The Rise of Nix
Chapter 16

The fire spit embers as the fat from the hog dripped onto the golden waves, keeping the kids entertained as they perched before the heat, the delicious smell of cooked meat pulling them closer. Parents stood behind their offspring, talking and joking as they waited for the food, anticipation building from when their leader returned from a hunt. Their men had returned with prized catches, but Maverick had brought the biggest catch, and now they were celebrating.

Females danced joyously around the fire, their bodies moving to the beat of the drums as their laughter filled the air. Unmated males watched from the side, choosing one that would occupy their bed for the night. Wolves were known to be sexual. Considering to release one inner animal, you had to partake in sex. The creatures did not know why, for the Moon Goddess degreed it, but there have been no complaints. So sex between unmated wolves is encouraged until one finds their mate. And the unmated wolves are hungry tonight.

Maverick leaned back on his throne as he watched his pack have fun, drinking and dancing under the gibbous moon. Always before a full moon, their heightened senses enlarge as their cravings intensify; Food, mead, and sex. That is all they crave before shifting under the full moon’s rays and running wild. Their beasts are set free to explore their instinct, one day their human tendencies fall away, and the animal takes over.

“The full moon that is coming will be strong. Already we are feeling the effects, just days before the event.” the Beta said.

Turning towards David, his second in charge, Maverick nods, agreeing with his friend as the mythical connection courses through his body. “I agree. It will be a glorious feast.”

Leaning from his standing spot behind the Alpha, David cleared his throat before asking a question he knew might anger Maverick. “What will we do about the humans? Their camp is near ours, and only one human stumbling onto us that night might ruin this place we call home.”

Maverick’s grip tightened on the wooden arm of his throne, his knuckles turning white from the force. This anger was not towards his Beta, although the way the man slightly moved back amused him. No, he was angry that, yet again, they had to hide their nature to stay. Being a superior species was thrilling, yet they had to hide it from a lower life form; the humans. Maverick liked their company, but he still considered them below him, and now, like a coward, he has to hide from them to preserve peace. Deep down, he wants to kill Khan and take leadership of their village, but the disgusting troll has loyalty within his men, and taking over might lead to unnecessary bloodshed on both sides. So instead, Maverick is worming his way into their good graces, an act he had refused on their original lands, hoping things might be different. But the irritating man keeps persisting Maverick should marry his daughter and unite the two villages. But Leela is not the girl he desires. No, she is just a plain flower compared to his mate, Nix. The connection he feels to her might not be like the pull from a true mate, but she is human, so he could not compare his experience to the ones of his brethren. There is something there, and he intends to uncover what it is and claim her as his own.

“We shall proceed as planned with a few safety measures in place,” explained Maverick as David leaned back in, relieved at the disappearing anger. “I shall tell Khan some silly story about keeping his people contained in their homes as we shift, but not here. The woods are humungous, with enough space for us to run free and wild.”

“Sounds good.” acknowledged David.

Craning his neck in David’s direction, Maverick said, “But in the meantime, I have a mission for you.”

A smiling David stepped forward, standing completely before Maverick, eager to help whatever his Alpha needs.

“The girl, Nix. I want you to follow her and tell me everything you find out,” demanded Maverick.

Shaking his head viciously, David replied, “I will, Alpha.” turning to move, David stopped as a strong hand latched onto his upper arm.

Maverick shifted forward, pulling the Beta a hair width from his face. “If any harm comes to her on your watch, I shall proudly display your severed head on a spike where you stand now.”

“I...I understand.” muffled David, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed his fear.

Releasing the Beta, Maverick rose, the scared wolf stepping away. Eyeing the crowd, he spotted a new barrel of mead replacing the empty one just to the left of the fire, a line of men and women forming before it, the excitement visible as they finger their empty cups. Stepping down, Maverick looked over his shoulder at his frozen Beta, a slight smirk on his lips as he lavished in the visible fear of the wolf.

“And another thing, ” said Maverick, “Keep an eye on the stranger, Deimos. There is something odd about him, and I want to know what.”

Strolling straight to the mead, the other wolves moved out of his way, no one daring to point out that he cut the line. Mead spilt over his hand as he grabbed a full cup, downing it in one go. With a roar, Maverick grabbed another before turning to the ones in the line behind him.

“Let’s have some fun.” bellowed Maverick. All the wolves let out yells of agreement as the music picked up and the dancing resumed. Taking another big sip, Maverick made eye contact with one of the females over the rim of his cup, her smile promising a wicked time. Even if Nix is his mate, he has not yet claimed her and is free to explore any willing flesh offered up to him.

The room suddenly felt empty as Nix dropped onto her bed, her mind still reeling at Deimos’ confession. It was hard to admit that, for once, she needed someone. Not just for the training, but for the company. Deimos had burst into her life, flipping it upside down, and now with him gone, the emptiness returned, the one she had felt her whole life. Tears stung her eyes before they softly slipped down her cheek, dropping onto her leg. Watching the liquid splash against her pants, Nix allowed the sadness to consume her, but only for a minute. She had to stay strong and prove to him and the world that she was strong enough to face whatever came her way. Shaking her head, Nix wiped away the remaining tears as she mentally berated herself for stopping. Yes, he had hurt her, but she would not let him control her like that. Not again.

Packing away the sachel, Nix moved around the room to fix her little hut. Lighting the fire, she watched the golden flames spark to life, leaning closer to enjoy its heat. From the corner of her eye, she spotted the dark blanket on the ground. The one Deimos had slept in last night. Picking it up, she brought it to her face, burying her nose into the rough material. Smelling intensely, her eyes closed as she lavished in his musky, male scent. The one she has become addicted to every time he is near her. Images of their kiss suddenly bombarded her mind, sending heat flashing through her body.

Gripping the blanket tighter, Nix pushed it away, dumping it in the corner. Yet, again, she became invested in someone, only for them to leave. The story of her life. Yes, he did not leave her, for he will still teach her the ways of magic, but he is distancing himself from her.

“Stop,” demanded Nix to herself as fresh tears threatened to be released. It helped, for suddenly, the sadness was replaced with frustration. If Deimos wanted to keep their interactions purely non-physical, she would let him, but she wouldn’t let him stop her from living.

With her mind made up and a new mission to accomplish, Nix stomped from her hut; her mind focused on tonight. The setting sun cast a dark blue over the sky as the moon winked from behind the mountains, nightfall near. Walking through the huts, smoke from a distance caught her gaze, her mind bringing up an image of Maverick, another man who elicited emotions from her that had never been felt. Maybe she should give him a chance, for he has clearly expressed his desire to spend time with her. Deimos might have distracted her from her previous mission to find a new camp, but with his rejection, she is free to choose her destiny, even if he disagrees with her.

As her own village came to life, Nix dodged through the crowd, aimed at making her way to Maverick’s group, but she was interrupted.

“I am glad to see that you are still alive.” a friendly, familiar voice said from her left.

Turning towards Mary, Nix couldn’t help but smile, seeing her friend lightening her mood instantly. “What can I say? I have been busy,” replied Nix as she made her way over to her friend sitting on a wooden log in front of her hut, where they had spent plenty of late nights talking and joking.

“Too busy to see your friends?” Mary asked, her head tilted as she squinted her eyes at an approaching Nix, unable to suppress her forming smile mirroring her friends.

“You got me.” Nix dropped down next to Mary, grabbing the hand resting on her lap. “I have been so preoccupied with Deimos; I have neglected you guys.”

Mary squeezed Nix’s hand as she looked into her eyes, a touch of sadness lingering in her gaze. “No need to apologize. New love can steal one’s time.”

Letting out a giggle, Nix explained. “He is nothing more than a friend, according to what he told me earlier.”

Mary and Nix have been friends since they were children, her family briefly taking Nix in after the death of her parents, creating a lifelong bond between the girls. But what has solidified it is that Mary trusts Nix, especially in the decisions regarding her lifestyle. Sure, Mary would comment occasionally, but she would always be supportive. But Mary’s ability is also knowing when to question something and when to keep quiet, just like now.

“Well, if you ever want to talk about it, just know I am always here, except when feeding the little devils.”

Both women laughed at Mary’s joke about her children. As they stopped, Nix clutched her friend’s hand; a silent thank you for not pressing the issue further with Deimos.

“So, where were you off to?” asked Mary.

“I needed to get away, and then I saw the smoke from Maverick’s camp and thought they might want some extra company for tonight.”

Mary tilted her head as an eyebrow arched up. “You mean you wanted to drown your sorrows in their potent mead?”

With a smirk, Nix replied. “You do know me so well.”

“After all this time, I am offended that you even questioned me.” Faking hurt, Mary clucked the material at her heart as her head fell back.

Laughing, Nix gently punched Mary’s arm. “Stop being so dramatic. No wonder the kids are a handful. They inherited it from their mother.”

“A trade I wished James had given them, but alas, they are my devils, and I love them.” glancing at the entrance of their hut, Mary’s face softened, and Nix could spot the love in her eyes, making her sad that no one is looking at her like that, but also hopeful that someday it might change.

“I am coming with,” remarked Mary, but Nix was in her mind, not listening.

A sharp pinch dragged her back, blinking as she rubbed her painful arm. “Oww, that hurt.”

“Well, if you were present, you would have heard my proposal, but clearly, you need the mead more than I thought,” said Mary as she stood with hands on her hips, staring down at Nix. “As I said, James can take care of the little monsters tonight. I am coming with you.”

“You don’t have to,” defended Nix as she stood up.

“I don’t want to hear it,” began Mary, “I am not letting you go alone to the camp so late at night. Besides, I need a night away from this.” she waved at her hut, “It can get too much sometimes.”

Nix giggled, “And you wonder why I don’t have children.”

Mary joined the laughing, “Maybe you were the smart one.”

“I know I am.”

“Just give me a moment.” disappearing into her home, Nix was left alone as she stared at the passing villagers, all smiling and chatting with a few nods in her direction and hers in return. This group is not wrong, for most have accepted her and her ways, but the important ones hate her, and Khan is not known for forgiveness. These people might be the closest thing to family she has, and leaving them will break her heart and theirs, but the despise from the leader is too much, and she would instead leave on her terms before he kicked her out.

“Ready to go?” asked Mary from behind her.

Turning to her dearest friend, Nix smiled and nodded her head. “Ready as can be.”

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