#beta reader what beta reader

The day had started out wonderfully with the sun shining and a cool breeze, the perfect day for the annual Lucian wine festival. You were excited to spend time with Ignis, he'd been on assignment all week and you desperate for time with him once he had returned. As the day had worn on though the breeze turned into wind and the sky dark as a storm came upon the city.

"Dammit." Ignis yelled over the rain as he pulled you under an awning. He had been so looking forward to this date.

You pouted a bit and leaned against him, enjoying the warmth. "Well it was nice while it lasted." Looking out at the sky an idea came to you. "Hey! Why don't we get a cup of coffee and wait this out?"

"It’s as good an idea as any right now." You smiled up at him, thrilled that he was keen on the idea as well. "If you don't mind getting wet I say we should go for it!" You knew of a little café down the street that had huge sofas and probably the best pastries in town.

Taking off his jacket Ignis carefully lays it over your head and shoulders. "Ready when you are."

You smiled and held half of the coat up to put it over his head, or at least tried to anyways. Damn his height. "No reason we can't share." You moved a little closer.

Grinning Ignis ducked under his jacket up as they ran for the coffee house with you. Making it (and relatively dry to boot) he grabbed the door for you and held it open.

Walking past him, you shook the few errant drops of rain out of your hair as you headed inside. It wasn't nearly as packed as she thought it would be.

"What would you like, dear? I will grab us the drinks while you get us a seat?" Ignis asked shaking out his jacket.

"Hot apple cider." You hated the taste of coffee but you put up with it because Ignis lived on it. You would joke that it probably made up half his blood volume on somedays.

Nodding Ignis went to stand in line and order. Every now and again he would look over and smile at you.

You had managed to snag a love seat by the window and waved when you caught him looking over at you. There had to be something to do...your eyes fell on a copy of the Insomnia Times someone had left on an end table. Score! You could do the crossword while you both waited for the rain to stop.

You soon found a steaming mug being held in front of you as Ignis was finally able to join you. “Your cider, dear.” He smiled, taking the spot beside you. "And an ebony for me."

Taking the cup, you smiled over at him, nose wrinkling a little as the smell of strong coffee wafted past your nose. "Found us something to kill time with." You presented him with the paper.

"Clever girl" Ignis smiled as he pulled a pen out of his jacket. “Always good to be prepared.”

You giggled a little and looked at the first question brows knitting together. "Damn...knew there was a reason I never played these. I always feel like such an idiot."

"You are no such thing. You just have to think about the hint. Hmm, maybe sulfur?" He asked considering, pen poised above the blank spaces.

You grinned and gave a nod. "It would fit."

He chuckled as he started to write. "Well one for me."

"Turning this into a game are we? What's the prize for the winner?" You took a sip from your drink and hid your grin behind the mug.

He leaned in with a cheeky smile and whispered, “If I win you spend the night with me?”

"That's no prize." Your cheeks started turning red. "I was planning on that anyway. So maybe something else?"

"You were?" He honestly sounded so surprised and looked back at you with wide eyes.

You nodded and started to comb your fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck. "Uh-huh...why do you think I suggested the wine festival? I get a little spritely after a few glasses."

He let out a soft chuckle and moved his arm up to rest across your shoulders. As the rain continued, both of you worked on the crossword puzzle.

"That’s it." You sighed as he wrote in the last one and glanced out at the window. "Still raining..."

His shoulders dropped a bit, “It would look like our plans to return to the festival are a wash. I’m sorry love. Mother nature just doesn’t want to cooperate with us today.”

"What about dinner?" She asked softly. "We can run back to the car and go to the market, pick something up and make it a night in." For all the flirting, you suddenly felt shy.

"I like that idea. Maybe even open a bottle of wine. I have this great vintage that Councilman Amicitia gave for the holidays last year" Ignis said, standing up he offered you his hand.

"It doesn't come out of a box, does it?" You asked with a giggle, squeezing his arm as bit as you wrapped yours around his.

There was a little scowl at the suggestion there would even be something like that house in his kitchen. “Absolutely not, it’s a lovely vintage from before the invasion of Galahad.”

"I was joking.” You smiled, giving his arm another squeeze. “You need to relax more.” You moved a little closer and stood on your tiptoes to plant a soft kiss to his cheek. "I love you."

"I Love you too," he said lowly as he brought your hand up, gently pressing his lips against the back of your hand.  "Never thought I’d find someone quite like you."

Your face flushed red as you started walking to the door with him. "I'm not amazing. You could have anyone in the world and for some reason you picked mousy ‘ol me from Citadel medical."

Stopping Ignis pulled you against him, his hand firmly placed at the small of your back. "You are the most amazing person I have ever met. I would never be able to do better then you."

You buried your face into his side. "You are so getting lucky tonight." You said, voice low so only he could hear you.

"Well then I should get you home" He grinned leading you out.

Letting go of his hand, you started to quicken your pace, heading towards the lot where you had left his car. "We're throwing your phone in the office. If anyone calls you away from me tonight I will cut them."

Nodding Ignis followed. Once at the car he pushed you up against the passenger side door, making a show of turning his phone off, just for you.

Wrapping your arms around his neck once the phone was in his pocket you pulled him down into a kiss. It was chaste though, you knew he wasn’t that much on PDA.

Grabbing your sides, he refused to let you go until he broke the kiss. "Get in the car now…we can order in." he purred against your lips.

Every muscle in your body twitched as you were driven to the Scientia mansion. Today was the day, you were going to be bonded …These were the last moments of freedom. As the streets passed by you thought about what life would hold after today. Would he be a kind mate or would he be like the nightmares that you had heard about? Your knee started to bounce as your mind kept going over and over how this could go.

“Are you scared, dear?”

Your mother’s voice cut through your thoughts and brought you back reality. With a shake of your head you forced a smile. “No, I think I’m more anxious than anything else.” You knew there was no confidence in your voice and she reached out to pull you in closer, letting you rest against her.

Her fingers gently stroked your temple in a soothing motion. “Everything will be okay.” She cooed softly, “I know you will be just fine.”

If only you could only believe that.

As the limo pulled up to the mansion you felt your mouth go dry and the cold grip of reality firmly grasp you. There was no turning back, no running away. Taking a deep breath you held your head high and stepped out as the door was opened. You were not going to let them see you cower like a beaten dog. Runt or not, you were a wolf and they would see that.

First things first. The veiling.

Legend held that the Great wolf Ardyn had been tricked into marrying his brother’s beloved because the bride had been veiled before the ceremony, hiding her identity until it was too late. He had been cast out of the kingdom for his transgression and cursed to roam over Eos forever lost.

At least that was the story they told to explain the custom of the groom seeing his mate for the first time and veiling them himself. Can’t marry the wrong person if you’re the one to do the veiling.

So there you sat after being shown into a small room off to the side, the plush cushion under you threatening to swallow you whole and your parents stood on either side. You could hear footsteps outside and the doors were pulled open. You raised your head and focused your stare on the group in front of you as they entered.  You recognized his parents but your eyes couldn’t be torn from the one behind them. Green eyes meeting yours.

Your father gave you a reassuring smile and stood up as they stopped in front of you. “Hear me! We bring to you the chosen who has come from the rivers of Galahd to be with their betrothed. What say you?”

“Hear me.” His mother started as Ignis walked forward to stand in front of you. “The betrothed we present to you is the future lord of house Scientia and advisor to the future king.” She turned to her son, “Is this your chosen?”

He nodded, his face remaining expressionless. “It is.”

“Then he shall veil them and they will stand before the gods.” Your father continued.

As Ignis reached out you pulled back causing him to stop. His scent overwhelmed you smelling of fire and sage. Your eyes searched his trying to get a read on him if he was okay with this or if he was just doing this because it was his duty. As the veil came down you lowered your head and let out a sigh.

The thin lace now over your face did little to obscure your vision but you took the hand that Ignis offered to you, steadying you as you stood up. You muttered a small thank you but there was no response from the man beside you.

His hand was strong and his fingers intertwined with yours as you both walked down the hall. The ceremony was going to be held in the back gardens, a sacellum had been constructed for the occasion. The scent of alphas was heavy in the air as you walked out with him, heading towards the alter and priest. Your mind was telling you to run, heart beating so fast you were sure everyone could hear it. He brought you right before the alter and the priestess started the ceremony.

You were only half aware of what the she was saying as you looked at the man before you. Still stoic, still unreadable. What would life be like after today? Would he always be this cold and detached?

“Your hand.” The priestess said quietly, snapping you out of your thoughts.

Trying to still your shaking, your raised your right hand, pressing your palm against his. The priestess started to loosely tie a silver cord around your joined hands, once-twice-thrice. With his free hand Ignis reached out and lifted your veil and for a moment you thought you caught a smile on his lips as you looked up at him, but in a split second it was gone.

“12 circles for 12 full moons weave a spell of protection.” The priestess continued as the two of your started to walk in a circle, six to the right and six to the left to represent the waxing and waning cycle. At the end, she unbound your hands. “You are bound.” She smiled and the gathered guests started to clap and cheer.

He leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to your lips before taking your hand. “Ready?” He asked lowly as he drew in close.

His scent was making you heady and you forced a nod, slowly walking with him back towards the mansion. There was going to be a little break before the reception allowing you two a little bit of time together without interruption.

“How are you feeling?” He asked having brought you back to the room where the veiling had taken place earlier.

You were a little unsure how to answer, was he expecting the truth or was he expecting something else? “Overwhelmed.” You said softly, going to sit on the cushion. It was the only familiar thing in the room.

“Likewise.” He answered, moving to sit down. Ignis offered you a soft smile, “But I hope we will be able to enjoy ourselves a little bit.”

You found yourself giving a snort and glanced at him out of the corner of your eye. “I’m sure you will, they’re all going to wonder why your parents picked me.”

You saw him cock his head slightly to the side and he let out a quiet chuckle. Standing, he crossed the distance between the two of you in a few strides and reached out for you, gently tapping your chin upwards with his fingers and forcing you to look up at him.

“Dear Y/N,” He started softly. “They may have made the arrangements for our meeting but the choice has always been mine.”

You jerked your head back from his touch and glared. “You could have anyone you wanted so why pick a runt omega?”

There was something in his eyes that you couldn’t quite place, “Because you are independent, not just another omega bred and schooled to marry well. My position requires most of my time, I need a partner that has their own life and will be able to carry on without me there. I need someone who can stand on their own.”

“Then why find someone at all?”

His eyes closed and you heard a sigh escape his lips, “My station requires a mate.”

The hair on the back of your neck rose up and you felt the familiar sting of tears pricking at your eyes. It hurt knowing that even in this day and age your worth was determined by the life you could bring into this world. “No, it requires a broodmare.” When he didn’t deny it you let out a disgusted growl and turned away.

You couldn’t wait for the reception to start. Except for dinner you would at least be able to be near your friends and family before the den period started. You made it your mission to avoid being with your mate for more than a few moments, only long enough to be introduced to his friends; the prince, who seemed more than just a little bored with the whole thing but seemed genuinely happy for his friend. The shield, who was more interested in the open bar and chasing any female who would entertain his attention once dinner was over and lastly a human ambassador from Niflheim who just wouldn’t stop taking pictures. It was all making your mind spin and the wine you had been drinking to help calm your nerves wasn’t helping.

Well, the feast was grand and as the moon rose high in the night sky the shifters transformed and the joyous howls of the wolves could be heard on the night air. You were talking with your family when suddenly you were pulled away by strong hands you didn’t recognize. Glancing back over your shoulder you saw it was the shield, his name escaping you.

“Hey Iggy!” He called out, lifting you up into his arms. “I think it’s about time we bundle you two and get your marriage started, don’t you think? Guys, c’mere and help me drag him inside! Ladies, someone wanna take this one off my hands?”

Bundling was an old tradition, one where the newlyweds were taken to their den by their friends, stripped and bundled together in the sheets of their marital bed. You swallowed a lump in your throat, fear rising up. This was one tradition you didn’t think would be happening.

Ignis pushed through the crowd that had gathered around and went to get you, hands clasping your waist and pulling you down. “That’s enough, Gladio!” He said sharply, an arm wrapping around you and pulling your body flush against his. “There will be none of that.”

The other man pouted and looked like a scolded child as he reached to run a hand through his unruly hair. “C’mon Iggy, it’s tradition!”

“And when you have your own bonding you can do what you want.” He growled, his grip on you never loosening for a moment. His presence flared in a show of dominance. “You are right though, I think it is time for my mate and I to bid our guests farewell.” Ignis looked down at you and all you could do was nod weakly.

With him not leaving your side the two of you started to go through the crowd and started to say goodbye. Even through the fog of inebriety you could feel dread slowly start to creep in only getting worse as he lead you inside once the guests had left.

You had imagined this night going much differently growing up. You had thought you’d be in love and not dreading the moments to come. Following Ignis upstairs you couldn’t stop your body from shaking or the tears from slipping down your cheeks. He held the door to the master suite open, allowing you to walk past him. Hands shaking you reached back to start undoing your bindings.

“Please stop.”

Freezing, you looked as Ignis came to up to you and gently pulling your hands away but kept them in his own.

“I do not intend to share a bed or a bond with you until you are ready.” He squeezed your hands before reaching up to cup the side of your face, thumb brushing away a stray tear.

“And what if I am never ready to share those things with you?” A few more tears started to slip from your eyes.

Dough always took the longest to make.  It wasn't necessarily the process, you just had to work fast to cut the butter into the flour before it melted, but the rolling and then chilling was time consuming. Ignis was grateful that Gladio had offered to go out and get the ingredients they didn't have at the house. It gave him enough time to finish the crust and prep for the next bit. He had just finished rolling the savory crust out and was wrapping the pieces in cling film when he heard the sound of gravel crunching under tires, Gladio's heavy foot falls as he came into the house, and walked into the kitchen.

A shopping bag was unceremoniously dropped to his left with a yawn. “Here's your shit. Wow, you're really making her this crap at 4am.

Ignis gave a nod as he came back to the counter, feeling around for the bag of groceries and once finding it, searching for what he needed first. “Making Iris whatever she wants is the least I can do for her.” Fingers brushed against smooth mushroom caps and ridged carrots.  There was a tired smile on his face as he brought the vegetables over to the sink to wash them before taking them to a prepared cutting board to dice them. “By the time I am finished she will be able to have it for breakfast. You are welcome to have one if you would like.” There was a dismissive murmur of “No thanks,” from Gladio before he heard the man leave and go up the stairs.

“Very well.”

Ignis knew Gladio wasn't happy with the situation but had hoped the other would have warmed up to it by now if only for Iris’ sake. She needed her brother…He sighed as he added the now diced vegetables to the pan with a bit of oil and listened to them sizzle and pop. He didn't expect a goodbye when he heard Gladio come back down and leave for the Citadel.

Maybe moving in had been a mistake, maybe he should have persuaded Iris to move into his apartment near the Citadel. Sure it was smaller than the Amicitia mansion but they could have done it. The crib could have been placed in the master bedroom and kept close to them. He would have even given up his office space for the nursery if Iris had asked. Instead she had asked him to move in with them claiming the old mansion was just too big for Gladio and herself. She had sounded so hopeful and Ignis could sense that loving glow radiating from her, he had agreed on the spot and the three of them started the process of moving him in. 

It wasn't long after that she told him she was pregnant. 

Children had never been a consideration for him before, his duty to the crown had always come first but the thought of a child with Iris…A family. It might have been selfish to want something like that so soon after the night eternal had ended and rebuilding the world still underway but he couldn't hide his excitement. He could finally look forward to the future and the new life that would be joining them any day now. 

The veggies now cooked to perfection he added the mince to brown then a bit of flour, stock, tomato puree, and a dash of Worcestershire to bring it all together. Ignis pulled the skillet off the flame and let that sit while he retrieved the now chilled dough and began to roll it out. He was going to make several smaller hand pies in case Iris got this particular craving again.

As he floured the work service and started to cut things out a small smile tugged at his lips, memories flooded his mind. Falling in love with Iris had never occurred to him but during those years of darkness as he relearned how to function independently and she was there, always encouraging him, it just happened. That fondness they had always had gradually grew into more, and soon Iris had been the first thought when he woke up and his last thought before he went to sleep. Knowing how Gladio felt about anyone dating his little sister let alone one of his brothers-in-arms they tried to keep it quiet and had succeeded until Gladio had unexpectedly returned early and caught the two red-handed. Since then things had been tense between the two comrades, growing worse with the pregnancy announcement. 

With the last bit of preparation completed, Ignis  put the pies in the oven and began to get started on the requested marshmallow sauce- for a brief moment he was happy he was not able to witness the culinary abomination he was taking part in.

Just before 7am everything was ready to be brought up. Ignis quietly pushed the door to their bedroom open with his shoulder and tried to keep the tray in his hands from clattering to loudly. Counting the steps he walked around the bed, his foot gently hitting the leg of the table next to her side. Setting the tray down, Ignis reached out and stroked her shoulder.

“Time to rise and shine, love.” He smiled, leaning in to kiss her cheek as he felt her shift next to him. “I made what you asked.

The pile of blankets beside him emitted a low groan as the body beneath slowly sat up.  “That smells amazing, Iggy.” Iris smiled up at him as the blankets fell down from around her shoulders. “Someone has been waiting all night for this.”

Ignis could only smile as he listened to her grab for the fork, metal utensil clicking softly against the ceramic baking dish. “Gladio is gone for the day and Talcott should be arriving by 9 to help with some things that needs to be done around the house. I need to catch up on a bit of paper work but I'm just down the hall if you need me.”

Iris attempted to stifle a giggle as she listened to him.  “We'll be fine. I'll even play nice and stay off my feet as long as someone stops doing backflips.”

“Taking after their mother’s fighting style.” He mused lightly with a smirk which in turn earned him a playful punch to the shoulder.

With a roll of her eyes Iris picked up another fork-full. “Bull, this is all you. I used to watch you and Gladio train all the time. You were always doing some kind of acrobatics to avoid getting hit.”

“I had no idea you were so observant of me back then. Now do you need anything else before I get started on work?” he asked as he stretched out.

“No, I have a few calls to make myself. Those clothing drives aren't going to plan themselves.” Iris had been helping in the rebuilding process as much as she could, gathering supplies and helping organize relief efforts. The daemon scourge might have been eliminated but there was still so much to do for the people. “Wait-" she called to him just as he was headed out of the room. “What do you think about Neci? If we're having a girl that is.” 

Ignis struggled to hide his smile. Iris had been dropping not so subtle hints since her last visit to the doctor's. “I thought you wanted to continue the flower naming tradition?”

“I did until you started picking out names like Rose and Astor.” She snorted, “Poor kid is going to sound like a cranky geriatric before they can walk." She looked down at the swell of her stomach and started to rub a spot. “So Neci…it means fiery or passionate.”

Going back to bed Ignis carefully crawled in and nestled himself against her. A hand reached out and sought Iris’, fingers becoming intertwined when found. “If that is what you want I think it is a beautiful name.”

Iris shifted and moved to rest her head on his chest. “If it's a boy I think Cinus would be nice.”