Forty one

ONE-MONTH INTERVAL.

JADE POV.

I was the ruler of the empire I had always wanted. The world was at the tip of my fingers so why did I feel miserable all the time? Miserable and angry. It was an everyday battle not to bite the head off of everyone I came in contact with. But I was careful, they couldn't know that I was not as stable as I presented myself to be.

Cleaning up Ryland's mess had not been easy, but after all the years that I had used to build up their trust In me, I had won them back in no time, of course, I also used some of my new strength and the power of persuasion I found out I possessed. It came in very handy on some occasions and others, I just used force.

It still made me see red that Ryland had gotten away, that too using dark magic. I did not believe in anything supernatural before, but I wasn't even human anymore, so I was more open to the option, and his conniving with a witch did not seat well with me.

I had watched the videotape of their encounter over and over again and ran different investigations just to find out who the girl was because I hated the fact that Ryland was somewhere, plotting and bidding his time. He was going to come back, I was sure of it. I was almost sure that revenge would be the only thing on his mind.

Marion Don Telli was still wasting away in my dungeon. He had refused to talk, insisting that he knew nothing about Ryland's disappearance, and tho I knew he spoke the truth, I still wanted to torture him for the role he had played at Etral, he had backstabbed me after years of building up a trust, and that betrayal was what he was getting punished for.

I had wanted to give him a quick death but thought better of it at the last minute. He deserved everything I was putting him through. I had taken over his territory, which was a big win for the Alvarez clan. We ruled unrivaled now, and I could literally give them any order and they would obey but I choose not to, knowing that I could handle everything in my own capacity.

Everything was going well so why did I feel like crawling out of my skin, why did I feel like I wasn't complete? The mark on my neck was starting to burn too, and every waking hour I only wanted to feel and smell a unique scent that I'd come to crave.

Simone walked into my office, his stature serious as he stared at me. "The reports are back," he said handing the package in his hand to me.

I collected it, tore the package open then pulled out the documents in them. Glancing through the file, I could assimilate everything at a glance. I flung the files, the anger in my chest that I was always working hard to tame coming alive with a burning frenzy. Maybe it was because of the powers of ... I stopped myself before I mentioned his name or thought of him. He was my past and I refused to go back.

"Do we just attack him, we have all the resources to do that".

"I know we do, and I am sure Edward Jones knows it too, so why is he holding onto Ares when he knows that he could incur my wrath".

"Maybe because he bought him for a huge sum from Ryland".

"Do not speak his name in my presence, "I snapped in irritation then Inhaled deeply. "He is of no importance, so refrain from attributing any worth to him. I already promised the Putakali clan that I was going to free their leader, and I won't fail in my promise. Set up a meeting with Edward Jones at the casino. I am sure he will know what that means".

Simone nodded, swallowing. "Yes Don. I also wanted to bring to knowledge that Marion doesn't look as if he will survive the night. Should we take him out".

I glanced up from the files, "No, let him suffer and die when he can not take the pain anymore. He pointed a gun and fired at me. I am being very generous letting him die on his own. I could have diced him piece by piece and fed him to the birds, but I didn't. That should count as something right".

"Of course Don. You are most generous".

"You may leave. I want to be alone"I got out waving him off.

"Hayden is here to see you" he announced and I glanced at the door. "I told him you didn't want to see anyone but he insisted that he be allowed audience since you've dismissed him for weeks now".

Dragging my hand through my hair, I let out an exasperated sigh. "Let him in then".

Simon nodded once and left my office. Hayden was starting to grow some balls if he was insisting to see me. He knew never to disobey my orders in the past. I made all the decisions but after... Not him again. I did not want to think of him.

The door opened and Hayden stepped in. His gaze met mine and he quickly looked to the floor.

"You insisted on seeing me even after you got the order that I did not want to meet anyone. Are you trying to be rebellious".

Hayden glanced up and shook his head. "Of course not. It's just that you haven't called for me in weeks and I have been turned away every time I came to see you".

"You were turned away because I did not want you here" I snapped and he winced. My words hurt him judging by the pheromones in the air but I couldn't help my rage. It came and went as it pleased.

Learning to tame my powers and limit myself to pass for a normal human was draining.

"I just wanted to be here to make you feel better, or... Don't you want my services anymore" he got out of his clogged throat, his voice raspy with fear. I could feel his dread and his regret. He was regretting asking the questions because he knew there were only two answers to them. A negative or a positive one.

Dragging my hands through my hair, I pushed out of my chair, stood up, and strode toward him where he stood, waiting with bated breath until I reached him.

He was taller, and a bit bulky than I was but with a heart so tender and fragile that I knew it would break Into a million pieces if I rejected him.

I never cared about the feelings of others before, but after acquiring my new strength, I could not ignore them, not when they were so Intense they almost felt like mine. The mark on my neck sizzled the closer I stood to him as if trying to force me to put a distance between us since he was not...

Hayden's pheromones turned hopeful and for the first time, he held my gaze bravely.

"I am too busy with work to Indulge your cravings, Hayden..."

"I do not want my pleasure, Jade. I can see that you are stressed out. Why don't you use me to take the edge off" he offered, then licked at his lips nervously.

I wanted to do that and more but something held me back which was why I had been avoiding him in the first place. Also, I knew our session could get really bloody if the rage took over and I lost control. I did not want to kill Hayden.

"I will do anything you want, Master" he promised and my gaze flew to his. I had told him not to call me that and I could see that he did it to get my attention. "Let me please you, Master" he murmured, his body swaying closer to me, his fingers grazing my arms as he leaned towards my throat to press a kiss there.

I shoved him back before he could and it was so abrupt that I didn't control the strength I put into it. He was flung against the door hard and he groaned, his pained-filled voice reaching my ears and easing the tension in my shoulders as it fed whatever it was inside me that craved destruction.

He gazed at me, blinking rapidly in surprise.

"You said this was not for your pleasure but mine, and you know not to kiss me, so why did you do that. Is that what you want, for me to love you".

Rubbing at his sore back, he forced himself to his feet. His head bobbed as he stared at me. "I'll take anything you wish you offer me".

I already knew what I wanted and I knew if there was anyone who could take it, it would be Hayden. I stepped towards him and ignoring the nasty feeling In my gut, I let my fingers graze his cheeks, and he leaned into them like a touch-starved puppy.

"Go to the torture chamber. Cuff your hands, kneel and wait for me" I ordered and his eyes lit up happily. I knew by the end of the night, he was going to regret offering himself for my pleasure as the monster in me grinned.