital. We ate in near silence and slowly made our way to the bedroom. He handed me some soft silken night clothes and we crawled into the soft cloud like embrace of the soft bad and comforter, it smelled like Jonah, which I loved. The comforter was wrapped in an Egyptian cotton duvet. Falling into his embrace he pulled me close, his warmth and strength washing over me like a spell and the bond between us was undeniable. An almost living force strong, unbreakable and steadfast. It lulled me with its gentle song and I never felt so safe. I fell asleep in his arms content in that moment, so fully content.

 Black smoke, not smoke a shadow, changing shape and moving like living smoke. Terror overwhelmed me, a sinister insidious thickness engulfed me as my chest went tight and I choked on my words unable to speak. Terror gripped me as I ran, but it had engulfed me. I struggled to scream and woke suddenly to Jonah’s’ steadying embrace

“Shhh, it’s alright you’re alright.” he said pulling me to him even tighter. I trembled as he held me, a dream? I thought, just a dream, but the sensation of the presence had a familiar sick feeling to it, like it knew me and I had encountered it in the past. I wondered what was it? It was permeated with dark magic, that was certain but, why? Jonah’s’ voice steadied my thoughts and we got out of bed.

 We made our way to the kitchen to make breakfast. I still didn’t know where anything was since I had spent all of about five minutes in this kitchen, so I sat at the bar and let him take control. It was nice to let someone take the helm for once, at my job I was always making the final decision, my position being near royalty in the hierarchy of the magical society. With the shock of the previous day pressing a little lighter against my chest, I spent the better part of the morning on the phone with the council finalizing things, allowing me to take the week off.

I had gotten a phone call from the police that they had identified the remains of my maid Haisle and one unidentified male figure. I was asked to come and view the remains. Could this be the man who started the fire? and had he attacked Ian? that would explain the head injury. Having found him in a smokey but otherwise undisturbed office was suspect to say the least. I was intrigued and Jonah insisted on driving me, saying I was still in shock and shouldn’t take a chance, so I conceded and allowed him to win our first battle of wills.

We arrived at the morgue a few minutes later and made our way to the holding area just outside the autopsy room. A short time later we were brought in to identify the body. All the autopsy could reveal was he was fae. The charred remains were badly burned and almost no distinguishing features were visible save one, a tattoo on the man’s right forearm in the shape of a triangle with a snake intertwined. This was something profound. I didn’t know how but, I knew there were answers hidden within that symbol.

 As we left the morgue Jonah asked me if I was alright and I told him I was fine, but the reality of the last few days had yet to fully hit me. As we drove back to Jonah’s house my gaze wandered to him. I sat staring at him in wonderment. This man, the pack master of the largest pack of werewolves in Colorado. The strength emanating from him fortified my own and I felt myself steady inside. Where once my magic had been humming and wild, clawing to the surface it was now settled inside calm and potent since the bond. The moment Jonah spoke my souls name and we were life mated, everything focused and became clear and more powerful. This man from out of nowhere, has sprung into my life and brought such happiness and contentment with him. I felt my heart swell and my throat tighten. Refusing the tears swelling just beneath the surface I felt a calmness wash over me and the realization I was forever bonded to the one destiny had chosen for me. In that moment, all was right in the world. We pulled into the drive and suddenly I realized this is my home now, his pack is my pack and I would protect them and Jonah with my very life.

5. The long night

Time, always moving, always bringing with it change and new things. I have settled into my new home with Jonah and the pack has been quite welcoming. In the back of my mind I think they like having a mage back in their ranks, even if I’m not a wolf. Wolf mages are exceedingly rare and there hasn’t been one in their pack in two generations. The last two weeks have passed without disturbance and things seemed to have settled back into a bit of normalcy. Jonah has stepped up to take a seat on the council along with his second Michael. Seemingly comfortable in that regard, more so than Michael, I think.

The light of the midday has fallen slightly behind the tree line of the forest. I stand in the grass practicing my mage forms and concentrating on the magical energies around me. Jonah always watches me practice my “magical martial arts” as he calls it. As I gracefully transition from one position to the next the magic around me hums quietly and sparkles like sparks in the air around me. A technique passed down to Ian from distant ancestors dating back five hundred years to Ian and then to me.

 Jonah stands leaning on the railing of the large back deck of their log house and watches his mate Devon intently practice his magical martial arts. His wolf eyes focus in on his slender, muscular mate, spying the trails of sweat glisten and bead down his tan chest making the black hairs on his chest curl into tuffs and wet his workout pants. The sight of the man stirs the wolf within and fills him with the slight warmth of arousal.  He smiles contentedly and turns to head into the house to remind the chef about the dinner party they had planned to have with Michael and Rich, Devon’s lifelong friend.

 The afternoon sun catches the clouds igniting them in a blaze of oranges, reds and purples as it prepares to set beyond the other side of the valley. The dinner party now in its first hour Michael and Rich trade stories about their best friends Jonah and Devon, periodically laughing and slapping the counter playfully.

 Jonah finds Devon on the back deck watching the waning sun and hugs him from behind holding him lovingly. It’s only been four weeks since they bonded but their connection has never been as strong.

“What are you thinking?” asked Jonah

“Just that the last few weeks have been amazing and I couldn’t have ever hoped for more.” The sincerity in his voice brings a lump rising in Jonah’s throat. Moments pass then a burst of laughter fills the air as Rich and Michael join them with beers at the ready. The four of them share a toast and get ready to eat as the chef Renaldo announces dinner is ready.

“Why did you bring the chef onto the staff?” asks Jonah in Devon’s ear. To which Devon replies “Because he’s been with me since I was a teen and besides, he needs the money. This way I don’t have to eat your cooking.” Devon says with a mischievous smirk.

The four of them sit down to dinner and three courses follow, first cheeses and bread with wine followed by a salad and then the main course bourbon chicken with sa utéed mushrooms and asparagus. Skipping desert, they head to the den in the basement to have cocktails and visit. The hours pass seemingly quickly and the friends call it quits around midnight. saying their goodbyes at the door Jonah and Devon head in to straighten up and call it a night.

Jonah perks up, his spine stiff and his eyes more serious than Devon has seen them since the fire. Suddenly the lights flicker and then go out. Through the darkness an unfamiliar scent fills Jonah’s wolf senses.  He grabs Devon and pulls him close behind him reaching out with all the wolf senses at his disposal.

“It’s just power outage Jonah. Don’t worry.” then an unfamiliar magic permeates the house.

“Ok, not a power outage.” whispers Devon

Jonah growls and a guttural rumble fills the room as he wills his claws to grow from his fingers. His fangs drop. His wolf eyes scan the room as he leads them to the source of the disturbance. Suddenly a blinding flash and they slump to the floor the room growing grey as a strange figure stands over them and a chant rings in the air as they begin fading into the darkness of unconsciousness.

 Awakening disoriented and groggy, Jonah searches the room for Devon to see him suspended from chains, hanging limp from a beam in an abandoned warehouse. Fear and rage grip him and he let out a deafening Growl until the familiar beat of Devon’s heart, slow but steady, gently pounds in Jonah’s’ ears. Jonah struggles against the bindings holding him to the heavy metal chair but they are spelled it’s no use. A door opens somewhere behind him and a high-pitched voice giggle’s devilishly. The sound of the inhuman laughter stirs Devon from his magical sleep.

Jonah growls the words

“let my mate go or you’re as good as dead!”

Coming into view the figure stands almost as tall as Jonah at least six feet tall and mysteriously slender clad in a long-hooded coat and black boots.

“You’re a dark fea.” Jonah says with disdain “I can smell it.”

“And you will give me what I want or your mate is going to suffer unimaginable pain before he dies.”

The slender man grabs Devon’s disoriented face and places his palm on Devon’s chest.  As the creature’s palm sizzles into his Devon’s tender flesh and he screams in agony. Jonah lets out a thunderous roar. The man just giggles and says,“You had best cooperate because that was a fraction of what I’m capable of inflicting if I don’t get what I want.”

 Jonah’s’ breath is labored and sweat beads on his brow as he growls

“I have nothing of interest to a dark fea.”

The man slams his hand on Devon again and the sizzle of searing flesh hisses in the air once again. Devon throws his head back screaming.

Jonah’s’ heart pounds in a sudden pang of fear for his mate and the scent of burning flesh permeates the air.

“What, what do you want? I’ll give you anything please.” He pleads

“The talisman, I want it and you are the only one who knows its location!” hisses the hooded figure. “Tell me or he will suffer.”

Jonah’s heart pounds loudly in his ears as panic settles in. He struggles against his bindings but it’s no use.

“The ropes are spelled, even you cannot break them. Now tell me!” he screams as his hand again sears Devon’s chest. Devon cries out in agony sweating from the now unbearable pain, sweat glistening over his entire body.

 “I will have the talisman. It calls to my master.” sneers the dark fae as he pulls a blade from beneath his trench coat. With one swift swipe the skin of Devon’s abdomen separates and blood spills to the floor.

 Jonah’s’ mind goes blank, a red haze fills his now fevered brain and he struggles against the bindings, every muscle tight and strained. He shakes from the effort then gasps, tears welling in his eyes as they glow an eerie yellow. The wolf within him struggling to get to the surface, straining against the magic of the ropes.

Then suddenly he feels the well of Devon’s magic sweet and palpable, electric and intoxicating. He reaches deep down clinging to their mate bond and follows it deep all the way to the source. Tapping into Devon’s magic a jolt of power rushes through him as he renews his efforts against the thick rope bindings. Suddenly loud pops and snaps fill the room as the ropes start to fray. The dark fae rakes Devon’s flesh again with the blade and in a fit of fear and panic Jonah’s’ binding burst apart and he launches, his vision red with rage . He swipes mercilessly at the hooded figure and with a dull thud the dark feas head hits the floor, black blood spraying into the air.

 Panicked and tearful Jonah struggles to untangle the chains, but the cuffs are locked securely. He fishes in the dark faes pockets until, with a touch of relief he finds a key. Unlocking the cuffs Devon falls limp into Jonah’s’ arms, seemingly lifeless. Jonah strains to hear his heart beat but the sound is faint and irregular.

“ NO, no, no baby PLEASE!” he wails” don’t leave me, not now baby PLEASE!” His panic gives way to the sound of Michaels voice calling “Jonah!”

“Here Michael, hurry.” Cries Jonah now cradling Devon’s blood-soaked body.

“The pack healers are the only ones who can save him Jonah, HURRY!” Michael pleas.

They may not have mages, but they have magical healers. Jonah scoops Devon up off the blood-soaked floor and rushes out behind Michael. Michael’s car races back to the pack’s medical infirmary as Jonah cradles Devon in his arms. As soon as the healers spot Devon they put him on a gurney and rush him in.

“Stay out! we need to concentrate!” exclaims the head healer Rachel as she rushes back into the medical room.

Jonah stands in shock in the hallway drnched in Devon’s blood. Michael takes off his shirt and hands it to Jonah telling him he can go clean up. Reluctantly Jonah agrees his heart still pounding a rythym of fear and rage.

Micheal went home and reached into his dwrawer pulling out a new shirt sighs and pulls it over his head. Then with a sigh of anxiety he drives mindlessy back to the pack medical center. He greets jonah who is still very much on edge. Jonah’s patience wears thin as an hour passes, then two when finally, Rachel emerges with a sigh and a half smile.

“If he survives the night, He’ll make it. He suffered from massive blood loss and his wounds are quite severe. He needs to rest and let his magic heal him. “ She sighs and gives Jonah a weary smile, pats him on the back and walks away with her head down.

 Jonah trembles with a hefty mixture of relief and anxiety, his throat clenching against a sob but he manages to say “find out who that was and who sent them, somebody is gonna die when I get my hands on them!”

 Jonah sits next to Devon’s bed all night just watching his chest rise and fall with a steady rhythm, afraid each breath will be the last. The hiss of the oxygen and the beep of the monitor almost too overwhelming to his senses. He sits, his chin resting on his clenched fists while his mind wildly repeats the events from earlier. Who was the dark fae? and why did he want some talisman?  He sat back as dawn approached, Devon made it through the long night and Jonah closed his eyes, his body screaming for sleep as he drifts off holding Devon’s hand.

6. Devon

I awoke to the sensation of pain, sharp and hot blazing across my stomach and chest. I opened my eyes squinting at the light to see my mate asleep head down on my bed next to me, his hands clasping mine. I was blurry, and unsure of what had transpired. I felt safe now with Jonah by my side and a cough escaped my chest followed by a blast of pain. I tensed waking Jonah from his sleep and as our eyes met, I could see the relief in his. He began to tear up when he shook his head fighting the urge to cry and said,

“You’re awake, thank the heavens.” A sigh of relief followed. I wasn’t sure how long I had been out, but the dark circles around his eyes told me he was exhausted from the stress and lack of sleep. I gently threaded my fingers through his thick blonde hair and he breathed a sigh of contentment.

“How long have I been here?” I asked.

“About three days.” he said rubbing his weary eyes. I tried to move but he stopped me with a gentle hand and a glare

“I want to go home.” I said “my magic has already healed the worst of it, I’ll be fine.”

“You almost died.” he said with a croak “I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Well I didn’t die and I want to be in our bed, please Jonah.” He hesitated and then went out to talk with the healers, shaking his head in objection.  I could feel my magic mending the wounds, but I couldn’t lie, it hurt like hell.

Returning a short while later Jonah huffed and said

“OK.” And helped me into a wheel chair. Arriving sometime later I thought we must have hit every damn bump in the road. Jonah helped me from the truck and carried me inside, up the stairs to our bed. On the way in I had noticed he had his inner circle of trained wolfs guarding the grounds all around the property.

 My eyes grew heavy, weak from the magical drain of my healing wounds. Jonah crawled into bed next to me and gently wrapped an arm around my hip his body tightly pressed against mine his touch giving off a warmth that seemed to settle my nerves and calm my heart. He gently kissed the back of my neck and I let out a quiet moan of satisfaction. I smiled and held his hand in mine. Even through my pain I could feel my own arousal take hold, pulsing my blood to my already sensitive swollen head. He sensed my reaction and said,

 “REALLY? Now?” 

“Mmm Hmmm.” I replied. Then I gently and slowly drug his hand down my waist to my groin as I shuddered in anticipation. I turned onto my back and he gave me a grin while moving down the bed, his head was poised directly over my throbbing member. He gently pulled off my sweat pants and hesitantly caressed my cock with his nimble fingertips. The slightest touch igniting me with passion. I was careful not to move and a groan escaped my lips, pleading to him to continue. His hot tongue teased the head of my cock as his fingers explored downward to the tight ring of my ass. Then he took me fully into his mouth the moist heat and gentle tease of his finger made my cock throb and pulse with ecstasy.

“God yes.” I groaned and he bobbed up and down my shaft with his lips tight and soft. I felt his tongue working the head of my cock, I could sense myself build to a heated climax, I exhaled and let myself go feeling every sensual sensation from my ass to my hard member. I tightened my jaw and let loose pulse after pulse of my hot essence into his hungry mouth. He lifted his head to mine and kissed me deep and hard, the salty sweet taste still fresh in his mouth.  I breathed a sigh of relief and a yawn escaped. I could feel the covers come up over us, with his hand on my waist I drifted to sleep happy to be alive.

 The next morning around ten I woke to the sounds of drills and men bustling about the house. I got out of bed with surprising ease and little discomfort, I turned to examine my chest and abdominal wounds in the full-length mirror next to the dresser. As I removed the bandages they had mostly healed, except for bit of redness along the tender fresh skin. I traced the line of the wound and shuddered at the thought. The helpless feeling I had experienced in the warehouse chained to the ceiling washed over me again, I slammed my eyes shut forcing the memories from my mind.

I got dressed with ease and made my way to Jonah, who was standing in the living room barking orders and giving direction to the men working in our house.

“An alarm system, really Jonah?” I said rolling my eyes. He grabbed me pulling me to him and smiled down at me.

 “I’ll never risk your safety ever again, you mean too much to me, I love you.”

As the words rolled off his tongue he turned away, I realized that was the first time those words have ever been said to me. I stepped in front of him, wrapped my arms around his neck and whispered

“I love you too stud.” And backed away smiling like a giddy child. “He loves me.” I thought “and I love him more than I can say.” He was my rock my steadfast man and now he was my hero. He saved my life. I only hoped I would one day be able to prove just how much he meant to me, until then words would have to suffice.

Later in the day I got out every book I had on magic and studied. Having an almost photographic memory I could usually recall things with shocking clarity. It took the better part of the day to go through every book that I had, however I learned nothing of real value. Disappointed I plopped onto the couch. Jonah was out at the market. He had left an hour before, to get some groceries and other necessities.  Then I got a call from the hospital and at first, I panicked thinking Jonah had been in an accident, but it was Dr Anna calling to let me know Ian had awoken from his coma. I quickly Dialed Jonah with excitement. Upon telling him the good news about Ian, he said he would come right home and pick me up to go and see him.

  We had left the house as soon as we could, making our way across the city to the hospital uneventfully and arrived to see Ian undergoing some cognitive and memory tests. We waited patiently, then hurried in. I had never been intimate in any way with Ian, I looked up to him like a father figure so I hugged him, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck. Jonah gave a guttural grumble and scowled ever so slightly at the sight of me hugging another man.

“I’m so happy you’re awake.” I told him” I thought we had lost you.“

 I said maintaining my composer fighting the emotions inside. I don’t know why I bothered, he was an empath and had known how to read me since my teenage years. I could never lie to Ian, that’s for sure, but that never stopped me from trying.

I sat next to him and asked “how are they treating you?”

 “Great.” he replied with a raspy voice.

 It was then the feeling in the room shifted and he cocked his head to one side and asked “what happened?” After we had explained the fire, the kidnapping and my assault, stating the only thing we knew about the attacker was he was Dark Fae.

  Ian’s’ eyes darted between Jonah and myself with a nervous gleam.

 “Dark Fae?” he asked demandingly. “Show me his face!” he insisted.  Michael had gone back to the warehouse where the dark Faes body was and took pictures and cleaned up the crime scene like a pro, one of his many talents.

 I showed him the only headshot I had of the dark fae and he turned away from me whispering something under his breath, something I couldn’t quite make out. However, Jonah jumped to his feet.

 “What?!” 

Ian having forgotten werewolves have superb hearing faced me and sighed in defeat. He told the story of my grandparents having struck a dark bargain with a powerful demon, one of their many attempts to seize even more power. After betraying the demon, they were burned alive in their lake house one summer. Similar to how my parents had died when I was just three years old. They never found out who did it. But what was the price of this dark bargain? Who burned down my family manor and why kidnap anyone for a talisman, I mean talismans can be very potent and powerful artifacts but most mages just create them, granted they can get the right ingredients and possess enough magical fortitude.

We had more questions now, then when we had walking in.  Ian fell back to sleep with the help of the sedative they gave him and Jonah and I headed to the records depot underneath the Councils meeting hall. As we approached, I pulled the key from my pocket and we made our way to the basement. Climate control was essential for some of the documents that were hundreds of years old and it was easier to maintain underground. The door sealed behind us and we began the arduous task of slowly poring over every record and document connected to my parents and grandparents.

 I looked through the magical records and found a record of the fire forty years earlier in which my grandparents had died. The police deemed it murder by arson. I told Jonah that this couldn’t be a coincidence. He agreed and we took copies.  I couldn’t believe it. My family was the target of something sinister, but why? My biggest question remained; how do we find out about this demon that they made a deal with? What could it have to do with the dark fae that kidnapped me? We were getting nowhere fast and Jonah’s expression was getting more and more grim as we drove home brainstorming over what to do next.

The day was long over and it was well into the night, I didn’t think sleep would find me anytime soon so I stayed up to have a night cap.  Jonah yawned and stripped all the way to the bed from the living room.  I poured the freezing cold whiskey over ice and sipped thinking hard about everything when a sound brushed the front door with a woosh and I spied an envelope someone had slid under the door. I opened it cautiously keeping vigil and checking for spells or hexes but it was just a photo, old and wrinkled in black and white. I looked with the magnifying glass I had pulled from the desk in the study and poured over every detail. It was my grandparents but what were they giving the old man I wondered. But as I studied closer, I noticed something the man in the photo looked so familiar, where had I seen this man? what the hell is the connection to the pack. I finished my drink exhausted from all the excitement and lazily made my way to bed.

7.Jonah

I leapt from the bed, finally feeling rested after so much worry over the last week. I smiled down at my mate still sleeping, his body half in half out of the covers like usual. I softly whistled and made my way to the kitchen. I was about to grab an apple for breakfast and go out for my morning run when the old black and white photo caught my eye. Upon examining it I didn’t recognize the couple in it but the Elderly man in the photo on the right was the spitting image of elder cowl. I dismissed the idea and went for my run.

The bright morning sun shone through the trees in large beams of shimmering glass like columns. The morning air had a chill to it and the local wildlife roamed and scurried away as I shuffled past them, running my usual route around the lake and back up the hill to my House.

  Making my way into the bathroom to splash some cold water on my red sweaty face. An image flashed in my mind. That hat, the one the old man wore. I hurried out and looked at the photo carefully and I saw that very unique leather hand sewn grey hat atop the old man’s head. Just like the one hanging on the door at elder cowls. I remember it from all the years I spent in that cabin listening to his stories before running home. If it’s the same hat fine, but why did he look exactly the same not having aged a day.

 I had decided to make my way to his cabin. I knocked on the door and he answered with a look on his face of great concern, I grimaced and entered wondering how this conversation would go.

 “What’s troubling you so, elder?” I asked in earnest having noticed his strained expression.

 “I have put the pack in great danger son.” He answered disparagingly

What do you mean elder, can I help?” 

He shook his head and began a tail of corruption and greed, of abused magic and a dark bargain. I sat mesmerized as he explained when Devon’s grandparents were members of the regional council a rival mage family had been about to overthrow them. So, in a quest to magnify their magic they struck a dark bargain with a demon of the dark faerie realm. The power they gained in the bargain worked, they maintained their position and forced the rival family to flee. They had won, the Bargain was complete. In the end however, they refused to return the magical energy and power they coveted so much.

“They refused to tell me the details of the dark bargain and knowing they were in danger they attempted to hide the magical power in a talisman so they could use it whenever it suited them. “

 My blood began to boil as it came together in my mind.

 “So, they hid the talisman with you thinking it would be safe with the wolf pack?“ My voice very nearly a growl. My rage had my inner wolf scratching to get free, it’s magic leaping in my chest.

“You endangered my MATE!” I screamed, “his friends, our pack ,all this to keep some dirty secret!” then it struck me he hasn’t aged a day in nearly forty years, looking exactly like he did in the old photo.

 Where is it?” I demanded, “The talisman hand it over now!”

In the passing of a heartbeat my old mentor, my wise man, the one man in the pack I looked up to, was a greedy selfish person who put extending his own life before the safety of the pack and the life of my mate! It was all I could do not to run him out and off of the pack’s land in shame.

 He made his way towards the old leather hat and tore the material apart to reveal a gold lined red gemstone the size of a quarter. I felt the magic poring off of it like static heat in my hand. He explained the hat was spelled to mask the power of the stone, but long life was the side effect of wearing the hat.

 As I made my way home, I thought, “What in the hell am I going to tell Devon? The truth about his family might break his heart.”

I arrived home to Devon’s beaming smile and a kiss. I thought about the talisman but put it in the desk in the den, I couldn’t bring myself to ruin his mood. I made my way back to the living room and started to make lunch

“You hungry baby?” I asked and he smiled with a nod

 I started on lunch doing my best to hide what I had learned. I knew he had to know but, I could tell him later. For now, I wanted to just kiss that sexy smiling happy face of his and protect him from the world.

 After lunch we decided to investigate a forest fae who might have info on the dark fae that attacked us.

Arriving at the address we came to a cabin or shack I would say. The earthy smells of pine and rosemary, lavender and sweet apple filled the air. I knocked as Devon stood next to me. I shuffled in front of him protectively and heard a grunt as he rolled his eyes

“Not everyone is out to kill me.” He stated sarcastically

I must concede that was probably true but after almost losing him and remembering the blood, and limp lifelessness of his body that night, I shudder to think it could happen again, “not on my watch” I told myself.

A short unnaturally slender female fae answered the door of the shack with a smile.

“Oh, my dear you need a protection charm!” She stated in a very thick fae accent looking at Devon and smiling

“I can make you one for the cost of three drops of blood.”  She said, but fae are tricky and maniacal sometimes, from what I’ve heard they use the blood of their unsuspecting clientele in rituals, often leaving the victim disabled in some way, or forever drained of magic in the worst cases.

I shuddered at the thought.

“No! that’s alright but, you can read my aura and tell me what kind of darkness is trying to contact me.” Devon stated.

She stared at Devon wide eyed then her eyes grew thin and as she squinted, she gasped “the darkness! It haunts your very blood and covets the magic pulsing in you now, Hatred! It covets your very soul! It demands retribution! She bellowed followed by a coughing fit and a smile “that’ll be one hundred dollars.“ she demanded as she cleared her throat.

 Devon furled his brow and his black eyebrows. He reached into his pocket and handed it over, crisp and fresh she licked her lips and hurried back into her shack.

Finally, we had some answers, however vague. My conversation with elder cowl ran fresh through my mind again, followed pangs of guilt for keeping it secret. After dinner and some wine, I took my mate by his hand and led him to the couch, ready to tell all when suddenly a knock from the door rattled me. I had just built the nerve to tell him and this? I wondered who it could be. Ian still in his hospital gown and gasping for air slumped through the door. I reached out grabbing him and lowering him slowly onto a stool. Devon ran to him, his face awash with worry.

 “What is it Ian?” Devon asked, ”What happened?”

Ian’s eyes shot to me and he whispered “you know where it is.” And I knew that was it, my secret was out and If I know my mate, I’m in deep shit.

8.Devon

The words hung on my heart. Ian was always cryptic but that was a new record, I mean what the fuck, make some sense man. I thought for a second it might have been his brain injury, but Ian was one of the most powerful empaths I have ever known, and if he said it, somethings up.

 I shook my head confused as Jonah’s’ eyes danced back and forth nervously avoiding me.

OK.” I said, “let’s have it.”

Jonah looked up, stiffened his jaw and delved into the story about the demon pact, my grandparents going back on the deal out of greed for power, creating the talisman. It’s connection to the dark fae.  Then he explained how elder cowl hid the amulet away, on pack land to mask its power in a spelled hat. To serve his own apprehensions about mortality.  My stomach roiled as my anger became a thick sensation magically spitting and popping in the air.  Most of my life was spent in fear of the next apparition or the boogeyman and the whole damn time the answer to the phenomenon was here, right here in elder cowls damn hat.

  My anger boiled to the point I laughed and the strained expression on Jonah’s’ face became more and more serious. I looked in his Eyes

“When were you gonna tell me? The next time my life is hanging in the balance?!” I screamed shaking from head to toe, my voice trembling

Jonah slowly approached me and said

‘I’m so sorry, I just found out, but I didn’t know how to tell you that the secret to all this shit was right here, hidden by one of my elders. I just couldn’t see you hurt again. But by doing that I’ve hurt you anyway. Can you ever forgive me baby? “

There was a pained look in his eyes with an air of deep regret. His hand reached for mine. I looked deep into his emerald eyes and could sense the sincerity, the love, the pure and feral animal need to protect me. I couldn’t stay mad. I smiled and nodded, he pulled my hand gently to his mouth and kissed my palm lovingly and sensual.

 Ian’s brain injury was slow to heal, somehow the mage brain tends to heal slowly when damaged, a setback to all that power and resilience we otherwise possessed. He would fully heal, but it would just take a few weeks no doubt. Jonah drove him back to the hospital and made sure he had security protecting him. When he returned, we hit all the magical hot spots in town. A plan was forming in my mind and if we could manage this, we might come out the other side alive and no longer dodging astral assaults.

  Darkness fell on the hillside and the sliver of moon shown bright in the night sky. The air grew brisk tonight and my time by the lake was going to have to be over. I wasn’t dressed for the cold. I stood in the late evening light, pondering my love for Jonah and how I hated he’d gotten pulled into this nightmare. I sensed him approach, his magic growing stronger with each step. I was becoming so fond of the feel of his wolf, his magic and his raw masculine power. A Familiar wave of bourbon and musk struck my nostrils and I turned to see my soulmate standing, smiling playfully in the moonlight. He came to me silent and strong and warm, oh gods so warm. I laid my hands on his chest and buried my face against it.  His massive muscular chest rose and fell slowly as the hairs on his chest gently teased my cheek, his rugged scent washing over my senses.  I couldn’t remember being happier. His arms wrapped around me pulling me into him and I felt totally content and at peace with the world. At least for this moment, OUR moment and nothing could steal it away. 

 Making our way back to the large log house, we warily made it up the stairs to our large bed and crawled in beneath the soft billowy comforter. Jonah’s arm wrapped around me in a loving embrace and he softly pressed his lips to my forehead, I fell asleep in his arms whispering

“I love you.”

 My eyes strained to see through the thickness of the fog like haze and my heart pounded so hard it thundered in my ears. Jonah, I thought, a panic crashed over me and I saw it, the apparition that has plagued me half my life. It loomed over like a tree bending in the wind with the taste of black magic in the air. Then a form on the ground slowly came into focus getting clearer and clearer with each wary step. The scent of blood and fire, sulfur and earth filled my nostrils. The haze of the sky an unnatural red and then I saw him lying there in a pile of ash and flame, Jonah! My heart sank my breathing like fire in my lungs. I fell next to him, tears in my eyes, his body still and lifeless, his eyes dead and grey. I scooped his head onto my lap and screamed sobs of terror and disbelief.

 I leapt from my slumber sweat beading down my face, my eyes wet with my tears gasping to catch my breath, screams ringing in my ears. My eyes darted back and forth searching as the room slowly came into focus, Jonah pulled me to him his eyes wide

“Baby, Baby, it’s just a dream, you’re ok!” yelled Jonah

  I fought to gather my composer, a dream? or a premonition? it felt so real, I have had premonitions in the past but this was so clear and terrifying. I shook my head trying to clear the images from my mind and stepped shakily out of the bed, a knot settling in the pit of my stomach. Jonah, my soul mate, the man I loved, the only man who’s truly loved me is going to die. I felt it in my soul, it ached and trembled as if my spirit knew before I did.

 Jonah gently rocked me as my trembling began to subside. I couldn’t bear to look him in the eyes so I stood to my feet and hurried to the shower. The heat of the water against my skin began to soften the ache in my tense shoulders, just then I heard the shower door open and close and those familiar hands on my back caressing my aching muscles. He worked my shoulders and back up to my neck and began to gently message the shampoo into my slick black curls. I reveled in the moment as the shampoo rinsed away down the drain, he kissed my wet skin and I could feel his arousal begin to jump against my backside. I turned to him, firmly grasping his throbbing manhood and he let out a gentle moan followed by a low growl. I could feel the wolf pulling beneath his skin intertwining with my magic as only my soul mate could. He growled “Nire.” and hearing my soul’s name slide off his sweet lips, I felt a surge jet through me

 “Say it again.” I whispered

“Nire.” He said growling deeper, louder and even more passionate this time. I held his cock in my hands and letting the worries of late melt away I was fully in the moment, THIS moment. Stroking and caressing in rhythm with his now ragged breaths, his eyes looked down at me and I smiled a half smile and fell to my knees. I engulfed his cock in my mouth taking all I could as deep as I could over and over, I pushed myself to take it further into my throat. I ran my hands up his chest sliding my fingers through the wet tuffs of thick chest hair, my right hand gently squeezing his nipple. I could feel him draw closer to climax, the taste of him salty and sweet in my mouth. I used my tongue to tease his cockhead as he began to shudder, I could sense it build stronger and with more intensity. finally, he threw his head back with a shout and emptied into my waiting mouth.  As I stood to meet his gaze, I smiled wide and licked my lips playfully as he gave one last spasm like aftershock.
 I dried myself and left to dress in the other room while He caught his breath.

We both made our way downstairs to the kitchens breakfast bar. As I leaned my back to the bar, Jonah came in for a kiss, his lips soft and loving.

Then the phone rang and I answered on the first ring.

“What’s wrong?” I said when I answered, my instincts on fire with my magic telling me something was very wrong

This is Dr. Anna, I’m afraid I have some bad news. Your friend Ian has slipped back into a coma. You can see him if you like but, I will be running tests throughout the day.

 I hung up in a daze “Ian is in a coma again.” I said, feeling something was very off about it.

We made it to the hospital in record time, I wanted to see if I could sense any residual magic. We burst through the door and I could feel it in my chest heavy and nauseating, then I saw the summoning circle under his bed. He summoned the demon and no doubt tried to bargain for my safety. He was betrayed by the spirit, it wants vengeance. More than anything it wants the talisman! The trapped power stolen from the demon!

 I scrambled to think of a solution quickly because the longer a mages spirit is separated from his or her body the weaker the ethereal connection to the body becomes and the easier it would be for a rogue spirit to take up residence possessing him.  I knew it was only a matter of time before his ethereal tether snapped and the demon would consume his soul and possess his body.

 I leaned down into Ian’s ear

“Hang on Ian, my friend, we’re coming to get you!”

I stood turned and we left immediately. We would have to travel a good fifty miles to a neighboring town to get some ingredients I would need for the portal spell.

“What’s the plan?” asked Jonah

I turned and said I’m going into the in between, into the eather to find Ian and bring him back.”

“The fuck you are, I’m not letting you risk your life like that, I’m coming too!”

I started to protest but I knew there was no winning this one and conceded to bring him with me.

9.The Eather

 I stood out on the green grass, the moon high in the midnight sky. I had formed a ring out of river rock and salt speckled with flower petals and some candles. I came to stand in the center of the circle and closed my eyes.  Jonah stepped in and stood in front of me so we were face to face. I began to utter the strange sounds and vibrations the spell required then uttered three words in an ancient tongue. I could feel the power of my magic mix with Jonah’s and I pulled on that power, drawing it into me and channeling it into the circle around us.

The candles ignited with a hiss and the ground began to tremble with a gentle rumble, the air grew staticky and I could smell ozone and sulfur. The space around us seemed to bend and writhe as if it were alive and then slammed back into focus revealing a strange and alien terrain. Great boulders spun and drifted in the air as they floated by.

The eerie sky was a sickly hue of reddish grey. I followed the feeling of death to a black shanty on the edge of an ominous lake filled with writhing spirits and apparitions of all types. I told Jonah to wait outside, I couldn’t protect us both and save Ian if I used to much of my power on the defense. I opened the door to the shack and it gave way to a black and grey interior, infinitely larger than it should have been.

 I started down the dark hallway as a feeling of hopelessness washed over me. I stopped, centered myself and called to Ian, my voice echoing in the darkness beyond. I felt a sudden warmth and I followed it, weaving and winding through the dark maze of hallways that finally opened to a room. The thin white ghosts of lost souls wandered mindlessly about the room. Sending out a pulse of my magic and inner light I tried to draw out Ian. A voice faint and familiar tickled my hearing as a figure emerged from the crowd, it was Ian and he was fading fast. The ethereal tether to his body was much weaker than I anticipated. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him with my mind towards the door. Sickening thick fog billowed into the air as I reached for the door to freedom.

Stumbling out we were free. Suddenly a black figure, tall and undulating, as smoke billowed out of the shanty. The air filled with a foggy haze and the sky turned a brighter tint of red. I thought back to my vision as the figure towered over us. Jonah pushed me behind him, his spirit standing as to protect me and just as my magic leapt to stop it the darkness slammed into him sending him crashing to the ground limp and lifeless. The horror and fear ripped through my soul and I sent out my magical energy searching desperately, searching for that familiar magic that was Jonah’s’ life force.  For what seemed like a lifetime I found nothing but death and despair. The portal was beginning to crackle and fade, the magic infused in it began to burn out. I gave one last push this time with every happy thought and every ounce of magic I could gather. My light blasted the darkness and I felt him, I could feel Jonah’s soul. I called to it, pulled and dragged it to me as I ran for the closing portal Ian one step behind. I pulled with everything I could. We fell through the portal as it slammed close behind us. I fell to one knee. I was in the yard again in the green grass, prickly and wet under my hands. Jonah was collapsed in front of me. I screamed in fear and gathered him in my arms, he laid there still as death and then a cough escaped his lungs and he sucked in a breath long and hard. I felt my heart swell as dizziness took my sight and the world went grey around me. I had used up too much magic and was left unconscious.

I saw the face of the man I loved and then weakness, overwhelming weakness overtook me again as the world went grey once more.

 I woke to the sounds of Ian, Jonah and Michael all standing vigilant around my bed and as I opened my eyes, then the room came alive with the chatter of voices. My eyes were blurry and I could only tell Jonah by that sweet baritone voice and gentle kiss on my forehead and then quiet.

 I awoke again this time I could see and managed a few words before someone handed me water and I gulped it desperately. I tried to sit up but was met with a feebleness in every limb like a heavy weight.

The next time my eyes opened I could actually see and move, I saw my mate, my love, Jonah and I said to him “I love you.”

 I had been in and out of consciousness for four days, so completely drained from having depleted all of my magical reserves. I could at least smile, Ian was safe and so was Jonah. Things couldn’t have turned out better. I rested on and off the fifth day and then was up and swinging the next.

My magic was slowly returning and I could feel the world and nature, the essence of life and the feel of its presence like vibrations on my skin.  I grew stronger over the passing days and Jonah invited Ian and Michael over for drinks to celebrate our little victory. I didn’t have the heart to explain that the demon wasn’t destroyed, just defeated. We had won a battle not the war. Victories are few and far between these days, so I let it go conceding to myself every victory should be celebrated in some way. What the hell, why not.

 The evening started off with great conversation and many cocktails. Jonah and Ian got better acquainted and that brought me some happiness. Michael and I joked and made idle conversation. At least I was getting used to having people around as there was always some pack business with the wolves requiring Jonah’s attention. At least tonight we had no interruptions. 

Jonah and Michael told us stories from their childhood and their mischievous nature as children. While later Ian told embarrassing stories of my angsty teen years. All in all, a great night.  As we wound down from the dinner party, I made my way upstairs to go to bed, still recovering from my ordeal. I drew in a ragged breath, crawled into the bed and bid the day farewell. 

10. Talisman

I sat staring at this damned talisman for hours, every spell I tried ended in failure and I was losing my patience. I had hoped if I could send the power back into the ether, the demon would be appeased because as long as it was separated from its other half it would stop at nothing. None of my ideas had any lasting positive effect and I refuse to tap into dark magic. So back to square one.

 I tried everything to defuse it but whatever they used to bind the demon magic to the talisman was strong, very strong and I had run out of supplies.

 Heading to the magic shop “The Rustic Wand”, I decided to request my usual order plus some more exotic things, dragon scale, phoenix feather and leviathan Ichor to name a few, a small fortune but hey it’s all about saving my loved ones these days so spare no expense. On the way home from the magic shop I let my mind wander to creating talismans and I began to wonder if I could reverse engineer a spell like the one used on the demon. After all It was my bloodline that cast it, I should be able to dispel it or transform it, if anyone could. The thought of manipulating dark magics left a nasty taste in my mouth as I navigated the winding road along the river to our house on the hill.

 I was particularly intrigued by the way the binding felt on the talisman, potent and radiated a magical heat like sensation only I could detect. Still the answers were out there, how were we going to stop this demon before it struck back and at what cost. I shivered but stood resolute in my determination to see this through. After all, My only love, my soul mate, the man destiny chose for me was in danger of losing his life at every turn. Each time I stop one vision from coming true, another one creeps up in its place. I was in unfamiliar territory and the demon somehow knew it.

 I pulled in the driveway leading up to the massive log house I now called home. I felt a pull at the very edge of my consciousness, more of a feeling really but it seemed to be growing stronger. Worry washed over me and I wondered what the dark fae had to do with this particular demon. Suddenly flashes of white hot and painful like shots of fire pulsed through my skull. I grabbed my head with both hands falling to my knees in agony as the scenes washed over my consciousness. Lightning and rain, darkness and thunder, screams and a flash of red spattered across the trees. Grey and sickly skin, eyes black as coal. Lifeless corpses peppered the forest floor as a dark presence loomed with singular desire.

I panted as the vision faded and the pain eased while the world came back into focus. Picking myself up and dusting off my legs, my eyes darted along the tree line scanning for anyone who might have saw. Jonah still did not know of my visions and I wanted desperately to keep it that way.

 Necromancers, the thought pounded in my head as the last waves of anguish left me. Necromancy is banned everywhere due to the undue influence it had on the vampire population and demons. For a necromancer binding a demon was like getting a poodle. It gave them an almost limitless power source to manipulate, not to tap into but control. A bound demon would and had to do anything it was told as long as it was capable of completing the task. It was old and forbidden magic but it was coming, coming to the woods. The werewolves were all in danger, their lands about to be violated and I knew that meant Jonah would put himself right in the middle of the fighting. I had to think of a plan and soon, the vision was not far into the future and time was short. I knew I would start by setting stronger wards along the pack’s boundaries. That way we would at least have warning and I knew the wards would only buy us some time and serve as a magical alarm system slowing them down, not stopping them, but it would be a start.

I made my way inside and went to the spare bedroom I had turned into my room for magical research. I put away the new supplies and started preparations for the wards.

The last bit of business on my mind was how to tell Jonah I had hidden my visions from him since the day we met. I shook the thought from my head thinking, oh well time to wear your big boy pants Devon. The shits hitting the fan and soon.

 I knew he would be pissed maybe a little hurt but I had to warn the pack about the impending attack. I had to face facts, my vision was clear. They were coming, and people were going to get hurt maybe die. I had to act fast if I was going to save lives.

The minute Jonah stepped through the door I approached him averting my eyes, steeling my nerves and then meeting his gaze with mine I told him everything. I explained my visions and how they had grown stronger since our bonding and about the impending attack. How the necromancers were coming for the talisman.

His eyes were glowing a hint of yellow the protective beast clawing just beneath his exterior. He listened intently then walked out the back door shifting into his wolf form, then he leapt through the trees disappearing into the darkness of the thick wood.

11.PackMaster

 I stood on the edge of our land on an outcropping that overlooked the river in the ravine far below.

“How could he have kept his visions from me, after all we’ve been through, he still doesn’t think I can handle whatever comes at us.” I exhaled a ragged breath

My new life with Devon was wonderful, perfect even, but I did long for the day we could live in peace and not be constantly waiting for the next bomb to drop. Still I knew my life was filled with so much more joy and that the empty space in my chest was finally filled with love and contentment. I long for a future filled with peace where we could grow old together and not face such uncertainty.  I was still in wolf form and threw back my head and howled longingly.

When I made my way back to our home on the hillside, I could see Devon through the large pane glass window scanning the wood for me, holding a glass and sipping its contents.

I shifted back to human form and saw him tense up, his gaze growing ever more intense. He had felt my wolf magic and reacted. Nobody knew me like he did, nobody knew the wolf within me and the man I tried so hard to be. My confidence waned of late and I wondered if the pack could sense my feelings of weakness. Devon hadn’t trusted me to be strong enough to be his safe place, his rock, hell maybe he’s right not to, he almost died in my arms after the dark Fae kidnapped us. So maybe I am not the pillar of strength I once thought myself to be. I had such confidence until the day I almost lost him. How could the pack rely on me to lead them, if I couldn’t protect my own mate, the love of my life.

Having made my way down the hillside I came to the edge of the lawn. As I swayed from side to side hesitating to head inside, then I proceeded in with a low guttural growl. 

I walked in the back door quickly punching in the alarm code and turning to face Devon. I didn’t want to face him so I averted my eyes, shook my head and made my way up the stairs crawling into our bed.  Moments passed before Devon’s presence filled the room.

 “Are you OK baby?” he questioned

 I said, “Yes.” quietly and he huffed a breath of knowing displeasure.

“I know you’re pissed baby but---” he started off but I interrupted him.

“I’m not pissed at you. How could I be?  I’m pissed at myself. Why should you trust me to carry anymore of the burden with you if I didn’t even have the strength to protect YOU, my mate, my love and you almost died because of my weakness.”

My eyes fell to the floor as Devon sat on the edge of the bed cupping my stubbled cheeks in his hands.

“Nobody could have stopped that dark fae that night. I know dark fae magic, we didn’t stand a chance and You have never failed me. I lived Jonah, because of you, for you. You were chosen by destiny to be my man, my protector, the other half of my soul and I have never doubted your strength. The only times I feel safe are the moments I’m with you. Never doubt your inner wolf, your courage and strength, I haven’t.“

I could feel a knot form in my throat, his words like fuel on a dying fire. I could feel his emotion and his sincerity pulse through the mate bond and it gave me a sense of renewed confidence. I could feel my inner wolf howl as a weight lifted from my shoulders. Devon could feel it too because he smiled, leaned into me and kissed me soft and deep.

“I love you Devon, more than you know. I will protect you with my very life no matter what comes at us.” I said sincerely

“I love you too Jonah.” he said to me and my heart felt somehow lighter. He laid down next to me and pressed in close against me. I wrapped him up in my arms kissing his forehead long and slow. This man was my sense of strength and I vowed in that moment no one would ever threaten his life again, even if it meant giving up my own life in the process. 

In the morning I bounced out of bed, careful not to wake Devon but definitely with a spring in my step. I dressed and made my way down to the kitchen when I heard a knock on the door. I opened the heavy intricately carved wooden door. It was Michael my second in command of the pack. I noticed the look on his face was that of concern as he stepped through the door.

“Our border security was being tested last night.” He said

“The patrols found several locations where scouts had come across into our land along the areas on the edge of the Kilian territory.” Michael said with a grimace.

 “Shit, bolster the night patrols and keep a close eye on them, I knew they would take advantage of how distracted I’ve been lately with the dark magics we’ve been facing.”

I could kick myself for not having expected it sooner. The leader of the Killian pack was a weak cowardly man. I wouldn’t put it past him to have planted a spy in my midst. After finding out he tried to recruit my second in command Michael of all people, but who, and how much did they know?

12.Warding

 I had spent all night preparing the enchantments and the better part of the day hiding them along the border lines of the packs land. Burying most of the enchantments where they would be most effective. I knew the wards would alert us if any of the dark fae or even the demon tried to cross and that if they were strong enough, they would hopefully keep them out like a shield. If I got the spell right, protection enchantments were not my best area in the magical arts but it was better than doing nothing and really, what could it hurt.

 I finished around dusk and made my way back to my truck, having parked a ways down the trail encompassing the packs territory. When I reached the house shortly after dark, I saw something in the shadow of the trees, I knew I was being watched.

 Jonah stepped out on the front deck to greet me as I made my way in. Before I could let him know my suspicions His spine stiffened and he sniffed at the chilly night air.  Leaping off the front porch he transformed in midair landing with a grace you would not expect from such a huge magnificent predator. A moment of silence then He emerged bursting through the trees with a rustle as he walked dragging someone in his wake.

 This was the spy. He had an unfamiliar face and had not seen him at any of the pack gatherings lately. I wondered if he might simply be hiding in the woods reporting back his findings.

Jonah set Michael to the task of discovering his hideout while he interrogates the man.

After an hour and a half of abuse and rough handling, the man was still no closer to breaking, so I approached Jonah with an Idea about how to glean information out of him a little more easily.

Compulsion spells were easy and required only a small amount of time I mixed the elixir and dropped doses over the man’s food and drink, hopefully he would take it willingly unaware of it. He sniffed the food and hesitated. I thought for certain he had smelled the potion but he reached for the sandwich and took a wary bite. I gave the magical mixture about ten mins to take effect, more than it needed but hey, better to be safe right.

 Jonah went into the interrogation cell and asked him

“who sent you?” Asked Jonah. “My pack master sent me.” The man stated flatly, his eyes a bit glazed.  Jonah gave me a playful grin as he continued with the man.  “Why are you here?” Jonah continued.  “To take information back to the dark fae threatening my pack.” Said the man with a grimace

Jonah looked at me and the skin on my arms rose up with goosebumps. They are spying for the dark fae, so they are planning an attack, but when? I wondered and what size force were we facing?

 Jonah kept drilling the man but as my compulsion elixir faded the man clammed back up. They’re planning to attack just like in Devon’s vision, he said to Michael.

I’ll start some drills with the men and prepare a defensive perimeter around the house.” Said Michael then he disappeared out the door.

I’ll get in touch with Ian and have him come out to work with Michael and the boys.” I said

The time was getting closer, we all knew it now and we had to be ready. I Held Jonah’s’ hand and told him,

”Tomorrow, we start training together, you need to know how to defend against the dark fae and I’m going to make sure you have the upper hand.” I said with a smile.

 Five thirty a.m. came so fast. I jumped at the sound of the alarm clock. Jonah and I crawled out of bed protesting being up this early and made our way to the walk-in shower in our master bathroom. The hot water felt like life itself as it beckoned me awake. I could smell the fresh brewed coffee, as I had set the pot to automatically brew at five a.m. After a quick cup, Jonah and I stepped out into the cool morning air, now around six thirty the sun was full in the sky and we both started out with some simple stretches, then I moved on to some forms or magical martial arts.

 After an hour of stretching and working our muscles just enough. I began teaching Jonah the best and worst ways to attack a dark fae. I told him their ribs were flexible and wouldn’t break, so body blows had little effect due to the fact they barely take in breaths of air. Their arms were the weakest part of them and the most powerful. Their hand could seer flesh as Jonah had found out but they also could release a sticky substance that hardened so they could disable their prey.  We sparred for hours not stopping. He transformed spinning and jumping in summersaults constantly shifting from man to wolf as we circled one another, my magic thick around me. My magical assaults flew through the air one after the other in an elegant display of physical and magical grace. I threw my hand in the air and signaled surrender, leaning over huffing and puffing to catch my breath. Jonah barely winded, patted me on the back with a smile. I looked up at him and sneered.

Weary from the days training we collapsed on the couch, each clutching a cocktail. We sipped and said with a playful grin.

“What the hell.” And grabbed a perfectly aged and malted bottle of scotch and headed to the hot tub on the back porch. I pulled the covering back and billows of hot steam rose into the air.

The sensation of hot water boiling with bubble jets tickled and soothed our aching tired muscles. Jonah and I sat side by side sharing the rather expensive scotch as the warmth from the intoxicating liquid hit my stomach, I felt a touch of lightheadedness. Jonah let out a long sigh and leaned toward me tracing my jawline with his fingertips and smiling.

“I love you.” He said and looking into his eyes I replied

“I love you too, Jonah, with all my heart.”

We smiled at one another and shared a kiss, long and deep, holding the back of my head with his large right hand as if to brace me he worked my mouth with his tongue, deep and passionate.

 He turned, took another sip and handed the bottle to me. I took one last drink and set it down on the back porch and looked up into the nights sky. A shooting star danced its way across from one horizon to the other and I wished in silence. I wished that we didn’t have to face the coming battle, that we could live out our years and die in one another’s arms as old men. Jonah touched my chin with his finger pulling me to meet his gaze. “Where were you? You looked a million miles away.” He said with a smile “A shooting star, I was making a wish.” I replied. He just smiled and gave me a nod.

The heat grew a little too intense so we decided to dry off and head in.

The next few days were filled with training sessions consisting of myself Jonah, Michael and some of his inner guard.  We were as ready as we could be and a sense of comfort fell over us, making the air seem less heavy and my man, my Jonah exuded confidence and strength. I felt a calmness that I hadn’t felt in a while.

13.Date night

We made a promise to one another a few weeks ago that no matter how crazy things became we would always show each other how much we cared. So when the two-month anniversary of our bonding came, Jonah planned a surprise.

I had no idea what to expect tonight, the whole evening was a surprise and for the first time in weeks I had something to look forward to. I picked out my favorite new suit, that’s one thing about all your clothes going up in flames you get a new wardrobe. New Ferragamo shoes and this time a tie.

 My suit was grey, slim fitting and a red rose garnished the chest pocket. My shirt was salmon in color and my tie red and pink. Very valentine I thought but, oh well too late to change it. I made my way down the stairs to see Jonah standing at the bar in the living room sipping on a cocktail and humming. His eyes came to rest on me and he exhaled. 

For the first time since we became life mates, I was nervous about our date. I couldn’t believe how nervous I was. I just wanted everything to be perfect. He took my hand and led me out the door, to the truck and opened the door for me. I crawled up into the truck as he closed the door and made his way around and up into the driver’s seat.

I couldn’t tell where we were going but we drove for about thirty minutes before I saw a sign that read, The mystic fields. Pulling up to the entrance I was impressed, the huge dome must have been a good two hundred feet high and farther around than I could see. The valet took the keys in exchange for a ticket and Jonah handed the security team our invitations. They quickly unfastened the rope and let us through. The entryway had elegant lighting and the floor and walls were one big aquarium filled with all manner of magical and mundane fish and other creatures, all clad in brilliant breathtaking colors.

The entrance finally gave way and I was in the middle of another world, a magical world. Creatures from the fairy realms in all forms, some crawling, some scurrying and others flying or floating by like something from a dream. What looked like purple fireflies danced and lit up in harmonious waves fading in and out of view.

 I was in awe of it all and smiling, Jonah Squeezed my hand and asked.

“Did I do good?” He asked.  “Oh yeah ya did.” I said playfully as we made our way to the center of the dome. In the center there was a circular clearing with benches made for two lining the edges with a large fountain at its heart.

As we sat on one of the benches together, Jonah looked down at me. I was unsure of his expression and that made me uneasy. I looked up into his Bright green emerald eyes and brushed his stubbly chin with my fingers. The dancing lights casting playful colors on his wavy blond hair.

Then I could see it, happiness in its truest form. Plain and simple.

After I looked at my watch and was amazed two hours had passed. Jonah cleared his throat, took my hand and led out. The valet brought the truck around and we left for the restaurant.

We arrived at the restaurant about thirty minutes later and having made reservations, they led us straight to a large semicircular table among the VIP section. The elegant décor of the place and the attentiveness and dress of the staff created an air of upper-class sophistication, one that my upbringing had made me accustomed to. I was so at ease. When the server returned, we ordered, handed over the cloth covered menu’s and settled in with a cocktail as the ambiance of the dimly lit room and live music began to sink in, relaxing me.

We enjoyed our intimate dinner and cocktails for what seemed like hours as the restaurant grew quieter and quieter until only one other couple sat at the far side of the dance floor. My suit began to seem constricting so I removed my jacket flexing my chest slightly in a playful tease. I saw his green eyes twinkle and I sat back in satisfaction.

 The worry and concern of the last couple months seemed to fade away as we effortlessly lost ourselves in the romance and love we had for each other.

It must have been two in the morning when the manager informed us they had closed an hour earlier. Apologetically he gave us a bottle of champagne on the house. We chuckled to one another and sauntered out the door smiling the whole time.

 We came up to our log house about two thirty in the morning and after entering through the front door and setting the alarm I ripped off my tie unbuttoning my shirt to half mass.

 Jonah removed his jacket and pulled his shirt out from his dress pants briefly exposing his chiseled abs and gave a sigh as we sat on the sofa. He popped the champagne and poured us each a glass. Tapping them together we sipped the bubbly liquid.

A perfect ending to a perfect Date night.

14. Jonah

I sleepily rubbed my eyes and squinted at the clock spying the time. It was ten thirty and the blissful romance from the previous night left a smile on my face. I made my way gently out of bed, careful not to wake my handsome mate. I looked down at him sleeping and had to admire his tan muscular body peppered with the perfect amount of black hair on his chest, stomach and legs. I covered him back up with the heavy comforter and made my way to the kitchen. Making myself some coffee, I felt my inner wolf paw and scratch at my skin sending a wave rippling through my wolfs magic. I stripped, headed out the back door and shifting into my wolf form I ran deep into the sparkly morning woods.

 As I ran and sprang through the forest I came upon a spot at the border of our territory. I sniffed at the air and smelled the unfamiliar scent that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once. I growled low and fierce my wolf reacting to the sensation I was not alone.

Then two men dropped from the trees, they calmly looked me over and sneered. “So, this is the mighty Pack master everyone is afraid of.”

I snarled and shifted back into my half human half wolf form and growled. “who are you?”

Unaffected by my warning tone, the taller one snapped his fingers and the others responded by backing away as they turned and left into the wood beyond, my instinct to follow was overpowering me but, the concerned face of my mate as he begged me to stay within the wards burned in my mind. I snarled shifted fully and made my way back home.

Upon arriving, I was met by a very troubled Devon.

“What’s the matter baby?” I asked with concern evident in my eyes. “The wards are being tested, I felt it a while ago. A little before you got home.” With hesitation I told him what I encountered in the wood. “But they didn’t look like dark fae.” I said, a hint of confusion in my voice. “Probably a glamour.” Said Devon “They will attack tonight I can sense it.” He uttered despairingly. “Ok I’ll assemble everyone, we patrol tonight.” I stated gruffly, Devon agreed with a nod.

As I went through the plan of defense with our squad of well-trained werewolves, Michael stated, “We’re ready Jonah don’t worry.” I felt a twinge of relief and pride as I made my way back to the house.

Devon had already put on a tight form fitting leather outfit that accentuated his every masculine quality right down to his impressive bulge. 

“You’re wearing THAT? “I gasped and he just laughed saying “not all of us have thick fur coats to protect us.” and I gave in, he had a point.

Night approached and we stood at the ready, four squads positioned strategically throughout the woods. I was calm, the excitement of battle apparent in my eager eyes. Devon put several charms and odds and ends into the pockets of the utility belt he was wearing. Devon stood to his feet closing his eyes. I could feel him reach out with his magic pulling on our mate bond.

Devon’s eyes swung open as he shouted “They’re here, attacking the northern perimeter!”.  ”no, the south, Fuck there at all four corners north, south, east and west.”

I let out a howl into the night alerting my people where to position.

Devon states “I’m going north, that’s where they’re attacking the ward the hardest.

“Let’s go!” I growled and we Headed north. Ian, Michael, Devon and myself along with two of my guard raced down the northern road and slid to a stop sending dust billowing. 

 Devon jumped out of the car. There was four dark fae positioned along the wards edge, dark energies radiating off of their bodies and crackling and popping against the once invisible ward, now ablaze in the night bright and golden, a wall of magical energy.

Ian jumped from the back of the truck throwing himself into the thick of it, knocking two of the fae to the ground, one of them barking orders, “he’s the leader.” I thought. Ian rolled and bounced to his feet, blasting one with a massive spin kick to the face sending the figure staggering back. Then his hand slams flat against the chest of another, sending electricity jolting through the faes body knocking him aside. Devon stands straining to reinforce the wards magic, light pouring out of his hands with a determination on his face I’ve never seen. But the ward begins to crack and weaken, the other two Fae pouring their darkness against the white-hot surface of the ward ferociously attempting to breach it.

I stand by my mate ready to pounce as the last crackle ends in a shatter, sparks flying through the air and with a deafening screeching bellow the dark fae calls out to his kin, the signal they’ve broken through.

Devon pulls a charm from one pocket and throws it connecting with one fae sending a grey wave slowly over his body turning him to stone.

The dark fae start to rush through, bottlenecked but intent on getting through. Michael squares off with one catching his hand with a crunch black blood sprays out dripping from his mighty jaws.

 I catch another and immediately crunch down on his head with a growl making his body go limp. The other pack members finally arrive and start after the stray fae chasing them down into the woods. Devon’s hands raise up then slams down on the ground and the very earth starts grabbing and pulling at the fae dragging them down into the earth burying them alive. Ian was busy spinning and flipping, throwing spell after spell in a whirlwind of fireballs, white energy and electricity ,dropping one fae after the other.

The leader standing at a distance sneers, points at Devon threateningly and backs away calling the retreat. The remaining fae scramble to gain momentum and run disappearing into the night.

We all stood in shock and then howls and shouts of victory fill the night as we assess our situation. Devon and Ian hold each other’s hands and chant as they begin repairing the ward.  Sometime later after the healers have tended to the wounded and the dark faes bodies are burned. I pull Devon aside, look down into his bright sapphire eyes and kiss him deep and passionately in celebration of our victory. He smiles up at me, his dark features outlining his masculine face.

“we did it “he says with a smile but just as quickly his smile fades a look of seriousness in his scowling eyes. “It’s not over though. that was just the first attack the next will be much, much worse.”

15.Devon

The weeks since the battle have been quiet and peaceful as a calmness washes over me. I consider what’s coming next and steady myself thinking long and hard about what precautions to take.

  The werewolves are well trained and ready to fight, Ian has his mojo back and I’ve grown accustomed to the near constant barrage of attacks from the dark side. What’s next? necromancers? I think to myself with a chuckle. Then a thought crosses my mind. Necromancers bind demons to do their bidding, they also know how to banish them. Also, this talisman may be indestructible but the demon isn’t, I’ve been trying to think of ways to destroy the talisman instead of the other way around. Demons are difficult to destroy yes but they are pure spirit, this particular one is only half a demon the other half is fused with the talisman. Without the talisman the demon is weak and potentially vulnerable to the right banishing spell.

  A plan was formulating, but it would take time to set up. I would have to completely drain all of my magical batteries to pull it off and dig up one hell of a banishing spell. I knew where I had to go, the magical archives in town under the council chambers. We had a large selection of ancient spells come in last year and I had spied one crate marked forbidden arcana. Necromancy was a banned practice in most countries due to its influence over demons the undead and the dead alike.         Luckily, I’d spent a year abroad studying necromancy with some gypsy elders in Constantinople. Had I not had a near photographic memory It would have been for naught, but that tattoo on the dark faes forearm had my mind churning away. The triangle with an intertwining snake around it had stirred a memory in me once tucked away. It gave me some place to start and that was much more than I had yesterday.

  Ian was tasked the tedious duty of finding a spell strong enough to dispel the binding on the talisman giving me total access to its raw magical power. The danger being the seductive nature of magical energy. It might be too strong and I might lose myself to it completely. I had to reassure him that I could handle it if it came down to that. I, however wasn’t so sure. I had begun to doubt my strength in that matter of late but didn’t allow myself to dwell on it or let it show in my expression.

  Jonah and I were to go to the magical archives later that night after the council left and the building was empty. In the meantime, we were trying to go about our day as usual. We had settled into our lives as best we knew how.  I threw myself into studying demonology, something I knew little about. Jonah seemed content to stay home with me most days, no doubt to make sure I was safe. Something that started to weigh on me. I didn’t want him to feel like he needed to protect me all the time. I was, however, happy he felt so inclined. The evening was fast approaching and I impatiently stared out the window waiting for the sun to set behind the white curtain of clouds extending over the horizon.

  I feel the calmness of Jonah’s familiar magic wash over me as he comes up behind me resting one hand on each shoulder and leaning in to kiss my cheek from behind. I turn my head to meet his eyes and lips in a relaxing breath. I exhale calm and centered as I place my right hand over his.

“It’s time.” He whispers and I turn grab my coat and we head for the truck.

I climb into the passenger seat and we leave for the council chambers. Jonah caught my attention by repeatedly looking in the rear-view mirror with a troubled expression across his brow.

“OK, What’s up?” I ask

“I think were being followed.” He growls

I turn and look to see the car fast approaching, the next thing I know the truck is lurching with a screech that shakes and rattles me. My heart begins to race as Jonah yells “Hang on!” And slams down on the accelerator yanking me back into my seat. The truck engine Speeds up with a loud rumble. The truck rounds a turn, tires screeching and as Jonah struggles to keep control. I look behind us once more as the pursuing truck barrels into us again, this time sending our truck fishtailing down the road at high speed.  I feel a jolt and the world jerks from side to side in a burry haze rattling me to my core and leaving me dizzy and disoriented. I open my eyes to the low rumble of the other truck. As I realize our truck is upside down. Jonah struggles with his seatbelt. Then extending his claws he slices the seatbelt dropping himself headfirst onto the ground. As he cuts my seatbelt, I can hear voices high and inhuman. (The dark fae) I think to myself. They’ve come for me! Screams the voice in my head. I whisper the words,

“No, No, no, no!”  My throat grows tight with terror as I recall the feeling of helplessness and fear. The sensation, the feel of the dark feas hand searing and white hot on my flesh.

Jonah quickly and nimbly crawls from the capsized truck with animalistic ease. I hear the brief sounds of a struggle, a gunshot and then a victorious howl rings through the night air. My senses are yanked back to me in that moment, JONAH!

Then I see him walking towards me.  He’s ok, I thought, “they’re dead, thank the gods.” Jonah reaches in and helps me out of the flipped vehicle and briefly holds me to him. Then with a scowl he growls

“Let’s END this!” I pull away, the feeling warm and slick on my hand, BLOOD!

“Your shot!” I shout, scrambling to see the wound but Jonah grabs my hands and looks me in the eyes.

“SH, SH, SH, I’ll be fine.” he says “It was silver but that only slows the healing, I can feel it closing.” He says in his best reassuring voice.

We cut through the woods towards the edge of town. The sickly brownish orange hue of the street lights dull the night sky as we cut through alleyways and underpasses trying not to draw attention. We reach the council hall and I go for my keys.

“Shit, they’re gone.” I hiss as I slap all my pockets repeatedly

I shrug and say “Fine, the easy way then.”  with a flick of my fingers the electric locks click green and the doors begin to open.  I really have to spell those locks that was way too easy. At least the vault door has biometric security, I think to myself.

 We hurried down into the magical archives and I started thumbing through books on symbology trying to see if I could find the symbol tattooed on the dead fae in the morgue. Jonah went to gather all the summoning books I had specified. Only the most powerful summoning spells would do. As he brought the three books, I asked for My eyes were caught by the very symbol I was searching for. This told me the demons name. Korilothie the planes demon. Planes demons were very evil, deceitful and powerful. They crossed planes between realms seducing mages into contractual blood contracts in exchange for the mages magical energy or soul once the contract was satisfied. My grandparents trapped and bound the demons power, splitting the demon in half. That explains why the demon cannot fully materialize. It doesn’t have the magical strength to fully breach our plane.

Now having discovered the demons name and purpose. I searched book after book looking for the proper summoning when my efforts were finally rewarded.

I’ve got it! I shouted

Now I knew the perfect banishing for this monster too. We were now so close to victory I could taste it in my mouth. Suddenly, the magical security started to flash. Then we heard a crash and heard the sound of roaring flames, the alarms began so sound. The sight of fire covered the upper exit, we were trapped down here. I knew it was magical fire. The ceiling started to pop and crack, I knew it was coming down on us at any minute.

I reached out with my magic trying to bind my thoughts on one place, home. I built my magic up inside me and could feel Jonah’s magic focus my own and with my hands, I tore through space into the in between, opening a portal to our backyard. It took more magic than I wanted to use but we were trapped with no way to escape. A ring of light opened before me and I urged Jonah through, me following right after. The portal closed behind us and I leaned over to catch my breath. 

Ian ran out the back door to us, having sensed the portal. I looked Ian and Jonah in the eyes and said

We finish this NOW!” anger burning through me.

16.The seduction

 The magical barrier around the pack land was under attack and I knew this time I knew the dark fae would be on us soon. The werewolves rallied to Jonah’s commanding howls and stood ready forming a perimeter around our property. The wards strength was fading fast and we rushed to the safe in the house to get the talisman. I quickly dispelled the magical protection around the safe and Jonah opened it as fast as his hands would move.

 We ran out into the yard to my stone circle as I scrambled to start the summoning. Carefully I went through each step as Jonah and the pack stood at the ready some of them shifted and some half shifted.  As I sprinkled the final ingredient, I began reciting the ancient words. Weak from just having portaled Jonah and myself to safety. I reached out my hand to Devon, he stepped into the circle with me and chanted with me. The serge of Ian’s magic mingling with mine was enough, I could feel the air around us grow heavy and the night sky grew still and black, not a star in sight. The earth rumbled and quaked as fire rose up from the cracking earth. The demon solidified with a thunderous roar. Ian drained of magic slumped over heaving for air. I stood weak but resolute.

  “TALISMAN!!” the demon roared and I held it up in my hand.

The demon’s eyes narrowed, knowing his prize was just within his grasp. I clenched it in my fist and began to shout out the banishing. The demon howled filling the very air with hate. I looked to see Jonah and the pack battling with the dark fae, bodies rolling and tumbling in a haze of blood and fur. I finished the words and the spell slammed into the demon with a white bright blaze of light. The demon strained against it and then it dissipated. I looked in shock, I wasn’t strong enough, I couldn’t banish it. Fear and panic rose, then holding talisman into the air, I began to make mystical sounds with my throat. Ian screams

NOOOOO!”

My mind made up, I begin fusing with this talisman. I look at Jonah teary eyed and scream

“I’m sorry, I love you always!”

Then reassert my efforts, the gold bindings on the talisman glow red hot and melt away. My head jolts back and I feel the talismans magic explode through me, lighting my blood ablaze. The taste of the magic coursing through me as my eyes glow white. There is no pain, no fear, nothing but the feel of magic pure and seductive. I feel that if I could just lose myself in it, everything in my life will be perfect.

Then a familiar tug in my chest, “Nire” loving and gentle ”Nire” caressing my soul, coaxing it back from the abyss with my soul name. I could feel Jonah reaching out to me through the bond, my love, my destiny. The man chosen for me by fate herself. My eyes cleared and I focused in on the demon with renewed purpose.

Magical light seeping from my every pore, I recite the banishing, this time the spell slams into the demon enveloping it in pure light. The demon howls and begins to crumble to pieces shattering and falling to the earth in a pile of ash and obsidian. As I drop to my knees Jonah rushes to grab me. My eyes heavy and my every fiber drained, I look into his green eyes as he scoops me into his embrace, gently rocking me as I lay in the middle of the battlefield. A haze of grey washes over the world, then black.

I wake three days later feeling achy all over. Jonah is in the bed next to me and I poke him in the ribs playfully but still weak from the magic I had used.

“H-How long?” I croaked

Three days Jonah replied smiling down at me. I looked into his eyes tearfully and said “You saved me, you brought me back with my soul name. I love you.”

 He just ran the back of his hand down the side of my face and sighed, smiling all the while.

17.Realizations

 Things these past few months have been trying, filled with joys and sorrows, some ups and some Major downs. All I knew was I had Ian, Jonah and many friends by my side now. I was no longer that person standing on the sidelines waiting for love to find me. Love crashed into me when I least expected it and with it Came a mountain of realizations. I was loved, I was part of the werewolf pack, one giant family. How could life get any more perfect.

Ian said the magical energy of the drained talisman was fused with me now, and I would have to learn to control my magic all over again. He was also eager to say I was now the most powerful mage in seven generations. I knew I could handle the new raw power racing through my blood because Jonah was my rock. He calmed the stormy magic within making it potent and malleable.

  He brought me back from the brink of destruction and I loved him for it.  We had plans tonight, for a private night of romance together just the two of us in our home. I couldn’t wait.

  After a romantic dinner I found myself admiring the sunset for a bit too long. Then Jonah coughed and held out his strong hand leading me to the living room We danced to soft music for the longest time, lost in each other’s embrace. Gently swaying to the music, I was truly at peace in my soul. The wonderous intimacy of it made my heart swell.

 We sat on the couch together sipping on chilled Burgundy, reminding me of our first night together, the heat, the passion and raw animal attraction. I looked over now, at this man Fate made mine and smiled. I lean into him kissing his soft lips, my tongue gently working his in slow circular motions. Then I withdrew from him. Staring seductively into my lover’s eyes I could feel his breath catch as I leaned in and nibbled his earlobe.

His eyes looking me over as if studying my every feature. He smiles, stands me up and scooping me into his massive arms, he slowly ascends the stairs with ease gazing into me the entire way. He puts me down standing next to him and slowly and methodically begins to remove his clothes and then mine. I lean into him breathing his familiar musk as his scent sends shocks of longing through me. He senses my arousal and his pace quickens, first my shirt, then his strong hands work my pants down and off. There, we are naked locked in each other’s gaze. He slowly turns me to face the bed and my pulse quickens with anticipation. He pushes me over bending me over the bed and begins to kiss my upper back. He slowly slides his tongue down my back to my ass and I could feel his hot breath on my tight circular muscle. Then I moaned in surprise as he begins licking and lapping at my hole. He places one hand on each side of my ass spreading me open so his tongue can explore deeper inside.

 Just when he knew I was blazing hot with ecstasy, he stands up and presses his member against my entrance. He reaches into the nightstand and pulls out some lube. First, he rubs it on his massive cock and then my hungry hole, pushing into me gently and slowly. His intensity builds as his thrusts become quicker and more feral. My heart races in unison with his, our magic mingling and pulsing around us, creating a sparkly magic twinkling in the air.

His breathing now labored as he pulls out of me, flips me on my back, then gazing deep into my soul he lifts my left leg over his shoulder and pushes inside me with ease. My hands explore every line of muscle on his back and ass. As I reach for my cock, the anticipation of climax burning in my mind he quickly catches my hand, pinning it over my head as his mouth works mine.

 My own cock now wet and throbbing as his thrusts become more and more intense. He sits up pulling my left leg into the air and assaults my needy hole with thrust after feral thrust, his body undulating in vertical waves of want and desire. Free to pleasure myself I grasp my rock-hard member and begin to work it feverishly. The climax building up in waves of sexual bliss. His eyes now glowing the wild yellow of the wolf within, he arches his back still pushing deeper and deeper inside me hitting my sweet spot.

My muscled body tight with restraint, the orgasm burning inside me as I grit my teeth to keep it at bay. He looks down, our eyes lock and our souls are one as his massive orgasmic jolt fills me. At the same moment I lose myself, caught in the throes of passion and shoot stream after stream up my tight muscled torso.

 Jonah collapses into me his massive, muscly body bearing down on me.  He kisses me and smiles. As he rolls off to lay next to me, I turn into his chest slick with sweat and kiss his left nipple and then his right. As our labored breaths subside, he holds me tight.

“I love you Devon, with everything I am.”

My heart swells as I reply “I love you too Jonah. My forever-man.”

Epilogue

Ian

  My eyes glance over the empty room as I take a sullen breath. I’ve felt so alone this past thirty years. My red hair falls over my eyes as I lower my head and bury my face in my hands. Being a mage one hundred and sixteen years old is pretty young by most standards.

Oh well, I’m just not meant for love.” I say as my thoughts wander to years gone by.

” I’ve never been good enough for anyone.” My words filling the silent house. I thought I was in love once but that ended in disaster.

My thoughts wander back to the hot blonde mage I met years earlier in California. The one that broke my heart. I shake my head and laugh at myself for being so ridiculous. As I wander to the freezer and pull the half empty bottle of vodka out, I smile and take a hefty swig. What was I ever thinking, I say, turning back the bottle again.  As the strong drink has its desired effect, I take off my shirt exposing my tone chest and well-defined abs. I’ve always been fair skinned and don’t at all mind really. 

I laugh at the thought of ever falling in love and take another gulp, the warmth of it running up my stomach and neck to my face. The only man I’ve ever loved ran off with some damn older mage!  I throw the bottle across the room watching it smash against the wall, the residue of it running down the wall as I stare blankly into space. Love is meant for dreamers and I’m a realist. 

 The next morning My cell phone rings and I answer rubbing my eyes in disgust. Six thirty damn, who gets up that early. The familiar voice on the other end catches my attention. 

“ Vultures swarm, the prince dies before fall.” Says the voice on the other end. The phone goes dead. I listen to the sound of dial tone for a few seconds than grab my coat and rush out the door. I have to get to Devon my ward.

You have to warn him! Screams a voice in my head. But how? What will I say? Oh, Devon, by the way Angry cult members are coming to assassinate you!

Shit this is gonna suck! Jonah is definitely gonna lose his shit.”

 To be continued…