A Demon's Kiss

~Aspen

My gaze drifts out the window, watching the rain glide down the glass in thin rivets.

I press my hand deeper into the cluster of ice in front of me, wincing. This time, Oliver chose a unique punishment. One that can be attributed to a domestic mishap, if anyone pries.

My eyes squeeze shut as images of me holding that hot poker with a tight grip while Oliver slowly counted to five flash through my mind.

The accompanying clatter of the hot iron as it hit the kitchen floor a moment later has haunted me all day.

"There's going to be a Noble joining us for this dinner here that you haven't met before."

I turn, looking toward Oliver. He leans against the kitchen counter, watching me swirl my swollen, red hand around the ice water.

"Who?" I mumble mindlessly.

"Kastriv."

I shudder. Just what I need. Another Noble.

Noble's used to frighten me. Unprecedented power flows through their veins, magic unrivalled by anyone else in this Territory. I've met a few now due to my husband's political position, and most have been kind and gentle. Nothing to be afraid of.

But meeting a new Noble is always frightening.

"The one who can summon spirits to life?" I ask in such a way that doesn't reveal my apprehension, or make it sound as though I'm privy to most of the rumours.

He doesn't like me knowing too much.

"It is only rumoured that he has done that. You have no reason to fear him," he says.

I pull my hand from the ice, resting it on a towel next to it.

"I suppose..."

Oliver approaches as I drape each edge of the towel over my hand, gritting my teeth against the pain.

I don't react as he braces his hands on the counter next to me, leaning down. "Don't so much as flinch in his presence. That level of disrespect will not be tolerated."

My head bows. "Of course."

His gaze assesses me for a long moment before he pulls away again. I release my held breath in a long, subtle exhale.

"He mostly communicates with them. He doesn't summon them," he mutters.

I don't care about Kastriv. My fear for him and his power does not amount to the fear I have for my husband. Noble's are not known to be unnecessarily cruel.

Oliver points out the window. "Would you look at that, they have arrived."

Raising my head, I watch three figures emerge from their transportation, heads bowed against the onslaught of rain. Each are tall, with broad figures and an ease about them that you only have when your power rivals all others.

Grabbing my lace glove, I carefully slide my hand into it, biting down on my lower lip at the pang of pain.

We entertain political figures in this Pack often, and it's my job to ensure their time here is beneficial for my husband.

Maintaining the ruse that Oliver and I are a happily married couple is essential to that goal.

Right as we enter the foyer, Oliver grabs my arm, yanking me to a stop.

"Remember our deal?" He murmurs into my ear.

I could recite this warning with no faults. He tells it to me each time someone important graces our home.

"Yes, Oliver," I mumble, as knocks from the door echo through the foyer.

"It's more important than ever that you are agreeable, since we are meeting a new Noble." His grip tightens, and I swallow thickly.

"Of course."

"If one of them so much as suspects our relationship is anything other than perfect, the agreement will be over, and I will expect you to enact your wifely duties," he hisses.

My stomach turns with disgust. "Yes, Oliver."

Were I anyone other than me, I believe Oliver would be a doting, kind husband.

I'm a Demon. Or at least, I have remnant's of Demon blood. And there is nothing more that Oliver despises more than Demon's.

He took me in to dominate me, to own me.

In some sick, twisted way, he enjoys inflicting pain upon me because of who I am. He genuinely believes I'm incapable of loving, of being loved, and that he is doing me a favour by making me his wife, keeping me safe from other men like him.

He lets me go, and I absently rub the spot where his grip seared me.

One day...one day I will watch him bleed out on this very floor, begging for mercy while I watch, holding the very knife that will end his life.

Shaking my head slightly, I watch the three Noble's emerge through the door.

Oliver isn't a bad looking man. He has a wide, charming smile and captivating blue eyes. But the coldness to them is unmistakable.

But each time I see a Noble, I become hyper-aware of how bland he appears.

Ellard walks in, clasping my husbands hand in greeting. "Oliver, it's wonderful to see you."

He bows his head, feigning honour. "You too, Ellard."

I stand silently by the wall, admiring Ellard's warmth and grace. He's the gentlest of the Noble's that I have met, and I've allowed myself, for fleeting to moments, to wonder what kind of lover he is.

Another Noble removes his damp coat, slinging it on the hook next to the door. "Hello Oliver."

"Daxen, how are you?" Oliver greets. He likes Daxen. Mostly because Daxen is easygoing and attentive. But not attentive enough to look twice at me, to see the darkness simmering in Oliver and I's relationship.

I don't take it personally. I'm masterful at blending in.

His cool, deep brown eyes look toward me. "Hello Aspen."

I nod my head once, averting my eyes. But not because I'm being polite.

But because I'm looking at the Noble who walks through the door, shaking his head slightly, droplets of rain falling from his loose curls.

My husband wastes no time in catching the Noble's attention. "Kastriv, it's so wonderful to meet you. I'm Oliver."

Kastriv.

I'm overwhelmed by how beautiful he is.

He sweeps his hand back through his hair, which is shockingly white, raining down over his ears and forehead. Those gentle curls are shaped perfectly, despite the rain, despite how often he appears to run this hands through them.

"Nice to meet you," he murmurs , but doesn't reach out to shake Oliver's hand. He has a sense of wariness about him, a skepticism.

Oliver seems taken aback, almost stuttering as he sweeps his arm back to encompass me.

"This is my wife, Aspen."

I nearly collapse as Kastriv's eyes sweep to mine. The shadows under his eyes accompany his pitch black irises, complimenting them.

He strides forward, a quiet confidence. Most Noble's own their power outwardly, although it appears Kastriv enjoys his privately.

My eyes follow his gloved hand as he extends it to me in greeting.

Instinctively, I rear back, just as Dax's hand shoots out, grabbing Kastriv's arm, pulling it back.

They share opposing glares, Kastriv frowning while Dax's eyes flare, a silent warning. He knows how it goes around here.

Oliver speaks up before the silence becomes uncomfortable. "Apologies, I don't like it very much when people touch my..."

He breaks off, lost for words for the briefest moment. We must all share the same thought.

My property.

"My wife," he clarifies, looking at me. That wasn't my fault, but I will likely be punished for it regardless.

The conversation mercifully lightens as we enter the dining room. I keep my eyes pinned to my empty plate as Kastriv sits opposite me.

I don't think I've ever been so intimidated by a Noble. He's breathtaking.

"I wanted you all here to give you an update on our attempts to eradicate the remaining Demon population in Territory One," Oliver starts, as a staff member rounds the table, filling each of our glasses in then.

"How is it going?" Ellard asks. His golden eyes look distant. I don't think he actually cares much about Oliver's political ideology.

If only the three here knew the hipocracy of Oliver wanting all Demon's eradicated when he is married to one.

I would laugh, if I hadn't lost that ability years ago.

"I'm afraid we are going to need more money for more men. These Demon's are extremely powerful. In fact, I believe we will need Angel-bloods..."

Daxen frowns. "I don't think that would work."

I glance at Kastriv.

He take a long drink from his glass, watching Oliver with painful scrutiny. What is he thinking?

I know what I am...His lips are invitingly full, and the graceful slant of his cheekbones to the strong edge of his jaw is frankly unfair.

"It's not easy for us to get our hands on Angel-bloods. Most will not desire that work," Ellard explains.

The Noble's themselves are Angel-blooded, but unlike most of those who share the trait, they have such large quantities of the magic in their veins. It's why the rule here.

All seven of them. Each with unique, horrifying magic.

"Then make them. Demon's are killing innocent people in this Territory, and gaining more power. They could rival you, Noble's," Oliver reminds them.

I always think that grin he uses is so goofy, so unamusing. He truly believes he is capable of outsmarting Noble's.

"I've met a Demon. They were an isolated creature, very wary of people. They did not have an aggressive nature," Kastriv muses.

He's looking at me. I'm screwed.

I know nothing about my own kind. It was my father who graced me with the gene, and since his death, my mother has been punishing me for having it.

It's why I'm married to a monster.

"They must have been a rare case. I can assure you, almost all of them desire blood. Especially Angel blood." Oliver's voice is tight. Doesn't matter who it is, he hates being wrong.

Kastriv leans back in his seat, stare unrelenting in the way it assesses my husband. "Hmm."

"You know of the infamous Demon, Keo, do you not? They are all like him," Oliver nearly hisses.

The horror stories I've heard about that Demon, Keo. Oliver tells me of all the lives that one man has taken, and how I would devolve into such a state without him.

A shadow passes over Dax's eyes. "We truly despise Keo, trust me."

Oliver plasters that stomach turning smile on his face. "Let me try with a band of Angel-bloods. I'm sure our success rate at capturing them will be far higher."

"I want them alive, and brought to one of our private prisons," Kastriv voices.

Oliver laughs. "Alive? What value is a Demon alive?"

"I want them alive. Understand?"

For a long pause, Oliver and Kastriv stare at each other. Fire versus ice.

Not surprisingly, Oliver concedes. "Of course, Kastriv..."

The softest smile pulls the corners of my lips up, but only slightly. Oliver will rant to me all evening about how unlikeable Kastriv is, how pretentious he believes Noble's to be.

All because he was bested by him.

Kastriv's fingers tap next to his plate, captivating me. "And I wish to talk to you privately, next week."

"Absolutely. Come to my office-"

He raises his hand, cutting Oliver off. "No. You will bring yourself and your wife to my private home at the edge of Territory One. For a night."

A night? With me?

My heart flutters against my ribs, but I keep my breathing steady. I thought tonight would be the last time I would lay eyes on such a man, and yet it seems I am wrong.

Oliver glances at me, sceptical. "Are you sure?"

Kastriv bows his head. "Yes. There is much to discuss."

The rest of the dinner is uneventful. Kastriv speaks little, and for most of the evening, I find myself taking swift glances in his direction.

When he isn't monitoring the conversation, or staring blankly at his plate, he's looking at me with an intensity that could have me on my knees for him, begging him to show me what more a Noble is capable of.

Each time I catch him examining me, I look away instantly, willing my cheeks not to flush with heat.

By the end of the night, we walk the three to the door.

Oliver stands at the door, discussing something with Ellard and Dax. I linger back, as I usually do, tensing as Kastriv does the same, turning his attention to me.

"What happened to your hand?" He nods down to it. I instinctively tuck it behind my back.

I will myself to be calm, although his proximity is unnerving. "My hand? Nothing, it's fine."

"Really? You were favouring it at dinner." His tone is flat, accusatory. He senses I'm lying, which I'm usually masterful at.

Kastriv's dark gaze alone strips me bare, has me fumbling for excuses.

"I'm left handed."

I draw my hand out from behind my back, knowing it's covered in a pretty, lavender lace glove, turning it over for him to examine.

He reaches out, grabbing it tightly with a hand that is overwhelmingly larger than mine, squeezing tightly.

The pain that lances through me is not the kind of pain I can mask. Instead, I yelp helplessly, yanking it away from him.

Fuck. That hurt. Tears begin to form in my eyes as I fight to urge to peel the glove back and cradle my injured hand.

"It's fine, is it?" He sounds breathless, a darkness to his tone that is otherworldly.

What is he trying to prove?

"I burnt it cooking," I mumble, swallowing my tears, ignoring the painful ache in my throat from holding them back.

He leans closer. "Then why lie?"

I gape at him.

"Kastriv my friend," Oliver says, clapping his hands together, breaking whatever spell was between Kastriv and I. "I cannot wait to see you next week for our meeting. I hope it will be productive."

Kastriv takes one last look at me. "Oh, it definitely will be."

Without another word, he shrugs on his black coat, and disappears into the night.

~Aspen

I stare up at the house, shuddering.

It's beautiful, for a Territory One home. It's located in an oasis, trees growing all around the building, looking like something you would find in Territory Four, if it weren't for the red sand.

Oliver didn't say anything to me the entire journey here. Not even to warn me.

He's unnerved. Kastriv and his unpredictability makes him uncomfortable. Killing Demon's is worth it though, for him to go through this.

I just wish I knew why Kastriv wants me here, for this meeting.

The Noble answers the door himself as we walk up to the main entrance. There are no staff in sight, so this truly is his private residence.

"Kastriv, thank you so much for having us," Oliver greets warmly.

"Hello Oliver. Hello Aspen."

I dip my head as his gaze flickers to me. He's hard to look out. It's like each time his eyes are on me, they are stripping me bare, exposing my carefully constructed lie. Oliver can see it too, which was why he was so reluctant to bring me here.

He opens the front door wider, motioning into his home. "Come enjoy what remains of this day outside on my deck, where we can have a drink."

Oliver grabs my hand, leading me inside.

Kastriv's home is almost as beautiful as he is. The way it is built is complimentary to the Territory One heat, with wide open spaces and floor to ceiling windows.

I smile, enjoying the warm breeze as it billows in. Everything that furnishes the home seems personal. Kastriv clearly enjoys items representing Territory One culture, with most items, including the flooring, made from native materials.

"You have a beautiful home," Oliver compliments, as we wind past the furniture toward the far doors, made of glass, opening up onto a sprawling deck with an amazing view.

Kastriv takes a seat, gesturing for us to join him. "Thank you, Oliver."

I can't decide what I should look at. The view is awfully compelling, showing off a partial view of the oasis this house is built within, and then a rolling desert, the sand a deep red colour.

Ultimately, I can't keep my eyes from wandering back to Kastriv.

"You know, you don't have to invite both Aspen and I to these talks. She doesn't enjoy politics." Oliver reaches across his chair to hold my hand.

I allow his fingers to wind around mine, trying not to wince as they press purposefully into my charred skin.

Kastriv watches our hands interlock. "She is here now, I suppose."

"Can I ask...Just because I'm curious, what the spirits are that you supposedly see? Are they dead people?"

Oliver usually isn't interested in the type of power the Noble's had, just in how much of it they wield.

"No. Spirits are manifestations of these lands, or aspects of nature. They appear to me as humans merely for communication purposes only. In their true form, they are nothing more than an energy force," he explains.

Oliver frowns. "But they have their own consciousness?"

"Consciousness is not purely human. It may seem that way, but even spirits have their own motivations."

He's explaining in such a way that isn't actually answering Oliver's question. He doesn't want to divulge the true nature of his power, which is fair enough. I'm sure he has been used for his magical inclination before.

"What value is it, to speak to them?"

The Noble sighs, pouring a drink from the tray next to him, offering it to Oliver. "They tell me things. Secrets. They see all."

He raises his gaze, pinning me with it. My breath catches in my throat.

Oliver covers the sound by speaking more. "Perhaps they can tell us where the Demon's are..."

"They do not serve any agenda. They tell me what they desire, I cannot demand information from them. They would not take kindly to that."

Thankfully, Kastriv doesn't offer me a drink of alcohol. Oliver wouldn't be pleased by that, and I'm tired enough. The last thing I need is to go home and be punished by him again.

"What do they tell you, then?" Oliver presses.

Kastriv tilts his head to the side. "What they believe will serve me. Most respect me."

I shiver, instinctively glancing around as if I can see the spirits. Are they here with us? Kastriv gives nothing aware, appearing outwardly normal. Well, as normal as a Noble can appear.

"Can you bring spirits to life?" Oliver asks.

I frown. He told me not to look to even insinuate such an interest in a question like that, and now he is blatantly asking Kastriv as if we aren't in his home, at his mercy.

Kastriv's expression remains cool, giving away nothing. "No. They are not human."

Oliver studies him. "I heard you can bring people back to life."

"That is untrue."

I wish the sun would melt me into my seat, so I can escape this conversation. Kastriv is visibly uncomfortable, but he's not intimidated by my husband.

He's invited us here for a specific reason, and I'm anxious for it to be revealed.

"The whole Angel-blood thing is so strange to me. I mean, how come you guys get all the magic?" Oliver asks with a laugh.

He's asked me that exact question.

I have no physical magic, that I can use, but being a Demon has minor perks. My senses can be heightened in particular situations, and it's easier to read people.

Except Kastriv. He seems exempt from that ability.

"My ancestors fought in the War. Those Angel's who had populated with humans created those who would go on to breed this generations greatest magic wielders. Most who walk the lands are merely human, though," he tells us.

It's history we should both know, and Oliver probably does. My mother taught me from home, and the history of the Demon's and Angel's is was not included in my education.

"I wish the Angel's had been more thorough after they won, in killing all the Demon's before they fled to whatever sky Kingdom they come from," Oliver says, looking at me. I give him an affirming nod.

Kastriv's gloved finger taps rhythmically on the arm of his chair. "The Angel's are perfectly moral, however they are unopposed to those who do not think like them. Demon's have always been benign creatures of nature."

"But they kill."

"Some were evil, yes, corrupted by their own power. But most within their own creed discourage such acts. The Angel's, however, did not believe creatures with such power should exist in nature, and now, there are so few of them," Kastriv explains.

I blink, impressed. He knows so much about Demon's, when I've been taught so little. And hearing someone talk in such favour to those like me is refreshing.

Oliver and my mother ensure I hear nothing but negative things.

Oliver lets go of my hand, clasping his own together triumphantly. "And soon, there will be none."

Kastriv frowns, but doesn't say anything. "Mmm."

There is silence for a moment, each of us looking out into the desert. It's peaceful out here, and despite the tense conversation, I feel my limbs relaxing.

Eventually, Kastriv speaks up. "May I ask how you two met?"

"We met through-"

He holds his hand up, cutting Oliver off. "I asked Aspen, actually."

Tensing, I glance at Oliver. His expression reveals nothing, but his eyes burn with a quiet warning.

"We met through my mother," I breathe, picking my words carefully.

"How did he know your mother?"

"They worked together. My mother is a very notable figure in politics in this Pack," I tell him. I'm not lying, although it wasn't as though she paired us together for romantic reasons. She knew Oliver and her had similiar thoughts on Demon's. She liked the idea of me being tied to him.

Kastriv sweeps his hand back through his hair, the colour of which is in complete contrast to his pitch black irises. "I would likely know of her. Why did she introduce you two?"

"She believed we had...common goals." Oliver is still looking at me, that faux smile quivering at the edges as his self control starts to melt away.

"And how long have you been together?" the Noble continues to press.

I swallow thickly. "Three years."

"And I'm assuming you are not mates, since Oliver refers to you as his wife." Kastriv takes a long drink from his glass.

I'm not embarrassed that I'm not with my mate, but my cheeks flush regardless. In actuality, I'm glad I haven't found my mate. Oliver would probably kill them, and allow me to suffer in sorrow for the rest of my life.

"No, we are not mates," I murmur, lowering my gaze.

"But being with a mate is very old fashioned..." Oliver cuts in, trying to life the mood with a laugh, but Kastriv's expression remains cool.

"So, Oliver, were you to find your mate, say, tomorrow, you wouldn't leave Aspen for them?"

My husband shrugs. "I'm not sure..."

"Of course. It's okay for you to leave Aspen to find your mate, but were Aspen to find hers, I imagine you would be opposed?" Kastriv is pushing him, tone firm and demanding. Even I can't look at him, the intensity of him too much to handle.

Oliver shifts uncomfortably in his seat. "Shall we get to business, then?"

I almost collapse with relief when Kastriv releases us from his scrutiny, finally deciding to get to the point of our visit.

"Ah yes. I am willing to make a generous offer, in exchange for one thing." He shifts his body to face us, placing his drink down.

Oliver grins. "Name it. I'll give you anything."

"In exchange for a band of Angel-bloods, all well trained, of course, to be deployed immediately to find and detain these Demon's, you shall give me a night with your wife," Kastriv orders calmly.

Oliver and I share the same stunned silence.

My husband adjusts. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Kastriv's eyes flicker to mine, and then back to Oliver's, accompanying a cruel, dark smile.

"You're going to let me fuck your wife."

~Aspen

Were Kastriv an ordinary man, he would be dead.

I look toward my husband, so shocked I'm lost for words. He seems to be struggling to form a response too, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

"You...You what?"

Kastriv examines my husband with an unforgiving, ice cold gaze. "I want to fuck your wife. And you're going to let me."

I could throw up. Not because the notion disgusts me, although it does terrify me, I'm just so afraid he's serious, motivated by...I have no idea.

This can't just be because of a general attraction to me. I mean, he may be a Noble, but no one in their right mind would attempt to barter the use of someone's wife for their own pleasure. At least I never thought someone could be so unhinged.

Oliver looks at me with frightfully wide eyes. "You mean Aspen? Really?"

Kastriv dips his head. "Yes."

"Can I ask why?"

"I want to know how badly you want these Demon's eradicated," he murmurs, not releasing Oliver from the intensity of his gaze.

So he is serious? It's hard to tell. There's the barest hint of an amused smile flirting with his lips, suggesting he's enjoying watching the both of squirm.

"A lot, of course. But I could find you any other woman..." Oliver barters.

Oliver couldn't care less about me. If he offers me up to Kastriv, though, then he loses, and the Noble gets what he wants. Maintaining the ruse that he's a loving husband is imperative, even if he silently wishes he could just hand me off for the night.

Kastriv's attention shifts to me, dark gaze tracing down my face, over my lips. "I don't want another woman. I want Aspen."

I need to defend myself...I can't just let this happen.

"I-"

Oliver holds his hand up, glowering at me. "Aspen, don't say anything."

My closes. If I disobey Oliver now, he will either hand me off happily to Kastriv now as a form of punishment, or he will refuse, and punish me himself.

"Well, what will it be?" Kastriv pushes.

"I want the Demon's gone, badly, but this is my wife." Oliver reaches over to caress my arm, as if it proves his love for me, how desperate he is to keep me for himself. It takes all my self control not to rip my arm away in disgust.

Kastriv's eyes cool. "If you do not accept, I will ensure all other Noble's will not sponsor your endeavours."

Oliver goes silent for a moment, flicking through his options. "You would just sleep with her?"

"Yes."

"But you wouldn't get her pregnant, right?" Oliver looks over me, disgust lingering in his expression. A Noble's child would be an impossible inconvenience for him. He couldn't care less about the implications on me.

Kastriv leans back in his chair, staring off into the distance, which I'm currently wishing I could flee toward. "Personally, I am opposed to her having to take a tonic, as the side effects are undesirable."

Oliver tenses. "But you would wear-"

"I don't like anything between myself and my lover. Does this change your answer?" The Noble's tone is getting pushier, giving Oliver less of a chance to gather his thoughts.

There are numerous other forms of contraceptive. Not that Oliver would know about any of them. We don't sleep together, and even if we did, it would be my responsibility, not his.

Oliver releases a tight sigh. "I suppose not."

My expression remains neutral, but the horror gathering inside me is threatening to spill over. I want to scream at the both of them, to turn on them, but the consequences to reacting would haunt me for the rest of the year, not just the night.

Kastriv smiles, clasping his hands together. "Excellent. I hope you are not opposed to me being rough with her, it's how I like it."

Rough?

How rough is rough to a Noble? Is it like what I imagine when I'm splayed out in my bed late at night, thinking about those who I can never have?

Or is it more sinister?

I used to dream of being with a Noble, about living in their reality, instead of mind, and experiencing what those incredible bodies riddled with magic are capable of. Now, the thought of that makes me want to be sick.

"Go ahead, Kastriv," Oliver concedes.

Kastriv's gaze flickers to me, monitoring for a reaction that I refuse to show. "I'm talking bruises, tying her up...making her beg and submit to me."

Oliver shifts uncomfortably, knowing the Noble is trying to embarrass him, but can do nothing to avoid it. "Nothing I myself don't do to her."

I would roll my eyes, if I weren't contemplating ways to get out of this. My fantasies about being with a Noble have now devolved into nothing, as I stare back at the terrifying man. I wish this soft breeze would carry me away to somewhere that I can make decisions for myself, where my life isn't being constantly threatened.

"It will likely be multiple times in a single night," he continues.

"I'm not opposed," Oliver grumbles, completely submitting.

"Perfect. Leave then," Kastriv demands, getting to his feet. Oliver scrambles up also, but I take my time, worried my legs are going to collapse out from under me. I'm going to be left alone with the Noble...

Oliver steps in front of Kastriv, whose superior height becomes increasingly noticeable. "I thought I was staying here the night."

"No, I only intend for Aspen to stay. I shall have her returned home tomorrow." Kastriv looks at me, but I glance away, training my attention on the flat, distant horizon.

Oliver reaches out, shaking the Noble's hand. "Pleasure doing business with you."

I know I shouldn't, but I grab at Oliver's hand, desperately hoping he will see how insane this bargain is. "Oliver, please don't leave me here..."

He doesn't even look at me, avoiding my reach out to him before he steps off the deck. Both Kastriv and I watch him stalk through the foyer, to the front door, and then out of it, likely overjoyed at how little he had to give up to get what he desired.

Swallowing thickly, I keep my gaze trained at my feet, knowing if I flee, Kastriv can catch me, and if I attack him...Well, there's no point even considering how that would go.

"Why don't we go inside?" Kastriv offers.

Nodding numbly, I follow him inside, the glass door gliding closed behind us. Is he going to touch me? Is he going to get to it right now, or will he wait until the sun has fully fallen beneath the horizon? It's getting close to being dark, deep shadows sprawling out through the room.

Glancing up at Kastriv, I see him watching me, his previous amusement having vanished, a cold air about him now.

I shudder, backing up cautiously as he starts to advance on me.

"Do you truly believe I would pay your husband to have sex with you?" he demands. He's angry, I realise, a shadow passing over his face, deepening his sharp features.

I gape at him. "You just did."

He doesn't stop his advance, even as I stumble away, until my back bumps up against a piece of furniture, and I'm forced to look up at him. "I have no intentions of sleeping with you, Aspen. I just wanted to see how badly Oliver wanted those Demon's dead."

"Oh..."

"Try not to look so relieved," he notes, quirking a brow.

I can't help it, my knees quivering uneasily. I'm not going to be forced to be with Kastriv in such a horrific manner, and I would try with relief, even if he doesn't want to see it. Regardless, I'm still here alone, with no way out.

"Why talk about getting me pregnant, about bruising me then?" I ask warily.

"I wanted to push him, to make him want it. And shredding his dignity was quite satisfying too. I don't particularly like him," he notes.

I stare at his back as he turns away.

"Why not?"

"Because who in their right mind wants Demon's eradicated? Only fools who know nothing about them," he mumbles. He shrugs his jacket off, discarding it on a nearby seat. It reveals his toned arms and single, deep red tattoo on his right bicep.

I blink. "You just-"

"A band of Angel-bloods stand no chance against a single Demon. Most are ancient, or have been trained since birth, as Demon's tend to stick to their own clans. An untrained one's power alone rivals the most powerful Angel-blood," he explains.

I don't bother hiding my shock. "Really?"

His gaze traces over me, like he knows something I don't. "Uh huh."

My mother has always assured me that I only have trace amounts of Demon blood in me, so my power will always be limited. I doubt I would ever be able to rival an Angel-blood; especially one like Kastriv.

But it does make me wonder what else I've been lied to about.

"So shall I go home now?" I ask, motioning to the door. The moment I'm allowed out, I'm going to sprint for that door and never look back.

"No. I hope you stay and maintain this ruse, and continue to do so when you return home," he murmurs.

I don't usually talk back, especially to those with magic. Each time I've done so, Oliver has punished me greatly, and often times, not physically. He knows my weakness, and how best to exploit them to cause the most amount of pain possible.

"You embarrassed me. You made me feel like nothing but a piece of meat...Why would I help you?" I snap.

Some part of me, some deep, scarred part, expects Kastriv to rear back and strike me for speaking out of turn to him. But he doesn't so much as flinch, unbothered by my raised voice and aggressive tone.

"Because I get the feeling you don't like your husband very much either," he mutters.

I could deny that, exclaim my relationship with Oliver is full of love and compassion, but I don't feel very loyal to him right now. He left me to get fucked by some Noble, all of his own gain. He doesn't deserve my favour right now.

"That's not the point."

"I would have loved nothing more than for you to speak up and defend yourself, but you didn't. I assume that has something to do with him?" Kastriv accusatory tone leaves me stumbling for a response.

Rubbing the back of my neck, I look elsewhere. "I didn't know what to say."

"Not only did I push him, but I was pushing you too, Aspen," he breathes.

He appears as though he is struggling to contain his anger...or is that something else? He doesn't look happy, whatever it is. He knows too much, see's too much. The moment he came into our home, I knew he didn't believe Oliver and I's charade.

But what does he expect me to say? If I admit to him that Oliver is abusive, and has been since I married him, Oliver would know, and nothing good would happen to me.

I especially don't trust a Noble to help me.

"I wasn't really going to let you sleep with me." I would have stood up for myself, demanded he decide differently, had it gotten to that.

Kastriv's jaw tightens. "Really? Because it truly sounded like you gave up."

I look away. Gave up? It's all I seem to do recently. For the first two years of my marriage, I tried everything in my power to get away, to start a new life. It all failed. So yes, I suppose I have given up.

"Tell me, were you going to let me fuck you to the point of bruising you? Were you going to risk bearing my child?" His voice is gathering in force now, a primal anger threatening to let lose.

He can't know the truth...No one can know the truth...

He closes the gap between us, until he's so close I can almost feel his breath against my skin. "Tell me!"

My hands clench into fists, and I release a frustrated growl. "I don't know...Okay I don't know, I never have a choice, ever. All I'm meant to be is the perfect wife, and I would rather have sex with you then him."

Kastriv grows silent as confusion echo's across his face.

"I'm sorry, what did you just say?" he whispers.

I run my hand down my face, realising I've said too much, that this is going to reflect terribly on me. "Is there somewhere for me to sleep? I'm exhausted."

"Hey, look at me," Kastriv demands, grabbing my arm to pull it away from my face with shockingly gentle force. "Tell me what you meant by that? That you would rather have sex with me, a man you presumed to abusive and dangerous, then your own husband?"

"It doesn't matter, okay? Please let me sleep," I beg. Please, just let up.

Kastriv looks torn, reading the desperation on my face. Eventually he sighs, backing away, letting me stumble forward into the space he once occupied.

"Fine. We have more to speak about in the morning," he murmurs dismissively, waving his hand.

I don't waste any time, as he explains where, upstairs, the guest room is, heading straight up to it.

I lock the door behind me, pressing my back up against it.

I'm doomed. Kastriv is going to tell Oliver what I said, and I'll never see the light of day again...All because of how damn persistent the Noble is.

Collapsing onto the bed, I close my eyes. I should get some sleep, and be grateful I'm not in Kastriv's room tonight, servicing him.

I tug the sheets down, and then back up, not bothering to take my clothes off. It doesn't feel right doing that here, anyways.

As I lean to turn the lamp off, my hands brush against a small, white tube. Frowning, I pick it up, examining it.

Burn cream.

I glance down at my hand, which I've kept bandaged all day, hoping Kastriv believed my excuse about burning it during cooking, despite the fact that we have staff.

Either way, he's clearly thought about it, purposefully leaving this medicine for me, when Oliver insisted I didn't need any.

Unwinding my bandage, I toss it away, applying the burn cream, before redressing the wound with the fresh bandages left next to the tube.

Settling back down in my pillow, I hold my hand close to my chest.

It can't mean anything, I think to myself, as I let sleep overcome me.