Athena Laurent

Athena finds Darius when she sees him looking for higher ground. She knows he's about to speak when he walks the steps leading to the packhouse. Many wolves notice his action immediately and already have directed their attention to him when he asks for it. The music stops and all sounds fade, giving Darius the opportunity to speak.

"Today has been a rollercoaster for everyone," he begins. Despite him using his normal volume, everybody seems to hear him loud and clear. Must be an Alpha thing. "You all fought hard, and I'm happy to announce the doctors released all the wounded from the hospital today, so there is every reason to celebrate tonight." A short round of applause follows before Darius can continue.

"As you might have noticed, there are a couple of unfamiliar faces in the pack. Some of them I already know, others I look forward to getting to know. But I want to introduce you as well to the people who helped me get back home. It is a surprise for all of us as well we're all here," he chuckles. "Can you imagine it? Three werewolves, a vampire, a human, a hunter, a werecat, and a hybrid in one room? We thought we would destroy each other, but we couldn't have been more wrong."

More people have now gathered around Darius, waiting for his next words. "First, I'd like you to meet the two most badass humans I've ever met. Kara and Denise, thank you for sticking around and being the supporters and strategic geniuses you are," he tells them gratefully. Enthusiastic cheers follow and Athena sees the pack members look for the two humans curiously. Kara and Denise both smile when they start to thank them as well.

"Hinote," Darius resumes when everyone is quiet. "When we first met, you tried to kill me," he says, amused. "I'd say we've come a long way because today, you risked your life to save my pack and I will be forever grateful for that." Another round of applause echoes across the square. Hinote looks surprised by the positive reactions his presence seems to produce. Athena sees a smile escape from his mouth she is certain he wanted to keep inside. People like you, Vampire. Deal with it.

"Together with Hinote, Shani here also played a key role in taking back the pack. And she did it by just being her awesome self. Shani, you've come so far already and we couldn't be prouder of your perseverance and bravery. Thank you!" Darius's words cause Shani to blush timidly. Next to her, without the werecat noticing, Athena sees Leon showing a minuscule smile. It falters as quickly as it came, but Athena is certain she saw it. Leon quickly looks up when Darius calls out his name to thank him. "We wouldn't be here today without you." Leon simply nods, but doesn't show his smile again. I guess that honour is only preserved for Shani.

"You have to know," Darius continues. "In my seven years of absence, I've never stopped thinking about my home. I missed everything about it and the fact I couldn't go back drove me insane. I was so close to giving up when I met Demir. We were both sad and angry at the world, but we've stayed together and made each other stronger ever since. And so, I would like to offer him the position as my Beta." Demir's eyes widen when he hears Darius. He's pushed forwards to Darius. "What is your answer, buddy?" Darius asks him as he stretches his arm. Demir swallows heavily, before shaking Darius's hand with the widest grin Athena's ever seen on him. "I'd be honoured, Alpha."

The whole pack erupts in joy after Demir's answer and claps happily for their new Beta. Demir waves at his new pack members; his eyes still full of shock. He positions himself next to Athena, and she gives him a pat on the back. "Congratulations, Beta. You deserve it," she tells him honestly. Demir looks up at her, still grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you, Athena." He looks at Darius for a moment before gazing at her again. "I think you're next, Luna."

Oh, shit. The nerves rise immediately and her throat feels swollen all of a sudden. Darius seems to feel her distress and sends her a calming message before he opens his mouth.

"Finally, I would like to announce the woman who has changed my life in a short, but amazing amount of time. From the moment I met her, I was enchanted, captivated by her spirit, loyalty and beauty. Therefore, I would be utterly euphoric if she, my mate, would accept her rightful position in the pack as Luna." The pack is quiet for a moment, holding their breath while Athena steps forward to accept. Darius takes her hand and guides her up the stairs. "You know I have to leave, Darius. Is this really a good idea?" she whispers to him, so soft, only he can hear her. "Relax," he responds before turning back to the crowd. They have talked about it. He knows how much she would love to stay.

"I realize I've been gone a long time and there is much I have to learn to be the alpha I want to be and the alpha you need and deserve, but in doing so, I'll have to leave again." The square is suddenly quiet; the shock palpable in the air. "I've accepted a mission and I'm determined to fulfil it. I would be a terrible friend, mate, and alpha to leave a group who has had my back when I needed them." He looks at Athena; takes her hand before he gazes back at the crowd.

"We are not deserting you. We will be back. Sooner than you think. And while we're away, we'll leave you in the safest hands possible. I'm convinced Christopher and my sister will do an amazing job. You know them, will they not?" The wolves in front of them nod in agreement and a soft mumbling echoes through the air. "Speaking of my sister," Darius says, smiling at his pack while he beckons his sister to join him on the stairs.

The timing of everything almost seems perfect because the moment Annika walks on the stairs, the crowd counts down from ten. "10, 9, 8..."

It's almost midnight. "7, 6, 5, 4..." It's almost her birthday.

"3, 2, 1..."

"Happy birthday!" The pack engulfs Annika with birthday wishes, presents, and many, many hugs. The music starts playing again and after a traditional birthday song, the werewolf-turned-DJ returns to his former tunes. Athena almost doesn't get her chance to wish her new sister-in-law a happy birthday, but she manages to sneak past a couple of waiting werewolves. Annika shrieks when she sees her suddenly appear and immediately pulls her into a hug. "Congratulations, Annika," she yells at the birthday girl. She wants to say much more but is immediately interrupted by the next person line. Rude.

"Come, I want to show you something," Darius suddenly whispers in her ear. Where did he come from? She nods quickly, to which he takes her hand and guides her into the house. They have walked two long stairs when Darius places his hand on a doorknob. On the door, there is a sign written in what Athena's suspect is Darius's fifteen-year-old handwriting. Darius's room. Stay out! She chuckles. "Are you sure we are welcome in here?" Darius opens the door. "You are always welcome," he says in a low voice, making her all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

She slowly walks into the room, observing her mate's most intimate place. His bed looks freshly made and she wonders when that happened. Two large bookshelves decorate the wall on one side while a desk is placed against another.

"So, this is where sixteen-year-old you spent his nights," Athena says as she walks around the bedroom. "Not just the nights. I used to read a lot and could just stay in my room all day with a book and only come out for dinner. It drove my parents mad," he tells her.

She almost cannot imagine a smaller version of Darius sitting on his bed with a book in his hands, angry when his family interrupts his reading time for something as stupid and insignificant as dinner. "It's hard to picture you as a book addict. You're so... well-trained now," she says, a bit flustered when her eyes meet his. Just looking at him makes her want to touch him.

He frowns, amused. "Such a prejudice. Why can't men be book reading Alphas?"

"Because we don't live in a perfect world," Athena answers. Darius takes a step forward. Then another, causing their hands to touch. "The world feels pretty perfect right now, don't you think?" he whispers as he brings his lips towards her ear. She shudders. "Y-Yeah, definitely," she manages to squeeze out. She closes her eyes. Her mind is frozen and her whole body is focused on his lips against her skin. They gently touch her ear; the warm breeze spreads out all over her body. He travels further, brushing his lips against her neck, under her chin until they're right above her lips.

They're both breathing a little heavier than before. She opens her eyes and sees immediately Darius's staring at her. They flicker as if he's trying to stay in control. She raises her hand, lets it touch his cheek. Darius leans in before mimicking her action. His fingers bring a lock of hair behind her ear before caressing her skin.

Before Athena has the chance to take another breath, their lips collide; melting together in the heat of the moment. Driven by passion, she opens her mouth, inviting him in, and he responds hungrily. His grip becomes stronger around her head as she clamps onto his shirt. He releases her for a second so she can take off his shirt. The moment the piece of clothes touches the ground, Darius growls and targets her mouth again. When he has touched every spot on her mouth, he wanders off to her cheek and her neck. She can't stop a moan when he licks the mark he has placed on her. It's so damn sensitive.

Meanwhile, his hands have found her upper body, giving it his finest attention. You had to wear a wrap dress today, didn't you? She curses herself. She reaches for the strings on her back, trying to get the nod out. "Shit, I'm making it worse," she mutters in frustration, causing Darius to laugh. "Come here, let me do it," he says, amused. She turns around and feels Darius's fingers on her back, slowly untying her dress. His eyes flicker again when he turns her around.

"So... I did a little shopping today," Darius begins, his eyebrows go up and down mischievously. "What did you buy?" Athena asks curiously. She tries to see what's suddenly behind his back, but Darius hides it well. "Is it a surprise?"

"Well, it's actually something that will prevent any... uhm, surprises," Darius responds. He's now grinning, giving Athena the only hint she needs. She raises her eyebrows in amusement.

"You're really bragging about the fact you bought condoms, aren't you?"

Darius's grin fades for only a second. "Well, it was quite embarrassing. Everybody knows me here, and I ran into a lot of people." He pouts, making his eyes big.

"You could have brought a bag," she tells him.

"Werewolves smell rubber, Mylaya." Athena blushes when she hears his nickname for her. First, she didn't know what it meant, but when she saw Darius's mother smile when she heard it, she knew it must be something incredibly meaningful. Even when used in this teasing situation.

"Of course, they do," she murmurs shyly. Darius reaches out to touch her chin, nudging her to look up. "Does that make you uncomfortable?"

"It's just new. That's all," she admits. "I'll get used to it. Who needs privacy anyway?"

"We need it. Right now," he says firmly. "How else am I going to get you into my bed?"

"You were doing a pretty good job before. It's a good thing you brought those." She points at the box Darius just threw on the bed. "We're going to need them," she smirks. Darius blinks his eyes rapidly to control his glowing eyes.

"How would it even work? A werewolf and a hybrid?" he wonders out loud before taking her hands in his again. Athena sighs when he kisses his mark on her neck. "Our child would be a supernatural mess..." Darius chuckles. "Our kid would be awesome. Weird, very weird. But awesome. I can't wait to find out... someday," he murmurs against her skin while slipping her dress off her shoulders.

"But not in nine months?" She teases him. He reacts by pushing her onto the bed. While he slowly climbs on top of her, his smile grows wider. "Definitely not. Let's have some fun first with just the two of us."

֎֎֎֎֎֎֎֎֎

Waking up has never felt this satisfying. The moment Athena opens her eyes, her world becomes clear. She's naked, but not vulnerable. Relaxed, yet full of adrenaline. She snuggles against Darius's warm skin. He's already awake and responds by pulling her even closer. He sniffs her hair, taking in her scent while drawing little circles on her arm. For a while, they just lay in silence. Her head is on his chest. She's focusing on his steady heartbeat bouncing in her ear. It calms her.

"I wish we didn't have to go," she whispers after a while.

"I know, me neither, but this is too important," he answers.

She lifts her head off his chest to look him in the eye. Darius frowns when he notices her severe expression. "Are you sure you don't want to stay with your pack? With your family? You are their alpha now, and this is your home."

Darius sighs. "Athena, this pack will never feel like home if you're not here with me. Every minute we spent apart will be agonizing. I want to be with you. And like I told the pack yesterday; we need to find the pack in the North and secure the scroll. This mission is crucial for the entire supernatural world. What kind of Alpha would I be if I can't guarantee a future for the pack? We have to succeed."

"And we will, I'm certain," she tells him, squeezing the hand she had captured.

"I saw you talking to your sister yesterday. What is she going to do?" he asks her, changing the subject.

"She asked me if she could come with us," Athena sighs heavily.

"And? Isn't that a good idea?" Darius asks.

"I don't know; I haven't seen her in seven years and I'm not sure if we can trust her. Our group is finally in a good place where we're all getting along, I don't want to jeopardize that."

"She's your sister, Athena."

"I know, but she's also a stranger. Just because we're related doesn't mean she can be trusted. Look at my father."

"All we did these last few weeks was bringing a bunch of strangers together. Now, look how that turned out! Everything's better now. Give her a chance. Let her come with us; we won't tell her the details of our mission, but she can still join us. How does that sound?" Our mission? Him saying 'our mission', just like he did yesterday, makes her feel warm on the inside.

This task, It's not just her burden anymore. He wants to share it with her. They all do. How did I get this lucky? "It sounds like a great plan," she admits. Her frown disappears and is replaced by a wide smile as he folds her arms around his neck. "You give brilliant advice, Darius. How many other talents do you have?"

"You've already seen some others last night, but I've got some more up my sleeve; wanna see?"

"Do I? How could I say no to this gorgeous face?" She jokes, placing a soft kiss on his lips. Darius turns them around; he now hangs above her. "Tell me, Luna, are you ready for a wonderful, quiet day in our pack? Darius asks her. He sounds amused and Athena notices a sparkle in his eyes she hasn't seen before. Is he happy? She's quite sure she can answer that question with a yes when he kisses her so passionately, she stops breathing for a second. When he releases her, she's a panting mess. "I think," she begins while catching her breath. "I think I am ready, alpha. Let's have a quiet, blissful day in your–wait, did you say our?–pack."

"Of course, I did. Didn't you hear me last night?"

"Oh, I heard you last night," she giggles.

"Not that, you desirous witch," he responds laughing, before tickling her stomach.

"I remember what you said, Darius. I will always remember," she tells him honestly.

"Good, because I'll gladly remind you any time of..."

"Not that, you lustful werewolf." She laughs. Although that too. "What you said to your pack about me. It meant a lot, Darius. You said exactly what I've been longing to hear for all these years,"

"It's only fair," he shrugs. "Since you made my greatest desire come true," he adds, running his fingers through her hair. She frowns, trying to find out what it means. Her eyes grow big when she remembers. "It's stupid really, but all I ever wanted to do with my mate was bring her to my home," he had said to her, on the first night they met.

I can't believe he's all mine. Last night was already amazing, imagine what more we can do n...

"Darius? Athena? Are you guys in here?"

"Fuck."

Are you kidding me?

"Oh, I am definitely interrupting something; the amount of sexual tension in here makes even me dizzy," she hears a voice suddenly say from the doorway. "Demir, what do you want?" Darius growls, not trying to hide his annoyance.

"Oh yeah, right, it's Kara. She wants us to meet her in the kitchen," the new Beta tells them. Darius sighs before restoring their blanket to its previous state to cover up her body. Demir's grin grows wider, causing her mate to grow. "Get. Out."

"Of course, alpha." He keeps smiling like an idiot before he closes the door behind him. "I'll give you ten minutes to finish. We'll be in the kitchen."

Is this the start of a quiet, wonderful or blissful day? I guess not. They were desperately naïve to believe such a day was even possible. Darius is an Alpha now; they have a mission, not to mention the arrival of her sister and now Kara's announcement. And it's only morning.