Past Ties

  Kiev's POV

  Clenching hands at my sides I marched down the long stoned hallway feeling the sting of betrayal with every step I took forward. Eyes set ahead at the twin gold lined chamber doors as the fury of tonight's events pouring out the sides of his rigid posture, burning holes in anyone who dared glance in his way. He was furious. No, that one word couldn't justify the pent up anger within him. No one word could sum up how he felt in that moment he noticed the blonde boy kissing Harper. Being pulled out of the sexual trance only to see no one but four strangers suckling on his prey. The frustration of having his feeding interrupted was something he could have handled but to see other beings -enslaved demons- indulging on his feast was a different story.

  His lip curled, a growl bubbling in his chest at the command given by their king. As if he were a mere halfling who needed assistance when feeding. The huntress was more than some could handle that he had to admit. She was sexually starved, stubborn, and much more sensual than he had first expected. Her refusal to fall for his charm wasn't surprising to him, it was common when a slave was new their master but Kiev hadn't expected her to be so willing to lean into his touch or want him without a bit of persuasion. He almost grinned recalling how she had given herself to him earlier tonight when he had barely placed her under his trace, he knew a large part of her wanted his touch. He knew she wouldn't openly admit it but tonight proved the huntress felt an attraction towards him.

Tempting. He scoffed at the word she used to describe him earlier tonight. Although when he dropped her off at her apartment she recoiled from him, the hazy, lustful look in her eyes long gone. His brows pulled together at the reminder of her mood swings. One minute hot and the next cold. Tonight proved she felt physically attracted to him, he barely had her under his control when her own feelings burst through the bonded link.

  Shaking his head clear of all thoughts concerning the huntress Kiev steeled his expression and with one hand effortlessly shoved the half ton doors open. The ten foot doors swung open with such force they bounced off the walls barely missing Kiev as he stormed into the large oval room. His eyes narrowed at the large figure bent over a square table his expression somber as he read from the large paper laying before him. The two figures on either side of the table turned to face in his direction, hands at the hilt of the guns tucked under the leather belt tied around her waist. Their hands halted as they noticed who had stormed into the king's private quarter.

"Leave us." Kiev shouted. His gaze remained on the man in front of him as both men dressed in black scrambled around Kiev and out the door.

Sighing the king shook his head and lifted his gaze, his dark hair sliding away from his gray skin and revealing the worn and wrinkled face. "Kiev." He sighed exhausted. "What are you doing here? I didn't expect you till tomorrow."

Holding his gaze Kiev stepped forward, watching the older man straighten his bent posture as he approached him. "You came by Sinful today." Kiev stated as he circled the the table.

Nodding, the king's shoulders tensed "You're here because of the girl." His voice held a disgusted tone that didn't go unnoticed.

"I'm here because you intervened in my plans and devised one behind my back." Kiev shot back.

His eyes flashed a dangerous shade of crimson "What exactly was your plan Kiev? Fück her in front of a crowd and take her home like she's your prey for the week." He mocked the original plan Kiev had planned for the night.

Grinding his teeth Kiev had to remind himself who he was talking to. Remind himself the king wasn't himself lately. Not only has he had a drastic physical change over these past few weeks, his emotional health had declined as well. Mood swings were common for the quickly aging man before him, raging and tossing things one minute and the next he would lock himself in his room for hours at a time. His mental state wasn't fairing too well either. Kiev recalled the scene from last week when he had one of the servants in a chokehold while accusing them of treason. Everyone was out for him, sneaking behind his back or had already concocted a plan to overthrow him. In a way he wasn't wrong.

Rumors were spreading like wildfire about the king's health, people amongst the council were planning a rebellious attack in the upcoming weeks. Kiev had already stopped two threats to the order of their world but he couldn't stop every threat. He couldn't deny that he had gotten lucky with the last one but that luck wouldn't last forever.

"We discussed the plan.." Kiev said through gritted teeth "You agreed that I should take her to the club and take advantage of her while she's in her sedated state."

"That was before I sat on my bed alone thinking about what her and her people have taken from me." He hissed, taking a menacing step forward. "They took everything from me."

Nodding Kiev knew nothing that could calm the hatred burning in his dark ruby like eyes. No words could heal the deep gash that festered within their king, nothing could ease his pain. Their people's pain. The hunters' had crossed a line.

"No one knows your pain like me but we must stick to the original plan. The huntress plays a large part in this. If you want what was yours back you must trust me."

"Of course I trust you." He barked harshly "But when you're running around fücking that huntress like a virgin who just discovered sëx I doubt you have your head on straight."

"I'm trying to follow the plan." Kiev swiftly defended.

  Rolling his eyes the elder man circled the large wooden table, forgetting the large blueprint laying open. "Are you Kiev? Really?" 

Kiev sensed the mocking tone in his voice, sensing the trap he was laying out for him. "Yes, I am." Kiev responded curtly.

He cocked his head to the side, lips curling over his bared teeth. With slow, leisured steps he made his way down the short three steps to where Kiev stood tense and awaiting the blow that was inevitable.

"Tonight you were suppose to bring her to the club -under your control and humiliate her in front of everyone there. She was suppose to get fucked ten ways to Sunday and dumped like trash on the sofa, used and broken." He began, his icy glare challenging me to disagree with what he had discussed two days ago.

"That's exactly what I was going to do." I all but growled. My fists clenched at my sides, my frustration quickly rising.

"Liar!" He yelled, his features darkening with the rage that oozed to the surface.

"I was leading her towards that stage when your men interrupted."

"Nowhere in the plan did I tell you to conceal her identity, that was your idea.  That was all you! Why did you hide her?!" He said, his voice rising.

"It was easier to-"

"Bullshít!" He growled, his voice vibrating in the room. A large shadow slithering across the stoned floor caught Kiev's attention, looking down he wasn't surprised to see the dark tentacle like arms wrapped around the king's body, the shadow figures pushing him off the ground.

  Immediately Kiev's defenses rose to the surface, his hands balled at his sides as he felt the true demon inside attempting claw its way out to the surface. The cold wave flowed over him as he felt his extended shadow self parting from him. Preparing for a fight should there be one. The tension was thick in the room as both men glared at the other, both awaiting the others next move. A silent stare down. Kiev narrowed his eyes as the king turned, his shadows curling around his legs with a low hissing sound. Taking slow, measured steps he circled Kiev.

"Do you remember the day you came to me with this plan? You told me I could trust you to pull this through, that you had this planned down to every possible fumble. I believed you then because I had no reason to doubt you, I knew you wouldn't let me down. I never doubted you, till now."

Frustrated with his spoken doubts Kiev felt his shoulders tense, his jaw clenching at the honesty. He remembered that moment well. Kiev had just discovered what the hunters had done and had been beyond angry. It wasn't an attack on just their king but it was a vicious attack on the entire demon community. With a heavy heart the king ordered a raid of all hunter homes and regular hangouts. He wanted blood and no one blamed him but that wouldn't work. Attacking the hunters would cause a chain link reaction that would end with a severe punishment and the death of their king. The head council of witches wouldn't allow an attack like that to go unpunished. That was when Kiev had thought of it. They would use their laws and those of the hunter's to get revenge and take back what was theirs. Even if the head council discovered their plan it would be within both worlds' laws.

"Rest assured I haven't strayed from the original goal." Kiev defended.

"Not yet, but you have started to." He responded, his dark eyes flashing a dangerous blood red. There was no mistaking the danger behind his hooded gaze. "You gave her the crystal to keep her home free of any supernatural being, you allowed a few details to slip to the witch knowing their close bond, let's not even mention that scene outside of the fast food restaurant."

Kiev flexed his fingers watching as the shadows surrounding him growled revealing his inner frustration with the situation. He hadn't realized anyone knew what had happened outside of the White Castle. Truth was he didn't know what came over him, he had intended to tease her, to allow her to crave him and his touch but something had come over him. It left him feeling vulnerable and angry with himself for allowing his desire to take the drivers' seat tonight.

"Everything I've done has been for the sake of the cause and I don't appreciate you doubting my loyalty to you." Kiev forced out past gritted teeth.

A long hissing sound echoed in the empty room, the Kings' expression turned murderous as his large body grew darker with the newfound shadows that had slid along side the other unrecognizable shadowy figures. The long paused silence that followed added to the tension quickly forming between the two demons. Kiev held his ground, refusing to cower beneath his brooding stare but rather meeting him with steel like determination. The seconds ticked by neither one backing down making Kiev wonder when or if this showdown would end with a fight. The thought of fighting his king wasn't one he particularly relished, especially considering the topic of their disagreement. Harper.

With a sigh the Kings' shoulders sagged taking Kiev by surprise. Like a match blown out the shadowy figures dashed away as quickly as they came and the Kings' large figure crumpled. Forgetting all that had just happened Kiev was at his side and caught him by the shoulders before draping his limp arm across his own shoulders. Gone was his anger and frustration and in its place Kiev felt a twinge of concern as he examined his leaders' grey tinted skin, taking note of his hallow cheeks. He seemed worst than when he saw him yesterday, he was frailer as well.

"Why do you always have to fight me?" the king croaked weakly

"No more fighting." Kiev sighed as he helped to the large burgundy throne behind them. Lifting him over the short stairs Kiev set him down on the throne watching closely as the king slumped in the large chair.

With one frail, trembling hand the king leaned on the arm rest, raising his glossy gaze up to meet his. With the rage wiped clean from them his dark eyes glistened with sorrow, his internal pain evident as his guard was momentarily down. "I can't do this much longer Kiev, I'm so tired." He admitted in a quiet voice. "Sometimes when I'm alone I wonder if it would be best to end this under my terms."

"Don't speak that way." Kiev scolded as he dropped to one knee. He met those dark forest eyes and took hold of one cold, thin hand in his own. "You have my word that what was yours will return to you."

With a weak nod the king heaved a heavy sigh "I know you are trying and I never did doubt your loyalty."

One corner of Kiev's lips quirked upwards at the hidden apologize he had received, it was as close as any apology he would be getting for now.

Turning his gaze back to him the Kings was now somber as his thin fingers squeezed Kiev's. "I want you to move on to the next step. I have already sent word to our team in Scotland to move forward with the next phase. That means you only have a few weeks to prepare."

Kiev remained silent as he took in the newfound information. He hadn't expected to hear they were moving on to the next phase so soon. He had originally planned a months gap before they continued forward but seeing the Kings' current declining health he knew it was the right thing to do. Everything was being set for a months time when they would get revenge on those who wronged them. Yet Kiev felt a sense of dread as he thought of the weeks to come. The physical and mental change of the king was profound lately. The burden of moving forward weighed heavy on Kiev's shoulders, the life of his leader, his mentor laid in his hands. There would be no room for failure in the upcoming weeks.

"Kiev, I'm trusting you."

The Kings' voice abruptly pulled him from his thoughts. Lifting his head he gave a curt nod, knowing his duty to his people, to his king came before anything else. With the full intent to keep his word and reassure his king Kiev spoke in a clear voice, void of any emotion. "I won't let you down, brother."

****************

Harper's POV

 
This isn't real.

  Harper dragged in a shaky breath, her eyes wide with fright as she stared at the squirming body sprawled less then two feet away. Her eyes swept over the pool of blood trickling towards her, the crimson color soaking into the beige rug below her trembling feet he metallic smell drifted around the room, tickling her nostril. Her gaze swept over the bare pale legs stained with blood, past the torn fabric of the woman's pants and above her shredded leather top. Heart pounding Harper immediately recognized the scene before as her eyes swept over the woman's tousled black hair and above to her outstretched hand. She shook her head, her bottom lip trembling as she met the woman's tear filled eyes as she silently begged for help. Her fingers flexing in search for the hunting knife just inches from her blood coated hands.

    'Help her....'

A voice hissed as Harper stared aimlessly at the dark figure that had just appeared behind the woman. Her heart sank as she watched the figure glide forward, a darkness surrounding him as he stood over her. Lifting his head the shadow flashed her a gleaming smile as he squatted down beside the woman. Harper held her breath for what was to come, her shaking hands lifting up to cover her mouth to keep the scream from escaping but as she did so she felt a warm, wet substance across her bottom lip. Puzzled she glanced down at her fingers and gasped. Blood covered her fingers, her wrists and most of her arm. Shaking her head she took a step back "No." she whispered in disbelief.

Vigorously wiping the blood with her t-shirt Harper knew it was pointless yet she continued to scrub but the blood didn't fade or show any signs of disappearing. Tears welled in her eyes as she lifted her head only to see the woman and the shadowy figure gone. The blood was gone, soaked rug, everything was gone.

  Taking a cautious step backwards Harper blinked confusingly at the now empty space before her when a pair of hands rested on her shoulders. With a startled gasp Harper whipped around, twisting away from the hands gripping her trembling shoulders.

"Surprised to see me so soon?"

Releasing a breath she hadn't realized she was holding Harper placed a hand across her pounding heart, relieved to see Kiev and not the monster that haunted her dreams. It was only when Harper bent her head that she noticed her hands were no longer caked in blood. Lifting her head she noticed the room had changed from her old home back in the main hunters' house to a plain velvety purple room that was lined with small twinkling lights across the ceiling.

  Blowing out an exasperated breath Harper ignored the rapid thumping of her heart. "How long have you been here?" She asked, now aware that this was a dream.

"Not long." He answered with a lazy roll of his shoulders. "I showed up when this place went dark so I brightened it up." he added with a lopsided grin.

Squinting, she tried to determine if he was telling the truth but it was difficult. He was smiling yet his eyes held a hardness in them that betrayed the mirth he tried pushing forward. Deciding to ignore the minor detail Harper stepped away from his outstretched arms.

"Really?" he snorted.

Fixing him with a sideways glare she folded her arms across her chest, hoping to hide her trembling hands from sight. "Did you expect me to run into your arms after what you did?"

The fear from moments ago was pushed to the back burner as the fuzzy scene from earlier this evening played over in her mind. Rekindling her disgust and anger when she finally sat in bed and attempted to piece the night together. He did something to her, she didn't know what it was but she knew it was some sort of mind control. She could only recall the night in third person, almost as if she was watching a stranger doing those things.

"You made me out to be a whöre." She spat, the humiliation flooding back in waves. "You brought those men out to-to- fück me! Were they your friends?! Did they ask for a piece of what you were getting? Huh? Is that it? Did you decide on sharing your knew huntress whöre?"

With a short sigh he dropped his arms back to his side "That wasn't me..."

"Oh really?" Harper snorted in mock amusement. Tightening her grip around her elbows she attempted to reel in her emotions that seemed to be running wild. The confusion after the club, the pure terror of this dream mixed in with her original feelings towards Kiev left her struggling to gain control of her emotions. What was it that Elena called her aura....mucky.

"Did they know what I am? Did they want to join in on the fun?" Harper asked rhetorically "Why give me the sage if everyone knew who I was? Why do any of this? Nothing makes sense about you and this .... deal."

"I was trying to keep your identity hidden." Kiev argued. His tone flat and void of any emotion only adding to her frustration.

"Am I suppose to believe you?" She asked, arms dropping to her sides as her fists clenched in anger.

Her eyes welled with unshed tears as she looked unblinkingly into his twin orbs of onyx. His expression holding little to no emotion had her gritting her teeth, beyond pissed off at this point. Here she was barely holding onto her emotions, she was hanging by a damn thread and he was standing there staring aimlessly at her as if they were talking about the fücking weather. It infuriated her to no end to see him standing there so damn calm and cool. Grinding her teeth to keep from saying another word Harper twisted around done with the conversation.

"Stop."

The command echoed around her and she half expected her body to pause in mid step, for her legs to glue to the ground but they didn't. Her legs continued forward and Harper thought that maybe he had no control over her in this state. As the thought entered her mind she felt a hand on her elbow. Struggling his hand off Harper shook her head, feeling his presence close behind her but refused to see how close he was. She wouldn't turn around, wouldn't stop or care that she had no where to go since she was asleep. There was no escaping Kiev unless she awoke from this nightmare.

"Do not turn away from me."

   His gruff, masculine tone sent a shiver down her spine, the dangerous warning clear behind his words. Squaring her shoulders Harper decided to ignore him altogether, why should she indulge him during one of his many mood swings? She had barely taken a step when she felt his long fingers close around her arms, his fingers digging into her bare skin. With a sharp hiss Harper attempted to pull away from his painful grip when she was yanked violently around to face a face filled with fury.

  Despite her determination to stand her ground Harper shrunk away from his scowling face, avoiding his dangerously shimmering coal like eyes. With a harsh gulp she set her eyes on his mouth, his full lips pulled back into a menacing snarl that revealed his sharp glistening teeth.

"I'm in no mood for your attitude huntress."

  Gathering her courage Harper tilted her chin up in defiance, hoping her eyes didn't reflect the twinge of fear she felt beneath the surface. "I am not your punching bag and as I recall you have no right to be angry. You barged into my dream, into my life and let's not forget the orgy scene you set up earlier."

With a animalistic growl he leaned forward, his hot breath fanning her cheeks. "I told you I didn't set that up."

  Rolling her eyes Harper squirmed in his steel like grip in vain, his fingers held her in place. Wincing at the full pain in her upper arms Harper huffed in frustration. Her only hope of escaping was if she woke up.

"The more you fight me the worse it'll be."

  Lifting her gaze up to his Harper wondered if his words held a double meaning, did he mean resisting him now or in general? "I'm trapped to be your sëx doll for the next decade, how much worse can it get." Harper snapped back venomously.

A muscle in his jaw twitched before he responded "Your moans during sëx don't exactly reflect your misery." He pointed out bluntly.

   Gritting her teeth Harper bites back a string of curses as her cheeks grow warm with the embarrassment of her actions while he touches her. Sensing her silent retreat Kiev continues knowing had a point. His lips curve into a devilish grin "Maybe you need to be taught a lesson to appreciate my kindness."

  Snorting Harper rolled her eyes "Yeah, you've been a real saint."

  As if to prove his point he drags me flush against his body, molding his toned body against my softer one. His hips jerk forward pressing against her torso, his eréction evident as it dug into her belly. Pressing her hands to his chest Harper gave a mighty push to no prevail.

  His grin widened at her futile effort to put some distance between them. "I'm going to make you beg for my touch, beg for sweet relief."

"Never!"

With a guttural laugh he released one of her arms, his long fingers gripping her chin as he lowered his face to hers. "You will beg for me to touch you." As he spoke his other hand dropped from her other arm and fell between their bodies, his warm palm cupping her sëx. Gasping Harper pulled back only to have him mimic her movement, his hold on her tightening as her lower abdominal tightened at his touch. Already aroused by his touch.

"You will beg for me to kiss you." He added as his mouth hovered above hers, his full lips barely grazing hers teasingly. "Yearn for me to lay you down and kiss you from head to toe, suckle your flushed skin, spread your soft thighs apart and feast on your arousal." He whispered hoarsely.

  Gulping nervously Harper felt her hips buckle against his hand below, her mind reeling as erotic images plagued her. Well aware of her reaction his words Kiev caressed her lips with his, in a feather like kiss. "You my dear huntress will starve for my mouth, hands and other parts..." Without warning Kiev removed his hand from her throbbing pùssy, replacing it with his stiff cóck.

His hips twisted, rubbing his erection against her aching core. With a moan Harper jerked forward, arms rising to grip his hips and press him closer when Kiev unexpectedly pulled away with a mocking laugh. Puzzled Harper dropped her arms to her side and met his shimmering gaze.

"I'm going to make you suffer, Harper." he threatened, although it sounded more like a promise. With that Kiev vanished taking the source of light with him, his laughter echoing in the now dark room.