Experiment Gone Wrong

Chapter 6: Return of the King

Kesstar POV
"So... would you like a drink before we begin?" Kahlziz smirks, retrieving two large goblets from the bar.
I glare sharply in response.
"I guess the better question would be how hard?" He holds up two decanters.
A smile slowly crosses my face. "The hardest one we have." I slither closer, watching him pour the deep amber liquid for the both of us. He hands me an almost overflowing cup. I drink the whole thing, gulping it down with ease. "It's good to be home." He pours me another glass.
"I'd guarantee that much but the question still stands, where the hell were you?" Kahlziz drinks from his own goblet.
"Humans..."
Kahlziz pauses, giving me a concerned look. "How'd they manage that?"
"Some sort of explosive. It rendered me unconscious long enough for them to move me into a strange enclosure." I hiss in displeasure, the uncomfortable memories returning.
"What did they want?"
I slowly look up from my cup and it's swirling contents. "More than I'd ever be willing to give them." I turn to him, setting myself on one of the many comfortable loungers. "They'll need to be dealt with before they can continue their attempts of rendering us extinct or slaves." My mind reflects on their other attempts on my people. It will not happen again.
"And the girl? What purpose does she serve?"
"None of your concern."
"None of my... you have a human within our walls. Where did she come from? Do you really expect me to stand by without a word?!" Kahlziz slams his hand on the bar top, rattling the entire thing, glasses fall to the floor with a clatter.
My eyes flash and I rise from my place of comfort. I see my brother instantly regret his decision. He slowly brings his hands behind his back, moving away from the counter eyes on the ground.
"She is the spoils of battle." I growl, the goblet groaning as I squeeze it tight enough to buckle the precious metal. "And she will not be a problem. If anything she will be helpful in the months to come."
"What are you planning brother?" Kalziz eyes me, his concern showing in his gaze.
"War." I consider the words. Heavy and blood ridden. I've seen my share of wars. This however will be like no other before. "I want our finest warriors to begin training again. By this time in two months, I need our army to be ready to march. Weapons, armor and all."
"Two months... I'm... worried that won't be enough time my brother."
"It needs to be. Every day we wait they threaten to take more of us and our land. It's time to put them back in their place." I finish my drink, savoring the rich alcohol. "I'm trusting you with this. I know you'll be able to do it."
I feel his hand on my shoulder. "Brother, I will do anything for you. You know that. As for this I will do everything I can to fulfill your orders but..."
"But what?" I can see him out of the corner of my eye.
"We need to be careful. Fully prepared. We can't just rush in with reckless abandon. Give me three months."
I consider it. He has a point. These humans were craftier, smarter then I had assumed previously. If we are going to defeat them, we should do it right. "You've convinced me. Is there anything further you need?"
"The girl... what does she know of them?"
I raise my brows, turning back to him. "That is a difficult question to answer. What exactly do you mean?"
"I'm simply curious if she knows their inner workings. Security, layout, and so on. It could give us the advantage we need."
I smirk. "You don't think I know that." I set my goblet down, beginning to make my way towards the room's exit. "I will get you that information in time, you need not worry about that."
"And when we have all the information we need from her?"
I pause in the doorway. His words are hesitant, almost hopeful. But for something I'm almost sickened by.
"What are you implying?"
"That you'll... take care of her."
I chuckle deeply and I can feel him tense. It's not friendly or calm but a threatening humor of unknown origin to him. "Don't worry, she will be well taken care of as long as she is in my grasp. And if I ever hear the slightest inkling of harm or hate towards her, there will be nothing left of the perpetrators." I give him a smile, showing my fangs. "I must retire to my chambers. I will see you at dinner."

Anne pov
I hear the door open behind me. I leap to my feet, my chain jingling loudly. The curtain swings closed behind me, swaying slowly. I guess I was lost in thought.
"Doctor?" I hear Kesstars voice call out for me in concern.
"I'm here?" I call back, quickly returning to the bedside.
His immense form slithers into view. His broad shoulders take up most of the doorway as he enters. His eyes fall on me and his face visually calms. "What were you doing?"
"I was looking out the window." I say timidly, watching him carefully as he creeps ever closer.
"Did you like what you saw?" He's directly in front of me, I have to tilt my head to look up at him. He raises a hand, cupping my face gently.
"It's beautiful." I sigh, trying not to lean into his touch.
"Come with me." He whispers, pulling me towards the patio door. I let my hand be clasped by his, it completely encompasses my own, swallowing it in his palm.
He reaches the door and slides one of his claws into the key slot to my confusion. It clicks and the door slowly swings open. So that's how it works. No key. Great.
I'm let out onto a large patio covered in potted plants. Vines grow over the waist high wall around it, emerald green leaves shivering in the wind. Large lounge chairs sit around a fire pit that lies dormant for the time being. It's incredible.
"Wow." I breath.
I hear his soft chuckle as he settles himself into one of the chairs, pulling me back onto his lap. "Beautiful isn't it." He kisses my shoulder. "Wait... what's this?" He grabs my hand, pulling it to his face to examine my haphazard wrapping.
"Oh... I..." I stutter in response as he tears it away exposing my injury beneath. "...hurt myself."
He eyes it closely. "When did this happen?" His voice is cold.
I swallow thickly, preparing myself for what's to come. "When I tried to run I think."
"Why didn't you say anything?" His grip grows tighter.
"I... forgot about it. There was... well, there was a lot happening." I try to pull my hand free but he easily snatches my other hand, preventing me from freeing myself. I wince at his grip.
"This is a wound, you don't simply forget about it." He tosses the rag to the side carelessly. "Something like this could kill you." His voice is more of a snarl.
"I...I'm sorry." I whimper, his grasp getting tighter and tighter as he gets more worked up.
He gets up, placing me back down on the chair. "Don't you dare move, I will be right back." He hisses, nipping my neck before he leaves.
I sit obediently still. Waiting. He's angrily mumbling to himself when he returns, a roll of bandages and a jar clutched in his hands. I try and eavesdrop on the exact words but I don't understand them. He snatches my arm, pulling my injured hand onto his lap.
"This will sting."
Uncorking the jar he pours the liquid across my wound. He's right, it does. I whine and try to pull away but he clenches tighter. I grit my teeth. Gently he wraps a clean white bandage around my hand, protecting my injury. He finally releases my hand and I snatch it back, eyeing his work.
"From now on, injuries should be nonexistent and if by some rare chance you find yourself with one," He buries his hand in my hair, clenching it tightly to force me to look him deep in his fiery golden eyes. "You will tell me immediately. Do you understand?"
"Yes I understand." I whisper.
"I can hardly hear you." He smirks, revealing his sharp fangs. "Speak up." I feel him tug my hair harder.
"I understand!" I yelp.
"Good girl." He easily scoops me up, settling back down comfortably with me sitting on his lap.
He lays my head against his chest. The warm skin feels nice against my face. My fingertips trace across his skin. A scar that crosses his chest catches my attention, hidden by the hair and tan color of his skin. I can barely make it out. I trace it carefully. I begin to notice a few more here and there. Nothing too deep or knarly. Small cuts and marks amongst the scales. I feel my wrist glance against his nipple and he gasps softly. I freeze. That was a sound I've never heard him make before. He doesn't move or scold me so I go on as if it didn't happen, my fingers dancing across his skin. But a smirk plays across my face as I consider messing with him just a bit. Small time revenge. I brush my palm, a bit more firmly than before, across his other nipple. He moans this time but in the same moment, grabbing my wrist.
"Do you think you're being clever?" He hisses into my ear.
I gulp. "What do you mean?"
Silence is what I receive in reply. I try to move but he clutches me tightly to his chest. I feel scales brush against my thigh. It's my turn to gasp.
"You're not the only one that can play games." He chuckles darkly, his tail slowly inching its way towards where my legs meet.
It tickles my clit, flitting against it for a moment. I stifle a whimper, clutching a hand around his arm as best I can. My fingers not fully able to wrap around his bicep. I dig my fingernails into his skin as the tail returns batting against the tender entrance and smacking my clit again to my irresistible pleasure.
"Mmm." I moan through a bit bottom lip.
He presses kisses across my neck down to the place on my shoulder he so recently sunk his razor sharp teeth into. I flinch as his lips touch one of the punctures. He stops his teasing.
"Does it hurt?" His voice rumbles through his chest.
"It's starting to again." I say softly, the pulsing pain feeling as if it's beginning deep in my bones. "But just a little! I'll be fine." My brain flashes to the amount of times his fangs have sunk into my tender flesh.
I feel the back of his hand engulf my forehead. "I feel the fever returning... the pain you feel I sense is worse than you're letting on." His fangs flit across my neck.
"Wait!" I clench my fingers so hard I swear I feel the skin on his arm break beneath my nails. "Please don't bite me again... please." I try to nuzzle my face into the crook of his arm, sheltering my neck from his jaws.
"You know it's for your own good." He sighs, attempting to move me from my protective stance.
"Please Kesstar." I beg softly, managing to avoid his move to pry me free.
At the sound of his name he stops, his hand moving to rub my back in the way he seems to utilize most often. He's trying to calm me down, soothe me into letting him do exactly what he wants so he can strike.
"Doctor..."
"Anne." I finally snap.
"Hmm?"
I force myself into a sitting position, my eyes flashing. "My name is Anne."
He sits up a bit straighter, his head tilting slightly. "Anne." He says slowly, as if savoring the feeling of it on his tongue.
I didn't realize the amount of power I was giving him by stating something as simple as my name. But as he says it I feel goosebumps rise up and down my skin. The mark on my neck beginning to feel as if it were hot. He strokes his hands down my arms, encircling them easily. I shiver.
"Are you cold... Anne?" I can't help but give my attention to my name. It hasn't been said in so long it demands it.
I simply nod, crossing my arms across my chest, hiding it from view letting my gaze fall to his immense chest.
I feel him lean over and a blanket is draped across my shoulders. He wraps it around my waist, making sure I'm fully covered before pulling me back against him.
"I'll save the teasing for later." He whispers into my hair, stroking it softly. "You gave me something very valuable. That earns you something. And as for the pain, if it gets worse I will not hesitate to enlighten it."
"Of course Kesstar." I sigh. Everything I try and I get nowhere.
My eyes wander to the doorway. I watch the leaves on the trellis sway in the breeze. All things considered, my circumstances could be far worse. I feel guilty even thinking that. Odds are that it's going to get worse, much worse. What exactly kesstar has in store for me, I don't know.
The sound of faint music mixed with bird calls begins to fill the air. The sun sits lower in the sky, golden hour approaching. I stare up at the lazy clouds already edged with glimmers of gold. We've been here a while. The haziness of fever begins to return. I can feel it creeping back in. It fogs my brain. My head lulls against him. I draw in a shaky breath. I feel fangs at my neck.
"Is it time?"
I weakly bob my head, knowing it's pointless to fight the inevitable.
He seems to hesitate, taking his time to find a proper place. I shiver as he moves me, tilting my head. I feel them press against a spot yet untouched and un bruised.
"Take my hand Anne." He whispers against my skin.
My fingers weakly wander in search of his and as soon as they collide he wraps his hand round mine. The fangs sink in. I whimper, my fingers barely squeezing round his as his cooling venom mixes into my blood, traveling through my body. He pulls away, his tongue pressing against the spot. My fingers slowly release.
"There, all finished." He kisses the spot, the pain melting away. "Let's get you inside."
"But I..." I pause realizing arguing might not be the best idea.
He tilts his head curiously at me, stroking a clawed finger down my jaw. "But what little one?"
"I... I wanted to see the sunset."
He smiles and lets out a soft chuckle. "Then we will watch the sunset."
His tail curls around me, keeping me warm and cocooned. Sharp claws made for killing play with my hair, fangs meant to inject toxins dance across my neck with gentle kisses. An existence that shouldn't be. My eyes watch the sky, golden hour falling and blanketing everything in a sparkling scheene. His scales glitter intensely, almost glowing under the light. I trace my fingers across them. A shiver rolls through his immense form. He lays back, pulling me with him, cradling me against his chest and stomach. I should hate every second of this. But staring at the beauty of the place around me, having been fed and taken care of, I can't help but feel some semblance of peace.
Something is pressed against my lips. I glance down. A goblet filled with wine waits for me to drink from it, held by the strong hand of my captor. I drink slowly, the wine sweet and fruity and refreshing. I didn't realize how much I missed alcohol. Maybe that has something to do with the calmness I'm suddenly feeling.
"Tell me, how did you end up at that wretched place?"
"Hmm?" He wants to talk about this now? "The compound?"
"So that's what you call it." His arm wraps around my waist. I realize it's not as a comfort but a control measure. This wasn't a friendly thing at all but a trap.
I attempt to keep my heart rate steady, weighing my words. "I... had a degree in science and... they hired me." I shrug.
He presses the cup against my lips again. "Is there a science that specializes in us?" He scoffs, the cup shaking as I take a drink.
"What, no. Honestly, I had no idea anything like you could even exist before... well, before the compound." I think back to those times not so long ago. "I started a year ago. I studied the jungle and its plants and animals in school. Snakes were one of my specialties. I guess that's what interested the old men upstairs."
The cup returns to my lips and I drink. The alcohol tastes less and less apparent with each sip. And the venom I received earlier is not helping with the effects of having alcohol for the first time again in so long.
"The old men upstairs?" He questions, tilting the cup to make more spill into my mouth.
I realize too late what he's doing. Before I know it the cup is empty and he's turning to fill it more. He's trying to get me drunk. To speak to him easier and be fully open. I gulp.
"Hey... I'm, I think I shouldn't drink anymore I'm feeling... kind of dizzy."
"That's not an answer to my question."
My stomach twists. Oh no. "That's just what we called the leaders."
"You knew them?"
"Not... not personally. They just okayed all the paperwork and hiring choices. And... made the big decisions... like throwing me to you." I sigh.
The cup presses against my lips once more. I reluctantly drink. "They control everything then." He says decidedly. "How many of them are there?"
These questions, they're leading to something. Revenge most likely. But how destructive is yet to be seen. I doubt how possible it is but having seen the small things he's capable of... my doubts waver.
"Five. They were all there the last time I..." I falter, my mind flashing back to the day that was the beginning of all this mess.
"The day you turned up in my enclosure?" His tail tightens slightly, hugging my body closer. I don't know if it's friendly or not.
I meekly nod. "I must have pissed them off enough they all wanted to watch my demise." I sigh, remembering the disgusting looks on their faces as they pushed me over the edge like a rag doll.
"Could you recognize them if you saw them?" The question leaves me feeling hollow.
"I don't think I could ever forget them." I sigh sadly, pushing the cup away when he brings it to my lips. "Please... no more, I'm feeling sick." Not a full lie, my head is spinning and I can feel the drunkenness catching up with me. "Can we go inside now?"
"Just a few more questions little one, then you can go to sleep." He says setting the cup to the side.
"Why are you asking me all these things now?" I whimper, trying to get up.
"Shh shh, I'm just trying to understand everything that's happened." He soothes, his tail wrapping around my good ankle to hold me down.
"No... there's something else." I say hesitantly, slumping back into his hold as the strain makes me more dizzy.
His gentle coaxing and cuddling pauses for a moment. His body becoming instantly more rigid. I freeze. Like a little mouse in a box that's finally figured out it's trapped. I gulp not daring to say anything more.
"Are you questioning my decisions?" He asks slowly, a cold aura to his voice.
"N... no I'm sorry."
His fingers encircle my neck, not tightly but enough that the weight is a threatening presence. "Good, I will not tolerate disobedience." He plays with the collar around my neck. "Did the men live there?"
"Only two of them... the rest would always fly in." I say nervously.
"I remember seeing their machine fly overhead... Do they come on a consistent schedule?"
"It used to be at least once a week." I groan softly.
He nods slowly "Thank you for answering my questions." He releases his grasp, finally moving to get up.
The dizziness returns as he brings me back inside. I didn't realize how cold it had gotten outside as my skin goosebumps with the change of temperature. He slithers over to the bed, drawing back the soft covers before laying me on the plump mattress. I sink into it like a cloud, the first real bed I've actually gotten to enjoy. He pulls the covers up to my chin, kissing my forehead as he does so.
I close my eyes, already falling asleep. I feel the bed next to me buckle as he settles in beside me, his scales finding me once more to wrap around and cradle. He pulls me against him, spooning my tiny form. I still feel uneasy. I don't think his questions are over at all. I don't know what he's planning but it feels like he's using me to help and the fact he's not telling me terrifies me. Kesstar presses a gentle kiss to my neck.
"Good night... Anne." He whispers.
"... goodnight Kesstar." I mumble back, falling into the depths of sleep.