Deva's eyes fluttered open to the most heart pumping sight. Darius was still asleep with nothing covering his glorious body but the thin white sheets that draped low to his waist. Till this day she still couldn't get over the incredible lust that sparked wild within her every time she got the slightest glimpse of her husband's massively impressive Zesus-like body.

Her hand instinctively went up to push back the stray hairs on his flawless face. Her fingertips traced the soft skin on his cheek bones and she watched as his eyes slowly opened. Blue-gray eyes greeted her and she couldn't help but smile.

Darius took her wondering hand and pulled it to his lips, kissing it ever so gently. "How long have you been awake?"

"Not long," she confessed.

"You should have woken me up." He wasn't always a grouchy morning person but when he was, he'd get stubborn.

"You had a long day yesterday. You needed sleep."

Darius caught her off guard and before she could even blink she felt his hot massive body on top of her. His face was now only an inch away from hers. The citrus mint breath that always intoxicated her now had her numb with desire.

"I needed you."

She laughed through her harsh breaths. "You had me...many times last night, in fact."

Darius flashed her his devilish smirk she loved so much. "Yes I did, didn't I? I'm sorry if I hurt you."

His teasing was always amusing. There was no way on this earth Darius could hurt her...her, a hybrid. And sexually at that. Sometimes she felt it the other way around. She wondered if she was ever too rough on him but then again he wouldn't complain. What guy would complain, she thought to herself.

"No baby, don't be sorry. You know I like it rough," she teased as she leaned in and nibbled at his earlobe. "I was actually worried about you. I thought I saw a tear run down your beautiful cheek when I tackled you on the floor and had my way with you."

He chuckled. "Tears of joy, sweetheart." Darius went in and captured her lips in a deep sinful kiss. "Tears of pleasurable undeniable joy."

"In that case I won't judge you." Deva dug her nails in his back, pulling him closer. Their bodies smothered together so perfectly. But right before either of them could reach any point of satisfaction Deva pulled away and rolled over to get out of bed.

Darius quickly snatched her back, frustrated at her attempt to leave without finishing what she started. "Where do you think you're going sweetheart?"

"To get dressed. It's almost noon. A kingdom can't run without a king or queen."

Darius seductively suckled her neck where he knew left her weak at the knees with need, his way of tempting her.

"It will survive for a few more moments." He lingered on her earlobe. "...Or hours."

Her lips curved. He always knew what to say to get her close to submission. "And what about your son? He's been dying to see you and you know better than I that he'll be bursting through those doors any second."

Darius growled before releasing her. "Tonight I'll have my way with you and you'll be the one shedding tears."

"I honestly can't wait," she spoke as she made her way to her largely filled closest. It was bigger than a studio apartment and she couldn't deny that filling it up with exquisite outfits was the best part of being a queen.

Deva threw on a simple black lace shirt with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans. There was no special occasion this morning. No, the special occasion was tonight. Deva groaned at the memory. Tonight there would be another ball. It was a ball to welcome Prince Alexander to their kingdom and let everyone see that they accept him as a future King for the other kingdom.

It was an important event and every royal was expected to show.

Deva walked out of her closet to the sound of her son's laughter. It was a small high pitched laughter that was contagious when heard.

Darius flung their son up into the air and caught him effortlessly when he came back down. Alcide hung on tight to his father's neck. "Daddy I missed you."

"I missed you too." Darius' eyes went up at the sound of Deva's approach. "Were you a good boy for momma?"

"The best," he said pulling away and taking hold of his father's face with his tiny hands. "But please don't go away, ever again. Momma made me eat..." He went in close and scrunched up his face. "Green peas."

Darius gave him a horrorstruck face that could fool anyone. "No she didn't."

Alcide nodded with a serious face now. "It was awful."

Deva rolled her eyes. Alcide, like any child, hated anything green or vegetable related. Deva had to force him every dinner to swallow at least something grown from God's green earth. But of course Darius would come in and somehow talk her out of forcing their son to eat something he didn't like. She hated giving in to them.

"Don't start you two. I don't want to hear it. Vegetables are good for you Alcide they help you grow and get strong. How do you plan on getting big without them?"

The little boy turned in his father's arms and stared at his mother. "I don't have to worry about that. I'll be a vampire like daddy when I grow up."

Darius hid his chuckle behind his son's back so Deva couldn't see. He was such a smart boy that it almost annoyed Deva he was so outspoken. He may look exactly like his father but his witty personality was all her fault.

"Oh yes he's your son, no doubt about that." Deva said making her way to the dresser so she could comb her long hair. Darius was just as stubborn when it came to things he didn't agree with. "Soon he'll be barking orders around like the future little King he'll be."

Darius' wide smile was confirmation enough at how proud he was of his son. "Don't worry son. Momma's a little moody cause she slept on the floor last night."

Deva's jaw dropped at his comment. She turned and found Darius' face covered with mischief. "And whose fault is that?"

Darius chuckled and tossed Alcide over his shoulder before getting to the door. "Let's get some breakfast."

Alcide threw up his hand in his upside down position and shouted, "Onward to the table of goodies." Breakfast was his favorite meal.

They went out to the patio were food was already prepared on the table. As they got closer a figure appeared from the garden. A beautiful pale faced girl with long curly blond hair came their way. Alcide jumped out of his father's arms and ran towards the teenage girl like he hadn't seen the girl in ages.

"Rory!" He shouted before she picked him up.

Deva expected Rory to come, along with her brother Luke also, but she was early. The ball didn't start till late that night.

"Rory it's always good to see you," Deva said. She still couldn't get over how big the girl had gotten over the years.

The blonde looked up and flashed her king and queen a smile. "I couldn't wait to see you guys. I wanted to spend some extra time with my favorite little guy in the world."

Aurora was tickling Alcide like crazy but he mustered up enough energy to reply. "That's me."

Aurora laughed. "Yup."

Alcide finally dropped to the floor and sprinted for the garden. "Come on Rory. Let's play tag."

He was out of their sight in no time.

Aurora graciously bowed before moving in the direction Alcide went. "Duty calls."

The girl was gone in a flash, thanks to her vampire perks. Darius pulled out a chair at the table and Deva kindly took it while thanking him. They sat silently eating their breakfast, a normal routine they went through every morning. Deva would look up and Darius would be watching her intensely, making her feel self-conscious.

"What?"

Darius' smile widened at his wifes irritation. "Nothing sweetheart. You're just so beautiful."

He was always so corny. "And you my love have a face women would sin for and men would die to have." Deva leaned over the table and stole a kiss.

"Well then aren't you the lucky one? You get to look at my face all you want." He teased.

"Not just that. I get to see three of your face whenever I want."

Darius rolled his eyes, a habit he caught from her.

It went silent again and all that could be heard was the laughter of Alcide in the distance. Deva swallowed the lump in her throat. She knew this moment was coming and she had avoided it for far too long. Darius was going to be furious either way so might as well get it over with.

"I had a visitor yesterday," she spoke casually.

Darius stopped picking at his food and stared up at her, giving his full attention. "Did you?"

She nodded. This was harder than she thought. "Yes."

He waited for her to continue but when she didn't he asked, "And?"

"It was Adamarius."

His expression went blank then confused. "You're joking?"

She wished she was. "No."

Darius dug his fingers in his hair while getting up from his chair. He couldn't speak but by the look on his face he was pissed. The anger was repelling off him like no other. Darius gripped the chair till his knuckles turned pure white then he lifted it in the air and chucked it.

"How dare you let him in?" Darius was furious as hell. He was getting mad at her. It made no sense.

"Like I could have done anything about it."

Darius' menacing eyes were scaring her. "Where is he now?"

She shamefully dropped her gaze. "Gone."

Deva understood his anger, frustration, and thirst for revenge but she couldn't do it. Darius was out for blood and even after everything Adamarius put them through she just couldn't hand him over. Her husband's declaration for killing the man that tried to ruin their lives was very promising.

After Adamarius escape Darius' rage was driven only by the chance to reach equilibrium from the man who took his father from him. Deva shared her husband's pain but not his act of revenge. She knew more death would not solve their problems.

"You let him stay." Darius fumed his voice as sharp as a sword. "Then you just let him walk right out like he doesn't have a bounty on his head. Oh sweetheart, you might as well have asked him to tea."

She didn't like his mocking attitude. "Oh baby, you know I don't like tea."

"You've chosen the wrong day to cross me." His voice grew louder and louder with each word. "He is a criminal Deva. A dog that needs to be put down."

"Just because our son is human now doesn't mean he doesn't have good hearing. Lower your voice, your majesty."

Darius flashed in front of her and leaned into her chair, their faces only an inch apart. His temper was always a scary quality that reminded her of his father and when he tried to kill her.

"You deliberately went behind my back."

"He showed no threat or harm." There was no way of convincing him of that.

His eyes went grey like they always did when he was on the edge. "You don't know that."

"He wouldn't harm me." And they both knew it was true.

His hand pushed back a few stray hairs from her face, and he took in how beautiful she looked in the sun. "No, he'd just try taking you away from me."

Darius stood up and turned his back on her. He was like a wounded lion just waiting to sharpen his claws.

"He wanted to help."

Darius laughed but there was no humor. "I'm sure he did, but darling you know better than any how persuasive his words can be. Are you sure all you did was talk?"

She knew he didn't mean it but it still hurt. For him to doubt her loyalty to him was like a stab in the gut.

He was never this hurtful especially to her but Adamarius just knew how to drive him to extreme insanity and rage. It scared her sometimes.

"If you have so little faith in your wife then why don't you keep her on a leash?" Deva moved in front of him; her face as ice cold as her voice. "She's just another dog anyway."

She then started walking towards the castle. He wanted to stop her but that meant giving in. She wasn't just another dog. Darius had never thought of her as a dog to begin with. It was always so frustrating when things involved his destructive half-brother.

A part of Deva wanted her husband to run after her and apologize but his pride was too empowering.

Deva walked into one of the sun rooms where she knew a very pregnant Julia was waiting. Marcus was sitting next to his wife who had her feet prompt into his lap, casually.

"You're late Deva," Julia noticed her saddened face and quickly straightened. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing you need to worry about." Deva sat on the other side of her and rubbed Julia's plumped stomach. "How's my niece doing? "

"Oh she's well and awake." Julia situated herself more comfortably. Shes been kicking my liver like a punching bag all morning."

"Yup she's going to be a daddy's girl."

Marcus laughed. "Where's Alcide?"

"With Rory." Deva kissed Julia's cheek before getting up. "Don't be mad but I have to go."

"What? Where?" Julia asked desperately. Ever since getting pregnant Julia had felt left out of everything.

"To see Ofelia. I have to ask her a few things." Deva knew if she had any questions Ofelia would know the answers.

"Oh then you should take Marcus with you. I've been keeping him caged in the house with me." Julia playfully patted her husband's head. "He needs to stretch his legs."

"And that's why I love you so much," Marcus leaned in and sweetly kissed Julia. "Because you only keep me partly whipped."

Deva shook her head at his light humor. "We won't be long."

Julia nodded with a smile.

They walked out together, heading for the garage. The massive garage grew in size since Deva's first arrival. It was now filled with more expensive one of a kind cars, collected by each of the royal family members.

"Which carriage shall we take, love?"

Deva's eyes scanned all the waxed tops of the cars but they always landed on one particular jet black Bugatti.

"Eleanor." Each car had its own name.

Marcus grinned, satisfied with her decision. "I'll drive."

Deva secretly wanted to drive but felt pity for him. He had been cooped up in the castle, the least she could do was let him have a little fun.

Marcus turned a twenty minute drive to five minute commute; taking the back roads did help. The roads were clear of traffic and the skies were glum with promising grey rain clouds. Reaching their destination, it was pouring down rain. The old ancient building still looked the same except for a few renovation Deva funded through the years.

"Your majesty, it's always such a pleasure to see you."

"And you Ofelia. How are you?" The woman aged more than the last time Deva saw her.

"Good, old, and ready for peace."

The vampires and lycans were at peace but it was still hard to combine two creatures that were enemies for so long.

"I need you to tell me about the Relic Moon?" It was time to get down to business.

Ofelia's eyes widened before seating herself on an old wooden bench. Her eyes were clouded with grief and wisdom.

"Who told you of it?"

Marcus raised a brow. "Relic Moon? I missed something important, didn't I?"

"The Relic Moon happens every 72 years. It is when the moon turns to a dark royal purple and all lycans are forced into hiding, Ofelia explained.

"Why are they forced into hiding?" Marcus was intrigued.

"Long ago there was a witch by the name of Malika. She was one of the first of her kind. It was said that Malika fell in love with a lycan. But their love didn't last long. The lycan betrayed her. She eventually discovered he had feeling for a vampire. And in Malika's anger she cast a spell on the man she loved and every one of his kind."

Deva took a deep breath. It was a lot of information to take in. "What kind of spell?"

"When the moon turns purple all lycans develop an uncontrollable thirst for vampire blood."

"She cursed them to kill vampires even if they don't want to." Marcus didn't see the logic in it.

"He was forced to kill her. Malika wanted the lycan to kill his vampire lover...himself." Deva quickly put together.

Ofelia nodded. "That is why for centuries we hide ourselves underground chaining ourselves, so that we won't harm anyone."

"But why 72 years? Such a random number." Marcus asked curiously.

"That's how long Malika and the lycan were together."

"Uh huh." Marcus sat down, making himself comfortable while going over their conversation. "And here I though the moon turned purple for the heck of it. Freaking mythical land with all its strange wondrous curses."

"Why didn't you tell me about this before?" After taking the throne Deva made it her duty to know everything about lycans.

"I'm sorry my queen. I did not think it would or could affect you in any way since you are half vampire. Forgive me."

Could it affect her? Adamarius made it sound like it could. She didn't want to panic but fear was inevitable.

But now was not the time. The ball was tonight and she knew they had to get back soon.

"We'll talk more of this later."

Ofelia nodded obliging.

Marcus was up and already holding the door for Deva to leave. Once in the car Marcus had to ask, "Does Darius know anything about the Relic Moon?"

She shook her head. "No I didn't get that far into the conversation."

His eyes were on the road. "What do you mean?"

"Adamarius was the one who warned me about it. Once Darius heard his name uttered from my lips he blew up."

Marcus nodded knowing completely well what she was talking about.

"I don't want anyone to know about this. Not yet."

"As you wish, my queen."

Deva didn't want to believe it had spiraled to this. A curse. That was the last thing she needed in her life.

But she had to toss it all to the side for now and focused on the ball. Every person of importance was supposed to be there. No matter how used to it she got she still hated the whole ordeal.

The snug fitting, one of a kind silk grown looked flawless on her, but most expensive things did. Just as she was fastening a necklace around her neck she heard the sweetest of voices.

"Momma?"

"Yes, my little prince?"

She heard his tiny footsteps move closer. "Momma you look the prettiest...like ever."

His exaggeration was adorable and flattery was also a good trait he inherited from his father.

"Not as good looking as you." Alcide was wearing a long red cape over his superman pajamas. It was supposed to help ward off the bad dreams.

She got on her knees to his level. "You're handsomer than your father."

He giggled. "I know. Aunt Julia tells me that all the time."

Deva laughed. "Of course she would."

Then all too quickly Alcide's smile went away. Deva cupped his pouting face. "What is it baby?"

"I want to go to the party too." He said in a cute British accent that he adopted from his uncle Marcus. They had been hanging out too long.

"Not this time baby. It's going to be really boring for you. Trust me, I'd rather be playing video games with you."

That put the smile back on his beautiful face. "Where's daddy?" His angel face scanned the room for him.

"He's already greeting guests. Momma's a little late." She leaned in and kissed his cheek before getting up. "I'll check up on later. Behave while I'm out of your sight."

"Okay Momma."

She chuckled because she saw right through his lies. "I'm serious." But she knew better, like every mom, that good behavior was not possible for a boy his age.

Walking into the ballroom Deva felt like everyone had been waiting on her. The crowd's deep stares were shortly broken when all at once every head in the room bowed.

Deva gracefully ascended the stairs. Her vision blurred out everyone in the room when she spotted Darius across the grand room. He was slowly devouring her sultry body in his mind. Darius clinched his jaw to keep his naughty devilish thoughts at bay.

Deva smirked, knowing his intentions. She quickly dove into the gracious host role, greeting people left and right. Deva hated the distance she had from her husband all night. She hated being mad at him.

Reaching the middle of the ballroom Darius took her hand and introduced her to their special guests.

"Deva this is the future king Alexander and his father Rathguard."

The younger looking man bowed then placed a kiss on her hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Queen Deva. I've heard so much."

"And you King Alexander. I look forward to working alongside you in the future."

Alexander was gentle natured which was surprising considering who his father was. Rathguard was a man who had hardened to stone over the years. He also made it shown to everyone his dislike of lycans. But he and King Asher had been friends for years so his loyalty to Darius was genuine.

"Forgive us for not visiting sooner. Business was always in the way." Rathguard explained.

It was Deva's first time meeting them and already she wasn't sure if she would get along with Rathguard.

"Yes, I understand. The duties of a royal can be quite time consuming."

"Especially when it involves getting rid of loose ends." The way Rathguard said it made Deva cringe with sorrowed fear. Was he talking about lycans? She had heard about his extreme ways of torture; they were no secrets.

"Loose ends?"

"Some creatures out step their boundaries. It's our duty to remind them of their place." Rathguard's smug expression only ignited Deva's anger.

Lycans were free to roam the earth but that didn't mean everyone had to like it. It sickened her to see such a sick twisted man so hard to change his way of thinking.

"Careful King perhaps you under estimate those worthless creatures."

Rathguard intimately moved closer to her. Deva stood taller, showing her authority.

"Is that what brought King Asher's downfall? He underestimated you." Was he blaming Ashers death on her? Sometimes she believed it was true. She was at least a big part of his death.

Darius tightened his arm around her waist for comfort but it was too late. "Deva had nothing to do-" Darius tried to come to her defense but she stopped him.

"King Asher set his own fate the moment he tried to control and obliterate the lycan race. He should have known better than to poke the beasts with sticks. You'll only get them angry." Her chilling voice was more than a threat. "Perhaps you should remember that when you're tying up loose ends."

Deva snaked her way out of Darius' arms and into the crowd before she could claw her nails around his throat. Even years could not change the ways of the past. It was just harder for her to witness it when it was her people who were being mistreated.

When she finally had a moment for herself Deva went to the balcony. The moon was high and bright in the dark sky. It was almost too painful to look at. It only made her lycan side want to come out. She couldn't remember the last time she let herself turn into it. Or to feel the warm silver rays of the moon brush against the beast her husband did not like to see.

"Something so beautiful shouldn't be left alone," this unfamiliar voice was laced with mischief. "Who knows what could happen."

"Yes I agree." She turned to see his face. "Please tell me who your owner is so I can return you in one piece."

The stranger had a sharp jawline emulating power, the darkest manipulating eyes, and pushed back blond curls. He was definitely not someone to be reckoned with. Deva thought it strange she never met him before. It would be hard to forget such a uniquely beautiful face such as his. His deep sincere laugh made her sense no harm.

"Good thing I own myself." He stretched out his hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Queen Deva."

She took his hand and he kissed it. His lips lingered a moment before his devilish eyes dazed back up at her.

"The rumors of your beauty don't do you justice."

Deva threw back her head and laughed. "You're just saying that because I'm queen and I can chop your head off if ever I wish it."

He stood full height. "Then I shall shout praises of your beauty till my last breath."

Deva just didn't understand the man. What did he want? "You do know I have a king already. So this flattery has no effect on me."

A gorgeous smirk formed on his lips. "Oh I know my queen. I was devastatingly heartbroken when I heard. If only you had met me first."

"If only," she repeated. The curiosity was killing her, she had to know who he was. "What's your name?"

"Sebastian Castel."

Could it be? He looked nothing like his father. "You're King Raphael's son."

Sebastian nodded. "The one and only."

Deva had to wonder, was he back for revenge. She had killed his mother Sheena ten years ago but it was still fresh in her mind. Sheena was the second person Deva had killed.

"There is no need to fear, your majesty." He moved around her to lean against the banister. "I'm not here for revenge. My stepmother disgraced my father in all forms of the matter. She deserved the fate you gave her, perhaps a bit slower and more painful. "

The disgust in his eyes were true to his words. He hated his mother.

"Besides it's not me you should look out for it's my half-sister." He pointed towards an area in the crowd. The girl looked exactly like her mother. It gave Deva chills; it was like seeing the ghost of Sheena.

"Ilsa's filthy whore ways and disrespect for others are disgusting habits she inherited from her slut mother. I swear if she wasn't a vampire she would be dead by now from aids at the age of 15. "

It amazed Deva how harshly he could speak of his sister. "She's your sister?"

"Half-sister. I don't even like to claim her as blood."

Sebastian seemed really calm and laid back. A person she would get along with just fine. "So besides good looks and charm what else do you do?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," his voice was playful.

Yes indeed she would like to know. Through rumors she heard he could stop time. Deva decided to test their theories. She took the liquor from his hand and took a sip.

He was examining her with curiosity. Before giving it back she let the glass slip between her fingers.

In the blink of an eye the glass froze, in midair. Nothing was holding it up and gravity was not a factor in this equation. The glass and the contents in it were completely and utterly unmoving. It was just stuck.

"Let's not waste good brandy." He said while lifting his cup back up to his lips.

Deva laughed, completely intrigued by his ability. "So it's true. You can freeze time."

He leaned in to whisper into her ear. "How else do you think I made this glass appear?"

That was a thought to think about. Deva didn't recall him having a glass in his hands when he first approached her. Those tricks were sure to get him into trouble if they haven't already. "Now I'm jealous."

He chuckled. "Don't worry Queen Deva. My serves are always at your disposal."

She was happy to hear it and knew eventually they would be great friends. "If you'll excuse me prince. I promised my son I'd tuck him in tonight."

"Of course. I'm very certain this won't be our last meeting."

Deva smiled. "I hope not."

She used a few hidden pathways to make it to her son's room without being seen. The upstairs halls were empty and eerie compared to the atmosphere of the ball. Then like a shift in the air she knew she wasn't alone anymore.

"You shouldn't be here," she whispered into the night.

"I know."

"If my husband sees you he'll kill you." She wasnt sure if she was worried for his life or warning him so he would leave.

Again Adamarius whispered, "I know."

"Then why are you here? Do you want to die?" She finally forced herself to face him. He looked worn out and restless like the first time he was brought to the castle, long long ago. Back then he was put in a cell; she wasn't sure that was the case now.

"Have you thought about what I said?"

He was worried? That's why he was risking his life. "A little."

"Deva this is more serious than you think."

Everything was serious now. Nothing was ever easy anymore. "It always is." She went right past him to get into Alcide's room.

His little body was tossing and turning. Deva lifted him into her arms and she felt moisture. Alcide was covered in sweat. His nightmares were getting worse.

Deva gently woke him up. His little arms curled around her. "Momma!"

"Shhhh it's ok baby boy. I'm here."

Adamarius watched him wonder. It wasn't unusual for a child to have a nightmare but for a bloodline as powerful as his it was unheard of. Royalty had the ability to toss all bad thoughts and dreams aside and lock it away.

"Momma I saw it again. It was you," he cried into her shoulder.

She held him tighter. "It's ok baby. I'm fine. Nothing's happened to me and nothing will happen to me."

He pushed away from her. His face was red with tears. "You don't know that. They sometimes come true."

She knew it was upsetting him yet no amount of words could comfort him now. "Nothing is going to happen to me Alcide."

"You don't know that!" He shouted, hot tears rolling down his angel face.

"Nothing bad with happen to your mother. I promise. I'll keep her from harm, always." Adamarius had the sudden urge to crush the boy's fears. He had no idea what the concept of the conversation was but it was clear the boy worried about his mother's safety.

Alcide looked skeptical to give in. "Always," he challenged.

"Always," Adamarius repeated.

Alcide dropped his head in the crock of her neck restlessly. There was no way he was going to sleep now.

The look Adamarius was giving them made Deva feel obligated to tell Adamarius the whole story. "Alcide can see the future, like promotions. Lately he has been seeing visions of me...dying. "

"Does Darius know about this?"

"No. I don't want to worry him. Not all of his visions come true." The worst feeling was being helpless. There was nothing she could do to sooth Alcide's mind.

"Momma I'm afraid to go to sleep."

There was a way Adamarius knew would help him sleep soundly but he wasn't sure if Deva would go with it.

"Give him to me. I'll help him sleep peacefully."

Deva hesitated at first but eventually gave in. The last time Adamarius used his mind tricks it ruined her whole life. But Deva was desperate to try anything that would sooth Alcide's mind and worries.

Alcide snuggled into his uncle's arms. "You will close your eyes and dream of a world filled of cotton candy and everything else your parents won't let you eat."

His persuasive ability was extremely powerful so she knew it would work.

"You will never again see visions of your mother's death. All you will remember are the good memories."

In only a few seconds Alcide went limp in his arms and into a deep slumber. Deva was honestly grateful for his help. It had been so long since she had seen Alcide sleep so soundly.

"Thank you."

Adamarius covered his little body with the sheets before standing. "Deva this isn't something to take lightly. It is just more reason for you to let me help you."

Her son's visions may have been conformation of the damage the Relic Moon my cause on her family.

"Help me with what?" She tried her best not to shout. "What will the Relic Moon do to me? Will it do anything?" She was half vampire. Deva was confident to believe the Relic Moon would barely affect her for this reason. It would be a weak impulse.

"Deva you will no longer be in control of your mind or body. All you'll want is blood. Vampire blood. Your husband's blood. Your son's blood." Adamarius' wise eyes made her assumptions wither. Could it be possible?

Deva shook her head. It was all a terrible nightmare. "How could it affect me so? I'm only half lycan."

Adamarius understood her confusion but he was experienced when it came to this. "Deva, you have royal and ancient blood running through your veins. This curse was made to rip you apart. I barely survived it myself the first time."

Deva took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "How long do I have?

"A few days."

"Give me time. I'm too exhausted to think right now." She made it to the door. "I'm sure you know how to get out of here without getting caught."

She left without even another glance. In the solace of her own room Deva stared up at the moon again. The magnificent moonlight warmed her skin more than the sun ever would. The moon was calling to her, calling to her lycan.

She heard him come in then felt his skin against hers.

"I'm sorry my love." His sultry voice was weakening her defenses. "I'm so sorry."

"I am too."

His hands cupped her waist and he turned her around. "I shouldn't have yelled at you."

Deva kissed the base of his throat. "You were angry. I won't hold that against you." She trailed kissed up to his jaw then playfully whispered, "Don't let it happen again."

He smirked. "Perhaps you should punish me."

"You'd like that wouldn't you."

His hand began to slowly unzip her dress till the delicate fabric hit the floor.

"I hate when we're mad. I need to make up for lost time." Darius' lips caressed her soft skin while his hands devoured every exposed part of her body, which was everything.

"We still have guests."

"Damn the guests," he growled with lust. Darius lifted her bare thighs around his torso to make his way to their bed. "You're mine tonight."

She was quickly matching his lust. Clawing her nails into his back, she whispered, "I'm yours every night. "

He gently laid her on the bed. "Promise me," he whispered through kisses. "Promise me you won't see or speak to him again."

She was so distracted by his passion that she couldn't even fathom who he was talking about. "Who?"

"Adamarius," he growled. She froze beneath his touch.

It would be the only way to rest his thoughts. "I promise."

That's all it took. Darius crushed his lips to hers and they both disappeared into a blissful night.

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