MadiRaiCat
Wine Aunt
Asher
elf king
nine lives
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Multiple Settings The Preying Seasons | Main
- Thread starter apolla
- Start date
Desert_Blossom
Nobody's Perfect...
Marissa Locke
The last time Marissa had been on a ferris wheel, she'd been seated next to James, watching him intently as he soaked in the view from the top of the ride. For the last time. For a while, it seemed to be Mari's last time too, but now, here she was, seated by a man who was drastically different than James. Perhaps that's what made it easier to be with him. Adrian didn't really remind the blonde of her late husband at all. At least physically. James had been tall, but slenderly built, with dark eyes and even darker hair, but fair skin. Unlike the tatted man, the only markings on James's skin had been the almost out of place scattering of freckles on his nose and cheeks that always made him look younger than he was. Meanwhile, Adrian was very much a man. A man that had Marissa's undivided attention at the moment and was keeping any guilt that she'd usually have at bay.
With Adrian's arm around her slim shoulders, Marissa was tucked against his side, rather enjoying how petite he made her feel and how well she fit there. He inquired about any tattoos she had, and she noticed his eyes light up when she revealed that she did. There was an element of satisfaction in his reaction, which emboldened Mari to add that she'd show him hers if he showed her all of his. This time though Adrian's blue eyes widened with shock, and the blonde feared perhaps she'd been too bold with her offer. She bit her lip for a moment, trying to figure out how to backtrack, before he spoke again. Might take a while, but I wouldn't complain. Adrian's grip around her shoulders tightened, and Marissa relaxed once more, releasing her lip as she offered a pleased, albeit impish, smile.
They'd reached the bottom of the wheel and Adrian offered a wink, letting her know he was highly interested after she'd echoed his earlier words. Marissa's stomach fluttered a little, reminding her again that she was more invested in this man than usual. His arm left her shoulders, and even though it was a hot day, she felt the absence of his warmth immediately. Taking Adrian's offered hand, she allowed him to help her out of the cart and guide her away from the ferris wheel. You do realize we went up there to people watch, right? And we didn't watch anyone but each other...Not that I'm complaining, of course. Marissa glanced up at Adrian, instinctively wanting to deny that she'd been as caught up in him as she was, but his arm wrapped around her waist and her words disappeared before they were formed. "Oops..." She replied simply with a teasing smile.
The pair walked through the booths, and Marissa was just starting to think that everything was going well, when Adrian spoke again. I know I have to let you go at some point tonight so you can return to your home, but... I do hope you'll find me tomorrow. "Tomorrow?" Marissa asked before she could stop herself, a frown forming on her face as she realized today's not-date was also going to be a not-hookup. She'd ignored all the other rules she'd broken today with Adrian, but one of her biggest was not to see a guy more than once. Before she could contemplate much more, Adrian sped up some and moved in front of her to block the path. Marissa stopped abruptly when his hands found her hips and he closed the distance between them. Her furrowed brows softened as he gazed down at her, and her concern over the rules dissipated once more as her head tipped back some so she could look up at him at such a close proximity.
Adrian was saying something about her eyes, but Marissa could hardly focus on anything other than trying not to completely melt where she stood. Or rather, once stood. Suddenly Adrian grinned and Marissa found herself lifted from the ground as he spun her around. The blonde let out a surprised Oh! as her eyes widened and her hands found his shoulders reflexively. Her feet barely had time to touch the ground once more before Adrian's lips found hers and-
Adrian's kiss felt like jumping into the ocean. At first there was the initial shock, like that of the cold water when you plunge into the waves. Marissa's pulse quickened with adrenaline and her eyes widened for a moment as the sensation of his lips on hers washed over her. Then came that beautiful moment of peace and silence as one recovered from the shock and was suspended in the water away from the rest of the world. Marissa's eyes fluttered shut as she returned Adrian's kiss, leaning into the large man as her fingers curled around the fabric of his shirt where she still held his shoulders. She forgot all about the fair, and her rules, and the past for a moment, lost in this delicious moment. And finally, came the realization that air was still a necessity as one made their way back to the surface, breaking free of the watery world that was both dangerous and beautiful. Mari pulled away from Adrian's mouth only when her lungs began to burn a little, reminding her that she had't had time to breathe properly before diving into the kiss.
Her blue eyes opened once more as she looked up at him, feeling half dazed and more alive than she'd felt in a while. Her head nodded nearly imperceptibly, as Mari heard herself say, "Okay, tomorrow..." She lingered where she was for a moment longer, before releasing Adrian's shirt and letting her hands slide back down his chest. Her heart was beating fast and she hardly recognized herself but she felt... good. Great even. And that was terrifying. But not terrifying enough to keep her from agreeing to whatever Adrian asked of her. And if that was to meet tomorrow, then tomorrow it was. "When? Where?" She asked, the questions almost seeming too rational for the moment. "Or will I just run into you again?" She added, half teasing, half serious. Something about Adrian made things like making plans feel out of place. Nothing about today had gone to plan, and Adrian was to blame/thank for that.
With Adrian's arm around her slim shoulders, Marissa was tucked against his side, rather enjoying how petite he made her feel and how well she fit there. He inquired about any tattoos she had, and she noticed his eyes light up when she revealed that she did. There was an element of satisfaction in his reaction, which emboldened Mari to add that she'd show him hers if he showed her all of his. This time though Adrian's blue eyes widened with shock, and the blonde feared perhaps she'd been too bold with her offer. She bit her lip for a moment, trying to figure out how to backtrack, before he spoke again. Might take a while, but I wouldn't complain. Adrian's grip around her shoulders tightened, and Marissa relaxed once more, releasing her lip as she offered a pleased, albeit impish, smile.
They'd reached the bottom of the wheel and Adrian offered a wink, letting her know he was highly interested after she'd echoed his earlier words. Marissa's stomach fluttered a little, reminding her again that she was more invested in this man than usual. His arm left her shoulders, and even though it was a hot day, she felt the absence of his warmth immediately. Taking Adrian's offered hand, she allowed him to help her out of the cart and guide her away from the ferris wheel. You do realize we went up there to people watch, right? And we didn't watch anyone but each other...Not that I'm complaining, of course. Marissa glanced up at Adrian, instinctively wanting to deny that she'd been as caught up in him as she was, but his arm wrapped around her waist and her words disappeared before they were formed. "Oops..." She replied simply with a teasing smile.
The pair walked through the booths, and Marissa was just starting to think that everything was going well, when Adrian spoke again. I know I have to let you go at some point tonight so you can return to your home, but... I do hope you'll find me tomorrow. "Tomorrow?" Marissa asked before she could stop herself, a frown forming on her face as she realized today's not-date was also going to be a not-hookup. She'd ignored all the other rules she'd broken today with Adrian, but one of her biggest was not to see a guy more than once. Before she could contemplate much more, Adrian sped up some and moved in front of her to block the path. Marissa stopped abruptly when his hands found her hips and he closed the distance between them. Her furrowed brows softened as he gazed down at her, and her concern over the rules dissipated once more as her head tipped back some so she could look up at him at such a close proximity.
Adrian was saying something about her eyes, but Marissa could hardly focus on anything other than trying not to completely melt where she stood. Or rather, once stood. Suddenly Adrian grinned and Marissa found herself lifted from the ground as he spun her around. The blonde let out a surprised Oh! as her eyes widened and her hands found his shoulders reflexively. Her feet barely had time to touch the ground once more before Adrian's lips found hers and-
Adrian's kiss felt like jumping into the ocean. At first there was the initial shock, like that of the cold water when you plunge into the waves. Marissa's pulse quickened with adrenaline and her eyes widened for a moment as the sensation of his lips on hers washed over her. Then came that beautiful moment of peace and silence as one recovered from the shock and was suspended in the water away from the rest of the world. Marissa's eyes fluttered shut as she returned Adrian's kiss, leaning into the large man as her fingers curled around the fabric of his shirt where she still held his shoulders. She forgot all about the fair, and her rules, and the past for a moment, lost in this delicious moment. And finally, came the realization that air was still a necessity as one made their way back to the surface, breaking free of the watery world that was both dangerous and beautiful. Mari pulled away from Adrian's mouth only when her lungs began to burn a little, reminding her that she had't had time to breathe properly before diving into the kiss.
Her blue eyes opened once more as she looked up at him, feeling half dazed and more alive than she'd felt in a while. Her head nodded nearly imperceptibly, as Mari heard herself say, "Okay, tomorrow..." She lingered where she was for a moment longer, before releasing Adrian's shirt and letting her hands slide back down his chest. Her heart was beating fast and she hardly recognized herself but she felt... good. Great even. And that was terrifying. But not terrifying enough to keep her from agreeing to whatever Adrian asked of her. And if that was to meet tomorrow, then tomorrow it was. "When? Where?" She asked, the questions almost seeming too rational for the moment. "Or will I just run into you again?" She added, half teasing, half serious. Something about Adrian made things like making plans feel out of place. Nothing about today had gone to plan, and Adrian was to blame/thank for that.
nine lives
Desert_Blossom
Nobody's Perfect...
Alarick Vernon
Patience was a virtue that had a loose relationship with the Spring King. He could be patient when it suited him, but right now, he wanted to be anything but patient with the sultry blonde that had brought him back to her apartment. Still, he had to get her to agree to attend the festival ball with him, and so he breached the subject while he had her otherwise distracted. The wolf had tipped Jolene's chin up to look at him, and backed her up against the wall as he all but told her that she should be his date at the end of the week. Wanting to chase any objections Jo might have to the proposition, Al leaned down and captured her lips with his before she could answer.
Somewhere in the back of his mind he was vaguely aware that she'd released the wolf plush in surprise, and soon both her hands found their way up to wrap around his neck. Jolene kissed him back without hesitation, and Al smirked into the kiss, deepening it even more. There was no doubt in his mind that he wanted the blonde to be his wife. Yes, it had only been a couple hours, but after finding bride after bride after bride, Al could tell when something just worked. When Jo pulled away, Alarick was initially disappointed, taking in and letting out a deep breath as his head still leaned down over hers. She too was breathing heavily, but still managed to give her answer. Yes, I'll go to the ball with you.
While Alarick hadn't been terribly worried, yet, about Jolene refusing to go to the ball with him, a wave of relief did wash over him that she'd accepted so easily. The blonde had no idea what all she was agreeing to by being Al's date to the ball, and were the werewolf not so excited about having found his future bride, then the guilt would have eaten at him terribly. He grinned, his eyes finding Jo's hazel ones for a moment as she pressed her hand against his chest. "Wonderful..." He uttered, watching her as she pushed against him softly to create enough space between them for her to slip away back to the door.
This time Al did not interfere with Jo unlocking her door, and watched as she walked in and dropped her purse on the table. A moment later she returned to him, taking his hands and pulling him into her apartment. His gaze flicked around the apartment, more so out of habit of being aware of his surroundings, than being terribly interested in the decor. There was no reason to get attached to this apartment, as he'd soon be stealing Jo away from it. Besides, right now the blonde had his attention. The locked clicked behind him, and Al glanced back at Jo as she moved away from the door and towards him. The space between them quickly disappeared once more as Jo came to a stop right in front of him.
Before he even had time to react, it was as if the blonde read his mind and her hands directed his to her hips. A low growl-like noise escaped Al as Jo's hands slid up his chest, and his grip on her hips tightened a little. His breathing deepened as the beautiful woman before him leaned up, bringing her lips millimeters from his, whispering Now, where were we? Grinning darkly, Alarick leaned in ever so slightly, brushing his lips against hers. "Oh, I think you remember..." He murmured, lingering there for a moment longer, teasing Jo... and himself. Closing his eyes though, he pulled Jo tightly against him, his mouth capturing hers once more. This time though, Al was not satisfied with only tasting her lips, and after a few moments his mouth began tracing its way along the soft skin of her jaw, before finding the flesh of her neck.
Love might not have been present in this pending marriage yet, but lust certainly would not be an issue. One of his hands slid from Jolene's hips to the small of her back, sliding up her spine until it disappeared beneath her shirt. Her skin was hot, just like his breath on her neck as he toed the line of control and instinct. He couldn't scare her away by showing his primal side, not yet, but it was hard to keep from sinking his teeth into her tempting skin, just a bit. Slowly, but with purpose, Alarick began moving them deeper into the studio apartment towards Jolene's bed. Stopping at the edge of the bed when the back of the blonde's legs met the mattress, the rugged man pulled away from her just enough so his eyes could find hers. Watching her steadily as he caught his breath a little, Alarick arched a brow slightly, silently making sure that this was what Jo wanted before he proceed any further. It was bad enough that he had to take this woman from her home without her consent, but he would not take her without it.
Somewhere in the back of his mind he was vaguely aware that she'd released the wolf plush in surprise, and soon both her hands found their way up to wrap around his neck. Jolene kissed him back without hesitation, and Al smirked into the kiss, deepening it even more. There was no doubt in his mind that he wanted the blonde to be his wife. Yes, it had only been a couple hours, but after finding bride after bride after bride, Al could tell when something just worked. When Jo pulled away, Alarick was initially disappointed, taking in and letting out a deep breath as his head still leaned down over hers. She too was breathing heavily, but still managed to give her answer. Yes, I'll go to the ball with you.
While Alarick hadn't been terribly worried, yet, about Jolene refusing to go to the ball with him, a wave of relief did wash over him that she'd accepted so easily. The blonde had no idea what all she was agreeing to by being Al's date to the ball, and were the werewolf not so excited about having found his future bride, then the guilt would have eaten at him terribly. He grinned, his eyes finding Jo's hazel ones for a moment as she pressed her hand against his chest. "Wonderful..." He uttered, watching her as she pushed against him softly to create enough space between them for her to slip away back to the door.
This time Al did not interfere with Jo unlocking her door, and watched as she walked in and dropped her purse on the table. A moment later she returned to him, taking his hands and pulling him into her apartment. His gaze flicked around the apartment, more so out of habit of being aware of his surroundings, than being terribly interested in the decor. There was no reason to get attached to this apartment, as he'd soon be stealing Jo away from it. Besides, right now the blonde had his attention. The locked clicked behind him, and Al glanced back at Jo as she moved away from the door and towards him. The space between them quickly disappeared once more as Jo came to a stop right in front of him.
Before he even had time to react, it was as if the blonde read his mind and her hands directed his to her hips. A low growl-like noise escaped Al as Jo's hands slid up his chest, and his grip on her hips tightened a little. His breathing deepened as the beautiful woman before him leaned up, bringing her lips millimeters from his, whispering Now, where were we? Grinning darkly, Alarick leaned in ever so slightly, brushing his lips against hers. "Oh, I think you remember..." He murmured, lingering there for a moment longer, teasing Jo... and himself. Closing his eyes though, he pulled Jo tightly against him, his mouth capturing hers once more. This time though, Al was not satisfied with only tasting her lips, and after a few moments his mouth began tracing its way along the soft skin of her jaw, before finding the flesh of her neck.
Love might not have been present in this pending marriage yet, but lust certainly would not be an issue. One of his hands slid from Jolene's hips to the small of her back, sliding up her spine until it disappeared beneath her shirt. Her skin was hot, just like his breath on her neck as he toed the line of control and instinct. He couldn't scare her away by showing his primal side, not yet, but it was hard to keep from sinking his teeth into her tempting skin, just a bit. Slowly, but with purpose, Alarick began moving them deeper into the studio apartment towards Jolene's bed. Stopping at the edge of the bed when the back of the blonde's legs met the mattress, the rugged man pulled away from her just enough so his eyes could find hers. Watching her steadily as he caught his breath a little, Alarick arched a brow slightly, silently making sure that this was what Jo wanted before he proceed any further. It was bad enough that he had to take this woman from her home without her consent, but he would not take her without it.
nine lives
_amaranth_
...coffee_addict...
code by low fidelity.
_amaranth_
...coffee_addict...
code by low fidelity.
apolla
❛ it's only love, nobody dies ❜
VICTORIA ZABIELSKI
When Tori had returned to Maple Grove, she had done so with her tail tucked between her legs and the expectation that nothing would have changed. And to a degree, she was right. The town hadn't changed, nor had the people in it. For the yearly celebration of the town, Tori had expected the same thing as all the years passed. Her father even suckered her into helping with the promise that he would let her perform in the show and even possibly during the ball on the last night, but really all he'd wanted was someone to do his bitch work. She found that out quickly, but she should have been prepared for it. A small part of her still wanted the man's approval, but she was quickly slipping back into not caring. In fact, that feeling started creeping back in the first day of the festival, if not before.
But then she'd met Art. The man was older, but that didn't deter her from flirting with him and accepting his invitation to come with him. So after dropping off her headset, she'd left the work behind and spent that day and the two after with him as well. She was falling hard for the man, and while falling hard for someone wasn't unlike her, it did terrify her some. But it also excited her, and the days they spent together were amazing. They did more things around the fair and even the town itself. Hell, they'd even gone out to one of the clubs in Maple Grove, which wasn't anything compared to the nightlife in Vegas or somewhere like Malibu or Hollywood, but it was something. Art obviously wasn't in his element, but he tried to enjoy it for Tori. And then there was the whole issue with the guy who tried to grab her and dance with her. She still got shivers thinking of Art's voice when he stepped between them.
But yesterday, the day before the ball, her father had roped her into helping out again. He guilted her into it, and one task turned into another and before she knew it the whole day was gone and she hadn't been able to see Art. Carrying herself to bed that night, she'd been surprised to see a box on her bed. Upon opening it, she found the most beautiful necklace inside and a note from Art. She'd gone to bed with it on the other pillow, and then spent all of the next day shopping for the perfect dress and accessories. It wasn't until she was about to leave for the ball that her father made his appearance, blocking her path to the front door. He told her that he knew about the older man she'd been spending her time with, and that he wasn't going to allow his daughter to make a fool out of him by getting taken advantage of.
Well, that had gone over about as well as ice in Iceland. Tori had exploded, and that led to a nasty fight between father and daughter. At first, Tori hadn't even heard the knock on the door over the sound of yelling and her knocking over a lamp. She was dressed to impress and ready to go meet Art; her heart had even been fluttering as she made her way down the stairs. But her father was ruining her mood and making her not even want to go. She was ready to run again, but then the knock sounded on the door, more urgently. They both turned their heads towards the sound, but it was her father who went to answer the door. Tori just crossed her arms, her back to the entryway. Expecting it to be someone from the town just needing something from the major, imagine her surprise when she heard footsteps and turned, seeing Art approaching with her father.
"Art." Her eyes widened, her expression shifting to one of surprise as he came into view. He looked amazing, and her eyes drank him in as he stepped into the room. She ignored her father as he passed her, moving to pour himself a glass of whatever liquor was currently in his decanter. With a small smile on her face, she closed the distance between them, stopping right in front of him. "You came here." She whispered, reaching up to place her hands flat on his chest. Her father cleared his throat from behind her, and a scowl immediately presented itself on her face as she turned to look at him. "You're not stopping me from going." She told the man, who had turned to look at them both. "I will not have it, Victoria. This man knows what he's doing, and I am not going to let him take advantage of us."
But then she'd met Art. The man was older, but that didn't deter her from flirting with him and accepting his invitation to come with him. So after dropping off her headset, she'd left the work behind and spent that day and the two after with him as well. She was falling hard for the man, and while falling hard for someone wasn't unlike her, it did terrify her some. But it also excited her, and the days they spent together were amazing. They did more things around the fair and even the town itself. Hell, they'd even gone out to one of the clubs in Maple Grove, which wasn't anything compared to the nightlife in Vegas or somewhere like Malibu or Hollywood, but it was something. Art obviously wasn't in his element, but he tried to enjoy it for Tori. And then there was the whole issue with the guy who tried to grab her and dance with her. She still got shivers thinking of Art's voice when he stepped between them.
But yesterday, the day before the ball, her father had roped her into helping out again. He guilted her into it, and one task turned into another and before she knew it the whole day was gone and she hadn't been able to see Art. Carrying herself to bed that night, she'd been surprised to see a box on her bed. Upon opening it, she found the most beautiful necklace inside and a note from Art. She'd gone to bed with it on the other pillow, and then spent all of the next day shopping for the perfect dress and accessories. It wasn't until she was about to leave for the ball that her father made his appearance, blocking her path to the front door. He told her that he knew about the older man she'd been spending her time with, and that he wasn't going to allow his daughter to make a fool out of him by getting taken advantage of.
Well, that had gone over about as well as ice in Iceland. Tori had exploded, and that led to a nasty fight between father and daughter. At first, Tori hadn't even heard the knock on the door over the sound of yelling and her knocking over a lamp. She was dressed to impress and ready to go meet Art; her heart had even been fluttering as she made her way down the stairs. But her father was ruining her mood and making her not even want to go. She was ready to run again, but then the knock sounded on the door, more urgently. They both turned their heads towards the sound, but it was her father who went to answer the door. Tori just crossed her arms, her back to the entryway. Expecting it to be someone from the town just needing something from the major, imagine her surprise when she heard footsteps and turned, seeing Art approaching with her father.
"Art." Her eyes widened, her expression shifting to one of surprise as he came into view. He looked amazing, and her eyes drank him in as he stepped into the room. She ignored her father as he passed her, moving to pour himself a glass of whatever liquor was currently in his decanter. With a small smile on her face, she closed the distance between them, stopping right in front of him. "You came here." She whispered, reaching up to place her hands flat on his chest. Her father cleared his throat from behind her, and a scowl immediately presented itself on her face as she turned to look at him. "You're not stopping me from going." She told the man, who had turned to look at them both. "I will not have it, Victoria. This man knows what he's doing, and I am not going to let him take advantage of us."
coded by natasha.
Last edited:
apolla
❛ it's only love, nobody dies ❜
ADRIAN BECK
Kissing Mari had been completely spontaneous, but that was exactly how Adrian lived his life. His long, long life. He was probably the most spontaneous of his brothers, but that was completely alright with him. He wasn't sure how their wife hunt was going, but by the end of that first day, Adrian was convinced that he'd gotten lucky this time and found his right away. He already felt deep emotions for the blonde, and he had been around long enough to know that she felt something for him, too. He wasn't naïve enough to think that she was head over heels in love with him already, but the base for that was there, he was sure. That much was evident by her reaction to his kiss, and the fact that she kissed him back.
Before they parted ways that day, Adrian asked her about the ball, and to his delight she said she would go with him. He'd spun her around yet again before kissing her forehead, and then he watched her go. It was painful to watch her leave, but he told himself everything would be okay the next day when they met up. They'd set up a time and place, and he went back to the home he was sharing with his brothers with a huge grin on his face. He could hardly sleep from the excitement of the day and knowing that he would see Mari again. He could still feel her small, soft body under his touch and he wanted so badly to just go get her and take her back home then and there. But he knew he had to be patient and wait the rest of the week, just like his brothers were doing and like he'd done in the past.
The next day came and went, though, and Mari never showed. Adrian walked around the fair at least a thousand times, looking for the beautiful blonde but he couldn't find her. He even went to her booth, the one they'd gone to the day before to drop off her pamphlets. But her assistant said she hadn't seen her, though Adrian wasn't sure that was the truth. He didn't press the poor girl though, just nodded and left the booth to continue looking for Mari elsewhere. The day was gone, though, and no sign of her. He went to bed that night still not able to sleep, though it was more from anxieties and worries this time rather than excitement. It was obvious that he was down, but he woke the next day with a brighter outlook on things. Maybe yesterday had been a fluke; maybe she'd been busy.
But when this whole day came and went as well with no sign of her, Adrian realized that he understood what she was saying. She was scared, he'd been able to read that on her face when they were together. But she had also been excited to be with him, almost as excited as he was to be with her, so he didn't understand. At least not completely. He was back and forth with how to feel. The day before the ball, he realized though that Mari was still the one he chose. So he put his necklace into a box with a fancy ribbon, and went by Mari's work. Not the booth, but her actual job. The woman at the desk said that Mari wasn't there, so he just sighed and asked her to deliver the package to Mari. She promised she would, and even though it was a risk, Adrian left the box there with the necklace inside for her to get and make her decision.
Now it was the night of the ball, and it was in full swing behind him. He held a bouquet of baby blue roses in his hands, the nerves hitting him fully now as he glanced at the watch he wore once again. It was reaching the time he'd asked her to meet him in the note, and she hadn't shown up yet. Blowing out a sharp breath, he tilted his head back and stared up at the sky, his grip on the roses tightening. If she didn't show up tonight, he knew he would have to pick someone else, and that would break his heart. He wanted Mari, but if she didn't want him, that was something he would have to learn to live with. He lowered his head, looking at his watch again and shifting his weight from one foot to the other. It was now five minutes past the time, and slowly, he lowered the roses to his side, hanging his head as his heart cracked.
Before they parted ways that day, Adrian asked her about the ball, and to his delight she said she would go with him. He'd spun her around yet again before kissing her forehead, and then he watched her go. It was painful to watch her leave, but he told himself everything would be okay the next day when they met up. They'd set up a time and place, and he went back to the home he was sharing with his brothers with a huge grin on his face. He could hardly sleep from the excitement of the day and knowing that he would see Mari again. He could still feel her small, soft body under his touch and he wanted so badly to just go get her and take her back home then and there. But he knew he had to be patient and wait the rest of the week, just like his brothers were doing and like he'd done in the past.
The next day came and went, though, and Mari never showed. Adrian walked around the fair at least a thousand times, looking for the beautiful blonde but he couldn't find her. He even went to her booth, the one they'd gone to the day before to drop off her pamphlets. But her assistant said she hadn't seen her, though Adrian wasn't sure that was the truth. He didn't press the poor girl though, just nodded and left the booth to continue looking for Mari elsewhere. The day was gone, though, and no sign of her. He went to bed that night still not able to sleep, though it was more from anxieties and worries this time rather than excitement. It was obvious that he was down, but he woke the next day with a brighter outlook on things. Maybe yesterday had been a fluke; maybe she'd been busy.
But when this whole day came and went as well with no sign of her, Adrian realized that he understood what she was saying. She was scared, he'd been able to read that on her face when they were together. But she had also been excited to be with him, almost as excited as he was to be with her, so he didn't understand. At least not completely. He was back and forth with how to feel. The day before the ball, he realized though that Mari was still the one he chose. So he put his necklace into a box with a fancy ribbon, and went by Mari's work. Not the booth, but her actual job. The woman at the desk said that Mari wasn't there, so he just sighed and asked her to deliver the package to Mari. She promised she would, and even though it was a risk, Adrian left the box there with the necklace inside for her to get and make her decision.
Now it was the night of the ball, and it was in full swing behind him. He held a bouquet of baby blue roses in his hands, the nerves hitting him fully now as he glanced at the watch he wore once again. It was reaching the time he'd asked her to meet him in the note, and she hadn't shown up yet. Blowing out a sharp breath, he tilted his head back and stared up at the sky, his grip on the roses tightening. If she didn't show up tonight, he knew he would have to pick someone else, and that would break his heart. He wanted Mari, but if she didn't want him, that was something he would have to learn to live with. He lowered his head, looking at his watch again and shifting his weight from one foot to the other. It was now five minutes past the time, and slowly, he lowered the roses to his side, hanging his head as his heart cracked.
coded by natasha.
MadiRaiCat
Wine Aunt
Jolene
werewolf bride
nine lives
MadiRaiCat
Wine Aunt
Asher
elf king
nine lives
Desert_Blossom
Nobody's Perfect...
Marissa Locke
The rest of the day after her time with Adrian, Marissa's thoughts were consumed by the tattooed man and the kiss they'd shared. Even while she let her nephew drag her around the fairgrounds later that night while she babysat for her sister, she couldn't help but smile to herself lost in thought. It had been a long time since a man had left her with any lingering feelings... and this was the problem. Mari had felt the pain of heartbreak once, rather still felt it every time she reached over into the empty space on James' side of the bed, and was determined to never feel such pain again. Adrian was dangerous because he lit something inside her, and if she let it burn for too long, it would only hurt that much more when it was snuffed out again. The blonde had naively convinced herself that she could separate her desire for a hookup with Adrian from any real feelings, even agreeing to attend the ball with him at the end of the week... But when she both went to bed and woke up the next morning thinking of him, she knew that she had to stop things.
Rather than meeting Adrian where they'd agreed upon, Marissa stood him up. It was harder than she thought to work instead of meeting him for another day of fun, but that was nothing compared to how hard it was to hide from Adrian when he came to her real estate booth at the fair looking for her. Marissa had coerced her assistant into saying she wasn't around, as she hid beneath the table, concealed by the long tablecloth. It hurt to hear the disappointment in Adrian's voice, but that only proved that Mari was doing the right thing. If it hurt this much not to spend time with Adrian now, it would only hurt even more when he left after the festival if she got to know him better.
Thinking that her flaking on their plans and avoidance of Adrian the rest of the week would absolve Marissa of her promise to go to the festival with him, the blonde was surprised to find the box he left at her work. This time Marissa truly had been out of the office. Had she been there to receive the necklace, she would have given it back right away. After having her co-workers confirm that the aquamarine stones were indeed real, Marissa had little choice but to attend the festival now. There was no way she could keep such an expensive gift, especially after the way she'd treated Adrian. And so, she'd asked her sister if she could borrow a dress for the ball, imagining that she'd be lent one of her many bridesmaids dresses. Unfortunately, in the small town word had made its way to Mari's sister that she had a suitor who'd left a beautiful necklace for her to wear at the festival, and Mari's sister purchased a dress worthy of the jewelry instead. Afterall, it wasn't every day that Marissa had a beau.
Much to her discomfort, Marissa now found herself at the ball, dressed in a gown more beautiful than even the simple wedding dress she'd worn to marry James. It hadn't been very hard to find Adrian in the crowd of people, but rather than approach him as soon as she spotted him, Marissa found herself frozen a few meters away just watching him. He looked so handsome in his suit, though Mari noted that she could see even less of his ink now, and a beautiful bouquet of blue roses to match the necklace was gripped in his hand. It was just past the time that she was supposed to meet him, but the blonde still couldn't make herself move. Adrian glanced up at the sky for a moment, before he checked his watch. Seeing how late his date was, the tall man must have given up hope, because the roses lowered to his side and his head followed suit, hanging low at her lack of arrival.
Marissa's stomach tightened seeing Adrian the way he looked now, and her heart beat quickly knowing that she was the one to blame. She hated it. The sudden urge to run over and console the handsome man washed over the bonde, and she glanced down at the aquamarine necklace she was holding in her hand, prepared to return to Adrian. There was no way she could bring herself to return his gift now, she couldn't bear to hurt him anymore than she already had, so she draped the necklace around her neck and clasped it in the back. She would just sneak the jewelry piece into his pocket at the end of the night, or... if the ball went the way she'd prefer, she could just leave it with him in the morning. Taking a deep breath, Marissa walked over to Adrian quickly, wanting to erase his disappointment as soon as possible.
"Adrian... I'm so sorry I'm late..." Marissa greeted, sweeping over to him from behind and placing a hand reflexively on his arm in comfort. She didn't even wait for him to fully turn to her before the words continued to spill from her painted lips. "Though, really I owe you a few apologies for this past week..." The blonde continued, her eyes cast down in remorse. "I... I..." Mari stuttered a little, wanting to try to explain herself, but not wanting to ruin the night. Seeing Adrian once again was bringing back all those desires from the first day and she really did want to enjoy the evening with him now that she was here by his side. "I will explain later." Mari concluded, finally raising her blue eyes to meet Adrian's as she nervously tucked a stray hair back into her updo. "If you don't hate me already."
Rather than meeting Adrian where they'd agreed upon, Marissa stood him up. It was harder than she thought to work instead of meeting him for another day of fun, but that was nothing compared to how hard it was to hide from Adrian when he came to her real estate booth at the fair looking for her. Marissa had coerced her assistant into saying she wasn't around, as she hid beneath the table, concealed by the long tablecloth. It hurt to hear the disappointment in Adrian's voice, but that only proved that Mari was doing the right thing. If it hurt this much not to spend time with Adrian now, it would only hurt even more when he left after the festival if she got to know him better.
Thinking that her flaking on their plans and avoidance of Adrian the rest of the week would absolve Marissa of her promise to go to the festival with him, the blonde was surprised to find the box he left at her work. This time Marissa truly had been out of the office. Had she been there to receive the necklace, she would have given it back right away. After having her co-workers confirm that the aquamarine stones were indeed real, Marissa had little choice but to attend the festival now. There was no way she could keep such an expensive gift, especially after the way she'd treated Adrian. And so, she'd asked her sister if she could borrow a dress for the ball, imagining that she'd be lent one of her many bridesmaids dresses. Unfortunately, in the small town word had made its way to Mari's sister that she had a suitor who'd left a beautiful necklace for her to wear at the festival, and Mari's sister purchased a dress worthy of the jewelry instead. Afterall, it wasn't every day that Marissa had a beau.
Much to her discomfort, Marissa now found herself at the ball, dressed in a gown more beautiful than even the simple wedding dress she'd worn to marry James. It hadn't been very hard to find Adrian in the crowd of people, but rather than approach him as soon as she spotted him, Marissa found herself frozen a few meters away just watching him. He looked so handsome in his suit, though Mari noted that she could see even less of his ink now, and a beautiful bouquet of blue roses to match the necklace was gripped in his hand. It was just past the time that she was supposed to meet him, but the blonde still couldn't make herself move. Adrian glanced up at the sky for a moment, before he checked his watch. Seeing how late his date was, the tall man must have given up hope, because the roses lowered to his side and his head followed suit, hanging low at her lack of arrival.
Marissa's stomach tightened seeing Adrian the way he looked now, and her heart beat quickly knowing that she was the one to blame. She hated it. The sudden urge to run over and console the handsome man washed over the bonde, and she glanced down at the aquamarine necklace she was holding in her hand, prepared to return to Adrian. There was no way she could bring herself to return his gift now, she couldn't bear to hurt him anymore than she already had, so she draped the necklace around her neck and clasped it in the back. She would just sneak the jewelry piece into his pocket at the end of the night, or... if the ball went the way she'd prefer, she could just leave it with him in the morning. Taking a deep breath, Marissa walked over to Adrian quickly, wanting to erase his disappointment as soon as possible.
"Adrian... I'm so sorry I'm late..." Marissa greeted, sweeping over to him from behind and placing a hand reflexively on his arm in comfort. She didn't even wait for him to fully turn to her before the words continued to spill from her painted lips. "Though, really I owe you a few apologies for this past week..." The blonde continued, her eyes cast down in remorse. "I... I..." Mari stuttered a little, wanting to try to explain herself, but not wanting to ruin the night. Seeing Adrian once again was bringing back all those desires from the first day and she really did want to enjoy the evening with him now that she was here by his side. "I will explain later." Mari concluded, finally raising her blue eyes to meet Adrian's as she nervously tucked a stray hair back into her updo. "If you don't hate me already."
nine lives
Desert_Blossom
Nobody's Perfect...
Alarick Vernon
This century's festival was definitely one of the more enjoyable weeks he'd spent in Maple Grove, if not the most, and it was all thanks to the blonde bounty hunter. Rather than stressing over finding the perfect bride all week, the werewolf had pretty much decided that Jo would be the next Queen of Spring that first night. She was witty, independent and wildly attractive. Love might not have come into play yet, but lust definitely had. Even if the pair never shared a connection on a deeper, more emotional level, Alarick was confident that their physical relationship would be very satisfying. He'd leave searching for those warm, fuzzy feelings to his brother Asher, whose EQ was considerably higher than Al's.
All in all, it seemed like his brothers had also found an unusual level of quick success this year too. Well, he wasn't entirely sure about Adrian, who'd started the week in high spirits but had looked less confident than usual when he parted ways that night. But Asher, and even Art, looked happy when going off to meet their respective brides-to-be. Alarick had planned to meet Jolene at the ball, so he'd gone off to locate his blonde beauty in the crowd. After stalking through the other guests, his mouth quirked up into a devilish grin as he glanced over at the bar. There, putting all the other elegantly dressed women to shame, was his future wife- an absolute vision in black. He should have guessed that's where he'd find her.
Approaching the bar, Alarick slid his hand along the small of Jolene's back as he leaned against the bar beside her. "Make that two..." He told the bartender, ordering the same drink as his date. Turning his gaze to Jolene, Al smiled at her, using the hand on her back to draw her closer. "You are breathtaking..." He uttered, drinking in her features. “I do wonder how many weapons you have concealed under this dress of yours though…” He added teasingly, mirth in his expression as he let his eyes trail down her revealing bodice to the full skirt of black fabric.
The bartender placed two bourbons on the counter in front of the pair, and Alarick picked his up with his free hand. “To the past, present and future…” He toasted, clinking his glass against Jo’s. “… May you remember time fondly, enjoy it thoroughly, and anticipate it with excitement.” He added, before raising his glass to his lips and taking a healthy sip, his eyes remaining on Jolene’s throughout. As he swallowed, he set his glass back down and slipped his hand into his pocket, considering his next words for a moment before he spoke.
“Do you trust me enough to close your eyes for a moment…?” Alarick asked, withdrawing his hand from her back and holding it up in the air like a Boy Scout. “I give you permission to throw me over the bar if I do anything untoward…” He added seriously but with a small smirk. “Though I’m not entirely sure I wouldn’t enjoy that.” He joked.
All in all, it seemed like his brothers had also found an unusual level of quick success this year too. Well, he wasn't entirely sure about Adrian, who'd started the week in high spirits but had looked less confident than usual when he parted ways that night. But Asher, and even Art, looked happy when going off to meet their respective brides-to-be. Alarick had planned to meet Jolene at the ball, so he'd gone off to locate his blonde beauty in the crowd. After stalking through the other guests, his mouth quirked up into a devilish grin as he glanced over at the bar. There, putting all the other elegantly dressed women to shame, was his future wife- an absolute vision in black. He should have guessed that's where he'd find her.
Approaching the bar, Alarick slid his hand along the small of Jolene's back as he leaned against the bar beside her. "Make that two..." He told the bartender, ordering the same drink as his date. Turning his gaze to Jolene, Al smiled at her, using the hand on her back to draw her closer. "You are breathtaking..." He uttered, drinking in her features. “I do wonder how many weapons you have concealed under this dress of yours though…” He added teasingly, mirth in his expression as he let his eyes trail down her revealing bodice to the full skirt of black fabric.
The bartender placed two bourbons on the counter in front of the pair, and Alarick picked his up with his free hand. “To the past, present and future…” He toasted, clinking his glass against Jo’s. “… May you remember time fondly, enjoy it thoroughly, and anticipate it with excitement.” He added, before raising his glass to his lips and taking a healthy sip, his eyes remaining on Jolene’s throughout. As he swallowed, he set his glass back down and slipped his hand into his pocket, considering his next words for a moment before he spoke.
“Do you trust me enough to close your eyes for a moment…?” Alarick asked, withdrawing his hand from her back and holding it up in the air like a Boy Scout. “I give you permission to throw me over the bar if I do anything untoward…” He added seriously but with a small smirk. “Though I’m not entirely sure I wouldn’t enjoy that.” He joked.
nine lives
_amaranth_
...coffee_addict...
code by low fidelity.
Last edited:
_amaranth_
...coffee_addict...
code by low fidelity.
apolla
❛ it's only love, nobody dies ❜
VICTORIA ZABIELSKI
After spending so much time with Art, that day and a little over of not being able to see him or talk to him was really hurting her soul. Maybe it was her age showing, her immaturity or being dramatic, but Art had made it clear that he was as wrapped up in her as she was him. A small part of her was afraid that if she left him alone for too long, he would find somebody else and she'd be left dateless to the ball. But even though she told herself it was just about the ball, she knew that it was much, much deeper than that. She'd given some thought to what might happen after tonight, but usually those thoughts just turned dark and she shoved them aside. She didn't want to think about a life without Art.
The biggest obstacle in her way currently was her own father, who was demanding in his typical 'I-am-mayor-hear-me-roar' way that she wasn't going. But to the blonde's surprise, a knock sounded at the door and it was none other than Art himself, looking dashingly handsome in his suit. She didn't miss how his eyes found hers immediately, nor his reaction to her, which nearly caused her to stop breathing as well. She moved closer to him, his words causing a small smile to grow on her perfectly glossed lips. But before either of them could say more, her father interjected, and Tori sent him a snarky response. But she was surprised again when Art added his two cents, and her head swiveled back towards him. Nobody ever stood up to her father; he was the mayor, and that alone gave him a certain amount of respect from people.
Tori loved that Art wasn't afraid of the man, and when Art turned towards the door and placed his hand on the small of her back she just nodded, happy to go with him. She could hear her father calling for her, but she didn't stop, just looked over at Art when he suggested they go. "I second and third that." She told him, leaning her head on his shoulder as they headed down the steps that led up to the extravagant house. She let him lead her to the car, sliding into the seat of the door he held open for her. The ride to the town hall wasn't a long one, and soon enough they were back out and heading up to the main entrance. She paused, staring up at the fancy lights and décor on the exterior of the building, a wry smile touching her lips as she slid her gaze over to Art. "It never amazes me, the lengths my father will go to to make sure this town appears perfect."
Slipping her hand into his, the pair started inside, where the decorations only got fancier. There was a hired orchestra in the corner, a full bar, dance floor and mingling area and that was just the main part of the hall. There would definitely be places that were closed off to everyone, doors that were locked, but almost the entirety of the downstairs was open for the townsfolk to enjoy. Tori drank everything in, pulling herself up a little taller, feeling as though it made her more elegant. She didn't feel like a nineteen year old girl anymore; she felt like a grown woman, which was something she'd been seeking for ages now. The man beside her definitely helped, and she looked at him again. "This seems a little more your style, I think. As opposed to the club from the other night." She teased him, moving to stand in front of him, her fingers splaying out on his chest. "Care to show me how a real man dances?"
The biggest obstacle in her way currently was her own father, who was demanding in his typical 'I-am-mayor-hear-me-roar' way that she wasn't going. But to the blonde's surprise, a knock sounded at the door and it was none other than Art himself, looking dashingly handsome in his suit. She didn't miss how his eyes found hers immediately, nor his reaction to her, which nearly caused her to stop breathing as well. She moved closer to him, his words causing a small smile to grow on her perfectly glossed lips. But before either of them could say more, her father interjected, and Tori sent him a snarky response. But she was surprised again when Art added his two cents, and her head swiveled back towards him. Nobody ever stood up to her father; he was the mayor, and that alone gave him a certain amount of respect from people.
Tori loved that Art wasn't afraid of the man, and when Art turned towards the door and placed his hand on the small of her back she just nodded, happy to go with him. She could hear her father calling for her, but she didn't stop, just looked over at Art when he suggested they go. "I second and third that." She told him, leaning her head on his shoulder as they headed down the steps that led up to the extravagant house. She let him lead her to the car, sliding into the seat of the door he held open for her. The ride to the town hall wasn't a long one, and soon enough they were back out and heading up to the main entrance. She paused, staring up at the fancy lights and décor on the exterior of the building, a wry smile touching her lips as she slid her gaze over to Art. "It never amazes me, the lengths my father will go to to make sure this town appears perfect."
Slipping her hand into his, the pair started inside, where the decorations only got fancier. There was a hired orchestra in the corner, a full bar, dance floor and mingling area and that was just the main part of the hall. There would definitely be places that were closed off to everyone, doors that were locked, but almost the entirety of the downstairs was open for the townsfolk to enjoy. Tori drank everything in, pulling herself up a little taller, feeling as though it made her more elegant. She didn't feel like a nineteen year old girl anymore; she felt like a grown woman, which was something she'd been seeking for ages now. The man beside her definitely helped, and she looked at him again. "This seems a little more your style, I think. As opposed to the club from the other night." She teased him, moving to stand in front of him, her fingers splaying out on his chest. "Care to show me how a real man dances?"
coded by natasha.
apolla
❛ it's only love, nobody dies ❜
ADRIAN BECK
Adrian was an emotional guy, maybe even the most emotional of his brothers. That didn't mean that he went around crying all the time or blowing shit up (even if the thought did cross his mind) when something irritated him, but he did wear his heart on his sleeve. Especially when it came to how he felt about people. He could be civil to someone he didn't like unless they really pushed him, but that only came with his age and being around for so many years. But when he fell for someone, he fell hard, and he could tell by the way his heart was breaking now that he'd already fallen hard for Marissa. He clutched the stems of the thornless roses by his side as he hung his head, a few strands of hair that had fallen out of his bun falling down to frame his face.
She wasn't coming, and he had to accept that. There were countless other women at the ball who he could find to take with him as his wife, but none of them were Mari. He knew that earlier, back at home with his brothers, he hadn't been his usual energetic self. Maybe a small part of him knew that this would happen, that she wouldn't show. After all, it'd been a few days now and no sign of her, even though he'd gone looking. He'd even left her a gift, and nothing. Heaving a sigh, Adrian was a millisecond away from throwing the roses on the ground and stomping on them as he left before he heard it. Footsteps, hurried ones, and then a familiar voice that caused his heart to leap into his throat. His head shot up and he grinned as he felt her hand land on his arm, looking over at the girl.
"Wow..." He breathed, his own hands automatically moving to her arms so he could push her back. Before he could say a word, though, more words fell from her lips but that smile never faded from his face. He let her try to finish, and finally she looked back up to him, telling him she'd explain later. At her last comment, though, his expression grew confused. "Hate you?" He breathed, realizing he was still holding her back by the shoulders. "I could never hate you." He told her, bringing her closer so that he could whisper into her ear as his arms wrapped around her. "You look stunning. Absolutely breathtaking." He told her, kissing the arch of her ear before he pulled back, only enough so that he could look her in the eyes again. "I'm so glad you came, Mari. You have no idea..."
Suddenly his eyes dropped to the jewelry draped around her neck, and his words died in his throat. The implications of the necklace were obvious-- but only to him. He drew in a shaky breath, his hands sliding down to her waist as he gripped her there, holding her in front of him. "You're wearing it." He finally forced out, moving one hand from her waist to gently touch the jewels. "My favorite gemstone." He admitted, a slightly sheepish tone to his voice as his eyes met hers again. Dropping the gems, he gently placed a hand on Mari's cheek, brushing his thumb lightly over the skin there. He was just so happy that she was here, he'd forgotten all about the ball going on in the town hall. Hearing the music now, though, brought him back and his eyes flicked in that direction. "Care to join me?" He asked her, straightening and offering her his arm. "I believe I owe you a good night tonight."
She wasn't coming, and he had to accept that. There were countless other women at the ball who he could find to take with him as his wife, but none of them were Mari. He knew that earlier, back at home with his brothers, he hadn't been his usual energetic self. Maybe a small part of him knew that this would happen, that she wouldn't show. After all, it'd been a few days now and no sign of her, even though he'd gone looking. He'd even left her a gift, and nothing. Heaving a sigh, Adrian was a millisecond away from throwing the roses on the ground and stomping on them as he left before he heard it. Footsteps, hurried ones, and then a familiar voice that caused his heart to leap into his throat. His head shot up and he grinned as he felt her hand land on his arm, looking over at the girl.
"Wow..." He breathed, his own hands automatically moving to her arms so he could push her back. Before he could say a word, though, more words fell from her lips but that smile never faded from his face. He let her try to finish, and finally she looked back up to him, telling him she'd explain later. At her last comment, though, his expression grew confused. "Hate you?" He breathed, realizing he was still holding her back by the shoulders. "I could never hate you." He told her, bringing her closer so that he could whisper into her ear as his arms wrapped around her. "You look stunning. Absolutely breathtaking." He told her, kissing the arch of her ear before he pulled back, only enough so that he could look her in the eyes again. "I'm so glad you came, Mari. You have no idea..."
Suddenly his eyes dropped to the jewelry draped around her neck, and his words died in his throat. The implications of the necklace were obvious-- but only to him. He drew in a shaky breath, his hands sliding down to her waist as he gripped her there, holding her in front of him. "You're wearing it." He finally forced out, moving one hand from her waist to gently touch the jewels. "My favorite gemstone." He admitted, a slightly sheepish tone to his voice as his eyes met hers again. Dropping the gems, he gently placed a hand on Mari's cheek, brushing his thumb lightly over the skin there. He was just so happy that she was here, he'd forgotten all about the ball going on in the town hall. Hearing the music now, though, brought him back and his eyes flicked in that direction. "Care to join me?" He asked her, straightening and offering her his arm. "I believe I owe you a good night tonight."
coded by natasha.
MadiRaiCat
Wine Aunt
Jolene
werewolf bride
nine lives
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MadiRaiCat
Wine Aunt
Asher
elf king
nine lives
Last edited:
Desert_Blossom
Nobody's Perfect...
Marissa Locke
All efforts towards protecting herself from getting hurt by Adrian's imminent departure from her life were forgotten as Marissa Locke found herself hurrying to his side. If the pain she felt seeing him so despondent was any indication, it was already too late to avoid missing him anyways. There was no use in denying herself one last evening with Adrian or disappointing him now. With her heart beating quickly in her chest, Mari greeted the tall man with an apology, and her words of remorse just kept spilling out, encouraged by Adrian pushing her back to hold her at arm's length. Interpreting this as him being upset with her, the blonde was too contrite to meet his gaze yet and kept her eyes downcast as she stuttered through her words. Had she just braved a glance up though, she would have been greeted by Adrian's smile and known that her worries were for not. Only when she promised to explain later, did Mari's eyes meet Adrian's, just in time for his smile to be replaced by an expression of confusion when she added the part about him hating her. Hate you? ...I could never hate you.
Relief from Adrian's words flooded Marissa and she let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her bare shoulders burned beneath the heat of his hands, but that was nothing compared to the wave of warmth that washed over the blonde when Adrian's arms wrapped around her and he pulled her close. Both Marissa and her icy walls melted in his embrace, her lashes fluttering closed as he leaned close to whisper, You look stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Her lips parted when Adrian pressed his own her the sensitive part of her ear for a kiss, just enough for her to reply with a whispered, "Thank you." As he pulled back a little, Marrisa's blue eyes slowly opened to meet Adrian's and her hands found their way to rest softly against his chest. I'm so glad you came, Mari. You have no idea... Her cheeks were flushed from how quickly he was able to affect her, but she smiled, accepting that it was futile to pretend he didn't. "Me too..." She replied honestly, touched by his words, before something caught Adrian's attention.
Noticing his change in expression, which she couldn't read, Marissa followed his gaze to find that it rested on the necklace he'd given her. His hands dropped down to rest on her waist, holding her in place, and Mari glanced back up to watch his face as he was momentarily lost in thought. "Adrian...?" The blonde began to ask, not sure if something was wrong. You're wearing it… My favorite gemstone. Mari nodded as Adrian touched the necklace, a little surprised by his sheepish expression but offering him a smile. "It's beautiful, thank you. I thought that's what you-" She began, her words failing her at the sensation of his tatted hand cupping her cheek. Adrian's eyes rose to meet hers once more, and she was breathless for a moment. "... wanted." She finished distractedly.
Only when Adrian glanced over at the dancers, did Marissa have a moment to collect herself. Care to join me? He asked, pulling away from her to offer his arm. I believe I owe you a good night tonight. Mari's gaze briefly shifted to the dance floor, observing the couples moving to the music, before returning to her date with a small nod. "I still feel like it's me that owes you a good night to make up for things..." The blonde replied, smiling guiltily as she accepted his offered arm. Following his lead, Marissa walked arm and arm with Adrian towards the dance floor. "You look very handsome..." She mused, finally having a moment to voice the admiring she'd done earlier from afar. "My only complaint is that I'm seeing less of your tattoos instead of more..." She teased, giving him a lingering once over.
A new slow song was beginning when the pair reached the dance floor, and Marissa turned to face Adrian with a smile. "Sorry if I step on your toes, it's been a while since I attended one of these festival balls..." The blonde half joked, reaching up to rest one of her hands on the tall man's shoulder as she slipped her other into his. "Or any dance for that matter." She added, tipping her head back a little to look up at him. A few days ago Marissa wouldn't have been able to really picture Adrian in a suit, but he cleaned up well. A rugged prince charming, she thought to herself with amusement, ignorant that she wasn't far off from the truth.
Relief from Adrian's words flooded Marissa and she let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her bare shoulders burned beneath the heat of his hands, but that was nothing compared to the wave of warmth that washed over the blonde when Adrian's arms wrapped around her and he pulled her close. Both Marissa and her icy walls melted in his embrace, her lashes fluttering closed as he leaned close to whisper, You look stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Her lips parted when Adrian pressed his own her the sensitive part of her ear for a kiss, just enough for her to reply with a whispered, "Thank you." As he pulled back a little, Marrisa's blue eyes slowly opened to meet Adrian's and her hands found their way to rest softly against his chest. I'm so glad you came, Mari. You have no idea... Her cheeks were flushed from how quickly he was able to affect her, but she smiled, accepting that it was futile to pretend he didn't. "Me too..." She replied honestly, touched by his words, before something caught Adrian's attention.
Noticing his change in expression, which she couldn't read, Marissa followed his gaze to find that it rested on the necklace he'd given her. His hands dropped down to rest on her waist, holding her in place, and Mari glanced back up to watch his face as he was momentarily lost in thought. "Adrian...?" The blonde began to ask, not sure if something was wrong. You're wearing it… My favorite gemstone. Mari nodded as Adrian touched the necklace, a little surprised by his sheepish expression but offering him a smile. "It's beautiful, thank you. I thought that's what you-" She began, her words failing her at the sensation of his tatted hand cupping her cheek. Adrian's eyes rose to meet hers once more, and she was breathless for a moment. "... wanted." She finished distractedly.
Only when Adrian glanced over at the dancers, did Marissa have a moment to collect herself. Care to join me? He asked, pulling away from her to offer his arm. I believe I owe you a good night tonight. Mari's gaze briefly shifted to the dance floor, observing the couples moving to the music, before returning to her date with a small nod. "I still feel like it's me that owes you a good night to make up for things..." The blonde replied, smiling guiltily as she accepted his offered arm. Following his lead, Marissa walked arm and arm with Adrian towards the dance floor. "You look very handsome..." She mused, finally having a moment to voice the admiring she'd done earlier from afar. "My only complaint is that I'm seeing less of your tattoos instead of more..." She teased, giving him a lingering once over.
A new slow song was beginning when the pair reached the dance floor, and Marissa turned to face Adrian with a smile. "Sorry if I step on your toes, it's been a while since I attended one of these festival balls..." The blonde half joked, reaching up to rest one of her hands on the tall man's shoulder as she slipped her other into his. "Or any dance for that matter." She added, tipping her head back a little to look up at him. A few days ago Marissa wouldn't have been able to really picture Adrian in a suit, but he cleaned up well. A rugged prince charming, she thought to herself with amusement, ignorant that she wasn't far off from the truth.
nine lives
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Desert_Blossom
Nobody's Perfect...
Alarick Vernon
With naturally heightened senses, Alarick was keenly aware of his surroundings at all times. He could hear, feel and smell the people moving about his peripheral as he pulled Jolene close to him at the bar, but he could see only her. How this woman ever went unnoticed by her marks was beyond him, though he supposed she didn't usually go in for the kill while dressed so exquisitely. All that was missing to complete her look for the evening was the emerald necklace Al carried with him in his pocket. It was both a promise for the future and a prison sentence, and as much as the werewolf hoped his stunning bride-to-be would see it as the former, he all but knew she'd see it as the latter. At least at first she would. In the week he'd spent with Jolene, Al had quickly realized that almost above all else, she covetted her freedom, independence and rolling stone lifestyle. And he adored that about her. She was untamed, rough around some edges, but soft and supple in all the right ones. Speaking of which...
Alarick reflexively tightened his hold on the small of Jo's back as the blonde stood on her toes, leaning up to whisper into his ear, effectively bringing her flush against him. Just enough to make things interesting. She replied to his devilish inquiry about the weapons she had hidden beneath her dress. The brunette man smirked as her lips pressed a kiss to his skin, and it was tempting to turn his head to greedily capture more than just a kiss on the cheek. He resisted though, primarily due to the arrival of their drinks, and Jolene clinked her drink against him after her gave his toast. The bourbon that burned his throat was as much a recreational drink as it was a little confidence boost. The necklace weighed heavily in his pocket, even more so that usual, and he slipped his hand in to absentmindedly fiddle with it while he asked Jolene if she trusted him enough to close her eyes.
Just as Jolene watched Al, he watched her closely as she weighed his question. He knew Jo wouldn’t trust him completely yet, if ever, but he didn’t need her to. He just needed her to close her eyes long enough for him to slip the emerald necklace around her neck and seal her fate. He’d already ascertained that the blonde had weapons on her, and he didn’t want to find himself on the wrong end of a gun or knife by trying to surprise her without her consent first. Being stabbed by one wife was plenty for the werewolf. Just as Alarick was beginning to think he’d have to come up with another strategy, Jolene agreed. Fine. But one false move and your goose is cooked, she replied with her southern accent thick and charming as ever. Alarick laughed, glancing away for a moment as he ran a hand through his loose curls before back at Jo. “I wouldn’t dare…” He replied with a grin, savoring her trailing her finger down his chest as he watched her close her eyes.
Jolene’s lips were deliciously parted, and Al leaned in, resting his forehead against hers for a moment, testing his self control as he brought his mouth close to hers… before pulling away slowly to uphold his promise to be good. Circling behind the blonde, the wolf withdrew the velvet box that contained the emeralds and snapped it open. The gems sparkled in the golden light of the ball, and Al took a deep breath as he took one end of the necklace in each hand. “Apologies if this is cold…” He murmured into her ear as he draped necklace over her delicate neck, letting it gently rest on her chest before fastening it. While his hands were steady, his heart beat a little quicker than usual beneath his trimmed suit. This was a big moment, but to Jolene it would just look like a sparkling gift. For now.
Letting his fingers linger on the nape of her neck, Al collected himself, before slipping his hands to rest on her shoulders as he rotated Jo 90 degrees so she faced her reflection in the mirrored wall behind the bar. “Alright, you can open your eyes…” He smiled, tucking his head beside hers as his gaze focussed on the stunning blonde in the mirror. The emeralds that framed her neck looked like they belonged against her fair skin, and a strong sense of pride filled him as he beheld his future wife. “Beautiful…” He uttered.
Alarick reflexively tightened his hold on the small of Jo's back as the blonde stood on her toes, leaning up to whisper into his ear, effectively bringing her flush against him. Just enough to make things interesting. She replied to his devilish inquiry about the weapons she had hidden beneath her dress. The brunette man smirked as her lips pressed a kiss to his skin, and it was tempting to turn his head to greedily capture more than just a kiss on the cheek. He resisted though, primarily due to the arrival of their drinks, and Jolene clinked her drink against him after her gave his toast. The bourbon that burned his throat was as much a recreational drink as it was a little confidence boost. The necklace weighed heavily in his pocket, even more so that usual, and he slipped his hand in to absentmindedly fiddle with it while he asked Jolene if she trusted him enough to close her eyes.
Just as Jolene watched Al, he watched her closely as she weighed his question. He knew Jo wouldn’t trust him completely yet, if ever, but he didn’t need her to. He just needed her to close her eyes long enough for him to slip the emerald necklace around her neck and seal her fate. He’d already ascertained that the blonde had weapons on her, and he didn’t want to find himself on the wrong end of a gun or knife by trying to surprise her without her consent first. Being stabbed by one wife was plenty for the werewolf. Just as Alarick was beginning to think he’d have to come up with another strategy, Jolene agreed. Fine. But one false move and your goose is cooked, she replied with her southern accent thick and charming as ever. Alarick laughed, glancing away for a moment as he ran a hand through his loose curls before back at Jo. “I wouldn’t dare…” He replied with a grin, savoring her trailing her finger down his chest as he watched her close her eyes.
Jolene’s lips were deliciously parted, and Al leaned in, resting his forehead against hers for a moment, testing his self control as he brought his mouth close to hers… before pulling away slowly to uphold his promise to be good. Circling behind the blonde, the wolf withdrew the velvet box that contained the emeralds and snapped it open. The gems sparkled in the golden light of the ball, and Al took a deep breath as he took one end of the necklace in each hand. “Apologies if this is cold…” He murmured into her ear as he draped necklace over her delicate neck, letting it gently rest on her chest before fastening it. While his hands were steady, his heart beat a little quicker than usual beneath his trimmed suit. This was a big moment, but to Jolene it would just look like a sparkling gift. For now.
Letting his fingers linger on the nape of her neck, Al collected himself, before slipping his hands to rest on her shoulders as he rotated Jo 90 degrees so she faced her reflection in the mirrored wall behind the bar. “Alright, you can open your eyes…” He smiled, tucking his head beside hers as his gaze focussed on the stunning blonde in the mirror. The emeralds that framed her neck looked like they belonged against her fair skin, and a strong sense of pride filled him as he beheld his future wife. “Beautiful…” He uttered.
nine lives
_amaranth_
...coffee_addict...
code by low fidelity.
_amaranth_
...coffee_addict...
code by low fidelity.
apolla
❛ it's only love, nobody dies ❜
VICTORIA ZABIELSKI
The blowout with her father had almost ruined Tori's entire attitude about the night, and even the night itself. Without meaning to, though, Art had showed up and saved the day. Or night, technically, but same difference. He probably hadn't even realized the implications of what he'd done, by showing up and standing up to her father. As the mayor of the town, her father demanded a certain respect even if it wasn't really earned. People showed him respect because of his position, not because he deserved it, which was something Tori had always despised. She'd even pointed it out to him during a fight or two, and it had resulted in him getting all red in the face and sending her to her room. Not that she'd go. She was nineteen, after all, she wasn't a child anymore. If she wanted to go out, she was going. And if she wanted to go to the ball with Art, then that's what she was going to do.
There was a car waiting for them outside, and after a short but cute moment outside of it, they climbed in and were on their way. Reaching the extravagant hall, they walked in, Tori already drawing herself up to her full height as she peered around at the decor and the people inside. She commented on how her father always wanted the town to appear perfect, and Art seemed confused by her words. Scoffing, she looked his way, giving him an incredulous look. "Really? You have to ask? Did you hit your head and forget the scene we just walked out of?" Shaking her head, she looked around again, her lips pursing slightly. People were definitely staring, and even if some of those stares were paired with whispers behind hands and shocked looks, Tori didn't care. Wasn't this what she wanted? All eyes on her?
Well, if they wanted to stare, let them. She turned back to Art after they moved further into the room, stopping him with her hands on his chest as she told him that this ball seemed more his speed. There was an amused smile on her face, and he returned her amusement with a scoff. A delicious chill ran down her spine when he lifted her hand to his lips, kissing the skin there softly before leading her to the dance floor. One of his arms wrapped around her waist, the other lacing their fingers together as he started moving her in a dance that she knew she didn't know. Yet somehow, following his lead, she was able to keep up and enjoy herself. Hell, she even forgot about the people staring as he swirled her around in the waltz. "I'll let you lead... for now. Only because this is fun." She told him, leaning her head on his chest for a moment.
There was definitely something about Arthur that drew her in, and she'd had some of time to think about it over the last few days but not enough to figure it out. She knew she couldn't let him go, though. Not with how hard she was falling for him. Lifting her head to peer up at him, she did relinquish control for the dances, something she didn't do often. Maybe he knew that about her already, it wasn't a hard thing to figure out about her. She lost track of time on the dance floor, of how many dances they danced before she needed a break. "I know my father has that cheap champagne floating around here." She told Art, leading him off of the dance floor to locate the bubbly. Riding the high that being with Art seemed to give her, she slipped her hand into his, lacing their fingers together again as she leaned on him. "What happens after tonight?" She asked him suddenly, pausing in her search for champagne to look up at him. "You're not going to leave me, are you?"
There was a car waiting for them outside, and after a short but cute moment outside of it, they climbed in and were on their way. Reaching the extravagant hall, they walked in, Tori already drawing herself up to her full height as she peered around at the decor and the people inside. She commented on how her father always wanted the town to appear perfect, and Art seemed confused by her words. Scoffing, she looked his way, giving him an incredulous look. "Really? You have to ask? Did you hit your head and forget the scene we just walked out of?" Shaking her head, she looked around again, her lips pursing slightly. People were definitely staring, and even if some of those stares were paired with whispers behind hands and shocked looks, Tori didn't care. Wasn't this what she wanted? All eyes on her?
Well, if they wanted to stare, let them. She turned back to Art after they moved further into the room, stopping him with her hands on his chest as she told him that this ball seemed more his speed. There was an amused smile on her face, and he returned her amusement with a scoff. A delicious chill ran down her spine when he lifted her hand to his lips, kissing the skin there softly before leading her to the dance floor. One of his arms wrapped around her waist, the other lacing their fingers together as he started moving her in a dance that she knew she didn't know. Yet somehow, following his lead, she was able to keep up and enjoy herself. Hell, she even forgot about the people staring as he swirled her around in the waltz. "I'll let you lead... for now. Only because this is fun." She told him, leaning her head on his chest for a moment.
There was definitely something about Arthur that drew her in, and she'd had some of time to think about it over the last few days but not enough to figure it out. She knew she couldn't let him go, though. Not with how hard she was falling for him. Lifting her head to peer up at him, she did relinquish control for the dances, something she didn't do often. Maybe he knew that about her already, it wasn't a hard thing to figure out about her. She lost track of time on the dance floor, of how many dances they danced before she needed a break. "I know my father has that cheap champagne floating around here." She told Art, leading him off of the dance floor to locate the bubbly. Riding the high that being with Art seemed to give her, she slipped her hand into his, lacing their fingers together again as she leaned on him. "What happens after tonight?" She asked him suddenly, pausing in her search for champagne to look up at him. "You're not going to leave me, are you?"
coded by natasha.
apolla
❛ it's only love, nobody dies ❜
ADRIAN BECK
Adrian couldn't even begin to describe the happiness he felt at seeing Mari before him. Not only was she there, stunning in the glittering baby blue gown, but she was wearing it. The necklace. His necklace, the one he'd gifted to her in the hopes that she would accept it. He felt a momentary twinge of guilt, knowing that she had accepted the necklace without fully understanding what it meant, but that feeling was forgotten when he realized that she thought he hated her. How could he ever? Just because she'd been avoiding him? Didn't she realize that-- well, no, she probably didn't. But she wasn't the first woman to avoid him, and might not be the last. Now that thought filled him with a deep sadness, cutting him deeper than the deepest oceans.
Shaking it off, he pulled her in closer, wrapping his strong arms around her and holding her tight. He whispered a compliment into her ear, kissing the sensitive skin there as well. She whispered back a thank you, her hands finding his chest as they stared at each other. Adrian could stare into her eyes for hours; forget the ball completely. He just wanted Mari. He told her softly that he was glad she came, and probably would have continued if the necklace hadn't caught his attention. She caught the change in his demeanor and uttered his name, but for a moment all he could focus on was the necklace. Her words became breathless as he reached out to cup her cheek, and his eyes slid back up to hers. Again, he had the thought that maybe they could skip the ball and just spend some one on one time together.
But he didn't feel right taking her away just yet. He wanted her to have one more 'normal' night before things changed. So he asked if she would join him, and her response brought another big smile to his face. "You have nothing to make up for." He assured her, sliding an arm around her waist as they headed for the dance floor. He turned to face her as she called him handsome, and his eyes swept over her form once more. "Not nearly as stunning as you look. You beat me." His tone and the easygoing smile on his face told her that he was just teasing, but apparently she was ready to tease him right back. "Well that's not a problem, sweetheart. We have all night." He leaned in close to whisper in her ear, kissing her cheek as he leaned back. They reached the dance floor and a slow song began, and his smile grew a little sultry as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
She beat him to speaking, and he chuckled low at her apology. He shifted so that she could take one of his hands, her other moving to rest on his shoulder. "That's a shame. A beautiful woman like you should be attending dances like this every night." And at home, she actually might be. But again, that was a conversation for another time. He continued to move with her, spinning her here and dipping her there, never breaking the bond between them. He offered her a small smile as the song came to an end, slowing some but never actually stopping as the tune for the next song came on. "You keep up well. You're a natural." He told her, spinning her again and then bringing her back, letting go of her hand to wrap his arms around her waist and hold her close to him, not caring that they were still on the dance floor. "I feel connected to you, Mari."
Shaking it off, he pulled her in closer, wrapping his strong arms around her and holding her tight. He whispered a compliment into her ear, kissing the sensitive skin there as well. She whispered back a thank you, her hands finding his chest as they stared at each other. Adrian could stare into her eyes for hours; forget the ball completely. He just wanted Mari. He told her softly that he was glad she came, and probably would have continued if the necklace hadn't caught his attention. She caught the change in his demeanor and uttered his name, but for a moment all he could focus on was the necklace. Her words became breathless as he reached out to cup her cheek, and his eyes slid back up to hers. Again, he had the thought that maybe they could skip the ball and just spend some one on one time together.
But he didn't feel right taking her away just yet. He wanted her to have one more 'normal' night before things changed. So he asked if she would join him, and her response brought another big smile to his face. "You have nothing to make up for." He assured her, sliding an arm around her waist as they headed for the dance floor. He turned to face her as she called him handsome, and his eyes swept over her form once more. "Not nearly as stunning as you look. You beat me." His tone and the easygoing smile on his face told her that he was just teasing, but apparently she was ready to tease him right back. "Well that's not a problem, sweetheart. We have all night." He leaned in close to whisper in her ear, kissing her cheek as he leaned back. They reached the dance floor and a slow song began, and his smile grew a little sultry as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
She beat him to speaking, and he chuckled low at her apology. He shifted so that she could take one of his hands, her other moving to rest on his shoulder. "That's a shame. A beautiful woman like you should be attending dances like this every night." And at home, she actually might be. But again, that was a conversation for another time. He continued to move with her, spinning her here and dipping her there, never breaking the bond between them. He offered her a small smile as the song came to an end, slowing some but never actually stopping as the tune for the next song came on. "You keep up well. You're a natural." He told her, spinning her again and then bringing her back, letting go of her hand to wrap his arms around her waist and hold her close to him, not caring that they were still on the dance floor. "I feel connected to you, Mari."
coded by natasha.
MadiRaiCat
Wine Aunt
Jolene
werewolf bride
nine lives
MadiRaiCat
Wine Aunt
Asher
elf king
nine lives
