A wave of energy ran through her meridians at unimaginable speed, swiftly seeking to fill every gap in her body. One by one her limbs came back to life and she sucked in air greedily. Along with the life came thoughts and emotions that weren't hers. The Wraith was inside her mind. He didn't intrude on her thoughts, he simply said "Now that your worst fear has come true you have nothing more to fear. You have almost died, now you will finally be able to relax."
She felt a serene peace and happiness welling up inside her, she even felt giddy, in folly her mind started to circle the Wraith's consciousness, daring him to catch her. She could feel his amusement, then, faster than the blink of an eye, his mind had caught hers, letting her struggle shortly before setting her free again.
He is playing with me, she realised. It's a game.
Their minds continued their dance, he allowed her to get short glimpses of his thoughts and emotions whenever they made contact. She felt his interest, the interest a cat shows when playing with a mouse. She found she no longer cared that she was the mouse, she took excitement and fun in finding new ways to keep the cat interested in her. Her mind flitted and swirled around his and she felt overjoyed and alive. She came teasingly close and got caught again, his mind embraced hers. For the first time she could feel the sensations which were directly connected to his body, she felt his desire which still needed to be satisfied and she sobered up. It dawned on her that soon her body would be fully restored and she would have to deal with the physical existence of the Wraith who just nearly killed her.
Sensing her reluctance his mind wrapped itself around hers, now radiating impatience. What else do I have to do, human? I am beginning to ask myself if you are worth all this effort. She felt his growing annoyance but she felt something else, he was telling the truth about his intentions. He didn't want to kill her nor did he want to harm her on purpose. He simply liked to play and he considered her to be physically attractive. He suffered from stress and needed a way to relieve himself of the tension. That was why she was here. Nothing more and nothing less.
The wonderful sensation of life flowing back into her body ebbed away and she felt him withdraw his hand from her chest, leaving her to deal with all the new impressions, the telepathic link was gone and she felt alone all of a sudden. Dizziness made her slump forward, directly into his arms. Now, that's a mean trick, she thought confused.
She didn't flinch as his hands began to explore the curves of her body, slowly but firmly. She didn't enjoy it but she didn't fear it anymore. Not knowing what to do with her own hands she placed them lightly on his shoulders. Meaning business he shoved her gently towards the bed, undressing her swiftly on the way. It would be easier to stop an avalanche than a determined Wraith, she thought with gallows humour.
His claws were now moving over her bare skin but apparently he took care not to squeeze her too tightly. Although she remained indifferent to his rough caresses he on the other hand seemed to take pleasure, his face was buried in the curve of her neck and his breathing quickened. He undressed himself, using more force than necessary, almost tearing his clothes apart and she got glimpses of swirly black tattoos which covered his torso. Then he was bending over her, making her body arch backwards until she was forced to lie down. She didn't know what to expect and tensed up again instinctively as he lowered his body upon hers.
It hurt, but not as much as she had feared. The after effects of the gift kept her relaxed enough to endure it, but not more. She remained passive, waiting for it to be over. He didn't talk to her and he didn't kiss her nor did he show any sign of affection. She was glad about that, and she was glad that he kept his promise to not handle her too roughly although she could sense that he had to restrain himself, especially as his movements became more urgent. She gasped in surprise as he growled deeply all of a sudden and she felt a sting of pain as he sank his sharp teeth into her neck.
He took some seconds to rest and get his breath back before he rolled over, allowing her to breathe again too.
"You may leave now if you wish," he told her drowsily.
If you wish... Did she wish to leave? Hell, yes! Leave him, leave this room, leave this whole damned hiveship! ... Ah! But there was the problem that she couldn't leave. Where should she go? Her home, her family, her friends, all were gone. Taken from her by the Wraith and she knew she should hate the green demons for what they had done. She should hate herself for what she had become – a slave, a whore – but that was not the way she lead her life.
She had always gotten up again if life had pulled her down and she stuck to that attitude with stubborness. So, think again, do you want to leave or do you want to take chances with this Wraith? She closed her eyes and thought of the telepathic game they had shared. You like playing games? Me too. I might surprise you.
She summoned up all courage and leant on her elbow, looking at him, waiting for him to give her his full attention. As he looked up at her she announced simply "I will stay".
The slow smile crept over his face again. He had closed one eye and gave the lifelike impression of a cat who has just found a bowl of cream. He moved a hand and the lights went out, probably caused by the motion. She squinted into the darkness but couldn't see anything. Suddenly he was beside her and turned her around so that she ended up with her back curled against his body. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close and whispered in her ear "So be it".
Even after it was obvious that he was asleep she didn't unwrap from his embrace. Instead she concentrated on feeling his warmth, his heartbeat and his breath against her back and she wondered how a being that was so utterly different from a human could feel so familiar. What kind of game am I playing now? By what rules? She kept watching the silent blurs of hyperspace until she drifted into an uneasy sleep.
