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Post by Thea on Apr 23, 2021 13:00:37 GMT -5
VentiaThe French countryside was vibrant during the summer. The windows of the d’Guillory mansion were open, letting the scents of the gardens dance into the room and tease Hallie’s nose. She took a big breath to capture them, before stretching and practically jumping from the bed. She couldn’t keep the smile of excitement from her face, and her dark eyes were practically glowing. Every summer, the Constantines took a family trip to France to visit the estate that had been handed down to Jewel after her great-great-uncle’s death. Mostly, it was for business - her mother had inherited an apothecary-like business from Simon as well, so she took this time she allowed herself away from the Packs to stay up to speed and all that business mambo-jumbo. Her father was in on the inner-workings as well, so most of the time she and her siblings had free reign on the estate. That didn’t mean they were completely free to do whatever they pleased. Which was just fine with Hallie. This year, they took Jade. Her best friend. Her confidant. Since freshman year, when she arrived as a foreign exchange student, they were nearly inseparable. The only other person that had Jade’s attention was her brother, Jasper (as irritating as it was, Hallie knew that it was because Jasper had Imprinted). As time progressed, Jade became as much a Constantine as anyone in the family. Her taking this trip with them only solidified that fact. Really, there couldn’t have been a better addition to the family. Still in her pajamas, Hallie opened the door to her room and padded to the one across the hall from her. As she knocked, more doors opened around her. Her brothers and sister were up, too. Good. That meant the sooner everyone was ready, the sooner they can tour the university campus she will be attending come fall. "Jade, you up?" she asked through the door, her hands on her hips as one of them jutted out in her usual stance.
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Post by Ventia on Apr 23, 2021 23:55:02 GMT -5
Jade had been awake for a while, moving around the big room and putting away what little clothes she had. She had only brought a medium sized suitcase, not wanting to take too much space or too many things and be a inconvenience for the Constantine’s despite the lovely family reassurance that it was fine if she wanted to bring more. They were a big family and a couple more suitcases didn’t bother them. It was a good thing Jade didn’t have that much and was used to limiting herself when the time came. She was happy enough that Jade had been invited on a family trip, feeling closer to the Constantine’s than her own parents.
She was changing into a different shirt, one that wasn’t big and pajama worthy, when Hallie’s voice came from the door, making the girl jump. She caught sight of herself in one of the mirrors and saw her birthmark covering her chest. Her heartbeat rose, fear making her voice sharp as she yelled out: “One minute!”
Jade quickly dressed, in all her years as Hallie’s best friend she still kept one very important secret from her. Seeing the flowers and the symbols covering her chest would only make her bestie hammer Jade with questions. Questions that Jade couldn’t answer, for her safety and theirs. Finally dressed in a cute black top, a skirt that Hallie had forced her to buy, white stockings and flats, Jade hurried to the door, opening it with a smile.
“Sorry,” she apologized, for her earlier sharp tone, but knew her friend wouldn’t really mind. Her eyes drifting past Hallie to land on Jasper who was just getting out. Flushing, Jade turned her attention back towards her friend.
“Did you sleep good?” She asked, stepping forward, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear.
Lucian came up from behind Hallie, popping out of nowhere like he usually did and poked his little sister (a few minutes she always complain but still Lucian was older) in the back hard enough to get a sound out of her. He laughed and dashed down the hallway, escaping into the shadows, his laughter echoing.
Jade shook her head, her smile only widening, and locked her arms through Hallie’s, her eyes flicking back to Jasper every now and then. She was excited about the day, they were in France! A place she’s never been and with the Constantine family, well every day was fun with them.
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Post by Thea on Apr 26, 2021 21:10:09 GMT -5
Thea has said a few times before that it made sense that Jasper had Imprinted on Jade.
Both were reserved. Quiet. Didn’t want to cause trouble. It was obvious, as well, that both of them liked each other, what with how they stole glances and blushed. They danced around each other for a good portion of their high school careers. Finally, after over two years of the family bolstering Jasper’s courage, and threats of dismemberment from Hallie if he ever hurt Jade, he had finally asked the girl to go out with him.
Another thing about Jasper was that he generally stuck to himself. He didn’t mean to be mysterious. He just … was more comfortable by himself. Jade was the only person to really bring him out of his shell. But oh, boy, when he did? He did so with a quiet confidence and talents that blew everyone out of the water. Like, when he finally asked Jade out, he had taken the time to learn her language to do so. Then he would show off his talent of metalwork and robotics; in every project he did you knew he had her on his mind. He treated her like a queen, most definitely. Jade seemed to return his affections, so that was a plus in Thea’s book.
Thea watched as he made his way to Hallie, who had been waiting outside Jade’s door with a small frown on her face, hands in his pockets and shoulders slumped in a casual manner. She saw his posture change as soon as the woman’s door opened; she had to resist the urge to laugh, because it was as if looking at a lovesick pup. His shoulders straightened, and there was a quicker step in his pace to make it to her other side.
“Sorry for what?” Hallie asked, her frown instantly vanishing when Jade appeared. In its place was the same excited smile she had since the airplane landed last night. It was as if she didn’t even register that Jade had done anything to be sorry for. Then she noticed the skirt. That smile turned into a knowing smirk. “I told you that skirt would look good on you.” It flirted with Jade’s more modest lifestyle, though didn’t cross her boundaries.
Before she took Jade’s arm, she felt the sharp pokes in her back, making her holler and whirling to land a smack to the back of her brother’s head. “Asshole!” she called after him instead when she missed, shooting lasers at his retreating back as she looped her arm through Jade’s. Then she answered Jade, “I was too excited for much of it. I slept for maybe three hours?” Hallie shrugged. “What about you?”
By that time, Jasper had made it to the pair, walking behind them quietly as they made it downstairs. They had to walk two flights of steps to make it to the dining room, where Jewel, Nathaniel, and Archard were, talking about the finances of the business. With the super senses of shifters, everyone could smell the scents of breakfast. Sugary syrup, cooked meat and fresh fruits. Jasper’s stomach rumbled with anticipation. He grimaced slightly, before saying, “Morning, babe.”
Downstairs, Jewel sat at the dining room table, sleep still clinging desperately to her eyelids. Unlike her children, who seem to be morning people, she had become a perpetually exhausted pigeon since her Freaky Friday episode with Laina. She had been having … intense dreams lately. She didn’t remember much, just that Gem and her brother Thorn were in them, along with a … what she could only perceive as a shadowy being. Drums were prominent in them, too. Rhythmic beats mimicking her heart, coupled with steady chanting in a language she didn’t know, but felt the meaning in her blood.
The only person that knew about it was her husband. Her Fancy Feathers. In the middle of Archard and Nathaniel’s back-and-forth, she looked up at the man in question, leaning back so that her shoulder was in his thigh. With one hand she reached up to grab his, which was on the back of her chair. I love you, she whispered through their mate link.
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Post by Ventia on Apr 26, 2021 23:56:05 GMT -5
Jade turned her smile to Jasper when he came close, not able to stop the way her eyes took him in, finding him incredibly hot and way too good to be her boyfriend. But he was! The fact of that made Jade smile wider to herself, hoping to have a moment alone with Jasper before their date later.
“For taking too long?” It wasn’t exactly a lie since Jade had been hurrying to get ready but it wasn’t the reason why Jade had apologized for. But she smiled and twirled for Hallie, showing off a little because she wanted Jasper to find the skirt as cute as Jade did. Or at least find Jade cuter than usual. “I’m really liking it, thanks for twisting my arm per usual.” Jade teased lightly, usually she would have never talked so excitedly and so much. But Hallie’s friendship had changed a lot of things for Jade, she was still quiet but around the Constantine family, her best friend and her boyfriend? Jade had opened up, sometimes getting as talkative as the lot of them.
Lucian’s teasing “Still too slow!” comment echoed into the hallway after Hallie’s failed attempt to smack him silly. Jade bit her lip, shaking her heads at both siblings. “Three hours only? That’s not good Le.” Jade had gotten a good six in and still Hallie seemed more excited than she was.
“I on the other hand slept like a baby, I love this place. I feel like a Princess.” Jade giggled, feeling silly for the thought but she loved old castles like this and had always dreamt about coming. Hallie had told her stories but now being a guest in such a magnificent place, Jade truly did feel like a Princess.
“Good morning to you too handsome.” Jade turned back to Jasper at his words, slipping her fingers into his and holding onto him tightly as they climb down the last few steps. “How did you sleep?”
Harley came out of her room, hearing all the voices and smells of her family and smiled. She knocked on Dimitri’s door, gave Thea a questioning stare and waiting about three seconds before opening the door.
“What? You gonna sulk all day in there?” She told her younger brother who was sitting on the bed, fully dressed in black, and rubbing at his head. Harley paused, entering the room and coming to sit down next to him on the bed.
“What’s wrong?” Harley demanded to know but getting information out of Dimitri was like pulling teeth. Especially after his first shifting. Since then, her cute brother had withdrawn further into himself and claimed all was well.
“Nothing.” Dimitri stood and stretched, ignoring his pounding headache. He had a awful dream and this sick foreboding feeling in his gut. But he didn’t want to bother his family about it, thinking it was just due to his negative thoughts.
“Come on, we might miss breakfast.” Dimitri stuffed his hands into his pocket and made his way out of his room.
“Nonsense. We never run out of food.” Harley scoffed, sending a worried look to her older sister as Dimitri passed by her. She waited till he was making his way down the stairs before sighing. She turned to Thea, who wasn’t any better than her brother Harley thought.
“You’re rubbing off of him too much.” She teased but then Harley’s voice got low and serious. “I’m worried about him.”
Nathaniel kept bickering with the old vampire solely for his own amusement. He liked how Archard slowly grew impatient with Nate, his words rising when usually the man was calm and monotone. It was helping Nathaniel’s dark worried mood, Nathaniel had been feeling restless for a while so when it was time to take a family vacation, he thought his mood would change for the better. It hadn’t. Then Jewel explained the dream to him in detail all while she herself had been shaking. Nathaniel clenched his jaw, keeping Jewel in his field of vision, not liking the worried look hiding behind her eyes. Nathaniel squeezed his wife’s hand, bringing it up to press a couple kisses against her delicate skin. I love you too. I won’t let anything happen to our family. Nathaniel vowed, hoping to ease her worries even though his were skyrocketing.
“Ugh. Get a room.” Lucian appeared next to Dimitri, wrapping a arm around the man’s neck and ignoring his grunts. “All of you.” He stared pointedly at both Jasper and Jade and then his parents. “Yuck.” He pretended to spat and Harley came up from behind them, smacking Lucian hard against his head.
“Yuck yourself. That was for Hallie. Hi Mom, Dad, and well everyone.” She waved, moving towards the food, suddenly missing her Viking warrior of a mate. She sighed, sitting down in one of the seats, and wondered if there would come a time where Harley would have to choose. Either being with her family in the Nightstar Pack or going to Dark Lupis and being in her rightful place next to Ludin.
“Teasing your sisters again Luc?” Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, his voice sounding mad.
“You know it!” Lucian grinned at his dad.
“Good.” Nathaniel nodded and smiled at the rest of his children and Jade. “Good morning everyone, what’s the wait? Go on and eat.”
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Post by Thea on Apr 27, 2021 19:09:10 GMT -5
Hallie’s dismissal of Jade’s apology was quick, waving her free hand. “What are friends for?” Hallie asked in mock innocence at Jade’s thanks for the skirt. Then she shrugged. “I’ve been a bartender since I could work. I’m used to the night life.” It’s been a week since she told Aunt Lue and Ve that she wouldn’t be able to do it anymore so that she could pursue her dream in fashion. Still, she missed it. She had taken to the job like a fish to water. She flirted with the patrons, danced as she worked, and left work in the mornings with a sense of accomplishment. Maybe she could find a job doing the same thing here, but she was afraid that nothing could live up to her aunts’ bar Suck Them Dry. “I’ll probably crash after the campus tour.”
She tuned the conversation between the two lovebirds out, rolling her eyes in a playful manner. Like Thea, she felt that Jade and Jasper were perfect for each other. But that didn’t stop her from complaining every once in a while that Jasper stole her best friend. Maybe she should have thought it as weird that they were dating. She didn’t, knowing that their attraction for each other went deeper than superficiality.
Jasper couldn’t help but grin at the princess comment, his heart growing warm at the cuteness of his girlfriend. Or well, to be more precise: his mate. And that was what she was, even if she didn’t know it yet. Growing up, they had the mate talk. None of the four quadruplets showed much interest in finding their supposed “forever”, having heard of their parents own love story. Jasper definitely didn’t intend to fancy anyone while in high school. Yet his feelings toward the mate bond definitely changed when his eyes landed on Jade.
Of course, her being human and unknowing of the true nature of the Constantines made it more complicated. Add to the fact that her parents were super strict (they didn’t even know about their relationship), so breaking it down to them that he was going to be with Jade until the end of time regardless of how they felt would be difficult. He didn’t care. Jade was worth it.
She would always be worth it.
“I slept all right,” he admitted a bit shyly, taking her hand immediately and holding on just as tightly. At first, they had been awkward in showing affection in public. Especially with comments like Lucian made now. But now, he just let his brother’s words roll off his back, shaking his head. Your tune will change when you find your mate, Jasper said to him through the pack link. I bet money on it.
Thea, who walked beside Harley down the stairs, scoffed amicably. “Don’t blame his moodiness on me.” But her comment had the she-wolf stopping short. Gods, she hoped she wasn’t. Thea wasn’t the best role model, what with her anger management issues and childish behavior at times. She remembered Hallie coming up to her when she was the age equivalent of six, telling her excitedly that she wanted to be just like her when she grew up.
”Don’t,” was all she had said to her littlest sister, but it had so much dark warning in her voice that it had scared Hallie into Jewel’s arms. She hadn’t meant to say that, especially in that way. It had just been a gut reaction. Hallie had meant she wanted to be Thea in the aspect of being a New Dawn Warrior. Thea reminded herself that day that she was terrible with kids, and stayed a good distance away from the quads until they were old enough to not be so ... impressionable.
Much to her mother’s dismay. But she didn’t see what Thea saw in the mirror everyday.
“Honestly?” Thea said to Harley. “Me too.”
Jewel took a moment to revel in the small kisses Nathaniel placed on her hand, feeling the animal within her settle. Since the dreams started, she had felt less ... human. Which she wasn’t, obviously, but she never had much of a need to connect to the animal side of her other than the bare minimum. What was a run around the Nightstar borders every two to three weeks was a howl at the moon situation almost every night. She knew that it made Nathaniel even more stressed than he already was. She felt guilty for adding on her own problems. I know you won’t, her words were sent back to him, along with the feeling of reassurance and confidence in him.
Lucian’s outward display of disgust had Jewel laughing. To Harley, she said, “Mornin’, sweetheart.”
Archard closed the laptop that was in front of the heads of the estate softly before extracting it and stepping to the wall - his usual spot any time all of the family congregated in one spot in case any of them were in need of his assistance. By the time the children came down he was calm and collected, a smile of service on his face as everyone started eating.
Now was not the time, but he needed Jewel to strengthen the barrier.
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Post by Ventia on Apr 29, 2021 2:33:48 GMT -5
Jade shook her head at Hallie, smiling though at the mention of her bartending and remembering the big club her best friend had worked at. She went a handful of times, Jasper joining the group back then and Jade hoping that the only reason why he had done such a thing was because Jade was going to be there. She remembered their first dance, as Hallie dragged her and threaten Jasper to follow them to the wide dance floor. Their first song. Jade had been so nervous, so so nervous and oh so happy to finally be in his arms. It was a slow loving song and Jade blushed at the memory, momentarily lost in her own head.
“Good! I wished for sweet dreams for you.” Jade turned up to stare into Jasper’s eyes, beautiful hazel eyes that burned bright with yellow. He had such beautiful eyes, a trait that the whole family had, but Jaspers were her favorite. Even better (and sometimes Jade felt bad for thinking it) than Hallie’s.
“The college tour...” Jade said softly, still distracted by Jasper’s eyes and blinked rapidly trying to get out of her daze. Flushing at Lucian’s comment and for her ignoring her friend, Jade tugged on both Jasper and Hallie, moving them towards the table, hoping some food would make her less spacey.
She didn’t know why but Jade felt like she was forgetting something. There had been this dream and well Jade forget it when she awoke but there was something about that dream. Something that made her spacey and looking at Jasper, at Hallie, at this lovely family, with sad eyes.
Lucian rolled his eyes at his brother, hearing Jasper’s words loud and clear. Unlike his brothers, Lucian had lots of girlfriends under his belt, keeping his relationships short and away from his precious family. He wouldn’t admit it even to himself but Lucian was jealous that Jasper had found his mate so soon. I’ll be betting against that one mate. Lucian joked although he always assumed that when he found someone, like his father found his mother? Lucian would finally understand why he rejected so many girls, why it never felt right or was enough. Lucian secretly hoped that Jasper would win this bet and soon.
Harley sighed, glancing at Dimitri, who had quietly took his seat and was eating the bacon with little enthusiasm. She could still hear Thea’s words from earlier, confirming it wasn’t just her. Harley glanced at her dad and then her mom, smiling and blowing her mother a kiss. Harley didn’t like the tired eyes her mother had, knowing that everyone could tell their parents little giveaways but were all staying happily ignorant of the fact. Harley dug into her food then, once again craving Ludin, craving his age of wisdom, his godlike strength and protection, but most of all, his warm around wrapped around her and all the kisses that came along with the big man.
Nathaniel squeezed Jewel’s hands tightly at her words, knowing he’d live up to her expectations. He still blamed himself for letting Jewel go alone into that realm. For letting her leave his side. She had come back different, as any would after experiencing something life changing. But Jewel would always remain herself, his mate, his wife, his woman. His Jewel, the finest of them all, and all his. Nathaniel, from his perch on top of the table, stared at them all. This was all His. His family. His children. Yes he counted Thea and Jade as his own, knowing that soon enough Jade would be welcomed all the way in and maybe even changed at one point.
Nathaniel stared at Hallie, his sweet girl who like all Constantine females was starting to spread her wings and take to the world. Then came Jade, the quiet girl that had worm her way into their hearts and lives so effortlessly Nathaniel had to give her credit. She was a perfect match for his son, his Jasper. The smartest one of his sons, although the other two were close behind. Still the boy had learned an entire new language just to get a girl, Nathaniel couldn’t be prouder.
Then Dimitri. Nathaniel’s grip on the back of Jewel’s chair tightened, the wood moaning so softly before Nathaniel relaxed. His boy was paying the price for Nathaniel’s greedy actions. His shift deformed but beautiful and yet Dimitri kept it locked inside of him, afraid that one day it would cause his death. Dimitri wasn’t wrong. Since that day when they had to rush him to the infirmary, letting Jewel save her son, was the day Nathaniel swore he would fix his boy. One way or the other. He would even make a deal with a Devil if he had to. His eyes drifted to Lucian who reminded Nathaniel the most of himself, with all his fooling around and jokes, the boy had Nate’s same mentality. But unlike Nathaniel, Lucian was also a lot like Jewel, kind and caring and always worrying about his family.
Then Thea came into view, she was as much of a friend to Nathaniel as she was a daughter. Though Thea would try to kill him if he called her His with her hatred of stuff like that. Nathaniel rolled his eyes, but daughter she was. Jewel’s first and only for a long time, Nathaniel had felt like he suddenly had a hormonal teen on his hands when he just met the pair but Thea was a delight all in herself and Nathaniel wouldn’t have her any other way. Then came Harley, his first that had almost slipped from his hands without even realizing. Harley was his strong one, strong of heart and mind, and could be relied upon to do what had to be done. He knew she sulked for her mate and wondered how many days more would he have her all to himself. How many days would Nathaniel had all of them here still with him and Jewel? Not that much longer, he admitted, knowing that soon by this time next year, places around this table would be empty.
He thought of his estranged son, Jackson and how the boy was still angry at him for not being there. Nathaniel sighed, Jackson had indeed slipped through his fingers and despite his continuous attempts, Jackson still kept away.
“I have a announcement.” Nathaniel said after giving them some time to eat and talk. He waited till all eyes were towards the head of the table, which was him.
“I know everyone has plans for today but there’s going to be a slight change in plans. You go in packs, no one goes somewhere alone. We stay close to each other and stay in contact. I would prefer at least groups of three but I know some people,” Nathaniel turned his gaze towards Jasper and winked, “has other plans in need of some privacy. You’ll get your moment and then can join the group. Now let’s go over the day again, who’s going where and pick your teams accordingly.” Nathaniel tried making light of the situation, not wanting to say too much in front of Jade and scare her off. He didn’t want any of his family getting scared. Just safe as they could be.
Nathaniel glanced at Archard who still stood dutifully by the corner and then back at the table, bending low to press a kiss on Jewel’s crown, his fingers coming up to stroke at her hair as his family began to make plans.
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Post by Thea on May 4, 2021 13:12:53 GMT -5
Jewel wasn’t surprised at Nathaniel’s announcement.
Since her time on the Isles, he’s been protective of everyone. Even with her own issues, both as Head Healer and with these dreams, she sees how he watches everyone. His furrowed brows and rigid stance convey his worry to her without him even saying anything. He hasn’t been getting much sleep; last night before they went to sleep she watched him peek out the window, looking for anything that was out of the ordinary. It took quite a bit of pleading for him to give up his endeavor and come to bed.
The slight creak in the wood didn’t startle her, but she was quick to straighten up and send another wave of reassurance through the mate bond as she watched the reactions of her children. Dimitri … oh, her Dimitri. He didn’t have much of a reaction, and hadn’t exhibited much emotion since his First Shift. Her heart squeezed as sadness crept in. For her, Dimitri’s predicament always struck her with a sense of failure. As she has come to remember with her own nightly outings, a shifter isn’t wholly human or wholly animal. There was a balance that had to be maintained. Hallie was going to have a difficult time accepting this because of her Wolfman-esque shift, but at least she didn’t have the threat of death looming over her.
Jewel had saved her son that day, but felt like she had doomed him by forbidding him to ever shift again.
Thea had an imaginably difficult time brushing Nathaniel’s concern off. That much the mother could tell. Between her duties as Warrior for the New Dawn and being Lena’s left-hand-man at the Guild, she faced danger almost every day. Thea knew danger as an old friend, and could hold her own in a fight. Jewel hoped that Thea would listen to this rule, if only out of respect, but she didn’t have high hopes.
Jasper’s response to Nathaniel’s words was only to give a small smile of thanks. Jewel had to hold back a laugh; she knew that if she were in his place, she definitely didn’t want a third wheel tagging along to her date. As the date was still well off, she knew that until then, Jasper will listen to his father.
Hallie on the other hand …
She was not the one to be strapped down. Jewel’s daughter was independent to a fault, and has butted heads with them before on rules set in place under the stress of keeping her safe. Jewel at first didn’t want her to work at Suck Them Dry simply because of Lucrezia being a succubus (and a powerful one at that). It took much whittling down, many a slammed door, and one begging before Jewel finally caved, remembering when she was overprotective of Thea and how she snuck out one night, never to be seen again. Jewel had made a point not to give too many rules since then, watching as Hallie grew into her own person.
This, though …
“I have campus tour at one today,” Hallie all but snapped, a scowl on her face. “You know, a tour of the place that I’ll be learning at for the next few years?” She emphasized the last words, as if to remind her father that none of the family will be here to have a pack system.
“Tone, please,” Jewel replied softly, to which Hallie huffed with impatience.
“We’re not … kids, anymore, Dad,” Hallie said, her words having less of a bite (especially when she had to pause in the middle of them to correct herself before she could say “pups”), but her face still sported that scowl.
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Post by Ventia on May 4, 2021 16:08:06 GMT -5
Nathaniel raised a brow at Hallie, smiling inwardly at her reaction but keeping his face set in a serious manner. Had it been anyone else other than his family, Nathaniel would have showed more on his face, like the fact that their death would be coming soon at such a tone. But this was his family and well Nathaniel couldn’t be prouder. He wanted his children to be able to take care of themselves. To be strong and independent. But despite all his training, despite the Pack’s training and every fighter in the family teaching them, all Jewel’s and the Healers trainings, his children had little to none real life experience and that always worried Nathaniel. He knew the only way to get experience was for him to let them go. But still. It was hard for him which ten years ago would have been unthinkable but real love and a family did that to someone.
“Let’s get something straight little girl,” Nathaniel put the emphasis on that, “You guys will always be kids as you call it in my eyes. I am your father, Jewel’s your mother, we’re the parents. You’re the children. Just because you all are fully grown doesn’t change the fact that we as the parents will do everything in our power to keep you guys safe. I know everyone’s excited about leaving the nest,” Nathaniel rolled his eyes at that, still not wanting his kids to go off on their own, “But until you do. We’re still in charge. Now darling little Hallie, your tour is about the only one I haven’t forgotten since you keep bringing it up. Your mother and I will be going with you. Harley you’ll be with the lovebirds,” Nathaniel winked at Jade and Jasper, and turned to his other boys and Thea.
“Thea you’re with Demi and Luc. Try to have some fun.” He was looking at Dimitri who gave him a curt nod and then looked away. Nathaniel sighed, putting his worry away for now and running a hand through his hair. His children were all a handful, all in their own unique way. He was surprised Nathaniel still had any hair left by now.
“Alright chop chop. No one’s eating anymore and time is a-wasting. Some of you are still in your jammies.” He looked at Hallie’s pink ones with a extravagant smirk, wondering how his precious daughter could think he’d take her serious in such a cute and childish attire. But that was his daughter, stubborn just like the rest of them.
Nathaniel bent down and swipe a piece of bacon from the table, watching his family start moving again.
Jade turned to Jasper who was already dressed like her and cupped his hand from under the table. “Want to take a walk?” She asked, a little shyly because she was around his entire family and his father’s words, protective words, had made her tremble with...jealousy. It made her feel ugly and tore at her heart. Thinking of her own parents for a moment before forcing the emotions away. She wouldn’t be such a emotional wreck here. In this foreign land. This wonderful castle. No. Jade steeled herself and excused herself from the table, tugging Jasper along and smiling at Hallie before disappearing into the many hallways of the castle. Not really knowing where she was going. But knowing that Jade wanted a moment alone with her boyfriend.
Harley made a face once the pair took off and folded her arms over her chest. Still in her pjs she should have made her way back upstairs as well but Harley didn’t feel it in her to move yet. “Sure. Torture me why don’t you.” Harley made a sarcastic remark, still missing Ludin. Being in charge of the lovebirds was like a constant reminder that her lover wasn’t with her. Which he couldn’t be, Harley supposed, not in the way she wanted him to be. Since their relationship was still a secret from their parents. But even then, Harley was sure had he been here, she would have had plenty of chances to get in a kiss or two. She sighed, wondering why her love life was so complicated. Oh right. Because Ludin was practically family. And she was basically in love with a Uncle or grandfather or whatever. Even though in her eyes, Ludin was just Ludin, her Viking God of a Mate. It was a good thing she taught him how to text message her, since his messages and calls were the only thing Harley had to look forward to on this trip. At that thought, and with the knowledge that she left her phone upstairs, Harley winked at her parents and went on her merry way.
Dimitri, already dressed, but not wanting to sit under his worried parents gaze, also excused himself and went off, towards the library where he’d look a few things up that’s been bothering him.
Lucian picked at another piece of bacon, “Oh don’t mind little ole me, didn’t you have something to say big man?” He asked, staring directly at the vampire in the corner. Having caught a good portion of their earlier conversation while he’d been hiding.
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Post by Thea on May 11, 2021 20:09:58 GMT -5
Jasper wasn’t the best with words, no, but he did pick up on Jade’s micro-reactions. How she shifted her eyes away from his family to her food, how she shifted her shoulders to make herself smaller than she was. The way she pressed her lips together. His eagle screeched to him that something was wrong with Jade. He wished that he had the mate link right then so that he could send her the reassurance that he wanted to give her. Soon, he soothed the animal within him, his hand going to Jade’s back to rub it. From one shoulder to the other his fingers went, every once in a while traveling down her spine, then back up to her neck just before he reached her waistline. He only stopped when she grabbed his hand.
And he let her pull him down the hallways, gripping her hand firmly - but not too tight for fear of his super-human strength hurting her. It was almost comical, he would assume, to see a petite woman such as Jade dragging a man that was easily twice her size, like Jasper. But he didn’t care. He let her do it, knowing that she was in her own head. “Hey,” Jasper said when they passed by the back door. “Let’s go out back.” He would have stopped their momentum, still holding on tightly to her hand, giving her a small smile if she turned back to look at him. “You’re not scared of horses, are you?”
*
After reciprocating Jade’s smile, Hallie had left the table in a huff. It took all she could muster not to growl at her father. Little girl? Her nails dug into her palms, feet stomping away from the vast, ornate dining room. Little, her ass. If her parents knew how many bar fights she had to break up, how many glamours she fought through … her aunts’ bar was definitely a safe place for their patrons. Neutral ground for many an outing. But that didn’t mean that the patrons were safe. Sure, Lucrezia and Ventia were badass women whose protection Hallie was under. Yet there were times that Hallie’s unusualness piqued the interest of beings that didn’t need to be piqued.
She never told her parents how her time working at Suck Them Dry went. Not even the good times. She didn’t want to start a ritual where she would inevitably have to lie to them so that she could stay working at the bar.
Underneath her anger, guilt wriggled and writhed in the pit of her belly like a ball of worms. She loved her parents, she really did. They were so strong. A unified front that would, like her father said, do anything to keep them safe. Life had given her and her brothers a good hand to play with. She wasn’t blind to that. For fuck’s sake, she was going to be studying fashion in Paris. Yeah, sure she made good money as a bartender, but who was it that was paying for her education? Not to mention, it wasn’t like her and her brothers and sister grew up under a strict set of rules.
Maybe that was the problem. She was used to doing whatever she wanted, whenever, with few exceptions of course. This didn’t feel like a father looking out for his children. This was a threat to her freedom. The animal within her felt trapped; the logical part of her brain rationalized that it would be easier to just let Dad do this until they left.
*
Archard’s eyes flitted to Lucian’s mischievous gaze, his expression unreadable. For a few moments, he stared at him. Not in a menacing way, no. Not even in a warning type of way. However, he knew of Lucian’s tendency to hide in the shadows. They were a cloak for him, helping him to be invisible as he listened into conversations that he had no business getting into. He only hoped to unnerve him. A small, knowing smile curved his lips up gently. “Merely business matters, Monsieur Lucian,” the butler replied, not bothering to hide his rather sharp incisors now that the human guest was gone. “Do you plan on taking over the estate and business after your mother and father pass?”
“That won’t be for a long while yet,” Jewel interjected, standing up slowly into a stretch. Then she paused, with her hands on her hips as she turned to her son. “We were talking about opening a dispensary, if you must know.”
Thea’s laugh was sudden, bursting out of her, a cannonball of sound. “A dispensary?”
“Marijuana has good health benefits!”
“How long ago did you figure that out?” Thea asked, eyebrow raised as she stood up and pushed her chair in.
“A while back. I’m gettin’ with the times.” Jewel waved Thea off as she walked away, shaking her head. “Sheesh, can’t an old dog learn new tricks?”
*
The air lay thick on Ludin’s skin like a wet wool blanket, the swampy stench that permeated his nose reminding him of better yesterdays. Sweat beaded his brow, making him wish for the winters of Norway. He was dressed in cool clothes: a simple V-neck and a pair of khaki shorts that were loose enough to not be stifling (even the nights were hot here). From a stranger’s point of view, maybe even a local, he would look like a tourist. Definitely someone who didn’t belong. But he walked with the confidence of a familiar. He remembered every twist of the highway, every turn of the streets. The bayou called out to him like an old friend. The smile on his face made him more approachable, which was what he needed. When he left here, he did so without notice, not even so much as a puff of smoke. Rumor went around that he was dead, torn to shreds by his usurper.
Which was so disrespectful that he laughed at the gossipers' audacity. Of course, his arrival squashed those nasty words like ants under his shit-kickers. News spread with the intensity of wildfire, engulfing a good portion of the southeast. Good. Let them know that Panos, Alpha of the Hollow Pack has come back from the dead, ready to take back what had been his in the first place.
He did this for her. Colette. Harley. His mate. His beloved. He wasn’t sure how, but she had come back to him. He hated the circumstances, in which Jewel had taken her in as a child after falling in love with her father of this lifetime. Still, she was here. And he wouldn’t let her slip away from him again.
That was why he was here, knocking on the door of someone who was long thought to be dead as well.
“I’m coming, I’m coming!” called out a cranky old voice, followed by the telltale creak of a wooden chair. Ludin took that time to whip out his phone and send Hallie a text: “good morning. :-)”
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Post by Ventia on May 11, 2021 22:12:39 GMT -5
It was Jasper’s touch that gave Jade the strength to push away the depressing and negative thoughts that tried to eat at her whenever Jade thought of her parents. At seeing her boyfriend’s and best friend’s amazing family in action. Jade clutched at the feeling of his hand coaxing her body to relax as if it were a lifeline. And it was. Smiling now, putting all those thoughts back in its cage, Jade practically skipped away with Jasper, coming to a halt and twirling around at his voice.
“Okay!” Jade drew closer, pressing her free hand against Jasper’s chest and feeling his rapid heartbeat. Smiling up into his beautiful eyes, her own sparkling at the mention of horses.
“You guys have horses too?” Jade couldn’t remember if Hallie had told her before and the idea of seeing one up close made Jade tremble with excitement. She rolled her eyes playfully at Jasper, finally feeling at ease now that it was just the two of them alone.
“There’s only a few things im scared of Jasper Constantine and horses are definitely not one of them.” Jade took a minute to press herself snugly against his chest, wrapping her free arm around his waist and squeezing his hand Jade still held.
Very softly, Jade began to whisper. “I’m afraid of losing you...” and wasn’t that the god awful truth? And it would happen to. One day Jade would disappear and that day was fast approaching. She hoped that by moving across the country that it would be harder to find her but felt that hope dying out as soon as Jade thought it. Maybe she was selfish for doing this to them. But Jade just wanted to enjoy every last second she had with the family and more importantly with Jasper.
Jade pulled back, her eyes shining with unshed tears and smiled up at Jasper. Mentally yelling at herself to get it together. She didn’t want Jasper or anyone worrying over the likes of her. “Horses?” She asked louder, pushing open the door and standing on her tippy toes to land a quick kiss against Jasper’s jaw. She pulled him out into the sunshine, her worries leaving her once again, content to just enjoy herself while she could.
-
Lucian chewed on a piece of sausage now, feeling a little unnerve at how Archard was staring at him but not so much. Lucian had been seeing that immortal stare since he was a kid and had the time to get over how scary the man could be when he wanted to. Still, it made Lucian shift somewhat in his seat, only to smile with relief once the man had stopped. Only to groan exaggeratedly at his words.
“Lords no!” Lucian wasn’t the ‘take over the family business’ type of son and even the thought of it didn’t settle right in his stomach. Neither did the thought of his parents passing. Lucian knew that there would come a time where that very thing happened but hoped that because they were all shifters, that it wouldn’t come anytime soon. Not for a few hundreds of years, which he knew very well that shifters could live up to as long as they didn’t lose their mind by then.
“A dispensary huh?” Lucian grinned, thinking of that one time his father had caught him smoking out in the fields. Only to join him instead of berating him. “Damn Mom, look at you!” Lucian grinned at her, happy that she had stated that she wouldn’t be dying anytime soon. Good. Lucian grinned at Thea’s laughter, the humor being contagious and only added in his own laughter at his mother’s old dog remarks.
Looking at his father with a shake of his head. “Looks like you finally convinced her.”
Nathaniel rolled his eyes, staring at Jewel’s departing form and feeling the urge to go after her. “No that’s your mother for you, always throwing surprises. Lucian...” Nathaniel brought his stare back to his son and sighed, rubbing at his throat. At the death wound that had claimed his life all those years ago. Nathaniel still hadn’t figure out who had done it. He sighed again. So many enemies. So little protection. In a blink of a eye, everything could change for the worse.
“Yeah Dad?” Lucian’s voice grew serious too, not liking the look on his fathers face.
“You need to watch over them.” Nathaniel breathed, jumping down from the table and glancing around. Jewel was coming back, seeing Thea off for a moment, and making her way back to him. Nathaniel smiled at her and turned back to his son.
“Who? Hallie? Dimitri?” Lucian asked, feeling the urgency behind his father’s words.
“I don’t know.” Nathaniel said truthfully and felt like he needed to bring more of his family in. His brothers and sister. Maybe even his firstborn-if Jackson would even bother to answer Nathaniel’s calls. “But something is about to happen. I can feel it. Whatever it is, it’s circling around our family intent on causing damage.” Nathaniel slapped his hand on Lucian’s shoulder and squeezed him, before rustling his hair. “Just keep a eye out would you? Now bugger off, we need to finish our discussion.” Nathaniel waited till his boy went off and then turned to face Jewel.
He sighed, walking over to her and grasping her hands. Bringing them both up to his lips and staring into her eyes. Into the shadows that hid within those depths. Nathaniel turned to Archard, finally alone again just the three of them and nodded. “Continue please.” Nathaniel moved behind Jewel and pulled her into his embrace, nuzzling his face into the crook of her neck and staying there, breathing in her scent to center himself and waiting for Archard to finish filling them in. His worries filling up his mind.
-
Harley finally reached her room, jumping on the bed and grabbing at her iPhone, looking to see if she had any messages. There was nothing but then a split second later, one popped up on her screen showing the contact name of ‘Ludin’ with a heart next to his name. Harley instantly grinned, eyes greedily reading the good morning message and giggling at the very old fashioned smiley face. Harley had kept trying to teach Ludin how to use the emojis but it never seemed to stick. But Harley didn’t care whatsoever, actually finding Ludin’s way of texting very endearing and sweet.
Her fingers began to roll over the screen, adding lots of hearts and smiley faces and the twinkling stars emojis. Good morning handsome!! 🥰🥰 I miss you so much, I really wish you were here 😔💕 but that’s okay, I know you’re busy. How’s everything on your end? ✨ Dad’s pretty wound up, thinks there’s trouble on the way. Don’t worry, I’ll stay safe. Call me later? 💕 have a good day!
Harley stared at the message and pressed send, staring at the screen for a few more moments, scrolling up and rereading some old ones before signing and locking her phone. Once again feeling like it wasn’t fair that she was so far away from Ludin. It felt like Harley hadn’t seen him in months. It was slowly eating her up inside. Harley felt the threat of tears coming and slapped at her face, forcing the desperate emotions to leave her. It was fine, Harley told herself, yes she missed him, but soon they would be together again. All Harley had to do was wait. And dress. Harley let out a breath and scrambled off the bed, going to her closest and seeing what she would wear for the rest of the day.
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Post by Thea on May 20, 2021 16:32:22 GMT -5
Jade’s hand on his chest sent warmth blossoming into his heart, and if anything made his heart skip a beat or two. Looking down at her, he was overcome with the reminder that she was so much smaller than he was. His hand, which had wrapped around hers instinctually, was twice the size. Some days, he worried that he would hurt her unintentionally. Right now? He thought of the old adage: “Good things come in small packages.” It fit his mate to a T. “Well, there’s only one horse on the property. She belongs to our head of security, Maddox.”
His eyebrows furrowed, showing a bit of his worry he had felt earlier. Everyone had fears, yes. Thea had a fear of heights, for example. Hallie, spiders. He himself wasn’t comfortable with the idea of drowning. But when Jade said that she only had a few fears, something in his gut told him that she wasn’t just talking about phobias. He wanted to know what she meant, but didn’t want to pry. Jasper was not the type of man to push boundaries. If Jade wanted to tell him those fears, he’ll be waiting. And she knew - at least, she should know - that she could come to him for anything. If she wanted the moon, he would do his damndest to get it for her. With that thought process, his expression relaxed into a sheepish grin as that hand that held hers to his chest came up to cup the back of her head. “I ask because Beauty can be intimidating. She’s a clydesdale, easily 18 hands tall.”
At first, he wasn’t sure if he heard her correctly. His hearing was perfect for a shifter, but the words that ushered out of Jade’s mouth left him with a sense of foreboding that hovered over his shoulder. He almost didn’t want to acknowledge it, especially with how his parents have been acting lately - as if a boogeyman was going to jump out of a fairytale and eat them all. But he was raised better. His fingers trailed down her back, rubbing a soothing pattern into it similar to how he did back at the table. “You won’t,” he promised softly, yet with so much conviction that he hoped left Jade with confidence and comfort.
And when he led her out to the back, where the happenings of cultivation went on, he felt a sense of pride on top of his other feelings. This was where the magic happened. The herbs and other plants that were used in the products his mother sold worldwide were grown here. Neat rows of labeled vegetation were taken care of by loving hands. As he walked to the small house at the very back corner of the property, his mother’s employees called out to him with a good morning and a wave. Of course, not to be rude, he waved back, but wasn’t much of a conversationalist and left his return greetings at that. “Maddox also has three dogs, a wild cat, and a bird of prey. They uh … they help with his job.”
It took a bit to get to the back of the property, where Maddox resided. However, Jasper wasn’t winded. He knocked firmly three times on the door, smiling down at Jade as he heard Maddox finishing getting ready for the day. “I’ll be right out,” the Englishman called out, sleep still heavy in his voice, yet loud enough to be heard over the barks of his hounds. And he was, opening the door wide to let Orville, Jazz, and Cerberus out before he stepped into the sun. “Mornin’, Jas.” He smiled in greeting, before his eyes shifted to Jade. “This your girl?”
“Yeah,” Jasper responded, noddin once. “This is Jade Chen. Babe, this is Maddox, our head of security.”
“The only security,” Maddox corrected with a laugh, holding his hand out for Jade to shake if she wanted. While the exchange went on, all three of dogs sat in a line right beside him, Jazz and Cerberus shaking in their excitement to see a new face. “Pleasure to meet you.”
After a few moments, Jasper cleared his throat. “I was actually wondering if we could get Beauty ready for you before you went on patrol.”
Maddox put his hands on his hips and rocked back on his heels, sucking on his teeth for a moment. “Normally, I would say no. But if you want, you can today. That way I can finish my tea.”
“Sweet! Thanks, man.”
“Just be careful.”
Right next to the small house that Maddox inhabited was a stable. When the couple went inside, a large head poked out from behind a gate. “Good morning, Beauty.” Jasper brought Jade closer, guiding her hand to the equine’s velvet nose. To Jade, he murmured quietly, “She’s a gentle giant, even tempered and all that. But she forgets her size sometimes; when she spooks, it can be dangerous.”
***
The first thing that Ludin noticed was all of the emojis. Much like Harley finding it endearing and sweet with his old fashioned texting, he found it adorable when her messages were colorful. He read it once, a smile cracking his hardened expression before he read it again -
And processed the portion where she said that Nathaniel felt that there was trouble.
He knew the exact moment that his eyes changed their color from ice blue to deep red. He turned a bit to the side as his thumb sought the necessary actions to call her. The archdemon knew that he should have gone with them to France. Not even mentioning trying to keep their relationship a secret, he was confident that nothing would happen as she had taken this trip multiple times before. He let past experiences guide his decision process. That was mistake number one.
The door opened as soon as he hit “call”, the crankiness and the beginnings of a chewing out stopping dead as soon as the man set eyes on Ludin. If he wasn’t preoccupied at the moment, he would have gathered Landry into a hug. But he was, and he heard Landry gasp. “Panos?”
“Hold on,” Ludin barked, holding a hand up.
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Post by Ventia on May 22, 2021 20:37:34 GMT -5
Jade always felt happy with Jasper, he made her feel secure and full. Washed away all Jade’s fears that came calling whenever she was away from him, allowing Jade to truly feel happy and not worrying over her sad upcoming fate. She giggled at his words, squeezing his hand and keeping close to his body warmth like the only anchor she had in life. Well besides from Hallie. “I used to be intimidated with all of you. I think I’ll be okay now.” She didn’t know what sixteen hands meant but all the Constantine’s were tall and wide, overly massive compared to herself.
It had taken Jade a bit to get over that fact but she had like she said. Had four years together with them and after the first, Jade stopped feeling that overwhelming anxiety over how big they all were, instead coming to love each and every one of them for their own strong personalities, even picking up a few traits here and there.
His gentle touches soothed her hidden worries and at the same time ached at her heart. Jade had the strangest urge to stop Jasper and tell him everything, her family background, her role in that family, her undeniable fate that would rip her from his hands...wanted to beg Jasper to never let her go, to fight for her, to save her...but Jade couldn’t. Feeling that prickle of tears threatening to fall once again and calling on all her willpower to stop them. Instead giving Jasper one of her brightest smiles and holding on to his sweet proclamation that she wouldn’t lose him. Hoping without hope that it’ll hold true. Even when Jade knew better. Jasper was just a man. A strong one. One who had such a long future ahead of him that wouldn’t involve her.
Jade knew she shouldn’t have agreed to go out with him, to be his girlfriend, it was why it took so long for them to finally get together. Jade would try to avoid being alone with Jasper which with Hallie as her best friend was sort of hard. In the end, Jade had fallen head over heels for Jasper, quick too. She tried to stay away, to just be friends, knowing that being with him would only cause pain but Jade wanted him so badly that when he finally asked her out, Jade couldn’t possibly say no. Why should she deny herself him? At a chance for real love. At a few days, months, years of that love before she had to go away.
She watched as everyone smiled at Jasper, waving at him and wishing him well. Staring at the man by her side with prideful eyes, seeing his worth and potential and by God, the love she had for him. She smiled at his words, at the happy and cheerful way he spoke about the animals and the prideful way he watched over the estate. Jade suddenly felt a bitter jealousy at imagining someone else by his side, at seeing Jasper in all his glory and having him all to herself. Jade’s fingers clenched Jasper’s harder, once again feeling desperate about losing him.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t even notice they’d arrive until Jasper knocked loudly. Jade blinked, getting out of her thoughts and smiling back up at Jasper, leaning her head against him and waiting for the door to open. Smiling at the trained dogs who waited with happy looks side by side.
Jade blushed at hearing the girlfriend remark and turned her smile to the security man. “Nice to meet you.” She said a little softer, feeling a little shy at the new face. But reaching out to shake his hand even though it sadly meant she had to let go of Jasper’s hand for a second. After a quick shake, Jade quickly took Jasper’s hand back, his warmth and size settling her nerves.
Jade waited silently as they talked, trying to not show the relief she felt once they were finally on their way to the stables. Jade might have warmed up to the Constantine’s but she was still very submissive and reserved with strangers. Even though she knew Maddox was a good fellow if the Constantine’s approved. It’ll just take Jade some time.
She breathed out softly at the sight of the horse, of Beauty, and what a beauty she was. “She’s beautiful...” Jade whispered, feeling a little bit of anxiety come up when Jasper tugged her hand close to the large beauty but not enough to really make her afraid of the horse. Jade tentatively stopped Jasper’s movement, about two inches from the horses nose, letting the girl smell Jade’s scent for a minute before reaching forward and softly brushing her fingers against Beauty’s nose. Nodding at Jasper at his warning words and humming softly to the horse, stroking upwards and feeling the smooth velvety skin.
By this time, Jade was smiling widely, completely in the moment. “Now what?” She breathed softly, not wanting to make any rash movements that could scare the girl.
—
Harley was in the middle of putting on a bra when her phone rang. She quickly clipped it and rushed back to her bed, glancing at herself in the long view mirror, dressed in tight jeans and her black bra and her boots. Her tattoos on clear display and her breasts piling out from her bra. Harley grabbed her phone, saw it was Ludin, and grinned while answering, plopping back down on the bed.
“Hey you!” Harley heard his grumpy ‘hold on’ and grinned knowing why he was upset. “Let me guess, you’re worried cuz Dad is worried? I told you not to worry!” Harley rushed out, craving to hear more of his voice, her fingers unknowingly brushing along her chest, playing with the necklace she wore that belonged to the grumpy man on the phone. His necklace. She smiled, wishing he was here.
“Am I interrupting something? I miss you...”
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Post by Thea on Jun 11, 2021 13:57:24 GMT -5
Everything about Jade was nothing short of divine for Jasper.
But seeing her smile at the equine? It took the man’s breath away. It hurt him in such a beautiful way. He felt his heart skip a beat. He had to clear his throat before responding: “We get her ready.”
For the next ten minutes, he showed her how to get Beauty’s tack on. First came the saddle blanket, followed by the English-style saddle and the bit and bridle. For most of it, Jade would have had to stand on an empty feed bucket that Jasper found; when they were finished, they brought Beauty out of the stable just in time for Maddox to approach it.
“Thanks, mate,” Maddox said with a smile, then turned to Jade and nodded once at her. “Jade.” He looked noticeably less tired. Jasper was glad that he and Jade gave him the extra time to wake up. He wondered if he spent all night talking to Evanna.
“No problem, man.” They shook hands, and Maddox headed off.
Jasper watched him for a minute before turning to Jade. As the sun climbed higher into the sky, he took notice of how the light from it played in Jade’s hair, bringing out hues of blue, purple, and green from her otherwise jet locks. Awe filled his gaze, stomach dropping away. He couldn’t believe that he Imprinted on her. He sent a thank you to whoever brought them together. He wasn’t sure how he had gotten so lucky. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured softly, reaching out to cup her cheek. If she let him, he would bend his head down to kiss her, bringing his other arm around her shoulders to bring her closer to him.
***
“I miss you too,” were the first words that came out of his mouth, voice softening. From behind him, he could feel Landry’s stare boring into his back. He knew that the shifter would have some questions for his old Alpha, and this would be one of them. “But you telling me not to worry is pointless. I will take the next flight to France if I need to.”
“Come inside, Panos,” he heard Landry say with hesitance in his voice. “I got stew in da pot.” At the invitation, he turned to walk inside. When he glanced at his host, he knew that his eyes had gone from the bright blue to a bloodred color. Landry had gone pale, and wouldn’t look the archdemon in the eye.
“I was the one to call you,” Ludin said after a moment, answering her question of whether or not she was interrupting something. “I hope I’m not interrupting you.”
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Post by Ventia on Jun 18, 2021 14:13:24 GMT -5
Jade didn’t want their time in the stables to stop, it was just them in their own little world, with Jasper teaching her all the do’s and the dont’s when it came to handling such a fine animal. She half laughed and half scoffed at the bucket, grabbing on to Jasper’s arm as she tentatively tested her weight on the surface, dreading the thought of falling and making a fool of herself in front of Jasper. It took a minute before Jade felt comfortable enough to let go of Jasper’s arm, though if she was being honest, she had held on to him longer than need be just to feel the hard cords of muscle that he kept so humbly hidden.
She liked Jasper’s quiet humbleness, the way he didn’t try to flaunt everything that he had like the other boys his age. Or like a certain brother of his did. It made Jasper that much more attractive, because boy did Jasper have a lot going for him. And yet he kept it tone down, as if he had been reserving it all just for Jade. Jade remembered that one time she had asked Hallie if Jasper had any other girls in his life before her, unable to keep the question off her lips after months of obsessing over him. Hallie had just laughed, ‘Jasper?’ She asked as if it had been the funniest thing ever and continued to tell her best friend everything, highlighting the big lack of such a person. Knowing that there had been no one, not even just a regular friend that was a girl-not until Jade herself-well it made Jade that much more greedier, she had been trying to hide how much it pleased her to know that she was the first-even wanting to be his last as well.
Jade shivered, watching Jasper walk Beauty out of the stall, he moved so silently, his shoulders so broad and thick, the lines stretching over his back, powerful legs that looked as graceful as the black clydesdale next to him, striding forward in long strides, she skipped over, catching sight of his smile stretching across his face, his eyes dancing with the morning light, the tattoo peeking at her, curving along the lean cords of muscle and expanse of veins-Jade licked her lips, feeling a sudden need throbbing within her; the first time it had happened, Jade had been embarrassed and had to excuse herself to the bathroom, where she ended up fanning herself, splashing cold water against her heated face, and willing her speedy pulse and heartbeat to cease. While also shamming herself for thinking such thoughts but as the days went on by, as the year went on by, Jade found herself falling into those thoughts again and again, and wondering why she should wait.
If she couldn’t be Jasper’s last, Jade would soak it all up with being his first, she wanted him to be her first in everything. Everything. Now time was running out and Jade was beginning to feel restless, wanting-no needing Jasper to be her first. Even if that went against everything her parents taught her-demanded of her. Jade didn’t care anymore. She didn’t want to give herself to anyone but Jasper, curse and tradition could damn her for all Jade cared.
She nodded at Maddox, gave him a smile, and watched the pair of them go, her eyes straying towards the black beauty, before finally letting her gaze run back to Jasper’s. Pleased and blushing at his eyes already fixated on her. She could feel her heart beating too loudly in her ears, her body tingling with warmth and heat and the need to be touched. As if reading her mind, Jasper’s fingers reached out to cup her cheek and Jade sighed into his warm touch, biting her lip and blushing harder at his words, one of her hands reaching out to grab at the front of his shirt, holding on to him and pulling him closer all in one, while she found herself dazed looking up into his beautiful eyes.
Jade couldn’t help the soft moan that escaped her lips when Jasper kissed her, loving the warm smothering way he hugged her, wishing she could stay forevermore safe in his arms. Jade parted her lips slightly, needing to taste him, her small tongue darting out to rub across his lower lip, her other hand coming up to clutch at his forearm, wanting to feel more of him. Making a soft pleading sound at the back of her throat that she would so deny if he brought it up later.
-
Harley instantly smiled at Ludin’s words, closing her eyes to savor his voice even as her fingers still played restlessly with his necklace. She should have felt better-well she did feel a little better-but hearing Ludin’s voice also made it that much more difficult. Made Harley miss him all the more, being able to hear him? It was something yes but wasn’t enough. Harley craved to see him, to smell him, to have him impossibly bigger than her and towering and taking too much space, and feeling his insane heat and the solid strength of his body, she missed his taste and his caresses, his kisses-
Harley swallowed hard, the second voice filtering in to the phone putting a halt to those extra steamy thoughts and making Harley refocus on the present. On Ludin’s voice, because it was such a glorious thing to be hearing. She hadn’t talked to him in over a day now, since they boarded the jet. She would be content for now with what she got. “Exactly! That’s if you need to but you don’t need to love. If the need arises, I’ll tell ya. Then you can hurry on to me. But for now, you’re good hun.” Harley smiled softly to herself, wishing she could tell him to come anyway, wishing she could pour out her needy want of having him by her side. But Ludin was a busy man to say the least, he had already sacrificed so much for being with Harley, it was only right for her to be patient and understanding. Even if it wasn’t necessary a strong suit of hers.
She made a humming noise, glancing back to the full length mirror at the image of herself sitting on her bed. The tops of her breasts still exposed and pilling over in her bra, the soft curve of her belly with the hints of her ink dancing over her white skin. She wanted to say something, wanted to tease him, but there was someone else with him, who could very well hear everything she was saying. Harley huffed, her hand caressing the tops of her breasts, wishing it was Ludin’s fingers instead.
“Nothing, just dressing for the day.” Harley tried not to let her disappointment show in her voice, “Missing you in more ways than just one.” She bit her lip, quit the almost fondling of her chest and found herself on the edge of her bed listening to the rough sound of Ludin’s breathing. Feeling way too turned on by it, almost as if he were getting angry. “What’s wrong?” Harley asked softly, unable to hide the sultry sigh her voice had decided to shift into.
“You sound a little breathy...” Harley knew she did, amongst other things.
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Post by Thea on Jul 12, 2021 19:57:37 GMT -5
Her moan did something to him.
Well, it wasn’t a foreign feeling. During their time together, he’s been acquainted with the feeling of want. Of desire. No, there was no one besides Jade. No female friend. No crush. Not even a celebrity that he had the hots for. For all the teasing Hallie and Lucian did, it made him worry if there was something wrong with him. And not to sound gushy like his cousin Penny would say, but he knew that he and his animal counterpart were just waiting for their mate.
It wasn’t uncommon that a shifter would find their mate in a human, his mother explained, even though with that came unique situations. Jasper knew this, with how far his relationship with Jade has gone. Jade’s culture and her upbringing were major components in his decisions regarding her. He never pushed her into something she wasn’t comfortable with. Even if his bird raged within him to take what was rightfully his, he refrained. Jade came first.
But damn it if he didn’t want to rip her clothes off and take her now.
His breathing hitched, mouth parting in second nature when he felt her tongue trace his bottom lip. His own came out then, meeting her with an enthusiasm that startled even him. When his body remembered that he needed to breathe, that first breath left him in a low groan that conveyed his need almost better than his hips that pressed against her soft stomach did. His hand moved to cup the back of her head, tilting it back so that he can better explore her mouth.
While he’s never had sex before, wanting Jade to be his first - no, his only, he wouldn’t really call himself a noob. He’s had the talk with his father. Seen various … instructional videos. Done everything that he could think of to make sure Jade, who would also experience her first time with him, would have a positive experience. He imagined how it would happen over and over, always having her pleasure in the forefront of his mind. Romance - white candles, satin sheets, rose petals - was also integral in his fantasy. But now, as they tasted each other, as he hoisted her up by her slender hips to be eye-to-eye with her, carnal desire warred with the need to be a gentleman in his gut. He forced himself away, opening his eyes to reveal the Constantine yellow in his irises.
“I need you,” he all but growled, but with each guttural syllable rang with the truth of his words. Jasper Constantine needed Jade Chen, not just now, but every moment of every day.
***
Ludin hadn’t realized that his breathing was choppy, so when his mate pointed it out he was taken aback. “What?” he asked, and it wasn’t only until then that his environment came out from the background of his mind. His question came out rough, filled with a heated want. Then it hit him that he was also very much not alone. He masked his frustration with a small laugh. “Nothing is wrong, my love.”
Gods, he wished he was alone right now. He was hard, just imagining her sitting on the bed, half-dressed and needing him as much as he needed her. He could hear her own breath through the phone, as shallow and bated as his had been moments prior. He couldn’t help the feeling of satisfaction knowing that he had just as much of an effect on her now as he had in her previous life. This, to him, was all the more proof that she had been his in her previous life. “Just wishing I was there with you. Taking care of you.” Pleasuring you, he thought, wishing that he had cemented the mate bond and opening up a telepathic link so that he could very much pleasure in the way he wanted to.
But he couldn’t; he wasn’t the type of wolf to worry about the things he couldn’t change - at least, right now - so he didn’t. He just made the mental note to fix the issue the next time they were together. “I have to go, Harley,” he continued on a sigh, making no move to cover his desire from Landry as he put his free hand on his hip. “I will call you tonight, your time, all right? That way, you can tell me all about your day. Make sure you wear your pendant.” That was the necklace that had been hers in her past life, gifted to him that he had worn since her death. The pendant, a wire-wrapped calcified wooden chip with the Algiz rune etched into it, was to serve as protection while he was away from her. But the Algiz rune wasn’t just a protection rune. It was divine in nature, the rune reminiscent of the upper branches of Yggdrasil and conveying the might of the universe.
To him, it was so fitting for her to wear it. Because she was his universe. “I love you. Always.”
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