Chapter 9 — I Will Be Your Beast

(Natasha)

WHEN Cain stood up, I tightened my arms around his neck. He walked as if I weighed nothing while our lower bodies were still connected. I could feel his cock going deeper inside me with his every step. I was panting when he finally released my lips. I leaned my face on his shoulder and closed my eyes. I knew I signed up for this but this was too much pleasure that it was making my head fuzzy again.

I could feel an electric current spiking up between my legs as Cain got harder and bigger inside me. I opened my eyes when I felt the cold wall against my back. Cain had me leaned on the wall as he gripped my thighs.

I was pulsing as Cain continued to push himself in and out of me.

“Natasha, look at me,” he demanded.

I was sweating when I tried to meet his eyes. There was fire in his eyes while looking at me. And that fire seemed to be transmitting to me. I could feel it in my bones, even in my heart. I could feel my body burning, but it was a different kind of burn. If every fire was like this, I didn’t mind burning over and over.

“I… I’m cumming!”

“I know,” he said before licking my lower lip and sucking it. When I came, I screamed his name. Seconds later and I felt him cumming, too, as hot fluid filled me. It flowed down my thighs.

“Let’s take a shower before I give you your lunch,” he said while he was still inside me.

“Is that going to be a real food this time?” I could not help but doubt because he was still hard inside me. Not that I mind. This position made me feel the closest to him. I felt him completely filling me up today. It also allowed me to feel more of him because he was deeper inside me now compared to the last time.

Besides, I don’t feel hungry at all. For some unknown reason, I actually felt full.

Cain laughed as he finally pulled out. He wiped the sweat off my forehead before he claimed my lips for another hot kiss.

“Yes. You’ve fed me enough for today. I will let you feed this time.”

***

I WAS in the middle of walking down the grand spiral staircase when I noticed that aside from Cain, there were other men in the living room. They were all wearing a tuxedo in different colors. And they looked at my direction almost at the same time as if they had felt my presence. There were about eight of them.

I gasped when I recognized some of them.

One was Joshua Santillan, a world-famous singer from Canada while the other one was Zeke De Roque, the CEO of Roman’s, the five-star hotel chains in and out of the country. I hadn’t seen them in person yet. With my status, I had no way of seeing them but they were constantly featured in magazines.

I didn’t have to research the details about the other men who were with Cain to know that they were all influential men, too, because their aura and the way they carried themselves already screamed their high social standing in the elite circle. They were all gorgeous that they could surpass the models and actors in the country.

But being with Cain was another matter. No matter who he was with, the second people saw him, it would be hard to take their eyes off him. He was only wearing pants, plain maroon shirt, and sneakers unlike the rest of the men, but he was giving off a different vibe, a dominant one, like he was a very powerful man from another world, like the men around him were only his underlings. There was no trace of discomfort on his face even if the ones he was with were wearing flashy and luxurious suits.

The shirt clung to his muscular chest like a second skin. No matter how good-looking the men were, it would still be difficult to notice them if Cain was around. He was sitting comfortably on the couch while holding an envelope.

What was that envelope? And how come Cain knew these men when he just woke up?

But then again, why was I even surprised? He was a man who seemed to have a limitless power and connection. We’d only been apart for a few minutes after we took a shower together that’s why I didn’t expect him to have visitors so soon. And they looked like they just finished talking.

When Cain’s eyes turned to me, a knowing smile appeared on his lips. My cheeks flushed. The shower took longer than expected. We did it in the shower and once more after we took a bath before he finally let me go. His stamina was beyond human imagination and so was the carnal pleasure that he could give to women.

“Your Highness, she’s the Marker that everyone’s been talking about, isn’t she?” Joshua probed.

Your Highness? My eyes widened. Did I hear it right? Did Joshua just call Cain that way? And what was with the ‘Marker’ thing?

Joshua’s smiling eyes remained on me. The old me would probably freak out at the sight of my favorite singer. I even had posters of Joshua in my room. That was how much I admired him and his voice. If only those painful things did not occur, I’d have been busy fangirling by now. But as of the moment, aside from confusion, pain, and grief, I don’t feel anything else anymore.

“Oh, shut up, Josh,” Cain said as he walked towards the stairs. His forehead creased when he held my waist. “Oh. That’s surprising. So, you were a fan,” he whispered and smiled before turning to the men. “This is my guest, Natasha Rivera. You have probably heard about her from the others so I believe there is no need for further introduction here. Natasha, they are my…” He paused as if he was searching for the right word and then he grinned. “Well, this is a little awkward. I heard you are all very famous now. How should I call you now?”

“Don’t be like that, Your Highness. A century may have passed, but you still remain and will always remain as our mentor and our master,” said the man with blue eyes and blonde hair. He had a bright smile when he turned to face me. “Hi, there!”

I was too stunned to speak. Century? Mentor and master? Does this mean they were all the same? Does it also mean that Joshua and Zeke had been living for centuries like Cain?

God… they talked so naturally as if they were just discussing about the weather and not about the century that passed.

“Miss Natasha, we are His Highness’ Cain’s servants. We are his Mages,” Zeke said as if he read my mind. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Natasha. You are such a lucky woman. So many people would die to be in your position right now. His Highness has hundreds of servants. I still remember how all of us used to be the referees of the women who fought over him. We didn’t have a hard time being his apprentice but we did have a hard time because of the women who came for him. In the past, there’s chaos wherever he goes. But since you will be by His Highness’ side from now on, we are assuming that there will be… lesser wars.”

The men chuckled before extending their hands to me. But when Cain cleared his throat, they quickly lowered their hands. An impish smile formed on their lips as if they discovered something naughty before bowing to me instead.

“We will be under your command from this day forward, Miss Natasha. You can call me ‘Josh,” the singer said as he introduced the rest of the men. “As per His Highness’ order, we have already looked through your family’s case. Tonight, I advise that you watch the news because tonight, you will receive your first victory against your enemies.”

“You heard them loud and clear, Natasha. They will be under your command. In the future, if you need something from them, you can call them. They will give you your contact numbers later. If one day, you needed their help and they didn’t respond right away, tell me. I will break all their bones and throw them to the wolves.”

The men groaned. “Your Highness! You are still as harsh as ever!”

They said that and yet, none of them look offended. In fact, they seemed to be the best of friends. The men were laughing as if they were used to Cain’s threats already. But despite their playful personalities, the respect and admiration they had for Cain was visible in their eyes. Their eyes would shine whenever they would look at him.

The men reminded me of puppies who would eagerly wag their tails whenever they would see their owner. But that… wasn’t the case, was it?

After a while, my brows knitted when I remembered Joshua’s last words. I wanted to ask about the news. But before I could talk, Cain snapped his finger. And then a tall woman wearing a red blazer and black pencil skirt showed up. I’m guessing we’re the same age. The woman had Caucasian features and she looked very stunning. Just like Cain’s visitors, she smiled and bowed to me.

Cain was surrounded with such beautiful people. I didn’t even know if I was worth being bowed to by them. Why were they bowing to me in the first place? I suddenly feel like I shouldn’t be in this place. I shook my head. What was I thinking? I came to Talavera with only my mission in my mind. That was my only priority, nothing more, nothing less. So, whatever these people were thinking, who they were, and whatever they were doing in this mansion had nothing to do with me.

“Greetings, Miss Natasha. I am Irma, His Highness’ head maid. The Chef just finished preparing for your meal. I will assist you to the kitchen now.”

So, there was also a Chef here now? It was like the mansion I entered last night and the mansion I was in today were two different places. Suddenly, there were so many people here. The place was now so stunning and bright. Who’d have known that just last night, it looked haunted? And the head maid? The woman looked nothing like it. Irma seemed more like a secretary of an executive.

Despite that, I still hesitated and glanced at Cain. “I can wait for you. We can have lunch together—” I stopped when I realized something. Can he eat human food? I blushed. “I’m sorry I—”

“It’s okay. Irma is among my trusted people. You can go with her, Natasha. And you can trust her, too. I’ve already delayed your lunch. Although you fed some of my energy earlier, you must still consume human food.” Cain laughed when I looked puzzled. “Oh, yes, you did. You could feed on me, on my energy, without being aware of it. I told you, you are a rare case.”

“So rare that you are still alive right now,” Gianni said, one of the visitors, while nodding. “The last person who tried to feed on His Highness didn’t get to see the morning sun anymore. He vanished into thin air as soon as he laid a finger on His Highness. He died without feeding. Poor soul.” He grinned. “You see, no one could ever feed on His Highness… until you came. And you get to do that towards the strongest creature on Earth. For that, you have our utmost respect, Miss Natasha.”

The men all did a hand salute. But I didn’t pay much attention to it because I already froze.

He vanished after touching Cain?

“Shut up, you brats. You are scaring her.” Cain looked straight into my eyes. “Don’t mind them and don’t look at me with those eyes, Natasha. You were with me since last night. If I wanted to hurt you, I could have done that already. I am not as rotten as you think I am. I don’t lay a finger on just anyone. And I don’t harm just anyone. You and I need each other and I do acknowledge that. I do acknowledge the agreement we made.”

“I… I’m sorry,” I asked, ashamed this time. I didn’t know why but it affected my heart seeing Cain’s wounded expression all of a sudden. He had a point. He could have easily hurt me last night but he didn’t. No matter how hard it was, I need to learn how to trust people again. That was the only way this partnership could thrive.

So, what if Cain was different from me? So, what if he was not a human? I was betrayed by humans, for heaven’s sake. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I just…” I lowered my head. “You know what I’ve been through.”

“I do and that’s why I’m telling you that it’s okay. Lift up your head, Natasha. Stop apologizing. You have done nothing wrong.” Our gazes met when he lifted my chin. Cain smiled. “Right now, there’s something I have to discuss with these brats first. I will follow you afterwards and I will explain to you the rest of the details that Joshua talked about,” he added and planted a soft kiss on my lips before he passed my hand to Irma who gently pulled me towards the dining area.

I glanced at Cain while walking. This time, the men were silent as they sat back on the couch. They now looked dead serious. Cain was talking but even if I could hear him, I couldn’t understand him. He seemed to be speaking in a different language.

Cain was so near that I could actually reach him, but at the same time, it suddenly felt like he was a thousand miles away. And then I remembered Joshua telling me about my first victory. If they were truly Cain’s servants and he made an order that would benefit my family, then it meant that my revenge was in motion.

At last, justice would be served.

“One day, I promise, I will give you back all the pain you and your family caused me.” That was the last text message that I sent to Eunice before I went to Talavera. At that time, I wasn’t sure if Eunice’s number was still the same. All I wanted was just a way to somehow release my anger. But the sly fox replied.

“I’d like to say ‘dream on’, but that would be too harsh to say to someone who is so desperate and grieving right now, wouldn’t it? Then let me just say… ‘Good luck’ on that, my dear old friend.”

My eyes narrowed as wrath rushed inside my heart for the countless time. My family’s life was in shambles. Yet, no one from the Ricafortes felt an ounce of remorse over what they did. They brought my family rain. And I would give them thunder and storm to return the favor.

I had been a good girl all my life, but it caused me my mother’s life. I’m now done being a good girl.

“The fire is spreading.”

I glanced at Irma when I heard her talk while holding my hand. “What? Did you say something?”

“Your wrath is like a fire spreading through your heart. Soon, the fire might consume your soul, too. Do not do that, Miss Natasha. Do not succumb to the wrath inside you,” she said in a worried tone. “Remember, in this lifetime, only one Beast is enough.”

I took my hand back from her and avoided her gaze. “You might be able to see something about my past, but that doesn’t mean that you already know everything there is to know about me, Irma. You don’t know what I’ve been through so don’t judge my feelings so easily. And about being a monster, I believe that only when I become one, too, would I be able to fight my enemies better.”

“His Highness is willing to give you what your heart desires, Miss Natasha, because you are his Marker now. But if you are burning like this, in the process, you might burn him, too. Would you like others to get burned, too, just for you?”

Marker. I heard that word again. I clenched my hands and just turned my back on her. This conversation was meaningless because we wouldn’t be able to understand each other anyway. It looked like Irma had no plans of explaining what the Marker was all about. She must have said those things because of Cain, but the woman was meddling too much. And I’m over the stage in my life where I sought to be understood.

I no longer wanted to be understood. And I no longer needed people’s empathy. “I’m going upstairs. I’m not hungry anymore.”

But before I could turn away, I saw how pity crossed her eyes. How many times had I seen that before? My chest heaved. I don’t need her pity.

Cain was no longer in the living room when I passed by. I went back to his room and went to take another shower with my clothes on. What Irma said and how she reacted made me feel vulnerable all of a sudden. Who was she to say those things? That woman knew nothing about my pain.

I bit my lower lip to stop myself from screaming. Now that my body and mind had rested somehow, the torture I went through the past weeks was coming back to me all at once and clinging on to me like a ghost that I couldn’t push away.

I sobbed. Even if I succeeded in acquiring revenge, my family wouldn’t go back to how it was before since my Mom was already gone. There were wounds that would never heal. There was no guarantee that the pain my family felt would disappear, that when I come back to Manila, I wouldn’t be lonely anymore. I had a father who wanted to die and a brother who shut himself away in his own little world.

Even if the Ricafortes fall one day, that does not guarantee that everything was going to be all right. The wound they inflicted to us would take a lifetime to heal.

The water made me feel cold but I didn’t mind. I was trembling when I leaned on the wall. “You know nothing, Irma. Nothing at all.”

I heard the door open but I didn’t move. Not long after and I felt Cain embraced me from behind. I wept louder and held on to his arms. I wished someone had embraced me like before. This was the kind of embrace I needed.

I closed my now swollen eyes. “It hurts. It hurts so much, Cain.”

“I know,” he softly said. “Just let it all out, Natasha. Cry it all out.”

Did he really know what I felt like? Can a Beast really understand human pain? “I’m turning into someone I’m not. Irma said my heart is burning with wrath right now. And she said that you could burn along with me in the process of you being with me.”

“Hush, don’t listen to her. Just listen only to me. I’m strong enough to protect you from the fire. If you are going to be someone, then be the Beauty that you are. While you are with me, I will be your Beast. I will make sure you won’t get burnt. Natasha, I will save you from yourself, I promise.”