I don't like that

MICHAEL

I thrummed as I drowned the seventh cup of ale since I got here. My mind zoning in and out of the numerous problems I have to provide answers to. Problems I don't even have an answer to. How did my life get this complicated?

"Now, who wishes to please this handsome man tonight?" The owner of the tavern called out to the crowd of semi-naked women ready to throw themselves at me willingly.

"I do!!!!" They all chorused, and the betting game began. Who would be the lucky woman to dance for me tonight? I shook my head as I had no interest in any of them.

No matter how much I drank, I could never get drunk. It's one of the advantages of being a part demon.

I watched with a bored look as they fought and scrambled to win the bet, and the guys around stared at me with jealousy and hatred.

It's not my fault they all want to dance for me...I guess I am that attractive.

"It's not that easy to be handsome and dashing, am I right?" Levi smiled as he sat on the wooden stool before me. He smelled heavily of alcohol, but he did not look drunk.

"It's a curse." I stated, "And, why are you here?" Don't tell me you followed me all the way here to torment me with your trivial friend requests.

"Don't say that my friend," He scolded, "Beauty is a blessing and it has gotten you this far. And I came here for the good drink and happened to find the legendary knight that put an end to those rancid wraiths."

I scoffed and poured more drink into my cup and drank to the fullest. Tonight, I just want to forget about everything. But it is not working.

"Wow. So, you have upgraded from being an ordinary slave to the king of this country, I am impressed." He continued.

"Soon to be king." I corrected, "But I'm not interested." I shook my head with pure disgust.

"Why?" He asked, "Why don't you want to be king? Only a fool would lose this opportunity."

I nodded, I am a fool.

"What's the matter with you, my friend? Haven't you thought about the great benefits of being a king?"

Well, have I?

No, I haven't. Please, enlighten me.

I shook my head.

"Michael, what is the deepest and darkest desire, you have ever had?"

That question caught me off guard. What else could I desire the most than to avenge my mother?

"Revenge," I answered.

"Revenge? For who? Yourself?"

I shook my head as I continued to watch the fight that had gradually begun among the dancers.

"I want to avenge my mother. She was beheaded in front of my eyes by the Avalorians."

"Oh. I am so sorry about that."

I simply nodded at him and sat quietly as I watched the dancers pull at each other's hair to win the bet and get to dance for me.

"How about you become the king first, and avenge your mother."

I looked at him with confusion and a wicked smile decorated his face.

"Become the King of Andromeda, gain enough power invade Avalore with an iron fist, and have your revenge in the most brutal way possible."

I blinked. I have never thought of that.

"Think about that." He smiled.

Hmm...that sounds interesting. I can become King to have my revenge on all those Avolorian people. I can declare war on them and conquer them to slavery as they did to me. That sounds fun. But then, I declined.

"What's the problem?"

"The problem is...I have to get married to that weird princess. I gain nothing if I have to be tied down to her for the rest of my life."

He laughed. "Are you serious? Why, she is your mate after all."

My whole system slowed to an end as the muscles in my body stiffened and my eyes went cold at this shocking, by all means, impossible revelation.

"M-m-my what now?"

"Your mate." He repeated shamelessly, causing me to shiver with disgust.

"That's the only reasonable explanation I have for your strange urge to bite her neck and why she is so overprotective about you. That's the effect of the bond."

I wanted to cry, laugh, scoff, or better yet, throw up. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Besides, what matters the most? Your unnecessary hatred for your mate or becoming king and having your revenge on those Avalorians?"

"She's my what?" I had to ask again because it's just too unbelievable. "How are you so sure that she is my mate? And what do you think I am to state such ridiculous facts so boldly?"

He chuckled. "Come on. You can deceive the whole kingdom but you can't deceive me, Michael. It's so obvious that you are a demon. The looks, and strength all scream extraordinary to me.

I know your secret.

And don't worry, it's safe with me. I won't tell a soul about it. You can trust me for that one."

I was losing it at a gradual pace, but I did my best not to show it.

"How can I be so sure that I can trust you?" Underneath the table, my claws were already out as I prepared for the worst.

He smiled at me as he leaned forward. "Because..." His eyes glitched to blue for a moment, "I am a demon just like you. A full-blooded demon and The Fourth Prince of Hell. A dear brethren to the Lord Of Hell.

I am Leviathan. And it's a pleasure to meet with the famous demonic hybrid."

.

.

.

I froze in my seat as the newfound demon laughed at me. I can't believe it. Another demon?

"Don't worry Michael, I am not here to scare you. I just want to be close to you and if possible, be your friend."

I sat still as I tried to process the possibility of Levi being an actual demon. However, he was acting strange and loved to talk in disturbing ways...but I never expected the answer to this particular mystery to be; because he is a demon.

The way he revealed his true identity to me caused numerous hairs to stand on the back of my neck.

"Relax, I didn't come from hell to hurt you.'' He assured.

Right.

After giving it great consideration, I decided to relax and allow my demon claws to disappear.

"So, what's it going to be my friend? Let your hatred for your mate dominate over you for the rest of your life or man up! And be the king and have your revenge."

That sounds interesting. Be a king and have my revenge? I like that but at the cost of getting married to that weird Princess...that I don't like.