The Taste of Seduction

He wore a loose-fitting shirt over jeans, his long hair now falling beyond his shoulders, ash strands sweeping across his forehead and tucked behind his ears.

Meredith was drawn back to his eyes again, those eyes that she couldn\'t drag herself away from and his gaze still hadn\'t strayed from hers.

His eyes were so captivating, like they could look right through you.

Marcus cleared his throat, interrupting her thoughts.

"You wanted to see me?" Marcus asked, leaning in his chair.

"Yeah, are we going somewhere? You told Maria you wanted to show me something."

Marcus nodded and looked at his watch.

"Sorry I was supposed to come for you but I got caught up with something. We would be going to the Northern Kingdom for the alliance meeting."

Meredith stared at him in shock, her brain refusing to comprehend what he had said.

"Huh? What is that?" Meredith asked curiously.

"It occurs every year. It\'s a meeting where all ruling supernatural beings from various parts of the world meet . This year, the northern kingdoms is hosting it."

Marcus explained

"All of the ruling supernatural beings ..?" Meredith asked in surprise.

His eyes were hard as he replied tightly, "Yes, all of

the most dangerous supernaturals in the world will be gathered in one place.

We negotiate territories and treaties, as well as various other orders of business. But given the volatile nature of our species, you can imagine that fierce confrontations have erupted in the past."

"Wait they are others country apart from here? Like other vampires, witches and werewolves out there too?"

Marcus nodded, "Yeah. The city of Aarkans is just one of the countries in the outer realm. In order to ensure balance and peace in the land, our ancestors created the marriage alliance.

Because we all know vampires, witches and werewolves aren\'t the best of friends. Also the dragons were creating fear and chaos at that time so it was only right that these three powerful beings came together.

The witches were neutral and didn\'t care about power so the marriage alliance was settle between the vampires and werewolves. The only exception throughout the centuries are your parents.

The people agreed and accepted your mother because she was powerful and they needed her help."

Meredith mouth opened but remained soundless with shock. She knew this information but all this while she thought she was dealing with only the people of Aarkans but now there is a whole new world filled with more supernaturals?! God, she wanted to die.

"Just like in the human realm you have countries, regions, capitals; the outer realm also have that.

It\'s just the outer realm is filled with magic, advanced technologies and supernatural beings. Even though some supernaturals prefer to stay in the human realm.

Your parents were the most powerful beings in the outer realm so now the leaders want to meet you."

Meredith listened in stunned silence, "T-they want to meet me?" She gasped.

"Yes. I have been going every year to represent our city but since you\'re here now. You have to go with me."

Meredith stared at him with wide eyes and whispered,

"Me? How did fuck I\'m I supposed to meet all these powerful people when I can\'t even protect myself from whoever that wants to kill me."

Marcus eyes softened and he stood up from chair walking towards Meredith.

He crouched in front of her and grabbed Meredith\'s hand.

"Don\'t worry, you wouldn\'t be alone. I will be by your side all night."

Marcus leaned closer and glanced down at her lips. Was he going to kiss her? Meredith\'s heartbeat pounded in her chest, overwhelmed by the intensity in his dark gaze.

"When are we leaving?" Meredith asked breaking the moment.

"Tomorrow at dawn. I wanted to give you enough time to rest and prepare for the trip. I\'m sorry for informing you impromptu but the meeting was rescheduled by the leaders since they couldn\'t wait to meet you."

Meredith nodded numbly and stared at her fingers. She couldn\'t believe she was traveling alone with Marcus and that she wouldn\'t be seeing Atlas for a while.

"How long…is this trip and when would we be back?"

"One week. We would be gone for a week. I guess it would be enough time for us to bond before the ritual."

Marcus replied.

Meredith swallowed at his words. "Are we going alone?"

Marcus shook his head and flashed her a smile, "Timothe and Katrina would be accompanying us. Elvin has to stay behind since he is in charge of the preparation of your ritual. Once we get back we would do the rituals."

Meredith spoke around the sudden lump in her throat,

"I see."

"Katrina would help you on the protocol for respect since we all have different cultures. Follow it exactly; however never forget that you are the daughter of the most powerful beings in the realm. Don\'t let others walk over you even if you\'re powerless now."

Marcus added.

"Okay, what is expected of me?" Meredith asked with a touch of trepidation.

"Just your attendance as the future Queen of the city of Aarkans. Since you\'re new I will handle everything and you will just observe and learn."

Meredith nodded in relief. If all she had to do was stand there beside him then she was fairly certain she could accomplish that without any major mishaps.

"That do you know where I can find Elvin? He brought me here and I haven\'t gotten a chance to talk to him much after that."

"Yes, come I will take you to him." Marcus stood up and gave Meredith his hand.

Meredith stared at his hand for a minute before she took it.

"I forgot to ask about your night. How was it? Did you sleep well?"

Marcus asked while he led her out of his office.

Meredith swallowed as a tinge of guilt washed through her. She forced out a smile and nodded.

"Yeah….my night was perfect. Just perfect."

A/N: Marcus is going on a trip with Meredith. Do you think they would bond?^^