Chapter 5

I was right, the week had dragged on and on, seeming as if it were never going to end. I was looking forward to my meeting with Blaze, but more importantly I hoped I could get another glimpse at Haven. She was the one who had been occupying my thoughts, her enigmatic presence lingering in my mind like a ghost. Even the disturbing intensity of our dream encounter couldn't dim the fascination I felt towards her. If anything, it only seemed to have fueled my desire. 

     Those fleeting seconds had been enough to leave a lasting impression, though. Her image was seared into my memory: the striking features, the piercing eyes, the wild tangle of red hair. But beyond that, I knew nothing. No hint of her personality, no glimpse of her values or motivations. She was a mystery, a cipher, and I found myself wondering what lay beneath her enigmatic surface. 

     I materialized at the clearing where I was to meet with Blaze again to finalize our deal. The scene unfolded with a sense of ritualistic precision, the Necromancer Soldiers appearing in a neat line, their dark forms standing rigidly at attention. The air was heavy with anticipation as they parted, the two soldiers in the center stepping aside to create a pathway. I expected Blaze, the King of the Necromancers, to emerge from the opening, his imposing presence commanding the space.

     “Ave reginae ad omnes.” My eyes widened in surprise as the Necromancer Soldiers' chant echoed through the clearing, their voices rising and falling in unison. Wait, all hail the Princess? I thought. I needed to work on my Latin, but I was sure that was what they just said. I felt a jolt of confusion, my mind racing to understand the sudden shift in proceedings. 

     And then, as if summoned by the soldiers' words, Haven emerged from the ranks, her red hair ablaze in the fading light. She moved with a quiet confidence, her eyes gleaming with a subtle power. But where was Blaze? I had been expecting to finalize our deal with the King, not… not face Haven alone. A shiver ran down my spine as our eyes met, the air between us charged with an almost magnetic tension. 

     Haven's beauty was mesmerizing, her dark outfit perfectly complementing her porcelain skin and fiery mane. The high-waisted shorts hugged her curves, while the crop top hoodie showcased her toned midriff. The skeleton hand flipping me the bird on the front of the hoodie added a touch of edgy rebellion. 

     Her hair cascaded down her back in luscious waves, reaching all the way to her hips, just as it had during our previous encounter. The dark makeup accentuated her striking features, making her eyes seem even more piercing and intense. A fitting outfit, I thought. 

     As Haven drew closer, her confident stride and sultry gaze only fueled the illicit thoughts that had already begun to simmer in my mind. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I struggled to rein in my baser impulses, to maintain a semblance of decorum in the face of her intoxicating presence. It was a losing battle, but I gritted my teeth and steeled myself, determined to keep my desires in check as I prepared to face her. 

     “Haven.” I said as I bowed deeply. “Raphael.” She replied. The gentle, angelic tones of her voice seemed to dance in the air, sending a shiver down my spine as I felt myself becoming increasingly entranced. “Where is your father?” I asked her. “He was caught up in some other business, so he sent me instead.” She said, matter of factly. Her response was devoid of any apology or explanation, simply a flat statement of fact. It was as if she was merely conveying a piece of information, without any emotional attachment or expectation of a reaction from me. 

     I sensed a hint of detachment in her tone, a subtle suggestion that she was merely a messenger, rather than a participant in the negotiations. My curiosity was piqued. What kind of business could be more important than our meeting, and what did it say about Blaze's priorities?

     “I have proposed the conditions of our agreement to my Coven Priests. They have agreed in unison, and we are ready to deploy our troops to your lands. It’s your call, Princess.” The air seemed to vibrate with tension as our gazes met, the connection between us crackling with an almost palpable energy. 

     I could sense a spark of emotion flicker through Haven's eyes, a fleeting glimpse of something raw and intense. It was a complex, multifaceted emotion, difficult to pin down, but it seemed to be a potent mix of frustration, anger, and... attraction. The last one was the most intriguing, a hint of desire that seemed to simmer just beneath the surface, waiting to be fanned into a flame.

     “You may proceed. I would suggest you stay within our guest quarters for the first week to ensure your troops do as they are instructed. This will provide a seamless transition for both my people and yours.” Her voice was laced with a subtle hint of sarcasm, a slightly raised eyebrow and a faint smile playing on her lips. 

     The suggestion itself was innocuous enough, but the way she delivered it seemed to imply a deeper meaning, a hidden layer of tension or challenge that I couldn't quite decipher. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I met her gaze, sensing that there was more to her words than met the eye. 

     The prospect of staying in their guest house was suddenly fraught with possibilities, the potential for proximity to Haven being the most tantalizing aspect. I couldn't help but wonder whose idea this had been… Blaze's strategic maneuvering, or Haven's own subtle design? Either way, I was more than willing to take the bait, to seize the opportunity to be near her, to observe her, and perhaps, to unravel the enigma that surrounded her. 

     “I will take you up on your offer, Princess.” As I straightened from my bow, I caught a glimpse of something fleeting in Haven's eyes, a spark of excitement, a hint of anticipation. It was a brief, tantalizing moment, and one that she quickly suppressed, her expression returning to its usual calm, collected mask. But I had seen it, and it was enough to send a thrill of anticipation coursing through my veins. 

     “Let me return to my home to pack, and I will return here with my soldiers in 1 hour. Once we get them settled you can show me the guest quarters?” I questioned. 

     The smirk was a subtle, enigmatic curve of her lips, a hint of amusement that danced across her face. “I will see you in one hour. Do not be late.” The silky tone of her voice was a low, sultry sound that seemed to vibrate through the air, a sensual hum that was both captivating and intimate. And the wink, oh, the wink was a sly, conspiratorial gesture that seemed to be meant for my eyes alone. It was a fleeting, flirtatious moment, a whispered promise of secrets and shared understandings that only we were privy to. 

     “I wouldn’t dream of it.” I replied, then I materialized at home. 

     With my few, select belongings in hand, I turned my attention to the task at hand: deploying the first patrol. I made my way to the designated gathering point, where my team of skilled Reavers awaited my arrival. Their faces were set with determination, their eyes gleaming with a mix of anticipation and focus. I gave them a curt nod, and then I materialized to the clearing knowing my soldiers would immediately follow.

     As we materialized in the clearing, my soldiers materializing to me at my location, I immediately sensed Haven's presence, her calm and collected demeanor a beacon in the darkness. I nodded to her in acknowledgement, my eyes scanning the surrounding area, instinctively searching for any signs of the soldiers I knew were hidden from view. 

     The air was thick with anticipation, the silence punctuated only by the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. I could feel the weight of unseen eyes upon us, the knowledge that we were surrounded by an invisible force, their presence a tangible reminder of the delicate balance of power at play.

     The Necromancers' vulnerability to threats was a curious thing, especially given their reputation for mastery over the dark arts. It was clear that something was amiss, that some unseen force was testing their defenses and pushing their King to agree to an alliance with my kind. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of enemy could be posing such a significant threat to the Necromancers' power. It must have been something pretty bad. 

     Haven moved with a quiet confidence, her instructions to my soldiers clear and concise as she outlined the specifics of their patrol routes. Her knowledge of the land was evident, her words painting a vivid picture of the terrain, the potential hiding spots, and the subtle signs that might indicate a threat. 

     Haven's expertise was undeniable, and it was clear that she had spent a great deal of time studying the land, anticipating potential dangers, and developing strategies to counter them. Her professionalism was impressive.

     As I observed Haven, I couldn't help but be struck by the air of authority that surrounded her. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was clear that she was more than just a pretty face. She possessed a sense of command that was impossible to ignore. My men, seasoned warriors that they were, seemed equally impressed, hanging on her every word as if she were the highest authority. And in that moment, she was. 

     Her leadership skills were evident in the way she effortlessly commanded the attention of my soldiers, her words dripping with conviction and authority. I found myself wondering if she was always like this, or if this was a side of her that only emerged in times of crisis. Either way, I was intrigued, and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of respect for this enigmatic woman.     

     As Haven approached me, her every step seemed to exude a subtle sensuality, as if she were savoring the simple act of walking. Her hips swayed with a gentle, fluid motion, her arms swinging in time like a metronome marking out a rhythm that seemed to resonate deep within me. 

     I felt my pulse quicken, my senses heightened as I struggled to maintain a veneer of calm. It was as if my body was urging me to act, to give in to the primal instincts that were screaming at me to take her, to claim her as my own. But I held back, my rational mind wrestling my baser instincts into submission as I stood frozen, watching her approach with a mixture of fascination and longing.

     As Haven's hand wrapped around mine, a shiver ran down my spine. The sensation was unsettling, yet strangely familiar, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd experienced this exact moment before. The déjà vu was intense, transporting me back to the dream that had left such a lasting impression on me. I pushed the memory aside, focusing instead on the present moment and the woman by my side. 

     Her touch was warm, her grip firm, and I found myself wondering what she was thinking, what her intentions were. But one thing was certain: I was not going to mark her. I had made up my mind, and nothing was going to change it. As we stepped into the seclusion of the trees, the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs beneath our feet served as a reminder that we were solely surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. 

     But my attention was focused solely on Haven, who had stopped in front of me and was now turning to face me. Her eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as we stood there, the only sound the soft whisper of the wind through the leaves. 

     “Don’t get any fucking ideas, Reaver. My daddy would have your head on a spike so goddamn fast.” Her words were venomous, but I could sense the spark of attraction beneath the surface. She was trying to keep me at arm's length, to assert her dominance and warn me off, but I could see the faintest glimmer of curiosity in her gaze. She was testing me, pushing the boundaries to see how I would react. And I was more than happy to play along. 

     I closed the gap between us with one step, wrapping my free hand around her waist and pulling her against my chest. Her eyes, wide and unblinking, locked onto mine, and I could see the conflicting emotions warring within her. Fear and arousal danced across her face, a delicate balance of uncertainty and desire. I could feel the gentle pressure of her breasts, the warmth of her skin seeping into mine, and the subtle tremble of her body as she hesitated for a moment before relaxing into my embrace. 

   “Non satus ludos non potes consummare.” My growl, a low, rumbling sound sent a shiver down her spine, and I could feel her body tense, her senses heightened as she responded to my primal intensity. The words themselves were a warning, a subtle reminder that I wasn't a man to be trifled with, and that if she started something, she'd better be prepared to see it through.  And then, I touched her lip, my thumb tracing the soft curve of her mouth. Her body's response was immediate, a tremor running through her like a whispered promise. 

     I felt a surge of satisfaction, a sense of power and control that was both exhilarating and intoxicating. Good girl, I thought. She was so easily responding to me, her body language screaming that she was drawn to me, despite herself. And I was more than happy to take advantage of that attraction.

     As I released her from my grasp, Haven's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and embarrassment, her face a mask of indignation. She seemed to be furious with herself, as if her body's reaction to my touch was a personal betrayal. 

     She took a step back, her shoulders squaring, and her chin lifting in a defiant gesture. The movement was a clear attempt to reassert her control, to distance herself from the vulnerability she'd just exhibited. I watched her, a small, knowing smile playing on my lips, as I acknowledged the spark of attraction that had flared between us.

     “Now where were we? Oh yes, heading to the guest quarters.” I quipped. I couldn't help but infuse my tone with a hint of amusement, a subtle acknowledgment of the tension that had just crackled between us. The raised eyebrow was a deliberate flourish, a playful jab that said I knew exactly what had just happened, and I wasn't going to let her pretend otherwise. 

     Haven's eyes narrowed, her expression a mixture of irritation and embarrassment, as she clearly struggled to regain her composure.   

     The deadly glare she shot me was like fuel to the fire, sending a surge of desire coursing through my veins. I felt my eyes lock onto her retreating form, my gaze drawn to the sway of her hips as she stalked away from me. 

     The forest seemed to grow quieter, the trees looming above us like sentinels, as I followed her, my footsteps silent on the soft earth. The air was thick with tension, the silence between us palpable, and I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets Haven was hiding, what other surprises she had in store for me.

     I followed her through the winding forest for quite some time, it seemed. The pause in her stride was almost imperceptible, but I caught the subtle movement as she turned to glance over her shoulder. Our eyes met, and for a fleeting instant, I sensed a flicker of uncertainty, a hint of curiosity. It was as if she was checking to see if I was still following, still watching her, and of course I was. 

     The spark of challenge had been lit, and I could feel my interest piqued. Haven's fleeting glance, the roll of her eyes, it was all a clever ruse, a thinly veiled attempt to disguise the attraction that simmered between us. 

     I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement, a sense of anticipation that came with the promise of a tantalizing game. She thought she could play hard to get, but I was more than happy to play along, to dance with her in this delicate ballet of seduction and denial.  

     The forest seemed to grow quieter, the trees watching with silent interest as we engaged in this delicate pas de deux, each step, each glance, a carefully calculated move in a game of cat and mouse.

     The thrill of pursuit, the dance of seduction, the delicate balance of power and control… it was all part of the game, and I was ready to play. Haven might think she was in control, but I knew the truth: the game was just beginning, and I was holding all the cards.