Journee's POV
The earth beneath me trembled as his voice shook me to the core. A tiny part of my brain whispered I hope the Lewis family thinks it's just an earthquake, another part of my irrational brain argued Who cares?! Better they know and come to rescue us! The third voice in my head injected What if they come and Ma'oz loses it completely? We'll all die! Die for sure! DIEEEE!
I tried to speak but my voice was firmly stuck in my throat, making me wheeze and sound like a baby otter trying to scream.
Frantic, I tried to motion to him that I understand and that I am sorry. Clenching my hand in a fist, I rubbed my chest in circular motions. But my scattered brain had my hand flat out on my chest rubbing in circular motions.
"What do you mean?" He growled again and this time, I found my voice. What do you mean by "please?"
Please? When did I say please?
"Tell me!" He demanded with such force, that I somehow found my voice again.
"I'm sorry!" I breathed. My voice is scratchy and coarse, dry with the fear that is continually consuming me.
That seemed to have calmed him down a little, but I still stood before a 20-foot-tall dragon. That too he was crouching down. If he were to stand, I am sure he would be over 30 feet. My entire 5'8" form would fit into his mouth. I would be a bite size snack. I shuddered at the thought.
Staring at his enormous form, I instead said "Good thing for high ceilings huh? Otherwise, it'd be a tight squeeze." Almost instantly I chided myself for the bad joke. Stupid, stupid stupid! What on earth are you saying?
Unexpectedly, a rumbled sounded deep in his throat. I watch as Ma'oz's dragon form snorts a puff of smoke from his nostrils. Slowly, he started to change, his form shrunk as his shiny black scales shimmered down in size, hugging his form. I had expected sounds of cracking bones, tearing skin and muscles. Instead, all I hear is the gentle and brief sound of rustling leaves.
"That is the lamest joke I have ever heard in my life!" He laughed. It was deep and throaty. Perhaps I would have found it sexy even should I not still be in shock.
"Ha, ha…" I faked a laugh to try calming myself.
"Back to business, I will be sleeping on the bed. If you are uncomfortable with that, you may take the couch."
Huh? Just like that? Why is he behaving like he didn't just make me jump my bones? How can he be so casual? And to think I'd be comfortable sleeping next to a demon who changes into a frightening dragon? NO WAY! I'd rather sleep in the lavatory, thank you!
"I don't know about you. But I'm tired. Good night." Ma'oz suddenly appeared on the large super king bed. I sat on the sofa, pondering my next step as I watched his sleeping form. His chest rising and falling in silence.
Even in this non-threatening manner. I feared Ma'oz. I knew demons were powerful. In Malaysia we have stories of all sorts of genies, demons, ghosts, and spirits that wreck mischief. The vengeful ones even kill in the most bizarre ways. But never have I ever thought I would be face-to-face with one. A demon who has taken on the form of my husband when it was the farthest thing from my mind.
I can still feel my teeth chattering and my body shaking. The little hairs on my body are still standing on ends. He…is powerful. He is… words failed me even in my thoughts. I felt numb to the core. If my previous shock of being passed around the Lewis family like a football, a childbearing machine was bad, this is far, far worst. This morning I had felt betrayed and used. Now…I suddenly realise the fragility of my life. How insignificant and pathetic the human body truly is.
If…the demons really wish to harm us, we would be wiped out! We would be slaves with no power to fight. Our bodies would be crushed, and our minds struck dumb with fear.
But...I am alive, am I not? My pounding heart stabilised its beat. If Ma'oz wanted to kill me, I wouldn't be sitting here. It might be because he needs me to release him from the bond. Or maybe the bond is keeping him from killing me. My mind reeled and dealt with the many different scenarios that could happen.
"Hey!" A husky sleepy voice called out from the bed "I can feel you thinking. Go to sleep, little human."
"Sorry." I whispered and lay down on the couch, making myself comfortable. I guess this is the better alternative. At least Ma'oz hasn't tried to have sex with me. My dignity is intact, even if my mind isn't really.
"Please. Just sleep. I won't kill you." Ma'oz said very sleepily. "I promise" he muttered under his breath; it is barely audible, but I heard it. As if commanded, my mind and body stilled as my breath regulated. Soon, I fell into a dreamless sleep.
***
Journee's POV
I stretched and turned to my side, pulling my blanket higher up to cover my chin. This duck feather duvet is even more comfortable than the cotton weave one I have in my father's house. To top that, there is a beautiful contrast between being warm undercovers and basking in a cold room is the best. With a sigh, I turn again and snuggle towards the warm sunlight to the right. My hand sweeps across the space in front of me, a comforting motion I have done since childhood.
I feel a firm, warm surface. Could it be that the sun has warmed the sheets till it has turned warm?
The surface moved and now, I can feel the slight motion of my hand going up and down. My eyes flares open as I gasp as the sight before me.
"Like what you see?" Ma'oz's voice is filled with amusement as he turns to face me, hand propped to support his head.
"Uhm…" I drew my hand back and moved a few inches away from him. "Sorry. I didn't mean to do that."
"Well, I can't blame a handsy sleeper."
Embarrassed, I looked down and found my breasts staring straight at me. I am in a satin fit-in skirting designed nightgown. There is lace coming own the straps, making 2 triangles which barely cover my chest before it plunges all the way down to my mid-drift. I can feel the back is bear with a V that reaches all the way past my waist.
"What on earth?!" I snatched the duvet and covered my chest. "Hold it…I fell asleep on the couch. How am I here?" I looked at Ma'oz "and I wasn't in this the last I remember."
"You didn't look too comfortable with one leg and one hand on the floor, stopping the rest of you from falling." He smirked. "As for the rest of you, I simply snapped my fingers to have you changed into the sleep outfit that suits you best. I must say, I'm pleased with the vision before me."
"You…you…" I want so much to say the word pervert, but it escapes me. Somehow, my subconscious is pulling me back from angering this powerful demon.
"Relax. In the demon realm, it is common for demoness to strut about with nothing covering their bodies. It doesn't even matter if they have perfect figures or are completely out of shape. They flaunt whatever they feel like showing off. Humans are the ones who are embarrassed by the sight of naked flesh."
"We're different." I answered, pulling the entire duvet with me as I moved off to the bathroom behind the mirror.
***
Ma'oz 's POV
Late into the night, my conscience woke me up. The human had not truly done anything wrong. I simply allowed my emotions to get the better of me. Staring at the ceiling, I watched the fleeting, misty clouds that formed from my breath against the cold air that is blowing in from the open windows.
Did father say humans can't take extreme weather like us? I don't remember. Perhaps I should check on her.
Picking up the duvet, I tip toed over to the square arrangement of sofas. I snorted to stifle a laugh. It is a sight to behold indeed. The little human has a hand and leg on the ground, body facing the ceiling. As she slides off the sofa, the supporting limbs slowly push herself back on to the higher surface again.
"Silly human."
Picking her up, I carried her to the bed, conscious of how the warmth of her body draws me. The scent she emits as she breaths and her body, clinging to me perfectly, like a mould that was made just for me.
I shook my head to empty these useless thoughts as I tucked her into bed and turned over at the furthest corner from her.
She can't be comfortable in all those clothes. I snapped a finger and heard a rustle of material behind me and went to sleep.
Come morning, I awoke to the little sounds she made as she stretched and moved about. "Such a messy sleeper." In the night, she had rolled all the way to the middle of this extremely large bed.
Inching closer and closer to me, her hands started to roam. First, she touched my chest and her fingers moved lower to the core of my middle body. Noticing the temperature change in me, my lower self has sprung to life.
No. This isn't right.
I turned to face her, tucking a pillow to hide my loss of control.
The sight before me didn't help matters either. That skimpy dress hugs her figure and accentuates all the right places.
This is what she is comfortable in? My magic is never wrong…and yet she is horrified by being in it. She confounds me! Or is it simply that she only dresses this way around certain people?
She dragged the duvet off the bed and headed toward the bathroom. For once, I regret sleeping nude. If she is reacting that way to a little skin on her, I can imagine her reaction when she sees what she has awoken.
***
Journey's POV
I looked at myself in the full-length mirrors. Tussled bed hair, boobs peaking from behind the thing material, my legs barely covered.
"At least he didn't touch me. Even dressed like I am begging for it…ew."
Quickly getting dressed, I find Ma'oz is ready and waiting for me, looking freshly groomed.
"Do you not bathe?" I queried, wondering how it is he smells wonderful even though I have never seen him use the bath.
"Demons don't really need to."
"You mean demons don't shed dead skin or have sweat and bacterial forming on them overnight? How lucky!"
"It's a matter of snapping our fingers and just getting what needs to be done out of the way. There is much to do, too little time." He explained and offered me an arm. Today, I decided to take it. Though still weary of his display from last night.
We arrived at the sunroom, and I was a little disappointed that the talented chef was no where in sight.
Mrs. Thatcher greeted us and saw us to a well-stocked breakfast table. Filled with scones, bagels, cheese platters and every other item one would expect in an English afternoon tea set.
"Master Lewis ordered a light breakfast to be prepared before you head off to your honeymoon."
"Thank you, Mrs. Thatcher." She acknowledged my thanks with a tight smile before disappearing.
Turning towards Ma'oz, I waited for him to give me permission to eat. I doubt I would dare to command or presume frankness after last night's trial of events. I should know better now.
"Why aren't you eating? Is it poisoned or something?" Ma'oz joked and a glint of mischief shimmered in the deep pools of his eyes.
Saying nothing, I took small bites and chugged down a large glass of orange juice. This is all my stomach would handle for now. It's still in knots, not just from fear but from something else. A feeling very different, one that I have not felt before.
***
Ma'oz 's POV
The wee thing nibbled on her food, taking so little that it is a far cry from her appetite during dinner. I didn't think much about it.
Before long, we headed towards the airport and boarded a short flight. The human is tense all right through. Could it be because I changed her clothes without her permission? Or did she notice my bodily reaction to her? Regardless, I ignored all sentiments and spoke. "Since we'll have to play along for now, tell me about yourself."
"You wish to know about me?"
"Yes."
"Oh… okay. My name is Journee Lee, now Lewis. I'm 19 years old and a Business Administration graduate. As an only child, I was raised by my father after my mother passed away some years ago. I guess…that's all there is to me."
I don't like how little she thinks of herself. She should be more confident. Did I go too far threatening her and showing my true form? Can't be. I didn't even fully transform. I made sure to keep my size small.
"Have you no interest in knowing about me?" I asked her.
After a long pause, she answered politely, voice as sweet as flowing honey. "Am I allowed to ask?"
"Ask away. I am happy to oblige. If it is something I won't talk about, I'll simply tell you."
"What does your name mean? The one you gave me yesterday. Tell me more about the demon culture." She leaned forward, her body facing me now.
"Ah…my name. Vasileios Tlatilpa Mathius Remigius-Ardehi-Tapachula. Vasileios is my title meaning overlord, ruler of the realm. The highest in status, command and power." I observe the interest in her eyes, her pupils dilating as she fixes her gaze on me. "Remigius-Ardehi-Tapachula are the tribes my forefathers originated from."
"Every generation born into my family were female. And so, they married the most powerful and influential demons in my world to ensure status and all we have gained stays within the family. I am the first male to be born in my lineage."
I watched the human again, almost holding her breath in anticipation, I can smell her excitement.
"Eden Tapachula was the first demon to unite the realms. To hold them under one power and keep the peace. He had power over water and all elements requiring it to survive. Argus Ardehi, my grandfather was a War Demon who had great interest in architecture and the science of mechanisms. Ehecatl Adelmund Remigius, my father descended from the tribe of fire and wind. He was knighted Sur Ehecatl Adelmund Remigius when he shielded my mother from an attack. As the most powerful demon in terms of magic, my mother considered him the most suitable mate, making him the previous Vasileois
"Wow…I never knew demon are so similar to humans in many aspects…uhm… I mean… sorry. I don't mean to offend you. I merely mean the politics is similar in a way."
The human fumbled and prattled on, nervous obviously but it's of little consequence to me. Most of my subjects behave this way in my presence. It's a good sign that Journee is starting to learn her place.
"At birth, demons receive their name based on the events that happen. Mine is Tlatilpa Mathius. Gift of Ancestral Fire."
"Wow…what happened at your birth? Did you emit flames? Was there a volcano eruption or something?" I can see the fear and awkwardness melt from her. Deep within my psyche, it pleases me that she is interested in the demon realm. I just don't understand why yet.
"The inextinguishable fire that glows in the Demonic Temple of Hades faded the moment I took my first breath and cried and appeared in my eyes." I allowed the flames to show themselves momentarily to the human.
The ice in our drinks melted instantaneously, the air heated and the human's eyes widened as her skin flushed.
Oxygen masks drop down from the ceiling of the aeroplane and I see the emergency lights turned on.
"Sir, Mdm. We need to turn back. If we can't, we might need to make an emergency stop." A young human notified me and rushed back to the front of the aeroplane.
Journee looks at me, worried as we feel the altitude changing dramatically. She crouches towards her knees, as if ready for an impact.