A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
WARNING: LEMON, NON-CON LEMON CONTENT, MODERATE LANGUAGE, SLIGHT VIOLENCE AND SADISM.
Chapter 8: Engagement
He snapped out of his daze as she spoke, "Serph and I talked today." she said boldly. She didn't fear him.
Heat's eyebrows furrowed but he said nothing. 'Just you push me woman…you'll regret it.' Whatever feelings of remorse and guilt that he had just flew out of the window.
"He said…that…he loved me…" There was no getting around this. She had wanted to end it right there and then.
He gritted his teeth; he couldn't bear to hear any more. With inhuman speed, he tackled her and pinned her on his bed.
"And you what? Did you tell him that you loved him too?" he sneered, drawling his words. Argilla glared at him, struggling beneath him, "And if I do? What are you going to do?"
His eyes narrowed, "Have you forgotten about our deal Argilla?"
She paled but quickly fought it back; she continued to glower at him, "I'm not afraid of you!"
She grunted, "Get off me!"
He smirked and didn't budge, "If that's what you came for…why did you bother to come to me tonight at all?"
She bared her teeth at him, "I came…to tell you that…it's over between us…!"
He pressed himself closer to her and pinned her arms above her head, "What if I don't want to? I like what we have…I like having you in my bed."
She continued to struggle, her legs kicking madly without direction. Heat had enough of her futile and annoying "struggles" and straddled her, putting his legs on both her sides, and pressing her legs together.
"Heat! Let me go!"
"Why? You want me…don't you?" he murmured in her ear. She snapped her head away from him and he chuckled.
"Aa…don't tell me you want another repeat of our first time together?" he questioned innocently.
Her eyes widened, "You wouldn't do that…"
"Oh? Why not?"
"Because you're better than that…you aren't like this! You're my comrade!"
He sneered, "I'm not your comrade Argilla; at least, not in my bed. You are mine…You are mine to please, to fuck and to kill. You are mine…and I would kill you and that bastard before I see you in his arms…Do you understand?"
He laughed as she said nothing and he continued, "Do you really think that the bastard will take you back once he's learnt that you belong to me? That you are no longer the pure woman you pass yourself to be? How do you propose he touch you then? How will you give him what I've already taken from you eh? Hahahha…you'd be nothing more than a common filthy whore. And before you know it…the whole of Muladhara would know it…of course, the bastard wouldn't say anything. It would be too out of character for him…considering he's half mute! Hahahahha…but…there are others who would talk. Or should I say, 'show'…"
Argilla could feel her resolve waver. She had tried to appeal to his spirit of camaraderie; but it would seem that he neither saw her as a friend…nor a comrade. She was nothing but a possession to him. His…his to please…to fuck…and to kill whenever he'd want. She was nothing more than a whore…His whore.
Argilla also knew of what he spoke. It just meant that he would broadcast whatever evidence he had against her to the entire city of Muladhara…completely humiliating her. Was this how he saw her?
Her eyes watered and she let out a cry of anguish, her body falling limp on the bed, giving up her struggles. His words had hurt her more than his hits or stabs could ever do.
Heat ran his hands through her hair, undoing her buns, letting them flow freely on his pillows. He smirked and leaned closer to her, nipping her ear and whispering, "Good girl…"
He slowly peeled her uniform off her body. She was numb. She neither spoke nor moved, but continued to stare at the ceiling, her tears continuously flowing from her eyes. Heat didn't care though. She gave up; she gave herself up to him. That was more than enough.
He undressed himself and got on her once more. He forcefully grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head. He took the time to look her over, clearly appreciating the scenery of her luscious body.
He licked his lips, 'All of this is mine…'
Without warning, he crushed his lips to hers. She gasped as his tongue darted into her mouth, his teeth and lips greedily sucking and biting her mouth. He could feel her muscles tighten as if getting ready to struggle. He pressed himself further against her, tightening his hold on her wrists while his legs tightened their control of her legs.
His free hand roamed where they pleased. He touched her collarbone and trailed down to her chest wound. He lightly traced the carving on her skin and she gasped once more. He chuckled into her mouth. She was getting nervous.
He removed his lips from hers and traveled down to her neck and jugular, trailing wet kisses on it. She grunted; clearly she was displeased. He bit into her skin forcefully and drew blood. He sucked the blood in his mouth and swallowed. Heat felt a cold shiver travel from his spine to his entire body. He loved her taste; the taste of her blood. For some twisted reason, it tasted sweet. It wasn't salty or dirty…it was pure and sweet.
He let his mouth travel downwards, removing his hand from her now bruised wrists, to hold down her shoulder. His lips now kissed the valley of her breasts, where Fireball laid. She gave out a yelp…was it out of pain? Or of pleasure?
Heat then massaged her left breast with his hand while he suckled the other eagerly. She gasped and her hands flew to his shoulders. Her nails dug into his skin as his suckling intensified. He grabbed her breast roughly and she moaned. When he was finished, he let his hand travel tower to her inner thighs.
She gasped as she felt his fingers at her entrance, "No! Please don't!"
He chuckled as he continued to suckle her and inserted three of his fingers. She choked on her own saliva as she felt pain in her lower regions. His slender and long fingers went to and fro from her tight entrance. Argilla shot open her eyes and stared into the ceiling, with her mouth agape.
As his fingers continued their assault on her, she could only gasp and moan uncontrollably. Her heart raced as she felt hot pressure building up within her. She dug her nails deeper into his skin but he didn't waver his force. Argilla felt that she was slipping; her control was slipping. In a rush of hot pleasure…her body convulsed. She gave out a cry of pleasure as she came.
Her fluids flowed freely from her and into Heat's fingers. He removed his face from her chest and withdrew his fingers from her. He sat on her, straddling her and took a look at his fingers, laced with her essence. He looked back at Argilla and saw her panting breathlessly, beads of sweat adorning her skin-on her face, neck and chest.
He brought his fingers to his lips and sucked them dry. He then chuckled, "You're such a hypocrite you know that? You are a liar…"
Without further words, he parted her legs and plunged his manhood within her tight passage. She let out a strangled cry. He thrust into her madly, up to the hilt. Argilla felt her tears once more. His thrusts were forceful; he was tearing her apart.
"It hurts…!" she choked out.
Heat paid no attention and only went faster. Argilla bucked her hips in hopes of matching his pace to relieve herself of some of the pain. The bed slammed into the wall as Heat's thrusts intensified. He gave out frustrated grunts as he moved madly within her.
'This isn't enough…' was the mantra that kept repeating itself into his mind.
He gritted his teeth as he felt that he was close. After a few more minutes of wild thrusts, he reached his nirvana. Argilla sighed as she felt him come. She felt his essence mingle with hers and felt it surge through her.
She panted; she was out of breath. He collapsed on her before rolling off of her. She remained unmoving from her spot. After a few minutes of silence and lack of movement, she felt two strong arms encircle her petite waist from behind. She gasped once more, finally finding her words, "No…! Heat…!"
She was afraid that he'd do it again.
But instead, she was drawn to his hard muscled chest. She lay there in his arms nervously. She continued to cry when suddenly, she felt his lips on her cheek, "Ssshh…"
She tried to control her sobbing and forced herself to relax in his arms.
"There's a good girl…" he cooed from behind her.
He then put a blanket over their naked bodies. Argilla's mind woke up instantly, "Heat…I need to get back to my room!"
He growled, "No. You will stay in my bed. You won't leave."
"But…! The others!"
"I don't care if they find out…"
Argilla was drained; she was exhausted. But as she tested his grip on her, she knew that he wasn't going to let her go. Her heart raced as her mind fed her scenarios in which they were found out. She panicked and tried to get up once more when his grip became like a vice and he got on her once more, "If you don't want anything broken on you, you'd stay put."
Argilla swallowed a lump on her throat and she feebly nodded. Heat smirked and got off her. He walked over to the door and then walked back to her.
"What…did you do?" she asked timidly.
He sneered as he got under the covers again, encircling her naked body against his own before whispering, "I just took precautions just in case you want to leave when I'm asleep."
"…"
He chuckled, "I'm not stupid you know."
She gave up as she sighed. He nuzzled his face into her neck, "That's better." Argilla could feel sleep slowly overtaking her senses. She closed her eyes and fell asleep in his arms. Heat felt her heart slow down as she slept on. He ran a hand through her body, "Mine…"
His eyes slowly closed soon after.
xxxxx
Heat awoke the next morning with a satisfied feeling within him. He yawned and looked around him. As sure as day, there lay his pink-haired beauty closely beside him. She clutched the white sheets to her chest as she nuzzled her face to his chest.
He smiled. She looked so peaceful.
He wanted to see her like this everyday. He wanted to wake up on the same bed as her everyday. Heat brought his hand to her hair and ran his fingers through it. The strands of her bubblegum hair were soft and smooth to the touch. From her hair, his fingers traveled to her face.
He looked on intently. She possessed no facial expression of anguish or torment; none of what he had made her experience the night before or every other night that they've been together. No. This time, she looked…content.
She sighed in her sleep and scooted closer to him. He couldn't help but wrap his arms around her in a tight and secure embrace. He wanted this. He needed this. Heat knew, from the annoying voice in his head, that what he had done to her and what he had said to her was too much. He had broken her spirit. But…he also knew that it was the only way.
It was the only way to keep her with him. Heat knew from the very beginning that Serph was the one she chose anyway. Not him; Serph. This was the only way to have her. This was the only way to keep her. And damn it; he'd be a rotting corpse before he would let her be Serph's woman.
His thoughts were interrupted as she moaned in her sleep. Heat removed his arm from her and grabbed his clock. It was 0500 hours. It was time to get up. He set the clock back down on the nightstand and sighed. He really didn't want to be getting up. But, they had no choice. He closed his eyes in exhaustion. They had only 5 hours of sleep. But then, he mused, it was all worth it.
He placed his arm back on her body, letting it go to her forearm. He slowly nudged her awake. She didn't budge. She was probably even more exhausted than he was. He shook her gently, whispering to her ear, "Hey, we have to get up for the drills. It's 0500 hours."
"Hn…?" his partner replied sleepily.
"Come on. We're going to be late." Heat said, sitting up. Argilla slowly opened her eyes. Where was she? Who was that speaking to her? As she turned her head to the right, she saw nothing but a naked torso and a plop of red hair.
Right. She had spent the night with him.
She bolted awake while still clutching the sheet tightly around herself, "Heat…! We're going to be late!"
Heat rolled his eyes. She was disoriented; disoriented, but cute. He watched as she bounced off the bed and headed for his bathroom. His eyes lazily trailed down the skin of her exposed shoulder, arms and back. He had given her additional bruises and marks. His eyes also saw the fading marks that he had given her on their previous nights together; they were all purple now. But the fresh ones were clearly visible-bright red marks, big and small.
He couldn't help but smirk. He did love his handiwork. But what was more was that he loved seeing his handiwork on her.
Argilla turned herself to look at him, a slight blush on her cheeks, "I'll…be using your shower."
His eyes glinted in mischief, "Go ahead. I'm here if you want some company."
She cast her head down and thought for a while before replying with less energy, "Thank you."
Heat watched as she disappeared into the bathroom. He blinked. He knew that he was rough on her; he had always been rough with everyone. But, for some reason, he was always especially rough with her…especially when they were together. But, could he really be anything else?
He had thought that after a good night's sleep that things would work out for the better for the both of them. But…her face told him otherwise. He got off the bed and grabbed his towel.
He followed her into the shower.
xxxxx
Argilla gasped as she felt a warm sponge touch her bare back. She had been so preoccupied with her thoughts that she failed to notice a figure walk in the bathroom with her.
The figure pressed himself against her naked flesh, grasping her arms firmly so as to steady her should she slip due to her initial shock.
"Hey…"
"Heat…what are you doing?" she asked nervously, as she felt his hands fondle her breasts. She groaned.
He nuzzled his face at the back of her neck, "I was lonely outside. Besides…we only have 15 minutes left until the drill is to begin. I figured that you'd be taking forever in the shower…so I decided to join you."
She gasped as his right hand touched her inner thighs.
"Heat…"
"Ssshh…don't worry…"
Heat motioned her to press herself onto the wall, her palms on the wall along with her forehead. He pressed himself tighter against her and she could feel his throbbing manhood against her buttocks.
Her breathing became ragged. It was too damn early for this! But Heat didn't seem to think so. He continued to fondle her breasts from behind her and she moaned, "Heat…"
He suddenly entered her from behind. She yelped in surprise. Heat grabbed her hips as he slammed himself within her. Argilla bent her head downwards and held on to the wall for dear life. She moaned and gasped as she felt him thrust within her. She bent her body slightly, giving him a better angle. She was lost in the sea of emotions.
The warm water continued to flow down their skin, adding to their pleasure. The air around them was steamy from the warm water. Their bodies were beginning to heat up and sweat began to form; but thanks to the water, it was all washed away and the couple didn't feel the heat at all; rather, they felt the crystalline liquid's breath of refreshing euphoria.
Heat emptied himself within her as he thrust deep within her. Argilla cried out in pleasure as she came. She fell against him, completely spent. Heat caught her with ease and chuckled, "Come on. You better save your strength for the drill and the briefing today."
She said nothing but continued to pant in his arms.
xxxxx
The two arrived at the strategy room ten minutes late. Argilla walked in the room with her head cast down. She knew what Serph would think. And she really didn't want to see him right now.
She didn't really need to worry about Gale. Gale was not the type to be suspicious about these things. If it was personal, he'd leave it alone. Cielo on the other hand was easy to fool. He was just a kid after all. But, the problem was Serph. He wasn't a fool. He'd know.
Gale quirked an eyebrow, "You two are late." he stated flatly.
Heat grinned sheepishly at Gale, "So? We're here now. What's the deal?"
Heat pretended as he was cool about it, but he knew from the corner of his eyes that Serph was watching them. His steely eyes were burning holes in Heat's torso. It was all the more reason to smile that day.
Inner Heat pranced around gleefully. In the midst of a war, it wasn't everyday that one got to wake up to such a perfect morning. Ah yes…waking up beside Argilla definitely was what made his day; his ace in the hole. But getting Serph so riled up in the morning, so early was something extra; a very generous bonus indeed.
"Argilla," Cielo spoke, "you look tired ja? You okay?"
Argilla perked up and smiled almost instantaneously, "I'm fine." She immediately turned to Gale, not sparing Serph a glance, "Heat's right. So, why are we here Gale?"
Gale turned his attention to Argilla and nodded, "It would seem that Anahata had surrendered to the Brutes."
Gasps of disbelief echoed throughout the room. Gale continued, "It's an unfortunate turn of events. I have previously anticipated for the Solids to hold out longer than that."
Cielo groaned, "Wat does dat mean den?"
Heat grunted, "Idiot. What it means is that the Wolves would be next to be crushed by the Brutes. If we don't do something fast, we're finished!"
Serph's eyebrows furrowed but said nothing. Gale nodded, "Heat is correct. That is why Serph and I called you all here. The meeting was pushed ahead and the venue had been changed."
Argilla frowned, "It could be a trap."
Gale blinked, "The probability of that is low, but it is probable all the same. The meeting that had been originally set for tomorrow has been pushed ahead. The meeting will be held today. We shall meet with Lupa at Vishudha. We leave in an hour. Any questions?"
"Why Vishudha?" asked Argilla.
Gale shook his head, "Lupa cannot leave Vishudha unattended now that the Brutes and the Solids have joined forces. They are perfectly informed of our victories against the Maribel and the Vanguards. It would be easier for us to spread our forces compared to the Wolves."
"I still don't like it." she murmured defiantly.
"That is not in question here. As of our current situation, the Wolves are still stronger than all of our forces combined. And now that the Brutes overrun Anahata, we are in no position to bargain."
"Tch," Heat spat, "those cowards."
Serph stepped forward, his face stern, "Be that as it may, we have no choice. If things get out of hand, we will have to defeat Lupa ourselves, should this be a trap. We have to come to an arrangement ASAP. Come on people, this isn't the prom. It isn't supposed to be pretty."
"Hn, for once I agree with Serph." Heat said, folding his arms.
"It is decided." Gale's voice said, as expressionless as always, "You are all dismissed."
"Ohhh man…I just hope dat we won't be ambushed ja?" Cielo murmured as he walked out of the room.
xxxxx
The Embryon team arrived at Vishudha two hours after their departure. Heat looked at his watch; it was 0900 hours. The team stopped at the Wolves' front gates. They took Serph's lead.
"Halt. Who goes there?" a Wolf sentry from their tower asked.
"I am Serph, leader of the Embryon. I have come on behalf of Lupa, your leader's request."
There was tension all around them and the silence made it all the more unbearable. After a few moments, the gates of Vishudha opened. Heat looked from the huge gates before him to the woman beside him. Argilla walked alongside them, her arms folded in front of her. She was nervous; he could feel it.
He shifted closer to her and whispered into her ear, "Just relax. Nothing will happen."
She nodded and continued to walk. As they walked through city, Heat could feel numerous eyes staring at them, trailing after them as the Embryon team walked passed them. He tried to ignore them and he did. But the more steps they took within the city, the less tolerant he became of these incessant stares.
Heat turned his head to the left and saw a group of young Wolves soldiers staring at the only female member of their group. Their gaze was that of amusement; the three men looked at her as is she was food. Heat followed their gazes and saw that they had been staring at her exposed thighs; exposed as she walked due to her unzipped skirt.
He gritted his teeth in annoyance, 'How stupid could this woman be?! What the fuck is she trying to do? Seduce these maggots?!' He felt his anger mounting but his anger was suppressed as he felt a hand on his shoulder, "Just ignore them Heat. We are not here to cause a riot. Let them be."
"What the hell are you talking about Gale?" Heat asked irritably.
'They could probably smell her too…Too bad she's already taken.' That was true; her fragrance was still overwhelming Heat's senses but he had learned to coexist with it, not letting its amorously arousing scent get the better of him. Heat also knew that Serph had learnt to deal with the fragrance as well. After all, Serph was still calm and not was drooling on her like a dog.
"I know why you are angry. You don't like them to stare at her." he stated flatly, his eyes fixed onto the sight in front of him.
"…" Heat remained quiet.
"Your silence has just confirmed my suspicions. And now, I'll tell you once more; do not do or say anything that might endanger the truce."
"Tch…" he spat and walked a bit faster.
Gale shook his head and touched his forehead.
xxxxx
They entered the main chamber in silence. Serph walked in nonchalantly and stopped a few meters away from Lupa. Lupa looked intently at Serph for a moment and then on the rest of the team.
"Welcome to Vishudha. I trust your journey here was a safe one."
Serph lightly bowed and replied, "It was. I thank you for having us."
Lupa smiled tightly, "It is a shame that we cannot engage in other frivolities but as you all know, the Solids have fallen to the Brutes. Their forces grow even stronger even as we speak."
"Indeed." spoke Gale, "Tell us, what do you propose?"
Lupa was surprised at Gale's impetuousness but let it slide. He turned his gaze to Serph, "I, Lupa, leader pf the Wolves, propose an alliance between my tribe and your tribe, the Embryon."
"On what terms?" was Gale's bold query.
There was an uncomfortable silence.
Lupa looked sternly at Gale, "Once the Brutes have been defeated, their territory shall be divided equally between the Embryon and the Wolves. The Solid's territory shall go to the Embryon and the Brute's territory will go to the Wolves."
Serph shook his head, "That is unacceptable."
Lupa looked at Serph questioningly. Serph clenched his fists on his sides, "For the alliance, we, the Embryon, demand that the territory of the Brutes fall into our control at the event of their defeat. The Wolves can have Anahata. That is our offer."
Lupa glared at the young Embryon leader, "You do realize that you are in Vishudha; a city under my control. It would be too easy to dispose of all of you."
Heat, who had been all the while quiet, now felt the blood rush through his system. Now, things were getting interesting. His breathing had quickened and his heart raced. Tension within the room had elevated into such a height that it was impossible to ignore.
Heat surveyed the room from the corner of his eyes, 'Ten members of the Wolves and Lupa…the ten would be easy targets; Lupa would be the problem.'
"But you wouldn't." Serph stated flatly.
"Oh?" Lupa quirked an eyebrow, "And why is that young warrior?"
"Because you pride yourself of being honorable. To kill us in the manner in which you suggest…would be…in violation of your code."
Lupa remained quiet for a moment. The Embryon group held their breath. Heat was dying of anticipation; he could feel sweat trickling down his temple. He could practically hear Argilla shiver beside him. He cursed; she shouldn't have come with them.
Cielo's breathing became ragged but Gale was as stoic as ever. They were treading on very thin ice.
'Serph better know what he's doing!' Heat thought hopefully. As much as he would love to fight the Wolves, he wouldn't as long as he could guarantee Argilla's safety. She had become a part of him, he realized, and would do anything to protect her.
The silence was broken by Lupa's laughter, "It is an honor to meet a man such as you. You are wise beyond your years and had earned the respect of your tribe, your comrades and mine as well. It is agreed then. Then, Ajna shall be under Embryon control and Anahata under the Wolves."
Heat felt Argilla release her breath. Cielo slumped his shoulders in relief and Gale was…well…Gale.
Heat felt disappointed a bit but from the greater part of himself, he felt relieved.
"Then," Serph began, "we should discuss our itinerary ASAP."
"Indeed." Lupa replied.
Serph waved his hand towards Gale, "This is Gale. He is my strategist. He has a proposed plan."
Gale nodded and stepped forward, "I propose a pincer attack to reclaim Anahata. The Wolves will attack Ahanata head on while we, the Embryon will infiltrate the Citadel and reclaim it. The Embryon will not bring its full force; but only a quarter of it. The attack will be led by Serph. The Brutes will then counter this attack by sending reinforcements to help Anahata from Ajna. Our forces and artillery from Manipura and Svathisthana shall intercept them. Anahata would not be able to withstand an attack from the Wolves for long, much less from both the Wolves and the Embryon as it had only fallen to the Brutes last night. The Citadel isn't fit for battle as yet. That is why time is of the essence. The siege must take place within a week; preferably in 4 days. Do you have any objections?"
Lupa thought for a moment, "No. We do not. The Wolves have been training and had been preparing for battle for a month now. We shall be ready in four days."
Gale nodded in satisfaction and continued, "Once Anahata had been reclaimed, the siege for Ajna shall commence. It would be the most difficult thing to do as the Brutes are the strongest tribe in the Junkland. But…it would be easier as we recruit former Solids to become members of our tribes."
"And what makes you think that the Solids will join us?" Lupa inquired.
"They have no choice but to convert. We have to maintain a code of absolutism if we are to survive. Those who will not convert shall be detained. They will be stripped of their liberty. They cannot be allowed to roam free as they would defect over to the Brutes." Gale knew that he had to choose his words carefully. Lupa was a man of honor. He would not kill in cold blood. Gale knew that many of the ex-Solids would refuse to join their tribes, and should that be the case, the best option would be to dispose of them. But, for the sake of the alliance, he had to bend his strategy a bit.
"Agreed." was all that Lupa had said. The plan was feasible. Gale had made the entire war seemed easy to undergo. But then again, it would only depend on one's perception; even the most simplest of things could become complicated depending on who looked at it. Gale was clear-cut about everything. He saw things as either black or white. While this trait may be an asset, it could also be a liability as it made Gale unable to respond to situations that were neither "black" nor "white".
Lupa sighed; Gale was filled with honor as well. He could see it in his eyes. But Gale still had a lot to learn about trusting and understanding his emotions.
xxxxx
"Do you really think that we can win?" Argilla asked, a bit worriedly.
Heat pulled her naked body closer to his, her back against his chest, and wrapped his arms around her waist, "Hell yeah. With our combined forces, we can't lose. It's what's going to happen after that that I'm worried about."
Argilla stiffened, "You mean…the alliance?"
Heat sneered, "What alliance? If we are going to go ahead with Gale's plans, there wouldn't be one for very long."
Argilla bit her lip and her pink eyes looked at the wall sadly, "I…still think that…it's wrong…"
Heat sighed in contentment as he felt her warm body against his, "You mean…the assassination."
She didn't say anything. Heat rolled his eyes but due to the darkness, she failed to see it, "The world is harsh Argilla. It's isn't about love and honesty; it's about power. What do you think the Wolves would have done with us if we had not defeated the Vanguards or the Maribel? They would have had us on a leash like dogs."
Argilla bit her lip, "There's got to be another way! Lupa said that we could share the land! Why can't we do that?"
Heat sighed; he really wasn't in the mood for this.
"Look. It's not my decision that things were planned this way. It's Gale's and that bastard's call."
"…"
Heat kissed her neck softly, "Forget about it. Just get some sleep."
She did as she was told and closed her eyes all the while thinking how things came to be as they were now. She was again in his bed, in his room. He had his way with her again. He would not allow her to leave.
But despite being with Heat that night…she dreamt of Serph.
xxxxx
Two days had passed since their meeting with the Wolves. Muladhara, Manipura, Svathisthana and Saraswati were all on red alert and were all busy preparing for the siege in Anahata and the ambush for the Brutes' forces en route for Anahata.
Gale had been smart. He had not told the Wolves of the existence of Saraswati. It was their trump card. It was all the more reason to enforce their code of silence with regard to the matter at Muladhara, Svathisthana and Manipura.
Heat hardly saw Argilla at all. Well, at least, in the mornings. But he always made sure to see her at night.
He had noticed also that within the previous nights, Argilla seemed more and more to be distant. At first, he dismissed the idea as his imagination and when it persisted, he deemed that it was due to the upcoming battle. But now, he was simply irritated by it.
He didn't like being ignored.
Sure he didn't have to force her into coming to his bed but then again, he didn't have to force her to do anything. It was as if, she did things automatically like a machine. He frowned. He had hoped that their closeness physically would bring them closer emotionally.
But…that wasn't the case.
No matter; he would find out what it was that bothered her; one way or another.
xxxxx
Argilla had just finished her shift for the marching drills that day. She walked aimlessly, her mind in constant wandering. She had been so preoccupied with her thoughts that she failed to see the person heading her way and bumped into him.
She stumbled backwards but was held by the arms by the person in question.
"Hey…I was just looking for you." said the voice sweetly.
Instantly, Argilla snapped awake and looked at the person, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was Serph.
"Serph! It's been a while."
He nodded, "Yeah it had been a while hasn't it?" He sighed and scratched his head, "Everyone's been so busy preparing for the battle. What about you?" he asked, looking at her, concerned, "How are you holding up?"
She flashed a smile, "I'm fine."
He frowned, "You know…you've always been a terrible liar."
She closed her eyes, still smiling. "I know."
"Well?"
"Well," she began, "I'm scared Serph. I'm scared stiff. I don't even know if we could reclaim Anahata much more defeat the Brutes! I…don't want to see anyone hurt…I'm tired of this place. I'm tired of living this nightmare."
Serph could see the anger in her eyes. He cast his head down, "That's the reason why I told you I was sorry a few days ago. Because…even if we should win…there really isn't anything I could give you…I know…that…this place is…hell, but…it's all we've got."
Argilla blinked her eyes rapidly and her hand immediately cupped his cheek, "Serph…this isn't about you." she said, her eyes searching his, "I don't care if this place sickens me…as long as I have my comrades, I'll be fine. As long as I have you…"
Serph smiled sadly, "Don't be scared Argilla…We will win. I promise."
She laughed humorlessly, "Don't promise Serph…They're made to be broken."
Serph said nothing. Argilla stepped closer to him and wrapped her arms around him, "You don't have to promise me we'll win Serph. I have faith in you. Even if we should die…I won't regret it…I won't because…I was with you even until the end."
Serph pulled away from her and looked into her eyes, "We'll make it."
She smiled and so did he; finally, she was smiling her real smile again. That made him happy. "Well," Serph said, "I have…to go now. I have another meeting with Gale. I'll see you later?"
"Sure."
xxxxx
Argilla walked towards her room that evening. She glanced at her watch; it was only 2200 hours. She wouldn't be expecting Heat for another two hours. At least, she could have some time to herself.
Serph's words to her on the cliff still rang in her ears. She wanted to believe that everything would be fine. But, standing there at Vishudha days ago reminded her of the fears that Serph managed to calm.
But…she needed to be strong; for herself and for him. She wouldn't lose faith. She had faith in herself, in her team and most of all, him. She remembered how he held her that day…how he kissed her. It was what she had always wanted. But it was something that could never be. She growled. She should really get off of this self pity crap.
Take it like a man.
She stepped into the darkness of her room and was startled when a voice spoke, "What's with you the last dew days?"
"Heat…" she said, a bit surprised at his presence, "What are you doing here?"
"Do I really need a reason to see you?" he asked, slightly irritated.
"I guess not…" she murmured.
She felt him behind her and again he asked, "What's with you? You've not been yourself."
She clenched her fists and turned sharply at him, "What are you talking about? I've not been myself since you did this Heat…I've done everything you asked of me. What more do you want?"
Heat was taken aback by her outburst but then glowered at her, his red eyes flashing dangerously at her, "I want the whole of you! You've been nothing but a machine! I want you to…love me."
He had whispered the last two words but she had heard it all the same. Argilla had been shocked, to say the least. All of this time…she thought that Heat had only wanted her for sex or possibly the chance to hurt Serph. But now…
He kissed her roughly. He himself didn't know why he had said those words. Those were the words she was never meant to hear. But now, she knew it. Would she have the upper hand now? No…he couldn't let that happen.
He shoved her towards the wall; he was angry. He was angry at her for hearing him and he was angry at himself for saying those things. She groaned in pain as the back of her head met the wall.
"Heat…!" she managed to gasp into his mouth. He slanted his face closer to hers and drowned all the other words she wanted to utter with his aggressive tongue. His hands grabbed her hips and he pulled himself closer to her. Argilla's hands latched themselves to his chest, pushing him away.
Heat let his hands grab her jacket, pulling it from her body. Argilla turned her head sideways, blocking his mouth, snapping her jacket back in place, "No! No more!"
Heat glared, "What do you mean 'no more'? I'm not done with you!"
She shoved against him and he stumbled back slightly. "I can't…keep doing this Heat…!"
"Why is that Argilla? Are you going to run back to that bastard?!" he thundered, seizing her arms tightly.
"This isn't about Serph Heat!!" she shouted.
"Oh?" he scowled, "Then what is it about huh? Am I not good enough for you?!"
She yelped in pain as he shoved her on the wall again. Heat grabbed her by the shoulders and hurled her through the room. She landed a few feet away from him on the floor, on her stomach. She groaned but refused to stand.
"Get up. We're not finished." he said menacingly.
"It's not about Serph Heat! Not everything's about Serph!" she yelled at him as she turned herself, now lying on her back.
"Well, then enlighten me!" he challenged.
"I'm sick of you treating me this way!" she spat at him.
Heat glowered at her and tackled her on the ground, "Oh? You're sick of me are you? Well, then, I'm sick of you too! I'm sick of you always hanging on that bastard's arms. I'm sick of you always worrying about him! I'm sick of you dreaming about him even after we've been together! I'm sick of all your bullshit!"
"Then let me go!" she yelled.
He grabbed her chin roughly and shoved her head onto the floor, the pressure of which, sent her headaches, "I'll never let go of you…You're mine…remember?"
She looked up at him defiantly, "I'm no one's…Most especially not yours!"
He sneered, "You really are a fucking hypocrite! You say no…but your body says yes!" She gasped as he slipped his quick and nimble fingers underneath her skirt, through her panties and into her inner lips.
"G-get off!!" she said shakily, turning her body left and right. His fingers were driving her crazy. His touch was electrifying. She didn't want to admit it, but her body had gotten used to the contact between them that she began to crave for his touch.
'I won't give up!'
His right hand seized her annoying hands and pinned them above her head. Her legs flailed themselves in all directions and Heat laughed, "You should stop behaving like a child. You know you want me…"
She gritted her teeth as she felt overwhelming pleasure build up within her system. She balled her hands into fists as he inserted two more slender fingers to join the first one that came in within her. She felt her resolve crumbling, but her pink eyes shone with determination.
'No!'
Argilla could feel herself close to the edge, but suddenly, it was all over as he withdrew his fingers from her with a silly grin on his face. He held his fingers right in front of her, "See? You're so wet…" He licked and sucked his fingers dry, having a drunken look in his face.
She cursed herself, 'Damn body!'
He suddenly attacked her lips with his own.
xxxxx
Argilla lay on the floor, her legs wrapped tightly around Heat's waist. He was thrusting wildly within her and she could only hold on to him. Her mouth hung agape, her pupils dilating in sheer pleasure.
Heat was grunting and moaning away; his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. He pressed himself closer to her body, supporting his weight with his elbows.
"Argilla…" a voice spoke behind her door.
Argilla gasped and stopped bucking her hips. She stopped moving and looked at Heat who merely grinned at her. He put his index finger in front of his lips and motioned for her to be quiet.
She bit her lip as Heat continued his thrusts within her. She had attempted to get him off of her, but he wouldn't budge. She pushed again but to no avail. The harder she pushed at him, the harder he held on, only intensifying his thrusts. Her mind raced; was he trying to get them caught? It certainly seemed like it. She glanced into his eyes again and saw a playful and mischievous glint about them that made Argilla all the more nervous about their "situation".
"Argilla?" the voice spoke again.
"Serph?" she choked.
Heat's grin widened. He wondered what Serph would say when he found them on the floor having sex. What would he do? He couldn't help but laugh lightly.
Argilla let out a pleasurable yelp as Heat buried himself within her, up to the hilt.
"Argilla are you alright?" the voice asked, concern clear in his voice.
"Yes…!!" she said, her breath ragged.
"Alright…I just came to ask you…if you…want to come with me tonight…"
Heat frowned. He didn't like that. So, he thrust into her as violently as ever. Argilla bucked her hips to meet his force. His last thrusts were quite painful and she grimaced.
"Go…" she panted, "with you…? W—where…?!"
She choked back another yelp as Heat slammed faster and harder within her. She knew that he was upset.
"I was going to do a two-man recon mission back to the depot. We'll be back in 3 hours. What do you say?" Serph raised an eyebrow; something was wrong with Argilla. Was she busy?
His instincts told him to barge in but then…Argilla was a woman and as such, needed her privacy respected.
Against the incessant gnawing of his instinct of curiosity to his brain, he dismissed the idea.
'At least press your ear to the door or something!' his inner voice yelled.
Serph shook his head, 'No. I trust her. She'll tell me if there's anything wrong. Now leave me alone.'
Argilla, meanwhile, looked at Heat silently asking his permission. He merely grunted. Argilla bit her lip tighter; could Serph have heard that? She certainly hoped not!
"Argilla?" he asked again.
"W-what about…Gale and…Cielo?!" she asked, panting. She yelped in surprise as Heat took one of her nipples into his mouth, suckling on it greedily.
"Argilla is there something wrong?"
"Nno!!" she yelled suddenly.
"Gale is needed here and Cielo is exhausted from training and isn't fit for battle. I couldn't find Heat…so I decided to ask you."
Argilla managed to free one of her hands and it immediately went to Heat's hair, caressing it gently as waves of pleasure surged through her body.
"Ughh…"
"Well? I need an answer now. I'm leaving in fifteen minutes."
Heat looked up at her and grunted, averting his eyes. He had said yes!
She smiled momentarily before groaning again as he continued to assault her body.
"Aahh! Yes…yes! I'll…be there!"
"Alright. I'll meet you at the entrance in 15 minutes."
The voice disappeared and she heard footsteps fade in the distance. Serph had left. She sighed in relief. Soon after, they reached their Nirvana. Heat got off of her and started to gather his uniform. Without turning to face her, he spoke, "Don't do anything stupid."
He walked over to her and took her gently in his arms, setting her down on the bed carefully. Argilla was puzzled. Since when had Heat been gentle? And why?
He looked down at her, "Hurry up or the bastard's going to get suspicious."
She nodded and proceeded to the lavatory. He looked after her and sighed. When will she ever see things his way? Couldn't she see how much he needed her? Couldn't she see how much he cared for her?
She came out five minutes later, refreshed. Her hair had been carefully done, her face clear, her uniform unwrinkled and her cheerful face in place. He wondered briefly how it was that she had prepared herself so well in so little a time. Well placed eagerness coupled with adrenaline rush to see Serph? Or was it the eagerness coupled with adrenaline rush to get away from him? He frowned at the latter but was equally displeased with the former. 'Forget about it.' he thought to himself.
He walked over to her and held her briefly.
He looked into her eyes and saw that they held a twinge of fear in them. He had always liked to see fear in other people's eyes whenever he would look at them and some time ago, he loved it when he saw fear in her eyes. But after what she had said to him that night, he felt unpleasant as he saw that same fear in her eyes.
He wanted her to love him and to accept him for who and what he was. If she didn't…if she only feared him, then, she'd be no different from the others who had fallen by his hand. And he didn't want that.
He stroked her face lightly, leaning down on her face, whispering against her lips, "I'm sorry…Be careful on your mission." He didn't allow her to respond as he kissed her passionately. He drew back a few moments later and left her room, leaving her dumfounded.
"Heat…"
xxxxx