Rage of the Alpha (Part 2 of the Alpha Queen series)
Chapter 17

ASHER

For reasons he could not explain, a warmth had spread from his heart to the rest of him. It was less the fact that he was unaccustomed to having a touchy-feely relationship with anyone other than Saber, but more that he was unable to explain why he felt this way toward two people he had just met.

He had centuries of experience watching other families - including the mess of emotions from Saber about having her mother back - to draw from, but was still left a bit flabbergasted. At least one more thing I have in common with the Winter King.

And like magic, the rift between his parents had already begun to heal. Being an onlooker, Asher found his heart bleeding for them. The small separation from Saber almost broke him, and it was unimaginable how these powerful beings could stand it. But then again, they did break, didn't they? Winter turned to ice and his Queen went dark from their loss.

Saber had barely given the three of them a moment alone before enclosing his hand in hers. Their bond was knotted with the worry she tried desperately to hide. Throughout the whole feast the Elves had their royals endure to make this reunion more special, that worry and suspicion had lingered, though she had not made any mention of it.

"I wonder if Saber knows something we don't," Lares spoke suddenly.

"I think she would've said something by now. Saber is nothing if not outspoken and direct," Asher replied thoughtfully.

"She did though, remember?" It was not something Asher would likely forget. The vehemence of her conviction was swimming through Saber's being when she yelled those words at Neall. And if he was being truly honest with himself, this whole scenario was unlike any one of the three reunited family members.

"You suspect Neall is behind this...this bonding experience? To what end Lares?"

"She said it herself. The only thing that could possibly cure possession... Love Asher, and your situation is unique. The power of what is happening here will certainly affect your Mother and return her if the Elves have indeed been possessed." Lares intoned a bit condescendingly, as if Asher would never have figured it out by himself.

His internal conversation was brought to a halt when his father slid onto the seat next to him. At first he seemed at a loss as he settled a hand on Asher's shoulder. Looking over everyone gathered, he smiled and looked at the table.

"It's rediculous that I do not have the words to convey so many centuries of longing for my own son and mate," the King chuckled. "There is just too much. I think I should forego that route for now, we can catch up after this war is concluded. Suffice it to say that I am incredibly proud of you. I am also incredibly happy that you were blessed with such a female. She is magnificent."

It was one of those rare moments where Saber had gone with Neall in search of the facilities, as Neall called it. However, Asher was unprepared for the effect of that statement from this powerful Fae. It went against their nature to indebt themselves, but the man had gotten them out of a sticky situation with the Vampires, and that did count for much already.

"Thank you...Father," he tested it for the first time in person. It rolled off his tongue much easier than he was comfortable with, which could only mean that Lares supported him in this. Saber and Neall chose that moment to return.

"My son's Queen, and now my Queen as well," The King of Winter bent down to his knee. "You have earned my loyalty and respect for your willingness to defend my son with your life. I am from now until my death your subject and servant. Accept my vow, and my Court will fight for you until my son's dying breath."

"Um, but I'm not Fae...Your Highness." Saber did not know how to accept such an honour, much less accept it.

"My young Queen, you are more than all of us combined. My mate would have difficulty admitting this, but we understand power. All of us." Magnus said with a smile. "It would be only wise to band together under one who can protect us all where we would fail."

LOLA

"Then I accept your fealty, Winter King. You have my sword and shield as well," Saber bowed her head to the kneeling King, pledging her own vow while acknowledging his with grace.

Lola could tell the young girl was having trouble when everyone clapped and hooted. She must not be accustomed to much adulation. Poor girl. It brought an understanding smile to her face. This gathering was about as unexpected as the ambush they unwittingly entered earlier. The reminder of that left a sour taste in her mouth.

During her childhood in the human realm, no-one would believe Lola whenever she tried to explain why she would not attend a party with them because of demons hiding in plain sight. Eventually no friend accepted her paranoia. And not long after that, her father sent for her.

Lola could not help but think if she had known then, what she knew now, the humans would most definitely have had her committed - drugged up in a padded room somewhere. Back then she did not understand what she was seeing, only seeing the monsters overlapping some humans. And although it was frightening, young Lola had had no idea that there were actually people in those bodies too, and that their bodies had been invaded. The magnitude sent shivers down Lola's spine as everyone still celebrated Saber, pledging their allegiance amongst each other.

"What's happening in that head of yours woman? Your clapping seems automated," Liffin noted into her ear, his breath fanning her skin and increasing its pebbling.

"I was just reminded about my teenage years," Lola drew away from him, not needing these treacherous sensations to become lingering. "I know for a fact the demons lived among the humans, and now they are physically here. I think if they can get here with their own forms intact, they must be doing the same in other realms too."

Liffin looked over the joyous crowd. "I also think we aren't aware of all the realms out there. Even if we manage to stop them here - those humans might not be so lucky. What will stop them completely? They have more manpower than we could ever muster. What will stop them from just attacking again, and again?"

Morose had never been Lola's style, but this conversation was getting to her. Neall's ideology earlier was not misplaced, and it was exactly why this party was needed. To reinforce whatever good still remained within the Elven Queen.

"Do you think this will be enough?" she whispered.

"Do you think all this really matters if we are the only realm that succeeds?" Liffin countered with a sobering tone.

Lola only noticed her tears when they were rolling down her cheeks. By then Liffin was holding her tightly, kissing the top of her head as she buried herself in his warmth. The moment turned heavier as something settled in her chest. Liffin was stroking her back as if to soothe her, but when she peered up, his eyes had darkened.

With the war looming, uncertainty hanging over their heads, and the biggest possibility of doom across the realms, Lola could not replace a better reason to give in. She had also found respect for Liffin when he saved her from his mother, only realizing afterward that he had acted on instinct and could not have known if his abilities would affect her.

As if he could read her mind, space folded around them, bringing them both to his chambers inside the palace. Neither of them deemed it necessary to see if they were alone as the fire-place sprang to life and small lights flickered on around them.

Lola's lips met Liffin's in a slow, unhurried way. The kiss found life of its own as it deepened, both of them savouring one another with purposeful strokes of their tongues.

Lola melted into him as Liffin pulled her even closer. He braced the back of her head and delved deeper into her, his need for her becoming soul-deep. Lola could only respond in turn by pressing her pelvis into his, almost arching her back and her arms managing to tighten their grip around his waist.

She had not noticed them moving toward the bed, but then she was lifted up and her legs wrapped around Liffin as he ground against her centre, back and forth until he lay her down. Lola gasped for air when his clever hands began unbuttoning her coat.

Her breathing became ragged but there wasn't time for more as her mouth was stolen once more. Moans filled the room at the touch of Liffin's fingers caressing the hot skin around the bra that kept the girls out of sight.

She would've sworn there was a chill in the air as her nipples stiffened to the point of pain, but it was his skin against hers that elicited shivers all over her body. Sudden, wet warmth over her breast had Lola's nails digging into his back, then roam around the muscles underneath her palms as she trailed them along his spine to his tailbone.

"Do you want more Lola?" Liffin whispered into her ear, busying those stealthy hands with removing her pants. Her only response was a groan from deep within her throat indicating Lola was just as lost as he was. When did I lose my clothes?

Tucking one arm beneath this gorgeous woman's back, he gripped her opposite shoulder from the back and held Lola in place. He licked a path up the side of her neck and softly blew on it, distracting her before slipping his fingers between her folds.

Immediately, Lola arched her back and found his mouth, sucking and nipping at his lips while mewling onto his tongue.

"I want you now Lola." Lola couldn't believe he was asking permission at this point.

"Take me Liffin." Those were the sweetest words he'd ever heard. He obliged without another thought, spreading her legs wide and gliding inside her even while she tensed around him. He studied her face as instinct overtook them both, riding them first into madness and then into pure ecstacy.

"I should've guessed you would be a tigress in bed," Liffin observed, lazily teasing her breasts after they had exhausted themselves.

"Do you know?" he pondered, "this was the first time I've copulated without feeding."

"Truly?"Lola could not believe that. "I thought you couldn't do one without the other. I mean... I assumed..."

"You mean to tell me you've thought about it before?" Liffin pushed himself onto his elbow, still teasing her breast. Her blushing and silence spoke volumes.

Chuckling, he asked, "Did you just think about me, in general, or were you wondering what it would be like," his voice had lowered an octave, "what it would feel like," he pinched her nipple, "to have me do this to you?"

Lola made a strangling noise, flipped him onto his back and hovered over his erection. "Bite me," she bit out before impaling herself on him.