A L M I R A

Chapter 34
Calix West

Last night's events raced through my mind as she laid asleep in my arms. Nothing about last night, other than our dance, went good. A man swept her away from me, she ran into Alastor, and worst of all, she got hurt.

I know I'm dangerous for her. I tried to desperately to make her hate me so she would be safe. That didn't work so well for me. At least now I don't have to suppress every thought and feeling towards her. It was nice to be able to openly show her affection.

When she told me about Alastor, the worst thoughts consumed my mind. What was he up to? What other plans did he have in mind for Almira? Just the idea of him laying a hand on her made me feel uncontrollable anger and rage. She was my mate, not his.

I looked down at the sleeping beauty in my arms. Strands of her curly hair were lying on or against her face. I brushed my hand across her cheek before tucking the loose strands of hair behind her ear. She leaned her face into my hand and I smiled. If only she wasn't in danger, I wouldn't mind laying here forever like this.

Almira began to stir before opening her viridian green eyes. "Good morning," She yawned, stretching her arms.

"Good morning, princess," I answered, watching as she looked around the room. Her eyes found my face and she smiled before flopping back onto the pillows.

"I'm so tired," She muttered, rubbing her hands across her face.

"Why don't you sleep in and rest for the day? Last night took quite the toll on you," I suggested, sliding the blanket off of me to get up.

Almira shook her head and slowly managed to get out of bed. "I can't. I have some things magic related to attend to today. Not to mention I have three pregnant ladies to deal with."

"Three?" I turned my head to look at her and raised an eyebrow.

She looked at me confused for a moment before gasping and covering her mouth. "I didn't tell you, did I?"

"Tell me what?" I persisted, looking at her cautiously. What on earth is she taking about?

"Lauren is pregnant and hasn't told Cole yet. I only found out because Raiya lectured me on my pride and Lauren on her secrecy since she sensed the baby," Almira gushed, smiling. "I'm going to be an aunt!"

I grinned at the sight of her being happy. "I'm assuming the other two are Ashli and Estelle?"

She nodded her head, grabbing a dress out of her wardrobe. "Mhm. We're having a girls day today."

I frowned at this. "Like going out into town?"

"No. I don't want to risk being killed for two nights in a row. We're mainly going to just drink tea, talk, and complain about feminine problems," She explained.

A wave of relief washed over me. Thank Goddess she wasn't going out into town. I know she wouldn't take any guards with her and I have meetings back to back today, so I couldn't go with her. "Alright. I have meetings today so I won't be out of the conference room very much."

She nodded her head. "I'll still see you at dinner, right?"

I looked at her and smiled. "Yeah."

~-~

I sat in the conference room, waiting for the other kings and queens to show up. They all walked in and sat in a seat, chit chatting until I cleared my throat. "Thank you all for coming today. As you know, I'm currently at war with two other kingdoms. The matter is over my mate, power, and my people. You all are here so we can discuss alliances."

"Why us specifically?" King Haidyn questioned, everyone nodding and mumbling agreements with him before looking at me for my answer.

"If it isn't obvious from over the years, I respect everyone sitting at this table. I would be honored to have your assistance fighting this war, and in return, you have mine and my warriors when you shall need them. I do hope you'll think about this," I responded.

The room fell silent before Queen Valenya spoke up. "What do we have to offer that you need to win? And furthermore, what do you have that we need if we get into a war?"

I chuckled and grinned. "Your kingdom specifically? Witches. My kingdom? Food, shelter, battle grounds, strong warriors, and our loyalty."

"Well, shall we take a vote?" King Haidyn suggested, looking around at everyone in the room.

"I suppose we shall. All of those who are willing to form an alliance will sign the paper that is passing around. Those who don't, you may pass it onto the next. Know you will not leave the room with any more hatred or tension than when you walked into this very room," I announced, setting a pen and a piece of paper down.

I walked over to the window and looked out of it while they debated on whether to pledge loyalty to me or not. Soon the chairs were rubbings against the floor and I turned around. "Thank you all for attending today. I do hope you have a safe journey home."

They all dismissed themselves and I walked over to the paper, glancing down at it. Six out of ten people, not so bad. I noticed Haidyn, Valenya, Jerald, Melione, Quincy, and his wife Ladyia. I picked up the paper and pen and took it to my office to have Alexander write it down in the records.

Almira stumbled into the room and groaned, leaning against a bookshelf. "Something wrong, Almira?" I asked, looking at her skeptically.

She turned to me and glared. "Being in a room with three hormonal, pregnant women and doing magic is draining. I feel like I just volunteered at a retirement village for the demented and angry."

"That bad?" I chortled, shaking my head.

"Do you want to give it a try, Calix West?" She snapped, crossing her arms.

I put my hands up in defense and took a step back. "Nope. I'll take your word for it. How about I get us some food and then we can head to this secret spot I know?"

Almira turned to me, her eyes lighting up. "Really?"

I nodded my head, walking over to her. "Yes, really. Come on."

I stuck my arm out for her and she took her, her mood quickly changing. I lead her out of the office and down to the kitchen. I whispered to one of the maids to pack some food for us to take out with us. She quickly did as told and brought us back a basket. Almira took the basket out of my hands and held it, smiling. "It's the least I can do."

I kissed her temple before wrapping my arm around her waist, guiding her out of the castle. We began our way into the forest. After quite some time of walking, Almira let out an impatient sigh. "How much further? It feels like we've been walking for days!"

"Hold your horses, we're almost there."

A couple minutes later, we made it to a clearing in the woods. The river was flowing right beside it and not too far from the clearing was a long, beautiful waterfall. Almira gasped and looked at the scenery, taking every leaf and insect in. "It's beautiful!"

I looked at Almira, her backside turned to me. "I know."

She set down the basket and pulled out a blanket, setting it on the ground. We both sat down on the blanket and I pulled the food out, setting it out for the both of us. She smiled before falling back onto the blanket. "I love this."

"How come?" I pondered, shutting the basket and setting it aside.

"I'm in nature, there's no disturbance of war or Alastor and Wryler, I'm not around three very angry ladies, and I have my mate. What more could I ask for?" She rambled, closing her eyes. She took in a deep breath, the fresh air wafting into her nose.

If she was happy, I was happy. That was all that mattered.

We began to eat the food and make conversation. After the food was done, Almira gasped and turned to me. "Cover your eyes!" She said, standing up.

I looked at her weirdly before covering my eyes. I heard shuffling before the water started splashing and she shouted from afar to open them. I scanned the area for her before seeing her head and shoulders in the water.

"Did you really just strip to get in the water?" I laughed.

She nodded her head. "I did, but I still have my undergarments on. You should join me!"

I shook my head. "It'd be best if I didn't.'

Almira pouted and huffed. "Come on! I'm turning around. You better be in this water by the time I turn back around!"

~-~

Almira Davenport

Calix took me on an adventurous date to a hidden area he knew. Currently, I was turned around with my eyes closed, waiting for him to join me in the water. Part of me had hope he would, but a part of me knew he's probably over there watching me be an idiot.

Suddenly sparks trailed up my waist and spread like a wildfire on my back. I opened my eyes and looked up, seeing Calix's handsome face. I softly smiled, turning around. "Hi."

"Hi," He returned, smiling.

I swam around in the water a bit before going under. I held my breath for as long as I could before Calix started to move around. I swam directly in front of him before emerging from the water, splashing him.

Calix paused, not moving. I waited for a reaction before he quickly went under water and threw me over his shoulder, taking me under the water with him. I playfully smacked his chest and we both came back to the top, me still in his arms. He didn't let me go, and I wasn't going to ask him to.

We fell into a silence, just staring at each other. I glanced at his chest, water droplets sliding off of him. I looked back up and caught Calix staring at my lips. We leaned into each other more, the two of us remaining quiet. I looked at his lips before looking back up at him. Calix brought his hand up to my cheek, cupping it. I leaned into his touch, the sparks and tingles making me crave his touch more.

Calix softly placed his lips onto mine, pulling me closer. I kissed him back, wrapping my arms around his neck. One kiss led to another until I was pinned against a rather large rock. His hands slid down to my lower back, my hands becoming entangled in his hair. Our kisses were feverish and meaningful.

We broke apart, catching our breaths. Calix and I looked into each other's eyes, smiling. "We should probably get back, it'll get dark soon."

"Sounds good," I agreed. Calix picked me up bridal style and carried me out of the water, setting me down on the river banks. He handed me my dress and I slid into it while he slid into his clothes.

We cleaned up our picnic mess and walked back to the castle, both of us happy.

~-~8~-~

**also continue the book and maybe add a date or a cute Calmira scene