Heart of Darkness

Rayven had heard bits and pieces of Angelica and William's conversation and the part about the mating bond stuck with him. She raised some valid questions which he hadn't explained clearly. Maybe because he already knew there would be no mating between them anytime soon and didn't stress the matter.

Unlike other human demon mates, they didn't get the chance to spend a lot of time together and do some real bonding before mating. She was right. The mating would do no magic. It would only act as a seal to what bond between them already existed and it could only be sealed if the bond was strong enough and they were fully committed to each other. Body, heart, and soul. If they didn't have a strong bond then there would be nothing to seal.

He looked at the stubborn woman standing beside him while remembering William's words. This woman was used to taking care of people, only relying on herself and keeping her emotions to herself. It was her defense and her comfort. It was a deeply rooted habit. Just like he had to scar himself or go to the darkness of his room to find comfort.

No one knew more than him how hard habits were to break. Just like she helped him and was patient with him he would have to help her and be patient. But patience wasn't his strongest quality so he decided to do some real work instead. He would chase her this time, fight her and defeat her. He would strip her off her armor and make her surrender to him. Just like she did with him.

"Shall we go inside?" she said and turned to walk in.

Rayven followed her to see where she was going. She was heading toward her room. He followed her inside and she turned to him.

"Do you want to sleep here?" she asked him with a smile.

He looked around the room, his eyes falling on the two large chests. He went and picked up one before teleporting it to his room. He came back and began to take her things one by one to his room.

She watched him appear and disappear with a look of confusion on her face. "What are you doing?" she asked.

This time he went and picked her up. She gasped. "My Lord, what…"

Before she could finish talking he teleported her to his room. He placed her on his bed beneath him.

Angelica stared at him wide-eyed and he could hear her rapidly beating heart. He stared back at her, her hair spread like sun rays against his black bedsheets.

"Let's be a husband and wife now," he said.

Her heart skipped a beat and she swallowed. She was probably thinking that they would consummate the marriage now but he didn't want her to do anything with him out of obligation. He wanted her willing. He wanted her to long for him, to long for his touch and know that she did. He wanted no confusion there.

Angelica tensed and closed her eyes when he leaned closer, but he didn't bring his lips to her mouth. Instead, he let them brush against her cheek. She shivered when he came to her ear.

"Don't worry. Tonight I will only kiss you," he murmured.

He dragged his lips across her jaw and then their mouths met in a kiss that started soft and slow. Their lips moved together in a sensual dance as he lowered his body against hers. She sighed in response and he kissed her more urgently, sucking and nibbling on her lips. She writhed beneath him causing him to groan in a painful pleasure.

Rayven stopped kissing her lips and moved down to her neck. Angelica tensed again but he assured her by adorning her neck with gentle kisses until she relaxed. He laved her neck while rubbing his hips against hers coaxing a moan from her lips. Rayven stiffened. God, he didn't know if he was teasing her or himself.

He pulled back and looked at her flushed face. "Wear something comfortable," he told her. "I will go bring a book."

He left her behind, taking a walk to the library to calm down. This teasing game he would lose. Rayven picked any book from the shelf before going back to his room.

Angelica had already undressed and wore her chemise to bed. She sat waiting for him half-covered with the blanket. Her heartbeat echoed in the room together with his. Rayven put fire in the hearth with a thought while he slowly made his way to the bed.

He tossed the book on the bed, then began to remove his belt and shirt. "I like to sleep naked," he told her when her eyes widened.

She nodded.

Rayven kept his trousers on for tonight and got into bed. He grabbed the book before lying down.

"Do you want me to read for you or do you want me to hold you?"

She remained quiet for a moment before she spoke, "both."

Rayven opened one arm for her. She moved closer and rested her head on his arm near his shoulder. Once this torture ended and he claimed her in every way, this bed would be where she would spend most of her time. With him.

"Did your meeting with Skender go well?" He asked her.

She nodded. "Yes, but I didn't find any clues."

"Don't worry about it anymore," he said.

He would meet Constantine and take care of it.

"Is it safe for you to go outside? You might be in danger because of me," she said.

He couldn't be locked at home forever but going out, Constantine could certainly find him. But why didn't he attack him? It would be easier to get his hands on Angelica if she had no one to protect her.

Maybe he already knew how to get what he wanted without a fight.

"I am the one who put you in danger," he said.

"Just stay at home," she told him.

He kissed her forehead but didn't promise her that.