Chapter 4.
Jade once again, laid down on the bed. Her head was pounding, and she felt so, so very tired. She was not even thinking about taking the aspirin he left on the nightstand. She closed her eyes and tried to think about nothing. She bit her lip in the effort it was taking to, but it was to no use. She hated how he had taken her here and was no keeping her locked in this room, in this house. She wiped the tears from her painful eyes and then it dawned on her. He had not locked the door behind him this time. Was she going completely mad, or had he really not locked it? She sat up.
What if he was testing her, waiting outside of her door to see what she would do? She knew she was too tired to run or fight him anymore. Her body was exhausted from the lack of sleep and all the tears. She watched the door for another moment before she made her decision. For whatever reason he had, he was testing her by not locking that door. And is she wanted to get away, she needed her strength. She needed sleep. She slowly walked into the bathroom, drinking a bit of water and registering there was a shower, a toilet and a little sink, nothing more. It seemed nice enough, but it just did not mattered ot her in that moment.
When she returned to her bedroom, she closed the curtains and crawled under the covers. The bed was so comfortable, and the blankets felt very soft against her skin. She nestled herself beneath the warm blankets and closed her eyes. She needed sleep, a lot of it. Maybe, if there was a god, he would grant her some hours without thinking about the monster on the other side of the door.
Riddick was pacing down the hall for a little while, waiting, wondering if she would leave her room. But after some minutes that slowly turned into half an hour, her footsteps around the room disappeared, and he heard the ruffling of sheets. She was in bed. Smart girl. Strong girl. He took a deep breath and walked towards his basement, his domain. Lifting some heavy weights always helped clearing his mind and he knew he damn needed a clear head now that she was here. He had promised himself he would not take her away from the world for good. She got to live her own chosen life. Keep her job, her friends. But he would be by her side, always.
But for now, she needed to adapt to her new role as mate, as partner. He knew how to go about it, the bond was already starting to form, he never had felt her emotions as clearly as now, now she was here and so close. She was reacting on it too, although she had no clue what was happening. He wanted nothing more than to help her, to make everything as easy as possible for her. But he also knew nothing would be easy, not with her being his mate. She was the only one strong enough a match for him. That made everything complicated as hell. He grunted loudly, pushing a bar high above his head. She needed time and he was the one there when she decided she needed more than space and time. He would be there when she needed answers and affection. Love. He threw his weights in the corner, growling loudly. He could only hope she would accept him sooner rather than later, this was taking a toll on him too…
Jade woke hours later, her head finally not hurting as much as before. She stepped out of the bed to open the curtains and finally could see the surroundings of the house clearly and by daylight. She could also tell she was in a large house. She had figured that much from walking around in it earlier this day, but the garden said it all. She saw horses in a field, a pool, neatly kept and a little BBQ corner. There were endless flowers, trees and bushes. It was beautiful. She realized this was not some little cottage far away. This was a mansion. Big and old. The grounds were endless. Where had he taken her?
Jade felt less tired, just empty and forced herself to shower and find other clothes. In the drawers of the cabinet, she found jeans. Her jeans…. She realized he had taken her clothes too. She froze a moment. He was serious about keeping her. And why would he take her clothes if he wanted to kill her? No… He seemed true in his words about keeping her here. But why? Opening the other drawers, she found her sweaters, shirts and blouses. Even her underwear. She blushed thinking about him going through her underwear. But he had taken everything. She dressed herself, unsure of what to do now. She wanted to try that door. And if he was not on the other side… She knew what she would try to do. No matter the consequences. Sleep had strengthened her a bit, made her feel a little stronger. She could escape him. She could. She just had to believe in that. She closed the drawers and walked around in the room. If he was on the other side of the door and heard her walking around, he would come in, she reckoned. But the door never opened. She smiled, that meant he was not there. She walked closer towards the door and listened. She tried hard to take her time, but she really wanted to get out of there. It was too hard to resist the urge to open the door, and so she did, slowly, but she did.
She held her breath, peeking through the crack she had made. No one. There was no one there. She felt her heart flutter at this chance. She would be free again. She would get back home and go on living her life. She opened the door further and stepped out into the hallway, taking a few steps into the direction of the stairs. The house was so silent. Strange. She walked slowly, hoping she would walk out of this house without ever seeing him again. She almost didn't dare to breathe, walking down the stairs and into the hall. How could she be this lucky? She bit her lips and made way to what must be the main entrance. Everything here seemed to be beautifully decorated. Expensive, tasteful. Not that it mattered to herm she only wanted to get out. From where she was, she saw a little sofa in the entrance, and some paintings on the wall. But not him. She took a shaky breath. She would get away. Just like this. Her hand shot out to grab the doorknob, almost crying in relieve, until it seemed to be locked. Fuck. She turned and just knew he would be there, waiting. It was strange how she could feel his presence. Strange and very disturbing.
'Leaving so soon, Jade?' His grin had returned, he lazily stood in the doorway, watching her curiously. He seemed just as terrifying as before, if not even more now in broad day light. Just as large and strong. And then those eyes. Those silver eyes…
'Let me go.' Her demand sounded a little firmer than her words before, but she heard it too, she was no match to his dominance. He walked closer, taking a deep breath. Jade placed her arms around herself, as to protect her from the harm he would surely cause her.
'Oh Jade, my Jade. We need to talk. We really do. Are you ready to listen?' She took a step away from the door and hated how he now walked around her, circling around her, making her feel like a true prey. She walked into the house once more, feeling him behind her, following her. For now, he seemed amused with her moving away. He was letting her go. But not out of his sight. He was playing along, for as long as he would allow, she understood. She walked into some sort of a saloon and walked in the other far end of the room, turning to see him enter too, stopping in the doorway. She realized she had given him exactly what he wanted. Her in a room, with him blocking out the only way out.
'Have you slept?' It was the normality of his question that amazed and dumbfounded her. There seemed to be concern in his voice, but she knew that had to be an act. He was a monster. She remained silent. He grinned again, walking in, taking place on the larger of the two sofas. Comfortably stretching his legs out in front of him. This was truly his house, she realized, he felt at home here. And it seemed he had been here for a long time. She seemed to feel that. She balled her hands into fists and kept her eyes on him.
'I hope you did Jade, you seem a little less stressed now. Better.' She swallowed painfully.
Riddick watched her closely. She seemed more awake, her energy was less troubled. The fire had returned into her eyes, but she was scared. Completely terrified. He swallowed, hurting her more was not his intention, on the contrary.
'You may sit down, if you wish. I will not bite.' He saw her eyes grow wide before she glared at him and he chuckled. This girl, no, this woman, she was truly amazing. Stronger than she knew. But he would teach her everything. But all in its own time though. She decided to keep standing there and he was not blaming her. But today they would start. He would start her lessons. After all, there was a lot for her to learn, to understand.
'What do you remember about what I told you yesterday, Jade?' He saw her think, but not on what he had said, she was thinking hard about why he was asking this question. He could almost hear her brain work. He grinned. Cute girl. Too smart for her own good. She was lucky he was her mate and he wanted her to feel safe and loved in his arms, not forced. He felt his muscles tense at the mere thought of keeping her in his arms again. His cock twitched once, he cleared his throat, distracting himself before his needs would take over. He needed to keep his animal in check for her, she deserved that much. She was pure and innocent, he had to remember that. He had to teach her everything. He had mentioned her being his mate, but he also knew she would rather die than admit remembering that.
'Jade.' He was making sure he growled her name. He instantly saw the reaction he was waking in her. Her fear intensified. Subconsciously her mind was trying to obey, but she fought it, although her animal knew better than to test her alpha. She was really strong, and stubborn. But she perfectly understood his warning to not push him.
'I remember you being jealous and breaking into my home.' He chuckled and smiled. This girl was priceless.
'Of course, you remembered that part Jade. But there was more, wasn't there?' He sat up straight now, watching her cower in her little corner. Seeing her shy away from him was painful for him in a way. She bit her lip. She was trembling, he saw her fists move. He didn't want for her to have another panic attack and forced himself to sit back, legs stretched out.
'I am your mate, Jade.'
Jade felt sick to her stomach trapped in this room with him so close by. He was frightening her beyond her belief and then his words… he was crazy! She felt how her mouth turned dry and the only thing she could think about was running. But he was still between her and the door. There was not exit. Not yet. She wanted to tell him she thought he was crazy, but something told her he would not tolerate those words. So, she kept quiet. She watched him take a deep breath, not sure if he would pound on her in a minute or not.
'I know you must have questions Jade.' He was working hard to keep himself in check. To not rush anything. But she was making it hard.
'I have no clue what you are talking about. All I want is to go home.' He grinned, but not in amusement this time, it seemed pained. Jade was confused.
'Oh Jade, my feisty rebel. You will have everything you want. This home, your home. But as my mate.' He saw her chewing on his words. Curiosity started to mix with fear.
'What is a mate? I don't even know you.' Riddick carefully placed his hands on his knees, his eyes never leaving hers. It was disturbing her how deep they seemed to watch into her soul.
'Mate, life partner, protector, companion, lover…'. He stopped right then and there, feeling her panic rise as he went on.
'You are really crazy- 'she stopped as soon as she heard herself talking out loud. She watched him stand up, making her tremble even more.
'Have you never wondered how your life, how everything always just worked out, Jade. How there suddenly was a foster family ready to take you in when you were going round and round in the system. Or how suddenly you did get a scholarship just in time. Why you never got hurt all those nights, wandering alone out on the streets. Who it was that guided you, kept you safe, watched you grow, waited for you?' He felt their bond now, it was not as strong as it would be in time, but he felt it quite clearly now and seeing her big eyes and feeling her fear, he knew she sensed it too. She knew he was not telling her lies.
'You- you must be wrong…' But although she tried to not believe him, she felt he was telling the truth and that was scaring her. More than before. Who was this man, why had she never seen him before this nightmare started?
'You know I am not lying Jade. I would never lie to you.' She swallowed hard, feeling how dry her throat became. She slowly made her way to sit down on the other sofa, not trusting her legs at the moment. However, he watched her closely, he sat down too on his sofa, his eyes still glued to her form before him.
'Your eyes… You are not human.' He was surprised she addressed that matter so quickly. She was perceptive. He felt proud of his girl. His mate.
'You know I am not, you feel that don't you Jade?' She bit her lip. She was still afraid, her mind working really hard to keep up, but there was curiosity growing behind her eyes and at the moment, that side of her was hungry for more. He grinned wider. He was not the only half-human here.
'What are you then?' Her words sounded so small, but stronger than before. He chuckled.
'So curious all of a sudden, Jade. Have you ever wondered why your eyesight is so good, even in the dark, or why you can hear the students very clearly on the other side of the classroom, while your friends couldn't?' She forgot to breath properly for a moment.
Was he referring her to be not human too? She wanted to stand and run, but there was a small part of her that wanted to know more. That needed to know more. She had no clue why though.
'Tell me.' He was surprised at her order, her request. He saw the uncertainty in her eyes after speaking up, afraid she had angered him. But for now, he was allowing her some playtime.
'We are Furyan Jade. Born and bred. Almost the last of our kind. Matched from birth, although you were born much later.' She huffed, finding his words hard to be real, or true, but his eyes… he seemed so serious still.
'What is a Furyan? What is different in comparison to other people?' He grinned, showing her his teeth. This was his favorite part.
'Everything. Our strength, lifetime, speed and our stamina. We are mentally more stable and stronger too. Normal people are no match to us.' He watched her take those words in and hesitate about her next question.
'You could be lying, trying to fool me.' He cocked his head to the side. She was right of course. But she knew he was not lying, the bond, that had started to form now she was so close to him, was real and telling her he was right. But she was afraid.
'You can feel our connection, as can I. It has always been there, Jade. But right now, now that I am so close to you, you can feel it much better, can't you?'
Jade shivered, suddenly feeling so very cold. He was right, she had always felt something but now she was here, she did feel so much more. But she was not sure she wanted to feel that, that she needed it.
'I don't want it.' She almost got angry as she saw the amusement written on his face. Who did he think he was? He must be years older than her. Somewhere in his thirties.
'The choice is not yours to make, I'm afraid.' She swallowed and placed her arms around herself again. She really was cold now. Licked his lips, seeing how she finally broke their eye contact.
'The bond has started but will not be completed yet. You have time to get used to it, to this. To me.' That brought her pretty eyes right back onto his, he smiled.
'When will it be completed?' He grinned, so she was acknowledging it after all. Good girl.
'Not before I claim you as mine completely.' She still watched him with question written all over her face. Cute. He knew she was not experienced when it came to men. It had been important she would stay pure for him, and she had. But he didn't know she was that innocent…
'Our bond will be completed after we mate. Then there is no breaking it. Your purity belongs to me.' The look on her face told him everything he needed to know. Her fear, her terror, her inexperience and anger all wrapped up in a beautiful package on his sofa. An exquisite flower.
She stood suddenly, feeling the great urge to get out of this room.
'I want to be alone now, I need to think.' He stood too, towering over her smaller form. He felt the pure attraction and he wanted her so badly. She made herself a little smaller, an instinctive move. He felt his animal purr at that. She knew who was in charge here, even in all her confusion, that part always would be clear.
'Please.' Her plea was soft, but he heard it. He would grant her time.
'I will escort you to your room, come.' He went before her on the stairs and she followed, keeping a safe distance between them. He stopped before the door of her room, stepping aside after opening it for her.
She walked in, but then stopped.
'I have my own life. A job, a house…' he watched her tremble as she spoke the words. She wanted to know everything, he felt it, but she was not ready. He would not claim her before she was willing. She could be fearful for his strength, his body, but she had to be willing to his soul. He would not force himself on her body. He had promised himself that much.
'You will have all of that Jade,' he told her. He saw her eyes watered again. She was tired, worn out, he knew.
'Rest some more, sleep. We have more time to talk, to… get you used to me and… the rest.'
'Will I ever get to get out of this house then? Will you let me go?' He heard the hope in her voice and hated that he would be the one to break her hope so soon. But he was not taking chances with her. She would not leave his sight before she was claimed. He cleared his throat.
'You will be able to have your own things Jade. A job, a career if you wish. But not before we're mated. Not before I have claimed you as mine.' Her eyes watered more, and he took a step back. She would understand in time, he knew. She would feel safe and she would want him. Her body would long for his soul too… It would take some time for his young mate to come to terms with everything she now knew. That she was understanding what he told her and that she felt the bond too was most important. That step had gone well enough. Now she needed a little time to get used to him, to feel safe in his house.
'Sleep tight Jade, I will come and get you for dinner later.' With those words he closed the door but didn't lock it.
Jade walked over towards the bed and sat down, bringing her hands to her face, crying softly in her hands. She was so confused. She hated how everything he had told her sounded true. She hated him and her life. She wanted nothing more than for things to be normal again. She didn't want a mate and especially not one so… inhumanly strong… And scary.
She wiped her tears but couldn't stop them for now, sniffing softly and lying herself on the bed, unaware of the ears of her mate that heard every cry.