Lotus came bounding up to my home a few minutes after my mother screamed herself into a coma. It was past dark and she was beside herself with anger when I told her about the boy's plan. She called me foolish for falling for such a blatant lie and that they would just use me up and toss my withered body into the river.
"Politics are mindless." He complained as we walked alongside the riverbank.
"I could believe that." I giggled.
"You wouldn't believe the way Henry's people seem to think this is a democracy. He is the sole-ruler, pure blooded, and yet his subjects would still refuse him." He ticked his tongue.
"Do your people not question you?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Yes, but not in secret like the snakes Vampires are. If you disagree with an Alpha you fight for your opinion openly. You don't murder in secret plotting plans with other nobles." He groaned. "I've killed off at least 7 of them today after overhearing them heads bent in the halls."
"Henry, appreciates you for your protection." I solidified.
"I know and I am grateful for Henry's support and loyalty also. We both would be nowhere without each other."
I nodded. "I agree."
"But we would be dead without you." He swept me up and cuddled me against his bare chest.
I grew used to his nakedness over the years. He always came in varying stages of nude, one time even shocking my mother to death when he showed up at my home with his manhood for presentation.
"I love you, little wolf." He kissed my forehead. His nickname for me was a bit outrageous given I am everything a wolf is not but he meant it out of love so I went with it.
"I love you too, little duck." His laugh rumbled in his chest.
"Your wit will forever be elusive to you." He shook his head. When we finally got to our little wooden villa Henry was already there looking up at the moon and stars swinging his legs off the edge of the little hut they built together as I gave instructions.
I sat between the men and we were quiet as per custom. This was a outer world free zone. If I didn't happen while we were sitting here then it didn't happen at all. So we waited for something to speak about.
"A fish." Henry pointed to the shoreline. Lotus got up and plucked it from the waters showing us what kind of fish it was and how it lives before tossing it back to the ocean.
"I love hunting." He whispered as he sat back down on the wooden ridge with Henry.
I stayed on the bank letting the water rush over my legs and feet. Upturning my face to let the moonlight kiss my nose. I kicked up some water before turning back on the boys who sat silently watching me. I noticed how beautiful they were underneath the moon. Lotus' dirty blonde curly hair in contrast to Henry's black wavy crown. I smiled at them and was returned the kind gesture.
I thought about my band then and what my mother had said about it earlier. I knew that there were rules but the punishment was worth an answer.
"I must ask you." I started as I walked back to them. "Will you want my band?"
They both looked at each other.
"I only have one so the person who takes my virginity must get it." I looked between the both of them. What the real question behind it was who will I be public with. Who will actually hold my Band along with my assets and dowry. "For who it is, well that's up for you to decide."
"You would give us your band?" Henry stated. Lotus looked concerned.
"Why is there a problem? If I'm to be your mistress its obvious one of you must take it." I was confused.
Henry jumped down and was a blur for a mere second before his face was in my neck.
"She's being honest." He told Lotus.
"I know, I can smell her from back here." He relaxed back on his elbows.
"We've discussed this already, Lotus gets your maidenhood."
My eyes drifted to him. "Why? What made you choose?"
