Symphony of Death

Anastasia’s POV

Cain stepped out of the bathroom while drying his hair, wet and in sweatpants hanging low on his lips.

“What?” He raised a skeptical brow when I grimaced. “For how long do you plan to keep this up?” He dumped the towel in the hamper and sat on the bed. “Your back is going to suffer massively.” He patted the spot next to him. “Come here.”

“I’m fine. Thank you,” I replied breathlessly. His eyes narrowed dangerously at my blunt refusal.

Cain didn’t let me go out. The reason was obvious. Russell. Aeron and Xic went with Angie, Nat, and rest. Joan also went out with Diana and her parents in the evening when they came.

It was only us in the mansion right now.

In my room that he was going to share with me because everyone thought we were in that kind of relationship.

I still couldn’t believe Cain was here. Not only him but Aeron and Xic too. Joan became fond of Black brothers in less than an hour. They were smooth talkers and charmers.

Well, Cain stayed Cain but Joan still gushed over him happily and affectionately.

I could not grasp one moment from the other because everything happened in a flash and a dash.

“Ana!”

“Why did you come?” I snapped at last. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I frowned at his collected expressions. “Why did you say that?”

“Say what?” Cain asked.

“That I am your fiancée and soon to be wife.” I slapped my mouth in horror. And now Cain was finding humor in my embarrassment. “It’s not funny.”

“I didn’t say it was.” Cain replied, his voice laced with hidden amusement.

My heart started beating furiously when he stood up and sauntered toward me. I craned my neck back to look at him when he stood before me with arms crossed over his broad chest.

“What are you angry about?” Cain asked calmly.

“Are you seriously asking me this?” I stood up as well. “First, you didn’t care and asked me to leave like that and now you are here and you fed lies about us to everyone. How does all of this make sense?”

“Calm down,” Cain cupped my face with both hands. “You sure are a handful.” He mused over my angry expressions. “Why don’t you relax first? We’ll talk later.” He squished my cheeks. “Go and take a shower.”

“Are you ordering me?” I narrowed my eyes.

“Ana,” Cain cooed. “Please be so kind and go take a shower. It’ll ease you out of your worries a little.”

I groaned inwardly at how slyly he manipulated me into his bidding.

I grabbed my nightdress and stomped to the bathroom. I aimed for a quick shower but I took my sweet time once hot water cascaded down my body.

It actually eased my jitters.

Cain looked at me amused when I came out and went straight to bed. I made myself comfortable against the pillows and turned on the smart TV.

I played The Muppets in the end. It was my all-time favorite show.

“Turn it off,” Cain snapped suddenly. “Ana, turn off this freak show.”

“Freak show!” I said incredulously. “I cannot believe you said that.” I glowered at him. “Don’t ever insult Muppets again, do you hear me? It won’t end in something pleasant.”

“Really?” Cain challenged. “Care to elaborate what unpleasant things you would force me through if I badmouth this corkhead lab rat?

“Don’t insult Beaker,” I warned. “He is a wholesome character.” I defended the poor creature. “What would you know? This is something classic.”

Cain stood up and strode toward me like a predator.

“That name explains why he looks like a cork,” he sneered. “Turn it off now.”

“No,” I turned the volume high. I smiled sweetly when Cain seethed. “Don’t think that you can scare me.”

My heart was now thundering. I looked up at him in fear and anticipation when he towered over me.

“Turn it off, love,” Cain palmed the headboard and closed in on me menacingly. “Right now.”

I could feel the dominating aura. It made me squirm a little under his penetrating gaze.

“I won’t,” I refused bravely.

His eyes lit up sinfully.

“Is that so?” Cain whispered darkly. “Don’t blame me for my actions.” I looked at him warily when he caressed the side of my face with his index and middle finger. “Don’t forget that I am not a nice man.”

I stared at the screen in bewilderment when it turned black. I pressed on the remote furiously but it didn’t turn on.

And the remote felt pulpy.

“Eww!” I threw the dead gecko away in horror. “What the hell!” I glared at his victorious expressions. “You!” I stood up on the bed. “This is an abuse of power to the extreme.”

“Whatever,” Cain replied nonchalantly. “You got what you deserved for acting that way earlier” I gaped at him. “Be glad that I let you off the hook easily.”

“But Cain,” I tilted my head to the side innocently. “What will you do about this? You hate Beaker with all your heart.” I grinned evilly.

I’m going to torture you for torturing me.

“Mimimimimimimimi,” I started singing on top of my lungs. I started dancing when I saw his expressions. “Mimimimi miiiiiii mimi. By the way, its original version is Oda a la Alegria.” I told him smugly and continued my horrible singing.

“Ana,” I kept singing and dancing all over the bed. “Ana, stop singing.” I jumped aside when Cain got on the bed as well. “Shut up or I will–”

“Or what?” I stuck my tongue out at him and started singing again.

“You are dead,” he growled.

“Cain,” I screamed when he grabbed my waist and threw me on my back. “What the hell, You brute!” I squeaked when he straddled my waist and held me down. “Get off,” I tried getting out from under him. “Cain, I swear I am going to kick you.” I groaned in annoyance when he locked my hands above my head. “I’m warning you.”

“You don’t look in any position to warn or threaten me,” he smirked devilishly.

“Fine,” I gritted. “I’m going to sing until your ears bleed. Mi–”

“I’ll kiss you until you faint if you dared to sing that deplorable song again.” I sealed my lips tightly and stared at him with wide eyes. “Damn, you are a handful.” I held my breath when Cain lowered over me. “And I came thinking you might be heartbroken.”

“What?” I was surprised. “You came for me?” I could feel the warmth of my blush spreading from my cheeks to my entire body.

His flesh and muscles were pressing into me in all the right places. The realization was enough to turn my heart wild.

Oh, God!

“Why did you say that?” I asked shyly. “Why did you lie?”

“What is bothering you?” Cain asked huskily. “The part where I said that you were my wife to be,” I gasped softly when he brushed my lips with his index finger, “or that I lied?”

“It’s wrong,” I whispered breathlessly, “either way.” His dark gaze bore into mine. “Cain,” I fisted my hands in his hold when his mouth neared mine.

My wrist began to throb slightly.

“Ana,” I arched into him when Cain whispered against my lips. His hands left my wrists and moved down my body slowly and sensually.

“Cain,” I moaned when he kept teasing my lips with feather-light kisses. “Stop.”

“And if I don’t?” Cain asked darkly. “What if I don’t stop?” He further pressed himself into me. “Do you want me to stop?”

I was startled by the knock on the door.

I pushed Cain back and got off the bed hurriedly. If it was Angie, I was going to give her a big fat hug for interrupting this moment.

“Hey!” My smile fell when I saw Russell at the door. “We just came back.” he smiled ear to ear. “Did I wake you up or something?”

I crossed my arms over my chest when his gaze moved down my body.

“Yes?” I asked him as politely as possible.

“Everyone gathered in the backyard for some drinks.” Russell’s eyes couldn’t stay on my face. “I thought you would like to join us since you couldn’t go out with us earlier.”

“We appreciate you going out of your way to come and tell us.” I looked at Cain when he put the shawl over my shoulders. “Anything else?”

“You two are staying in one room?” Russell cocked a brow at us.

“Is that a problem?” Cain narrowed his eyes dangerously.

“Relax, man,” Russell smirked while looking at me. “I was just asking. Since,” he looked at Cain tauntingly. “I can’t see the ring on her finger.”

The temperature dropped around us.

Russell’s cocky smile fell when he finally sensed the hostile and dark air around Cain.

“Cain?” I palmed his chest. “Stop,” he looked down at me. “Please?” The fury in his eyes was scaring me.

I didn’t want to think what could become of Russell if he infuriated Cain one more time.

“We are coming,” I looked at Russell over my shoulder. “Anything else?”

“Huh?” He looked lost. “Uh! No. I’ll-” he looked at Cain and visibly paled. “Go. Sorry for disturbing you.” Russell scurried away as fast as possible without running.

“Was that necessary?” I asked Cain apprehensively. “You scared him.”

“Be glad that I didn’t kill him,” Cain grabbed my arms and held me close. He shut the door angrily and pushed me against it. “You have no idea what vile thoughts he carries for you in his head.”

“You can’t react like this.” I tried to reason. “It’s not right.”

“I’ll gouge out their eyes, rip open their hearts, and tear them from limb to limb” Cain closed in on me. “If anyone dared to look your way.”

“Why?” I whispered breathlessly when he pressed his forehead to mine. “Because of your wing?”

“Because I can,” his nose collided with mine. “Ana?” I closed my eyes when Cain caressed my cheek with his knuckles. “I want you.”

I turned my head to the side when he tried to kiss me.

“You want to sleep with me again?” I gasped shakily when Cain pinched my chin and pulled my face back.

“Don’t avoid me next time,” I closed my eyes when his mouth neared mine.

But instead of kissing me on the lips, Cain kissed my jaw.

“I can give you all the space you want, all the time you want,” he gripped my chin firmly, “but I won’t tolerate you pushing me away.”

“You know it will kill me,” I whispered. “I will die if I felt anything for you.”

“Then don’t,” I looked at him in shock. “Don’t feel anything for me.”

“You want us to be fuck buddies?” I pushed his hand away from my chin. “No,” I stopped him from touching me. “I see now. You want to use what you can to your advantage because of that creation thing.”

“Ana-”

“I thought you at least started considering me human, Cain,” my voice shook. “But I see now. I’m nothing but a source for your release and gain.”

“Ana!” Cain slammed his palm against the door and hovered over me intimidatingly. “Don’t you-”

I pushed past him and went to the closet. I grabbed my cardigan and wore it. I looked at Cain calmly when he came after me.

“Listen-”

“I’m going out,” I interrupted him. “I came here so I could forget how horrible I am feeling for a few days. Reality is already bad enough so please,” I pushed past him and left.

How arrogant of me to think that he might actually feel something for me!

“Hey,” Angie waved at me. “I thought you were asleep.” I sat next to her and Nat. “Are you okay?”

“Did something happen again?” Nat inquired. “We didn’t get to talk but what is with this fiancée and all?”

“Ask Xic or Aeron,” I replied tiredly. “Because Cain can never answer anything simply.”

“I’m sorry, Ana,” Angie looked at me apologetically. “I should have told you about inviting them.”

“It’s okay,” I smiled at her. “At least, it will keep Russell away.”

“What’s up, girls?” Scott and Diana came as well. “You missed all the fun.”

“Thanks for reminding me,” I retorted bitterly.

“Where are your guests, Angie?” Scott asked, looking around. “Xic is cool but Aeron and Cain don’t like blending in, right?” He asked skeptically. “I didn’t know you two were a thing, Ana.” Scott snickered when I gave him the look. “I thought I sensed it wrong that time. Did you two fight on your birthday?”

“Scott!” Diana chided her, “Can’t you read between the lines?” He just shrugged casually. Men! “Don’t mind him, Ana. He is too thick-skinned sometimes.” She glared at Scott when he exclaimed in protest.

Travis and Russell came back with more beers.

“There are your men,” Scott whistled when Aeron and Xic came.

“Hey,” Russell approached me when my friends left me alone for a minute. “Can I sit?” I gestured to the chair. “I wanted to apologize. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I didn’t know you were taken. Scott and Diana gave me an earful earlier.”

“It’s alright,” I replied politely. “I don’t hold grudges.”

“So, we are cool?” Russell confirmed. “Thanks, Ana. You have taken a load off my chest.” He smiled when I nodded. “Would you like a drink?” He offered me a beer.

“No, thank you,” I looked at Scott and Diana. They were dancing happily while staring at each other lovingly.

They were very much in love.

“Your fiancé didn’t come?” Russell asked. “He is not a people’s person, is he?”

“He has his hands full with a lot of things,” I replied nonchalantly.

“You love him?” I looked at Russell. “Damn right, you do.” I frowned when he chuckled. “The guy is intimidating though. He doesn’t look like he knows what gentleness means,” Russell slurred. “Is that your taste in men, Ana? Do you like them rough and hard?”

A moment ago, I thought maybe I judged him wrong but his manner of speech now told me otherwise. The alcohol showed his true colors.

“Excuse me,” I stood up to leave.

Russell dared to slap my butt when I turned.

“I hope we can be good friends, Ana,” Russell grinned when I looked at him. “Your fiancé doesn’t need to know you know” he winked at me.

I would have given him a piece of my mind or punched him to hell if I had not seen Cain. Russell turned as well when he sensed a hostile presence behind him.

“Holy-” He visibly paled when he saw Cain.

The murderous aura was all over the place. Not only me but everyone could sense it.

I ran up to Cain and hugged him tightly before he could have lunged at Russell.

“Let it be,” I tried pushing him back with all my might. “Cain, please,” I pleaded.

“Let go,” Cain glared at me. “Right now.” I shook my head. “Ana!” He warned.

“What’s going on?” Angie asked.

Aeron and Xic stared at Cain meaningfully. Their dark expressions told me they knew already. They were ready to kill Russell any second on his command.

“Is everything okay?” Angie looked between us worriedly. “Did something happen, Aeron?” She asked him.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Nat glared at Russel. “I knew this moron was going to fuck things bad.”

“Everything is fine,” I replied and looked back at Cain. His eyes were transfixed on Russell.

“Did you do something?” Travis questioned Russell bluntly. He looked on the verge of passing out.

“What the fuck did you do to piss him off so much, Russell?” Scott asked angrily. “I told you to mind it, man. Why are you making everyone uncomfortable?”

“I’m taking him back to the room,” Travis grabbed Russell by arm and pulled him up. “He is pretty wasted.” He fixed Russell a glare when he tried to argue. “Good night.” I breathed in relief when Travis dragged his drunk ass away.

“I’m sorry, Ana,” Scott apologized, “if he misbehaved or something. He is not a bad person. He is just stupid. Sorry, man.” He looked at Cain.

“It’s alright,” I smiled at him. “You guys carry on. We are going back to our room.”

“Good night,” Angie yelled after us when I dragged Cain away.

It was such a feat. He was not ready to budge.

“Can you please stop this?” I groaned once we were inside. “I’m human, Cain. Stop torturing me.” I yelped when he grabbed my waist and pulled me into his body. “What?”

“Why did you stop me?” Cain growled. “Why didn’t you teach him a lesson right away? Have you forgotten you can fight the likes of him?” He glared at me. “I would have fucking killed–”

“Stop,” I palmed his mouth. “God, Cain. What’s wrong with you?” I frowned in confusion. “You never behaved like this before.”

“I never had a reason before,” he grabbed my left wrist and rubbed the glowing symbol softly. “Is it hurting?”

“No,” I replied timidly. “Leave Russell alone. It’s a happy occasion. We will only ruin everything for everyone else if we react.”

“Don’t let him touch you, Ana,” Cain kissed my wrist. “Deal with it yourself or I will.”

“What’s gotten into you?” I asked. “Why are you behaving so–”

“Possessively?” My lips parted when Cain grabbed my hips and pushed them into his. “Are you scared?” He smirked when I shook my head. “You don’t have to be,” he kissed my palm. “I didn’t mean that earlier. In the room. You misunderstood my words.” He kept kissing my hand back and forth. “I didn’t say it thoughtlessly. I wouldn’t have let you get hurt by the curse.”

“Cain?”

“I desire you, Ana,” his eyes held mine in a choking hold. “I will not deny it that I want you.” I threw my head back when he kissed my neck feverishly. “I know you want me too.”

“I can see it in your eyes and the very way you breathe around me.” He murmured against my skin and continued peppering kisses all over my neck. “You drive me insane, Ana.” Cain tangled his fingers in my hair and pushed my face close to his. “You have fucked me up.”

“Cain,” I grabbed his wrist. “This is not right.”

“It doesn’t have to be,” he whispered against my lips. “I don’t care about anything else but this,” he bit my bottom lip and sucked on it. “I know what I want.”

I shuddered when I looked into his clouded eyes. There was so much lust and hunger in them.

“What if I want all of it?” I searched his eyes for my answers. “Do you even feel something for me apart from this lust?” Cain remained silent. “You don’t intend to feel anything for me, do you?”

“I can satisfy your physical needs, Ana,” Cain said darkly and coldly. “I will give you everything you want in the world. I will protect you. I will free you from this curse.” He held my face with both hands. “I won’t let you die, Ana. I won’t let you feel any pain or suffer because of me.” His grip became fierce on my face.

“But that’s it. That’s all. I can’t give you more than that.” My eyes welled with tears. “I can do anything you want but this one thing you are desperately trying to find in me.” Cain rubbed my lips with his thumbs. “I’m incapable of feeling it.”

“What?” I asked despite knowing. I wanted to hear it.

“Love,” Cain replied apathetically. “I am incapable of love.”

“Then why say all this? Why make such promises?” I questioned. “Why worry for me if you can’t love me?” His jaw twitched slightly. “Are you really incapable of it or you just don’t want to fall in love with me?” I pushed free of him.

“You fell in love with Omisha, didn’t you? You were so hurt when she betrayed you. You held onto her all this time even if it was out of resentment.”

I raised my hand to stop him.

“It’s not that you can’t love. The truth is you don’t want to fall in love with me because you still love that woman.” I screamed at him. “I’m just stuck with my fate. It’s not me who wants all this from you. It’s the stupid destiny I was born with.”

“Stop it,” Cain grabbed my hands when I tried to hit my temples with my fists. “Ana!”

“I preferred when you hated me thinking I was that woman.” I sniffed. “I could at least see some flickering emotions in your eyes whenever you looked at me.”

I jerked my hands free of his hold and stepped back.

“I never hated my existence this much until this moment.”