King of the Crows

chapter 3

Finally, I made it to the last room. I was sweating and couldn't wait to sit down but I took a deep breath and opened the last door and immediately smacked into a wall. I shrieked, reeling back holding my nose. It burned and I felt tears come to my eyes from the pain. As I stumbled back two warm hands gripped my forearms and pulled me upright. Sparks lit up under my skin where I was being held. A muscular firm chest which my eyes peeled opened to see was the wall I hit. "Crap! Ow! I'm so sorry!" 

I rub my nose and shut my eyes tightly turning around trying to find the door handle. I pull it open and shove myself out. "Oh my god. What just happened!"

I whispered and hurried down the hall back to the bottom floor. As I scurried off I heard the door open but I was off in a flash and hoped they would never recognise me. I dumped my utility belt and poured myself two shots.

 I downed the whisky in seconds. The acidic burning felt nice to distract from the embarrassment. The front door swung open with a thump and the bright light filled the room. I coughed and quickly fixed my hair.

"Um ahem hi! Can I help you?" A humanoid looking man with light stubble and long pointed pixie ears strolled in. As expected the man had long platinum hair hanging loose around his layered white robes. They covered his feet but he strode silently towards my counted with a large white smile.

"Just looking for a friend. I believe he's renting a room here?" his voice was gentle and musical. It hummed comfortingly in my ears. "Uh, name?"

 He laughed and extended his arm to shake.

"Isidore at your service."

 I shook his hand wearily and shook my head.

"I meant the name of your friend."

 Isidore only stood expressionless and stared. I did too. What a strange man, I thought. A booming voice saved us both from the awkward silence.

"Isidore, you've arrived." I saw the pixies eyes light up and a strong smile pulled his lips back across his slender face. We both turned and to my horror, it was the man I had stumbled into before. Literally stumbled into. My eyes went wide when I saw him. He was as handsome as a God and looked just as strong. He wasn't as big as the orc I'd met but somehow looked more powerful. Definitely more intimidating as he stood above the last step, leaning against the wall. This mystery man has the sexiest beard I'd ever seen. It was thick and dark and accentuated his high cheekbones and black eyes. 

"Siar!" The tall thin man ran towards the God while my mouth hung open. I had been wrong about the other male. He was no knight, he had huge looming black wings behind him. Almost four times larger than him. They looked breathtaking. All I wanted was to touch them and for the man to take me against the wall. I squirmed at my thoughts and tried to look for an exit while the two embraced each other.

"Mate."

The richest and most delicious-sounding voice come out of nowhere and left me almost drooling. I felt like I couldn't move. What was happening to me? Isidore coughed and moved away from the man somehow silently leaving up the stairs. I still stood at my post confused and frozen and a little turned on. No man had ever had this power over me. I'd never needed them to touch or hold me this bad before. I ached for his touch and I didn't even know the winged man's name. He took slow careful steps towards me, almost looking afraid."My name is Cerberus. Would you mind telling me your own?"

Cerberus I thought the name sounded familiar but was hypnotised by his now soothing deep voice directed at me. I could study his face more clearly now that he was closer. Cerberus's nose was slightly crooked and a deep scar ran across his lip and disappeared into his beard. I was surprised I hadn't noticed it before. It was almost a nasty purple inside but it couldn't ruin his full pink lips, even with how chapped they were. His eyebrows were just as hairy as his beard. "Delilah,"

 I stated as firmly as I could. I think we both heard the slight waver in my voice but none the less he smiled widely.

"I apologise for how forward this is but" there was a pause. Could I sense regret?

"we're mates."

I continued to stand frozen, I couldn't process his words. "You don't know what that is do you?"

 Now he looked scared and nervous again.

"Of course I do idiot, just didn't know I would have one." I eyed his wings.

"Lucky me then huh." Cerberus straightened but a sly smile returned and his almost fangs were on display again. "King of the crows at your service."

 He theatrically bowed and I couldn't help but giggle. Cerberus looked pleased with himself at my outburst. My mate moved to rest his hip against the counter next to me, the shifting of his wings seemed to stir up the air and flutter my skirt.

I liked his outfit more than mine and I eyed it inconspicuously. He wore a simple black suit jacket with beautiful silver shoulder plates of twirling vines with small birds sitting upon them. His suit pants were plain black too but what I loved most was his bare pale chest out for all to see. It was dawned with inky black scripture I couldn't read right below his neck. The language was foreign but beautiful. Cerberus's stomach was the centrepiece. A huge raven standing tall, its wings spread, rearing its head as if in victory. It was magnificent and so bold against his pale white skin.

I forced myself to speak. "Are you disappointed Cerberus."

If I'm honest I didn't exactly know how I was feeling. I mean in a way it was a relief to know I wouldn't die alone but him being a king would mean a lot of pressure as Queen. Not only that but of course I came with baggage and was terrified to find out what would happen with the two of us and how each of our eternal turmoil would coil. Perhaps in love or perhaps not. I didn't like the thought of this stranger hating me. I didn't know this man and yet I was destined to be with him forever? Forever was a long time and for the first time, I cursed myself for not being a clan animal. This would be so much easier and comfortable if I was.But Cerberus looked shocked as I said this.

"What, no! How could you think that?" He almost looked offended, and I almost felt bad.

"I'm not a crow." I deadpanned.

"And what," Cerberus replied, just as serious.

I sighed. "You think your kingdom will accept a teifling Queen?"

He stood up and came towards me in one long stride, holding me firmly in those strong arms I remembered and those same intense sparks came. I knew he felt them too from the pleasurable sigh that passed his lips. Even though the fog of the mate bond Cerberus stared straight into my eyes and spoke.

"My kingdom trusts me. I am their leader and now so are you. They will love you and come to trust you just as they trust me."

Slowly his face inched closer to mine and before I knew what either of us was doing I'd leaned forward and pressed my lips against his.