Hades Hellraisers | 18+

𝗦𝗶𝘅

𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

The energy around Steve and I had shifted.

The ride back to Archeron was peaceful, and for the first time in a long, long time, I felt at ease. The sun was sinking under the horizon making the sky a beautiful picture of reds, yellows, and oranges. One of Steve's hands was wrapped around my thigh, while I rested my cheek between his shoulder blades. The warm air surrounded us, and I felt safe. The way that Steve didn't hesitate to help me made my heart clench, he cared, or at least he was trying to. But I knew better than to let my heart get too involved, I wasn't going to stay, I couldn't. He had too much to protect, too much to lose, and I wouldn't be the reason everything he's ever worked for disappeared. As much as I wanted to be.

We ventured off the highway and Steve ran his fingers down my thigh, gently, just reminding me that he was there, as if his solid back wasn't a reminder enough. The winds whispered through the trees, and it felt like the world was singing for us. Steve's back muscles flexed with each motion he made with his bike, bunching under my cheek before relaxing. And with every turn, he ran his fingers down my thigh until he gripped my knee, pulling me closer to him. So close we nearly fused as one. It was a short ride once we got off the highway, Archeron was only a few hundred feet from the nearest onramp. Far enough from the city limits, but close enough to get out if needed.

The bar was quiet when we approached, and I knew it was because everyone was waiting for Steve's ruling on how Sharon acted today.

"Hey," Steve spoke gently as I used his hand to get off his bike, my eyes immediately snapping up to his, "You're always welcome here, it doesn't matter what Sharon says, what any of her bitchy friends say," I nodded, looking down at my feet again, I hated confrontation, hated how it made me feel. "Aspen," I sheepishly looked up at Steve again, "You're here under my protection, you are completely safe and wanted." Steve towered over me when he stood to his full height, "You are claimed by me," he took my hand, linking our fingers. "You are staying as long as you want."

"I'm not someone you can claim."

Steve gave me a half-feral grin that had a shiver racing down my spine. "I'm claiming you whether or not you want me to," I searched his face and when I saw he wasn't lying, I sighed, nodding. "Believe me, out of all the men in there, I'm the safest one to have claim you princess, none of us are good, but there are people who are far worse than I will ever be who would love to sink their teeth into you," I swallowed and Steve smirked, yanking me closer by his grip on my hand, "Remember that the next time you say I can't claim you."

I had no energy to fight with him, to tell him that his behavior was the exact one I was currently running from, so I just nodded, kept holding onto his hand, and let him lead me into the bar.

It was like someone hit mute when Steve and I walked in, drawing all of the member's attention to our clasped hands. He didn't need to say I was claimed, the way his members backed down instantly when they saw the silent claim on me, Steve had said before that he wasn't one for romantic interests, so seeing a gentle touch to my back as he pulled out a chair for me must've been the silent nail in the coffin for them. I was not a girl that was up for grabs by anyone. Steve's, I had become Steve's.

"Bring forth the accused," Bucky was loud beside me, and only then did I notice that Sloane was sitting beside me, stone-faced and her arms crossed. "Sharon Carter, stand front and center."