A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
WARNING: LEMON, MODERATE LANGUAGE.
Chapter 6: Suffering in Silence
Heat gazed longingly at the woman that he held in his arms. His eyes scanned through her. Her skin had many bruises and marks…her chest bled profusely. An unpleasant feeling was growing in his gut. He did all that to her.
Another part of him sneered, 'The bitch deserved it.'
Dismissing the annoying voice, Heat held the woman closer to his chest and stood. He walked over to her bed and set her on it carefully. She moaned in her sleep and he continued to look at her. She was bloody, beaten…and broken.
He tore his gaze from her and walked over to her closet. He took out a large pajama top and walked back to the woman of his affections. He sat by the bed and touched the wound by her chest. It was still bleeding. She slightly winced but remained asleep nonetheless.
He then took a piece of her torn robe and folded it neatly. He then walked into her bathroom and rinsed it. His hand reached for her medicine cabinet and pulled out a small bottle of antiseptic. He walked back to the woman. Heat sat on her bed and gently patted the cloth of the wound. She winced again and he immediately withdrew the cloth from the wound. She soon relaxed and he resumed his task.
Within the next few minutes, Heat cleaned the wound on Argilla's chest and applied the antiseptic. He looked at the wound closely; his atma mark laid there.
He was sorry. He was sorry that she had to hurt the way she was now. He was sorry that there were many bruises on her body. He was sorry that he was the one that made her cry.
But then his selfish side resurfaced.
He wasn't sorry that he was the one here with her now. He wasn't sorry that he made her his. He wasn't sorry that he carved his symbol on her body. He wasn't sorry that he forced her to accept him.
No. He wanted her and only her. It wasn't about Serph or his ambitions. It was just about her. He wanted her; not because Serph wanted her, but because he himself wanted her…for being herself.
He caressed her face, "Argilla…I…I love…you…"
He knew that she couldn't hear him. But then again, he really didn't want her to hear that anyway. Heat put the pajama top on her lithe body with all the gentleness that he could muster. He then draped the blanket on her body. She was his now…he was a stone's throw away until he could finally call her as his true mate. Of course, if that were to happen, he wouldn't get there by undergoing standard procedure. Oh no…he had forced her to accept him. But whatever it was, the only thing that mattered was that she accepted him and she accepted him willingly…willingly through force. He chuckled at the oxymoron. Ah…the power of blackmail. She wouldn't dare go against him.
He had her now.
Heat then grabbed his clothes and put them on. With his emotions now in check and his desires and ambitions at the forefront, his eyes grew cold at the sight of her.
"I may love you…but that doesn't mean I won't control you."
With those words, he left her room.
xxxxx
Argilla awoke to find piercing pain in between her legs. She struggled to open her eyes but failed. She was having a severe headache. She brought her hand to touch her head and hissed in pain as she touched it. There was a large bruise on the left side of her head.
She bit her lip but as she did even that, she felt pain. She groaned. She felt pain almost everywhere in her body. She struggled to get up as she forced her eyes to open and focus on her surroundings. As she sat up, her chest burned. She fell right back on her bed. She tried to grab the clock on her nightstand but gasped as she felt pain on her arm.
'What…happened?'
She thought back for a moment before realizing the events that occurred the night before. Her shower. Her attack. Heat. Her violation.
Her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened as her memories of the previous night flooded her mind. She remembered screaming for him; she remembered his rough hands, his evil smirk, his painful thrusts…
She closed her eyes once more…
'Stop it…' she cried, her tears falling from her eyes.
She also remembered his warning; should she tell anyone of what had happened, anyone of her friends might be endangered. Heat was strong; he was a very strong fighter of Embryon; most of the cadets from their tribe would not stand a chance against him. Serph might be endangered as well…but she was confident that he could take Heat on. And so, her worry fell against someone else; Cielo.
Heat could easily kill him.
But would he?
Argilla continued to cry; if he could do this to her, what was to stop him from killing one of their friends? And so, she had to bear it alone. She had to bear the pain by herself. It was the least she could do for her comrades.
With a shrill cry, she forced herself to get up from her bed. Wait a moment! Bed? If she recalled correctly, Heat had left her on the floor.
She looked at herself and saw that she was wearing a large pajama top and nothing else. She attempted to stand but the pain from her inner thighs was just overwhelming that she was forced to sit back down.
She cursed herself.
After a few moments, she gathered whatever strength she could gather and limped through her room. She came across her full-length mirror and there, she stood, aghast of herself. Her hair was an entangled mess. Her jaw had a pink tinge on its right side; a bruise from his punch. Her arms and wrists, also, were covered in bruises, now turning purple. Her neck had bite marks of all shapes and sizes and they were all bright red in color.
She gasped as she saw that her top was stained in blood. Oh yes, she remembered. She had remembered that Heat had carved something on her chest. It had been her punishment for disobeying him. With trembling fingers, Argilla brought her hand to unbutton the top. She gasped at what she saw.
There, on the valley of her breasts, laid his atma mark, Fireball. No wonder her chest was burning that morning. The cut was deep but wasn't deep enough to cause any real damage on the ribs and her internal organs. They were just lacerations, but deep ones at that. She felt scared. These kinds of wounds would leave scars.
She knew that. And from the looks of it, it would seem that he knew it too. She collapsed onto the floor. It was then that her fingers had made contact with something on the floor. She felt liquid. She brought her hand in front of her eyes and saw that it was coagulated blood. It was her blood from last night.
Suddenly, her vision began to spin and she wanted to throw up.
Why did Heat do this to her?
She owed him her life; that was true. But what possessed him to do this; this act of monstrosity against her? How could he save her life from the Maribel only to have her suffer by his hand?
Why?
It just didn't make sense.
'It doesn't matter anyway…' she thought sadly, 'I just have to keep quiet…'
She sobbed at her own weakness. Why did she allow this to happen to her? She could have fought…to the bitter end. But she didn't. She gave up and let him have his way with her. A tear rolled down from her eye and it fell onto the floor, mixing with the blood.
She could remember that evil glint in his eyes as she told him that she belonged to him. She also remembered him telling her that he wanted her. Her thoughts drifted back to the incident at Saraswati. Even then, she had felt his desire for her.
Then, she remembered his animosity at her display of concern for Serph. She bit her lip; he was jealous of Serph. But then again, he had always been jealous of Serph…Serph had everything Heat wanted.
'Except me…'
Her eyes widened. Heat was the one who claimed her; not Serph. She continued to cry…she had always loved Serph. And if he ever cared for her at all, he would never care for her now should he find out that she had already been claimed by someone else, most especially his rival.
She felt her anger rise. Her life was taking a drastic change. It was as if it had already been decided for her. She had always wanted to choose her own mate…How did she get forced into this? Argilla sat there, in total self-pity. But then…today was a new day.
Argilla stood and shook her head…this was not the time to worry about it. Whatever had transpired the night before didn't change the fact that they were still at war.
She forced herself to stand and made her way to the lavatory.
xxxxx
It had been another tiring day for Argilla. Her whole body burned and hurt but she had to put up the façade of being alright. She couldn't let anyone know of her troubles. She and Heat had made a deal. As long as she kept quiet, no one would get hurt.
No one besides her.
She felt sorry for herself. How did she ever get herself in this kind of situation? But, moreover, she felt sorry for Heat. What made him do these things?
She walked out of the shower and gently dried herself off, careful not to aggravate her chest wound. She winced as the towel brushed the wound. It still bled, but not as profusely as before. She walked over to her medicine cabinet and pulled out an ointment to relieve the pain. She applied it gently on her skin and she groaned.
It still hurt.
Argilla looked at the symbol once more from the mirror; it was Heat's symbol. He branded her. Then, she remembered Serph. This was something that he should never find out.
She sighed. She put on her uniform and walked out of the lavatory, refreshed. But as soon as she stepped out of the lavatory, did a pair of arms attach themselves around her waist. A pair of lips soon followed and latched themselves onto her neck.
"Heat…" she breathed out his name. She thought about struggling but then remembered what had happened the night before. Heat chuckled as she remained perfectly still within his arms.
"I missed you…" he whispered seductively, his hands slowly undoing the straps and buttons on her uniform.
He had been happy today. He awoke to find a refreshing feeling within him. He had never felt this good in all of his life. He didn't wake up cranky or agitated. He felt…just right. In the previous night during his slumber, his siren who had visited him night after night for the past month had been absent. She did not haunt him that night and gave him a peaceful sleep.
And he knew why. He had done what the siren had been instructing him to do all along. His thoughts were interrupted as he heard a moan.
She moaned as he nipped at her ear.
"Please…" she moaned.
He smirked, "Please what…?"
"Let me go…" she whispered back, her voice desperate.
He said nothing but continued to undress her. She didn't object and let him do as he pleased. She had had a very exhausting day and had still to recover from the other night's events. He then spun her around so she faced him, temporarily ceasing his hands' movements. He looked into her eyes for a moment before capturing her lips with his. His hands then resumed their work on her troublesome uniform.
When Heat had peeled off her uniform and was left only in her underwear, he backed her towards the bed. Argilla complied and was forcibly seated on her bed as the back of her knees hit the mattress. He followed suit and was pressed against her, almost sitting on her.
Argilla's sight blurred as Heat continued to ravish her. She felt useless; so utterly useless. She involuntarily moaned as Heat bit her neck. The slight pain made her snap back to reality.
"Heat…please…"
Hearing her words, Heat got off of her, stood up and looked at her, his hands on his hips, "Well?"
She suddenly lost her voice. He growled in irritation, "Well, what is it?"
Her head, being cast down, shot up to look at him, "Why? Why me?"
Heat rolled his eyes, "Isn't it obvious woman?"
"Not to me!" she yelled, standing up.
Heat narrowed his eyes and advanced towards her, tightly grasping her arms, "I want you Argilla…I've been wanting you for the last few months…"
"Heat…please stop this…! You're hurting me!"
She squealed as his palm made contact with her face. He pulled her closer to him and he stared straight into her eyes, "You belong to me now Argilla…Remember what I told you. If you don't…there'll be hell to pay."
Argilla felt her anger rising, replacing her initial feeling of fear. She looked back at him in defiance, "And what if I don't?"
"Then I'll just have to tell Serph what we've been up to, no?" She paled at the mention of Serph's name. No. Heat couldn't tell him!
"I have proof Argilla. Or would you rather test that theory when he comes back?" Heat was playing possum. She looked straight into his eyes and knew that he wasn't lying.
"If you're not convinced, then maybe I could just tell Serph how you moaned beneath me…how you screamed my name…"
"Stop it!" she interrupted, closing her eyes in humiliation.
"Or better yet, maybe I can show him…What do you think?"
The ball was at his court. There was no way she would refuse him. She knew it. He knew it. He embraced her passionately, sliding his hand up and down her back. She whimpered, "W-what do you want from me?" she asked, her voice cracking, her eyes brimming with tears.
Heat smiled at her.
"I want you. Just you Argilla. I want to see you every night."
Argilla's eyes widened, "Heat…! I-I can't! I…"
Heat's eyes narrowed, "You can't?! Or you won't?" he asked darkly.
Here, she narrowed her eyes as well, "We are at war! We need training Heat! We can't just…"
Heat smirked, "Can't what?"
Argilla blushed but shook her head, "That's not the point…I can't come to you every night!"
Heat caressed her face and captured her lips in his. He broke away after a few moments, "If you can't…then you'll owe me. Is that alright with you?"
Argilla frowned. He had already blackmailed her into being his, and now he was about to blackmail her some more?
"What do you want?"
"Simple. I just want you to please me when you DO come to me. That's all."
Argilla nodded.
Heat smiled once more and kissed her again. Argilla moaned into his mouth and he felt himself harden at the sound. He knew that he hadn't a lot of time. He just had to hurry a bit won't he?
"Heat! I-I can't! I can't do this!"
Heat paid no attention to her as he shoved her on the bed, freeing himself from the bondage of his pants. It's a pity really; he didn't have time for foreplay after all.
With his quick and nimble hands and fingers, he removed her underwear. Argilla gasped. Not again! It was too soon!
He quickly straddled her and pinned her wrists above her head. He had a gut feeling that she would try to resist him again.
"Relax. This will be quick." he said truthfully.
He thrust into her quickly. Argilla moaned as she felt him within her. He had been big and for a moment, she worried if that might even fit in her! Of course it would fit her; after all, he fit her the previous night didn't he? It was just that Argilla had not the honor of seeing his manhood the night before.
Heat groaned as her tight passage clenched and unclenched around his engorged member. He grunted as he gained momentum and set a barrage of frenzied thrusts within her body.
Soon, he came. He quickly got off of her and closed his pants. Argilla felt soreness in her nether regions. Her body had not adjusted to their activity as yet. She slowly sat up and put on her underwear.
Heat only watched her as she did so. Argilla felt her cheeks burn as she felt his eyes on her. Strange as it might have sounded, there was no malice in his stare. It was as if he stared out of curiosity.
His voice broke the silence, "I have a mission tomorrow. I have to go back to Saraswati."
Argilla's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the base but she refused to look at him, "When will you come back?"
What was this? Was she actually curious about his mission? Or maybe, she was concerned about him? Heat snorted; fat chance on that one.
"I'll be back in three days." he replied expressionlessly.
"…"
Heat's eyes narrowed. He had always been used to no one really caring for him. After all, he himself didn't care for anyone in particular; until he met her. He didn't know how she did it, but she grew on him. Every time that they were on a mission, he constantly feared for her safety.
He knew it was stupid. She was a soldier; just like him. Soldiers like him and her die everyday. What made her special? Nothing. She was the same as everyone else. But, for some reason, Heat began to see her differently.
Now that he knew he cared for her, it surprised him to know that he did feel unpleasant when she did not reciprocate his feelings. Her silence indicated either that she didn't care about him or his mission, or that she didn't care if he came back or not.
He felt hurt.
But, as always, he'd never let her know that. She was getting bold again. It was time to bring her back in line.
"While I'm gone, don't even think of informing Gale or anyone for that matter." She paled as he spoke. He smirked; she was too easy.
"Don't search my room either. You won't find it." She knew of what he spoke. Of course, he would bring the evidence of their act with him. When he arrived at Saraswati, he was only seconds away from divulging everything to Serph should she not keep her end of the bargain.
She gazed up at him sadly but said nothing.
He walked over to her and sat down beside her, "There's a good girl."
She sharply turned away; she hated it when he taunted her. She hated it when he patronized her. Suddenly, her face was made to turn back to face him as his hand grabbed her chin tightly.
"Don't do that again." he said darkly.
She meekly nodded when he applied pressure on her chin and jaw. It had hurt. His punch from last night was still as fresh as a daisy on her face.
He smiled, pleased, and gave her a searing kiss. Her lips remained closed and he coaxed them to open, to no avail. He then bit her lip, his hand roughly cupping her left breast while his other hand snaked around her waist bringing her closer to him.
She whimpered as he grabbed her flesh and she opened her mouth slowly. Heat darted his tongue within her mouth and explored every part of her, slowly becoming addicted to her taste.
He felt the all familiar feeling of arousal but alas, he ran out of time. He needed to prepare for his mission.
He quickly got off of her and headed for the door. He stopped right before it and turned back to her, "Don't do anything stupid."
xxxxx
Heat looked onto the horizon. The sun was just rising. He crossed his arms as the jeep went through the harsh terrain; these bumpy roads were getting really annoying. He frowned and narrowed his eyes; the reason why he was out there was because he had been called by the bastard to report back to Saraswati.
To send him on another suicide mission, he supposed.
An hour later, he reached Saraswati. He really didn't feel like talking to that bastard right now. But he had no choice; he had been called over on short notice. It was urgent. What did he want now?
He walked through the hall and headed for the Control Room. He walked in calmly and had a bored expression on his face.
"You called?" he asked nonchalantly as he walked in the middle of the room. Serph remained unfazed as he gazed at the holographic image in front of him, not even acknowledging Heat's presence.
Heat gritted his teeth and balled his hands into fists. He chose to remain quiet and for good reason. He didn't want to assume command of Embryon this quickly anyway. Serph finally turned to face him, and with a stern face, "I am leaving for Manipura and am taking a quarter of Saraswati's forces with me-a combination of Embryon and Ex-Maribel soldiers. I need someone to assume command of this base in my absence. I am appointing you."
Heat's inner self was grinning like an elf, dancing and prancing around like an idiot. But, his face and eyes betrayed neither of these flights of fancy.
He merely nodded, "When will you leave for Manipura?"
Serph narrowed his eyes, "Tonight."
Heat said nothing and then spoke slowly, "Is there anything else?"
Serph shook his head, "No. You are dismissed."
Heat snorted and started walking toward the door, all the while, aware of Serph's piercing glares drilling holes into his back. He smirked. He probably suspected something.
He then did something that he was strongly advised against, "What do you want?"
Serph narrowed his eyes, "How was your trip back to Muladhara?"
Heat grinned, while keeping his back turned, "Nothing different from my report, sir."
He heard footsteps heading in his direction but Heat remained perfectly still. If Serph made so much of a move as flinch, Heat would have to act. Serph had passed him and continued to walk but stopped a few steps ahead of him.
He spoke in a low and dangerous voice, "Stay away from her."
With those words, he disappeared through the door. Heat frowned; Serph definitely knew how Heat desired Argilla.
"I'm not one to turn down a challenge."
xxxxx
It had been an hour since Serph's departure; it was midnight. Heat found himself on his bunk, staring at the ceiling. He growled; so that was why Serph had sent for him at Saraswati. It was to keep him from her.
Had Argilla betrayed him?
No; she wouldn't. He had been studying her for months now. It was against her character. No, that wasn't the reason. Serph was just overly perceptive. He probably knew Heat's intentions for her the moment they rendezvoused back into formation after establishing the base.
He knew.
But, as to what exactly happened between them, THAT, he didn't know.
Thinking of Argilla, Heat wondered what she was doing now. Was she thinking of him the way he thought of her? Most probably not. She was probably thinking of that bastard.
He sighed.
He missed her.
He missed her touch. He missed her taste. Before, as he dreamed of her, he had no idea that she would taste the way she did. His dreams and fantasies of her did little justice to Argilla's true sense of being.
No.
She was above and beyond what he had dreamed of.
Now, he had her. And no matter what that bastard did, he would never tear them apart. Heat wasn't going to lose to Serph. Not anymore.
His muscles tightened. Oh yes, the offensive would start soon. If their information was right, the Vanguards would begin their assassination attempt at 0200 hours, tomorrow night. The bastard better hurry and get his platoons settled at Manipura in less than 24 hours if he wanted to take Svathisthana down as planned.
Heat would have no problem. After all, all the work had been done anyway. The men and the weapons were ready. Saraswati was fully operational. Of course, they don't mean to use all of their weapons and artillery at their disposal to win against the Vanguards. No, that would be stupid.
One did not simply wave one's trump card at the enemy.
No, that would be folly.
Saraswati would not participate directly in battle; no, they would only serve as reserves. After all, no one must find out about the base until after they had defeated the Brutes wherein, the Wolves would be in no condition to react except to surrender, and in case they don't, Serph and his team should have already disposed of Lupa.
Sweet.
It would just be a shame that Heat wouldn't participate in battle. But, that couldn't be helped. He had more responsibilities now.
xxxxx
It had been two days now since the inevitable fall of the Vanguards. The information given to them by their spies had been accurate. At 0200 hours, the elite team of the Vanguards had penetrated Muladhara undetected and launched their assassination, only to find a trap.
Harley and his men were killed on the spot by a team led by Gale and his second, Argilla. Simultaneously, Manipura's forces under Serph and the reserves from Saraswati had a pincer attack and laid siege on Svathisthana.
The fort fell after 5 hours of siege. It had taken that long for the message to get through; that Harley, their leader had been killed.
Svathisthana fell and surrendered.
It was as if a load had been lifted from Heat's shoulders. One more tribe fell against them. Now, if Gale's predictions had been right, it wouldn't be long until Lupa of the Wolves would approach the Embryon for assistance.
The real battle was just beginning.
xxxxx
Heat let the water course through his skin. He had his eyes cast down while his right arm stretched out, pressing on the wall in front of him. He was thinking of her again. But, he had his hands tied. He had been stationed here. She was all the way at Muladhara.
His lips tugged upwards for a true smile. According to Gale's report, it was he, Argilla and another team member that had killed Harley. Needless to say, Heat was proud of her. Argilla wasn't just some air-headed bimbo who couldn't fend for herself. No; she was strong and proud. She was a reliable soldier, always ready for battle.
But, what really got Heat into feeling proud was the fact that it was he who owned such a fine creature; such a fine prize. She was as feisty as an enraged bull. But it was he who had brought her down. She was as stubborn as a mad horse. But it was he who broke her in.
He remembered how she moaned beneath him, clinging to him, in sheer need and desperation. He remembered how she screamed his name and acknowledged how she belonged to him.
He groaned as his member began to twitch at the recapitulation of his intimate night with his little minx.
For the past two nights, he had to satisfy himself of only having dreams of her. He began to grow frustrated. He just had to see her. He just had to have her again.
'When will that bastard get me outta here? Jesus Christ! He's needed at Muladhara for crying out loud!'
That was true. Manipura was in a rather mediocre state compared to Muladhara. It wasn't as technologically advanced and had recently suffered an attack. It would be an easy base to fall if attacked again.
Heat walked out of the lavatory and got dressed. It was then that he had received a transmission from the control room. He smirked; the bastard probably had new orders for him.
He walked into the control room and stared impassively at the dissemination machine that projected the Embryon leader.
"You are to return to Muladhara. Take Cielo with you. You two are to return at first light tomorrow. Lupa had just contacted Gale and we are scheduled to meet in 3 days. They must not know about Saraswati. I shall return there tonight."
Heat nodded and the transmission had been cut off. He fumed. Serph had a day's head start from him! That would mean that he would get to see her before he did.
But that didn't matter. He knew Argilla; she wouldn't say a thing. Heat was confident that he had a pretty strong enough hold on her.
xxxxx
Heat departed from Saraswati at first light as he was instructed. He may not have liked the idea of Serph having a 12 hour head start of him, but he had no choice. And so, he gritted his teeth in sheer annoyance as he rode a jeep back to Muladhara.
"Ey? You okay brudda? Wat's eating you?" an annoyingly cheerful voice nagged Heat out of his reverie.
That was right. Cielo was there too. He had forgotten all about him; the dimwitted buffoon.
"Nothing. Shut up." he said, growling and not even turning his head to meet Cielo's curious blue eyes.
"Man…you sure are cranky ja?" Cielo taunted, scratching his head.
Heat was fuming. He really didn't want to sit there and discuss stupid things with stupid people. He turned his head and looked gravely at Cielo. It would seem that Cielo got the hint as he thought he saw a murderous gleam in Heat's eyes and flailed his hands in front of his face, signaling his defeat.
"Ey, ey. now. Don't look at me like dat…!"
"…"
Heat said nothing but narrowed his eyes into slits instead. Cielo was treading on very, very thin ice.
"I tink I'll shut up now…"
The next ten minutes had been quiet and Heat was quite content until Cielo started speaking once more.
"I wonder if Gale still says dat 'I do not comprehend' stuff ja? It's really funny! For someone so smart, he sure doesn't understand many tings! He really needs some social skills too! He's too stiff ja? Well, dat goes for you too you know brudda?"
Heat rolled his eyes once again but didn't spare him a glance. That was, until Cielo had spoken a name; her name.
"Man…I wonder how Argilla is doing. I haven't seen her in a while… I heard that she and Gale were de ones who killed Harley! Good for dem!"
Heat's ears perked up at the sound of Argilla's name, but nonetheless, remained unresponsive and impassive.
Cielo was beginning to get annoyed. Talking to Heat was as interesting as watching paint dry. The guy just didn't know how to lighten up! It was as if he didn't know what chitchat was! Sheesh! What a stiff!
Then, he chuckled.
Without turning his head, Heat raised an eyebrow as he continued to stare at the terrain in front of him. What the hell was so funny?
"Serph was really worried about Argilla ja?"
At this, Heat's blood began to boil. But, he forced himself to relax. After all, if he killed Cielo now, out of sheer anger, he would never obtain the information that only Cielo could provide. He just had to let Cielo continue.
No matter how annoying he was.
"Der were times dat he just wanted to leave Saraswati to return to Muladhara ja? But he couldn't. De tribe came first. De tribe first before personal stuff. Dat's wat he said. He's a really good leader eh brudda?"
Cielo really wasn't talking to Heat; not really. It was more of thinking aloud more than a normal conversation.
Heat frowned; why would he worry about her? Muladhara was pretty much fortified. There was no way in which their major city would fall from a Vanguard attack. He smirked; unless it wasn't the Vanguard attack Serph had been worried about.
"But den," Cielo continued, "I don't tink it was just worry. I tink Serph misses her. I tink he likes her ja?" Cielo laughed heartily while Heat's mind sunk into its darkest and deepest crevasses, looking for ways in which to murder their strong and proud leader.
That bastard.
"Well, I tink she likes him too…!"
At that, Heat's muscles tensed. He knew that Argilla's feelings for Serph were strong as were his for her. But, hearing it from someone else hurt him more than he previously anticipated. Then, his mind began to wander; would she think of him the way she thought about Serph?
Will there ever come a time when she'd worry about him the way she worried about Serph? Will she ever speak to him the way she spoke to Serph? Will she ever look at him the way she looked at Serph?
His motives were completely changing. Changing was not the right word. Not really. The right word would be, evolving. Lately, as he lay in his bed at Saraswati, he began to think about her and him. Not just about sex. It wasn't just about sex. It was something else entirely. He began to imagine how things would be if she liked him the way she liked Serph.
Would she smile? Would he smile?
Would she be happy? Would he be happy…?
Happiness was such a strong word.
'Happiness in this hell is unattainable.' Heat sneered.
Heat was experiencing emotions that he hadn't thought possible. His mind and heart were tugging at his chest; craving for something more than just physically erotic gratification. He didn't know what it was they wanted, but for some reason, he wanted that too.
He sighed. It was all the more reason to see her again. She would help him understand. He just knew she would.
He blinked to hear that Cielo hadn't really pulled a stop at all. Even as Heat dozed off, he continued his verbal assault. He didn't know what the hell Cielo had been saying for the last five minutes, nor did he care. But, now, his voice was beginning to get focused again. He rolled his eyes.
"Shut up."
xxxxx
He arrived at Muladhara two hours later and as quickly as his legs might carry him, he headed straight for the Strategy Room where they had been asked to assemble. Needless to say that at the moment the jeep had stopped, he hopped off the very first second he could.
He just couldn't stand Cielo. He had been talking all bullshit again and Heat couldn't bear to listen to any more of his crap. He quickly made his way through the barrack and walked in the Strategy Room.
His eyes met Serph's, whose was as impassive as his, as he entered the room. What he saw, was anything that would please him. There, in the middle of the room, stood the bastard while Gale was 5 feet away, near the corner. The object of his attraction, rather, was a mere meter away from the bastard.
'They got close eh?' his inner self sneered.
'She'll pay…' he promised.
He narrowed his eyes at her and she cast her head down before moving a few steps away from Serph.
Serph, seeing Argilla move away, tore his gaze from Heat and looked on after her, silently asking her for her reason of moving. She merely smiled but said nothing.
It as Gale who broke the silence, "Welcome back Heat. Where is Cielo?" he asked expressionlessly.
Heat rolled his eyes and pointed behind him, "That idiot was behind me. I think he got lost on the way here."
"Very well. We shall not begin this meeting until everyone is present."
They all stood there in awkward silence, but Serph took it upon himself to speak to his cherry-blossom haired teammate. Heat looked on intently from the corner of his eyes how the bastard seated himself next to Argilla and how he whispered into her ear. She said something in reply, but Heat couldn't hear it. It was as if she was telling him not to worry. That was good.
He knew that he still had control over her.
The silence was broken once more when a noisy figure bounced into the room, panting, "Sorry I'm late ja? I got to go to de bathroom. Heheh…" finished with a sheepish laugh.
"Cielo!" Argilla said, wrinkling her nose in disgust, "You're just gross. Shut up!"
"Argilla!! How are you sista?" Cielo asked, running up to her to embrace her, his eyes beaming. Heat watched every single thing that had transpired. Well, as long as it involved her. He also saw as Serph smiled as he himself looked at Argilla and Cielo.
Like Serph, Heat also noticed that Argilla slightly winced at the contact. Serph looked puzzled while Heat looked on, uncaring. He knew what caused her to wince. It was his atma mark on her chest.
He inwardly smirked. He looked at her intently again, as if he were memorizing her features. On her jaw, there were fading signs of her bruise. That was good.
Heat really didn't want her to be damaged anyway. He still maintained that what had happened between them that night couldn't be avoided and wasn't his fault. It was she who brought that upon herself.
Cielo then turned to Gale, "Hey Mr 'I do not comprehend'! How are ya? You're not breaking any bones are you old man?"
Gale merely rolled his eyes, "If we're all here, I would like to proceed."
He looked at Serph and he nodded.
"Lupa of the Wolves had contacted me yesterday. It has been two days after the fall of Svathisthana. We are scheduled to meet at Manipura in two days. It would be a personal meeting that would be between his elite team and ours. That is why you all have been summoned. We all would accompany Serph."
Gale took the time to look into each of their faces before he went on. He didn't fail to notice the tensed expression on Argilla's face. This wasn't the first time, however, that he had seen her like that. For the past week, she had been acting awfully strange. It was as if she would drift away into her own little world.
It was as if she was tackling a problem but didn't quite know how to solve it. But this was not the time.
"As I have predicted, the Wolves have come to ask for our aid. The plan remains unchanged. Any questions?"
No one spoke.
Here, Serph broke the silence, "You're all dismissed."
"Yay! Now I got some free time ja? Oooohh!! I tink I'll go and grab something to eat ja?" Cielo piped in, thrusting his fist upward in a sign of triumph. The idiot. Gale and Heat rolled their eyes; Cielo was such a kid.
Heat walked through the door.
"Argilla," he heard the bastard speak, "I need to talk to you."
Heat forced himself to remain unfazed. He needed to control himself. Besides, he could see her tonight anyway.
xxxxx
He waited in the shadows; there, in her room. He had been waiting for the last half an hour. It was nearly half past midnight. What the hell was taking her so long?
He growled in frustration. He hated waiting like this. He was torn from his reverie as the doors slid open. She walked in, sighing. She was tired. Well, he smirked, he, on the other hand, was not.
"You're late."
She stiffened at the sound of his voice.
He walked forth from the shadows and encircled her in his arms from behind. She stiffened again. He chuckled, "You're too tense…" he massaged her upper arms. She moaned and leaned into his touch.
"I missed you, you know?" he whispered.
"Heat…"
He slowly removed his arms from her and carefully spun her around, peering into her pink bright eyes. He closed his eyes and slowly leaned down to capture her lips in his. His arms snaked around her waist and pulled her closer. Argilla moaned into his mouth, slowly parting her lips to grant him entry. She put both hands on his chest and kissed him back with the same urgency that he had for her.
Heat backed her towards the nearest wall and cupped her face in his hands. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat. She was kissing him back voluntarily. He let his tongue dance with hers, exploring her mouth, all the while tasting the minty flavor in her mouth. She probably had been sucking on mints before she came.
Now, her hands snaked around his neck as Heat moved his lips to her neck. He removed his hands from her face and moved to grip her hips. She moaned as he bit her neck roughly, drawing blood.
Argilla was surprised though. She had expected him to be rough tonight. He had seen how close she was to Serph that morning. She had been sure that he would be angry. But when he kissed her, it was as if he was being gentle…but all the same, passionate.
Soon, the two were unclothed. Heat lifted her off the ground as he pressed her against the wall. She, knowing his intentions, clung tightly on his shoulders, wrapping her legs around his waist. He gripped her thighs tightly as he pushed himself within her. He groaned at the contact. She gasped as he entered her.
He buried his face at the crook of her neck as he moved fluidly within her. She continued to moan uncontrollably, her fingers digging onto his skin. He had been waiting for this. He had yearned for her touch.
After a series of mad thrusts, Heat lost himself in the throes of pleasure, emptying himself within her. Argilla soon followed. Without taking himself out of her, he slid down the wall and onto the floor with her.
As they lay together, they dared not speak. Argilla had resisted the urge to open her mouth. He would probably not have liked to hear whatever she had to say anyway. She was surprised though, that as he removed himself from her, he held her closer to himself, whispering, "I heard you took part in killing Harley."
Argilla nuzzled her face in his chest, "Yeah…I did."
He held her tighter, taking in her scent, "Did he hurt you?"
Argilla blinked; he was worried about her. She felt her lips tug up in a smile, "Not really. Just bruises, but nothing major."
Heat smiled and gently kissed the top of her head, "That's good."
"Heat?" she whispered.
"Hmm?"
"How…was your mission to Saraswati?"
The pleasant feeling that had been afloat in Heat's heart and mind was shattered as she asked her question. She wanted to know about Saraswati? Nice pretext, but it wasn't completely seamless from Heat's point of view. She passed it as if she had been worried about him. But Heat knew better. She wanted to know, about him. It had always been about the bastard.
He quickly got off her and started to dress. Argilla slowly rose from the floor and brought her uniform to her chest. Had she said something wrong?
He was quiet; dangerously quiet. She watched him intently, as he dressed himself, now just putting his cloak around his shoulders.
"Heat…I…"
"Shut up."
She held her tongue tightly in her mouth. He was angry. He made his way to where she sat and grasped her arm tightly, pulling her to her feet. She winced as he grabbed her.
"Heat…! You're hurting me!"
"Don't…" he shook his head, "don't you ever try to fool me woman."
"What…?" she asked; genuinely confused.
Heat's red eyes glowed in anger and her pink eyes glowed in fear. She swallowed. What did she do now?
"What…are you talking about Heat…? I just…" she stuttered.
In that instant, she felt a stinging sensation on her cheek. He slapped her. "I want you to stay away from that bastard. Do you understand?"
"But Serph is…I can't!" she yelled defiantly.
Heat gritted his teeth; the nerve of her! He narrowed his eyes and slammed her to the wall, "You will stay away from him. If you don't, the deal is off."
She sobbed and nodded. He smiled.
"Good girl. Now, get dressed and get some sleep." She cast her head down and said nothing. He then planted a chaste kiss on her cheek, "I want to see you again…tomorrow night."
She sighed; she had no choice.
"What did he want anyway?" he spoke uninterestedly. But Argilla knew it was a blatant lie. He was really curious to know what had been said between her and Serph.
"Nothing…He just…he was worried about me."
Heat raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, "Don't cross me woman."
She swallowed the lump in her throat, "He…wanted to meet me tomorrow."
Heat's blood boiled, "Where?"
"He wanted to…I dunno…He said that he just wanted to have a get-together or something. He said that it would do me good. He said I looked…too tense."
He grabbed her again and grabbed the uniform that she clutched tightly on her chest. She gasped. He threw them angrily on the floor, and touched the Fireball atma on her chest, "Don't do anything stupid. Otherwise, I might just give this little guy a twin."
She winced and hissed in pain as he touched the healing wound. Tears flowed from her eyes and she hung her head low, not meeting his gaze. He smiled.
He caressed her face gently, fingering her now slightly swollen cheek. Without another word, he left her room.
xxxxx