“That wasn’t so bad,” Anne remarked as she pocketed the acid tablets securely in her legging’s pocket.
“Now comes the hard part,” Apolon responded as he quickly transformed into a beautiful silver dragon. The sight took Anne’s breath away as Apolon lowered his body to the ground so she could mount him. “Now we must find where the Wizard King is performing the ritual and contaminate the potion without being seen. Once the smoke starts forming in the sky, we’ll know where he is but also will the entire rebellion. We must be fast.”
Anne nodded her head as they took off into the sky, wind rushing past them as Apolon’s wings beat furiously. Anne hugged her body to his shoulders, gripping onto his wings with all her might. Anne didn’t like the strain is put on her already depleted body, but she was willing to push through the uncomfortable ride if it meant saving these people and ensuring her future as a free woman.
“There!” Apolon hissed as a slim trail of smoke rose into the sky from a dark tower, high above the trees that surrounded it. Apolon circled the top the tower, glancing inside the open window, and seeing that it was completely opened besides for a small landing. “You’ll have to jump,” Apolon instructed as he did a finally circle around the tower before hovering next to the window so Anne could jump off, landing with a loud thud on the small landing.
Anne held her breath as she slowly eased her way to the side of the landing to peer below. Her heart started pounding in her chest as she watched the Wizard King chanting, kneeling before a large cauldron that was being stirred by the Dark Lord’s guards. Sinome had his eyes closed, arms stretched high above him as though he was praying. But when blood started to stream from his closed eyes, Anne knew that things were about to get a lot worse.
Anne slipped the acid tablets from her pocket and one by one dropped them below her, watching the small white drugs splash into the brown, boiling liquid. Anne didn’t know if the drugs would be enough to effect the Wizard King’s magic, but she hoped it would prevent him from joining his mind with so many.
It was starting to get harder to watch as thick bellows of smoke wafted up the tower. Anne pushed back from the edge and made her way to the open window, signaling for Apolon to come get her.
“The ritual is complete!” Anne heard Sinome shout. She began to panic as she hastily jumping onto Apolon’s back and secured her hands on his wings.
“Where you able to implement the drug?” Apolon asked as he took off from the tower, dipping below the tree line before landing on the ground.
“Yes. But I fear we are too late,” Anne replied as she stepped off of Apolon as he transformed back into man. They stood together as they watched dark smoke erupt from the tower, turning the clouds a dark green. But soon the green moved to shadows of oranges, yellows, and light greens. They twisted together, reminding Anne of looking through a kaleidoscope as the colors shifted to light blues and pinks.
“Come on. Let’s see how his subjects react,” Apolon suggested as they pushed through the thick bush till they could see the crowd waiting outside the tower. Anne recognized many from the Dark Lord’s castle, including the maidens who had aided her this morning. They were all being passed a small vial of the potion that they all quickly drank.
It was the Dark Lord’s laughter that brought Anne’s focus to the man in the center of the group, a dark cowl covering his face once more. She watched as the Dark Lord quickly drank the cup that was given to him from the Wizard King.
“It looks like the Dark Lord is the one that wishes to control these people,” Apolon spoke with astonishment. “He wishes to truly control everything himself.”
“I hope the drugs work,” Anne murmured as she stood close to Apolon, wishing they could just run away together. The sight of the Dark Lord disgusted her, even more so as she remembered how the three-headed creature had pleasured her.
“Look there!” Apolon remarked as he pointed to a part of the crowd that had started to shed their armor and clothing, laughter and soft shouts erupting into the air as they began to make love to each other.
“Is that part of the ritual?” Anne wondered as a massive orgy began in front of them.
“Considering they are all about to be destroyed by the rebellious forces, I doubt this would be the Dark Lord’s plan,” Apolon said as he took her hand and led her away from the frantic scene. “We need to return to the castle and let our forces destroy these traitors once and for all.”
Anne listened to reason as she mounted Apolon once more before they took for the skies.
~
“Are you happy now?” Apolon asked as he pulled his bride closer to his body, loving how her own inner fire had started to build.
“Now that the Dark Lord and his servants are no more, and I get to lay in your bed for the rest of my life, I am the most happiest woman alive,” Anne responded as she tucked her head under her husband’s chin, enjoying the way his skin felt as she ran her hands along his bare chest.
“If you keep touching me like that my love, I may have to pin you down and ravish your body once more,” Apolon teased as he ran his hand down her exposed back, sliding a finger between her checks. She pushed her behind into his groping hand, already growing wet at the thought.
“Then I guess you have no choice,” Anne responded, kissing his neck that caused him to hiss once more with desire.
Online Dating A Wolf
~ Bonus Story ~
A Werewolf Shifter Paranormal Romance
Alexa had tried everything to find love from moving to a new city, to blind dating. That is until she decides to give online dating a try, which leads her to Drake. A bashful, funny guy who is absolutely gorgeous. It’s when she convinces him to meet in person that she finds everything she has been dreaming about, except for the fact that he’s the Alpha of a werewolf pack in the Colorado mountains.
Alexa will not only discover the most amazing passion she has ever experienced before, but a whole new way of life that makes all the danger worth the amazing nights with Drake.
* * *
Chapter One
Things have to get better, eventually….right?, I wondered as I stood in the ticket booth, looking out at the crowd of young teenagers all cuddled against their lover as they stood in line for the latest Twilight movie. I pass out tickets, one by one, taking their cash or card in return, but they never really look at me. They are so focused on the girl or guy under their arm that they pay me little regard. I’m the one handling their tickets, but their attention is on more important things.
I can’t help but let out a long sigh as I finally sit back on my stool, the last in line disappearing into the theater to enjoy their movie. They all look so in love, I observe as I gaze ideally down at my cellphone. No missed calls or text messages, once again. I sigh again, leaning forward on the stool with my elbows on my knees; hands between my legs as I hold my cell phone like it’s my last connection to the outside world.
Scrolling through Facebook, I can see all my friend’s and family’s lives played out like a movie. I can see their happy moments, their times of sorrow, and even major life accomplishments. But all it is to me is a movie that I play no part in. I can’t understand how I lost the connection to those who I thought loved me and cared for me, but all I know now is that I am alone with only my work for companionship.
It’s when I come across another Facebook ad that my attention was fully captured by the image of a man and woman video chatting; laughing and looking at each other as though they had just fallen in love. It’s an ad for an online dating service that quotes success for all their users. For a moment it almost temps me to click on the ad as I think about all my failed dates thus far. Moving to Colorado Springs was supposed to be my way to break away from all the depression I left behind, hoping a new start would help me find my true love and a solid path through life. But it seemed that this town was no better than Denver. Working at a movie theater was not how I saw myself excelling in life, but it gave me something to do with my time
, and was enough income to pay for what I needed.
I glanced up at the clock above the ticket window, knowing I just had a few minutes before another wave of teens and adults would swarm the ticket booth for the next movie showing. It’s now or never, I thought as I clicked on the ad and quickly went to work with setting up my profile. I selected a picture that gave detail to all my good qualities; young, fit, busty, with short black hair. I knew without a doubt my looks would attract many men to my page. I wasn’t unware of my beautiful looks, but that it often attracted unwanted attention. I was in need of a real, lasting relationship. Not just the usual joker who wanted me for a night or two. No, I was doing this to hopeful find the one I had been looking for all my life. Someone to love me for who I am, and not just the beautiful way I looked.
As I set my phone aside and stood up as another customer approached the ticket booth, I couldn’t help but smile as I went about my work. I’m was excited at the idea of online dating, wondering who was looking at my profile now and where in the world they might live. Would I meet a sexy Italian who would want to whisk me away to his home country? Or maybe a Russian billionaire who couldn’t imagine another cold night without my by his side? As my phone began vibrating with incoming messages, I couldn’t contain the wild grin on my face that they are of course oblivious to. For once since starting this job, I was glad no one was paying attention to me.
~
The moment my shift was over and the ticket booth was locked up, I took off down the sidewalk to my little red Jeep and started the engine; pulling onto the dead street at one o’clock in the morning. It took me no time to get home, locking the door behind me as I made my way over to my bed in the studio apartment. I quickly stripped out of my uniform that smelled of stale popcorn and crawled under the covers, my phone firmly in my hand as I got comfortable, then turned on the online dating app.
I could hardly contain my excitement as I saw over twenty unread messages. I feel like a little girl again as I kicked my legs under the blankets and let out a little squeal. I’d been on blind dates before, but this was like putting myself out there for the whole world to see. It didn’t take me long to narrow down the messages and delete those that wanted to meet up with me already. It was obvious to me that they were just judging me on my looks alone.
It was when I came across a message from a man named Drake that I took a second longer to read the message, a second turning to a few minutes as I read the detailed letter. Drake had taken his time to introduce himself like a gentleman, talking about his life in the hills and mountains outside Colorado Springs. He even explained that the reason he had chosen to message me is that he was hoping to meet someone close to him, and in return I was already feeling warm hearted at not only his well-written message but also his desires he spelled out so clearly for me. It was when I clicked on his name so I could see his profile that my heart skipped a beat. Drake was a beast of a man with large broad shoulders and a toned torso. His hair was shaggy, black like midnight that helped brighten his green eyes that shown brighter against his tan skin. It was obvious that Drake spent a lot of time outside. As I drooled over his picture, I couldn’t understand why he was still single.
For the next hour I slaved over my reply, trying to sound intelligent, interesting, and maybe even a little seductive. After all, I do love a good romance movie. Perhaps I could finally star in my own romance story. After I had sent my message, I set the phone aside on the nightstand and closed my eyes; resting fully into the pillow as I dreamed about what it might be like to meet Drake in person one day.
~ One Week Later ~
Alexa: You know I think the time has finally come.
Drake: What do you mean?
Alexa: You know, actually see each other besides selfies we send each other on a daily bases.
Drake: Are you talking about meeting somewhere?
Alexa: Yes. I think we should actually go one a real date. Not just meeting up online.
Drake: I don’t know about that.
Alexa: Why? Are you some catfish that isn’t really Drake but some basement nerd named Steve?
Drake: No, I promise you I’m not a basement nerd But I’m not sure if I’m ready.
Alexa: Look, I think we both really like each other. After all we’ve sent messages non-stop for a week. I’m ready to see you. I’m ready to be able to hold your hand and see if you’re really this charming in real person.
Alexa: Come on, I see your online. Just tell me when and where and I’ll be there, wearing that dress you said you liked
Drake: Fine. Okay. Meet me at the Broadmoor Seven Falls around 5. It’s just outside the city and half way between our places.
Alexa: Ecstatic squealing!!! See you tomorrow!
Chapter Two
I can’t believe how beautiful this is, I thought to myself as I stood in front of a massive waterfall, the wading pool below a light green that reflected the afternoon sun. A light wind swept the bottom of my emerald green dress; something I picked to match Drake’s eyes.
“Your beautiful,” I heard from behind me, a low, gravelly voice, forcing me to spin around in surprise. In front of me stood Drake, as handsome as all the pictures he ever sent me.
“You made it!” I said before I walked up to him and threw my arms around him, which is a hard thing to accomplish because of his broad shoulders. I loved the way his arms came around me to return the hug, but he was quick to break our connection and step back.
“Do you think I wouldn’t come?” he asked, his eyes averted to the ground beside him.
“Did you really think I’m beautiful?” I respond quickly, giving him a wicked smile that seemed to break him out of his shell. He finally looked up at me, his bright green eyes almost punching a hole through my head with his strong gaze. I couldn’t help but hold my breath in my chest as my heart beated rapidly under his gaze.
“Yes,” he replied as he reached out his hand for me to take. I accepted the gesture as I intertwined my fingers with his as he tugged us down the walking path. I finally took a deep breath as I forced myself to believe this was really happening. I’d finally met Drake after a week of text messages and he was absolutely like he sounded online. Bashful, but honest.
“Do you come here often?” I asked as I continued to enjoy the view of the waterfall.
“Not usually. If you can’t tell already, I like my peace and quiet,” Drake responded as he peered down at me. I didn’t have to look at him to know when his eyes were on me.
“But why do you live all alone up in the mountains?” I questioned as I met his gaze. He smiled softly at me, and instead of answering my question came to a stop on a small hillcrest overlooking a small river; light green water running swiftly down the rocky bottom below. But it was not the scenery that took my breath away, but the picnic that had been set up in advanced.
“You did all of this?” I asked breathlessly as I spotted a picnic basket on top of a large blanket; plates and wine glasses already set out.
“I did,” Drake admitted as he led me to the blanket where we quickly got comfortable as Drake began to pull varies things out of the basket. “The wine I know you like,” he said as he passed me the bottle and a wine opener. I went to work on the cork as he started placing things on our plates to enjoy; simple things like cheese and crackers, deli meet and fresh bread.
“Here, let me help you with that,” Drake offered as I continued to struggle with the cork, nervous I would break it inside the bottle. I gladly handed over the bottle and watched as Drake cleanly removed the cork with one swift move.
“Wow, you’re really quick,” I exclaimed as I took the wine glass Drake offered, now filled quite a bit.
“Don’t worry, I’m not too quick,” Drake responded with a wink, reminding me of the flirtatious humor he used when we sent messages online.
The next few hours passed by as if they were only minutes. We ate, drank, laughed, and talked about our lives like we had for the last week. It felt like nothing had
changed between us besides being able to talk freely in front of each other. I had never felt this relaxed before with another man as Drake talked more about his life as a researcher for Colorado State University, living in the mountains to conduct geographic research for the university. The more he talked, the more I realized just how intelligent he really was. I eventually admitted that I always dreamed of having my own plot of land and just spending the day working the earth. I was thrilled when Drake sounded as enthusiastic as me. I had never really been supported by anyone when it came to my life dreams, which probably led to me working at a movie theater in the first place.
When the sun had fully disappeared underneath the horizon and it was hard to see each other in the darkness, I laid down on the blanket and turned my eyes towards the stars that now shined brightly in the darkness. I was pleased when I felt Drake’s large form come join me on the ground. I took the liberty to rest my head against his strong biceps, enjoying the heat that radiated from his body despite the cold wind that now blew through the park. We watched the stars silently, listening to the sound of the river below us and the water falls in the distance as water continued to crash against the rocks below.
“I should get going,” Drake spoke up, breaking the tranquil moment; a moment I could have lived in forever.
“Why? Do you have to be home before your mother finds out you left the basement?” I teased as I sat up so I could lean over him, forcing him to look at me.
“No,” he chuckled as he rolled away from me and stood.
“Then why? Surely it’s not too late?” I questioned as I pushed myself to my feet, starting to grow concerned at the idea of him leaving even though it wasn’t even nine at night.
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