"How did you get in?" He inquired, brows furrowing. He looked at the elevator and back.
"You didn't walk in through that, did you?"
Luana's laughter filled the room before standing up to the long window, where the Werecats knife had been through. She ran her fingers across the damage before replying.
"I guess you weren't told that I'm not some random girl. I'm nothing like the ones you relate to within your world," her lips twitched as she said the last two words.
"Why did you choose here anyway?" She walked back to where Zeidan was seated.
"It's my way of relaxing. Living here is okay to me because for a few moments, I forget I'm a vampire King."
"Trying to neglect duties, isn't it?" He felt her breath behind him. Her hands were running over his chest. He checked the wall clock and realized it was 10:00 pm already.
He stood up and held Luana between his arms, allowing his lips to crush hers.
"You do know why I called you here, don't you?" Zeidan asked.
"To be your Queen." Luana smiled as she kissed him again. Their mouths caressed each other with intended ease that belied Zeidan's arousal and the hard length of him pressing against her.
His hands trailed over her breasts, her arched back and hips leisurely as if expecting a signal inside of him. What more could he ask for? He was aroused already.
But inside he felt like this isn't right. This isn't how he's supposed to feel. He broke their kiss, frowning.
"What is it?" Luana asked eyes widened.
He stared at her for a while before pulling her in for another kiss. Luana took this time to explore him as well as she ran her palms over the hardness of his shoulders and chest. She expected him to shiver at her every touch but at every peak, they were almost getting to, the fire would stop burning.
As the moment passed, every caress, every touch did little to stir up the fire he had clogged inside of him. He tried hard to get her related to him. His body warmed up, head pounding, he felt his gums aching and he wondered if this is it. Until it stopped.
He disentangled himself from her embrace, trying hard to comport himself.
"Let's just go to the restaurant. We can get to know more about ourselves there." He turned and picked up his suit jacket before moving towards the elevator, Luana tailing behind.
Getting into the black BMW car with the woman beside him, he wondered if this was going to work.
He started the engine after a glance at Luana whose face displayed plenty of unasked questions. He wished he could answer them all but then he was confused himself.
They drove past the hustling and bustling environment of the city.
Luana raked her hands through her hair before breaking the silence that has ensued between them since they left the office.
"Is there a reason we can't eat dinner at your place?"
Zeidan turned the car to the right as they moved into what looked like a small town with mountains surrounding it. Tall trees silhouetted against the golden moon and the noises from the busy road dying behind them.
"Because I wish to eat at a place that's not in my world," he replied, emphasizing his last words to refer back to Luana's statement earlier.
They drove past tall ancient buildings and soon it looked like they were going into a dark forest. And they drove for a long time, in silence.
They got to a clear path after a long drive, and from afar, they could see a fountain. A big building ornated with golden flowers, trimmed flowers surrounding the place, and dimmed lanterns lighting up everywhere.
"Where is this place?" Luana inquired as the car stopped and they both got down.
"This is my palace." Zeidan walked majestically to his palace. Moving closer, some figures looked like shadows standing around everywhere and until they moved closer, Luana wouldn't have thought they were his workers.
"Welcome, your Highness." A figure that looked more important than the others greeted them before leading them in.
"We've got more problems than you can ever think of," the tall lanky man whispered before glancing toward Luana.
"Your guest is the 'terror Queen'?"
"I think it's best we talk about the problems, Wikh." He patted the man's back before leading him to a room.
"The Onyx...the WereCats have found out where it is!"
This message sent shivers down his spine.
"But how?" He wondered.
"We don't know ourselves, but we suspect that we have a traitor amongst us," Wikh suggested, his expression thoughtful.
Luana walked in on the men as she had been listening to their conversation from where she stood. She felt it right to intervene.
"I could help."
"Seriously, not you," Wikh began to say but was paused by Zeidan who placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'd suggest we increase your army because the way I see it, the Werecats might outnumber us and defeat us—"
"Hold up, good gracious, your Highness, why is she using the word 'us'?" Wikh was beginning to be impatient with the woman's sophisticated character.
"Because very soon, I'm going to be your Queen and I'm going to make sure everything goes right," Luana spat before continuing.
"Zeidan, it's best you receive help from the ones who have the best Soldiers. They will help us defeat these Werecats I'm sure."
"Like your father?" Zeidan asked, brows drawn together.
"No. Like the Wolf packs."
Tension grew in the room suddenly and Luana quickly regretted her suggestion.
Zeidan could remember what history has to say about their relationship. Years of hatred waxing strong between the two groups. The Vampires and the wolverines never see eye to eye and this has been going on for ages.
Before his father's demise, he could remember being told what calamity the werewolves have brought to the vampire city and why they now have extra security. On that fateful evening, his Father had gone out to hunt for blood when he met with a pack of Wolves on his territory.
"This place is out of bound for you Wolves. We have nothing in common so I don't see why we can ever have a smooth relationship." Hail, Zeidan's father called out to the big wolf that stood in front.
"You will not tell us what to do, Hail." Azrael snorted, fangs gritted. "You all waste your prey by sucking their blood and leaving them while we see the need to clear up the mess and finish them once and for all."
But the vampires won't succumb to their threats. So, under the full moon, the vampires and werewolves fought till there was no space left on the ground to fit a foot without being smeared by blood.
His father died the following morning from the wound.
Zeidan's eyes were lined with tears already and he swallowed trying hard to comport himself.
He looked at Luana whose wide eyes stare back at him in regret.
"Don't feel bad, Luana, you have said well." Zeidan's eyes bore on her as if she was some screen that can be read.
" Your suggestion sounds good." He nodded to the man beside him.
"I also wonder if the Alpha will release his armies to you without asking for something in return. We both know how selfish he can be." Luana flung her hair backward as she said thoughtfully.
"Something like what?" It was Wikh who asked this time.
"Something so special. Something the wolves have been fighting to possess for a long time." Her red lips slightly parted as those words dropped like bombs, shattering Zeidan's heart as he mumbled.
"The Onyx."
"But I'll say that you propose something else to him. I hear he has a daughter not too important to them. She's as good as dead in their eyes. You can ask to marry her just to join forces with his men. She'll be our pawn." She sounded so confident.
"You're right. Don't worry, I know what to do." He has had enough brainstorming for the night.
"Wikh, take Luana to the Royal Chamber at the end of this corridor and make sure she is being taken care of properly. By the full moon, I'll do well to introduce her to the whole Vampirinos. As for the Wolf pack, arrange a meeting with them by the South Jungle. I hear that's where they'll be by this season."
"Of course, Your Highness. Of course." Wikh smiled wryly before leading Luana to the Chamber. "This way."
He knew he had no choice but to go by what Luana had just said. If he wants to keep the Onyx safe, he has to drop his ego and ask for a little help. It wouldn't hurt, he thought. The only problem is, that the Alpha is a ruthless leader. He has to find a way to convince him.
The jar shattered against the rocky wall that holds the cave right where the Cat leader lives.
"Holy crap. That woman has crossed me for the last time."
Cat Shelbrooke furiously ran his fingers through his spooky hair as he glared at the three cats before him.
One was full of orange furs and looked fat like an overfed pet. Another had black fur with a few white colors sprinkled on some parts. The last one that stood before their King looked like an underfed cat with its bony cheeks where whiskers grew and green eyes that looked like they could get lost in its socket. It had a grey fur color that did little to cover its ribs.
Shelbrooke looked away from the cats he so much trusted. His own most reliable cats were beaten like mere commoners by a woman.
Luana.
He was going to make sure she pays for it. He rose from his throne, now transformed, pacing back and forth in the cave, his pitch-black fur concealing his limbs as they drop on his body like black waterfalls. His stony eyes looked like they can kill one at a spot with just a stare. Those eyes gave a full light under the moon.
How could his army be such cowards? He was pretty sure they wouldn't have run if it was someone else asides from Luana. At least, someone less terrific. If there was someone he's been wanting to come across again, it will be Luana. Her father was the reason why they lost a lot of soldiers.
He grunted in disdain, strode back to his throne, and sat down.
"I need more information about where the Onyx is. After the full moon, we will be declaring war!" He commanded, his roaring voice tearing the cave and across.
The three cats whimpered as they retreated, their limbs shivering.
"Gorge!" He called and the cat with orange furs walked towards him, fear evident in his eyes.
"You will watch every step of that Vampire King and make sure none of our plans fails. This time, I need more hard work!" After his last word, he pounced on Gorge, his forelimb pressed against his face.
"You hear me?!" Gorge whimpered while the others nodded and whispered a yes.
Lyne knew this wasn't going to be a good idea. Following her sisters to the South Jungle was only going to be the same as before. Full of teases, taunting, and more bullying.Her father can only do two things to help. Call her a weakling for not being able to stand up for herself or repeat the story about how she is nothing like her late mother.Lyne watched all her siblings shift into wolves and run through the jungle, going to hunt. She so much wished she could do the same.Going inside her room, she grabbed her bonnet and her boots. She was wearing black pants and a yellow long-sleeved top to protect her skin from the biting sun. She went under her bed and brought out a box on which was inscribed on it her mother's name in bold.Gillian.Opening it, she grabbed the bow and arrow that was inside it and admired it at first as she ran her fingers through the weapon.Looking through the corridor, she realized it was empty.Lyne wasn't certain what she was doing but she hoped it wouldn'
Zeidan proceeded towards the palace where from afar, one could see the huge throne covered in a red velvet texture. On each side of the throne, two golden wolf statues are placed.He walked in majestically, ignoring the annoying growls of the wolves on his sides as he walked past them to the Alpha who sat on the throne in his human form."Who do we have here?" Styx's deep voice seared through the throne room, causing Zeidan to clench his fists harder.He has silver hair that was so long it touched his shoulder. His beards were a mixture of silver and black as they barely left space for his tiny mouth.As he smiled, the others could make out his brown teeth with slightly longer incisors. He looked like he was six feet tall with broad shoulders and chest. A ruthless feature for a ruthless Alpha.When he got closer to the throne, a few feet away from it, he bowed slightly."I have come to see your Majesty." He informed, his dark gaze sweeping across the Wolves who stare at him intently.
Zeidan followed the ruthless Alpha into the room, counting from one to ten several times to suppress the urge to punch him in the face.Soon they were both sitting on chairs facing opposite each other, by the fireplace. From across the room, Zeidan could notice a wooden box which was obvious that people who are interrogated are made to stand in it. Asides that, the only thing he can make of the room is the high table where he was sure the Alpha of the packs would sit to pass his verdict."I have ways known you would come asking for help someday. You can't be the all-powerful forever!" Styx's voice jerked him back to focus.He looked at the man before him and calmly replied."I have come to ask for your help, Styx," he rubbed his palms together, as he leaned forward."What is it you wish to ask for?" Styx leaned back in his chair, leg swung carelessly on the arm of the furniture."Zeidan?" He added."The...the Werecats, they're attacking us," Zeidan let it out but paused mid-air thinki
Later that night, Lyne barged into Styx's room, her face full of rage. She has had it up to the extreme and she felt it was time to stand up for herself.Her father was sitting on the edge of the bed going through a sheet of paper."Is this how much you hate me?" She yelled, attracting stares from the guards standing at the entrance."Get out from here!" Styx roared at them and they scurried away."What are you saying, my dear?" He turned towards Lyne who wasn't having any of his act.She crossed her arms over her chest. "The agreement between you and your guest was about what?""It's none of your business.""I don't think so. We are talking about my life here. You want to throw it all away for a piece of jewelry? You will hand me over to your worst enemy?" She was crying already. Her head pounding with a million unasked questions in her head."Is that it?""You both agreed to use me for your dirty games? You want me to get married to a vampire?!" She pointed towards the door, her eye
The light from the sun illuminated the room giving it a serene look perfect for having time alone. Music sounded distant in her ears and all she could see is darkness and emptiness.Inside her as she closed her eyes, oblivious of her surroundings. It felt like she was been thrown into a bottomless pit where she kept falling.Suddenly, a light emerged from the end and her face was lined with smiles. Finally, it was here. But why does it still feel like she's in the darkness?The song had begun to echo like it was a dirge made for someone and when she turned her head, she was whirled by what felt like the wind into another dimension where she stood in the middle of the forest. Her forehead was laced with beads of perspiration. The air was misty and her throat sore."Hello?" She managed to call but there was silence t first."Who's there?" She heard shuffling footsteps, almost like the owner was trying so hard to walk unnoticed or unheard."I know you're somewhere hiding! Whoever you are
A bright light emanated from the corridor, coupled with speckles of golden dust and smoke. After a while, it subsided and a man with a black hat and grey coat emerged. He removed his hat and entered the guest room where Zeidan kept his belongings.He moved to where he kept his boxes of clothes and started searching through them. After a long moment of cursing and moving about, hands on his waist, he sighed in despair."Where the hell did I keep this thing?" His frustrated voice held in hushed tones like a confused woman who doesn't know where she kept her baby.Lyne walked in carrying a basket full of trash. She was cleaning everywhere. He was startled."Mr. Wikh?" She called at the man who looked at her mischievously as if he had done something bad."Are you ok?"Dropping the basket, she searched around for the trash bin while Wikh stuttered looking for the right word to explain why he was searching for his master's bag."I was looking for my medicine," he managed to say."You're on
It was night already and Lyne lay on her bed sulking and sobbing softly. Her room gave off a feminine impression with the red and pink fabrics covering everywhere. Cosmetics and deodorants fill the dresser and a rack of beautiful dresses lay on a brown wooden rod placed above on the other side of the room. Candles surround everywhere giving the room a beautiful scent.On her bed, a big pink net covered the bed, leaving only a slight space open at the front. It made it look like she was under a tent.With her knees under her chin, she cried hard. She knew she would be a second choice yet again and she wasn't ready to dive into it again."Lyne?" She heard a deep but warm voice call. It was calming and assuring. She didn't get out of her bed. She didn't want to see his face for fear that she might forgive him instantly. His face was too good-looking.She sniffled."Are you okay?" She heard him call again. After a minute of silence, he spoke up."I was wondering if we could talk before th
It is almost morning and Luana stands at the gate that guards the vampire city. She was now wearing her fighting gear of black pants, boot heels, and a brown leather jacket. Her hair was worn up.Before her, several men stood with glowing cat eyes and fangs out. Their faces have the tribal identification Werecats are known with, stripes.She grabbed two long swords from her back, one on each hand, and swirled them."Let's say we strike a deal, cats. You get outta here and I'll spare your lives or we do this the hard way." Her mouth twitched and her eyes were expressionless giving out an air of confidence."The only deal we shall strike, Luana," she heard a voice call out from behind the men and her face looked frightened. He walked up to her front and tilted his hat like a cowboy. "Is about the treasure.""Shelbrooke?" Her voice was shaky as she saw the man with a deep-cut scar running diagonally across his face."Long time no see, my Lady." He smirked. "I've waited this day for a lon