Page 1 of Love the Way You Lion
Prologue
As with all good romances, this starts with a man and a woman—or rather, two men and a woman…
Centuries ago, humans believed in things beyond their comprehension more readily. Supernaturals and their non-magical counterparts co-existed by using fairy tales, myths, and folklore to create a world where they interacted on specific terms that protected everyone. But as all species do, both sides of the coin evolved and dissension within their ranks and with one another caused internal wars, famine, and other tragedies.
The supernaturals evolved more quickly than humans, so the ancient bloodlines gathered together to form a governing body for all the non-human species. For a long time, this group made sure to curate history in a way that did not dishonor the gods or destiny, but kept humans from interfering in their business.
The stories of conflict, triumph, and regret from human history were often supernatural, but the truth was concealed. Eventually, humans turned their efforts towards science rather than spiritualismand the tales of things that go bump in the night became legend. This allowed the Society to focus solely on their own and as time went on, they expanded across the globe.
Our love story begins with an ancient woman who drew the attention of two supes in the Society. A warlock and a vampire, brothers in spirit if not blood, ascended to their council seats to become the last survivors of their names. Their families were decimated in various conflicts over the years and these two men grew resentful of the Society’s leniency towards humans and lower tier supes alike. They were both in love with the ancient woman, though, and for a time after they mated with her, it settled their need for vengeance.
But evolution never ends and once humans advanced far enough to threaten supernaturals again, their thirst for revenge flared again. When they couldn’t convince the Society council to conquer the non-magical beings, the brothers left their positions to work as undercover agents within a growing organization of humans dedicated to fomenting crime and strife. The warlock climbed the ranks of leadership over many decades and the vampire dove into the scientific program; together, they conspired to control the human population through their own weapons and technology.
When their true aims were discovered by the Society and their mate, they got exiled. By then, the warlock was in full control of the global criminal organization that operated under many names in many countries. He and his brother pleaded with their mate to join them, and when she refused to alter the course of Fate, he performed a forbidden ritual to unmate them from her.
The consequences of his reckless, selfish decision echoed through the world like wildfire. Wars broke out, treaties soured, crops died, and disease raged across the lands. Society members around the world confiscated all the tomes containing information on revoking a mate bond to prevent another ripple of magic that powerful from being released.
Unfortunately, the anguish of being cut off from their magically intended partner affected the vampire and the warlock as well. Their organization was thriving in the chaos the revocation caused, but they could barely stand to be in the same room as one another. The time came when they argued so often that it threatened their mission and they split the organization in half.
Each took the half they preferred—the warlock keeping the criminal wing and the vampire taking the technological sector. They vowed to share resources when required, but their empires would remain separated for good.
As technology continued to advance, The Company branched out into mercenary pursuits and the vampire blended magic and science so well that he created a pocket dimension to hide his labs, agents, and their secrets within. He named it The Rift in honor of the divide between him and his brother and once it was fully operational, he retreated into a world far away from the humans he despised.
That seclusion kept him from knowing his brother and their former lover were briefly reunited during the sparkling days of disco. Despite the cadre of new mates the Fates provided the ancient one, she relented one last time and from that tragic mistake, a child was born.
In order to protect her from her heritage, the child was left at one of the hybrid enclaves created by the Society and eventually adopted. She lived an inauspicious life as a ‘lost one’ until one day, the small amount of magic she could access sparked and she ran from her life, including the Guardian watching from the shadows.
Only the Fates could have conspired for this child to find her way to the portal to The Rift and settle there without knowing what she’d discover on the other side.
Delilah Lenore O’Hara wasnevermeant to set foot in The Rift, but once she did, it started a cascade of events that cannot be prevented.
This time, the story begins with a a woman who has lots of men, but one who is changing her entire world.
The Writer’s Plans Are Set In Motion
WILDE
“Our plans, my love, are complete,” she declares softly, her fingers the last to leave the cool surface of the phone.
As the device is set aside, I take a slow, deliberate look around the room—a space filled with muted light and shadows that blend into the quiet anticipation of change. I wonder, almost reverently, how the environment will greet me upon my return. Will its corners seem resplendent with novelty, every detail shining freshly reborn, or will the familiar contours remain, only to contrast with the transformation within me? The uncertainty hangs palpable in the air as I offer a measured nod.
“Have you set in motion the pieces through which we will spread the word? And do you have the detailed timeline of the quests that will facilitate my return?” I ask, voice low and laced with both hope and trepidation.
I receive another nod in response. “Belle and Amanda are primed and ready to begin, and once Deli learns that there is a pathway torepair, she will become as compliant as ever. Calista and Veruca have secured everything necessary from the other side,” she explains with an air of quiet confidence.
Is it truly as straightforward as that?
I run my fingers thoughtfully over my chin, lost in contemplation. The intricacy of our meticulously orchestrated plan lies in the precise alignment of its moving parts. Without the correct pawns strategically positioned on the board, the entire game could stall before it ever begins.
Yet, when the plan finally reaches its full, vivid form, I know it will mend everything. I will be reborn, free from any lingering doubts about affections and allegiances. I hold on to the belief that, without a single harsh word, the chaos will be smoothed out.
I realize that those who have not yet been privy to our undertaking might initially be overwhelmed by a tide of raw emotion. But I trust that once my beloved steps forward and reveals this alternate path—a route forged by determination and hope—they will rally like a disciplined battalion, marching in unison until everything settles into a harmonious order.
Have they not always marched this way?
I admit, however, that Talia and Taurus have occasionally introduced a disruptive element, a wrench thrown into our otherwise methodical workings. Talia’s candid confession just a few days ago spurred a moment of doubt, a whispered thought about whether we should delay our plans to observe the unfolding events.
No. The schedule must not be tampered with; the plan must remain steadfast.
