Game On.

Wager

"A bet?" Julian asked, curiously. "What kind of bet? What are we wagering?"
"Pride, assistance and freedom mostly."
Julian thought for a moment. "Okay, I'm listening."
Cat cleared her throat. "Okay, uh... for a start, you'd have to send me back."
She winced at the angry expression on Julian's face.
"Just listen, it won't be that bad. Believe me, you'll want to hear this. I go back and continue playing. You go back and continue helping Talitha. But, you give me one chance to ask you for help, and you have to help me. But in exchange, if I ask for help I have to stay with you, willingly.
On the other hand, if I make it on my own, you have to leave me and my friends alone. No interfering, no revenge, nothing. Oh, and you have to make Talitha leave us alone as well."

Julian shook his head. "No, not happening. Why would I take part in such a bet when I can just keep you here?"
"Because I won't be happy here. At least in the bet, I'd be with you of my own choice. You keep me here I'll always be fighting you and I'll hate you. And you don't want me to hate you."

Julian thought for a minute. Damn, she was good. In fact, she was almost as manipulative as he was. Manipulative and tricksy. Just like him.
But at the same time the bet had a fatal flaw. He couldn't help unless she asked. Obviously, she didn't realize how much she needed him, how much many of her victories were aided by him, secretly.
Inwardly, Julian smirked. It wouldn't be long until she discovered this. This game would be over before it could really begin.
He smiled at her, a smile masking his thoughts from her, slightly unsettling her. A smile that suggested hidden intentions.
"It's a bet."
He grabbed her, pulled her close and kissed her again. Cat was too shocked to respond.
Then, she felt he consciousness peeling away from the scene as she felt herself fade into darkness.