Erasthais Across Time

6 - Pomegranate and Firewood

When we arrived, he stopped to check on his parents first and then made sure the warriors posted in front of their door understood that no matter what, to not interfere with Damien. Then walked me to my door. "I'll wait with you," he insisted. "Thank you, but no. You – and them – already makes this floor smell like testosterone. My house has been cleaned today and it's better if it just smells like me," I said, shaking my head. Konrad let out a growl of disapproval. "This wasn't part of the deal," he said. "We agreed to let the pack guard me and they are, from afar. Stay with your folks for the evening this way you'll be nearby but you cannot be with me when he arrives. You will threaten him the most. He knows your ancestors but he doesn't know you," I countered. Konrad continued to growl and I saw a hint of Bolt in his eyes. I leaned out and touched his shoulder. "Hey. I'll be okay. You did great tonight – the pack's happy and protected. He won't hurt me – I promise," I said, offering a soft smile. "But know, if he does, I'm coming for blood," Konrad said, growling at the end. "I wouldn't expect anything else," I said with a nod, "goodnight Konrad. Thank you for your help tonight." With that, I walked into my condo and closed the door. Once inside, I let out a deep sigh of relief mixed with anxiety as the nightmare I've been avoiding for the last 100 years was about to catch up with me tonight.

I walked over to the bar and needed a shot of that lycan whiskey I kept locked up to calm my nerves. I entered my code and pulled out two glasses and poured one for myself and shot it back. I put my glass back down and sat for a moment on the couch. You okay? Xena asked. Yea, I don't know. I think I'm just tired after everything today, I said with little confidence. I get it but you don't have to pretend anymore, we're free, in a way, Xena said proudly. Yea, I guess you're right, I said, rubbing my temples. Come on, let's go take a bath and soothe our muscles and you can change into something more comfortable. Alright? she suggested. Works for me, I said, and effortlessly walked over to my bathroom, undressed and turned on the bath water. I added some of my specially made vanilla and strawberry Epson salts and soaked myself until I felt sleepy. Then I shifted gears and washed my hair, then used my vanilla and strawberry scented body scrub after. Once I got out, I lathered myself up with the body butter that came with the set. I dressed in relaxed pajama bottoms and a white t-shirt, braided my hair, and made my way out to the living room. I made myself another drink and turned on the fireplace. What a day, am I right? said Xena with a yawn. It was definitely a day, I agreed. I sipped at the whiskey and before I knew it, I drifted off to sleep. I dreamt about one of the first dates Damien took me on. He was still trying to woo me and wanted to catch a big game but I told him it would be more interesting if I beat him to it. In the end, we took down the moose together and shared our first kiss that night. Pomegranate and firewood, cooed Xena. I was brought forth from my dream and straight into reality. When I blinked open my eyes, I saw a figure in front of me, sitting on my coffee table. I gasped loudly as I sat up, not expecting Damien to be that close. Danielle?!? Is everything alright?! Konrad asked. I'm - I'm fine Konrad. I was sleeping. Damien's here, I said, staring at those beautiful crystal blue eyes with the glow of the fireplace surrounding him. What?! He is!? How did he get past my defenses? None of my warriors noticed! Are you okay?! Konrad said in an angry panic. Konrad, I'm okay. I'll ask him when I can. Alright? I'll talk to you later, I said, and closed off the mindlink. For a moment, Damien and I said nothing. We just stared at each other, taking in each other's faces as we were within a foot of one another. "Hey," he said with Zeus' voice overlapping. "Hey," I replied with Xena overlapping mine. "What were you smiling about?" Damien asked. I forgot how deep and gruff his voice sounded, but even so, it sounded so sweet to my ears, like it could sing me to sleep with just the simplest of words. "What do you mean?" I asked. He let out a soft chuckle and a small smile formed at the corner of his lips. "You were smiling in your sleep. I was going to wake you but you kept smiling and I couldn't help but watch so I let you sleep," he said. "What time is it?" I asked, realizing I didn't have my phone nearby. "It's almost midnight," he said. "I slept for nearly three hours?" I said, a little surprised and ashamed I didn't hear him come in. "From what it seems like, you had very eventful day," he said. "Yea, something like that," I mumbled, "how did you get in?" "Some secrets are better kept to ourselves," he said with a smirk. I narrowed my eyes. "Magic? You used magic? That's cheating," I said. He let out the most beautiful laugh I'd heard in a century. "Sometimes you have to break the rules for the ones you love," he said, as Zeus' green eyes encircled Damien's. Xena purred within me. Keep it down! Don't let them hear you, ya big flirt! I scolded her. Damien obviously heard Xena, she was being so loud and he offered a charming smile. I rolled my eyes, finished my drink and got up to get away from his overwhelmingly wonderful scent. "You looked beautiful tonight in that dress," he said, walking up behind me as I poured myself another shot. "Want one?" I said, trying to ignore the pulsing feeling that had developed between my legs from him being so close. "I especially loved that slit that exposed your leg, and those sexy heels that made your ass look extra plump," he said, breathing so close behind me, that I got goosebumps. I froze for a second. "Did you want a drink or not?" I asked again, trying to keep my voice calm. "What I want," he said, putting his hands on my hips, "is you," as he blew hot air on my claiming mark. This time I couldn't help the shivers that left my body as they were so aggressive. He let out a growl of pleasure as he pulled my body into his so tightly, and stuck his nose into my neck then inhaled my scent. A moan left my voice as I couldn't resist it. "Damien..." I groaned softly. He let out another long, slow growl into my ear. "I can smell your arousal Cherry, and it doesn't help you bathed in my favorite flavors," he added, whispering into my ear. I could feel my head getting light and fuzzy, and my knees getting weak – it was like I was putty in his hands. His growls turned into purrs as he pulled me closer into his body, one arm draped across my chest nestled between my ample breasts, while his fingers caressed my jaw. His other arm engulfed my waist, holding me against his body as I felt his cock twitch behind his jeans. Pomegranate... I thought as my nose was within inches of his. I inhaled deeply again and could feel my pebbled nipples pressing against my t-shirt as I never put a bra back on. "I could bathe in your scents forever..." he said, running his lips over the tip of my ear. "Daamieen..." I said with a lusty groan, arching my back away from his chest as he held onto me tighter. I could feel his growl from deep within, knowing he was getting more and more restless with each passing second. Wait...no...D, this isn't what we wanted, Xena cautioned from the back of my mind. And as if I was doused in cold water, my eyes flew open and my hands went to his to pull him off of me. "Enough. Damien, enough!" I shouted, walking away from him and leaning against a wall to catch my breath. I could hear his breath slowing down, as his heart was coming to a more regular pace, as his eyes were turning back from black to blue. What felt like forever, was a mere minute or so when there was a banging at the door. "DANIELLE! OPEN UP! DANIELLE!" Konrad called from the outside. I glanced at the door then over at Damien who was still panting but not as much. "Stay," I commanded Damien, and walked towards the front door and unlocked the deadbolts. Slowly I opened the door to show Konrad there was nothing to be worried about. "Yes Alpha? How can I help you?" I said calmly, only opening enough of the door to allow myself to be seen. "Are you okay?! I heard yelling. Is he still with you?" Konrad said in his angry panicked way, looking above my head as much as he could. I chuckled. "Yes Konrad, Damien is still here," I said with a calm smile. "Are you hurt? Did he –" just as Konrad was speaking, he sniffed the air and his eyes became dark for a moment. "Oh...I see," he mumbled, his face getting slightly red. "Like I said Alpha, everything is alright at the moment. But I appreciate you coming to check on me. Why don't I introduce you to my guest, hmm?" I said, with a head nod towards my room, opening the door wide for him to step through. Konrad looked worried for a moment but took a breath and walked inside. I closed the door behind him and walked ahead. "Alpha Konrad of the Blue Moon pack, this is my...erasthai Damien Astralis. Damien, this is Luna Erika Berger's descendent, from that fire you saved her from?" I said. Both men stopped about 6 feet apart from each other, taking in the words that I've said. Konrad, having only anger in his heart for the man before him, clenched his fists and raised his lips to snarl. Damien, recognizing instantly who I meant, softened his demeanor and looked Konrad up and down to take in the great-descent of his friend so long ago. "A pleasure to meet you, Alpha Konrad. I apologize for the short notice," Damien said, reaching his hand out to shake Konrad's. Konrad didn't return the gesture at first, standing his ground but when he looked at me and saw I wasn't upset, scared or angry – just smiling – he softened his own expressions and took Damien's hand into a very hard handshake. "Very nice to meet you as well, Mr. Astralis. Danielle has told me some stories about your time together," he said, glancing at me. "I'm sure she has," Damien responded with a some-what challenging smile. Now that the men had made contact, neither one had intentions of letting out of the handshake. I looked between the two and rolled my eyes. "Enough boys. Don't ruin this introduction," I said, putting each of my hands on one of theirs and slightly squeezing them, as well as pushing some of my aura out to convince them that I was in fact much stronger. "Very well," admitted Damien, and dropped his hand first. Konrad nodded in agreement and dropped his hand too. "Alpha Konrad, we were just about to enjoy a nightcap, would you like to join us?" I asked. "No, thank you very much though. I only came to check on you but I'm glad you are alright," he said, flashing a smile at me. "Yes, I am alright. Thank you for stopping by," I said with a grin. "Damien," Konrad said with a head nod and turned towards the door. "Likewise Alpha," stated Damien as he turned around to sit on the couch. I walked Konrad out the door when he turned around. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, peering over my shoulder. "Konrad...I am fine. I can take care of myself. Thank you for caring though," I said, putting my hand on his shoulder. "Alright. I'll be staying with my parents until we have him figured out. Contact me if you need me, deal?" Konrad insisted. "Deal," I said, and gave Konrad a kiss on the cheek. "I'll contact you tomorrow, kid. Have a good night," I said, and closed the door. I locked the dead bolts and walked back towards the bar.