Dr. Luna
Demon War: Rise of the Alpha Chapter 76

Darkness fell around them as orange glows lit up across the area. A group of close friends and family sat around a large fire. They were laughing and talking happily amongst one another. As if the small drumming sound in the distance wasn't coming closer. "After this is all over Irene and I would like to visit the Diamond pack if that is okay? We would like to get better acquainted with the ways of werewolves." Jester said, looking over at Wyatt.

"I think that would be nice. It will be a good way to start gradually building up relations." Wyatt smiled and nodded his head. It would be good to start acclimating the pack to vampires. Especially if his daughter would be mated to one.

"We are going to have like a demon war after party, you guys are more than welcome to attend." Rhea grinned up from Lee's arms to Jester and Irene.

"An after party? Well, I don't think that is something for all the vampires but maybe Irene and I will join in on the fun. What do you think?" Jester looked over at Irene who shyly nodded her head.

Loud laughter came from where Lilly and Tyler were sitting.

"You should have seen his face though!" Kade slapped his knee with tears coming from his eyes from aughing. "When Tristian walked through the door the mixture of emotions on his face was priceless. And when Cedric said 'This is Lilly's guardian' he will help us get her back." Kade began laughing out of control. "I think that was one of the funniest moments in my life."

"He never wanted to kill someone as much as he wanted to kill Tristan at the moment. Plus, he was confused as heck because he thought he belonged to the Ashton pack." Cedric grinned up at Tyler who had a cheesy smile on his face. "And even then, I knew he loved me." Tristan winked at Tyler, and they all started laughing. "I told you we would be close."

"If I had a looking glass that could show me this future now, I would never have believed it." Tyler chuckled and rubbed his hand over Lilly's arm. "I am so glad our getting kidnapped days have come to an end."

"What? You don't want me stealing your mate again?" A voice said coming up from them in the dark.

They turned their head to see the centaur, Drake, coming into the light. This was the centaur who had kidnapped Lilly many many years ago. He had taken her for her own protection knowing the half demon Abaddon was after her.

"Oh my goodness!" Lilly said and hopped up with a smile on her face. She rushed over and hugged the centaur. "What are you doing here?!"

Drake chuckled. "Well if that mate of yours is able to stand toe to toe and fight then I am able to too." He nodded off in the distance. "The centaurs and minotaur's have grouped together. We will answer Elysium's call." "Drake, it's nice to see you again. It's been awhile. How's that son of yours doing?" Tyler shook the man's hand firmly.

"He is not too happy right now. I made him stay home to watch the women folk and the elderly." Drake chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "He is only sixteen. He doesn't need to be out in something like this."

"I agree with you. He is much too young. Hell, I don't even want my kids out in this." Tyler glanced back to his children with a small frown.

"I wonder what happens after all of this..." Drake said quietly.

"What do you mean?" Lilly asked as she moved into Tyler's arms.

"When we defeat the demons. It isn't like we are eradicating them. What happens? Are you making them submit to your rule?" Drake looked at Lilly who shook her head no.

"No. This isn't about dominating or controlling demons. It isn't about asking them to be anything other than what they are. It is about protecting ourselves. After the war those who live can continue to live as they always have. I am not expecting to turn them into angels. But I plan to eradicate the very thought of taking over Elysium again. This world is not here for any one species to dominate." Lilly smiled. "We can all exist and live the lives we are led to. We may still fight but that is part of life."

"We aren't looking to change the order of things. But we are not about to allow ourselves to be taken over. We are going to secure a future for our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren." Tyler smiled and Lilly nodded up to him. Drake nodded his head. "That's the way it should be." He glanced over to the distance. "Well... I wanted to let you guys know I was here. See you on the battlefield." He nodded at everyone before he disappeared back into the darkness.

Tyler and Lilly sat back down near the fire. They looked over at their companions Caleb, Cedric, Kade and Tristan. They were always together in the beginning, and they were now together in what might be their end. Tyler looked across the flames to the other side where the next generation was all laughing together. They had raised strong independent children. All of them were trustworthy and have gathered powerful allies and friendships. He trusted their power and skills, but still. He was their father. And even during the fighting tomorrow he would continue to check on his children. If it came to it he wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice himself for them.

Lilly interlaced her fingers with Tyler's and slowly nodded her head in agreement. As much as they loved each other they both agreed. Above all, they would protect their children and their future.

"So I heard you guys took out the witch Meryl? She cursed me and I wasn't able to touch anyone for years. I couldn't even be around my own mate. I'm glad she has been taken care of." Grayson looked up to Wyatt and Freya.

"The only one missing is her granddaughter. To my knowledge she still hasn't been found. But we are letting the covens deal with her for now. She is a child and was probably just being manipulated." Wyatt watched as Grayson nodded his head in agreement. "During the fight tomorrow Ciana will stay back at Rhea and Titus' side. She will use her strength as a mass healer." Dex gripped his arm around Ciana who had a bright unique mark on her neck.

"It takes a lot of my energy but if I try to just use it in extreme situations, I should be able to manage." Ciana looked over at Jason. "I promised Jin that I would make it back and that I would keep you all safe. I know you have accelerated healing but what I have is a bit different. It isn't accelerated healing but more like instant. I can't use it much... but if the situation is dire I will do what I can." She had made up her mind that she would focus on making sure Jason made it back to Jin. Of course, she would watch over everyone, but Jason would not die on her watch. She had the power to make sure that happened. He would make it back to his mate and child. Jin deserved happiness.

Pat tum pa tap tap pat tum pa tap pat tum pa tap tap pat tum pa tap

The drums of war continued to sound in the distance while the demons marched through the night. The Locke family rested near their loved ones. Tonight, was the last guaranteed night they had together. Rhea was snuggled deep in Lee's side who had his arms lovingly embraced around her. While she slept, he kissed her forehead and squeezed her body a little tighter.

He would keep her safe no matter what. He would be facing off against Mephisto and honestly... he did not know how that was going to go. An original demon was at the same level as a tier one deity. And while he tried, he couldn't get any other deities to join in the fight. They all refused to participate in the war. If only they had one more strong deity they could tip the scale in their favor. Suzaku was a tier three deity who was Lilly's summon. She was the only other deity they had fighting on their side. The others all took a wait and see approach. To hell with them.

If he fell... Rhea thought she would too. But he couldn't allow that to happen. He couldn't let her light go out. So, he did something that she didn't know about. He breathed in her scent and sighed. He had to make sure he won no matter what. He knew better than to offer a mindless prayer up to the gods. They didn't care. The only one who did was Selene, and she couldn't get directly involved. Instead, he hoped against hope that this wouldn't be their last night to ever hold one another.

Wyatt kept his arm around Freya's waist as he laid up beside her. She was still awake but had her eyes closed.

Freya... I just want you to know how much I love you. Just in case... you have made me happier than I ever could have imagined.

Wyatt. We don't have to do this. Everything will be fine. But... you are my reason Wyatt. You have breathed a new life in me that I didn't know existed. It is more than how much I love you. You are part of me and my existence. No matter what my heart will always be with you.

Of all times now to not have a room of our own... Wyatt mind linked to Freya with a smirk playing over her face.

Probably a good thing. We both need our rest for tomorrow, and I don't think a private room would allow for that.

Lilly looked over at her children resting comfortably. Jason and Cody were laying side by side like they used to when they were children. The two of them always had a close bond. So much that Lilly had felt bad about them having to part ways as guardians. It seemed like only yesterday her four children were running around the house playing tag. And now here they all were. Ready to fight in the war they have been preparing for all their lives. She felt Tyler's hand gripped into hers and hold her tighter. This was their destiny. This war was always their family's fate.

Tomorrow... hell would be unleashed along with its spawns. The green ground would be soaked red with the blood of friend and foe alike. And tomorrow it would all be over. They would face the storm together and fight for the new beginning. They would win. They would be victorious, Lilly was certain of it, but at what cost? Who among them would not be making the trip back home? How many of them would they have to bury?

The sounds of the drums continued to rhythmically play. With each moment the hum was coming closer. With each step, with each second the war was now inching closer.

Lilly closed her eyes and settled into Tyler's chest to get some rest. Before she drifted to sleep, she reached out to the moon goddess. Please protect my children. I've lived my life, take mine if you must but spare theirs... please shield my children.