Hello, hello! *bows head* AND HOLY FREAKING SHIT! OVER 10K READS?! *bursts into tears* I'm no worthy! I don't deserve such praise!

A big big big thanks to all those who reviewed! Like seriously! It brightens my day when I read them. Also, belated congratulations to AnnaUnicorn for being DWTD's 100th reviewer! I'm terrible for forgetting to mention this earlier! XD

Disclaimer: Do you really think I own Percy Jackson and the Olympians? *silence* Yeah, it's obvious...

Ch 9: I Might Be Losing Self Control:

Percy's dramatic entrance had shocked the two girls into silence. Annabeth sensed a feeling of dread wash over her. Tiny beads of perspiration ran down her neck. Piper's eyes were wide open and she was shamelessly gaping at the stranger. If the situation wasn't so crucial, Annabeth might have chuckled. Keyword: Might.

The brunette slowly turned to gawk at her friend. "Annabeth?" her voice was a mixture of excitement and perplexity. "Mind telling me why there is a boy in your house? A tremendously hot guy, to be precise."

Annabeth made a squeaking sound in reply, while Percy smirked at the compliment. Great! Now his ego was going to get so big that it wouldn't even fit in her house! But before she could say anything, Piper resumed, "So that is the reason why you look like a mess today!" Annabeth felt herself blush at the sly undertone and she heard the demon chuckle.

Percy dragged a chair and sat opposite Piper, bending over slightly and resting his head on his arms. "You're being followed." It was a statement, not a question.

"Wha-? Uh, hah! I mean, yeah!" Piper stammered clumsily as she stared at him. "How did you know that?"

"I overheard your conversation," he shot a glance at Annabeth. The said girl was still standing stiffly, and upon noticing the demon's knowing look, she unenthusiastically sat down and forced herself to loosen up. "As I was saying, you are being followed by an angel."

Piper frowned. "Uh, was that some kind of code?"

"I meant an actual angel."

"Don't be silly! Such things don't exist!"

Percy laughed slightly. "Don't exist, eh? And what makes you think that? Just because you've never seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist." He narrowed his eyes. "If he is stalking you then that means he is interested in you. But why would an angel be interested in a mortal girl?"

Piper blinked, obviously not comprehending what Percy was saying.

"Say," Percy continued. "You said that few days ago you felt an aura of tranquility around him."

"Yeah…?"

"And now it's the opposite."

"Yes?"

Percy turned his head so sharply that Annabeth nearly jumped out of her skin. His gaze was directed towards her, his eyes flooded with emotions. But one of them stood out clearly: rage. "It's just as I feared," his eyes darkened even more as he whispered.

Annabeth faintly hoped that his eyes wouldn't change colour in front of Piper, otherwise her friend might just end up going into cardiac arrest. "What?" she choked out.

"Your friend," he glanced at the brunette. "Is being followed by a fallen angel."

The silence that followed was very uncomfortable. Piper shifted in her seat, unsure what to say, while Annabeth looked at her mate in disbelief. Did he actually say that to Piper? Why was he dragging her into all this supernatural stuff? It was understandable that she was being followed by a paranormal being, but she didn't know about the world of demons and angels. If she knows, then she'll only get into more trouble.

"That was a joke, right?" Pipes smiled wearily.

"Not at all."

"But this is silly! I was merely comparing him to an angel at that moment, not actually saying that he was a real angel! Besides, why are you even telling me stuff like this?"

"And that's because I'm a-"

Annabeth stood up harshly yet again, with such a force that her chair almost toppled over. "Enough," she bit out, send Percy a glare. "I've had enough of this!" You can't just corrupt my uncontaminated friend like that!

Percy frowned at her, as if he knew what she was screaming inside her mind (which he probably did), while Piper stared on with a lost look on her face, appearing so confused that Annabeth felt pity for her.

"Piper, don't listen to this idiot," she pointed at the demon, who seemed as if he wanted to roll his eyes. "And you've really misunderstood our relation. We're not dating. Just friends."

From the corner of her eye, she saw Percy become tense and shoot her a warning look. He looked as if he was about to argue, but before he could, Annabeth snapped. "Shut up! That's an order." A murderous expression crossed his face as he reluctantly closed his mouth. His eyes momentarily flashed red, and Annabeth was glad that he wasn't facing Piper. It suspiciously felt as if the two of them were going to have a long talk after Piper was gone.

"Friends?" Piper blinked. "When exactly did you guys become friends? We and Thalia practically hang out all the time, and I've never seen you acting all friendly with a boy, and also-"

"Piper," Annabeth groaned. "That's not the point. All I was telling you is to not listen to this fellow right here. You see, he is a big fan of the supernatural world and spends all his time reading novels on them and stuff. All that reading is making him spout gobbledygook."

"Oh…"

Percy was most probably glowering at her right now. Annabeth ignored him. "I think it's best if you called the police and told them all about this."

"You're right," Piper muttered. "Also, I'm calling Dad. I got freaked and ran all the way here. I can't go back to my house, because I'm too freaked out. I'll just have to ask him if I could spend the rest few days at his residence." She sighed. "Really sorry for troubling you both." She glanced at Percy, who by then had put a nonchalant mask on his face.

She smiled at him. "Well, it was nice meeting you."

"It was quite interesting." Percy sent her a charming grin.

Somehow that made Piper blush and when she was sure that Percy wasn't looking her way, she fanned her face and mouthed He's hot! to Annabeth. The blonde looked at her warily and wanted to tell her that Percy had seen her actions. After that Piper scurried off into a corner to call her father.

-o-o-o-

Piper went home after around fifteen minutes. Her father had sent a car for her so that she could reach home safely. He became very paranoid when he heard that she had a stalker, and Annabeth wouldn't be surprised if from then onwards Piper would suddenly show up with two bodyguards behind her back.

She chatted quite a lot with Percy. Though the demon didn't seem much excited with the fact, he still talked to her politely, probably because she was one of Annabeth's good friends. However, that didn't stop him from shooting dark glances in her direction every now and then. Annabeth shuddered to think what he might be thinking about.

Chaos began the moment Piper stepped out of her house.

As soon as Annabeth closed the front door, Percy pinned her to wall, his hands on either side of her head, effectively caging her form from trying to escape. Her hands immediately went up to his chest, vainly attempting to push him back. But of course, idiot! She shouted at herself. You pissed him off, this was bound to happen.

"Let me go," she grumbled as she tried to struggle.

"Friend?" Percy asked incredulously. "Did you call me your friend?"

"But of course," Annabeth hissed. "Why should I say that we're dating, when we're not? Besides, Piper knows that I have – had – a crush on Luke. Don't you think she'd get suspicious if I start to date another person?"

"Well, she might just deduce that you're trying to make him jealous," Percy scrunched his nose at the mention of Luke. "She was the one you were talking about a few days earlier, wasn't she? You shouldn't have stopped me though. She deserves to know."

"No, she doesn't," Annabeth argued. "Keep her out of this, Percy. Piper doesn't deserve to be dragged into this insane supernatural world. Let her lead a normal life."

Percy's eyes squinted at her. "And why do you think that your friend suddenly has a stalker?"

"Why not? She's pretty. She's sweet. It wouldn't surprise me if a guy fell for her."

Percy moved so suddenly that Annabeth almost jumped out of her skin. He buried his face in the nape of her neck and tickled her skin with his nose. "You're more beautiful, though."

What the hell?! Annabeth wanted to scream. Are you freaking bipolar or something? First, you're angry at me, then you start complimenting me! Men, they are all the same! "Oi, get off," she snapped harshly as she tried to fight his hold.

He ignored her adequately. "Do you think you love me Annabeth?"

"Eh?" Her eyes went wide. Why was he asking this all of a sudden? "Hey you bipolar demon, are you going crazy or something?" When he didn't reply, Annabeth sighed. "Percy, you know that I don't. We've known each other for barely a week. Obviously you can't love someone in such a short amount of time."

"But I do," he whispered huskily near her ear.

W-what? All of a sudden, Annabeth realized how close the two of them were. Her breaths started to become shaky. His close proximity was doing things to her mind. Damn hormones! She was flushed and their bodies were pressed against each other, so close that she could feel the coldness of his skin through the fabric of his shirt.

"You're my mate," he whispered as he sucked on her neck slightly. His hands moved to her waist and gripped her tightly, puller her nearer. His sucking grew harsher and Annabeth found herself stifling a moan. "You belong to me, and I belong to you. We're meant for each other. There's no use in denying it, Annabeth. You are bound to fall for me sooner or later."

"Percy," she gasped as his fingers lifted the hem of her shirt slightly and traced circles on her skin. Her conscience screamed at her to stop, but her body urged her to not struggle. Annabeth had never felt so conflicted in her entire life. She had to stop! But she didn't want to. Heck, it was too soon!

Percy groaned against her neck. "Damn. I love it when you say my name like that."

She felt his canines tease her skin. For a fleeting and frightening moment, she felt a wave of pleasure wash over her, a sensation which unknowingly made her curl her toes and arch her back, fighting a whimper that was trying to escape. But this tidal wave of pleasure, despite being tidal, didn't last for long, and sadly, Annabeth was back to her senses.

"Stop," she muttered weakly. "Percy, seriously. Stop! That's an order!"

But somehow her words had no effect on him. He trailed kisses from her neck to her jaw line, and then her cheek, while Annabeth merely stood there with her heart in her throat. "Stop it," she tried to sound stern, but then he suddenly kissed the sensitive skin behind her ear, and the sensation was so overwhelming that she had to grip his shoulders for support.

Why were her words not affecting him? Annabeth was in a state of puzzlement, unable to make out right from wrong as Percy continued torment her body with his mouth. Why am I responding like this? What is wrong with me?

The demon, having seemingly read her thoughts, let out a chuckle. "Do you want to know why your words don't affect me right now, Annabeth?" Heavens above! Just the sound of his voice made her blush harder. His cool breath fanned her ear, and she was sure that he was doing it on purpose.

"Get off of me, Percy!" Annabeth shouted. Why was the locket not working? Had he performed some magic on it?

"Simple enough," he said as he pulled back and gazed at her face, his eyes a vibrant red by then. "That's because you're not putting your entire heart into your order." Annabeth's breath hitched in her throat. Percy tweaked her nose lightly. "When you are ordering me to stop, you don't actually want me to stop. And that's why the locket is not working."

"Impossible," Annabeth bit out, even though she knew that it was very much possible. It was true, part of her wanted him to stop, while the other part didn't. "I've had enough of this," she turned her frustration into anger. You're being stupid Annabeth. Your crush died yesterday, and now you are behaving shamelessly like this. "Get off of me," she repeated, and this time Percy complied, his disappointed face revealing that the locket was working its magic again.

"Don't deny the bond, Annabeth," he said quietly. "Because the more you do that, the stronger you start to feel. I know that you're attracted to me."

"Fine," she retorted. "Maybe I am attracted to you. But attraction and love are not the same, Percy. First make me fall in love with you, and then we'll see!" A good second passed, and Annabeth's face went ghastly white when she realized what she said.

"Is that a challenge?" His voice was amused.

"Not at all," she murmured as ran past him and up the stairs. Before she entered her room she hesitated and looked back at him. He sent her a smirk, and Annabeth went inside and slammed the door behind her, trying to ignore her beating heart.

-o-o-o-

Annabeth had locked her door, despite knowing that it was of no use against the demon for he could easily kick it down. She let out a huff as she sat on her bed, trying to think of anything except Percy.

The sudden revelation of her slight attraction towards him wad too much. Annabeth groaned as she fisted her hair, a little bit glad that Percy had not followed her to her room. Fallen angel, she recalled. It was a fallen angel that saved Piper. The thought caused her to frown. Maybe all these events were somehow related. Though she hoped they were not, the possibilities were too much. She had to discuss this with Percy.

She bit back a sigh. That's right. She had to talk to him. But after all that had happened, Annabeth thought that it was better for her to delay the discussion by a few hours. Trying to distract herself (it wasn't helping that her cheeks were still warm), Annabeth grabbed a random textbook off her desk and tried to study, but before she could even read a word, a knock sounded on her door, and she was a hundred percent sure who it was.

"I know what you're thinking about," Percy said from the other side of the door.

"Get lost," Annabeth shut her book, knowing that she wouldn't be able to concentrate anymore.

"Now Annabeth, the two of us know what the consequences would be if I actually did that."

He just had to remind me, she thought as her mood turned sour. "What do you want? Or perhaps you're just here to taunt me?"

"I came up because I knew that you wanted to discuss the safety of your friend."

"Stop reading my mind. I appreciate a little privacy."

"Can't help it. A demon only has access to his mate's thoughts, and nobody else's. I can always feel other's emotions, but not their thoughts. It's a new thing for me."

Annabeth suddenly felt the urge to dig a hole deep into the ground and crawl into it and stay there for eternity. "Get back to the point. What do you know about this fallen angel?"

"Won't you open the door first?"

"No. Speak from outside," she ordered.

Annabeth could absolutely feel the exasperated look on his face, and faintly heard him mutter something that sounded suspiciously like 'coward'. She rolled her eyes, though silently accepting the insult. When she didn't speak further, Percy let out a groan.

"Alright then. From what you said to me earlier, and your friend's version of what happened today, I am sure that the angel has fallen only recently."

"So…?"

"A fallen angel is one who has committed a sin, which is something that only demons do. Hence, they are neither angels nor are they demons. They are stripped of their powers, are very weak, and can be easily manipulated."

Annabeth frowned as a few dots started to connect in her brain. But still being unsure, she prodded him to continue. "What do you mean?" she spoke quietly, knowing that he could very well hear her.

"Supernaturals don't involve with humans, Annabeth. And when they do, they usually have some type of ulterior motive. What happened yesterday, and what happened today, the situations match."

"Wait," Annabeth's eyes widened. "You're saying that this fallen angel is being controlled by one of the demons who are after me. But that means you're also implying that he is dangerous to Piper. He saved her life."

"Ulterior motives. I'm not totally sure, but I have a feeling that this guy possessed her stalker, just so that she could meet him," Percy said. "It seems as if this fallen angel is trying to get close to your friend, just so that he could indirectly get to you. And once he has his hands on you, it will only give your enemies the advantage."

Annabeth felt as if someone had punched her hard. "We don't have any solid proof of this theory, Percy. How can you be so sure?"

His next words chilled her to the core. "My intuition is proof enough."

-o-o-o-

And we've reached the end of the chappie! How was it? R&R!

Don't hate me for leaving you here! Please!

Kudos~!