Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Black Panther.
This chapter is dedicated to the loving memory of Mr. Chad Boseman. Rest in peace!
Chapter: Their Sacrifice
Inside Shuri's lab, Erik's eyes remain glued on the expanded hologram screen displayed midair above Ashtyn. Wakanda's technological wonders never ceased to amaze him. There will be no peeing on a stick to determine her pregnancy, but an intricated scan of her womb.
"This scan will not only tell us if Ashtyn is pregnant but how far along," Shuri explains. The scan goes layer by layer, scanning her body. The vivid images of her inner workings are incredibly mesmerizing. Erik is lost in the utter fascination of her anatomy and is only snapped out of his stupor when he hears Shuri speak.
"Ta-da!" Shuri says with glee. "Congratulations, you two." Shuri then maximizes the image; before zooming in on the tiny being growing within Ashtyn's womb.
Reluctant to break his gaze from the holographic image, he blindly reaches for Ashtyn's hand. She gives him a reassuring squeeze. Only after he has imprinted the image of his child to memory does he look at his wife. Her lustrous purple-hued eyes shine with unshed tears.
"That's our baby?" Erik voices aloud. He leans and kisses Ashtyn's lips. He wipes away her fallen tears, but a few of his own threaten to spill. "How far along is she?" He asks Shuri.
"Not far, two weeks. If you were anywhere else besides Wakanda, I doubt you would have gotten a positive result. Lucky for you two, my technology never fails," Shuri adds with a confident smirk.
"I guess it is too early to determine the sex of the child, huh?" Erik remarks, but he is hopeful.
"Well, the fetus hasn't developed any sex organs, give it ten more weeks, and I can tell you."
Erik howls and fist pumps the air before he leans over to give his wife another smooch on the lips. He notes Shuri's surprised expression at his enthusiastic response, but he was beyond the point of caring. He was going to be a father! Suddenly, the reality and the seriousness of protecting his growing family; crashed into him like turbulent waves from the sea, breaking against the rocky shoreline.
"Remember what you promised me," Erik reminds Ashtyn. His sudden switch from cheery to stern erases any sign of joyfulness from Ashtyn's face. She sulks; he can tell she wants to argue. Her feistiness is something he has come to expect from his Madam Slay. Nevertheless, them leaving as he forewarned her is non-negotiable.
The whole fiasco with Nakia and her spiritual attachment is still a threat. What if he cannot protect his family? He cannot take that chance. Shuri perhaps, feeling the changed in moods, excuses herself to work on the other side of the lab. Once she's out of earshot, Erik speaks, "You promised you would leave without arguing."
"I did not promise anything. You told me we would leave. I know you are worried about our current situation, but Wakanda is a fortress. One that we can help T'Challa to fortify. Besides, I have other concerns."
Erik drags both his hands down his face. Of course, she will not go quietly into the night. Exasperation threatens his peaceful demeanor, but bickering will resolve nothing. In the calmest voice he can manage, he asks, "What other concerns do you have?"
He notices how Ashtyn tenses; she swallows hard before she answers, "My ocular condition is hereditary. There's a good chance our child could suffer from the same ailment."
Damn, Erik thinks to himself.
Of all the things he thought about, her genetics wasn't one of them. He has gotten used to her being able to see and had almost forgotten about her blindness. Only because of their fortune of living in Wakanda had she reacquired her sight. The purple herb garden is slowly recovering, thanks to Zoya's efforts, indeed they may need its healing properties once more.
"We can always come back if we need Wakanda's magic and technology," He offers.
Ashtyn slowly shakes her head. Erik didn't need her words to voice what was already bouncing around his head. What if Wakanda falls? T'Challa will need their help to secure Wakanda's independence. If they left now and Nakia attacked again, who will be able to stand by the king's side?
Erik jaw clenches as he considers the consequences of bailing. T'Challa was right family can be your greatest weakness. The love he feels for his wife and unborn child has helped to make up his mind. He will stay and fight; to ensure Wakanda's survival, not for the sake of the country but his family.
"Fuck," Erik curses. Ashtyn gives him a weary smile. Erik hated not having the option to walk away, but this is what they must do. "I'll be back," Erik says as he stands.
"Where are you going?" Ashtyn asks.
"Going to holla at cuz."
T'Challa paces in his study. His mind tormented by thoughts of Nakia suffering at the hands of an unseen entity. Where is she now? Is she safe, scared, wondering about him as he is of her? All the things he wishes now he would have told her. Like, how he loves her, but not in the way a man should love his betrothed. It took seeing Erik's relationship with Ashtyn for him to learn the difference.
The passion they have for each other is unreal. Nakia and he does not share their zeal, but damn-it if he doesn't want to feel that with someone. T'Challa imagines what it would feel like to love someone so pure and potent that it breaks his will. It is frightening to think that such a bond exists, but Ashtyn's and Erik's love is proof of such a thing. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door.
"Enter," he replies. Enters is a perturbed Okoye. T'Challa frowns, questioning her annoyed expression, but then Erik charges in after her. Now the reason is evident. "To what do I owe for your impromptu presence?" T'Challa says, with a smirk.
"We need to go on the offense. Waiting around for Nakia to strike us isn't going to cut it," Erik states, no mincing words.
T'Challa shoots Okoye as stare, which prompts her exit. Once alone T'Challa speaks.
"We have drones in the sky, and soldiers on the ground, searching for her in every nook and cranny. Even beyond the outskirts of Wakanda's borders. What more do you suggest we do?"
"Draw her out."
"And how do you suppose we do that?"
Erik only gives T'Challa a knowing look. Of course, if anyone knows how to push Nakia's buttons, it would be T'Challa. He searches the darkest corners of his mind and finds only one thing he could use to draw her out, but it would be cruel and even heartless.
T'Challa walks over to the picture window. Outside it is a scenic day. There's not a cloud in the sky as the sun shines brightly. How can anyone have any worries on such a day is beyond his comprehension.
He sighs before he answers, "I cannot do that to her."
He feels Erik approaching to stand beside him. For a while, they share in gazing at the landscape. It was comforting to have Erik with him. He is so different from himself. Yet, there's a comradery between them, both at one time knowing the struggles of being king. Maybe it was their kinship, but T'Challa feels their connection is much more.
"Ashtyn is pregnant," Erik admits.
T'Challa smiles and says, "Congratulations."
"She doesn't want to leave, for the baby's sake. If so, I have another reason to make sure this place survives," Erik turns his head to look at T'Challa, who returns his gaze. "I know you got love for Nakia, but if there's anything that will end this quicker, then you must do it. Your loyalty to her is natural, but the entire country is counting on you. I know I'm not one to talk about the importance of other's wellbeing, but that's why I'm not the king…you are. You have to do what is right."
Erik's words seep into T'Challa's bones like an ice-cold bath. He must numb himself against any notion of hurting Nakia. If he must hurt her to safeguard Wakanda, then he will do as he must.
"There's one thing that might draw her out, but you are going to hate it."
"What is it?"
"I will have to declare my love for Ashtyn."
In a blink of an eye, Erik's vision goes red. Did he hear T'Challa correctly? He wants his wife, no scratch that, he loves his wife. Erik lunges forward, wrapping his hands tightly around his cousin's throat. Before he could crush T'Challa's windpipe, T'Challa breaks away. He moves quickly away with his hands defensively held out before him.
"Hear me out!" T'Challa shouts. The doors burst open, led by Okoye, accompanied by several members of the Dora Milaje. The weapons are trained onto Erik, fully prepared to defend their king. However, curiously, T'Challa orders for them to stand down.
Why in the hell would he do that? Erik thinks fleetingly. Nevertheless, it is no matter to him. His treacherous words would be his undoing.
"Hear what? How my blood wants to fuck my wife! I knew I couldn't trust you!" Erik lunges again. Yet, T'Challa once more evades him. Erik's blind fury has him acting without thought; his attacks are shortsighted and clumsy. He blows out an exasperated breath before initiating another strike.
"I don't desire your wife in that manner. Listen to me!"
A deranged roar rips through Erik's throat. It is almost inhuman as pure rage makes him deaf to T'Challa's pleads. He charges; this time, Erik's wild punches connect with T'Challa's chin. The king falls back. When their eyes meet, Erik recognizes a dangerous gleam in T'Challa's eyes, letting him know that he was no longer in the mood for talking, which is splendid because Erik was ready to fight.
T'Challa grunts before he charges Erik, spearing him to the floor. With the wind knocked out of him, Erik, dazed, provides T'Challa the advantage as he presses his shin against Erik's throat, suffocating his already air-derived lungs further.
"For once in your life, listen!" T'Challa said in a firm voice. "I do not want her, but Nakia thinks I do. If we stage a wedding, she will become as irrational as you are now and will show up. We can then trap her."
Upon hearing T'Challa's explanation, Erik calms, but he was right; he hated the plan. Only after T'Challa is convinced that Erik has regained his sensibility does he release him. T'Challa offers a hand to Erik, who looks at it for a short while before accepting it. Once he is standing before him, Erik mumbles a justification of sorts for his actions, which is the closest thing to an apology he was willing to give. T'Challa grasps his shoulder in acceptance.
Erik is relieved when T'Challa commanded for all the Dora Milaje, except for Okoye, to leave. The fewer people he must face during his comedown from his insanity, all the better. Yet, if Nakia's reaction is remotely like his, then she will be off her game as he was; and primed for a takedown.
Though, his pride will take a hit by allowing the word to spread of Ashtyn marriage to the king. It would suffice as a lure for Nakia. Hell, did he not ask T'Challa for something to draw her out, but he hadn't imagined this. Nevertheless, this is an opportunity to exploit an obvious chink in her impenetrable armor and superhuman strength. Otherwise, what else could they do but wait for her to attack?
"Okay, let strategize. Nakia never thought too highly of me. Let's use that to make her believe I've abandoned Ashtyn. With her suspicions, she will fill in the gaps. We'll make the event big and flashy, announcements of your pending wedding. If she's anywhere on the earth, she will hear about it. Now, there's only one thing left to do."
"Pray tell, what would that be?" T'Challa questions.
"Break it to my Ashtyn that I'm leaving her."
After Erik's exit, Ashtyn remained in the lab with Shuri for a while. The princess gushed over the idea of having a tiny baby bumbling about the palace. Ashtyn didn't have the heart to tell her about Erik's desire to leave Wakanda. When Shuri got busied with various high-tech projects, it was Ashtyn's cue to leave.
Ashtyn finds herself inside Timber's enclosed habitat. It has been a while since she has visited with her pet. Thankfully, he shows no sign of unforgiveness as he playfully rolls over for her to scratch his belly. He purrs as she strokes his skin beneath his thick fur.
"Hey, baby," Ashtyn says. "Sorry, I haven't been around. Things are a bit complicated, but there's a ray of hope. I'm pregnant!"
As if Timber understands, he nudges at her stomach with his nose. Ashtyn increases her strokes in response. She continues their one-sided higher-level convo.
"Timber, I'm a bit scare. I have been struggling with being a good wife. How am I going to manage to be a good mother? What if my genetics passes on to my unborn child? I know we need to stay to defend Wakanda, if not for anything more than my own selfish need for their technology."
"You don't have a selfish bone in your body," Ashtyn turns to see the origins of the voice. She knows without glancing it is her husband. He steps out of the shade of the tree lining, looking scrumptious, as he stares at her sternly. A sensual tremble rakes over her body as she becomes aware of his gaze, that promises lustful deeds he seeks to have met.
"I've been looking for you," Erik said as she perched on his haunches beside her. He begins to stroke Timber. Ashtyn is surprised how he doesn't show a hint of hesitation towards touching the beast. Yet, she knows the only thing Erik fears is abandonment. Besides, Ashtyn has yet to see Timber's aggressive side.
"How long have you been watching me?" Ashtyn asks.
"Long enough to learn, you can confess more truth to an animal than to your mate."
The hurt laced within his words does not go unnoticed by Ashtyn. She answers, "It is easier to talk when the other party isn't a dictator and hellbent on his desires."
Erik lets out a breath before his gaze falls onto her. His eyes are soft, like when he said his vows to her during their wedding. His vulnerability frightens her. She immediately asks what's wrong, to which he falls silent for a long while.
"T'Challa and I came up with a plan to draw Nakia out of hiding." An unspoken, "oh," fill in the pause before he adds, "It will involve me leaving the palace."
Ashtyn frowns, not understanding how his absence would spur Nakia to attack. Finally, he revealed the big plan, she automatically hates it. The suggestion of separation reminds her of their time apart during his incarceration.
"Hell no! You can't leave me," Ashtyn screams. Timber is startled by her sudden cry. Erik pats his belly to soothe him back to restfulness.
"I'm not leaving you," Erik says in a quiet voice. "It is all for show. I would do anything to secure our future. At dinner, she lost her shit whenever you spoke. She is envious of you and thinks T'Challa cares for you? If we announced your betrothment to him, trust me she will come."
"Where will you even go?"
"W'Kabi's village is still somewhere I can stay. It is on the outskirt of Wakanda's borders."
"No, there's got to be another way. I don't care if this is all an act or not! You aren't going anywhere!"
"Fuck, Ashtyn, you think this is easy for me?" Erik shouts. He stands, towering over her. This time Timber leaps to his feet, watching with menacing eyes at Erik.
"Calm down, baby. Daddy is just a bit on edge," Ashtyn soothes Timber, who wearily walks away.
"I need your support. The idea of everyone thinking you belong to anyone other than me is almost more than I can endure. You asked to stay here, but we need to neutralize the threat. When Nakia is out in the open, we will be in the position to strike. Once she's gone, we can live in peace."
"But how long will you be gone?" Ashtyn asks. She wraps her arms around his waist. She presses her face into his chest, breathing in his scent. She doesn't' want to let him go, but this is the only plan that sounds as if it might work.
"Hopefully, not too long," Erik replies. He wraps his arms around her. "The sooner I go, the sooner we can get it over with."
She tightens her hold on him. "If you are going to go. Can we have a goodbye night?"
Erik's body tenses as he catches wind of Ashtyn's request. "Hell yeah,"
He guides her to their bedroom. Once there, she imagines sleeping without him. Though she knows it is only temporary, she cannot help but be saddened.
As she stares at the bed. She feels his hand caressing her neck. She melts into his touch. He whispers into her ear.
"I love you so much," Erik says.
She closes her eyes and rests her head against his chest. His hand drops from her neck to one of her breasts. Her back arches as his thumb stroked her nipple.
He whispers again, "Can I please have you now?"
She only hisses in response as he bends her over the bed. He bunches her dress over her hips.
"How wet are you for me?" He questions. Then strokes her center through her panties. "Baby, your juice box is so ready for what I got for you."
"Yes!" Ashtyn cries, as his touch radiates throughout her body. If this is to be their last night together for a while, tonight will be theirs. "Give me all of you."
"Haven't I already?" Erik answers in a playful tone.
Ashtyn turns to face him, her eyes lock onto his. "If you are going to be without me, you will need a lasting memory of me. You have needs; allow me to fill them for you."
He strokes her cheek as he thoughtfully considers her. "You don't want me like that. I am feeling too much like my old self. I will break you."
"I don't care. I will handle it; I can handle you."
A feral growl comes from deep within him. His jaw clenches, as if he is barely holding on to his sanity. Indeed, he needs to satisfy his darkness, his depravity.
"Strip," Erik commands. His dark stare scares her, but she refuses to give in to fear.
She begins to pull her clothing slowly, as she suspects he wants. She lowers her dress down, revealing her full-heavy breasts. Erik's lust-filled eyes take in her vulturous body.
Erik undoes his belt and rips it away from the loops of his pants; before pulling his pants and undergarments off. His large dick swings as he approaches with purposeful strides towards her. She knows he is going to tear her apart; she readies herself for him. With his rough hands, he grasps her upper arms. Ashtyn gasps as he pushes her onto the bed. She bounces for a moment as he tugs his robe off. He crawls onto her, his eyes set on her like she's his prey.
"You might have to play the role of another man's woman, but your pussy belongs to me. Know that, remember it."
Without warning, his mouth descends onto her mound. His mouth latches onto her; the sensation is so overwhelming she begins to run away from his mouth.
Erik places his hand roughly onto her hips. "Take it, baby. You asked for this, now come a get your due," he says in a gruff voice.
Ashtyn's head falls back as she endures his skilled tongue. She yields to her sensual whims; her fingers intertwine through his coiled dreads. She fists them with she feels her climax arising.
She screams his name as she succumbs to her orgasms. She lays still, her eyes shut as she recovers. Once she has found her center, she opens her eyes to gaze at Erik. She shudders at the intensity of his stare. His eyes are hungry and dark with lust.
He said nothing as he roughly turns her onto her stomach. She gets onto her knees and lowers her head. He positions himself on his knees behind her, his throbbing rod angled to enter her. Without any warning, he slams into her. Ashtyn's eyes instantly water as the pressure of his size causes her inner walls to stretch abruptly.
She winces, but Erik answers her moans of pleasure and slight pain, with even faster thrusts.
"I can't stop," Erik confesses. "You feel too damn good."
Ashtyn focuses on contracting her inner walls. Erik hisses as she does. He presses his hand onto her head as he repositions her for even deeper penetration. Her face turned to the side for her to breathe through his spread fingers; she sees him hovering over her. His face lost to passion, his eyes shut, his mouth agape as he takes in ragged breaths as he continues to chase his release.
As if he can feel her eyes on him, his eyes shoot open. His sultry gaze falls onto her.
"Mine," he says, just before he gives her a powerful stroke. Ashtyn climaxes, gripping the sheets beneath her as if they are an anchor. Erik, quicken his pace; before he stiffens, a broken cry of her name falls from his lips as he collapses onto her.
He waits a moment before he disengages from her. He coaches her to rearrange herself onto the other side of the bed. She allows him to move her into a more comfortable position. He lays beside her and drapes the duvet onto them both. He cuddles beside her, wrapping his powerful arms around her midsection.
"Did I hurt you?" He asks.
"Yes, but I don't mind," Ashtyn admits. She hopes the tenderness from his strokes remains because she wants to remember his touch.
With the warmth of Erik's nude body radiating throughout hers, she falls asleep. In the morning, she awakes alone. She touches the place where Erik had slept; her heart plummets, knowing he's gone.
"He didn't wake me to say goodbye," she whispers to herself. Yet, she had known the reason why. He wouldn't be able to leave her, or she would've begged him to stay. Besides, last night's sensual affair was their farewell to each other.
You can do this, she encourages herself, but the words don't comfort her.
Tears begin to form in the wells of her eyes. One tear fall, then another. Before long, she's lost in crippling despair. She should be strong, but right now, she cannot. Perhaps, the hormones of her pregnancy are to blame? Yet, she knows that isn't true. Being apart from him is a fate worse than death.
In utter anguish, she calls out to him, "Erik."
***Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Love ya! ~Concrete Lily
