38. HUNTING PREY
Chapter thirty-eight
HUNTING PREY
The tension in Grand King Daemonikai’s body was nearly unbearable as he gave chase. No, as he hunted .
This wasn’t merely pursuit, he didn’t run at full speed to end the chase quickly. He stalked her, keeping close enough to track her every move but far enough to draw out the delicious hunt.
His mate was light on her feet, and he took immense pride in that. The way she moved, her agility and speed—it made the chase exhilarating , feeding the predator roaring inside him.
The downside was, his dick was so hard he could probably split a log with it.
The longer he hunted her, the harder it became to control his instincts. That primal urge screaming at him to catch his prey, throw her down, and tear away her clothes. To bury himself in her body, to rut into her until every creature in the forest heard her screams.
Clenching his teeth, Daemonikai fought the drive. He couldn’t—wouldn’t touch her. Not yet.
It was torture. Absolute agony. But he was determined to be the mate she deserved, the kind who put her first, not his own carnal desires.
What he hadn’t anticipated was how difficult that would be.
For a male who prided himself on his iron control born of more than age, Emeriel pushed all his limits. He couldn’t stop thinking about her body. The sway of her hips, the perfect curve of her ass, the enticing swell of her breasts beneath her clothing… and the thought of that sweet, addictive paradise waiting between her thighs…
Fuck. Resisting her over the past few days had nearly driven him to the brink.
Suddenly, she changed direction, bringing him back to the present. He lost sight of her.
But only for a brief moment.
She was crouched behind a tree, her eyes scanning all directions, searching for him.
The soft evening light filtered through the trees, illuminating her as she tried to steady her breathing. He was close, yet she couldn’t see him.
The skills he’d mastered in battle served him well now, allowing him to blend seamlessly.
She must have sensed him, though, because she shot to her feet abruptly and took off running again.
A growl of pure lust rose in his chest as he surged forward at a fast, blurry speed, his hand shooting out to seize her waist, lifting her and throwing her to the ground.
She yelped with surprise and began struggling. But he was already on top of her, pinning her down with his weight.
“Caught,” His voice came out a guttural growl, dripping with lust.
Hell's balls, he was more out of control than he’d realized. His next command confirmed it.
“Submit.”
Her eyes widened. “Your eyes…”
“What do you see?”
“Yellow. Pure beast.”
“It’s the hunt,” he rasped. “I’m fighting for control. Stay still, Riel.” His chest rose and fell rapidly, every muscle tight. "Don’t move. At this point, I can’t control what I do next.”
He expected fear. Not… desire.
It was in her eyes, in the soft parting of her lips, in the way her body arched ever so slightly beneath him.
“What instinct do you have?” her voice carried a slight tremor.
“You don’t want to find out,” he warned. Lowering his forehead to hers, he pressed her down more firmly with his weight, letting her feel his fat arousal. His control was fraying fast. “Fuck, fuck, fuck. Just keep still.”
“No.”
The single word was a lightning strike, freezing every muscle in his body.
Daemonikai’s head snapped back, his gaze locking onto hers with incredulity. “What did you just say?”
“No, I won’t submit,” she breathed. “I refuse to submit.”
“What are you doing?” Daemonikai’s muscles went taut, visibly trembling as he fought himself.
His beast raged inside him, banging against his chest, trying to force a shift. She must submit to us! She is our mate!
“Don’t do this, Emeriel,” he warned. “If I take you this way, it will be… animalistic.”
“Do it.” Her defiance burned as brightly as the blush on her cheeks. “Show me you are my Urekai Alpha.”
His body vibrated harder, desire and restraint warring. He could feel his beast rising, digging its claws into him.
No, stay away from this. You are not needed here—
“Maybe Lord Herod would make a better alpha,” Emeriel taunted. “He’s strong enough to hold me down and give me what I—”
The roar that split his throat was animalistic, silencing the woods around them… and everything became a blur.
He was barely aware of flipping her over and tearing her clothes off. Now, she lay flat on her belly, him pressed over her, holding her hands captive above her head, her face pressed against the ground.
He was scarcely conscious of spreading her thighs with his knees, untying his pants in fast, jerky movements, and plunging into her.
She whined, arching into him and wiggling as she tried to adjust to him, but he gave her no chance.
He fucked her hard, unrestrained, pounding her into the ground.
Every stroke fed his beast, every cry from her lips fueled the pleasure sizzling through him.
“Yessss,” she moaned in a broken cry. “Oh gods, so full, so good, ugh so big—more!” Gibberish spilled from her lips as her voice shifted with every sound—moans, screams, desperate pants. She shuddered beneath him, taking every thrust.
The sex was everything he had warned her about and more. It was animalistic and wild.
He had tried— damn it, he had tried —to hold back, to slow down, but his control was completely burned .
She needed to know, to feel it in her bones and in her soul, that she was his. Made for him and only him .
And I will brand that knowledge into her until there is never a doubt left!
She clenched him like a vice, her scream tearing through the night as she came.
Daemonikai cursed up a storm in a string of vulgarities he would never use on a normal day as his thrusts stuttered.
Her tightness milked his release, strangling him so good, pulling him into a tide of sensation so great he thought he might lose his damn mind.
His hands pinning her wrists tightened as he resumed fucking into her again.
“Who do you belong to?” he growled.
“You!” she cried.
“I. Can’t. Hear. That.” His thrusts were angry punches nailing her Syren glands without mercy with every word. “Who. Do. You. Belong. To!?”
"Yours!" she howled in surrender. "I’m yours! I’m yours, oh gods…!" Each breath was a hiss, drawing out the ssss, her eyes rolling back into her head.
Her surrender should be enough, but it wasn’t. Not for him, and certainly not for his raging beast.
Out! Out! It slammed against his mind, wanting control, wanting to mount her in its own form.
No. I’m NOT unleashing on her in this state. He gritted his teeth so hard they nearly cracked, channeling the wild need into his plunges. He took her harder, forcing himself to focus on her cries and the way her body welcomed him.
Her voice rose again in a crescendo of pleasure as she tensed under him, another peak building fast.
When he climaxed, his beast seized the opportunity, and the shift began before he could stop it.
It wasn’t until he felt the stretch of his hands—now a paw, claws elongating—that he realized what was happening. He fought it, clawing his way back, forcing the beast down before it could complete the full transformation. But he couldn’t fully return to his male form, his beast already holding the upper hand.
Fine, we share her. You and I both, half-shift. Deal?
Deal, his beast purred with satisfaction.
His already well-endowed manhood swelled further in size. But she was a Syren. His Syren.
Her body stretched to accommodate him, though the fit remained impossibly tight. They mashed her hypersensitive glands and overstimulated walls with even the barest of strokes.
His young princess was wailing beneath him, her nails biting into his hand as another release ripped her to pieces.
They may be in the deepest part of the woods, but her screams echoed through the trees so loudly he was certain they carried far beyond the forest’s edge. And it satisfied his primal side greatly.
Until her walls were clamping down on him so tight there was no space left to move. Yet he made shallow thrusts, his growls and grunts mingling with the sound of her cries as he sought his own release again.
And when Daemonikai's release came again, it annihilated him.
She wrung every last drop of his semen as he shuddered violently, uncontrollably, as though caught in the throes of a seizure…
Sparks danced behind his eyelids like fireworks, his vision dimming until it nearly faded to black.
When his world finally came back into focus, he let out a slow, ragged breath, shifting back into his full male form.
Underneath him, his human treasure lay utterly still, her body spent, her breathing soft. She had lost consciousness.GRAND KING DAEMONIKAI
He lay beside his princess until she stirred. The sun dipped below the trees, painting the woods in shades of gold and crimson. He watched her eyelids flutter open. They lay so close, their noses nearly brushing.
"Hey…" he murmured, his fingers tracing a path through her hair. "Welcome back."
"Your Grace—"
"Daemon," he corrected softly.
"Daemon." A small, pleased smile curved her lips. "Was I out for long?"
He shook his head. "Come, let's get back. Night is falling."
Daemonikai rose first, then helped her to her feet. His eyes fell to her naked body, to the faint red marks on her hips.
She flushed, her hands darting up to cover her breasts as she glanced around at the shredded remnants of her clothing.
He slipped off his robe and draped it over her small shoulders. She slumped slightly under its weight.
"It's so heavy," she whispered in surprise.
Daemonikai chuckled lightly and retrieved the robe. He pulled off his shirt, guiding her arms into the soft linen. "Better?"
She nodded, wincing slightly as she took a step.
The primitive side of him felt satisfied, but he also felt remorse. He noticed the way she favored one leg in a limp.
"Why did you do that? You could have been hurt."
"But I wasn't." A shy smile touched her lips as she tested her weight, taking a small hop forward.
He caught her by the waist, pulling her into his arms and tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "I understand the sexual desire that comes with the hunt, but this was different. Why would you provoke me like that, Riel?"
She averted her eyes, scuffing the ground with her foot. "You are always so guarded, and you wouldn't… uhm… touch me. And I… wanted you to, but I couldn't… uhm ask."
“So you thought provoking me that way was the answer?”
"Don’t beat yourself up. I… loved it. I enjoyed what we did.” Her cheeks reddened further. "I'm not as delicate as you think. I like… uhm… when you are not holding back so much.”
His proper, reserved princess was becoming comfortable enough to communicate her wants with him. Daemonikai felt a swell of pride.
But he didn’t like the hint of shame in her voice.
“Look at me,” he ordered.
Emeriel slowly raised her eyes to his.
“Never be ashamed of what we have. It’s completely natural to want this." He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs softly stroking her cheeks. “You are my Soulbond , young princess. What we share is special, and I love knowing I’m not the only one who feels this way. You are like an addiction to me. If I took you every time I wanted you, you’d never leave my bed.”
The blush on her cheeks deepened, spreading down to her neck, but the initial shame began to melt away, replaced by a genuine smile.
“So you see, dearling, what you feel is perfectly normal. And you’re right—you’re not fragile.” He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. “Whenever you want it rough and hard, all you have to do is ask and I will give it to you exactly like that.”
Emeriel buried her face in his chest, mumbling against his bare skin. "Okay."
"That's Galilea, my slutty little princess, right there."
She beamed up at him, her eyes sparkling. There was no hesitation in her voice as she whispered, “I love you.”
“I want nothing more than to be able to return those words to you one day,” he groaned, kissing the crown of her head.
It's alright." She traced the lines of his chest with her fingers. "Please don't say it until you truly feel it. I will be here as long as it takes."
Daemonikai tilted her chin up again, pressing a tender kiss to her nose. You already mean so much to me. I can’t lose you, my sweet, stubborn princess.
“Let’s head back. We’re long overdue for a bath.” He scooped her up effortlessly, cradling her against his chest.
She rested her head against him, a soft, contented smile curving her lips as he carried her out of the woods.
***
The fire in the hearth had burned low, lighting up the room with a flickering glow.
Emeriel and Daemonikai lay nestled together on the plush bed, after they bathed, and he applied ointment to her bruises. They propped up on their elbows, facing each other.
Emeriel traced a lazy pattern on his chest with her fingertip.
“You are lost in thought,” Daemonikai observed. “What are you thinking about?”
"Hmm?" Emeriel blinked, meeting his gaze. "Oh, it's nothing, really. It’s just… my sister," she confessed with a sigh. "I left her with quite a shock before our unexpected trip.”
"Our child."
Emeriel nodded sadly.
"She will be alright. Vladya is with her. He will ensure she doesn't worry too much."
"I know. It's just… she'll blame herself for not knowing sooner. And she will be concerned about me."
He nodded understandingly. "Vladya will be worried about how I’m handling all of this, too. He knows me better than anyone."
"That's true. Lord Vladya cares for you deeply."
“He worries about me as much as I worry about him. It gladdens me that he doesn’t have to be so alone anymore. He has been lonely for so long.”
“Aekeira told me they are planning to bond," Emeriel confided. "I truly hope it works out for them. She will be devastated if it doesn't." she paused. " Can Lord Vladya really not get his soul back? Is there truly nothing else that can be done?"
Daemonikai's expression turned somber. "Only through dark magic. Something of equal value has to be given in return." He exhaled heavily. "The Oracle might know of another way, but she slumbers."
"You have mentioned the Oracle before. Tell me about her," Emeriel said, curiously.
"She is an Elder. One of the oldest and most powerful of our kind. Older, even, than I."
"Really?" Emeriel's eyes widened. "How old is that? You are over five thousand years old! Is she seven thousand? Nine ?"
Daemonikai smiled. "The Oracle is twenty-five thousand years old, Emeriel."
Emeriel's jaw dropped.
She sat up abruptly, staring at him in disbelief. “Someone is that old?!”
He nodded, amused by her reaction. "There are very few beings that ancient. Perhaps ten in the entire world. Our Oracle has seen civilizations rise and fall, witnessed the turning of ages. She is the closest connection we have to the gods, especially to Ukrae, the god of powerful beings."
Slowly, Emeriel lay back down, her mind reeling. "You speak of her with such respect."
"As we all do," Daemonikai confirmed. "She knew my great-grandfather, and his father before him. She was even present the night I was born." His eyes on her were filled with warmth. "She is a wise and powerful being, Emeriel. A true guardian of our people."
"It's inconceivable to think…" Emeriel's voice was hushed with awe. "I mean, you're you . I used to think you were the oldest being alive."
His chuckle was a low rumble in his chest. "I'd hope not, dearest. Then I would have already gone to deep sleep."
"How does it work, this deep sleep?"
"When one reaches a certain age, the desire for slumber grows stronger. But unlike normal sleep, deep sleep doesn’t last for a single night. It’s longer and more magical," Daemonikai explained, his voice taking on a distant quality. "One might lay down in their coffin-bed and awake a hundred years later, or two, or even three. Elders grow weary of the world, you see. They use deep sleep to pass the time.”
"Wait." Emeriel's eyes reached her hairline. "Coffin-bed?"
"There's so much you do not know about my kind, Emeriel. Our knowledge is vast and deep, as long as our age, as old as time itself."
"But I thought only vampires used coffins," she said, embarrassed.
Daemonikai's smile widened. "You may not have noticed, Riel, but we also drink blood."
“Oh… I almost forgot that for a minute,” she admitted sheepishly.
“Vampires are disgusting. Their coffins are literal, while ours are beds designed to resemble coffins.”
"Ah." Emeriel nodded, understanding dawning on her. "So, how long has the Oracle been asleep?"
“Seven hundred. She sleeps longer than most.” A shadow of sadness crossed his face. “If she were awake, the eclipse moon night may not have ended the way it did. The Oracle doesn't interfere. but she sees all. The past, present, and future… she may have given hints."
"But deep sleep is vital for the old," he continued with a sigh. "It keeps them sane, relaxed… whole. The only thing one can control is when they enter the slumber. How long they remain there is beyond their will."
“I understand.” And she did.
"I miss her, you know," Daemonikai confessed, his gaze drifting towards the embers in the hearth. "She's like a mother figure to me… to many of us. We are all her children."
Emeriel was captivated. "I hope one day I get to meet her. She sounds like a force to be reckoned with."
"She is," Daemonikai agreed. "The only force the entire Urai respects more than the grand throne."
A thought crossed Emeriel's mind. "Have you ever considered deep sleep?"
Daemonikai shook his head. "I've never had a reason to. I had a fulfilling life before that dreadful night. Afterward, I lost myself and only just my sanity."
He paused, thinking about it. "I suppose if you weren't here, if I didn't have this… now would be the time I might have started considering it."
Emeriel's heart swelled with love. "I'm glad I'm here," she whispered, reaching out to take his hand in hers. "I'm glad you did not go to sleep."
His smile softened, the lines of worry on his forehead easing. "Me too, Emeriel." he squeezed her hand. "Me too."
***
IN A CAVE, LOST TO TIME AND MEMORY.
They always looked as normal as the rest of their kind, but they were not. That was the thing about dark mages–their appearance was utterly deceiving.
"Repeat your request, ruler," the dark mage rasped, his voice echoing in the cavern.
"I want you to sever the consciousness from someone's mind," Zaiper stated, leaning casually against the rough wall. "Completely."
The mage turned slightly, a subtle shift in the folds of his black cloak. "Who is this person?"
"Daemonikai Vipertheriov Naelzharoth."
"And your name?"
"Zaiper Thoryk Dragaxlov."
"What you request is a dangerous, forbidden magic," the mage said. "Do you understand the price?"
Zaiper scoffed. "I would not seek out a dark mage if I didn't."
"Mmm." The mage remained in the shadow, his back still turned.
Even after centuries of working with him, Zaiper had never seen his face. The black swirling cloak concealed everything.
"Nevertheless," the mage continued, "I must explain the consequences. A life must be given in exchange… one you hold dear."
"Razarr, bring the girl."
His head guard entered the cave, followed by two others. They dragged a young woman between them, a sack roughly thrown over her head.
She whimpered and pleaded for mercy as they hauled her to the center of the cave, positioning her between the mage and the ruler.
"Here is a life," Zaiper told him
"Who is she to you?"
"One of my best whores," Zaiper sucked teeth. "I will have you know I enjoy this girl very much. You are taking something of value, I assure you."
The mage turned, his face hidden within his cloak. He extended a hand, a black mirror materializing in his grasp.
He held it before the girl's face, its surface sparkling before turning red.
The mage withdrew it, tucking into the folds of his cloak.
"One of which you hold dear," the figure repeated in a flat monotone.
Fucking zombie. "I do not hold people dear, I'm afraid."
"Then we are done here." The mage turned towards the cave entrance, his shadowy form beginning to melt into the darkness.
“What about the girl? And…” Zaiper paused, thinking. "I'm calling in that favor you owe me."
The dark mage stopped in his tracks.
His head turned slowly. "You wish to collect now? Is this truly worth it?"
"Let's see… The only obstacle between me and my dreams will lose control of his mind again, with no choice than to satisfy his basic instinct. Going berserk, he will kill everyone that gets in his way… hopefully, Vladya will. Then, he will end up brutalizing his Soulbond and draining her to death." Zaiper grinned bigger, malice in his eyes. “I will be hitting so many birds with one stone. Trust me, it's very worth it."
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. "It will look so natural. Everyone knows his mind is fragile; no one will ever suspect dark magic."
The mage regarded him in silence for a long moment. "You saved me when my people were going to burn me alive for practicing dark magic. And for that, I have helped you for centuries."
Zaiper gave a firm nod.
"I helped you plant the false memory in the drunk child's mind, making him believe he gave away the secret of your people to the humans which led to the attack. I helped you bring down your own kingdom." The mage paused, his unseen eyes boring into Zaiper. "And now you request mind disintegration for Urai's First Ruler?"
"Yes," Zaiper hissed, impatient.
“The girl's life and my arm should suffice," the mage said. "My arm will be paralyzed for a month if the magic succeeds. But after this, we are even. If you desire any further spells, you must meet the requirements."
"Deal!" Zaiper crowed, practically bouncing on his feet, almost unhinged in his delight.
"Alright,” the mage’s voice was an ominous echo. “If the magic succeeds, in a few days, His Majesty the First, the mighty and supreme sovereign ruler of Urai, His Grace, Grand King Daemonikai, will lose his mind."