Stone Cold

(chapter two) The Source

Author's Note

"All my life, I've been living in the fast lane; can't slow down. I'm a rollin' freight train. One more time, gotta start all over. Can't slow down; I'm a lone red rover." ~ Polaroid, by Imagine Dragons

Hello again.

Above is the cast for this chapter's characters, excluding Eden, of course.

You'll notice foreign words being passed throughout the chapter. I thought you might like to know that they are French, and like most languages, not all words will transfer to the exact point. You do not need to take the time to look these up-- the definitions will be pasted at the end of the entry.

Sorry for any typos.

Prendre plaisir!

SHOUTOUT ~Don't forget to check out Kacrilamay's CHOSEN. You won't be disappointed!

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"I couldn't possibly agree more, my old friend," I spoke, my voice dripping with honeyed warmness. It has been ages since I've seen this peppered man.

"Darling, as much as it pleasures me to see your friendly smile, I must chastise trespassing. We both know how well this turned out last time," he warned, the corner of his lip twitching noticeably, though he tried to hide it. A tell of worry.

"He has never been able to conceal his emotions from us," Athena murmured fondly, her soft spot for our ancient pal breaking through the tough exterior.

"Damon, sweetheart, have you ever known me to follow the rules?" A cheeky smile blossomed across me features. Oh, how it is fun to be in company with a long running friend.

"It is hard to love you, my dear," He chuckled with a shake of his head. "And yet, I cease to grow tired of your mischievous visits." The corner of his eyes crinkled with delight while his face remained hard. This walled exterior does not hold many weaknesses, however I seem to provoke one of the few.

"Have you gone soft on me, ami?" I teased, hatching a playful growl to tumble from his broad chest.

"Do not test me, young one. Surpassing you in age does not mean that I cannot trump you in combat."

"I beg to differ, age de homme."

"Cheri, are you challenging me?" He questioned, a daunting warning spouting from within his voice.

A curt nod was the only sign of acknowledgement before I crouched into a fray stance, my knees bending so that the strength throughout my body would proportionally spread the duration of my form. Rolling my shoulders forward, I flexed my muscles, preparing for a difficult brawl.

"Lets see what is left in the tank," Freya purred, excitement pouring off of her essence, adding fuel to the adrenaline fire already coursing my veins.

"Let this be a fair match though, leopardess." He grinned. "No aid from the animals."

"Alright, oldtimer. Classical it is."

"You hear that girls?" I whispered through the mind-link. "You're to be put in your pens. This is my fight." To my surprise, there were no moans of complaint, but instead a simple hum in understanding. Their respect is a welcoming comfort.

Saying no more, Damon squatted into his offending posture, in which he spread his legs apart with one further than the other, and pushed his shoulders outwards, as if he would charge.