The Rise of Nix
Chapter 17

With the vanishing sun, the moon sparked in the middle of the sky, its mystic energy basking the group in excitement for what was to come. Some wolves hate the forced turn on the full moon since it is painful, but Maverick marvelled at the sheer joy brought by the lunar essence. It made him feel alive and animalistic, more so than usual, and not to mention the sex afterwards.

The girl from earlier is currently in front of him, her ass grinding over his manhood to the beat of the drums, the cup of mead in his hand sending his mind into overdrive. Downing the last of the liquid, Maverick bit back the cough trying to explode as the harsh golden alcohol burned his throat, but he controlled it. Mindlessly dropping the empty cup next to him, his free hands snaked around the female’s waist, pulling her closer as he moved his hips to the beat, rubbing his semi-solid manhood into her core. This foreplay is enticing, revealing only a bit of what was to come and the pleasure awaiting them both.

Letting out a moan, the dark-haired girl leaned into him, her head falling onto his shoulder, exposing her neck for Maverick. A sign of submission, and one he would gladly accept. Kissing her soft flesh, he dragged the scent of her arousal deep, his own body reacting to hers. As they both swayed in unison to the beat of the music, Maverick let his hands glide over her form, ending on her hips again as his finger dug into her soft skin, holding her tight as he ground his fully erect member into her backside. The pleasure became overwhelming, and he suddenly pushed her away, his hold moving to her upper arm. The woman turned around, confusion on her face turning to a sly smirk as she saw the passion in his hooded gaze. Beginning to walk, Maverick pulled her behind him, but the sudden appearance of his Beta before him stopped his tracks.

“What is it?” grunted Maverick.

David’s eyes shot between his and the girl behind him, sweat breaching his brow as he realized what he had interrupted. “I am sorry, Alpha, but we have uninvited guests.”

The anger disputed, replaced by a raised eyebrow and sudden happiness. Maybe Nix decided to crash their celebrations, and if so, the female behind him had no more a chance than the rest. His mate will be his sole focus.

“Invite them,” demanded Maverick as his hold dropped from the girl, his back entirely on her. The loud huff she expelled irritated him, but he had to let her know who the true leader was. Keeping her behind him, Maverick said, “Leave.”

“Why?” the female murmured, angering him further.

Twirling around, Maverick said nothing, allowing his gaze to send the message across. And it worked, for she gave a slight jump as their eyes connected. Bowing without a word, the girl turned and fled, disappearing into the crowd. Maverick turned back to his Beta, his shoulders back as he prepared to face his mate.

“Leela and her friend, Alpha,” said David, moving to the side to reveal the brown-haired girl and her friend.

Maverick’s smile faltered slightly at the disappointment of seeing the wrong female. Still, he quickly returned it, knowing the ties between him and Khan needed to strengthen, and the female before him could ruin that alliance, especially with her irritating voice.

“Leela, so good to see you.” Maverick coated his frustration with a higher tone, hoping the girl was not smart enough to notice the difference.

Leela bit her bottom lip as she glued her eyes on Maverick, flipping her hair over her shoulder. Maverick almost burst out laughing at her feeble attempt at flirting. She was trying too hard, even though she knew he was not interested. After their sleep over the one night, he had tried to push her away gently, but every day she showed up, putting her body on display to try and get him to sleep with her, but there was only one human he wanted; Nix.

“I missed you.” purred Leela, swaying her hips as she sauntered closer to him.

Biting back a crude response, Maverick played her game. The full moon is in a few days, and keeping Leela and Khan happy would make their plan easier for that day. “How could I believe you? I heard you have had quite a string of suitors lining up for your hand in marriage.”

Blushing, Leela reached out to lay her hand on Maverick’s arm. “But they are boys. I want a man,” she whispered, her voice reaching a higher pitch than usual.

“There are plenty of those in your village,” replied Maverick as he smiled, her touch sending pricks over his skin. He wanted to escape her embrace, but she would just move closer. A move she always did to get his attention.

Dropping her chin, Leela peered up at him as she lowered her voice, “But I only want you.”

The only way out of this was to make an excuse she could not deny. “I don’t think Khan, your father, would approve of you being here so late.”

Leela pouted at him, rolling her eyes, the spoiled child coming to the surface. “Daddy does not have to know. Besides, you already slept over in our hut, and he did not object.”

Maverick remembered that night. Khan had been nice enough to offer up his house after the long night of drinking, and as sleep had filled him, Maverick had taken the offer. After the snoring of Khan filled the space, a dip in the hay alerted him to a warm body sliding next to his as Leela had welcomed herself to his comforts, the hands over his body indicating what she wanted. But to her dismay, he had denied her, for she did not turn him on like Nix. He had allowed her to sleep next to him, and as soon as the sun rose, he bolted. After that day, she has been a constant pain in his side, unable to get the hint.

“True,” said Maverick, “But this can cause big trouble with your reputation. And not to mention the trouble it can cause with your father.”

“Boo. You are boring.” her pout grew as she folded her arms over her chest, knowing it pushed her breast higher.

“Fine. We shall go, but can we have a drink first? The mead you have is much better than the watered-down stuff they call mead by us.”

“Enjoy, ladies.” nodded Maverick.

Dropping her pout, Leela smiled. Without another word, she grabbed her friend, making their way to the fire and the alcohol next to it. One thing he knew about the girl is that she loved being the centre of attention, but not as much as mead. A sign that she is going to be a handful one day. And he plans on not being the one to look after her, even if she tries harder than she already has.

With relief, Maverick turned to David, about to instruct him to remove the two females after they had one drink, but he stopped in his tracks. With his mouth open in shock, he blinked a few times to ensure it was not a dream. But she was still there, standing close to his throne, eyeing him as he eyed her.

Stalking closer, Maverick pulled his shoulders as he lifted his chin, showing her his statue in the pack and displaying his true power.

“And what do we have here?” asked Maverick as he stopped in front of Nix; their eyes clung to each other, a smile on her lips.

“I decided to have some fun tonight,” explained Nix. “Do you think you can help with that?”

The walk to Maverick’s camp had been dark but short, Mary and Nix distracting themselves with idle conversation on the way there, relieved as the light from the flames and chatting became louder. Breaking through thick branches, they both froze as they realized the kind of celebration they stumbled upon. Men and women mingled about the fire, chatting and drinking, but on closer observation, Nix realized some were not talking but rather entwined as their hands roamed each other, their mouths hungrily taking pleasure from the other. Heat crawled over her cheeks as she blushed. Turning to Mary, who was also watching with a dropped jaw, Nix was about to suggest leaving, but the high-pitched voice of her rival made her zone in on them.

With a life of their own, Nix’s feet moved as she stepped closer to Leela and Maverick, curious to see what was about to happen. If he embraced the female, Nix did not know what she would do, but the closer she got, the more she realized he was uncomfortable. Stopping next to one of the huts, Nix leaned against the chair perched before the opening, the new vantage point allowing her access to his full features with the flames casting light over him. The cracks of branches alerted her to Mary, and without turning, she whispered, “This should be interesting.”

“Why do you say that?”

Glancing over her shoulder, she spoke to Mary. “Look at him. He is clearly not as interested in Leela as she is with him.”

“And you can tell that by just looking at him?”

Nix nodded, “Don’t ask me how, but I can just tell.”

“If you say so.”

They both turned back to watch the interaction, eyes glued to the pair. As Nix watched Maverick’s stiff composure, she couldn’t help but smile. For once, the beautiful Leela will not be getting her way, and deep down, she revelled in the girl’s loss. If that made her vain, then be it, for she has tortured Nix her entire life. This minor victory lifted her spirit and pulled her mind away from Deimos and his ever-changing emotions.

The pair continued talking as Nix and Mary watched from the side, with Mary’s gaze filtering over the whole village, intrigued by what she was seeing. In their town, the people were not openly free as these people as couples were passionately making out all around, some couples even having a third partner with them. “I don’t think we should be here,” announced Mary, tearing her gaze from their actions to peer up at Nix.

“I think this is the right place to be tonight,” explained Nix, the fire casting a glow over her features as the spark from the fire glittered in her eyes.

“You can stay, but I think I need to head back to James and the kids.”

Nix tore her amusing stare from a pouting Leela and faced Mary. Tilting her head, she said, “If you need to go, I understand, but I think I might stay.”

Lightly touching Nix’s arm, Mary squeezed lightly. “Thank you. And please stay safe.” She gave a final glance over the party. “These people are different from ours. I don’t know how but I can sense it. They will devour innocents like yours.”

As gratefulness sparked in Nix’s eyes, she placed her hand over her friend’s, giving a reassuring hold to the worried girl. “I can handle myself. Don’t worry about me. Just get to your family safely.”

With a silent nod, Mary released Nix, and without looking back to the party, she turned the way they came and left. Watching her friend absorb into the woods’ blackness, Nix silently prayed to make sure she got home safe since these woods were scary at night. Does it make her a bad friend for letting Mary wander alone at night? Maybe, but she so wanted to stay and let loose. And perhaps explore this new attraction she felt to Maverick.

Just as Nix faced the flames, her eyes instantly zoned onto Maverick’s, who was staring directly at her, Leela nowhere in sight anymore. Smiling, she watched as he strode to where she stood, his body shifting as he walked. With a lifted chin and pulled-back shoulders, Maverick gave the impression of a beast with his eyes set on his prey. Gulping back her nerves and freezing on the spot from the predatory gaze directed her way, she watched as he advanced on her until he stopped just before her.

“And what do we have here?” asked Maverick.

“I decided to have some fun tonight. Do you think you can help with that?”

Nix’s words perked up Maverick as he relaxed with a hand on his waist, leaning his shoulder against the hardwood of his throne; the movement brought them a breath apart.

The closeness of his heated body choked her, and all she could do was look up at the man as he gazed down at her, a wicked twinkle in his eyes with a smirk to match.

“I can do more than help.” Maverick winked as his voice dropped low, the words a low whisper for only her to hear.

A blush began to creep up her face as heat shot to her core. Just being around Maverick turned her on, and coupled with a devilish wink, she almost melted, but she had to remember why she was there. To relax after the last few days and to forget, even for a moment, the weight that had been placed on her shoulders.

Taking a step away from his dangerous masculinity, Nix folded her arms over her chest as her eyes scanned him up and down before looking at him. “To be clear, I do not require THAT kind of fun. I want to let loose, drink, and dance the night away around the glorious fire your people have set.”

Waiting to see his response, Nix watched as Maverick’s shoulders dropped slightly, and his smirk faltered before he straightened himself, giving a full smile that revealed his perfect set of teeth. “The offer still stands whenever you like, but for now, let us have some fun.”

With a sigh of relief, Nix accepted Maverick’s offered hand, allowing him to drag her closer to his people. Groups scattered around the communal pit as four men stood to the right of the flames, each with a different drum. The beat of their hands on the dried skin matched the dancing of the females, happiness radiating from them as they jumped around, grabbing anyone to join in.

Leading them through the crowd, Maverick tightened his hold on Nix’s hand as they moved around, looking over his shoulder every couple of steps to check up on her. Still, she is entranced by the wonders around her, acts meant for privacy being openly displayed.

Suddenly, a solid wall bumped into her and shaking her head, she looked away from the debauchery to see a muscular back up close. The body turned as Maverick smiled down at her. “If you don’t want that fun, then I suggest you don’t stand so close.”

“I am sorry. I didn’t mean to-,” Nix tried explaining, but Maverick’s deep laughter stopped her.

“I am just teasing you.”

“Well, it is working.”

“I know. Your bright red cheeks tell me when I am successful.”

Shamefully covering her face with her empty hand, Nix tried to hide her blush, hoping Maverick wouldn’t push it, for she could not let him know it was his people making her shy. Given that she is innocent in ways he could not imagine, being at a celebration with people almost openly having sex was a new step for her. One she did not want Maverick to know about, for he would have questions, just like everybody who found out her secret and answering them was not a part of her plan for tonight.

“Here.” a cup filled with liquid appeared before her. Giving a thankful smile at Maverick, Nix took the offered beverage, liquid spilling over her fingers.

“To a fun night.” Announced Maverick as he tapped his cup against her, spilling more mead over her hand.

Giggling, Nix followed Maverick as he downed his cup, her taking longer to drain as the cold liquid burned her throat. Coughing, she looked over the rim of her cup, and her eyes clashed with Maverick’s dark stare as he watched her. Breaking their contact by lifting the cup higher to down the last drops, she bit back a horrendous wheeze fighting to escape from her delicate throat, not accustomed to the strong mead. Dropping her hand with the empty cup, they made eye contact again.

“You good?” asked Maverick.

Wanting to seem strong, Nix kept her mouth shut, afraid if she opened it now, all the alcohol might reappear, and just nodded.

“If you say so.” Maverick’s eyebrow shot up in suspicion, knowing her delicate stomach was not accustomed to their rough mead and enjoying the reaction she gave. Even without trying, she pretends to be strong. The perfect trade his Luna has, one that comes in handy when there is war near. The more time he spends with Nix, the more he realizes she is his mate. The draw might not be as strong, but there is something there, and he planned on exploring it further and all while having fun.

“More?” Maverick filled his cup before offering it to Nix.

“I think that one is all I need,” explained Nix.

“Suit yourself.” gulping down his cup, Maverick tossed it mindlessly away as he reached for Nix. Entangling their hands, he revelled in the slight sparks shooting up his arm. Another sign of their status. “Ready for fun.”

“Born ready,” replied Nix as she led the way, dragging a smiling Maverick behind her.

Sᴇarch the FindNovel.net website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.