Silver grey eyes looked to the setting sun, searching for the double moons. They wouldn’t be entirely full but they would provide enough light for her purposes. Her skin felt itchy. The wolf glanced at the melting candle with annoyance. Her left foot tapped slightly then looked back up at the sky. With an audible huff, she slammed the window shut and threw the curtains across them. She considered leaving a note and quickly decided against it. The hybrid went directly to the door, barely reaching out to grab her cloak on her way out. Isleen clasped the cloak and she made her way to the exit of the inn. As usual, it was full of people and that only increased her anxiety.

Once outside, Isleen promptly rounded a corner and pressed her back against a wall. She drew in a long breath to clear her senses of the chaos. As she exhaled, she focused on shedding the foreign energy from her skin. She barely tapped the ley line that ran through the building and instantly felt a rush. The wolf dropped the line almost instantly with a soft cry. Symbols briefly glowed upon her skin before dimming away as the raw magic left her being. It hurt but it was the quickest way to cleanse herself. She ran her hands across her face and through her wild raven locks. One hand left to brace the wall while the other still held some of her hair tightly at the top of her head.

Too long.

She had played house for too long, staying in the pirate city full of filth and trapped on three sides by water. Isleen wanted desperately to be as normal as possible for Ethan. The fact remained, she couldn’t. She would always wild while he grew quite domesticated. He was busy growing into this noble man that danced from shadow to shadow. She, however, had no interest in the light. And the more she waited on him to return from his ventures, the more she was convinced he needed someone different. The wolf had never questioned their partnership more. Truly, it was cruel of her to even compare their life now compared to it once was. Before the transition, everything had been about her and the only thing he required in return was her support. Now, she required the same unyielding devotion without realizing he ever had aspirations higher. She had been born into divinity only to ascend herself. Ethan had always been a faithful knight, but nothing more. Now? Now he was becoming something - and she wanted no part of it.

Her teeth gritted together with a pained expression. It had also been too long since she truly shifted. Isleen had satisfied her most basic, primal needs without problem but the fact remained, she absolutely had to run freely. The hybrid was a true bled of vampirism and lycanthropy which allowed her to walk under the sun without problem and shift at will but it also meant her moods swung without warning, she needed blood to stay in control, and shifting between forms helped keep everything in check. If she didn’t stay well fed and allow her wolf to stretch, she’d kill without discretion until the animal was satisfied enough to sleep. Isleen preferred not to wake up naked and drenched in blood but there had been slip ups.

Nearly as important as those basic, primal needs, it had been too long since she had seen family. Isleen needed to see her father and sister despite feeling the need to hide the majority of her life from them. They loved her but she always felt slightly unclean around them. It wasn’t their fault; Isleen created this image of herself being lesser than entirely on her own. They knew enough to know she was not cut from the same cloth as them but loved and accepted her without a second thought. The frustrating part remained, Ethan was of actual blood relation whereas they had simply adopted and raised her as their own. He had the chance to have a family in the truest sense and he flat out refused. Isleen had no chance at a relationship with her birth father and had not found forgiveness in heart in regards to her birth mother. Her circle was small, and she liked it. But, Ethan? She was at her wits’ end with him. The things that brought them together were no longer enough. Neither seemed to blood bend, or at least not around each other, and she was convinced his escapades included other women, though she had no proof.

With a guttural growl, she made a fist in attempts to pull herself together. Instead, claws formed and cut through her palms without warning. “Damn it!” she screamed out in surprise. The wolf considered shifting in the alley but the cloak had been a gift from Ethan and she didn’t want to ruin it. “I hate him,” she growled to herself. She rotated her head side to side then began jogging before breaking out into a full run, heading straight towards the Viren’s Forest. Her strides became more effortless as she grew closer to the woods and the sun continued to dip down. Isleen had a spot she preferred. It wasn’t so deep into the red wood that the echoes were unbearable but far enough she could not smell the sea or see much of the sky above. There was a small den she had built over time. She began to work on a small fire, knowing she wouldn’t care about it later. As the flames began to lick old embers, she stripped down to just a loose, lavender dress.

Over the course of the past few months Ethan had taken to being away from the inn more often. He was on an internal mission ever since he had come to a decision. The vampire hybrid hated the city that had become a home for himself and Isleen. With the current finances that he had at his disposal, there had been little he could do about it. They were stuck. What was worse was that the blood quality continued to decline. For a pair of vampires it would mean eventual illness or hunger. The first time Ethan had felt the pang of hunger within his belly it had been a dark day. Even worse was when he had to hunt further away to bring something of quality back to Isleen. He found the scent of the ‘Haven’s’ blood to have a stink that he could not bring himself to trust.

Things needed to change. After what had felt like eons the vampire had been able to have his love back at his side. Everything that she had been through, and this was the life he was giving her. Each time the thought crossed his mind angered Ethan. He was not being the man that she needed. So, the male set out in effort to improve their lifestyle by any means necessary.

Progress had been slow while yet it was there. Connections were being made. Ones that were strong with the potential of changing their current condition. Moves and countermoves were being made. All the while Ethan had not noticed the decline that had begun between himself and Isleen. She had become quieter; more distant. Every time that he felt that he could not get past her wall of silence he told himself it was all for their future. Every time that silence became more deafening. Ethan had to get them out of the so-called city.

His concerns were bolstered by the changes of threat in the world. Working with Nemesis and his connections told of the insect threat that had descended on the Valley of Vada. There he had seen the damage that they could bring with the smallest of stings. For now, it was contained in the Valley. What if they spread? What if they came for the shithole of a home that he and his mate did have? At the thought his hands clenched into tight fists at his side.

The leather of the wine skin in his hand groaned at the pressure. Instantly he eased up for within the skin was a fresh batch of blood. It was pure. Though he moved through the streets towards the inn there was a scent that caught his attention immediately. With a frown he turned on his heel to follow that scent. What was Isleen doing out at this time? Leather booted footfalls quietly sounded on the street as he followed the trail. Head recoiled slightly at the whiff of her blood in the air. It was subtle to indicate that it had not been a serious injury. ”What the hell?” Ethan muttered under his breath. There had to be a reasonable explanation. There better be an explanation.

He kept his pace even as he followed the trail that led out of the city. Agitation grew in his chest as he went further and further. Knowing Isleen, there would not have been a note to tell him where she had gone. No, she would have just left. Again to leave Ethan search for her. If she grew tired of him or not, he was not going to allow her to leave him. Ethan was not going to lose her again; even if she didn’t want to stay at his side.

A growl formed at the thought. No. Let her tell him to his face.

To find her scent reach the Viren made all the more sense. The vampire hybrid knew that the city had not been where she wanted to stay. Forest and darkness had always been more of her salvation. A flicker of light and heat became visible from the small fire that Isleen had built. Outline of the woman in her loose dress from the fire told him that he had been correct in his tracking. Fanged teeth clenched together as he stalked up to the makeshift camp. ”Were you going to tell me that you were leaving?” he spoke on his approach. Ethan kept his tone even to not give away his own mood. As he came closer he could smell her more clearly. When their eyes locked with each other, silver with red, the vampire could scent the rejection on her. She was pushing him away with every bit of herself at that moment.

In a burst of wind Ethan crossed the distance to stand mere inches away from the woman. Hand grabbed her chin in order to lift her gaze up at him. His grip was strong at the same time gentle as not to hurt. There was anger and hurt written all over his features. ”I am going to make myself clear before you say a word about this: I will not let you go. I don’t give a damn if you are done with me. You are mine. Finally, you are mine to be with. After everything we have been through and the waiting. I’m not about to let you pull away. We claimed each other.” His last sentence had been hesitant with the pain.

He was being possessive. Not what a proper male or mate should be. He knew it was selfish, but he could not lose Isleen just as things were beginning to come together. He just needed a little more time.

Lightly, he let go of her chin, though he grazed her cheek with his forefinger while taking a step back. Isleen’s wolven side was peeking at the very top of her personality. ”Here. I brought you fresh safe blood. It is from a high level stock from Nemesis.” He offered the wine skin to Isleen, unsure if she would take it.

The wolf’s eyes began to adjust to the fading sun. Both arms reached out to the side as a breeze cut through the thin fabric. The hairs on her arms raised due to steady temperature drop. A hint of a smile formed on her lips, finding peace in her solitude. Isleen prowled over to the edge of her clearing and extended her palms. She closed her eyes and mentally reached out to a ley line. Ancient symbols began to softly glow, growing brighter as the magic poured through her. After a few moments, glistening spider webs soon formed between the trees. She rotated slightly and more webs appeared between the trees. The wall would not be much in terms of defense but she liked knowing she wasn’t completely exposed on all sides. Finally the glowing began to cease and she lowered her hands. The release of magic left her feeling empty but much longer would become painful due to lack of practice. Isleen pivoted around to the makeshift shelter and began to reassemble it.

The work allowed her mind to relax despite the whispers. For just a moment, things felt right and the weight of her life lifted from her shoulders. A faint scent tickled her nose. Her smile faltered. The wolf missed her mate. Until this recent shift with Ethan, Isleen spent little time on her own, and if she were to be honest with herself, she didn’t want to be alone. The girl wasn’t even sure how to do it for longer than a week or so. The thought that her suspicions were truth led her to the realization that she would likely return to her father. Kiba would not require her to ask for permission to come home. It would simply be. Alternatively, her sister was another option but somehow that was worse. Teu continued to be everything a good woman should be. The elf had a business, a home, and a family; Isleen could claim no such things.

Pushing those thoughts away, Isleen reached out to her cloak and pressed the fine fabric up to her face. She drew in a deep breath with closed eyes. Isleen assured herself that she would deal with the repercussions as they happened. The wolf placed the cloak down and reached into her little fort. After moving around some leaves, she found a canteen and removed the cap with her teeth, spit it on the ground, and managed to find just a few drops of water from her last night away. She sighed and tossed it to the side. As she returned to the fire, busy debating about when to go hunt, Ethan approached. The dark haired girl jumped, startled to see him. “My darling, you have returned. I have missed you so,” she said with a dry, sarcastic tone. Their gaze met and she had to choke down a growl. “Did you even look for my note?” she added with a sharp tone. A note that didn’t exist. It was a fine line but not a lie. The hybrid was gambling he didn’t look, sure that his anger and arrogance wouldn’t have allowed him.

The wolf did not flinch when he burst close to her. Instead, she raised her chin slightly as a wolfish sign of defiance - which he promptly put in his hand. Isleen glared at him, her eyes darkening with anger. Her lips were pursed tightly as he made his claim. The majority of his words hit like daggers. Isleen snapped her head to the side as his finger grazed her cheek. She may have been the first to break eye contact but his step back allowed her to drop her shoulders slightly. The knight offered her a peace offering but she wasn’t done yet. Isleen pivoted away and clenched her fists. Slowly, she turned to face him again. “You would do well to remember who the hell you’re talking to. You are the one who leaves without any inclination on when you may return doing gods know what with gods know who!” She threw her hands up in the air.”What do you expect from me? To just sit around idly in filthy city, waiting for you to shower me with your presence?” Isleen prowled towards him, eyes narrowing.She placed a single digit on his chest. “I refuse.”

Isleen walked away and kept her back towards him. “Find someone else. She turned her head as if to look at him over her shoulder but kept her eyes closed. “We don’t have to keep trying to make this work, Ethan. There’s nothing left from you to save me from. Your duties are complete. You are released from any knightly obligation you convinced yourself needed to be done.” Her tone was cold, words short, but she was not going to play this game any longer. He had helped nurture her abilities as a child, guided her through divinity, and saved the remnants of her soul when she broke free from the prisons. Isleen was grateful for his unyielding support and loved him more than she could understand. Unfortunately, that did not change the fact that they were growing apart and living different lives. It would be better for her to leave before left. And, as far as she was concerned, the writing was on the walls. Finally she turned to him with her arms hugging her form. “What happens the day your little mysterious adventures takes you away from me? Whether it be another woman or death itself, what then? I just keep waiting for you to no avail?” Finally her words had softened with panic and fear coming through. Still, she shook her head no. It was too much to ask.

Ethan did not want to admit the effort it took for him to not retort to her tone. It was one that he was used to hearing, but not towards him. The sarcasm and dryness reminded him of when they were back in DaeLuin. When she had been a Blessed dealing with those lesser. Had he not noticed the change? Had he not seen this coming? Even as their gazes met it was difficult down to his very core to hold without seeing the disdain that darkened her beautiful eyes. It was obvious that he was going to ignore her note comment. There would be nothing to come from it since all that was before them was much deeper. A pang of fear finally hit him for the first time in ages.

If Isleen had reacted any differently than she had to his declarations, than Ethan would have been surprised. Every word that he uttered he knew would only make her anger burn deeper and hotter. The pride in her wolf was more intense than any other he had ever met. Words were not brought to him yet, though everything of her rejected him. Hand fell to his side as Isleen pulled away from his touch. Even as she broke eye contact the male was determined to keep his crimson gaze upon her form.

Rooted in his spot, Ethan took her words as if he were a mountain being beaten with unforgiving winter winds. He concentrated to make sure his body did not betray the breakdown he was feeling deep inside. All of his fears were being voiced into the world. Turned into weapons against him to throw with utter accuracy at his fragile confidence in what his plans were. Ethan watched as she stalked back towards him to point him in the chest.

She said it.

Isleen rejected him completely.

With her back to him once more, Ethan couldn’t hold back the bob of his throat. Teeth were clenched tightly as he tried desperately to hold his emotions in check. She would not look at him. All that he was working to build for them was going to be for not. Isleen wanted nothing to do with the future he clawed to make for them. No. It was not the future she wanted nothing to do with….it was him. Wine skin groaned as his grip tightened on the upper rim until it broke. Blood coated his hand, though the male did not drop the remnants of the skin. The crimson liquid dripped to the grass below to stain.

A darkness felt like it was taking over his sight. Everything felt as if it were closing in on him even if they were in complete openness. He had to take a few steadying breathes. There were no words he could respond back with. Isleen had made a decision for the pair of them. The vampire-werewolf hybrid he had watched grow up. The woman he had watched her grow into; the woman he had grown to love with such a ferocity had decided it was done. What could he say to all the offenses she had lain before him? Clearly she had thought about this for some time now.

The silence hung heavily between the pair. Could he say that they were a couple now that she had declared that it was done for her? Was it done for him? Was he leaving all these times in an effort to put that distance between them?

His gaze never left Isleen as she stood at a distance hugging herself.

No.

Ethan was not going to accept this.

With a small wave of his hand the blood that had burst forth from the skin was sent to rest in a shallow rock that formed a bowl like structure. The wine skin was dropped as he crossed the distance to wrap his arms firmly around the smaller vampire. He pressed her backwards against his chest. ”I’m not done. I refuse your rejection. I cannot think that all this time we had to go through everything we had, for all of it to end like this. I cannot think that we are that unlucky to have things fall apart.” He was grateful that she could not see his face at the moment. It took all of his concentration to keep his tone as calm as possible.

”I can’t find anyone else. Even when I thought I had lost you forever to the Void, there was no one. I wanted and want no one else, but you. If you feel differently…than I will not stop you. I will not stand in your way of finding happiness. If that means to go somewhere without me….well than I will have to live with that. Just know, there is no one else possible for me.” She could leave him that night. Possible to never see her again if she elected for that option. Ethan took in an inhalation of her scent if that would be his last time.

”I have been making connections. Moves to get out us out of that hell hole. That was what I was coming back to tell you. I found us a place to move to. It is a city that has more of our kind. I wanted to pose the question if you wanted to. Tell you what has been going on with these trips. Even so, I should have been more open about it all. For that, I accept and apologize for. I should have told you. These connections are strong and powerful.” The vampire reluctantly let her go to take a few steps back. The absence of her warmth already made his stomach turn. ”I can go into further detail if you wish. If not….you decide what you want. If you are done, then I will make sure to leave the room and make sure it is paid in full. It is for you to decide.”

“You didn’t, did you?” she growled once more, circling back to the phantom note. She took his silence and an admission of guilt. That was one point on her scoreboard of who would win this fight. Frankly, Isleen was not finished arguing and found his silence even more infuriating. She could count on one hand how many people could bring out this side of her. Generally speaking, the wolf didn’t care about anyone or anything enough to fight. She chose to simply let things be. To get worked up was a waste of valuable energy. Yet, there she was standing before him practically oozing with disdain.

He. Didn’t. Say. A. Word.

And somehow, that said it all.

Her anger was dosed in his silence, snuffed out like a candle. All the wolf wanted was to be alone to deal with her anguish in peace. With her back turned to him, she looked up slightly to the sky. Darkness was nearly upon them. Even if she had an appetite, the wolf wouldn’t have been able to go hunting anymore. The forest was too dangerous at night given her lack of knowledge of it. Tears started to well in her eyes. She replayed every word back in her head, reassuring herself of them.The girl expected him to fight back and defend himself or at least agree with her terms. In her head, she pictured him grabbing her wrist when she had prodded his chest. She thought his crimson orbs which burn through her very core as he told her how ridiculous she was being. Another possible scenario she played out was Ethan exclaiming that he never asked her to wait around for him, demanding that she find something productive to do with her time if she were so unhappy.

The silence screamed louder than the voices of the forest could ever be.

Suddenly she felt his arms around her and his chest against her back. Her body was rigid. The half-breed took a small step back to steady herself against him. Muscles almost instantly relaxed and melded into his form, betraying any stoic strength she may have wanted to display. Instead, she trembled slightly. Tears began to stream down her pale cheeks, arms draping on top of his as he spoke. Isleen felt foolish for ever questioning him. During this time apart, she could not shake the idea that he was either going to wind up dead and she would have no idea. Then her mind decided it was far more likely that he would merely return with another woman, or at least have one stashed away in another city, and therefore one day Ethan’s bastard child would appear at her doorstep in a search to find their father. He was not Tobias, her biological father, and she was not her mother. She had been unfair and unkind.

Still, she struggled to apologize for her outburst. It had been honest and the feeling of abandonment and neglect were valid. The dark haired girl ran her tongue across her cracked, dry lips. When Ethan stepped back, she felt he took all the warmth with him as the cold air filled between them. She turned to face him. “Ask me what?” she asked. “You mentioned Nemesis before. Is that one of the people you’ve been with?” The wolf as her mind began to work through this new information and the idea that another from the old world survived. She knew Ethan and her mother had a history with the elder vampire, but the details were never clear and deemed unimportant at the time. “Stop - stop saying that, that I can go,” Isleen replied with a pained voice. “Don’t you ever say those words again,” she added as she closed the distance once more. She threw her arms around him and kissed him with more passion than she had since their initial reunion. “I’m sorry,” she breathy whispered.

Words would have only made the vampire sink further into the emotions that were already swirling in his heart. Ethan knew that this was a delicate situation…a delicate time for them both. If things were not phrased properly there was a great chance that he would lose everything that he had fought so hard to maintain. To gain. A deep love was held within in his chest for the woman that so hated him at that very moment. Only hope stayed with him that he could move Isleen through this phase. Hopefully, it was just a phase.

Another soothing breath was taken in hopes to bring a sense of self. He had to keep his wits about him in order to move the pair of them through this current crisis. Ethan knew her wolf blood was strong in her veins. Isleen was a strong personality that he had to always contend with when it came to her will. The vampire male was more than willing to stay silent until she felt more at ease. Her reaction to everything he had done was only natural. This was entirely his fault in every way. His actions had made her feel uneasy to the point of such fear. Ethan hated himself more than she could ever at that moment.

The scent of her tears were in the air that made his gut utterly wrench. Even still, Ethan kept his mouth shut. He did not want to make the situation worse. There was no way he could chance making the woman want to leave. No. He had to be careful beyond a doubt. A chance was taken with enveloping Isleen in his arms from behind. There was a high chance that she would attempt to break free from his touch. A rasped breath was taken at the feel of her weight leaning back against his chest. Ethan tightened his grip around her to hold the woman closer to his form. As the tears streamed down her cheeks, Ethan kissed the top of her head.

Those tears were his fault.

Finally, he gathered the courage to speak. To speak of what he had been doing. The moves to make their lives better. It was his responsibility to make Isleen’s life better. He had been failing in it for the longest time. The vampire had found her late in the torture she endured when first coming to Revaliir. Now they lived in an inn that was rundown. The blood was not satisfying or safe enough now to drink.

He took a step back to allow her the decision if this was what she wanted. Every nerve stood on end with the distance between them filled with cold air. ”There is a place called the city of Kurayo. A place that is for those of our kind. Lord Nemesis is now the god of darkness and fear. He is from our home, DaeLuin.” Ethan took a breath as he watched for any sort of reaction. After a moment, the vampire male continued. ”This city has connections that I have been given. Where I can help move the power to fall underneath that of Lord Nemesis. We could make a living. Live better than we have been. The way you truly deserve.”

Ethan was not the strong noble vampire standing before Isleen. A relieved look on his face appeared as she closed the distance between them. He threw his arms around her small waist while returning her kiss. Fingers lifted to tangle in her hair. ”I won’t. I promise,” he breathed against her lips. His brow furrowed while resting it against her forehead. It felt like his own tears would loosen, but he forced them back. ”I am so sorry. I am so sorry for making you feel like this. I can’t let you go. Not ever.” The male pulled back slightly to look down at her features. Lightly, he traced her cheek and jawline. ”I only want to make a life for us. Never a life without you. I vow.”

Isleen could see the pain in his eyes. She felt awful for putting him through this, but she needed him to know exactly how she felt. It was slightly alarming to her that his instinct was to assume she was flat out leaving the relationship verses taking some space. Did he truly think she’d simply disappear? The wolf owed him more than that and wondered where that reaction had come from but would question it at another time. Ethan had said more than enough to reassure her that he was there for her until the end of their days. Selfishly, she couldn’t help but find comfort in the idea that even when they were worlds apart that he found no one else.

She nodded slowly as he explained his new plan. “You knew Nemesis during the Veil, with Azrail and my mother, right?” Isleen asked, putting the pieces together. The idea that Ethan had become allies with a deity was already impressive but the fact they had a history bound in blood was unbelievable. She had been too young to know Nemesis so she didn’t know what to make of the opportunity at hand. However, she could tell how proud Ethan was of this new option - and how much he needed her to be on board. “What you fail to realize is all I need is you. Home is in your arms. So, when you’re gone for an unknown stretch of time, my heart goes too. Now, all that said - when do we move?” she asked, knowing any other questions could wait for another time.

The wolf instantly felt better once they were touching again. Her anger had completely gone away and her hurt had been addressed. Isleen could sense his own turmoil slowly dissolving. They had never truly had a fight before and she was in no hurry to do so again. Fighting the world together was far better. She rolled up to her tiptoes to kiss his forehead then rest hers against his once more. “I know, I know,” she replied to his apology. She smiled up at him. “I promise to never abandon you. I will not simply leave; I will fight for us.” She leaned up and kissed him again, but it didn’t feel like enough. The fight didn’t feel finished or at least fully forgiven.

Isleen ran her hands up his chest then pushed his jacket back so he could be free from it. Her kisses grew hungrier, hands now searching to remove his shirt. The dark haired girl then pulled him in close, fingers finding his hair. After a few passionate moments, she found the strength to pull away. The girl took a few steps back. She shook her head no at him following her for more. She held out a single finger to signal him to wait. With eyes locked on his, her fingers began working at the laces that held the loose, lavender dress. It fell to the ground. She wetted her lips and rubbed them together nervously. It wasn’t out of any sort of contemplation; Isleen knew she wanted this more than she desired to see the sunrise again. The fact remained, she had never gone as far as she was offering until that moment. “Please,” she whispered, though unsure of what exactly she was asking.

Muscles were kept taut as he watched Isleen for any indication that she was displeased with his words. A strong vampire such as himself would never have reacted the way he was. The way he felt about Isleen, he would do anything that she desired even if it killed him inside. As he spoke there were indications that she was following along with his plans. That there was a level of acceptance. There was potential that this all could be salvaged if it were done correctly. Ethan knew that he had to fix this in any manner possible.

”Yes. Nemesis was…well had relations with Mother. He has changed greatly since the time on DaeLuin. There is a sense of reason and controlled power now instead of the desperate grabs for it. I believe that we can get much out of this connection, as well as give him much. If anything, we can have a place of good living.” Ethan wanted to wait to go over into further detail once he was assured that Isleen was settled on the approval. He couldn’t overstate the shock at how Lord Nemesis had received him. The younger vampire had expressed hunger, and it had been the god’s own blood to be shared to help quench his thirst. Even now he could still feel the strength given to him from that blood. He could feel a binding, but not one that was overpowering.

A relieved smile crossed his lips when Isleen responded the way that she did. It was the only phrasing that would allow the clenching of his chest to finally release. ”I understand. I do now,” he replied. ”We will move when we can get our things together. I have made a few contacts already, and now roughly where we will be staying.” There were only a few more things he had to situate before the full move was made. Nemesis had lain out much before him. Ethan did not want to disappoint the name that he was carrying to allow such doors to be open for the couple.

As their touch was made, Ethan instantly put up his mental defenses. They were not against Isleen but against himself. He had used great restraint their entire relationship. Not once had he pushed for anything that she had not been ready for. This meant that they had not slept together in the sense of full intimacy. Ethan was an experienced lover. He was quite proud of his capabilities in the bedroom, but Isleen was not just any other woman. It was her feelings that he cared about. The vampire male knew that when she was ready than they would proceed forward.

When the woman leaned up to kiss him again there had been something different in that contact. This was the first time that she had made such moves towards him. There was a deep hunger that Ethan was all too familiar with. It was a hunger that he constantly held in check whenever around her when they were alone.

He would not deny any request made. So as her hands slid up his chest, the male shrugged off his jacket while continuing to kiss her lips. The hunger she expressed was mirrored in his own kisses. Ones that sought to take in all that she was in every meet of their lips. As her hands moved to take his shirt, Ethan did as bid to remove the clothing. It was when she pulled away that Ethan found breath to bring his senses back to him. Throat bobbed as he let his crimson gaze follow her every move. He knew that there was a lustful hunger in his gaze, and it took everything in his willpower to not go with his instincts.

A low growl escaped from deep in his chest as the dress fell to the ground. His nostrils flared as he could smell the need coming from her now. That one word nearly sent him over the edge. Yet, he remained in control of his facilities. Instead he allowed himself a moment or two to look over her young form. It was not as young as it had once been. Now she had a woman’s body. A crocked grin pulled at the corner of his lips as he took in the sight of her full breasts. His scrutiny continued as he let his eyes rove lower. Oh the things he wanted to do to her. The things he had been wanting to do to her for a long time.

Ethan crossed the distance between them to wrap his arms about her slender form to press against his body. As one hand cupped the side of her face, the other cupped her ass to press her tighter against him. He wanted to her feel the hardness of him that was bound in his pants just from the sight of her. ”I am going to ask if you are certain,” he spoke with a low husky tone. Despite all that was before him, he would stop if she told him to halt. The strain in his pants was beginning to make him ache the more he felt her soft skin within his grasp.

”You are in control of anything that happens,” he reassured. Thumb lightly brushed her cheek. He searched her face for any kind of resistance to what could come from this night. Ethan hoped that she wouldn’t want to stop since his self-control was at much of the limits as it were.

The wolf made a mental note to pretend to crumple up a piece of paper the moment they got back to the inn as if to throw away her ‘note.’ The wolf had no intention of coming clean about her white lie. If he fished it out of the wastebasket, she’d be in big trouble. It was a risk she was willing to take. This little power play was by far the most manipulative thing she had ever done to Ethan. A cruel woman could have manipulated Ethan with all the power he allowed her to wield over him. Isleen was not that kind of partner. She desired only to be his equal, but also needed to teach him a lesson The entire issue at hand had been based on communication and trust. They were going to fine; she was certain of it.

She smirked as he explained further. “Most of the Veil leadership had relations which each other at some point or another,” she added, not stopping to think if it would insult him or not. The fact was Nemesis, Neveah, and Azrail had all slept with each other at some point or another. Isleen had no concept of how power, blood, and sex complimented each other and often went hand in hand in their world. “You too have changed much in this new world. I wonder what it is that has calmed the chaos within the monsters than once ran rampant. Regardless, I do not trust him but I will follow you anywhere,” the wolf paused. “As long as there’s somewhere I can run,” Isleen added with a softer smile. She needed earth in her toes and had grown fond of being near the sea, but as long as he did not trap her in a large city, she would find solace.

Ethan had known Isleen her entire life, influencing her in more ways than one. However, this also meant that their relationship had grown from being like cousins or even an uncle-niece dynamic to being romantically involved. He allowed her to lead the evolution of their relationship. At first, this dynamic made her uncomfortable because she did not want to be wrong in guessing where they stood. They never explicitly spoke of boundaries. The girl did not know at what time Ethan had sworn off other women. She also did not care to know, worried it might unfairly upset her. Instead, Isleen quickly learned that whatever she initiated, he would follow until he grew bold enough to take the lead. Even still, the extent of their intimacy was sleeping beside each other and a few passionate moments. Her body and her blood had been all her own.

As each kiss grew hungrier, she felt her chest tighten. She needed him more than air. Their lips would end up bruised if she allowed it. Her hands grew busy with removing his jacket and shirt. Isleen had seen him shirtless hundreds of times but this was different. Each line of his body screamed that there was more to see and feel. She wanted more. They needed more.

The seer heard his growl as she walked away with a wicked grin. Any semblance of confidence she had from it quickly disappeared when she pivoted around to face him directly. Isleen’s breath caught when she noticed his gaze darken. Her virginity felt like a beacon of light that she craved for him to destroy. However, the wolf did not know if she was doing any of this right, but so far it seemed to be working. She focused her thoughts as her fingers started working on the dress. Isleen’s breathing quickened as he took in her naked form. Never before had she ever felt so vulnerable and exposed. Being naked wasn’t the issue as a girl who had been nude among packmates many times. This was different. She was offering all of herself.

A sound of surprise escaped he stirred to motion. The hand upon her face represented the gentle, kind Ethan that she had known while the had upon her ass illustrated the man she had not yet met. Her muscles relaxed into him after the intentional surprise. She bit her bottom lip and nodded, well aware of his weight pressed against her. His voice wrapped around her nude form like velvet. The dark haired girl did not know where to take things next. She did not want to be too anxious but also couldn’t think of a reason not to have him just as naked as she. Perhaps it would help cam the butterflies in her stomach. Isleen slowly lowered, her fingertips lightly grazing his strong torso. She paused to look at him. Then she looked ahead to begin removing his pants. Her thumbs hooked between his pants and his pale form then worked them down. Once sufficiently lowered, knowing she’d need help given his boots, she began to rise with a trail of kisses leading up his chest then along the crook of his neck and finally landing upon his lips once more.

“I’m yours,” she purred.

A rumbled laugh came from him as he shook his head at her words. “It is better for me not to think about that. There certainly was an off the wall relationship between the leadership.” He really didn’t want to think about his mother with Isleen’s mother. And then to throw in Nemesis. It was a little much for Ethan to think about at the moment. All of the intricacies of the Veil’s leadership was known, even if it was ignored by the young teen at the time…and further on. ”The chaos has been honed…not quite calmed. I will not allow reckless behavior to put you in danger. I will make sure to keep myself in check and targeted against those that are needed.” Ethan’s expression softened as she conceded to going where he asked. That despite her concerns for Nemesis, she would follow. It meant more than Isleen could truly understand. ”You will be able to run…that, I promise.”

Where they would move to would be somewhere he knew that his love could be more herself than anywhere before. Having been shown the city, Ethan was sure she would find a niche that would suite her wolven side to a deeper content. The family had been a light; Ethan and Isleen were the shadows from that light. It was possible that was why he had been drawn to the girl at such a young age. Ethan could not place when his thoughts of her had changed, but they had always been different than what he had felt for Teu. She had always been like a niece, and yet with Isleen….she had been different. Things progressed. The male vampire had felt guilty for the shift. He had attempted to hide the change in affection. It hadn’t worked well. Ethan had not realized that he had stopped making visits to his local female contacts for their regular sex sessions. Never had he felt a connection with them. They just provided a fulfillment for a need.

Now, he had Isleen before him with a beckoning him towards her. She had no experience in such things, and yet her instincts were pointing her in the right direction for pulling him in. Ethan’s gaze narrowed on her entire form. He wanted her to see the hunger in his orbs. He wanted her to know the effect she was having upon him. The effect she had had on him for quite some time. The vampire male was unsure of how he had been able to rein himself in over the years. If he pushed her faster than she was ready for; Ethan knew that it would have ruined any relationship that he did want.

Patience was a virtue for him…up until this point.

Before he went any further his senses throughout once again for potential danger. Finding none, he was free to do as he pleased with his soon to be mate. A smirk pulled at his lips as he heard her breath quicken. This was the one time he wanted her to feel on edge. To feel the wildness of what they would be together. She was in control to say no at any moment, but he wanted her to know that his animal side would devour her for the sheer taste of every inch of her body. He had craved it for a long time. This was not going to end quickly by any means.

The small fire illuminated as well as shadowed her curves perfectly. Feeling her flesh beneath his calloused hands was something he had wanted. Desired. His bare chest shivered slightly under her trailed fingers of his form. He was highly aware of her thumbs that hooked to pull on his pants in an effort to lower them. No effort was made to hinder her. Instead he inhaled a deep breath to settle himself as he watched the action unfold before him. Jaw muscles fluttered as he was finally free of his breeches. The boots were quickly removed with his feet pushing on the heels of them to be kicked off along with the rest of his pants.

Both stood as naked before the other as the day they were born. Ethan watched as she slowly kissed her way up his stomach to his chest. A guttural growl again released from him in response to her actions. For being inexperienced, she was doing quite well. When he heard her say those words there was little to control himself.

Ethan held her tightly against him as he laid her against the softest portion of the grass he could find. All the while, he was pressing his lips against her neck and anywhere his lips could find. Desire was now in command over his senses. Tasting her flesh was all he wanted at the moment. The vampire laid Isleen upon the ground carefully as he positioned himself above her form. One hand caressed the lower portion of her back while the other began to start ministrations on her breast. Over the years he had watched it mature. Now it was plump in his hand as he sunk his mouth over her peaked breast.

He was not going to hold back now that she had given him the permission. Hand moved from her lower back trail the front of her torso. Lower and lower did his other hand trail while his mouth continued its ministrations. He wanted her to feel pleasure of sex before she had to deal with the change. Ethan was familiar with the pain that came along with a woman’s first time. It was important to prepare a partner that one cared for when it came to such things. Ethan wasn’t sure Isleen was aware of the pain that was possible. No matter what, he was going to make sure she knew pleasure first.

His fingers traced along her skin; down her torso, her thigh, and then the center of her being. He worked to bring her a pleasure from that mountain he had known would help women know a desire. Ethan watched her reactions as he worked on her, all the while feeling a building inside of himself. The male would wait. He would wait to have his own release once he knew his love….his complete heart that was possessed in this woman was made happy.