The Leader

The Leader: Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Four: Maya

Every day I'm to report to Ian's chambers first thing in the morning. This is where he 'tempts' me. I think of it as torture. I'm here now, and he places a hand on my cheek, looking into my eyes. He kisses me fiercely, and I just stand tense, my whole being repulsed. The first time I made the mistake of slapping him. I will never do that again. He pulls away, and I sigh in relief.

"Maya, how can you not feel what I feel? You are marked now. Caleb cannot have you, and you will be mine for eternity."

"Sorry, it's a lot to get used to. I'll try harder, I promise." Yeah, right. Son of a bitch. If I could I'd run a knife through you right this second.

"Yes. Try harder. Tomorrow I want to see some enthusiasm."

"How about a deal? If you show me that you can be compassionate, I'll show you that I can be-"

"Deal. Tell me how."

"Well, I don't want you to have babies assassinated. I think it's wrong and disgusting."

"Done. I will inform my employees of that." I have no idea why he calls them employees. They are forced to follow his orders and don't get paid a cent.

"Ian, can I please see Caleb? Please!"

"No," he replies sternly. I just glare at him.

"Okay, how about Talia? Or Santia? Or Liam?"

"Who is Liam?" he asks. "I thought you were faithful to Caleb."

"We never went out. We've just been best friends since we were really young. He has a girlfriend."

"Okay." Ian clicks his fingers, and suddenly Liam appears, looking completely surprised. I'm extremely glad he wasn't in the shower or anything.

"What the hell? Maya?" He looks at me, and I grimace.

"Sorry, Liam. I wanted to see at least one of you guys." Ian allows me to take Liam to my own room, though he keeps a close eye on both of us.

"Maya, you need to be ready-"

"Shut up! Ian can hear you, idiot!" I shake my head at him.

"Sorry. But we all miss you. Especially Caleb. I swear, by the end of this week he is going to crack." And that's how I know. At the end of the week, Caleb will make his move, and I have to be ready. I nod, and Liam grins.

"You've always been extremely smart," he tells me, grinning. He pulls me into a hug, but this time my mark doesn't burn. I guess it's because I don't feel anything romantic towards Liam. It's like an older brother has just hugged me.

"You're amazing," I tell him. "You know me so well. You're going to have to leave soon. Tell everyone I miss them. Bye." He walks towards the door and disappears. Ian comes into my room and sits on my bed.

"You're not in love with him," Ian states.

"No," I reply.

"But you hug him like a brother. You adore him, and yet he's only a friend. I have tried to give you everything, and yet you still hate me. Why?"

"Because nothing matters to me except for what you took away from me."

"You still love Caleb?"

"With every fibre of my being."

"Well, that's what we'll have to change, isn't it? And I will do it one way or another. Eventually you'll have to accept your fate."

"Even when I do accept it, that does not mean I will ever love you." Ian stands up in anger.