Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Raven

Raven was living on borrowed time. It was as if her number was up, and the universe was just waiting to call it. Arenk and Laro’s reassurances that ~we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it~ did little to quell her fears. Her dreams were filled with images of her running from an unseen threat. She needed to act fast, and Laro’s party tonight was the perfect opportunity.

She could swipe a few cards, compare them, and maybe even find one for the communications department. It would need to belong to someone high up, though.

The last thing she needed was to get there and be denied access.

After a restless night, she gave up on sleep. Sitting up in bed, she took in the room Laro had decorated for her.

A black canopy bed took up one corner, from the sheer drapes to the frame and sheets. String lights hung against the black crown molding, casting a soft glow on the dresser.

She was grateful he’d chosen to paint the walls white, a stark contrast to the dark furniture.

He’d even remembered her love for stuffed animals, piling them high in one corner. But her favorite, the one that resembled Bellamy, was placed on the bed.

Her throat felt dry and scratchy, a result of sleeping with her mouth open. She tried to swallow, but it only made her thirstier. Quietly, she slipped past Laro’s room and into the living room.

His apartment had a stunning view. She was pleasantly surprised to find a hammock hanging on his balcony, which quickly became her favorite spot. After downing three cups of water, her throat finally felt better.

As she tiptoed past his room, a moan slipped out from under the door. Raven froze, leaning closer to the door. There it was again, but this time there were two distinct voices.

The longer she stood there, the more she heard. The creaking of his bed, the hushed whispers. A warmth spread through her chest, but she couldn’t identify the emotion.

Raven turned the knob slowly, praying it wouldn’t squeak. A small crack in the door revealed a sight that made her thighs clench. She braced herself against the door frame, sliding to the floor. She watched as the stranger’s muscular, scarred back flexed with each thrust.

From her vantage point, she could see a pair of hands bound to the headboard.

She should close the door and go back to bed. But instead, she pushed the door open further and crawled in.

With each step, she trembled, but the throbbing between her legs overpowered her fear. The stranger’s voice was clearer now, but she couldn’t make out every word.

She was glad she wasn’t wearing her translator. The embarrassment would have been too much.

“…Fight all you want…I own your life and everything in it,” the stranger rasped.

“…You don’t own anything, except the pathetic fantasy I sell you—” Laro’s voice was cut off by gasps.

“I can make this a lot worse. Shove my cock so far down your throat that I can taste your last meal. You’re not in control here.”

Laro let out a deep growl, a sound she recognized. Heat flooded her face. She leaned against the foot of the bed, grateful that his closet mirrored hers.

The full-length mirror doors gave her a perfect view of them as she slid her hand under her thin nightgown. She matched her rhythm to theirs.

“Don’t move. Stay still,” the stranger commanded, making her gasp and close her eyes. She was so close. Raven moved her fingers faster, harder, until she realized the bed and dirty talk had stopped. She cursed under her breath, hoping they’d simply fallen asleep. She opened her eyes to find herself face-to-face with the stranger.

His face was dark, a long scar running over his right eye. He was the first to make their light grey skin and glowing eyes seem terrifying.

Or maybe it was the fact that his eyes were red. She glanced at the mirror behind him. Laro was blindfolded and still tied up. The stranger spoke, but she didn’t understand.

“You,” he said, his gaze piercing. “Don’t. Stop.”

“I-I’m sorry—” His large hand wrapped around her throat, cutting her off. Her hands instinctively flew to his wrist.

“I didn’t ask for an apology. I told you to keep going,” he said, making her skin prickle and sending a shiver down her spine.

“Raven?” Laro called out.

“You messed up, Laro. Always so loud. I warned you what would happen if she walked in here,” he said, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

Raven could feel the bed shaking as Laro struggled against his restraints. The stranger pulled her closer, pressing his hardness against her.

“Last chance. Keep going, or I will.”

He took her hand and placed her fingers in his mouth, licking them clean. She shivered at the unexpected tenderness.

This stranger enjoyed forcing defiance into submission. Taking her cue from Laro, she decided to play along. She’d intruded on their game; it wouldn’t be fair to ruin it now.

“Why don’t you go fuck yourself?” she retorted.

“I’m going to enjoy breaking you,” he said, lifting her by the neck and tossing her onto the bed.

Laro had managed to lift one side of the blindfold. She crawled up to the restraints and tugged at them. Before she could make any progress, a sharp pain shot through her scalp.

Raven abandoned her attempt to free Laro, focusing instead on not losing her hair. Tears welled up in her eyes as Laro continued to struggle against his bindings.

“By the time you get free, I’ll have tamed her and fucked her senseless.” The stranger laughed. He tilted her head back to meet his gaze. “I’ll give you a fighting chance. If you lose, God help you. I’ll put you in your place. Fuck you like the slut you are.”

Raven could feel her inner thighs growing slick and hear her own ragged breathing. He pushed her forward. “Now, fight me with everything you’ve got. Fight for your life, or you’ll end up tied up too.”

She wasn’t sure how hard to hit. She decided on half-strength. He caught her punch like it was nothing.

“If that’s all you’ve got, you might as well lay down and pray I’m feeling merciful enough not to fuck you through the mattress.” He chuckled. “I won’t even need to restrain you.”

She gave it her all, but somehow ended up on her back, dazed and confused. Before she could get her bearings, he was tearing her nightgown to pieces. He looked her over. “Disappointing. But, oh well. Get ready.”

He grabbed her ankle, pulling her to the edge of the bed. As she slid into position, she kicked out, aiming for his lower belly.

Just enough to make him worry about his family jewels.

His expression was so dark it was like staring into a black hole, freezing her in place.

“There won’t be anything left when I’m done,” he said, his hand closing around her throat. As he positioned himself at her entrance, fear started to creep in.

“Skyfire,” Laro said.

It was as if a spell had been broken, the storm clouds in the stranger’s eyes clearing. He untied Laro and moved to the far corner of the room, taking slow, measured breaths.

“Are you both okay?” the stranger asked.

“I’m fine, but we haven’t discussed this yet, and before we go any further, we need to establish some boundaries,” Laro said.

The stranger nodded. “And you? Did I hurt you? Scare you?”

“Yes, but in a good way. I’m okay. I’m sorry for intruding,” she said, her gaze fixed on her lap.

The stranger pulled on some loose sweatpants and a shirt. “Good. This was—interesting. We should all play together again soon. Do you need me to stay?”

Laro shook his head, and the stranger left. Once the front door closed, Laro pulled her into his arms, leading her to the bed, pressing her against his chest.