Chapter 16

Moon

Three days later, we're getting ready to head to the Orc Realm. I've already said my goodbyes when Cato stops us.

"Would you mind if I take Moon somewhere? We'll meet you in the Orc realm after," Cato asks the guys.

"Of course!" Kili says, and the other men agree. I watch them leave, before turning to my Dragon mate.

"Is everything okay?" I ask suspiciously as Cato leads me in another direction toward the cliffs beside the castle.

"Yes, I just have somewhere I want to take you." He lifts the carrier from over his head and hands it to me. "Can you hold this while I shift?" I nod, taking the egg as he walks a few steps back, and shifts.

Once in his dragon form, he gently takes the egg's pouch between his talons and places it in a pocket under his scales, then lowers his wing, so I can climb onto his back. Sitting behind the natural dip in his shoulders, the heat of his internal fire warms me through my pants. With a mighty leap, he jumps off the cliff face and settles into the current of the wind. As we fly, I start to get sleepy, wondering if he's using his influence on me to knock me out the way he did back in the games.

It wasn't that long ago, but it feels like another lifetime. I give into the feeling. He must have a reason for wanting me to sleep.

When I wake up, I'm surrounded by darkness. As my vision adjusts to the low lighting, I realize I am lying on an opulent bed covered in golden threaded blankets.

"My horde," Cato whispers, catching my attention from where he leans against the wall to my left, and I blink a few times trying to see better. His fire bleeds out of his outstretched hand, lighting a fire, while embers break off and drift to torches spaced around the room. Illuminated in the warm glow, the cave around me takes shape. At the center of the room, is a beautiful lagoon. The room is filled with treasures.

"Wow," I whisper, as he makes his way over to me. He's not holding the egg, though, and I panic. "Where–"

"In the nest." He points to a spot in the center of the treasure, right beside a fire. "After the wedding, we will all come here. This is where the egg will hatch," he explains, and I nod.

"With your fire?"

"Yes." He pulls something out of his pocket, lifting it to show me. "I wanted to give you this. Will you wear it for the wedding?" The golden body chain with purple stones sparkles in the firelight. It's beautiful.

"Of course!" I stand from the bed as he steps up in front of me. He gently wraps the chain around my waist, and I can't help but shift my hips to make the light cast off of the stones dance. Admiring its beauty, I almost miss him trying to pull me toward the mouth of the cave. He grabs our egg baby, and smiles.

"We should go. The others will be waiting for you. I just wanted to bring you here first. Kissing Cato, I nod. Excitement makes my feet move faster, but I am excited to come back here with my mates, so we can hatch our little egg baby.

Arlo

"Hi," I say, as I take a seat in front of the massive fire. There are Orc's everywhere. Mostly full-blooded, but also some half, like me. It's nice not being the only one with tusks. My mother isn't the only Elven woman here, either.

Tristan watches her carefully. He had time with her before I was born. Knew her in a way I don't. His father is dead now, and mine is here. Fas watches me, not even hiding it. Our mother switches between the two of us. Tristan takes the seat on my other side.

"So, a wedding?" Our mother grins brightly, and I nod.

"Yes. Moon has eleven mates in total. Is there somewhere large enough to accommodate that?" I ask, and my father chuckles.

"Have you seen the size of us, son? We've got plenty of space," he says before taking a sip of his mug of beer.

"Of course." I smile, shaking my head.

"There's something we want you to have." My mother pulls something out of her pocket. "Both of you." Tristan frowns but remains quiet. Watching.

"This was the ring I gave your mother when she returned to me," Fas explains.

"We want you boys to have it. You can give it to Moon after you say your vows." Our mother pulls a ring box out, handing it to me. It's beautiful. The stone is opal, set in a silver band.

"Wow. Thank you, this is incredible," I say.

"That's very generous of you," Tristan adds.

"There's one more thing," Fas adds. "Take her to the waterfall tonight and give her this." He hands me a beautiful silver Elven crown.

"That was mine when I was Queen. The waterfall will bring you peace before tomorrow's big day. Tonight we will prepare. You will have privacy, and then tomorrow there will be a feast," my mother explains. Moon's parents and Grams, as well as Steve, will arrive tomorrow morning. The ceremony will be at sunset.

Tristan and I remain by the fire for a while, while the rest of Moon's mates do their own thing until Cato and Moon arrive sometime later.

Tristan and I stand at the same time, clearly thinking the same thing. Moon spots us, and walks over.

"Hi," she says with a sweet smile. I could stare into her eyes for all time.

"We have somewhere we want to take you," Tristan says, taking Moon's hand. She agrees easily, knowing she can trust us completely. We would never lead her into danger. If anything, she would run head-first into a dangerous situation while we tried to stop her.

"Where are we going?" she asks, more curious than anything.

"There's a waterfall not far from here. My parents said we should take you before tomorrow," I tell her, as I lace her fingers with mine. We walk in silence for a little while, but it's comfortable.

The ring is in my pocket, and Tristan is carrying the crown. Later tonight, I'll show the others the ring. They all have something of their own to give her, but this ring will represent all of us.

"Oh, wow, beautiful," Moon whispers as we approach the tree line. It opens up, and I'm speechless. The sight is stunning. Breathtaking, really.

"You're beautiful," I say, tugging Moon to face me fully. Tristan nods to me, stepping away to give us some privacy. "Moonlight, you're…I…" I don't know what to say. I'm lost for words, and how to express to her how much she means to me. How much I love her. I shake my head, swallowing thickly.

"It's okay, Arlo. You don't have to say anything. I can feel it," she explains, pressing her hand to my chest.

"No, I want to. I…" I take a deep breath, calming my nerves. Taking her hands in mine, I look around us. "For so long, I was alone. The human woman who raised me died a long time ago, but even when I had her, I didn't fit in anywhere. I was constantly hiding. Hiding who I was. Hiding my face. You're the first person I let see me. Truly see me." I take one of her hands and place it on my cheek. "You weren't scared of me, or of my secrets. You accepted me. Gave me a sense of home that I never had before. Somewhere I belong. Now you're going to make me a father. I love you, Moonlight, but more than that, I adore you. I don't want to ever go back to the life I lived before you."

"I love you, too, Arloshanas." Her kiss lights me up inside and brings me a peace I've never known. I can never live without this woman.

Tristan

The waterfall is beautiful. Moon is more beautiful though. Her Chaos, her kindness. Her heart. Everything.

"Tristan?" She surprises me when she says my name, touching my arm, drawing me into her like a moth to a flame.

"Badger." I wink, lightening the mood. Or trying to. I heard my brother's confession. It struck something inside me.

I had a family. I had our mother for a while. My father was present my entire life until the day I took his head. For her. For my Moonlight.

I would do it a hundred times over again for Moon.

"You okay? You look sad," she says with a slight frown. My chest heats, because despite the smile on my face, Moon can see my sadness. Senses it, maybe.

"I thought I'd be alone. Surrounded by people who wanted something from me. To use me, one way or another. But I thought I'd be alone. I never felt love before. Maybe for my mother, but she was gone for so long. I was too young, and my father spent a long time making me forget her. He beat all the love I might feel right out of me." I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her against me. Soaking in her warmth. "Then you walked by. You didn't care who I was. Didn't even blink at my power. The sight of you, the way you move…Your eyes, your lips…You pull me in. You're the center of the universe. Our center. My everything."

"Tristan," Moon whispers, tears filling her eyes as she smiles gently. "I love you."

"I know you do. I can feel it when you look at me. I love you so entirely, and I never thought I would love anyone. I wasn't sure that's what this was…this feeling. But I know now. With everything I will ever be in this life, I love you."

I release her, pulling the crown out, and draping it over her head. The silver chains create a point in her forehead and lay loosely in her hair. It's beautiful on her. But then, it could have been made of mud and would look just as good.

"I wish you could see yourself from my eyes. How deeply I love you. How deeply I love our family, and the child you're bringing into this world for us."

"Thank you," she whispers, wrapping her arms around my neck. "I hope you know how much I love you."

Warrior

"Daire," I say, as I approach the Vampire. I blush every time he looks at me. I can feel my skin heat.

"Yes?" he asks, smirking at me in a way that has my heart racing.

"Will you help me with something?" I ask, turning, unable to look at him any longer. I want to kiss him again. But I don't know how that would make Moon feel.

"Okay?" He follows me but sounds unsure.

"Arlo's father provided me with the supplies. I know we have our bonded marks, but mine is…" I lift my arm, showing Daire. The skin of my arm is scarred, like all my skin. "It's not…I…" I shake my head, suddenly unable to speak the words. Does Moon find my skin disgusting? When she looks at me, is she repulsed?

"Hey…" Daire lifts my chin with a firm grip. He's so powerful. I respect that about him. "I can see the thoughts in your head by the look in your eyes." He shakes his head, as he forces me to look into his red eyes. "Moonlight loves you fully and entirely. Mind, soul…body. Every inch."

My chest tightens with his words. "But…" I look at him. His clear, flawless skin. I wear every pain I have ever suffered on the surface. For everyone to see. To judge.

"She loves you just as you are." Daire cups my cheek, staring into my eyes. "You're perfect." His whispered words strike me in the heart.

"Even like this?" I shake my head, but Daire refuses to let me look away.

"Ask her. Give her the chance to tell you how she sees you."

"Okay." I let out a heavy sigh. "Help me with this first?" I ask, lifting the supplies.

"You're sure?" Daire asks, and I nod.

It doesn't take long for Daire to finish. Thankfully, as Moon arrives back with Tristan and Arlo, I pull my shirt back on.

"Come on." Daire leads me over to Moon, who smiles when she sees us. "I'll wait here."

"Everything okay?" Moon looks worried, but I nod.

"Can I talk to you?" I ask, feeling shy now.

"Always." Moon's smile could light up the darkest night.

I follow her to the tent we'll all be sleeping in while we're here. No one is here right now, giving us privacy. Taking a deep breath, I remove my shirt as soon as she turns to face me.

"Oh! You said talk, but did you mean something else?" She giggles in the cutest way, walking over to me, her hips swaying. Then she sees what I've done. "Warrior!" Moon gasps.

"I meant talk. I wanted you to see…"

Her eyes are wide as she lifts her hand, touching my skin. The gentleness of her caress makes me shiver. "What…"

"I had Daire tattoo you over my heart." I look down, seeing what she's seeing. Her name. Moonlight…

"Why?" she asks, frowning. She looks concerned. "You scarred yourself… You didn't have to do this for me…"

"It's not just for you. Every mark on my skin was given to me by someone else. Through pain. I did this for love. So that when someone else looks at me, they'll see more than just the pain inflicted upon me. So you have something to look at that isn't…ugly, when you look at me," I explain, and Moon gasps.

"Don't…" she shakes her head. "Don't say things like that, Warrior. I've never looked at you and seen ugly. It hurts my heart to think you thought I did." She sounds sad. I don't like that…What did I say wrong?

"I'm sorry," I say, frowning. "I wasn't criticizing you…I didn't mean to hurt you." I'm ruining this.

"Hey, it's okay. You have nothing to be sorry for." Moon takes me in her arms and soothes me instantly. "I need you to know that you're so much more than the scars on your body. You mean everything to me, and when I look at you, I don't see your scars." When Moon kisses my skin, I shiver.

"Moon," I gasp.

"When I look at you, I see strength." Another kiss, this one against my pulse. "I see bravery and resilience." She kisses my cheek now. "I see my mate. I see home. Family. I see a man I love very much. A man that easily makes my heart race. I see you." She kisses my lips now, and I growl as I wrap my arms around her waist. "If we could, I would spend days in bed, making love to you. I desire you at all times. To me, you're so fucking handsome."

"I thought you pitied me," I confess, and Moon shakes her head.

"I pity any who dares make you feel less than, ever again. Because I will set them on fire from the inside out and watch them scream." Her violent threat warms my heart.

"I love you, Moonlight."

"I love you, Warrior. So much. Forever."

Lust

When Moon and Warrior walk out of the tent, I have to hold myself back from sprinting over to her. I walk at a reasonable pace, and stop in front of her, trying not to be overbearing.

"Can I have a moment?" I ask, and Moon grins.

"I'm very popular tonight," she giggles, and I nod.

"I'm sure I won't be the last of your mates that want a moment with you tonight," I say, looking around at the other guys. I know the rest of them all want their time with her. "I have something important to give you," I blurt.

"Tent?" Moon asks, and I nod, following her back inside. I'm anxious and impatient, and end up partially shifting before I can explain myself. "Oh…" Moon looks at me with wide eyes.

"Sorry. I'm just…Listen, I was assigned as your protector a long time ago. My kind have always been protectors, and I want you to know that will never change. You might not need me now like you once did, but I'll always be here to keep you safe." Bringing a wing forward, I pluck the feather meant for her and hold it out. My magic transforms it into a bracelet.

It's red, with a yellow tip, and hard as metal now. Holding her wrist, I slip it on over her hand.

"It's a symbol of my devotion to you. Of my love for you. A love I've felt for a long time now. But this one," I take another feather, and repeat the process. "This one is for the baby. I know Dragons are pretty resilient, but if anyone has bad intentions toward our child, it will light up. It'll help keep them safe. And in our world, that could be the difference between life and death."

"Oh, Marcellus…" Moon takes the small, honestly tiny, bracelet from me, and a tear falls down her cheek. "Thank you. I wasn't doubting you, but this means so much to me."

"You mean so much to me, Moonlight. Being your protector was a privilege, and I would do it all over again. I love you."

"I love you too, Lust."

Kili

I watch the Phoenix walk out of the tent. He's smiling, and I wait for Moonlight, but she never exits. I glare, waiting a little longer, but as the darkness around my vision starts to creep in, I move.

No one says anything as I approach the tent. No one even looks my way. Is anyone even really there? Am I alone and just imagining them?

As I step into the tent, I see her. She's sitting in front of the mirror that's held up by a vanity. I watch as she collects her pebbles, and tucks them into her bra. I frown, why did she remove them?

I draw a knife and slowly sneak up behind her. As I raise the blade, preparing to strike, she lashes out. I'm surprised by her speed, and that she was able to catch me off guard.

"Kili!" she snaps, grabbing my wrist. She's leaping into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist. "Hey…" her glare softens, and I growl.

I shove her away, freeing my wrist from her grasp. Before I can slash her with the knife, a force stronger than me slams me to my knees. Her magic.

"Who are you!" I snarl, and she looks down at me with a fierce stare.

"I'm yours, Kili. I'm yours." She snatches the blade from my grasp and shakes her head. The darkness recedes, and I see Moonlight through clear eyes. My mate.

"Moonlight," I whisper, and she nods.

"Yes, you crazy fucker," she chuckles. "By the way, don't try to sneak up behind someone who's sitting in front of a mirror." She shakes her head, and I frown.

"Oh. I suppose that makes sense. I wasn't in my right mind." I'm still on my knees, and honestly, I don't mind it. I could crawl on my knees for Moonlight for my entire life. I worship this woman, and would happily bow to her.

"Kiss me, Kili."

"Yes, Mistress," I whisper, crawling on my knees until I reach her. Resting my hands on her waist, I press kisses to her stomach before climbing to my feet. I hold her tight, kissing her lips and savoring her taste. "Who are you?"

"I'm yours…"

"And I'm yours, Moonlight. Until our souls burn out…I'm yours."

Crow

"Did Kili just try to kill you?" I ask, my eyes wide, as I walk into the tent. My brother smirks at the look of horror on my face.

"She saw me coming," he says with a shrug of his shoulder, waving me away.

"So yes?"

"Yes, but like he said, I saw him coming." Moon shakes her head, smiling. I sigh heavily. He'll probably always be like this. I don't see that changing, but our mate rolls with it. She doesn't mind how unpredictable he is. She loves him despite his insanity.

"I'll leave you two," Kili says, patting my shoulder on his way past me and out of the tent, a lazy smile tugging his lips up.

"Are you okay?" I ask, because even though she looks fine, I want to be sure. I inspect her closely, and she nods, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Perfectly happy, and unharmed." She presses soft kisses to my cheek, sighing. "I don't think he'd ever actually hurt me. He snuck up on me while I sat in front of a mirror. Have you ever known your brother to be so careless?" she asks, and I shake my head.

"I suppose you have a point. Doesn't mean I won't worry about you." I tilt my head down, catching her lips with my own, and taking my time kissing her. Enjoying the flavor of her. The way she melts into me. The softness of her body pressing into me. "I have something for you, Pixie."

"I've gotten a lot of gifts today," she murmurs, and I smirk.

"I would assume so. We all want you to have a piece of us before the vows." I nod, and Moon shrugs.

"I don't have anything to give you. I feel guilty."

"Hey. Don't. You have nothing to feel guilty about. You give us more than enough every day. You give your heart and your love. Your care and attention. And, you've given us a future. That baby in that egg is all of ours. Hope for a life we never would have gotten without you," I tell her honestly, forcing her to look into my eyes, as I take her hand, and slide the ring onto her thumb.

"Crow…" she whispers, and I grin.

"Do you like it? They're Elven crystals," I say, loving the look in her eyes as she admires the jeweled ring.

"It's beautiful," she whispers.

"I hope you think of me when you wear it. I have everything I need, right here. With you. I'll spend my life doing everything I can to make you happy. I love you, Moon."

"I love you too, Crow. So very much."

Odas

I'm sitting beside Cato, watching as he fusses over the egg. It's so small still, but once we return to his cave, it'll really start to grow.

I'm the last of my kind, that I know of, but that never really bothered me the same way it does Cato. He's my best friend, and I can't even describe how it feels to know he's not going to be the last of his kind.

Hell, maybe the Queen lied, and there are more of us both out there somewhere in the world.

Cato stays close to the fire, even though his body temperature alone will keep the egg safe.

As I look around and watch all of Moon's other mates, something deep in my soul settles. Cato and I spent so much of our lives scared, wondering what the next day would bring.

Our child will never know that feeling. They will never wonder if they'll be fed that night, or if they'll be beaten. They won't wonder if they'll die in a cell… They'll be loved, and surrounded by men who would die to keep them safe.

I know I will.

"I need you to come with me," I say to Cato, who looks up at me.

"Okay?" he asks, and I smile.

"You'll see."

We find Moonlight sitting in the grass, leaning back on her hands and staring up at the stars.

"Can I sit here?" I ask, pointing beside her. Moon nods, looking at me.

"Of course." Moon pats the grass and sits up. Cato sits on my other side, remaining quiet. "You okay?" Moon asks, as she rests her hand on my arm.

"I am. I just wanted to give you something." I take a deep breath. "My vow." I pull out my knife and slice open my palm. Cato raises the egg in front of me, and I rest my bloodied hand on it. "To protect and love this child fiercely for as long as I live. With my blood. They will never be alone in this world."

"Odas!" Moon cries, moving to her knees. She watches me with tears in her eyes.

"My blood will help protect them. They'll be safe, as long as I live, and if they are ever in danger they can use this connection to call to me. I will always be there," I tell her, as I release the egg, and pull my mate into my lap. She straddles my hips and cups my face between her palms.

"Oh, Theodas, you didn't have to…"

"I know. But there's no one, in this lifetime or the next, I would rather do this for. Our child. I love you with all my heart and soul, Moonlight. I always will."

"I love you too. I love you so much!" Moon kisses me, and every cell in my body is focused on her. She's the center of my soul.

The center of our world.

Silas

Moonlight senses me as I approach her. I don't mind that she always knows when I'm near. Cato and Odas can also sense me, but neither of them reacts physically.

"I have something for the baby," I say, as I step in front of them. Cato looks up right away, as I hold the nest out to him.

I used different things to make it. A shirt belonging to Moon that I tore up, pebbles, and leaves. Things that will support the egg as it grows.

"Oh, Silas!" Moon's eyes light up as she looks at it.

"There's also a bit of my magic infused into the pebbles. No one will be able to get near it without feeling extreme fear. Well, no one except us, of course," I explain, as I sit beside Moon on the other side.

"That's very thoughtful." Moon smiles softly, leaning her body into me, and sighing.

"I also have this." I hold up the arm cuff. It's shaped like a snake. "I used my magic to make the translucent shell. My blood is visible inside the center."

"Oh, I love it!" Moon slides it up her arm until it settles over her mid-bicep.

"I'm glad. My scent and magic will work to protect you whenever I'm not near you," I explain. The need to keep her safe runs deep. "I love you, Moon. More than anything."

"I love you too, Silas."

Daire

I'm nervous about giving Moon her gift. It's not as extravagant as a crown, or as personal as Odas's oath. But, it's all I have.

She finds me, maybe sensing that I'm nervous. I smile when she slides into my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Hi, mate," Moon says, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

"Hi, Moonlight." I can't resist wrapping my arms around her, holding her tightly to me.

"You look like you're worried about something. Are you okay?" Moon asks, snuggling into me.

"I'm nervous," I admit. "I have something for you." Taking a breath, I pull it from my pocket. The locket hangs from a gold chain, and I pop it open, revealing the pictures inside. One is of her and I, and the other is of her egg. "When the baby is here, you can swap the images." Moon takes the locket from me and inspects the images. While she looks at them, I press my lips to her temple, kissing her.

She smells so good. I want a taste of her blood. I always do.

"This is perfect, Daire. Why were you nervous to give this to me?"

"I don't know. I thought maybe it wasn't enough. It's not your name over my heart…" I sigh.

"No, it's not. But that wouldn't be like you. This is. I love it. Help me put it on."

I help her put it on while she lifts her hair. Once it settles around her neck, she rests her hand over it and leans back into me.

"How did you get this picture?" she asks, and I chuckle.

"Magic."

"Ah, that explains it, because I don't remember taking one."

"I have my ways," I say, before pressing another kiss to her head. "I want you to know that I love you with all that I am, Moonlight."

"I love you too, Daire."

Fen

Everyone has given Moon their gifts, and when she climbs off Daire's lap, I know I'm the last one left.

My nerves get the best of me, and I make my way over to her quickly. I scoop her up into my arms, and hug her, spinning her around. I can't help myself. She makes me so happy.

"I love you. I adore you. I worship you!" I tell her, before kissing her neck. "I wasn't sure what to give you. I don't have much. I never have. Before you, I couldn't even touch anyone. If I had never met you, I probably never would have learned the truth."

Moon giggles, and I place her back on her feet. "I love you too! And you know I don't need anything."

"I do know that. And I'll be honest, Moon, I don't have anything physical. But I do have this. My first kiss, and my last. My first love, and my only love. You will be the only woman in my heart, from now until the end of time. My gift is the promise that I will worship your body, mind, and soul until the day I die, Moonlight. I love you. I always will," I vow, kissing her forehead.

"I love you, Fen!"