Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ A Matter Of Choice ❯ The Pendulum Swings ( Chapter 51 )

The Pendulum Swings

 

Tegan lay awake long before sunset. She lay with her back to Demetriov, the sheet wrapped tightly around her. She lay in turmoil, her mind full with thoughts of the night before. He had been so cruel and yet it had been exactly what she had needed, no… what she had wanted. She was so confused. She had hated him for so long, yet she knew that was no longer true. It had been lessening ever since her change. What did last night mean? She hadn't been thinking straight that was for certain. She had allowed her pain and hurt at rejection to override things and god she had been feeling lonely. She had let him in based on all of that and not given a single thought to the implications, even when he had given her the chance to back out of it. Why? Why hadn't she taken the opportunity and stopped things?

 

She knew that there was a fine line between love and hate, but had she really crossed that line? Was she merely lonely and clinging to the first person who came along? She knew that her feelings had changed but did not understand how and when she had begun to like him. As for Demetriov's feelings… she had known of his obsession for her since that night when he had first drunk her blood. At times he could be so loving, so gentle and kind, and yet last night… Their relationship had always included moments of humiliation and cruelty.

 

As all trace of sunlight left the sky Demetriov stirred beside her. She lay completely still; nervous of what was to come. What would the future bring for her after what they had done? Demetriov rolled over, his hand resting gently against her hip. She sighed as he kissed her shoulder with soft lips.

 

“Good evening.” He murmured.

 

He sensed her tension and pulled her towards him till she lay on her back, looking up at him. He saw a measure of fear in her eyes and his heart sank. His head dropped to her shoulder.

 

“I'm sorry.” He whispered. “I'm so sorry. I got so carried away. I have wanted you for so long.” Hesitantly he kissed her neck. “I love you Tegan, I love you so much. You are all I have ever wanted; it has just been too long since I've been with anyone.”

 

He slid his hand beneath the sheet, gently caressing her stomach. Tegan felt her tension easing, but still the confusion remained, and she doubted that it would leave her for some time. He was nuzzling into her shoulder, the sensation comforting.

 

“I don't know Demetriov. I am so confused. With all that has happened between us.”

 

“I know and I understand. Look, I don't want it to be like this between us. And while I enjoyed the intensity of last night, I never want to make you feel like that again.”

 

Tegan smiled at him as best she could, some her concerns leaving her as he pulled her to face him, drawing her in tight. His fingers gently stroked the small of her back filling her with a delicious tingle.

 

“I promise that I will never humiliate you again, but I cannot promise to reign in my passion for you.”

 

Quite honestly, Demetriov's passion excited her. His hand had crept to her buttocks and was squeezing gently. His lips met hers in a tender, sensual kiss. Tegan felt the need that had overwhelmed her last night returning. Demetriov seemed to feel the same way, rolling on top of her.

 

“Mmm.” He murmured. “I could stay here kissing you forever.”

 

He took her wrists, bringing her hands above her head, holding them there gently. His next kiss was more passionate, Tegan gasping as he ground his hips into her. She felt torn, all of her doubts and questions welling up in her mind, unsure that she wanted this but needing to be loved. She realised it then, what had been troubling her since her change, even more so since her lapse of control. She was the monster she had always feared she might become at his hands, but if she was loved, then she was lovable, and something in her had to be good, had to perhaps... still be human. That was what she was clinging to with all her might, amidst the defeat, the hating what she had become. She hid it all away from sight knowing that none of them could understand what she was going through, acted the way she thought they wanted her to, when underneath, her heart was breaking.

 

Demetriov was of course oblivious to the thoughts in her head. He took his time to kiss her shoulders and her neck, nipping her gently over the jugular. He stopped, breathless and hungry.

 

“No.” Demetriov said quietly, as if sensing she wasn't ready for this, after all, her responses were minimal, no desire in her eyes, just an awful lot of worry. “There is plenty of time.” He assured her.

 

He rolled away, sitting up at the side of the bed. Tegan wrapped the sheet around her, suddenly feeling very exposed in more ways than one. He rose, putting on the clothes that had been discarded the night before. Dressed, he sat down beside her once more.

 

“There will be plenty of time, but for now let's take it slow. There will be issues with the others, particularly Torin.”

 

“I know,” she murmured, feeling her heart breaking a little more.

 

And that thought terrified her. Part of her ached for Torin so much, and she wondered if she had completely barred the way back for him now. Even though Demetriov was here with her now, in her heart of hearts, it was Torin she truly wanted to be sat here in his place.

 

“Tegan, I will protect you. No one will move against us directly, I am far too strong but…”

 

“The next few days, weeks, are going to be tense,” she said robotically.

 

She couldn't believe she was doing this, saying these things. Was she just playing along, or was she resigned to a relationship with her former enemy? Everything inside her screamed to put a stop to what was happening, how things were going, but then the fear of being alone swallowed her and just took over her entirely.

 

“Yes.”

 

He got up, walking to the window and opening the shutters. The world carried on outside, unaware of their petty problems. He sighed.

 

“I had best go.”

 

He turned to her once more, thinking for a moment to kiss her before he left, but thought better of it. Tegan lay staring at the ceiling for some time after his departure. It was clear that he intended their relationship would continue and her fears about him were baseless, but that did nothing to ease the tumult of emotions inside of her. Still she couldn't just lie here and wait for the problem to go away. She was thirsty and Demetriov was right, she did need to start feeding properly. She got up her mind far away as she dressed. She realised with a heavy heart, that it was time to face the world outside

 

As she left the bedroom she felt her pain resurface as she saw the door to Torin's room down the hall. She turned away to head downstairs but heard the door open behind her. She stood transfixed unable to leave, but unable to face him. It was only as she heard him begin to move towards her that she managed to bring herself to face him, but found she could not yet look into his face. He stopped just in front of her, his powerful chest filling her vision. Her heart was pounding as she forced herself to look into his eyes and saw her pain mirrored in him.

 

“So.” His was voice cold. “You've chosen him to replace me.”

 

Tegan shook her head, more confused than ever. His nearness made her breathless, he was close enough to hurt her or to take her in his arms and make everything right again. She didn't know which she feared the most after so many weeks apart. Tears pricked at her eyes. Her eyes met his and at first they seemed cold and hard, but under her scrutiny they softened.

 

“It's not like that.” She replied, her voice choked.

 

“Then how is it?”

 

A rush of emotions overwhelmed her and she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. She didn't care if he hit her or rejected her, she just had to take her chance and hold him one last time. Torin found himself holding her tight, afraid that if he left her go he would lose her again. She was shaking, terrified and almost faint from the strength of her feelings. Torin fought with himself and eventually succeeded in loosening her hold till she was looking at him once more. She seemed lost for words, but then he couldn't find the words to say either.

 

“Torin I love you!” Came her choked plea and Torin felt his heart rise, hope filling him once more.

 

“But last night?”

 

“I don't know, he was there and I needed it and, and… oh I'm so messed up. I'm so sorry. Please don't push me away. I need you, I love you.”

 

Torin's heart was pounding. It hadn't worked; Demetriov hadn't succeeded in seducing her completely. He couldn't bear to see her in such anguish and all the need he had felt and fought these past few weeks was suddenly too great. He kissed her hard, Tegan replying with equal passion, her heart soaring at the thought of regaining the man she loved. It was bliss holding her, kissing her once again, their kisses bruising, their embrace rough, but he couldn't get Demetriov out of his mind. He stopped them, the pair breathless, Tegan burying her face in his chest once more.

 

“Tegan, I never wanted to leave you.”

 

“But then why?”

 

“Not here, not now. I want to tell you everything but not while we are still here.”

 

“This has something to do with Demetriov.” She knew it, she didn't know how but she knew it.

 

He nodded. “I can't say any more, but believe me when I say there is no way we can be together and be near him.”

 

“I knew something was wrong. There was no way you would have called it off like that otherwise. It would explain yesterday.”

 

Tegan blushed at the thought of the previous day's events, Demetriov's crowing and humiliating behaviour, it fit into place. She closed her eyes, fighting back tears.

 

“I'm sorry, I was so blind.”

 

“Don't be.” He murmured, caressing her cheek. “You have to make a decision.”

 

“It's made.” She replied quickly. “I want to be with you, whatever it takes.”

 

“It's going to be hard, look I have to go. It will take a few days to make the arrangements and there is no way I can do that here without him finding out. You have the hard job.”

 

“What must I do?”

 

“You must convince him that you know nothing of his involvement in our break up. He will notice I have gone, tell him that I left in a jealous rage, trust me, he will believe you. But hardest of all, you must continue the relationship with him.”

 

Tegan swallowed hard. “If I must…”

 

“It's important, no crucial that he believes that everything is going well between you! I can't explain it all now but you have to trust me.”

 

“I do. So my role is seduction.”

 

She grimaced in distaste. As if she wasn't confused enough by all this, now she had to consciously string him along. It was a sickening thought.

 

Torin swallowed hard. “It's only for a couple of days. I don't even want to think about the two of you…”

 

“Then don't, think about us, and how soon I will be back in your arms.”

 

“I am asking so much of you.”

 

“You're not asking me to do anything that I haven't already done. I'm not saying that it's not going to be hard, but if it means that we can be together then I will do it.”

 

“And no one and nothing will ever separate us again.”

 

He held her close, her arms round his chest, stroking his spine. It was delicious, but he must hurry. He didn't know when Demetriov would return.

 

“I must go. Be strong, and know that I will come for you soon.”

 

Tegan nodded smiling. It wasn't going to be easy, but it was going to be worth it. Torin kissed her deeply, their tongues entwining, Tegan's heart soaring. He held her tightly wanting to etch this moment in his mind for the coming days. With difficulty the two managed to pull away from each other. Neither could find the words, so with a tight smile Torin turned and left. Tegan watched him go feeling elated. All her pain, her confusion was gone. She knew what she wanted. She took a deep breath and made her way out of the mansion. If she was going to pull off the deception she was going to need every ounce of strength she could muster, so feed she must. As she made her way into the night she felt excited, it was the beginning of a new stage in her life.

 

* * * * *

 

It was with a little apprehension that she entered the mansion. From this moment on her performance was going to have to be flawless. The thought of seducing Demetriov gnawed at her. Part of the problem was she had enjoyed it so much the previous night. If she continued to enjoy it would she be unable to leave him? On the other hand if she did not convince him of her desire the dream would shatter. She had to hold the image of Torin in her mind and use it to get through this. She walked into the nearest salon, walking up to the fireplace. She basked in the glow of the fire and waited.

 

* * * * *

 

As Demetriov entered the house he was immediately aware that something wasn't quite right. As he saw Tegan stood by the fire the feeling grew. He walked to her side, placing a hand in the small of her back.

 

“What is it?” He asked.

 

“I saw Torin.”

 

“Ah. Are you alright?”

 

“Yes.” She smiled at him wanly. “But I'm worried about him.”

 

“You still care about him don't you?” To which she nodded. “Of course you do. I would not expect you stop caring, after all that you had together.”

 

“He's gone, and I'm not sure that he will ever come back.”

 

Demetriov breathed deeply. So that was what he had sensed, this change in the group.

 

“What happened?”

 

Tegan sighed. “He was so angry.” Tegan shook her head. “He's so obviously jealous. Last night was too much for him. We weren't exactly quiet.” She turned her back to him. “I'm scared, what if he wants to hurt you?”

 

“We will deal with that if we need to. Come here.” He drew her into his embrace, sliding her arms round his waist, stroking her hair gently. “You mustn't worry. I can take care of myself.”

 

Tegan slid her hands to his chest as he lifted her head and stroked her cheek. He kissed her softly, Tegan relaxing in his arms. He parted her lips with his, Tegan pressing herself into him as his tongue sought entry. She had melted into him once more, soft and fragrant in his arms. He smiled as he elicited a soft moan from her as he pressed his hips into her. He pulled away stroking her throat, curiously examining the scars there, now only thin white lines in her otherwise flawless skin. Tegan pulled away sharply, flushing.

 

“They have faded well. You can hardly see them.”

 

“Yes thank God.”

 

“You shouldn't be ashamed of them.”

 

“Bad memories is all.”

 

Demetriov understood. Nobody but her knew what had gone on that morning with Rachel. Nobody but her really knew what she had gone through.

 

“Don't think on it. It's all in the past and now for a new life and the future.”

 

“Yes.” She smiled at him warmly. “Yes indeed.”

 

He found himself aching for her even though he had lain with her only a few hours earlier. The need was strong, but he didn't want to rush her. Torin was right when he had told him that she was fragile.

 

“What are you thinking?” She asked with a smile.

 

“About you, me, together.”

 

“Is that all?” She asked, smiling cheekily, and walking back to him. “From the way you kiss me it is a particular type of together you are thinking about.”

 

“Perhaps.” He chuckled as she slid her arms around his waist gently pressing her hips into him.

 

“Then maybe we should go upstairs.” She murmured.

 

She kissed him with parted lips. He almost purred as it was her tongue that sought his. She was pressing herself into him, her breasts mashing against him pleasantly.

 

“Mmm. You didn't seem ready for this earlier.”

 

“I wasn't but I have had time to think. You were right; I do feel so much better after a good drink.”

 

He held her face in his hand and saw the difference. Her face had filled out and she was no longer pale, she was flushed from the heat of the fire. There was a pleasant blush at her décolletage which betrayed her state of arousal. Her desire was a powerful aphrodisiac, his heart beginning to race.

 

“As I can see, it has done wonders for you.”

 

She smiled seductively. “Since you had it all your way yesterday, perhaps you might put yourself in my hands for the evening?”

 

Her hand was at his crotch and his desire was spiralling out of control. “Whatever you say my dear.”

 

She guided him backwards, getting him to sit on the sofa, deep into the plush surface. He couldn't help but smile as she straddled him, reaching behind him to loosen his hair. He couldn't resist sliding his hands to her buttocks as she kissed him deeply. The thick denim of her jeans was infuriating, unable to get a sense of her softness as he caressed her thighs. She rolled his head back kissing his throat. He cried out as she bit down and drank from him. He moaned as the pleasure filled him, breathless with anticipation.

 

With great effort he pulled her from the wound, capturing her mouth with his own, the taste of his blood in her mouth. She ground onto his rock hard groin and he couldn't stand it any longer. He had to have her but not here. He scooped her up in his arms and ran upstairs. As he reached her room she jumped down, pushing him inside. He watched breathless and slightly dizzy as she closed and locked the door behind them.

 

He sat taking off his jacket and top as she hitched down her jeans and pants, pulling the t-shirt over her head and approached him gloriously naked. He was breathing hard as she got him to lie back on the bed, unfastening his trousers. He could only go with the flow as her hand wrapped around him, rubbing slowly. He closed his eyes, moaning as her tongue lapped at the blood at his throat. He gasped as she latched to his throat once more, drinking him down. He was lost, lost in the body wide ecstasy as she drank, and the spike of pleasure as her hand worked his member. Moaning loudly he gave everything up to her.

 

* * * * *

 

Once again Tegan lay awake as Demetriov slept beside her. He had fallen asleep quickly after his climax, so dizzied by the blood loss that it did not even occur to him to take her. That had been the point. When he woke he would only remember the pleasure that he had experienced. It should buy her some time, she didn't want to think about having to let him take her and convince him that all was well. She was scared her body might betray her.

 

Her thoughts were of Torin and the way she had felt when he kissed her. It had felt so good. She wondered where they would go; they had the whole world to choose from. She looked over at the man sleeping beside her and worried that he might come after them. She didn't want to think about that now. In a few days she would be with the man she loved and away from here, that was all that mattered.