The Beast's Possession

**Aife pov** Although I asked tons of questions, Bane wasn't willing to explain himself any further. He just announced that he had to leave and that was final.

He could have told me why he was leaving, but even that remained a secret. So much for being open and ensuring communication existed, right? After breakfast, Bane kissed my temple and washed the dishes. The whole time I sat at the table, waiting for him to tell me literally anything he kept quiet. Well, at least until he told me to start packing and get ready to go home. "I can't start packing if I didn't unpack anything to begin with," I spat back, a little more aggressively than I intended.

I could see the hurt flash in his eyes, but too soon, it was replaced with a look of understanding. "I know I promised you a nice getaway at this cabin, but the circumstances have changed. I'm truly sorry, but it is what it is for now. Once I come back, I promise to make it up to you, but I'll make it all ten times better. And then, I won't take any guards so we can have proper privacy. How does that sound?"

Honestly, it sounded amazing and very, very tempting. The only issue was that I didn't know if he could hold the promise he was giving now. I never knew how things would turn out with Bane and any plans we had ever made together, somehow they were ruined by one thing or another.

Sighing, I slowly got up from my seat and started walking towards the front door.

"Where are you going, sweetheart?" Bane called after me.

"To the car. I will sit there and wait for you to take me back to my cell, whoops, I mean the house," I snarled and forced myself to move a little faster.

The burning between my legs became more intense and the closer I got to the cabin door, the more I regretted this little place being the exact location where I had my first time.

I didn't regret giving it to Bane. Not even a tiny bit. I regretted the location because I knew Bane's men were behind the cabin door and they surely would give me weird, knowing looks.

Just as the thought crossed my mind, Bane appeared next to me and tried to scoop me in his arms, but I shoved him away. "No. Your men will have a great laugh if they think I can't walk around after the night."

His eyes widened. "No," Bane shook his head. "They wouldn't say anything. Trust me on this one. They already gave me shit earlier, but not even one of them mentioned you, so you shouldn't worry about it. Seriously, they wouldn't. Just let me take care of you," he pleaded.

I stood at the door, contemplating if I should give in or stand up for myself. Sooner or later, I would have to learn how to defy Bane and what better time to start if now when he was in a good mood?

Shaking my head, I offered him a smile but still stepped back, increasing the distance between us. "Not this time. Honestly, no matter what they think, I want to walk to that car with my head held high and no questions asked. Let me have this."

Bane didn't look too pleased. He answered with one, sharp nod and spun on his heel to walk to the bedroom while muttering something under his breath.

Gripping the handle, I took a deep breath and opened the door.

Just as I predicted, all Bane's men stood at the entrance, basically surrounding the little cabin. What surprised me, though, was that they bowed their heads and greeted me. No remarks, no whispering, no odd looks. Nothing. Just pure respect.

Like I had told Bane earlier, I walked to the car with my head held high, fighting my own body not to show the men how uncomfortable I felt. Every man I greeted offered me the goofiest grin, but in a way, I enjoyed them. Maybe it was because I felt like I belonged, or perhaps I just liked the fact that they no longer tried to do anything to make me feel less than I was.

Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long until Bane got in the car and drove away from the hidden paradise. During the drive back he didn't speak, which honestly annoyed me.

I wasn't the one who made this thing between us feel complicated, but he was acting as if it was me who hurt him, not the other way around. And yes, I was hurt... in a way.

Perhaps that was foolish of me, but how was I supposed to react? Did everyone think I would jump up and clap my hands now that he had taken my virginity and instantly had to leave me behind? Yes, I gave it willingly, but the fact that Bane had to leave Goddess knew where and why truly felt unusual.

If I was overthinking, which was a massive possibility, I knew I would get my answers very soon. If not from Bane, Zion would definitely spill it all. But if any of my suspicions were even remotely close to the truth Bane was hiding, well, I would end up broken-hearted and lost.

Funny how this man had brought so much pain and suffering to me, but somehow, ended up to be the very man who my happiness depended on.

At one point, I didn't realize I had zoned out, until Bane grabbed my shoulder and shook me a little. "Sweetheart, we're home. Do you want to walk inside or may I carry you?"

The look in his eyes reminded me of a small puppy who was begging for another treat, so I gave in.

"You can carry me if it means so much to you," I muttered, trying my best to sound as emotionless as possible.

And that too didn't last for too long since Bane instantly flashed me a bright smile, quickly pecked my cheek and jumped out of the car like an excited teenager. He all but ran around the car and even cheered when he opened the door just when I was unbuckling the safety belt.

Bane pulled me out of the car and scooped me in his arms before I could blink. He kicked the car door closed and carried me to the house, giggling as he did.

All this over the top behavior was new and unusual, but in a way, I enjoyed it. Mostly because I didn't know how soon Bane had to leave and when he could carry me around like this again. And IF he would.

Bane didn't say anything as he carried me up the stairs and into our bedroom. As soon as he laid me on the bed, he muttered that I should rest and he would have to get ready.

My eyes widened at the quiet statement. "What? So soon?"

I knew I was pouting and acting like a brat, but I really didn't want him to leave right now. He could give me an hour or two, couldn't he?

"Yes, so soon," Bane offered me a smile. He leaned down to kiss me, sadly not nearly for as long as I wished he would. Once he broke the kiss, he rested his forehead against mine and closed his eyes. "I won't be able to leave if I don't do that as soon as possible. But I promise to come back soon. Trust me, I will do my best to get back before you start missing me. And once I come back, we will start trying."

A little confused, I repeated his words, "start trying?"

Bane grabbed the sides of my face and titled my head. Slowly, I opened my eyes and looked straight into his when he whispered, "yes. We will start trying for a pup. I want a family. A real one. With you. You're it for me, babe, you're it."