LIVING WITH LIES

   Alovia was gone but that didn't mean the war was far from over, Ivory disappeared into a pile of flower now Davis along with the twins have to figure out where her body was, they had six months remaining till the red moon.

Devaro took the throne for now, taking back his title as king and no longer the puppet.

       Three months it took for them to revive the kingdom to a standing point, now the time has come for the winter ball in celebration of their line and well wishes.

      It was concluded that every lycan demon was in control of Erasmus except Igaro and five other Lycan who are the originals created by Alovia but perfected by Devaro and maybe because they were mostly Lycans. Melissa was finally able to detect why she felt the way she did with them in particular especially back then in Gale and Florida. The Lycans were like contaminated species, sweet moon! now she sounded like Davis, okay they were like wolves consumed in darkness, Devaro related to that with mood swings he usually felt whenever in their presence, the others were in support as they were filled with Erasmus wrath, lust and pride but how Alovia was able to use those sins and turn them into mutants, they never knew.

Alovia?, she was already a demon. She sold her soul for the price of being queen, a moirai thanatoio (goddess of darkness). Davis had to cleanse the whole castle to wade off her evil essence saying it was an abomination for a magical especially a Davister witch to sell her soul off to the demon, and the title she looked for to gain, Davis doesn't believe it would be possible for her to have that much power, a being was never suppose to have such power. They all believe Alovia was being trick but for what price that alone would be Erasmus's idea.

            Melissa concluded that Erasmus intended to let the demon roam freely in their world and revive Hades, the god of the underworld and repeat the destruction made 3000 years ago, the issue with the three Moiria and Hades and from her mother's story it started there, the betrayal and death.

Then there was the issue about the demons Melissa left with the Valsher's. Mel had sent words about the discovery and gotten another in return, it seemed as though Mel and Cage's roar somehow nullied the effect leaving them under their control but no one knows for how long that power held so for safety the Valshers will be returning to the castle in Colorado.

         They arrived in the evening, a day before the winter ball. The journey was less eventful but safe. Melissa made sure they were given a part if the castle while the Lycans were taken to Devaro's study for examination, Mel shivered at his dungeon even though Devaro had explain to her multiple times that it was where he could experiment calmly with the creature but still, ones experience with those things can never give it a sweet name.

          Micage also invited St Collins pack back in Florida and the rest of the alliances the twins made will be coming by tomorrow, luckily the castle is big enough to accommodate them all.

Everybody prepared for the function that would take place soon, excitement was buzzing in the air, after 25 years the castle was finally going to celebrate something.

"You are late. Mate"

           It was one thing to be busy saving the world, it was another to keep a very big secret from your family. So far Melissa has refused to inform her family about finding her mate and so far they had made plans to be meeting in secret and so far thing were working on a thin thread.

She sighed tiredly not bothering to face him but headed straight to her closet for a change for proper clothing for the night.

"I was busy making sure that my family were well accommodated for their stay, the ball is tomorrow after all"

       He scowled at the word family, like he always did whenever she mentioned it or loved ones or her brother, even though with his annoyance, Melissa could also pick up his sadness and longing to be part of but she couldn't have that now.

"I've missed you..... Mate"

         One of the specialty of this Lycan demon which Melissa insisted they call hybrid is that they accumulate order and were like messengers, the other two hybrids they had met weren't good with saying long sentences which was good unlike the actual Lycan demons. The luck Igaro had was that Devaro favored him and had taught him how to speak the only bad thing is that he taught him how to speak like himself.

"Igaro, I have told you countless times to stop calling me that and to stop seeing me in my room"

It was pointless when she knew the hybrid would never listen, he took pleasure in defiling her, it reminded her of how Karma was so real when it came to her number one character.

His movement was quiet but quick as he had her caged between the door and his body, he was dressed in a tank top that helped show how well his muscles flexed with each movement and draw Lyca in with enough want.

"Yet you don't complain whenever I do this"

His lips covered hers.

Blast Devaro for teaching this man how to seduce, he was so talented Mel always melted with all his ministration. With everything going on in a life, a good fuck seemed like a good remedy she needed at that moment. And as always, she couldn't give him all of her.

"Igaro stop, you have to stop doing this, we have guests now in the castle what if someone catches us"

He snarled. He was one with a quick temper.

"Then let them catch, you are mine"

As much as Mel would want to tell the block of muscle on her she wasn't a property for claiming she also knew how pointless it would be. He was one that always gets what he wants no matter what.

(Thanks brother for spoiling him')

"What have I told you, Igaro? No one must find out about us not even my brothers"

"I still don't understand why not. You are my mate"

Mel sigh as she  always did. He had tried multiple time to reason with her or in his own way understand why she wouldn't let him claim her. Mel had her reasons and everyday she fights hard to make them stand still.

"Igaro...."

"I like the sound of my name on your lips"

        Just as every night their argument turns from cold to hot, leaving them in a heated tension filled with so much want, the tension was incurable. Melissa could only hope that, she can withstand the pull long before anything happens.

          The next morning Melissa woke up with tense muscles and a big hickey on her collar bone. Male wolves were always fond of leaving their marks on their females, she guessed it wasn't too far from Lycans. And since Melissa refused for Igaro to mark her he made sure to always leave his mark on her and his scent in her room especially her bear rug. It was always hard for her to hide his scent from the cleaners, she even had to banned her brothers especially Micage from entering her room. Thank the gods Cage couldn't read her mind if not she would have been found out.

           She was somehow able to stop Micage from reading Igaro's mind by making a public friendship with him and her, and also the closeness between him and Devaro no one thought to bother asking anymore, she made him train them which was good and also the worst idea she came up with, there were slips where Cage teases her all the time that all Igaro though about was fucking her senseless, and a proud laugh from Devaro for training him well but still the warning was there and Devaro mostly kept hope in the bond he and Igaro shared hoping it wouldn't cause him to lie or betray him. However was Igaro able to decide Devaro, Mel always wondered, she just quickly thanked Selene or which ever goddess out there for giving her time.

With a heavy sigh she changes her off shoulder ball gown to a more proper one that covers her neck but brings out her shape. After that she heads downstairs to ensure the preparation went smoothly. She didn't know how but Micage did one heck of a job, he somehow was able to make the servants living in the castle talk especially her two servants, Rema and Brett. With their corporation they were able to discover the rest of the servants and gathered them for the preparation. As she had said three month was what they used to put the castle in place and after this they had battle plans to prepare for the red moon, Erasmus hasn't been quiet since his dismissal.

"Devaro"

Always dressed smartly in his suit, today it was obvious he out did his usual attire, he had on black tuex with a red bow tie, his light brown hair was gel giving him a dangerous and lustful vibe.

"Little sister",

He rolled the word slowly with his tongue with raised brows at her approaching figure, of course he was standing by the throne talking to a maid who held a tray of flowers. As she approach he dismissed the maid, giving her his full attention.

"So what do you think? Cage did out did himself here huh?"

He hummed in response.

Ever since their deal and the encounter with Erasmus and Ivory, Devaro and the twins had have a tense relationship. He got what he needed , the throne and their forced relationship. The twin got closer in their relationship and sometimes were always at a disagreement with Devaro, but still it was a win win for everybody.

"Little brother sure did wonders, I think he should be an organizer"

His humor wasn't shared with Mel.

"Don't be delusional Devaro, Cage will never be leveled as that"

She scoffed, slowly a smile plastered on her face at the appearance of two family people who were approaching her.

"Xan? You are in a suit"

Devaro had a look of confliction at her sudden change in mood.

"Heck! I told you she will notice"

Thomas winked beside him. The two brothers really did brush up with their blue and white tuxedo and bow tie, Melissa couldn't almost recognize them.

"Ha! Ha! So hilarious, you are just jealous I look more better in a suit than you"

And it was true. Xander was taller and lean but packed with the right statue of a trained fighter while Thomas was shorter by a few inches and somehow chubby with his cheeks and more puffed body needless to say they look astonishing.

"You look smart and sexy"

She said the words mostly to Xander but still added an eye roll at the end.

The brothers shared a laugh, standing completely still beside Melissa.

"I must say Mel, you are not looking bad but still more work for me"

She shrugged

"Well I do try my best Xan"

He rolled his eyes playfully.

"Well I do hope that whoever your mate will be he sure as hell must be one lucky dude"

"Wow Xan, a compliment already?"

"I wasn't done. He must be sure as hell lucky if he can get through me before he can have you"

She scoffed.

Thomas laughed while adding himself also.

Devaro felt left out.

"Well gentleman, I can assure you the line has just started forming behind me so you did have to hold the beatings till later"

Xander raised a brow.

Thomas laughed, Mel couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"So Lisa, aren't you going to give us a proper introduction"

Thomas was the one who suggested joyfully after the strong tension that came from nowhere.

She grinned widely.

"Oh right!, Devaro, these are my adopted brothers Xander and Thomas Valsher from Valsher pack, they arrived late in the evening"

Devaro fixed his tie.

"I figured as much since you seem to smile and be more free in their presence"

"Trust me man, once she gives you a bloody broken nose then you can get in on her free nature"

Xander joked but Devaro seemed to have taken the joke another way.

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind, and please don't leave out the formalities between us, I rather much prefer it now If you will excuse me little sister but I have matters to attend to"

He didn't wait any seconds but turn, walking off.

Mel raised a brow at that.

"What's his problem?"

"He's such a prick, that one"

Xander commented hatefully

"I think he's worried Xander might take his rightful place as your elder brother before he does"

"What is he twelve? That's nonsense"

"Not really. Xan does feel the same way also"

"Speak for yourself asshole"

Thomas could only shrugged.

"Well you guys can keep your male hormones to yourselves and I'll handle my mate myself"

"And why so Mel?"

"You guys would have to go through my teeths first before anything"

They flinch at her serious glare.

"Dully noted Lisa", Thomas raised an invincible hat in the air, pulling it to his chest before smiling.

"Good. Now where's Ly?"

Though he tried but she caught up on the slight change in his smile.

"Beats me that woman can dress to kill in there before the real fight"

"But you love every curves of hers"

It still feels weird talking to Xander in that way about her best friend but everybody had to grow up.

"True"

"Hey Tom you better get your mate asap, I need more sisters"

She joked lightly, turning around to the direction she suspected her best friend to be.

Towards the early afternoons the St Collins arrives, and Cage was whom greeted them. There was a lot of yelling and smashing but all in good name. Melissa and Cage finally got to meet Cole's mate Veronica or Vera for short. Mel instantly fell in love with her but Cage.... Not that much. Next Alpha Yuri's son arrived Suho, whom took over after his death, now there had to be a new alliance, other Alphas and Magicals arrived later in time for the party to start and everywhere became social.

Melissa felt distress from Cage through their bond, throwing him a glance she noticed him and Cole whispering hastily with each other before they storm out of the hall. Despite this she knew she mustn't intervene until he told her himself like he always did.

She smirked inwardly before slowly she also realize something. Her usually bubbly best friend was all tight smiles and glum, having had enough, Mel directed her to a corner away from talks and eyes.

"What's wrong Ly?"

Her forest green eyes blink in surprise, before lowing her gaze.

"Nothing is wrong Mel"

Mel glared

"You have wrinkles on your fore head so that means you are lying"

Her hands were fast to move to the spot before a groan escaped her lips.

"What's wrong Ly? Is it Xander?"

She groaned again,

"Ugh! Yes..... Huff! mating is hard"

Was it? Melissa didn't fully know, she was never one to question or try understanding how it worked only that the male takes over the female's life completely and the fact that she was a lycanthrope, she was clueless.

"Tell me about Lycan mating Ly"

Mel blurted out watching as Lydia processed her words by blinking fast

"What??"

Melissa almost sounded desperate. She was walking on broken egg shells with no time limits.

"You are the one who studied animal behavior so what do you know about Lycans"

Lydia squared her with a look staring mostly at her neck before pulling off the layers to her collar bone.

She froze.

Her eyes widened.

"That's a hickey, you have a hickey on you"

Mel cleared her throat, avoiding her gaze.

"I don't know what you are talking about, that's just an injury from training"

"That's definitely a hickey"

"No its not"

Lydia rolled her eyes at her stubbornness

"Who is your mate Mel?"

Mel tense knowing her best friend already figured her out.

"Ly... I do-"

She started but shut up once she saw her glare.

"Don't lie to me. I know you inside out to know you never get injured and if you did it went off before minutes, that Mel is an hickey and a fresh one"

Defeated, Mel avoided her gaze with a tired sigh.

"Is it that Lycan demon hottie, I saw you staring at him"

Trust Lydia to figure things out and heck she needed to control herself

"Gosh why do the lycan have to be damn super hot, you did good Mel that one is a keeper"

"But he's not mine to keep"

"Are you kidding me, what do you mean?"

One look from her and she finally understood

"ohhh!!!!!"

Her Alpha nature was what was the problem ever since Valsher. Mel struggled since childhood to get to the top, she wasn't just going to give it up.

"You know it's called pride what you have, your problem as in"

Mel raised her brow at her blunt approach

"You are too prideful for your own good..... And so is Xander"

Now this was getting interesting. comparing Xan and her together

"You know what? even though you guys are not related by blood, Xander and you sure have the same mind set. am not yet pupped because Xander wants to build up the pack before setting down and you don't want a mate before taking up your title as queen, gosh you two share the same thinking"

"Xander's reasons are logicistic and so are mine"

"Of course you will support him"

"What's the big deal about being pupped, its just more work and stress"

A vein popped out from her forehead

"Veronica is pupped and by Cole, her mate, what difference does it make if I do"

She yelled.

Mel raised a brow in surprise. Her sweet and kind Lydia wasn't one to loose control.

"Sorry, the sexual tension is just getting to me"

Same here, Igaro and I haven't done more than hot steaming make out and its driving me nuts. Melissa's conscious spoke before voicing out loud.

"Its okay, I understand"

The smirk that appeared was involuntary.

"So you haven't popped the cheery yet huh!?"

Mel couldn't help but blush while her friend laughed at her expense.

"So what are you gonna do? How are you going to inform the others? Wait you already decided not to right?"

A quick nod was what she received. Ly let out a tired sigh, rubbing off an invincible head ache.

They were so engrossed in their thoughts they hadn't noticed the approach of Martin until Cage also marched ahead jerking him roughly by his collar.

"Cage? What's wrong with you? what are you doing?"

He didn't listen, sharing a glaring contest with Martin. Cole also appeared looking pale and panicked.

Cage went full alpha mode, wolves around shifted backwards.

"You will shut your trap up and mind your fucking business, got it"

He ordered shoving him hard backwards into Cole. The music stopped causing all eyes on them. Melissa shared annoyed thoughts with her wolf.

Igaro and Devaro joined them. Devaro observed while Igaro walked towards Cage trying to calm him down and take him away.

Still pissed off Cage jerked his hand off his shoulder wanting to transfer his anger to him.

Something snapped in Mel, as much as she tried holding it back, the dam broke before it could be sealed.

"Acting this childish is so disgraceful, turn on your cooler and get the fuck out of here"

Cage glared at her.

"I will get out but I do not need the help of either you or this freak to help me"

A growl escaped.

"That power you have there might be able to work on the wolves but not the Lycans so huff and puff all you want he is taking you out by your collar"

Mel jerks her head towards Igaro, giving him the sign to do as she ordered.

Devaro intervened before it got any uglier.

"Let him be little sister, he is after all last born, sure he can have a tantrum once in a while"

He became the voice of reasoning between the two, which was strange but the eyes and ears were just too much at the moment.

"He is a King for a reason, he needs to act more mature and reasonable"

Cage couldn't shut up.

"Must you always pick on me as though am a child? I fucking know what am doing"

"If you can prove to be more mature then maybe I will. Why can't you be more like Igaro sometimes, quiet and mature, seeing reasons before fights"

It was a slip, she wasn't suppose to compare them, but that picture of how he had shoved him off still pissed her wolf. But that slip fueled the anger the more.

"Why are you comparing me to that mutated freak?"

"He is not a mutanted freak, he's..... He's an hybrid and our friend"

She tried using the friend card, knowing she was known to be more passionate when it came to protecting her friends.

"Oh Really? Friends now? Cause it doesn't sound like just friends to me"

His sarcasm thicker than ever with his anger. His bond still made him detect the lie through his anger.

"What is your relationship with my pet, little sister?"

Devaro joined in more curious than to dispatch the audience they had around, but now they both demanded the truth and she didn't think she might be able to hold it in any longer.

Well we can just say busted to Melissa and Lyca.