by Hannah888
He was near, she could feel it. Deorci’s bloodthirsty spirit was upon them and she tried to convince herself that she was prepared. Prepared to remove him from the Marujan dimension for good.
She continued staring down. Hadaen was down there. Possibly with Gideon and the other men as they stacked weapons and regulated their plans for that upcoming day of gloom. But he was down there. She could feel his energy from thus far as if he was some vital part of her. It would be a shame when--
"No training today?"
Amelia recognized the voice immediately and turned to face Gideon. "No. I'm ready. Whenever he decides to strike, I'll be ready for it."
He nodded and stuck his hands deep inside his pockets. "I wanted to talk to you...about what we talked about last night."
"Why? Has Hadaen suspected something?"
"No. Are you sure it's your only option?"
"Yes. I know." Amelia bowed her head and closed her eyes. "I saw it."
Gideon moved in closer. "You had another premonition?"
"Yea." A lump of anxiety worked in her throat. "I did."
Gideon towered over her, his eyes quickly searching her expression. "When?"
"Just this morning." Amelia stood at the edge of the cliff, tilting her head to the clear sky. "The clouds are getting darker. Thicker. We don't have much time until Deorci decides to pay us a visit."
"How soon do you think?"
"Maybe four days. Three. I can...feel it." She then turned to face him again, her eyes damp. "I'm scared."
Gideon inhaled sharply, truly saddened by her state of distress. "You should be. But with us behind you, you'll be fine."
"Have you spoken to him?"
Gideon looked at her for a long moment. If his brother were to ever find out what Amelia's plans were on how to destroy Deorci, he'd be devastated...furious. He was keeping her secret thus far but he was not sure if he'd be able to go through it for much longer. He could not live with the thought that he had hurt his brother.
"He's pissed. You're not talking to him."
Her eyes widened a bit, a tear rolling past the lids. "I don't even know how to face him, Gideon. I'm afraid that if I do, I'll just spill everything out."
"Would that be such a terrible thing? Maybe if you tell him... I don't know. Maybe, he could come up with another plan. A better plan."
"It's the only way!" she cried, the tears now coming full force down her face. "Do you think I want to do this? That I want to hurt him? No! But I have to. I've got to make this sacrifice, Gideon. It's the only way."
Gideon nodded his understanding but it was ripping him apart inside. He was hoping dreadfully that Hadaen found out...but for the time being, he'd keep her secret.
"You should still speak with him."
Amelia wiped her face and inhaled deeply. "I will. I just need some more time to think. Will you give me that?"
He rested his hand against her shoulder, comforting her. A brotherly warmth surging from his body to hers.
"Whatever happens...I've got your back."
Amelia smiled weakly up at him. "Thank you."
Two hours later she made her way through the village. There were roughly thirty-five people who occupied the rugged space. Apparently, Protectors were not chosen slightly or in large numbers. A few women sat on logs adding finishing touches to leather war-suits. Men crowded together examining their newly-made steel weapons. It seemed as if everyone was getting well-prepared.
Amelia could hear the harsh slapping of metal against steel, the sizzling of water against hot metal surfaces... She was pleased but still felt dreary inside.
She felt Hadaen's presence before she even saw him. He stood amidst four men almost his height and built, conversing. The moment she looked across to him, his gaze was already piercing through her. He'd been watching her the entire time. A wave of heat washed over her, reminding her of how much she desired him...how much he desired her. She looked away, bidding a greeting to a couple of the women who waved to her. She decided to take some time, delaying her meeting with Hadaen.
When Amelia looked in his direction again, he was no longer flocked by the male villagers. He stood alone, hands in his pockets, and staring intensely at her. A chill ran down her spine and she worked up the courage to face him. It was now or never.
"Hi," she said, his gaze bearing heavily down on her.
Hadaen cut straight to the chase. His eyes softened when he brushed a finger lightly over her cheek. "You were crying."
"I'm fine," she quickly assured him. "You look...well."
"You're lying." He pulled her closer, hugging her tight against him. He had missed her scent, the softness of her body. "I look like a damn mess."
He did. Dark circles hung around his eyes, the stubby new growth of his beard rough and rugged. But he still looked gorgeous to her, even more now. It was obvious he was going around feeling miserable all because of her.
Guilt tore at her heart.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. You deserve more than what my selfish soul is willing to offer."
"It's alright."
"No, it's not." Hadaen bent and pressed his lips against hers softly. "I hurt you. And I'm paying for it."
Amelia stared up at him, trying to mask her surprise. Could it be possible that Hadaen be capable of loving her? She blinked away the thought. It didn't matter anyway. It did not change what she would have to do when she would be face to face with Deorci.
So instead of opening her mouth and risking the chance of her spilling her secret, she nodded briskly.
"I had another premonition this morning."
Hadaen's expression quickly became stern and he ushered her away from the crowd and noise, and into his tent. As soon as he seated her, he pulled up a chair directly before her.
"What did you see?"
"I had just left my tent about to look for Esyth. The dark clouds...were huddling nearer. Almost directly over-head of the village."
Hadaen sighed. "We've probably only got a couple days left then."
Amelia knotted her fingers in her lap. "I hadn't expected it to be so soon."
"Me either." He walked over to the flap of the tent, peered outside and then walked back. "It seems as if Deorci has found something."
She narrowed her gaze on him. "What do you mean?"
"It's highly unlikely that he would strike in a time like this. It's just not his technique. He knows we are expecting him. Something must have caused him to speed up his pace."
"Like what?" Oh please don't let him say it. Please.....
"My best guess is that he knows about you, Amelia. That could only mean that he feels threatened by you and wants to destroy you as soon as he can."
Amelia jumped to her feet, her hands shaking as she wiped them over her face. "Well... Shall we alert the others then?"
Strong gentle arms circled her waist and she leaned against his support.
Hadaen showered small kisses over her face, nibbling on her earlobes and then pressing his lips against her forehead.
"I won't let anything happen to you. I will protect you with my life, Amelia."
Her heart slammed against her chest. The last thing she needed right now was any further addition of guilt on her part. She choked on a sob. "I know you feel like it's your duty to protect me but--"
"It is my duty." Hadaen tilted her head so he could see deep into the eyes that he loved so much. "I don't give a damn if I haven't brought you down that aisle yet. You are my wife in very sense of the word. And I will never truly be complete without you by my side."
She could see the sincerity in his eyes. The warm concern embedded in his soul. And she believed him. She knew the second she was falling in love with him. And that second had passed two minutes ago. Amelia tried not to let the emotion take her over but it was no use. Feelings could not be turned off, emotions could not be hindered.
She was in love with Hadaen Maruj.
She cursed herself a fool for letting it hap
pen...but felt immensely pleased that it had. Loving this man would only make her shocking decision in the next couple days harder to make...but at least it would keep her heart at ease when the time came. Her loving him will certainly build her strength in fighting against Deorci.
Even if he didn't return the love.
She'd want his hands all over her one more time; to indulge in his sweet kisses and fervent touch. For it was a memory she was willing to take straight to the end.
"Make love to me, Hadaen." Her eyes never wavered from his own as she reached a hand around his neck. "Right now."
Her gaze followed the gulp that ran down his throat. Hadaen's pupils dilated, the skin across his jaws drawn tight. He was trying to control himself, to hold back. "Are you sure that's what you want?"
"I'm sure. I want you with everything that I am." Her hand reached outwards, plucking each button of his shirt out of their holes. When her fingers touched bare skin, she felt more than heard his sharp intake of breath.
Amelia shoved his shirt off after removing her blazer. She then pulled her blouse over her head to reveal heavily swollen breasts spilling over her bra.
Before she could make another move, Hadaen was already pulling her up against him that she had no choice but to wrap her legs around his waist. Firm hands gripped her butt, as he ground himself against her. A wave of desire shot through her and she grabbed at his head, slamming her mouth hungrily against his.
It was a kiss of life. Their tongues colliding with a hot friction that shook the very ground beneath them.
Hadaen ripped her bra at the front, raising her higher as he pressed his face against her creamy breasts. He sucked on one sweet areole and then the next, determined to give her mind-blowing pleasure. Amelia's moans were like a motivational song as his groin pulsated with need. And he moved towards the bed, sliding slowly down on to it.
Hadaen eased off her a moment, ridding himself of the rest of his clothes. His erection sprung free, never ceasing to leave her astonished at its thickness and length. He then eased her hips upwards as he removed her clothes quickly, barely sparing a second.
"What?" Amelia blushed. She didn't know why she did, but she did. "Why are you staring at me like that?"
Hadaen gave her that devilish smile and winked. "You're beautiful. So..." He eased between her spread legs. "...damn beautiful."
"I want you inside me, Hadaen," she said, softly.
"You'll get whatever you want, baby," he murmured against her ear. "But before the day ends I want you to scream for me."
And he sunk inside her, so deep, so fierce...so utterly intense. Amelia let out a small cry as his thick shaft stretched her muscles, slid against her sensitive walls in the age-old rhythm. She moved with him, thrust for thrust...grind for grind as the pleasure swirled inside and around her, making her tense with carnal gratification. Her first orgasm ripped through her, leaving her greedy for more and nowhere near spent.
Hadaen lifted her hips high, slamming hard inside her, watching as her mouth fell wide open and her fingers gripped tightly in the sheets. It took almost everything inside him not to come just yet. Lowering himself to her, he took her lips in a heart-melting kiss before flipping her over so she straddled him.
Amelia almost jumped right off him at the sensation of the new position. Her throat tightening, she suddenly felt the sweet torture of being impaled by his long cock. She sat still, afraid to move as even the slightest of shifts sent a tremor coursing from her pussy all the way up to her throat.
It was a delightful feeling.
"Ride me, baby," Hadaen told her hoarsely.
Amelia rest her palms against his chest and leaned forward, gaining a loud groan from him. Had she done something wrong? She surely sucked at this!
"What did I do?"
"That was just fine," Hadaen laughed. "But damn, you're so tight, I'll come any minute." He then rest his hands on her hips and gently moved her up and down his shaft. "Just like that..."
Amelia mimicked the movement, enjoying the ripple of delight that moved through her. She quickly got used to the rhythm and her pace quickened, riding him hard and fast.
She sucked in a breath. "Oh shit..."
"Look at me." Hadaen thrust upwards and inside her as she moved wildly against him. "Look at me, Amelia."
And she did; their gazes locked and both their breaths coming in loud puffs.
Her hips bucked against his but she never stopped riding. In a quick minute, Amelia threw her head back and let out a shriek that ended in her slick tight walls gripping his cock like a vise...
and sucking every drop of release from his body.
Five minutes later, they lay curled up in each other's arms and staring up at the thick canopy of the tent. Silence stretched throughout with an exception of their still normalizing breathing.
Amelia felt sleepy. She wasn't tired but the way Hadaen's fingers played lightly over her bare shoulder and his other hand ran gently through her hair, she was left feeling with a comfort she had never known. Besides, how could she ever sleep when his hands were on her like that? Everything about him made her desire him. The intense look in his eyes which never walked far from his true feelings, the way his lips curled slightly in the sexiest smile she could ever see on a man... the way in which he was ever so confident as if he could never be wrong.
At least he'd never been wrong about one thing: she wanted him with everything that she knew. And she was in love with the arrogant man.
"I know about you and Sienna," she blurted out before she even realized that she had been thinking it.
Hadaen stiffened and ran a hand over his face. "Really, Amelia? You're going to mention that woman... Now?"
She looked up at him. "I'm sorry... It kind of just slipped out. Sorry."
Pulling her over on top of him so that her legs were on either sides of him and her chin rested on his chest, Hadaen gave her an amused look.
"Obviously, it's been on your mind."
Amelia frowned. "Hardly. I j-just thought you should know that I know."
A grin split his face as he traced her blush from one cheek down her neck. "You might be able to block your thoughts from me, Amelia. But I'm a great reader of emotion as well."
"You don't have to explain anything."
"Oh but I do." Hadaen sat up, pulling her with him as he slid her legs around his waist. "There had been many women before Sienna."
Amelia rolled her eyes. "And that should make me feel so much better, right?"
"Come on," he chuckled. "Give me a chance here." What she wanted was to give him a firm slap across the head. Clearly, he was feeling too happy at the moment. "Look, Sienna and I had a sexual relationship and that was all there was to it. She is no different from the other women I had been with before. She knew her place and what she could get from the affair."
Amelia knew what she could get too...
"So you only go through women purely for the sex?"
Hadaen sighed. "I did."
"Did?"
"Amelia, don't make me feel like such an asshole, okay? I can be a heartless bastard, I know. But I care about you."
Care. Well, it wasn't some terrible distance from love.
Amelia wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, squeezing her eyes shut to stop her tears from falling.
She loved him. For The First's sake, she loved Hadaen Maruj!
But the weight of the secret she was currently carrying threatened to rip her heart apart.
She didn't know which one would kill her more quickly;
the dread the secret was bearing on her soul.......
or the torture it promised to bring.
Chapter Fifteen
The starry sky held no promises. No hope. No hint of their redemption that was to come.
And it certainly held no answers either. At least not the answers he was searching for.
Something was wrong...terribly wrong. He could sense it.
The cold bitter wind chilled hi
s skin and he rubbed his palms together, blowing out a long shuddering breath.
Hadaen figured that if they could defeat Deorci once and for all, he'd be in a position to grant Amelia all she wanted. All she deserved. He'd give her his support, show her a world of passion. She would have everything. Be in need of nothing.
He'd make her happy.
And that is why he would make it his duty to see that Deorci would not--could not--lay a finger on her. He'd shield her with his life. And the anticipated day was upon them. In at least forty-eight hours, havoc would be brought and spread across the land. Chaos would be unleashed with the horrid stench of war and death. People would die. And all at the expense of ridding the Marujan kingdom of the painful claws that Deorci clutched it with.
Hadaen would fight to the end if that was what it took; to deliver his people from hiding. To avenge his father and the men and women the dark beast had slaughtered.
"The Elders say the stars hold the secrets of the universe, my lord."
Hadaen looked up at the sky and then sideways at the blonde-haired woman next to him. She was beautiful. And a great fighter, he had come to notice. If his brother didn't wrap a metal chain around her wrist and attach it to himself, then he'd be a damn fool. He looked at her hard and long as she regarded the sky, her green eyes glittering beneath the moonlight.
"You're romanticizing..." he let out dryly.
Esyth looked at him, surprised for a moment and then smiled. "I'm guilty. But humans surely can't be the only ones to enjoy the delight it brings."
Hadaen nodded and returned his gaze to the sky. "Gideon cares for you."
"I suppose he does. But he shouldn't waste his time flattering himself in like with me. I could never make him happy."
Hadaen shrugged. "I wouldn't be sure about that... Give him hefty meals a day and put up with his antics, you'll be just fine."
She laughed; a sound that was rather lively on such a pensive night. "My lord, your brother is confused."
"I don't think he's the one who's confused," Hadaen murmured. "Gideon has never been the type to pursue women." He chuckled this time and cocked a brow at her. "Hell, it runs in our blood. It's always the women who pursue us."