CHAPTER 5: HIS

REBEL

I darted through the dark hallways of the abandoned building, feeling the chill of the night bite into my skin. My movements were methodical, my breaths were shallow, and each one was measured. The knife grazed my side, causing a throb of pain. The hunters behind me could follow the small thread of blood that flowed to the ground. I was forced to continue moving. I was suddenly surrounded by people emerging from the shadows and in a corner. Instinctively, I reached for my belt, curling my fingers around my knife's hilt. I tense for their move, braced for battle. However, rather than attacking, a man moved forward and sliced through the crowd like a King among pawns. His features were calculating and crisp, and his clothing was immaculate. "Rebel," he whispered, his voice as calm and low as a storm's eye. "It has been a while." "Daniel," I spat, my voice full of poison. My vision faded before I could throw myself at him. The world tilted to one side as I was overcome with pain and fatigue. Before I could fall to the ground, he grabbed me and held me in his arms as though I were weak, which was so alien that even in my weaker position, I was angry. My body was slipping into something too soft to be true. When I woke up to the faint murmur of voices. I blinked against the intense brightness overhead, trying to piece together my location as it seared my eyes. The commotion room cleared in a matter of seconds, leaving only the two of us. He walked towards me, his face unreadable, and for a moment we just stared at each other. “You should still be resting,” he said softly. “And you should mind your own business,” I shot back, my voice hoarse. “She’s awake,” someone said. I turned my head, every movement slow and deliberate, and there he was—Daniel Williams, standing at the foot of the bed in silk pyjamas, giving orders with an air of command that left no room for debate. I tried to sit up, but my body protested with a sharp pang. He reached out to steady me, but I flinched away.

"Stop it." He retorted, unaffected by my animosity, "You're hurt." And if it weren't for me, you wouldn't be here today. I forced myself to stand up despite the agony and stared at him. "I didn't ask for your assistance." "No," he said, dragging a chair near the bed. "But you required it." Something was disturbing about the way he gazed at me—not sympathy, not even interest. He seemed to be able to see right through the barriers I had put up around me because it was so powerful, raw, and relentless. "Daniel, what do you want?" With a sharper voice, I demanded. "What's the point of all this trouble?" He took a while to respond. Rather, he pointed to the food tray resting on the nightstand. "Start by eating. We'll discuss other things later.

I squinted. “I’m not hungry.” He arched an eyebrow, obviously unimpressed by my resistance. “You’ve lost a lot of blood. You need to regain your strength.” “And yet, here you are. In my house. In my care.” I clenched my fists, but he just waited, unyielding. At last, I gave in, reaching for the tray. The soup was warm and surprisingly comforting, but I refused to let my guard down. “Happy now?” I muttered after a few spoonfuls. He leaned back in his chair, a tiny smile at the corners of his mouth. “Enough games,” I snapped, setting the tray aside. “What’s your angle?” “You think I have one?” I asked, tilting his head slightly. “You’re Daniel Williams,”  I shot back. "The most calculating man I've ever encountered." Nothing you do is done without a purpose. He gave a quiet laugh. "Rebel, you've always been observant." I growled, "Stop calling me that." "You don't know me." His face lost its amusement as his eyes grew serious. "Don't I?" I tensed, but he persisted. Since that night two years ago, I have been searching for you. If I didn't know you, do you think I would put myself through all of this? If I didn't give a damn? "You shouldn't," I answered without emotion. "It's dangerous to care about me." He leaned closer and added, "Then let it be dangerous." "Because I'm not going anywhere." Never again. Unspoken words filled the heavy air between us. I averted my gaze, attempting to suppress the memories that threatened to surface. The way his eyes had burned into mine that night two years ago. The pull I’d felt—and fought against. “I didn’t ask for this,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. “No,” he agreed. “But here we are.” --- I insisted on taking a bath, despite his protests. He escorted me to the bathroom, but when he lingered in the doorway, I shot him a pointed glare. “Do you think I’m going to drown myself in your tub?” I asked dryly. “Humor me,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. “I’m not leaving until I’m sure you’re okay.” I sighed, too tired to argue. “Fine. But turn around.” He held up his hands in mock surrender and turned his back, though I could feel his presence like a weight pressing against my spine. Once I was alone, I let the hot water wash away the grime and blood, trying to clear my mind as well. When I emerged, wrapped in a towel, I found a shirt hanging by the door. It was far too large for me, but I slipped it on. When I returned to the room, it was empty save for Daniel. “You’re persistent,” I said, breaking the silence. He looked up, his lips quirking into a small smile. “It’s one of my better qualities.” “That’s debatable.” He gestured for me to sit. I hesitated but sat eventually “You have questions,” he said simply. “No kidding,” I muttered. “Let’s start with why you’re so interested in me.” “Because you’re you,” he said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “And because I can’t forget what it felt like to lose you.” I stared at him, trying to decipher his words. “You don’t even know me.” “I know enough,” he said firmly. “I know you’re stronger than anyone I’ve ever met. I know you’ve been running from something—or someone—for a long time. And I know that whatever it is, it’s not going to stop unless someone stands with you.” “Is that what you think you’re doing? Standing with me?” I laughed bitterly. “You don’t know what you’re getting into.” “Maybe not,” he admitted. “But I’m willing to find out.” I shook my head, frustration bubbling to the surface. “You’re insane.” “Maybe,” he said, unbothered by my outburst. “But I’d rather be insane with you than sane without you.” We sat in silence for a long moment, the weight of his words hanging between us. Despite everything, I felt a flicker of something I hadn’t allowed myself to feel in years—hope. “I’m not staying,” I said finally, my voice softer now. He leaned forward, his gaze steady. “I’m not asking you to. But I’ll be here, whether you like it or not.” “You’re stubborn,” I said with a faint smile. “And you’re worth it,” he replied. I tried to move away from him, just a little bit because at some point I had gotten too close and Lord knows that with the attraction I feel towards him it wouldn't be a good idea to get closer but before I'm able to pull back fully, he pulls me back in and he kisses my lips slowly at first and before I'm fully aware of what's happening, I'm flat on my back, I'm naked, he's naked and he's devouring me fully and all I can think of is that this is a bad idea but as he nibbles his kisses down my neck and as he swirls over my nibbles, I'm done. For the first time in all my life, I just want to surrender to somebody, I've been too busy to have a semblance of life because of the nature of my job, I'm untouched not because I'm a Saint but because I've been unwilling to part with that control yet here he is taking it, he's not asking he's taking it and I'm helpless to stop him. As I still try to resist, he inserts his fingers in and I'm so high and close to a climax that my vision blurs. "From the first day I looked into your eyes, Rebel, you knew this would happen, it was always meant to be; you hid, but there isn't a space in this world or beyond that could hide you from me. You are mine as I am yours in life, death and everything in between; I know this is hard for you, but I'm taking this from you, and I'd be your first and last. You are mine". I'm coming down from my climax while he whispers this to my ears and while I try to find an equilibrium he's suddenly between my legs; my gosh I don't know what he looks like down there but from his build I know he'd be big, too big but even if I asked him to slow down I doubt he will. He knows too much. He even knows I'm untouched. I yelp in pain when suddenly he dives in and screams in pain but he swallows my scream and stays still after a while the pain subsides and I'm filled with immense pleasure and I don’t want him to stop, my nails are digging into his shoulder blades, his back and I tell him to go faster and he does and by now my voice is lost from the level of screaming done by me but I don't care I love this, I love him but this is a bad idea. After a while, he comes so powerfully in me that he's breathing harshly but he simply lifts me, takes me to another room similar in decor, places me on the comfy bed, spoons me, gets a blanket to cover us but then he's back in me in mere seconds. He tells me he loves me, and from now on, I am never alone again, and I believe him. I drift off to sleep. Sometime during the night, he's taking me while spooning me again; for someone with no experience in this one night, he's corrupted me, taken me too many times for me to count. While spooning me on all fours, too many ways for me to remember, and I'm worn out by him. He finally falls asleep and I immediately join him in sleep. My built walls are all cracked so there isn't a question about it. I am His. A sudden shrill sound, it's my phone. I have been summoned.