Undying Devotion

Shannara’s mind was reeling, she hadn’t expected that outcome, or for him to be quite so bold. She had to sleep with him so she could just go to the other realm? Was he insane? That was not happening... Though he was handsome and it would probably be enjoyable- NO! Stop Shann, get it together! You’re falling into his trap.

She glanced over at him for only a moment. The car ride to her place was silent. Thankfully he had stopped playing with the electric window and just stared out into the fast approaching night. He wasn’t pushing the subject at least. Catching her eye the edge of his mouth curved into a smile, his hair had fallen over his well-chiseled face and his eyes held a hooded gaze. “What’s on your mind?” He asked smoothly.

Oh, wouldn’t he find it amusing if he knew? Thank the heavens he couldn’t read minds... She hoped. “You can’t read minds can you?” Her attention turned squarely back to the road, she flexed her shoulder slightly as the still healing injury was beginning to ache.

“I wish I could.” He let out an amused laugh. “But alas I cannot, my powers only get me so far. The woes of woman I must work out like any other.” He ended with a dramatic sigh.

She couldn’t help but let out her own amused chuckle at that. He certainly did have a way with words. “Is it okay for you to be here?” She suddenly asked as she pulled into her driveway. “Don’t you have some... kingly duties you need to be doing?”

He exited the car at the same time as her. Closing the door with a light thud he placed his arms on top of the vehicle, resting his head on them. “I must admit, I am falling behind. But it’s nothing I can’t handle once your troubles are solved. I have had to put off face-to-face meetings for now, though I am seeing to what work I can while you sleep.”

She frowned, did that mean he wasn’t going to rest or sleep? “If you need to go back, you can. There’s no need to be with me every waking moment.”

“Trying to get rid of me already? We have only spent one day together.” He raised a brow at her.

Shaking her head she retrieved her bag from the back of the car before heading inside. “That’s not my intention, but if you are as important as a figure as you say you are...” She trailed off.

“I will be returning to my realm at night to see to as much as I can while you are sleeping.” He followed after her, proceeding to hold the door open for her after she unlocked it.

“That doesn’t sound healthy, you would need rest just as much as I do.” She commented.

“Are you showing concern for me?” He put on a fake shocked look causing her to roll her eyes. “Do not fret, we demons don’t need as much rest as you humans do, a mere two to three hours is all we need to refuel.” He explained.

“I don’t like it when people put their personal love affairs above their priorities.” The comment surprised her, why was she expressing this? The main reason she was saying it was to see if it would spark a conflict as it always had in the past. Her work was important to her and it always came first in her life, her past relationships never lasted mainly due to that very fact. She was deeply devoted to her work.

“Finding a Queen suitable for my realm is quite a high priority for me and the kingdom. In truth, without a means to produce an heir to the throne, my position is in danger.” He followed after her as she motioned for him to follow her.

“Any old woman won’t do? You can have a trophy wife, someone of your own world would likely be better suited.” She didn’t want to say it out loud, but could a demon and a human really be a good match? They were worlds apart, she couldn’t understand it. And then there was the matter of breeding, he needed a hier, she was a different race entirely.

“Female demons are not born. The male gene is dominant, in order to procreate we must... for lack of a better term, breed with a race that closely fits our genetic makeup.” He explained truthfully.

She stopped outside her door, her back facing him. “So, you’re saying I’ve been picked for breeding purposes?”

“I- Yes.” His voice was low.

She reached forward to open her bedroom door and walked inside, he expected to have the door closed in his face but to his surprise, she invited him in. “What are you waiting for, come in.”

His eyes lit up as an eager grin appeared.

“Not for what you’re thinking! I need your help to get ready for tonight. You’re a man at heart and I need your help to look like a woman that sells herself.” Walking to her wardrobe she began pulling out a few items of clothing. “But I do appreciate the honesty, it puts me oddly at ease.”

“You’re not repulsed by the idea?” He stepped forward over the forbidden threshold to her room.

She let out a single laugh. “I can see why you might think that. But in truth, it strokes my ego.”

He frowned tilting his head. “How so?”

“Well, think about it this way. I have spent a lot of time and effort on myself, my strength, my knowledge and my well-being. Your lackey mentioned that he was looking for certain traits for you. I’m proud of those traits, they make me who I am.” She pulled out a knee-length black skirt, holding it up to herself she looked at him she a questioning gaze.

He shook his head, approaching her he reached past her. He was so close that she could smell his musty sandalwood scent. Her body stiffened slightly as his arm brushed against hers as he retrieved a piece of clothing on a hanger. “This one.” He offered his advice. “So, you’re not upset with me?” He pushed.

Taking the tiny skirt she eyed it with a grimace. “No, honestly is something I value above all else. Keep being honest with me and I’m sure things will work out in their due course.” She motioned for him to turn around with her index finger and he complied.

“So you are considering my proposal then?” He inquired.

“I don’t suppose you have a memory wipe spell or something if I refuse?” She questioned.

“Not one that would be effective enough without harming other memories.” He could hear her stripping down behind him.

“You already told me that your kind destroy all evidence of your realm from this world... I don’t think I honestly have much of an option.” She slipped the tiny fabric up her legs and put on an open-back halter neck top.

“You fear me...” It wasn’t a question and his tone actually made her heart clench, an unexpected reaction.

“I do. How does this look?” She asked having finished changing.

He turned to face her, she couldn’t miss the sadness in his gaze but it was replaced quickly by wide eyes and a slightly open jaw.

The woman had curves! However, they appeared to be hidden by her uniform on most days. His eyes took her in, and she began to feel a little uneasy as his gaze bored into her at an agonizingly slow pace.

When he moved closer she took a step back on reflex. The wardrobe stopped her from being able to retreat any further and she found herself looking up into those never-ending eyes. Her heart was pounding as she glanced at the hand that had landed on the wardrobe door beside her. His other hand reached up as his head tilted down slightly.

She began to panic, her hands had found their way to his chest in an attempt to keep some distance between them. Already she could feel his body heat inviting her to indulge herself. “Wait-”

Her protest was cut off as his hand found her tightly wound bun at the back of her head. He undid it, her long locks stringing to life and slipping down and around her face. “There, much better.” He breathed against her.

He retreated with a smirk. Gods this man was going to give her a heart attack! A light flush had settled on her cheeks, she had thought he was about to kiss her in that moment. And yet, why hadn’t she pushed him away? She could have.

Clearing her throat she nervously pulled the skirt down a little. How did he make her like a child under his gaze? A thought crossed her mind and she glared at him. “You haven’t put like an enchantment on me have you?”

“And why in the heavens would you think that?” He remarked genially surprised.

“You make me feel...” She wrapped her arms around herself and looked away. “I’m not used to this, it’s not me.” It actually frightened her.

“You and I, we have a connection. It’s hard to explain in human terms.” He stepped outside of her room giving her some space. “And sweetheart, if you were enchanted you would have thrown yourself at me by now.”

“Your actions, you being here. It’s all very confusing.” She admitted truthfully.

“In truth, I was looking for someone to have my child and be done with it.”

Her head shot up, his tone was filled with regret.

“Now, well let’s just say a lot of things have changed.” He smiled across to her. “I’ll get changed also, while you finish up.”