Chapter 5 Day of the Full Moon Festival 

I opened my crusty eyes to see the sun shining through the lace curtains, wondering where I was.

"Oh right, I don't have a family and I'm at Jaxon's and Noah's," I muttered, tossing the throw from myself. I stretched and yawned before going to the connected bathroom to do my business and wash my face. Looking at my red eyes I exhaled.

"I look like crap," I growled bitterly and Eva chortled within my subconscious. Feeling unworthy of life in general I headed downstairs to the kitchen. Jaxon was up and bright-eyed. I growled low at his chipperness.

"Oh dear, did the princess rise from the bitch side of the bed this morning?" He questioned with a raised brow.

"I'm just hungry. Does your mate, Noah, store blood?" Jaxon chuckled and showed me his wrist.

"He takes it directly from the source, sweetie," he winked and I dropped into the chair at the kitchen table.

"Oh stop your moping, Nia. Mister hot lips dropped off several bags of blood and some of your things earlier this morning…I hope this isn't suggesting your permanent residence here. It would ruin Noah and mine's sexy time," he mumbled candidly. I grinned slightly and got up to check the refrigerator and saw five blood bags. 

"Galen truly cares about your well-being and was just as shocked about Selene's demand for you two to become a mated pair," he added while taking a sip of his coffee. I bit the bag and sighed deeply. 

"Would he be all that bad? He's a very handsome, strong male specimen who will most likely serve on the moon Goddess's council," he added and I side-eyed him with a furrowed brow. Pulling the empty bag from my mouth I snorted.

"You just want me away from you and Noah. Trust me, Jaxon, I want no part of you and Noah's sexy time," I mumbled and he chuckled. I tossed the empty bag into the recycling bin and asked where the things were that Galen brought over. Jaxon pointed into the living room and I saw my suitcase. I opened it seeing some of my clothing neatly folded within and also an envelope with my name written on it. The scent of cashmere wafted off the stationery to my nose and I grinned slightly. Was Galen the source of that wondrous scent? I curled my lip and decided that it was impossible since I had only ever smelled it in the presence of Lucian. I shifted my hand to my Lycan to use my claw to rip open the letter and began to read the words Galen penned.

"Dear Nia, please find it in your heart to forgive me for my advance on your person. Although our kiss was delightful and our first it was inappropriate of me to force myself upon you. I hope to see you at the festival and perhaps share a dance. Much love, your best friend, Galen." I held it to my chest and exhaled deeply. 

"Hey, Jaxon…can you borrow a dress from a friend for me to wear to the festival tonight?" I yelled out. Jaxon glanced at me, scratched his head, and told me he could try. I gave him a smile and a thumbs-up.

"I'd be more inclined if you allowed me to put makeup on your face," he said, wiggling his eyebrows. I glanced at him and shrugged.

"Alright just don't make me look like a harlot,'' I growled and he pffted at me while rolling his eyes.

"Spare me, child. You'll be gorgeous," he said firmly and I shook my head at him heading out his front door and yelling that he'd return in a jiffy. I leaned back against the couch and glanced around his and Noah's open concept home. It was decorated nicely and I noticed the photos of the pair in a collection of frames on a corner shelf. I headed over and lifted one of them together in an embrace. I heard a grunt from behind me and turned to see Noah Brinx standing there with his arms crossed.

"Why are you in my home and my mate is not?" He questioned sourly.

"Jaxon went to find me appropriate attire for the celebration tonight, you weren't expected back so early," I mumbled softly with a nervous swallow. Noah was part demon and that creeped me out more than the bloodsuckers. I watched the man run his fingers through his hair and frown.

"I came to toss my mate's salad, damn. So much for getting a quicky," he growled in irritation.

"I'm sorry, I'm sure you both can enjoy some tossed salad later," I replied, making him chuckle.

"Oh dear, Nia, you are so innocent," he laughed and slapped his upper thigh in mirth. I raised my brow at him and he calmed his merriment.

"Tossing a salad means l wished to french kiss my mate's starfish," he growled low and my eyes widened.

"Oh, oh my…that must be what Jaxon meant by your sexy times. You do you boo," I mumbled softly and Noah nodded and headed to his refrigerator. He saw the blood bags and looked back at me, with a raised eyebrow.

"I can explain that, I needed a place to crash for a few days. The Goddess wants Galen and I to wed and he also kissed me. Turns out I am also a vampire princess and not related to any of my fathers," I closed my mouth abruptly as Noah leaned against the refrigerator door.

"Geezus…so you don't want Galen even though he loves you and is a sexy fucker? Are those my clothes?" He asked curiously and I huffed and shrugged.

"He's not my mate and yeah, Jaxon let me wear them," I said firmly and Noah nodded. The front door opened and Jaxon stumbled in with his arms full of several gowns. He dropped them all the moment his eyes landed on his mate. Their love was strong as was their bond. I turned when they embraced and started kissing each other. I peeked at them and they weren't separating and Noah's shirt was flung off.

"I'm going to take a stroll around the village. I will stop back in an hour," I shouted and heard a growl of two.

"Two hours, then," I replied quickly and rushed out of the house. I strolled through the village where the festivities were to be held and glanced around at the colorful streamers and decorations. I heard my full name being called out and turned to see Lucian standing there waving his hand at me.

"I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find you but imagine my surprise to see you walking right in my direct path," he said softly with a grin. I was staring at his amazing shimmering eyes and simply nodded my head.

"I hope you are staying for the celebration. It is very entertaining," I said in a kind tone. Lucian stepped closer and I didn't smell cashmere or musk. The rich scent of cedar and rich dark earth filled my nose and reminded me of running my fingers through the earth when planting the crops. It was a comforting scent that had me searching deeper within Lucian's eyes for solace.

"Introduce me to your lovely acquaintance, Lucian," another man's voice said, cutting through my quest. 

"Nia Grayson, I'd like to introduce you to Alek Vyronov, my associate," Lucian said kindly.

I gazed at Alek and offered my hand to the shorter gentleman.

"Pleasure to meet you, sir," I replied modestly and he shook my offered hand. Lucian stepped before me once again and lifted my hand.

"Please accompany me to enjoy a beverage?" He asked with a push of compulsion and my brow furrowed.

"Stop using compulsion on me. I find it rude and rather appalling," I growled sternly and he chuckled heartily.

"You are a delightful young lady, Nia. I mean no disrespect, I often can't help myself," he explained with sincerity. I eyed him in disbelief.

"If you are as powerful as you say I'm certain that you are quite capable of controlling yourself. I have two hours to spare so I will join you for a drink, then I must head back to where I am staying and prepare for this evening," I replied and he smiled.

"Excellent," he said softly and hooked his arm with mine. We proceeded to an empty table while his associate carried a bottle of what appeared to be wine.

"Isn't it a bit early for wine?" I questioned sourly and he bit his bottom lip.

"Is it? I can't think of a better time," he said deeply with a twinkle in his eyes. My heartbeat started racing in my chest. His mouth neared my ear and Lucian whispered," you shouldn't stare so hard at me, love, or I will steal you away." I shiver crept down to my toes as my mind filled with an erotic scene of him and I mating. Lucian chuckled as he backed away and my eyes narrowed at him.