"Why would you say that? Why would even think it?"

"Then why?" I was trying to mask my guilt with anger, which I knew was foolish.

"Look, I would gladly want to relish in how proud I am to have you by my side and show what a rare beauty you are, but it would be far too dangerous. Through those doors hold those that are not as loyal to me as the people you know in Afterlife."

"Then why even bring me here?" I couldn't understand, if it was so dangerous, why he didn't he want me to wait in the car or bring me to this building in the first place.

"I wasn't ever intending on it but when I arrived at your house I...I had a change of heart." He didn't want to be telling me this and I knew why.

"So when you turned up, it was to tell me you were going to be late...wasn't it?" He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand in frustration.

"Yes, but when you ran into my arms and asked me to take you away, I wouldn't have left you for all the world." I bit my lip and swallowed my att.i.tude.

"I'm sorry," I said as I reached out to his hand. He looked up at me with shock on his face.

"Why?"

"Because I didn't realise and because I shouldn't have thought you were ashamed of me." At this he just nodded.

"Please." He motioned to put my hood back up and I let him, knowing now the reasons. He was protecting me and didn't want anyone knowing my ident.i.ty. As always he was trying to keep me safe and I was being stubborn.

"You know, I didn't think it possible."

"What?" I asked looking up but only seeing his chest thanks to my low hood.

"That you could still look cute even when your face is covered." I'm not sure if he could see me smile but he reacted when I poked him in the ribs, not that he could feel much thanks to him being made of solid muscle.

"In that case I will wear it up all the time." I felt him squeeze my sides and then kiss my head before saying, "Don't you dare." I laughed and then felt him taking me by the elbow to lead me towards the door.

"Are you ready?" I don't know why but there was something in his voice that put me on edge and I found myself nervous enough to want to start scratching my scars. Of course I was already biting my lip but it didn't seem enough somehow.

"You will be fine, but stay close to me, ok?" He had obviously heard my worries but by saying this last part, he only ended up adding to my fears.

"And one last thing, try very hard to keep up your mental walls, there are things in here that I do not wish for you to...to truly see." A shiver crept up my spine and seemed to stay with me at the base of my neck. I was very close to running back to the car and finding my safety within its metal body but I wanted Draven to think I was strong and fearless, not the frightened little girl I felt like. So he engulfed my hand with his own and led me to the door.

I couldn't help but jump at the sound of his other hand banging a fist against the metal door. I couldn't see very much but I was sure I felt him looking down at me and while we waited he leaned down and whispered, "You will be fine," in the softest voice. Great! Here I was trying to appear brave and I was acting jumpy at the first hurdle. There was a gargled grunt from behind the door and a bang back.

"p.i.s.s off!" A deep grouse came from behind the banging.

"Nice welcome!" I added and Draven growled and proceeded to pound his fist against the door causing a dent.

"Patefacio pro vestri vinco!" (Means "Open for your master!" in Latin) "Quod letalis?" (Means "And the mortal?") The voice sounded less angry now but still wary, so I wondered what they were talking about.

"Letalis est mei!" (Means "The mortal is mine") At this, the sound of metal sc.r.a.ping against metal could be heard and the door vibrated before opening. I couldn't help but hold my breath as the crack opening became wider and the beast from behind came into view.

My held breath was quickly followed by a gasp when I was soon faced with a ma.s.sive Samoan that looked as though he weighed at least 400lbs. He had a huge gut that meant it would have made it impossible for him to see his feet let alone other important parts of his anatomy.

He stood close to seven foot tall and would have made even Ragnar look small. I started my gaze at the bottom where I was surprised to see him wearing Jesus sandals and three quarter length, light weight khaki trousers. My eyes followed up and found him wearing a black vest that was enough material to be a bedspread.

When I lifted my head enough to see his face my eyes looked so far back that my hood fell from my head. Mine weren't the only eyes to display shock. His skin was a honey brown colour but now thanks to extensive tribal tattoos that covered half of his face it was closer to black on one side. The tattoos were one continuation from one that started on his shoulder and chest that curled up and attacked his face. It reminded me of waves that were made up of different intercut patterns that were beautiful Samoan artwork in their own right. His eyes were the same honey colour that matched his skin tone and they glowed amber when they met my own.

"Lucifer's blood, Electus unus!" (Means "The chosen one" in Latin) He stared at me like I was some freak that sported two heads and cat's eyes! As soon as he made the mistake of speaking, Draven let go of me and grabbed the man's neck at record speed. He pinned him to the wall and soon the man's face turned a deep shade of scarlet. The swirls on his face started to move like cogs in a machine and I thought I was seeing things.

They also looked like they were writhing around in pain and they continued up into his shaved head and hair that he wore in a plaited Mohawk. I had stepped back and covered my mouth with my hands in shock. Draven was furious and his purple veins rippled through his neck as though they were trying to burst through the skin.

I couldn't see the rest of his body as he still had on his leather jacket but I would bet good money that it would be the same everywhere else. A gurgling sound came from the man's throat like he was trying to speak. At this Draven just tightened his hold and cut off any sound.

"You will not repeat those words so long as you remain in this life and in exchange I will LET you remain in this life, with your head attached. Do I make myself clear Ira?" Draven allowed him enough to nod and then released him, forcing him to carry his own body weight once again. His legs crumpled underneath him and he collapsed to the floor coughing and gasping for air to fill his lungs. Even though he had been choking moments earlier, he still managed to speak.

"Forgive my insolence Master, it shall not happen again." He bowed his head and I could see the tattoo move down from his head and wriggle nervously down his spine, which had transformed from cogs into an inky snake cowering out of sight.

Draven came back to me and without dropping his harsh expression he ran the back of his hand down the side of my face before raising my hood to conceal it once again. He then took my hand back in his vice grip and turned his head towards Ira the Samoan one last time.

"See that it doesn't or you will be seeing Lucifer once again and sooner than you may think!" His voice was like ice, cold and unforgiving, which was like hearing a different Draven altogether. Here he wasn't my Draven, soft and gentle. NO, here he was the Master, here he was the one in control....here, he was a G.o.d!

I could feel the heat coming from his touch as he controlled my movements through the slightest turn of my hand. He was leading me through a low lit corridor which mostly offered a view of the rustic wooden floor that looked like it had seen better days, centuries ago. Part of me wanted to pull back and tell him that I didn't want to go any further but when he tightened his grip around my hand I knew it was his way of telling me that I had nothing to fear. I was so torn between my doubts and the mental wave of rea.s.surance that Draven was trying to inject into my mind, which left me feeling warm and tingling inside.

I knew we were nearing our destination when the hum of a deep base line was beating through the next door and the vibrations found the soles of my feet. Draven opened the door and I jumped at the sound of metal grating against the ancient woodwork. The music and smell hit me all at once as it flooded the hallway, swirling up with the stench of stale alcohol combined with fresh sweat from a ma.s.s of dancing bodies.

The heavy rock music drowned out any other sound, including that of my pounding heart. I was very aware that Draven was trying to get me to go into this room but I held myself firm and rooted to the spot. I didn't want to face this place and although I couldn't see, I could feel! That was enough for me to be terrified, because not one pair of feet that I could now see belonged to a human, at least not until I looked down at my own.

"Come with me Keira and trust me." Draven had leaned down to whisper and his words weren't the only comfort as his breath sent a security that seemed to cling to my skin and stay with me like an invisible force.

He left my hand for a second and placed it on the top of my head which he let slide down to the back and then rest on my neck, as he whispered, "Good girl" into my ear. So I let myself be led through a crowd which, if they could, would have sucked the essence right out of me and fed from my ever growing fear. It was never really explained why I was different from other humans, why they couldn't feed from my emotions or why they couldn't access my mind. Not that I was complaining but I didn't quite buy this whole "Chosen One" business that everyone seemed to preach.

As I watched the feet part, like Moses was coming in with his girlfriend in tow, I felt it wasn't only my own mental barrier that was keeping me from looking up and seeing these people for what they really were. Draven remained a constant presence in my mind keeping up his own walls of protection. I decided to tap into the feeling there and when I did I was amazed that I could for the first time detect some of Draven's thoughts. Of course, as soon as I did, I regretted it, as all I could feel was this overwhelming need of protection....But protection from what? Why bring me here if he was so scared that something bad could happen to me? What was he not telling me?

It was amazing that even though so many bodies were crammed into one s.p.a.ce they still found the room to let us pa.s.s without coming too near. I was so tempted to look up at Draven and see what it was he was doing to make this happen but knowing him I can imagine it only took one stern look and that was enough. I could hear some people mutter things as they backed away and some even bent over slightly because I could see as their knees suddenly come into view.

One woman even threw herself to the ground and starting bowing like she was praying to mecca. Of course in her low strappy top this didn't leave much to the imagination as her b.r.e.a.s.t.s kept protruding from the material every time she doubled over. I found it fascinating as to why she would behave like this at just the sight of him. I would have to ask Draven when I had chance. It was almost like she remembered him from another time...one lost to a far away history where this amount of respect was not only expected, but was demanded.

The place was bigger than I thought it was, as it was taking us a while to get through and it certainly wasn't down to the crowd. I turned back behind me just as a new song was being played and the death metal music that filled the air made the bodies join back up together after we had pa.s.sed and all the feet were now jumping and moving at such speeds it was hard to tell where one pair started and the others ended.

I could tell we were getting closer to the stage area as the music was pounding in my ears making them close to bleeding it was that loud. Luckily Draven changed directions and soon I was able to hear more than screaming words in another language. However, whether the language was human or not was another question because it sounded more Demonic than anything else.

I had a feeling that this strange expedition was coming to an end as Draven's feelings were easing up on his worries and his grip on my hand had now loosened. I saw feet approach us and felt Draven's hand leave mine completely and take a new position from behind to rest on the small of my back.

"Wait!" I let out a small gasp when I didn't actually hear the words being spoken but heard them being commanded in my head. I automatically did as I was told, because in a place like this, I wouldn't be as stupid as to be my usual stubborn self. No, for once I knew what was good for me and here I welcomed Draven's power.

To be perfectly honest with myself, it was in fact turning me on no end. His demanding and possessive behaviour towards me was sending an uncontrollable need that was causing a pool in between my inner thighs. What was it with this man and the insatiable need he created in me, even at times like this when I should be more concerned about making it out of this Demon pit with my sanity intact?

How much more could I take of the abnormal before I finally hit my limit and was pushed too far over the edge to ever make my way back? The truth of the matter was I was no longer counting myself as part of the 'normal' world that others lived in and the fact that I was more than fine with it all was more than disconcerting.

"Is everything ready?" Draven's serious voice asked someone that had stopped in front of us and from the wide, thick biker boots I was seeing I could tell it was a male.

"My lord." I saw the man's feet move back as he offered more of his body on view and I knew this action was caused from him bowing in respect as most of the others had done.

"Yes, Yes." Draven said impatiently and the man quickly straightened and carried on answering his 'Master'.

"Your usual retreat is ready and Leivic is waiting as you wished." The man's voice didn't sound a confident one and the name Leivic sounded more like lev...le...ich as he began to stutter in his nervousness. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him as it was how I usually felt around my History lecturer Reed.

"Good!" Draven's one word compelled the man to bend once more in bowing before walking away backwards. He was also muttering something in a different language but I can imagine it was something in Draven's favour.

"Come, my Keira." He said sternly but in a lighter tone than he had bestowed upon everyone else since being here. I was once again being led forward but this time with him by my side instead of being pulled along like some lost little girl just been found by an official taking me home.

Umm...Home... that seemed like a million miles away and an age ago! Suddenly I found myself with an overwhelming feeling of homesickness and a need to see English soil once more, but no, instead of that I was here....

In a Demon's secret club!

Chapter 38.

History and Harems We didn't have to go much farther but I knew I would have to pull my hood back to tackle the steps in front of me otherwise I would find myself finding the floor on a more intimate level. I was just about to move it back when one arm wound round my waist like a steel band and I felt myself being raised up. Draven was lifting me up the few steps as though I weighed no more than a kitten. I was about to start protesting at being carried at his side like a small child and say that enough was enough but in the end I didn't need to. I heard the whoosh of material being moved back and with two more steps I felt Draven stop next to me.

"Dom my friend, how long as it been?" A laidback and gentle voice spoke, taking the tense fear from my situation. Before Draven answered him he came to stand in front of me and raised his hands to lower my hood back. I looked warily up at him and saw that the short distance through the club had taken its toll on his features.

He looked tired and tense with worry. Little lines had formed around his eyes that matched the ones on his forehead from where he was still frowning. I knew it wasn't directed at me because as soon as I smiled up at him he let his eyes turn back from their angry purple to their softer black. The lines disappeared and he even let himself smile before kissing my forehead. I loved the sight of Draven's eyes getting lost in my own and it took his friend to clear his throat to draw his attention back to his situation.

"Leivic!" Draven said his name as though he was one of his dearest friends and combined with the embrace, I suspected that here stood one of Draven's most valued companions. The two men were about the same height but Leivic was of a slightly slimmer build. Both men were, of course, handsome but where Draven's features were untouched by years of scars, Leivic's wasn't.

I couldn't help the tactless gasp that escaped my lips and both men turned around to look at me. I wished that I hadn't done it but the shock of seeing such as handsome face butchered by whatever weapon had nearly split the man in two had me displaying my shock freely. The scar started at the top right side of his head and slashed across his face in a diagonal that left him with a line about half an inch thick of dead tissue, that looked whiter than white against his tanned skin. It missed his silver blue eyes and pa.s.sed through his nose making it seem to bend further to one side. It cut through half of his lip that pulled it further down to the left and as I followed it I noticed it went from his face and down his neck no doubt finishing on his shoulder. When I met his eyes again I was left feeling ashamed of myself.

"And this must be the young flower that has captured my friend's stone heart and turned it into molten lava. I can see why Dom, she holds a rare beauty only equalled to the G.o.ds, you are a lucky man, my friend." I must have blushed roses at this statement because both men were laughing heartily when they saw my reaction. I didn't know what to do at that moment so I recalled my mother's words, "When meeting new people always smile dear, hold out your hand and make eye contact," which is precisely what I did.

"I'm pleased to meet you Leivic." I said, having to clear my throat first. He took my hand as though it was made of fine china and lifted it to his scarred lips to kiss. Once seeing his kind eyes it was hard to see his handsome features that were damaged by his mighty scar. There was nothing but benevolence in his manner and his voice filled me with an ease.

"The pleasure is all mine, I can a.s.sure you, I haven't seen my friend this happy since our battling days." The thought gave me shivers. 'Draven the warrior' fit far too well for me not to get images flashing through my head of him fearlessly cutting through his victims as though nothing could stand in his way, a knife through b.u.t.ter came to mind!

"You honour us with your presence." He bowed to me and turned back to Draven who looked full of pride at showing me to his beloved friend.

"Has she arrived?" Draven asked but Leivic just shook his head and laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Have no fear, she will, but while you wait you must relax. Come, everything has been prepared for you." It was the first time I started to take in my surroundings and noticed that this part of the club was private. Only a few people were back here and the only thing separating the rest of the club from this room was a wall of crimson curtains. They were thick but at the same time could be seen through. Like some magic window that kept distorting and rippling like water but still allowing us to see out into the crowd.

I suspected that we could see out but they couldn't see in. The people in this room were what consisted of the VIP and their servants. The raised s.p.a.ce was lined with square booths that held large floor cushions which made up sunset coloured beds. Deep reds, vibrant pinks, golden yellows and burnt oranges filled the room with an eastern feel. Smoke coming from hookah pipes clung to the air and mixed with oil lamps smelling of different spices floated to my nostrils.

Some of the booths had couples doing more than talking and I shamefully looked away at the naked body parts. Others were getting their entertainment from dancing beauties in long flowing skirts and jewelled tops that barely covered their b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

Although while getting through the crowd the music had been deafening here, just behind the curtained wall, it was only a mild humming. I was almost wishing for it to be just as loud once again because then the sounds of pleasure filled moans wouldn't have been making me turn scarlet. I turned away from the sound but not quick enough to avoid seeing the four naked bodies entwined together, looking as though they were filmed for a p.o.r.n channel.

I heard Draven let out a guttural laugh and as I glanced up at him I noted the amused look on his face, no doubt due to my uncomfortable reactions to this strange place. I was starting to understand that the world of the supernatural was even more s.e.x driven than the human one, if that was possible!

"Come!" Draven's voice was a husky command in my ear, making the s.e.xual tension between us close to snapping apart, whiplashing at my senses until his lips claimed mine. I thought this room would have me shying away from such feelings but the tingling in between my legs had me facing the facts.

No matter where we were or what we were doing, one command in that s.e.xy voice of his was all it took. He curled his fingers around the top of my arm and led me to our own private, cloaked booth. The square of vibrant colour was bigger than the rest and seemed more secure from prying eyes that were to be invading our every move. s.e.x entwined bodies stopped momentarily as we walked past and one pair of eyes even peered over the nipple they were currently pleasuring.

Instead of moans of satisfaction there were now murmurs of shock and disbelief. I suddenly felt more exposed than these naked people, as though I was walking myself through a dream or a nightmare...it was so surreal.

"Ignore them." I looked up to find that Draven's eyes were intently worried on my face and before I could utter a word he swung me around so that I was hidden by his body. He then walked me backwards with a carefully placed hand steadying me at the small of my back. Taking one last step was all it took to make me fall backwards onto the bed of pillows. He grabbed my hand before I landed to lower me down gently and then turned back to speak to his friend.

"Give us a moment alone." His friend smiled at him and then c.o.c.ked his head round Draven's large frame to give me a wink before departing. I couldn't help smiling at the expression on Leivic's face, like a mischievous little boy that knew his friend wanted to be naughty!

"Find something amusing?" Draven's voice brought me out of my daft grin that I was sporting.

"I like your friend." At this he raised one eyebrow and gave me a quizzical stare.

"What?" I said in defence but this made him growl and I let out a little yelp as he grabbed me under my knees and pulled me under his body.

"Tough s.h.i.t... you're mine!" At this his lips finally claimed mine and the curtained material floated around us, hiding away our heated bodies that were being overwhelmed with the s.e.xual electricity we were producing.

I wanted to tell him no, wait, slowdown...anything to make him stop so that I could clear my head but the other part of me, my l.u.s.t, wasn't agreeing with me. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I didn't want Draven doing this to me but here, surrounded by a room full of h.o.r.n.y demons and angels all getting their kicks by watching us!

I think he could tell what I was thinking because he seemed to be doing all the work. One hand was holding most of his weight above me, while the other was exploring my upper body and quickly unfastening my jacket to make exploring easier. He then abruptly stopped kissing my lips to look at me. I opened my eyes at the movement and found him frowning.

"Keira?" He said my name as to prompt me into telling him what was wrong but even now, that frown of his sent b.u.t.terflies cascading to my stomach. Like when you were a child and you had done something naughty in cla.s.s and been sent to the headmaster's office about it. It's the feeling when you're stood outside his door waiting to be reprimanded. It was like that when Draven looked at me the way he was doing now. Would I ever get used to the masterly figure as my equal? I surely hoped so.

"It's just..." Was all I could manage in my shyest voice. This made his frown crumble and a soft smile replace it. He then let his body relax to the side of me and I wondered if his arm ached at all from holding all his weight on it for so long? It sure didn't seem like it. He ran soft fingers across my cheek and smiled at me.

"Keira, there is no need to be embarra.s.sed. I wouldn't allow anyone to see us. I would never share you with anyone which includes seeing you like this. h.e.l.l if I could get away with hiding you away forever, for my eyes only, I would but I fear you would think it a little barbaric." I laughed.

"A little?" I mocked making him just shrug.

"If I had found you in a different time I might have been able to get away with it, but now...in these modern times, I doubt harems would be acceptable." I could tell he was teasing me but I still reacted the way he wanted me to. I let out a screech of disbelief and punched him on the arm that probably felt like I was gently lifting lint from his sleeve. He laughed and I tried to keep the anger on my face.

"Harem is it! Well, you're welcome to it, just don't expect me to be there lined up with the other desperate mistresses waiting for a turn at a royal roll in the sack!" I was fuming after I had finished my little speech and Draven knew why!

"Desperate?" He said raising an eyebrow with an amused look in his deep eyes. This time I was the one to just shrug my shoulders not wanting to give him more fuel to play with.

"Royal roll in the...Sack was it?" He was clearly enjoying himself and I rolled my eyes and moved to get up, trying to put some distance between us and his wandering hands, that he hadn't removed from my body this entire conversation.

I know I was acting a bit spoilt but I couldn't help the green eyed monster that was seeping its way into my brain's functions. I couldn't get the pictures of beautiful women all lay around waiting to pleasure Draven. Aurora being head of the pack!

I shifted and tried to sit up but Draven was quick and much stronger than I. His arm flashed across my body and forced me back down with little effort. He then moved his body on top of me and pinned my arms above my head.

"And where do you think you're going little one?" He was still smiling and I was still showing my anger despite what being pinned down by the worlds s.e.xiest man was doing to my nether regions. I started to wriggle and when his manhood pressed closer to me I stopped, realising what my movements where causing. My frown was quickly replaced with surprise and a bitten lip. He took note of what my teeth were doing to my lips and his eyes flashed purple with hunger.

"That looks tasty... here let me help you with that," and then he dived into my lips so quickly his words died on my skin. He took my bottom lip into his mouth and sucked it up before running his teeth over the inside, making them quiver and turn hypersensitive.

He released my wrists but began desperately searching out the skin underneath my sweater dress. He growled when unconsciously my hips raised and met his groin in eager response. His reaction led him to lay more of his weight upon me and he forced his tongue into my mouth to claim more of me. His kiss kept getting deeper until my chest heaved and I was soon panting for air. He felt my body arching and instantly calmed his responses. That was the first time I had seen Draven lose his control if only for one second and it had me wondering what s.e.x would be like if he ever did lose complete control?

I could see his jaw tensing and his eyes closed like he was fighting the demon inside of him. His hands were shaking over my body and then they tensed into tight fists taking handfuls of my clothes into them. He looked like he was close to losing his inner battle and would soon rip them to shreds. Part of me wished he would!

"Draven," I asked nervously and my voice seemed to have a soothing effect as he released my clothes and began to breathe again unlike before when he had been holding his breath for the longest time. He opened his eyes which were now back to their endless, black pools of emotion. He could see that once again I was back to biting my lip and his lips curved into a devilish grin.