"Where are you taking me?" Akila stumbled to keep up with Zagan's lengthy strides. They passed a hallway of dour portraits, rounded up a flight of stairs and entered the library. Firmly shutting the doors behind them, Zagan advanced towards her like a stalking panther.
His dark scowl sent her back-pedaling and she slammed against a bookshelf. "W-What do you think you're doing?" Her breasts brushed his chest as he conveniently trapped her with his larger frame. She held perfectly still. Her instincts warned her not to further agitate him, though it was hard not to react when his alluring scent of bergamot and spice beckoned her to lean in and breathe him in.
Without breaking their gazes, Zagan forced his jaws to relax. Akila was safe. The threat to her was gone. Forever. He'd seen to it. When the filthy sparus touched HIS female and threatened to drink her blood, a primal feeling so intense overwhelmed him and the next thing he knew, he'd killed one of his own — over a human. Nevertheless, the sparus had overstepped and would have been executed even if Zagan didn't kill him first. Disobedience was intolerable. It was wise to remove the bad seeds before they sprouted. The last thing he needed was an insurgent within in his own ranks.
But his current aggravation stemmed from the insufferable female before him. He searched her beautiful golden eyes, stretching a hand above her head in misleading calm. She would never know how she affected him, and this weakness grated on his conscience. "What did you think to achieve with that stunt?"
"Stunt?" she glowered, her uneasiness forgotten, and her shoulders drawn back. "For your information, that wasn't a stunt. I was trying to protect Bennu." Her voice echoed with resounding exasperation. "Why is it so hard for anyone to believe that?"
"Because demons and humans are natural born enemies," he enunciated each word with great care. "We despise one another. Our ancestors have warred in the past, their hatred and resentment carried forth into the future, their wills etched into the fabric of our souls and our descendants. There is no escape."
Disagreement hovered over on the tip of her tongue. "I don't deny the importance of history, but that's all it represents — the past. It's a lesson to be learned and never repeated again. And you're wrong." She grasped his free hand. It was rough and covered with calluses but, it made her feel strangely safe. It also spoke of the hardships he endured. "Aren't we coexisting now? And I don't hate you — or demons. We are all sinners in this world, and I have no right to judge you for the crime you committed against me." The strength of her belief carried in her words. "I was clueless to the existence of demons until I met you. How can you assume that all humans loathe demons?"
"Humans see us for the beast that we are, the devils that prey upon your flesh and blood. Our existence is deemed unholy and vile," he said, watching her with aloof focus. "In the past, we were hunted and exterminated by self-proclaimed demon hunters. All humans. Ironically, that's how the legend of vampires came to be."
Akila couldn't fathom why it was important for him to understand she wasn't like everyone else. It wasn't hypocrisy, only a genuine resolve that needed him to understand...even if it meant justifying his reasons for killing her father. And if he dared open up to her, she would unapologetically latch onto his weakness. Courage swelled and her grip tightened on him. "Look into my eyes and tell me that you don't see the truth. That you believe me a liar and that I hate demons."
Her bold challenge roused his amusement and curiosity. He knew from experience that people often denied their true selves — rejecting their ugliness — and replacing them with honeyed words and veiled promises. The idea of discovering Akila was no different from the rest turned his stomach sour, but the stubborn set of her chin told him she wouldn't let this go until he acquiesced. He found her determination to prove him wrong...almost endearing. And he had the strangest urge to laugh. "As you wish."
Zagan stared deeply into her eyes and years of honing his ability to read people found nothing but genuine interest, lingering fear and most importantly Akila's sincerity. Something shifted inside him — a certain discomfort he couldn't quite place. Her heart was in tandem with her trembling breath, but her pupils weren't dilated with trickery. But humans weren't to be trusted no matter how beautiful or desirable, his cynical side warned.
Observing Zagan's unchanged expression — cold and unyielding — Akila deliberately cupped his cheek, feeling his jaw clenched beneath her touch. "You can feel it, can't you? I don't hate demons — or you, even though you deserve it. Humans can be evil too, but that doesn't mean I despise my own people. Every race has their own set of heroes and villains." Golden eyes searched his intently, her tone imploring. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"
For the first time, Zagan voiced his uncertainty. The way he watched her gave the impression he was trying to fit her in a box, only to experience unexpected difficulties. "How can someone like you exist? You've seen what I've done." Lifting a finger, he traced the silkiness of her temple to the sharp angle of her jawline. "These hands have killed, and they're stained with the blood of my sins. I'm a good for nothing bastard." He leaned closer, hearing her breath catch. "Why do you remain fearless? Or are you a proficient liar?"
Akila shivered when he pressed a kiss on her neck, his malicious tone at odds with his tenderness. Don't be deceived, she scolded herself, digging her nails into her palm. He was toying with her. "There are many kinds of people in this world. I like to believe there is at least one soul who is different from the rest. It signifies hope — to believe that goodness exists in this world."
His dark chuckle was mocking and unkind. "You're too naïve, little lamb. Now I understand why your father kept you under lock and key. You're too innocent for the world I knew."
She tilted her head questioningly. "Why do you speak as if you've left that world behind?"
"Because I have," he remarked with feeling, capturing her soft curls in his hand. "And I will eradicate this unjust system that nearly destroyed my life and set all demons free. Cronoa will enter a new era where its inhabitants will no longer suffer from poverty, illness and demons aren't forced to labor under the whims of pampered aristocrats."
Her eyes softened, knowing he spoke from experience. She wanted to ask him more about his old life — what made him this way? How did he grow up? Did he have friends? Was there no one he could ever rely on? She also wondered about the future he envisioned at the expense of her family's lives — and hers.
Knock! Knock!
"Zagan, are you in there?" Mara's distinctive voice pierced through the solid oak door, breaking their moment. "I saw you entering the library. Kobal and I are headed out but, I wanted to invite you to join us. There's something we need to discuss about the upcoming plans."
When silence ensued, Mara persisted with a hint of impatience. "It's really important. If you please?"
Though phrased as a request, there was no denying the underlying demand in the demoness's question. Akila's spirit deflated like a popped balloon. She released his hand and nudged him away. It was a futile effort when he stood like an immovable wall. "Go on. You don't want to keep your mistress waiting."
Zagan smirked at her sourness. "Jealous, little lamb?" Perversely, he enjoyed it because it meant he'd gotten under her skin, just as she was under his. But Mara had the worst possible timing. Or she could have done it on purpose, his inner beast growled. He wouldn't put it past her not to.
Akila's lips pursed in disgust. "Don't flatter yourself, demon. I've learned my lesson." She slipped out from under his arm and made a beeline for the door. "I may be wide-eyed in your world, Zagan but even I have my limits. Push me too far and I'll be sure to push back." She revealed a fashionably dressed Mara whose arms were crossed. Her pinched expression implied she'd heard snippets of their conversation. "He's all yours, Mara. It seems I'm exhausted from playing the heroine for today. I'm off to rest. Enjoy your" — she flourished her hand in a nonsensical gesture — "little outing."
"You needn't tell us twice," Mara sniffed, looping her arm around Zagan's. "Let us be on our way. I took the liberty to reserve a special course for dinner. After a hectic week, I have no doubt you'll love it."
Akila nearly gagged at the demoness's coquettish behavior. If only they would hurry up and leave!
As the couple brushed by, Zagan dipped his head and issued a warning. "Don't try anything funny while I'm gone. You'll be watched. Everything you do and wherever you go will be reported to me."
Akila's mouth tightened with displeasure. She gave an unladylike growl. "Am I to be a prisoner in my own home?"
"Only if you give me a reason to do so," he reasoned smoothly.
Oh, how she was tempted to smack that self-righteous smirk off his face!
A moment ago they were conversing like equals but now he was back to behaving like a tyrant and a complete tool. Forcing a sugary smile on her lips, she pretended to answer only to slam the door in his face. Sliding the bolt home, a zing of satisfaction danced up her spine. She imagined his shocked expression and couldn't help giggling. She'd bet no one ever disrespected him in a long time. Served him right! Even as a child, she often hid her devilish side behind an angelic smile.
"Unfortunately for you, Zagan, I've never been good at listening to orders."
---------------
Zagan fumed over Akila's insolence, still undecided whether he wanted to spank her bottom first and then fuck her into submission or do both simultaneously until she was begging for mercy and crying out his name.
The visual of her bent over, legs spread wide and tears in her eyes made him swell with immediate arousal. How his fangs ached to pierce into her soft, supple skin.
Fuck.
He was reaching his limit of suppressing his desire to have her again. Unlike men who enjoyed countless women and boasted about their sexual conquest, he didn't have the same inclination or ambition to conquer the female race. While women were all the same to him, he preferred one who could cater to his needs and preferences. He was an old-fashioned demon who enjoyed having a routine because being forced to hunt and coax a different woman every night was troublesome and highly inconvenient.
As they descended the castle steps, he noticed Kobal waiting by the royal carriage with a cheroot between his lips.
The demon took one last drag when he saw them, snubbing the tobacco beneath the heel of his boot. "I was getting tired of waiting. Is your Valkyrie unharmed?" He chuckled at his own wit. "That was a stunning display of bravery from a small human. I can see why you chose her. She's an unexpected delight."
Zagan frowned. "Stay away from her."
Mara made an irritated sound, looking highly unamused. "Why is everyone so concerned about that human? If anything happens to her, it's through no one's fault but her own. I'm surprised you didn't reprimand her for slamming the door in your face, Zagan."
"That's enough. Akila's none of your concern — both of yours," Zagan remarked crisply, ending their discussion. "Let's get going before night falls."
"Why hurry?" Kobal drawled, intent on annoyance. "Can't wait to get back into your little Valkyrie's arms?"
Zagan speared him with an icy glare, entertaining the desire watch the demon squirm on the end of his sword. "Entertain yourself on someone else's demise. I won't rise to the bait."
"Pity," Kobal snickered, climbing into the conveyance.
They ventured into town, the carriage pulling into a narrow, clandestine alleyway where they were forced to carry on by foot. Arriving outside a gilded door engraved with demonic symbols, Mara rapped three times before an unfriendly voice answered, "Friend or Foe?"
"Neither. His Majesty, Emperor Zagan is here."
Immediately, the door unlocked and swung open to reveal a short, red-haired dwarf. He observed them from head to toe. "How's I supposed to know you is the real thing?" His tone glazed with suspicion, his eyes darting between Zagan and Kobal. "Which one of you is he?"
Kobal graciously stepped back, leaving Zagan to scowl at the dwarf. Impatience flashed within silver depths. "Know your place, dwarf. Offend me again and I'll rip out your useless tongue." He arched a patronizing brow. "Now move, or are you going to make us stand here all evening?"