Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Marvel.
Chapter Fifteen: Issues
Ashtyn continued to back away from her husband. He looked insane with intent. "Erik, stop!" Ashtyn demanded, as she quickly hopped out of the bed to stand to her feet. He paused for a moment and tilted his head, resembling far too much the infamous fictional-killer, Michael Myers. In a panic, Ashtyn rushed to the door to escape. Erik caught up to her in a moment's notice. Wrapping his arms around her he prevented her from leaving the room. "Erik…what the fuck!"
"Ashtyn you are freaking out for no reason." He said trying to calm her. "I am not going to hurt you."
"Then let me go!" She said as she continued to fight against his hold.
"I can't let you go outside the room buck-ass-naked. Girl calm your ass down!" He screamed. He had never yelled at her before, she immediately quieted in shock. "Now, let me explain. I will never hurt you. You know that."
"Then what's up with the blade?" Ashtyn shot back at him.
"I've already told you. The first order of business was to remove that bullshit from your arm. I thought that you were down for this."
"No. I told you that I didn't think that it was the right time. That's your mutherfuckin' problem! You think just because you say something to me that it means that we agree. That is not how a relationship works." Ashtyn said, as Erik released her from his grip.
He looked dumfounded, as he took in her words. Ashtyn was nearly broken by his next choice of words. "Baby…I don't mean to scare you. I just want you to have my child."
Ashtyn hated the sound of his broken voice. She wanted to smooth things over, without dismissing her position on the matter. "I love you despite your flaws and all your issues. Nothing will make me stop loving you. But this shit must end. You cannot force your will upon me. You kidnapped me because you wanted me and was fearful that you wouldn't be able to keep me otherwise. But when are you going to learn that I am with you, I am for you. Stop imposing your authority over me just because you are afraid."
He listened to her words and knew that she was right. He was the one who needed to calm down. In the past, he had always operated on pure impulse; but clearly his old approach wasn't working for Ashtyn. Ashtyn is his future. So, if he wanted to keep her in his future; he would have to change his modus operandi.
"You know I have some shit to still work out. My issues won't go away overnight." He offered somberly; as he suddenly began to feel guilty for frightening her. He was supposed to make her feel safe. Was that not his job as her husband?
His wife turned around and kissed him gently, before saying. "I know baby, and I am trying to be patient with you. We will get it right. I know that we will." With her words penetrating him deeply. A new hope sprung within his heart. Perhaps, everything wasn't as bleak as it seems. He still wanted what he desired from her. However, he was content that they were on good terms. Folding the blade to a close, it was his answer to her that for the time being they would go at her pacing. Yet, he couldn't help but to add, "Please reconsider the whole pregnancy thing. I am so in love with you. It would make me so very happy if you would honor me by having my child."
"I will consider it. I promise, I just need time to think things over." Erik didn't like the vagueness of her answer, but he had no choice than to accept it. He wasn't going to force her, despite his wishes. Taking her into his arms, this time tenderly, he kissed her. Before he knew it, she was kissing him back. One thing led to another, and they began to make love again; right where they were on the floor. It was gentle, lacking the harshness of their previous encounter. He guided her so that she was positioned on top of him. He watched as she slid onto him, she began to ride him drawing out his desire for her. Her movements were as if she was trying to ease away the tension that had risen because of his actions. He was simply grateful for the blessing she was bestowing upon him.
She had a way of making him feel accepted. With all his issues, she found a way to love him. Most women would had ran away screaming, but she hadn't. He moaned as he felt the sweet sensation of his arousal coming to a head. "I love you." She whispered, between her own soft moans of yearning. He winced as the acute feeling of pleasure washed over him like a tidal wave. "I love you too.' He managed to say before succumbing to the intense feeling.
Ashtyn toppled over him, as she submitted to her own release. She loved the feeling of her husband's hot seed erupting within her. Indeed, she would one day have his baby. Nevertheless, she was determined to make this one decision without being overwhelmed by his own will. It seemed to be her natural desire to want to appease him. Yet, this was a serious choice to be made, and she couldn't just on a whim become a mother without careful consideration. The had issues that still needed to be resolved and until they were, there would be no further additions to their union.
In the afterglow of their coupling, Erik wrapped his arms around her securely. "I would die to protect you." He declared. Ashtyn's embrace tightened in response. Something thick hung in the air. They could both sense that the tide was turning. It was nothing that could be named, but there was a growing concern that was getting ever closer.
Trying to chase away the seriousness of the moment Ashtyn joked, "You are too ornery to die. Only the good die young." Erik kissed the top of her head in response to her statement. Yet, their odd connection let him know that she too could sense the inkling that dark days were soon approaching. If he could stay within the moment he would, but time waits for no man. He rolled her over onto her back and began to kiss her passionately. They would make love once more before sleep took them both.
The next morning, the sun shined through the cracks of the curtains. Alerting Ashtyn that it was morning. She shifted and could feel a soreness between her legs. She smiled, remembering their first night as husband and wife. She reached over to touch Erik, but to her dismay he wasn't lying next to her.
"Erik?" She called out. As she searched for him within the darken room with her nocturnal eyes. Yet, he wasn't there. Wrapping the bedsheet around her nude form she gets out of the bed. She could hear the voices of W'Kabi and Erik just outside of their bedroom's door. She grimaced as she overhears her husband's plan to overthrow the world's governments, and to declare Wakanda as being sovereign over all. To her horror, she understood the wave of emotions that was pouring off her husband last night. The sense of foreboding was justified, her love was going to start the next world war.
Weak with understanding, Ashtyn dropped to her knees. Tears began to roll from her eyes. She dared not sob openly, because if she was to hear the rest of their conversation she would need to remain silent.
"Have you heard anything more about auntie and them?" Erik asked.
"No, my king. However, we believe that they may be heading to the Jabari Tribe. Though, being somewhat unlikely…do to their discontent for T'Challa's rule; it is the only place that we have not yet searched for them. Should we pursue them?"
After a few beats of a moment, Erik replied. "Send a small retrieval party after them. I think that it is time that we have a family reunion."
"As you wish my king. Any special orders?"
"Tell your men to bring them back to me, dead or alive." Erik said coldly.
Ashtyn could tell that the conversation was over, she hurried back to their bed. Lying down, she pretended to still be asleep. Upon entering the room, Erik lays beside her. He snuggles her closely from behind. As he spooned her, he nestled his nose within her hair to breathe her in. "Mine." He said aloud to himself. Wrapping his arms tightly around her he falls asleep.
Ashtyn, however, was wideawake. She was frantic with the knowledge that she had overheard. She couldn't allow for Erik to harm T'Challa's grieving family or begin a war. Knowing that both events would be detrimental to Erik's spiritual well-being, it was her duty as his wife to protect him…even from himself. If they were heading to the Jabari Tribe, Ashtyn would track them to keep them safe. There was only one person who she could ask for help in locating the tribe's location…Zoya.
A/N: Adventure time! Will Ashtyn locate the royal family before W'Kabi's men do? What do you all think will happen once Erik realizes that his wife has betrayed him. Fun times are sure to happen during the next few chapters. Thank you for reading! Please review, I would love to hear your thoughts. Have a great week!
~Concrete Lily.
