Hasty and Muddled

'Darn it,' Keira jolted out of bed, her breath coming in short gasps as she reached for her cloak on the table and scanned the room for anything else she might need.

The timing was essential, she couldn't waste a single moment by lying aimlessly in the room when there was a bigger plan waiting for her.

The silent room was currently filled with the swishing noise of a female's hand frantically crammed every last item into her bag. The cradit goes to Xander, who prepared food for her before he left.

As usual, he was still occupied with discussing trading issues with the merchants. Clearly, this was causing him a lot of aggravation.

His expression was sour as he left the room, and he made no attempt to hide his displeasure with the mess-up trading responsibility. It took him a few grunts and snarls before he finally managed to get himself together and leave. Still, he remembered to spin around and assure her that he would be right back after the meeting was over.

Keira, however, had to get on with her day. An extensive scheme was just around the corner and she was incredibly proud of her brilliant idea.

It was decided, today she will steal the thorn flower..

Now that she had stocked up enough supplies that will last her for decades, with some hasty and muddled plotting, she was ready to break into the catastrophe chief's maze.

Though she despised that place, curiosity blasted her mind. Judging by what she noticed, she was sure there must be many valuable items for her to snatch, including the thorn flower.

With a determined look on her face, she slung the cloak over her shoulders, followed by the heavy loadbag. Her body wobbled a little, but, overall, everything was still intact.

Rushing to the door, she was ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead, only to be thwarted by a knocking sound.

Her pace was frozen, one leg hovering in the air. Wondering who had shown up to halt her stealing scheme at this time. Whoever that person was, better have a solid explanation.

She wobbled back and forth as she unhooked the bag strap from one shoulder and again swayed from side to side while unhooking the other. Since the bag was overweight without a single space for air to get in, It took her some time until she could put it down and drag it against the wall.

After all the effort, she heaved out a series of piercing sighs. Her hands plopped on her waist, and her chest rose following the breath she sucked in. When her breathing was steady, she averted her gaze from the bag and turned her full attention to the door that was still shut.

Making as little noise as possible, she inched her way toward the door until she could peek through the crack and slowly open it.

When her vision widened enough to peer through, she was greeted by a pair of muscled legs firmly poised in place.

Holding her breath, she made her way up the body, past the sloped and prominent abs, to a broad chest and a pair of strong arms crossed over it, where she finally halted in the sight of the mysterious stare that had nearly stopped her pulse.

The male stood there elegantly, his stance perfect, his body rigid; only his intense gaze seemed to penetrate into her soul as he observed her ogling manner.

Keira flickered to break her gaze off him. she didn't have time for this—not at all, when seriously, she had an important role waiting for her. The stealing scheme has to come first; whatever else can be shoved to the back burner.

"No, not today," she murmured under her breath, slamming the door shut at the exact time when he dodged into the room through the opening.

Her mouth dropped wide open, trying to make sense the situation. But before her brain could process, she was already swept up in his powerful embrace, engulfed by his intoxicating scent.

Her gaze fell on his lips; the angle of his mouth was raised in satisfaction at her momentary surprise. Surely, he enjoyed what he was doing.

The breath caught in her throat at how tight his hands were wrapped around her waist. Their bodies were so entwined that she could feel his chest vibrate when he inhaled her scent.

But this time, Keira wouldn't let her guard down. To break free from him, she had to put a concentrated effort into slipping under his torso until she could finally, get out of his grip.

The events on that day were still raging in her thoughts; she was mad. He has crossed the line. How he could act so rashly and almost cause her to pass out was beyond her acceptance.

What he did only added to her cautious sense. Even if she had no idea what was his power, she better not get too close to it.

"Are you done? If you're done teasing me then.." she said, pointing to the door. Although she caught a glimpse of regret in his stare, she wouldn't let it slip easily.

He maintained his steady posture and lowered his head, "I was wrong.." His deep voice that were once terrifying was now surprisingly gentle. The warmth reverberated in her ear, coupled with the mercury irises, which were unwaveringly fixed on her, washing over her like a soothing balm.

She was stunned by his unexpected tenderness and the radiant that shined within his eyes. She didn't expect he would come to say this to her. Not at all, after what he had done.

The moment he laid eyes on the cloak which had been securely fastened on her body, it raised his question about what she was up to.

When he came closer to ask about it, Keira retreated further away. She was certain that there was something unusual within his alluring scent.

"Stay right there," she warned. Her gaze kept shifting between Azariah and the door. She tried to picture how she could rush past him and reach the exit. It's not like she can just smash him in the face and run, though.

However, he didn't give her time to consider when every action and facial expression was being carefully observed by him. He was certain that this female always had something going on inside her head.

"Why are you so harsh to me.." he stepped closer. "When there was so deep intimacy between us," he lingered a little longer on each syllable before proceeding forward.

Keira took a few steps back as goosebumps spread throughout her entire body. It was unsettling to keep her eyes on his stare; his irises were glinting as though he were observing his prey.

Now was the time to give serious thought to her escape plan. Her bag was still plopped against the wall, but, for goodness sake..who gives a crap? First and foremost, she needed to get out of here.

Her purple irises were shaking as she backed away. The fear in her eyes and the sound of her heartbeat were clear to his senses. Her pulse quickened as he drew nearer. While their gazes were locked, she felt a mixture of apprehension and desire. Surrealy, the tension between them was palpable. In spite of her fears, the passion lingered.

Her steps came to a halt when she was pinned to the wall. As they stood there, staring into each other's eyes, the magnetic pull between them was irresistible. Glancing behind her, she realized that there was no space for her to escape his next move.

Peering back at him, she found her eyes at the same level as his ribs. With his massive body looming over her, she felt the choked air stagger beneath her chest.

She followed her gaze up his body, taking in all of his massive energy, until she came to a halt at his lips that were raised at the corner.

A shiver raced down her spine when she saw it closer— sharp fangs that reached almost to his chin. Setting him apart from the creatures of the night, his fangs were longer and as pointed as swords, with tips that were coated with droplets of venom.

Strangely, his dangerous features only encouraged his charm, plunging her further into his mysterious ravine. She started to doubt whether her mind was shattered or if her true instinct was actually wicked. When a rational individual would have fled or screamed if they were pinned to the wall by a close to eight-foot guy with hell dammed venom fangs and... scales.

It became increasingly challenging to maintain her composure in his presence. Biting her lips, she turned her head away, wanting to stop her mind from further distracted.

But her effect only piqued his interest as he watched her skin blush a peachy hue as if tempting him to draw closer. He couldn't deny that his mind had already pictured her naked under him, how those arrogant eyes fixed on him with her lips yearning for more. It's only getting harder, with every breeze of time. He wished she would have mercy and stop halting him in this sweet suffering.

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