She doesn’t stop. No, she continues licking and sucking my throbbing core until I’m left a sobbing, screaming mess of a puddle.
Tempest finally lets go of the death grip she had on my hipbones and looks up, her steel-blye eyes burning bright with a kind of fire I’ve never seen before. “I need them to understand you’re mine and not to touch. Now, get dressed.”
If I didn’t know better, I’d think she really meant that.
It’s a stark contrast. The wolf who was just pushing her tongue into me, versus the one standing before me now, telling me to get ready. Gone is the softness and the heady touches, replaced by a future leader. Someone trained to fight, not love.
I want to return the favor, giving her just an ounce of the pleasure she’s given me, but she doesn’t seem to want to allow it.
Tempest exits the tent, and I get changed, ready to see The Cathedral.
I haven’t been to The Cathedral in months. With tensions rising more and more over the last couple of months, The Devil’s Masquerade always came to the unanimous decision that missions involving The Cathedral and lupion pack-related issues would fall to Gemma, Absinthe, or Reina.
On the plus side, it allowed me the opportunity to pursue my own personal political interests more, but on the negative it forced me to stay away from many sections of Haeresis. I want to see it all, especially if I’m going to help lead the felion. We need to come together as communities, not shy away from each other over differences.
Making the finishing touches on my lipstick, I head outof our tent.
The black fabric of my dress clings to my body. With sheer panels on the stomach and arms, it perfectly showcases both my curves and muscle.
Tempest’s eyes seem to bug out of her head as she takes me in. I do the same, noting her more casual outfit. Gray, loose fitted jeans hang low on her hips. Her shirt is cropped, mostly covered by a black leather jacket, and her accessories match—all silver. Shiny long hair swoops back into a bun, showcasing the length of her pretty neck.
I want to lick that neck. No, I want to get on my knees, but instead I exaggerate the movement of my hips as I walk in front of her.
We make our way through the entertainment district, and I stare up at the two full moons hanging high in the darkened sky. Our path is illuminated by street lamps and the night airglow. The only sounds that fill my ears are the occasional monorail passing, the distant buzz of the katydids, and the sound of my own beating heart.
Tempest makes me nervous. At first, it was because she could hurt me and those I love. We had to sleep in the same room, work together, and I needed to trust her with my body. Now, it’s because I can’t tell what we are or where we’re going anymore. Sometimes it feels like we’re on the same path, ready to take on all of Hel together, and the next it feels like she despises me.
Are we friends or lovers? Accomplices or enemies? How can it feel like we’re somehow everything and nothing all at once?
Hel’s Carnival sits at the upper edge of the entertainment district, so our walk isn’t too far, but my feet still ache from the heels I chose.
I’m used to wearing no shoes at all, but I tried to emulate how I’ve seen Gemma and Reina go out to clubs and bars. I’m definitely full of regrets now, though.
Debating whether or not to go barefoot, my body is lifted off the ground before I can even registerwhat’s happening.
“Hey,” I shout at Tempest, who has lifted me up bridal style, carrying me in her arms. “Put me down.”
“You’re not my Alpha, I don’t have to follow your orders,” she responds, her voice calm and collected.
“We look ridiculous.”
“We look like an engaged couple having a bit of fun.”
I sigh and roll my eyes, but allow her to carry me until we catch sight of The Cathedral. It’s hot and almost romantic, the way her muscles tense as she holds me, the closeness of our bodies touching.
The towering building reminds me of Proditorum, with tall gray stones reaching up towards the sky. Stained glass covers the doors, showing off a large wolf howling at a singular moon.
“Where is the other moon?” I ask as Tempest puts me back down onto the concrete ground.
“The lupion were born from three species. Lycan, demons, and humans. The lycan’s planet only had one moon, which is why that’s all we depict in historical art of our ancestors,” she answers.
“My ancestors were cat nymphs and half-demons, so I sort-of understand,” I say. “I feel a closer connection to the nymphs.”
“Yeah. Nearly everyone here is a demon, half-demon, or hybrid, but I’m proud to be a lupion.”
“You should be.” I give her a small smile.
A dark atmosphere is lit up by colorful lights that glow from different corners of the room.
