Chapter Eight- The kiss

Iris POV

My first kiss, I was about to lose it, and yet, I couldn't pull back. My body felt stiff and hot as Thor's lips got closer to mine.

It was just yesterday, I didn't want to walk into that cell and see his face, look into his cold, dark eyes. 

But now, I was staring into them as his mouth rested on mine, his hand stroking down my back until it reached my waist.

Pulling me closer, Thor had me tightly in his grip, giving me no chance to breathe as he claimed my lips, making me moan sounds that felt embarrassing to hear, and yet it was turning me on, giving rise to my yearning for more of him.

My eyelids shut closed as I clutched onto the pillow, feeling his tongue deep in my throat as I breathed in the air he exhaled.

It felt like I was drowning slowly and melting into his arm as he fiercely kissed me, making every inch of my body burn as though I was up in flame from within.

His grip on my waist grew firm, and I pressed against his solid chest, feeling every beat his heart made.

Was it possible… would it work… to make a truce with the Storm Rider pack and be at peace with them? Would Thor be so forgiven for the years my uncle has stolen from him and let it all go? I'm not sure.

But his every touch, the way his hand stroked my waist, the taste of him, and the heat from his body made me want to believe, trust that I could change his mind and save my pack from another war.

When he finally pulled away, a moan escaped my lips as I stared into his eyes, lured by them and lost in his gaze.

"Thor," I whispered, holding back my breath.

Without breaking eye contact with me, he stroked my cheek and mumbled, "What's on your mind?" 

"What did you mean when you said once I bear your mark, I am yours even if things don't work out the way I hope," 

"If you bear my mark, I will kill anyone who touches you. You will not be allowed to leave me, not in this life. If you run, blood will cover the path you take." Thor said with a straight face, his eyes dark and intense. 

Those were words he meant with every fiber in his bones, and his eyes told me that.

Such a high price. Is it worth taking a risk for an uncertain future and peace?  I couldn't make up my mind, so I looked away from Thor and mumbled, "I should get back to my chamber. I have to get ready for a busy day."

When he didn't reply, I stood to my feet and walked away, heading out without looking back.

An alliance of peace that will cage and imprison me for life, is this what I wanted?

After arriving in my room, I walked over to the left corner and sat down, drawing my kneecaps against my chest.

The truth is, I have no one left, no one to defend me, and I'm left in charge to protect others. I never knew how much of a weight it was until now that I'm faced with such a decision.

It feels so lonely to sleep in an empty bed and wake up alone in a place with no warmth from anyone. I didn't realize that until Thor held me in his arms and I fell asleep to his heartbeat.

These days, I have held my head high in front of others, refusing to show the loneliness I felt deep down. Masking my emotions was my way of protecting myself and feeling better. But with Thor, I felt like I could be vulnerable. Maybe it was because he's my mate.

Suddenly, my door burst open and Rona rushed in as she cried, "My Luna, you are finally back!"

Hastily, I stood from the floor and wiped my face dry, forcing a smile as I stared at her.

 "Iris, are you crying?" Rona firmly uttered, clutching her fist. "Did that slave hurt you?!' 

How was I supposed to explain what was going on with me and Thor? He hasn't agreed to my offer, and I'm not sure if I wanted to bear his mark anymore, knowing what I would be giving up.

Ignoring Rona, I looked away from her and asked, "What's my schedule for today?"

"Elder Lykaios sent a message that he would like to speak with you and will be here an hour from now," Rona said.

"I see. Then I better get ready. Please find me, something, to wear. I will go wash up." 

"Yes, my Luna."

For a while, I couldn't help wondering what Elder Lykaios wanted to speak to me about until I was facing him in the imperial summit room.

"My Luna, may your leadership be great and flourish as that of you uncle and ancestors." Elder Lykaios greeted.

This kind of hailing is suffocating to me, but I smiled and said, "Thank you." 

Elder Lykaios was one of the pack's most hailed warriors. He had fought beside my uncles, father, and most of my relatives. With him by their side, they have fought countless battles and defeated many great packs.

His words were and are respected by many, and even though he's now retired, I had the utmost respect for him, although he was unbearable sometimes. 

Staring at me with a serious expression on his face, Elder Lykaios frowned and said, "Concerning the rumors of war between the rogues of the Storm rider pack and us…"

"I know. I need to create an alliance with a pack so we can have a stronger chance to defend our territory." I mumbled, feeling a bit too disturbed to go through such a discussion again.

"I haven't even said anything yet…"

"Then please speak as you wish."

The atmosphere became still as Elder Lykaios took a long look at me. Then he sighed and said, "I know that is the goal for you to ally with a strong pack. But I need you to be careful who you settle for because since your uncle died, other packs have been eyeing our territories, not in a good way."

So even if I don't settle for peace and merge with another pack for a war against the Storm Rider, there is still a chance that I may get betrayed and overthrown by my ally. 

"I hope my Luna would put more thought into the kind of Alpha she chooses to rule beside her because the pack is depending on you so they can sleep peacefully at night." Elder Lykaios uttered, his gaze steady on me.

As I said, he's insufferable. But his words carry wisdom, an insight that has given me more concern than relief. 

"Thank you for the advice, Elder Lykaios. I will take your guidance with great importance and not put my people at risk with my decision." I said, keeping my chin high, even though all I wanted to do was lower my head and cry.

"Since my word has fallen on a fertile soil, I will take my leave now." Elder Lykaios said, standing to his feet.

"Have a good trip," I grumbled, my gaze following him towards the door.

After  Elder Lykaios walked out, I rested my head on the table, allowing my tears to roll from the corners of my eyes.

This was a game of chess, and I feel like no matter what move I make, there was some kind of risk that I couldn't avoid. What am I to do when I know nothing about my future and that of my pack?