CHAPTER SEVEN

Together, we walked through the field, gazing at the twinkling city lights in the distance and basking in the silver glow of the moon. The cool air filled our senses with the scent of dew-covered grass and earth.

Lana was the first to break the silence. "Does anyone have the map memorized well enough to know how far off course we are?"

"It's all up here," Brody said confidently, tapping the side of his head.

"So where are we?" she pressed.

"I'll have a better idea once we reach the inner city," he admitted.

"Just admit you don't know," Hayven said with a sigh, finishing off the long braid she'd been working on.

"But I do know," Brody insisted.

"He knows," Charon nodded in agreement.

As we continued walking, a large cabin emerged in the distance. A sign planted in the ground a few feet away from it read "Sanctuary." I couldn't recall when we had last seen or been to one of these places. The word itself seemed foreign now, almost too good to be true. We slowed our pace as Maverick and Brody volunteered to go inside first and make sure it was clear.

"Stay close," Ky murmured, his grip on my hand tightening slightly.

Maverick and Brody cautiously entered the cabin, communicating silently before disappearing inside to check things out. The rest of us waited, tense and alert, scanning our surroundings for any signs of danger. The dark windows loomed ahead, giving off an eerie feeling as if they were watching us with empty eyes.

"They'll be fine," Dion said quietly, whether he was trying to reassure us or himself, I couldn't tell.

Brody poked his head out and waved for us. "We're all good!"

We filed in and stood in the foyer of sorts. As soon as we were all inside, the door closed behind us with a loud click as a lock slid into place, far from comforting. The cabin wasn't as extravagant as the other sanctuaries we had seen, but it was far from run-down. It had become evident some time ago that they spared no expense here, even in places meant for us to die. The alligators were testimony to that. Then again, they probably didn't worry about feeding them when they had people like us to use as their food source.

"They were kind enough to leave us a welcome letter." Maverick circled around a large L-shaped sectional and grabbed something off the coffee table—a piece of paper. He shook it out and then began to read.

"Welcome, Esteemed Players.

We hope you enjoyed your unexpected detour from our planned entertainment. As always, your resilience and resourcefulness have not gone unnoticed.

To reward you for bringing in a record number of viewers, we have something extra special planned just for you. Take this time to relax and prepare. You will need every bit of wit and endurance for what's to come. May the strongest survive, and only the most cunning thrive.

Warm regards, The Infernal Syndicate."

"Warm regards my ass," Carol groused, walking off. "Let's go, Earl. We need to do something about your head."

Earl. Now I had his name. But the Earl in my memory was a family attorney. Why was he here?

My eyes darted around the unfamiliar room, landing on a timer ticking away above a large fireplace mantle. The digits glared back at me, counting down the precious few hours we had to pretend we were safe. Doubt crept in as I questioned the trustworthiness of this place.

"Are we okay here?" I asked, my voice laced with skepticism.

"Don't worry," Ky reassured me. "They won't betray their own game, not again."

Hayven's head turned in his direction. "Not again? What do you mean?"

Ciaran pulled Lana close, his arm protectively wrapped around her. "Come on, puppet. We really need to get you cleaned up."

"It's just some mud," Lana protested, but Ciaran was already leading her away.

"If it gets infected and you lose limbs, then what?" he reasoned with her.

As they walked down the hall, I heard Lana ask who the one was being dramatic.

Ky took my hand and led me towards the stairs, beckoning for me to follow him. I hesitated, not wanting to leave Mel behind, but she gave me a reassuring smile before turning to Brody and asking for his assistance. I got it then. It was about her wound and she didn't want me to see it. I could've pushed the issue, but I'd never disrespect her boundaries. Too many people have done that already.

Ky took me down another hallway, pushing open two doors before we found a bedroom. He locked the door behind us and guided me into a bathroom that was sleek and modern with dark tiles, a glass-enclosed shower, and a large mirror above the sink that showed a girl. She was familiar, yet different in every way. Her eyes held a trace of sadness and pain.

This place was not where she belonged. I couldn't help but worry about what would become of her once we left. Where could we go? Our family was a lie, our home was no longer a place we would ever feel welcome. We used to love the beach, but now I wasn't sure if it would ever hold the same meaning for us. It felt like two souls were inhabiting one body; hers bearing the weight of all that had been taken from her, and mine trying to deal with the aftermath.

Ky's body pressed against mine from behind, his hands caging me in against the sink. He leaned in close, his lips brushing against my ear. "All that pretty torment," he murmured, "Let me take it from you."

I meet his unrelenting gaze in the mirror. It's like he could see into my very soul, ripping apart my fragile defenses with a single look.

"It's not yours to carry."

"Everything you have is mine, Sunshine." He reached out and turned on the tap. "And if you won't willingly give it, I'll just take it like I do everything else."

He washed his hands and then stepped back and crouched, opening the cabinet and sorting through it. When he stood back up there was a metal first aid kit in his hand.

"Turn for me."

I did as he said, silently observing as he delicately grasped my injured hand, his touch surprisingly gentle for someone with a rough exterior. He carefully cleaned the cut, his fingers caressing my skin. The antiseptic slightly stung, but it was a good kind of sting that had me rolling my lower lip between my teeth. Ky noticed my reaction and his gaze flicked up before returning to the task at hand.

"Did the pain feel similar when you cut your hand?"

I nodded, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I wished I could deny the reality of what was happening to me.

He paused; his eyes full of understanding. "There's no reason to be ashamed, not ever. Especially not with me."

I smiled gratefully at him. He always knew how to comfort me. "You have a way with words."

"Only the ones that are yours."

"Why is that?"

"It's something you've forgotten." He casually tossed the small cotton pad onto the sink and gazed down at me.

"Something you're purposely not telling me?" I prodded.

"It's not as straightforward as that. You have to remember. That's the only way it will hold any significance."

"And if I can't?" I asked quietly.

"Then I'll repeat the process until it's ingrained in your mind forever."

Not knowing what to say, I simply nodded in response. It was evident that while Kyrous Vetis may not have experienced emotions the same way as others, he still felt deeply. Perhaps even too deeply. Despite the rumors surrounding him, all I knew was that he was here with me now, offering to ease my pain and be everything I never knew I needed. Any demons he carried were a part of who he was and accepting him meant embracing all of him.

Looking back, I couldn't believe I ever doubted if he was my type because now, I couldn't imagine anyone else taking his place in my life. I resented the fact that someone had taken away moments from us, leaving memories that only he could recall. He turned away and grabbed two toothbrushes still wrapped in plastic, as well as a small bottle of mouthwash.

In silence, I brushed my teeth, feeling slightly more human afterward. Finishing before me, he stepped back and observed as I finished brushing.

"Now remove your clothing," he ordered as soon as I was done.

I sat the toothbrush down and scowled at him. "You could ask with a little more kindness."

"I'm not known for being kind."

"You have the heart of a sweetheart that has been twisted."

He chuckled softly, and his handsome face broke into a smile. "I'm not sure what that means but keep talking like that. You almost sound like me."

"And here I thought you were accepting my compliment."

With a surprisingly smooth motion, he stepped forward and grabbed the bottom of my drenched shirt, lifting it over my head with one fluid movement.

"How are you so skilled at that?"

He removed his mask from the top of his head and placed it on the bathroom counter, before flashing a grin that revealed his pristine teeth.

"Take off your clothes," he commanded again.

Slightly irritated, I kicked off my wet shoes and struggled to peel off my soggy socks. When I was done, I stared back defiantly. "Is that good enough for you?"

"Are you trying to toy with me?"

"No, but I am not some dog to be controlled."

"You aren't." He pulled me closer, his arm wrapped tightly around me. "You're a doll. Tormented. Beautiful. Mine." A soft gasp escaped my lips as he shoved down my pants and underwear, leaving me in only my bra. He took his time admiring my body before turning to start the shower.

I wrapped my arms around myself and shivered, joining him under the water. He adjusted the temperature before stepping back, revealing his chiseled torso as he pulled off his shirt. It didn't matter how many times I saw him like this, I was always captivated. His tattoos, an intricate tapestry of dark lines and detailed patterns, adorned his strong build. Seeing him like this, in such an exposed state, sent my heart racing.

My hand instinctively reached out and rested on his back. He turned towards me and placed it over his heart. "You're stunningly beautiful," I whispered.

He reached behind me and unclasped my bra, running a hand down my side. " You are beautiful."

He opened the shower door, and I stepped in, leaving enough space for him as I quickly grabbed the shampoo. I heard him kick off his boots and unzip his pants; I tried not to turn around.

He stepped in behind me and took over shampooing my hair. I leaned back against his chest, enjoying the warmth of his body pressed against mine. I closed my eyes, savoring the sensation of his hands massaging my scalp. The water cascaded down on us, mingling our scents and creating a symphony of sounds that was both soothing and arousing.

He continued washing my hair, his fingers tracing delicate patterns on my scalp. I could feel the desire simmering beneath the surface as we stood there, wrapped in each other's touch. I felt surprisingly uninhibited as if we were sharing a private moment, just the two of us, hidden away from the world.

The shampoo was rinsed away, the water cascading down our bodies. He took the shampoo from me and handed me a conditioner.

"Your turn," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice as he washed his own hair. I quickly slathered mine with the creamy conditioner, relishing the feeling of his gaze on me. When I was done, I grabbed the body wash, that smelled strongly of Tea Tree and began to scrub every inch of my body. His hands unexpectedly joined mine, taking over the task with a firmness that sent shivers down my spine.

He touched me with a reverence that left me breathless, tracing every curve and dip with a tenderness that belied the intensity of our connection. As he washed away the suds, I turned around to face him, our eyes locking in a silent communication filled with unspoken promises and desires. I squeezed more of the minty body wash into my hands and then began to wash him. I started with his broad shoulders, feeling the muscles ripple beneath my touch.

I moved down his back, my hands gently caressing the curve of his spine. As I worked my way towards his hips, I noticed the duality of his body – the perfect blend of strength and sensitivity. He guided my hands, and I knew that he was giving me permission to explore every inch of him. I trailed my fingers over his ass, appreciating the firmness as I began to soap up his legs. Between them, his cock hung, double-pierced and thick.

I instinctively took hold of it, remembering exactly what to do, feeling the cold, hard steel against my fingers as my hand enveloped his girth. As my fingers glided over his skin, I could feel the shift in his body. His hand was slightly clenched, and I knew that my touch had stirred something inside of him. I kept washing his legs with gentle strokes, savoring the feel of his soft skin under my fingertips.

Through it all, his eyes never once left mine, their intensity unwavering. His hand closed around my throat, his fingers digging into my skin in a possessive hold. "From the moment I chose you as mine, I was consumed by thoughts of how long it would take for me to tire of your innocence and take your life, or if I'd keep you forever."

I covered his hand with mine and looked into his whiskey-colored eyes. "And what did you decide?"

He leaned in closer, his soft lips tenderly brushing against mine. "I've fucked you in every way but one, and your hearts still beating. We're going to be together until the very end." He forced me to my knees, his grip on my throat tightening. His other hand fisted my hair, making me look up at him. A low moan escaped my lips, a mixture of adrenaline and desire coursing through me like an electric shock, water pouring down around us. "Thank me now, Sunshine."

I wasn't sure if I was thanking him for earlier, keeping me alive, or deciding I would always be his. Maybe all three. Whatever it was, gratitude and surrender mingled in my mind, and I intended to show him how grateful I was. His hardened cock was mere centimeters from my face. Desperate to please him, I gripped it with shaking fingers, struggling to wrap them around him fully. With a determined flick of my tongue, I traced the length of his shaft, teasing the double piercing near the tip.

He tasted like mint. I glanced up at him. A slow, wicked grin crossed his face, and he used his grip on my hair to tilt my head back further. He thrust his hips forward, pushing himself fully into my mouth, and I felt the pleasurable burn of resistance in my throat. I braced my hands on his solid thighs and opened wider, submitting myself to his control.

He groaned as I swallowed him whole, a rapturous moan escaping his lips.

His eyes practically sparkling with lust and dominance, he slowly pulled out, only to push back in again. He fucked my throat hard. With each thrust, I gagged and choked, my eyes watering as I fought to breathe. I could feel my body trembling from the intensity as my own desire grew. My blood thrummed in my ears, the tension between us crackling like electricity in the air. He increased his pace, thrusting his hips in a relentless rhythm against my face. My teeth grazed along his length, eliciting low groans from his chest. When I tried to move back, his grip tightened, constricting my airflow. "Take it, Sunshine," he growled, his voice rough with lust.

My vision began to blur from lack of oxygen, and I felt my body arching against his powerful thrusts. I wanted him to come, needed to feel him fill my throat. I forced myself to relax my muscles.

His guttural groans told me I was doing exactly what he desired. He firmly held onto my head as he neared his climax. Each thrust grew harder and faster, and I knew he was close. With a final groan, he thrust deep, and the taste of him exploded on my tongue.

"Swallow it all like a good little slut," he rasped, the roughness in his voice dripping with primal desire. I struggled to get it all down, but obeyed, making sure every drop was taken into myself.

He pulled out of my mouth, his cock glistening with my saliva. His eyes were aimed down at me, burning with satisfaction. I looked up at him, my gaze locked onto his. I knew there was no shame in my expression, only pure submission and a hint of hunger. He lifted me back to my feet with his hand around my throat, bringing my lips to his. I opened up and he kissed me deeply, harshly. I melted into him, my body responding to his every touch.

He tore himself away from my lips, his teeth skimming down my neck like a wildfire scorching my skin. His hungry mouth trailed a path of fire until it reached the delicate hollow of my collarbone, where he greedily sucked on the tender flesh. My breath hitched in anticipation, my arousal building with each second that passed. He continued his journey across my chest, releasing my hair to firmly grasp my breast. A loud moan slipped from my lips, my body quivering with desire as a surge of wetness dripped down my trembling thighs.

"I can't," he ground out, his voice low as he drew back.

"You can't—." My words were cut off as he scooped me up in a powerful embrace, forcing the shower door open with a deafening crash. I was carried into the bedroom and placed gingerly on the bed. He loomed over me, his wet hair dripping onto my face, his eyes filled with dark hunger. Roughly, he spread my legs apart and plunged his hand between them where his fingers found my entrance. He curled two of them inside me, teasing and tantalizing my most sensitive spots. I moaned and writhed beneath him, my body begging for more.

"You're so fucking wet," he noted. "You love it, don't you? Being used like this?"

I didn't answer, but my eyes said it all. I did love it - the submission, the dominance, the raw passion. Him. Every cell in my body burned with desire for this man. "Ky," I gasped, as he rocked his fingers deeper inside me, a pleasurable burn as he stretched me open. He added another finger, and a sloshing sound filled the air, mixing with my moans. The force with which he thrust his fingers sent a throbbing ache deep within me, making my chest tighten, and my breath shallow. I arched my back, meeting his every move.

"Do you want more, Sunshine?"

"Please," I whispered, my voice hoarse.

He withdrew his fingers agonizingly slowly, eliciting a desperate whine from my lips as I begged for him to fill me again. My body trembled with raw desire, craving the pleasure he could give me. But instead of fucking me, he grabbed my throat and pressed me down onto the bed, lowering his body until his face was between my legs.

His lips brushed against my pussy, one hand dug into my thigh as he spread me wider, and he teased me with the tip of his tongue before withdrawing again. My hips bucked in response, seeking more of him. He hummed in appreciation, and I could feel the vibrations resonate through me. And then he was devouring me with a savage, insatiable hunger.

I cried out, arching my back as his skilled mouth worked me over. My hands grabbed at the sheets, my nails digging into the fabric as I clung to the sensations overwhelming me.

His tongue moved in and out of me, fucking me with a rhythm that mirrored the one he'd used on his fingers. I moaned his name, my voice a ragged plea for relief. I could feel the orgasm building, a fiery inferno that threatened to consume me whole. He released my thigh and pushed two fingers into my pussy with his tongue, alternating between fucking me with them or curling them against my G-spot as he teased my clit. With each flick of his tongue and thrust of his digits, I felt myself unraveling. I gripped his damp hair and covered the hand around my throat. He suckled my clit, his teeth grazing it gently, and then curled his fingers again. My moans and cries echoed around the room, mingling with his low growls of satisfaction.

"That's it, Sunshine," he murmured against my skin. "Let go for me. Give into it."

His words were the catalyst I needed to push myself over the edge. The orgasm hit me like a tidal wave.

I came hard, my body writhing in pleasure as I cried out his name again and again, my pussy clenching around his fingers. He didn't stop. He continued, never breaking his rhythm or slowing down. My hips bucked and rolled, still craving his touch. I knew that this was more than a simple act of pleasure; it was a demonstration of his power over me. I whimpered as another orgasm built.

I looked down into his eyes and he squeezed my clit between his teeth, thrusting his fingers deeper, a wicked grin on his face. The pain sent me over the edge, a rush of fluid squirted from my pussy, coating his hand as he continued to work his magic. I screamed his name, lost in a haze of ecstasy and arousal. When I finally came down, his eyes locked with mine, a glint in their depths. He released my clit and pulled his drenched fingers from my pussy, and with a satisfied smirk, he licked them clean.

"You taste better and better every time, Sunshine." He still held me tight, never once releasing his hold on my throat as moved up my body, his gaze unwavering. "Fucking addictive." His lips came down in a possessive claim of ownership, my come and juices all over his face and tongue. I moaned into his mouth, my body still trembling. The taste of us melded together in a potent mix that left me weak and craving more. He broke away and his lips moved to my ear. "I'll never let you go."

I could only manage a weak nod, still catching my breath. My pulse pounded in my ears as I lay there, utterly spent. He gently released me and settled onto the bed, drawing me close to his chest. I nestled into his embrace, the warmth and safety of his body enveloping me as I listened to the rhythmic thud of his heart. "I remember the day I did that from dusk to midnight, eating that pussy until you could hardly speak."

His voice was a low rumble as he continued, his lips brushing against my ear. "I loved how you screamed, how you begged for more, and how you so hard you left a permanent mark in my leather seats. I couldn't get enough of you. Still can't." He nibbled on my earlobe, causing a shiver to run down my spine. "It's etched in my memory, Sunshine. How you sweetly asked me to fuck you, staring up at me with those pretty eyes of yours."

I could see it. Him and I in that field of sunflowers. He had me on the hood of his car, and then in the back seat. The others were all a few yards away, behind a small house where a bonfire was lit. I tilted my head and peered up at him. "But you didn't go any further."

His eyes met mine, the amber depths burning with intensity. "You weren't ready for that yet."

That's what he'd meant in the bathroom when he said he'd fucked me in every way but one. I had already assumed as much. I knew without a doubt that having sex with Ky would be an unforgettable experience. I was aware that once we crossed that line, things would never be the same between us, but only because after that one time, he'd have complete control over me, taking me whenever and however he pleased, and I would want it just as badly.

"We made a vow to one another that night. And then they took you away from me," he continued.

I swallowed, a pang ricocheting through my chest. A storm of conflicting emotions swirled within me - fear, pleasure, sorrow. Most of all, rage. Deep in my heart, Kyrous held the key to it all. It was my mind and soul desperately trying to piece itself back together and remember the woman who had given everything to him.

There was so much to say but the words got caught in my throat like dust during a sandstorm. I felt the familiar pressure of his hand on the back of my neck, urging me to look back up at him, to feel his intensity.

"All that was done, and has yet to come, is for a purpose. It's for the life we almost had together and the years and everything else that was stolen from all of us," he said, his voice low and intense. I stared into his eyes, seeing a heavy darkness reflected in them. "I've got part of you back, Sunshine," he whispered, his breath warm against my cheek. "And I'll make them pay for taking the other half."

"What do you need me to do?"

"I need you to be exactly as you are. Find your true self. I'll take care of everything else."

"I can do that," I replied softly.

I nestled against him, lulled by his fingers tracing a path up and down my spine. I closed my eyes, taking in the warmth of his body and the familiarity of his embrace. I felt myself grow drowsy and fought to stay awake. "Sleep, Sunshine," he coaxed, his gritty voice soothing. His fingers continued to trace over my skin, like a map of our history and a promise of our future.