I Won't Leave You

DENZYL'S POV

This is too much. The excitement coming off of Devyn is overwhelming. I want to rip off his mask and kiss him in front of God and everyone.

But I do not want to scare him. He is still in shock, and I get the feeling that was not the first time someone abused him.

I want to take him in my arms and protect him from everything and everyone, but an overhead announcement stops me. "Boarding at Terminal 9 has begun. Passengers please ready your tickets. Boarding at Terminal 9 has begun."

I am the first to break eye contact. Pushing off of the column with my arm, I back away from Devyn. Clearing my throat, I calm myself down. "You ready?"

Devyn nods and follows me to the line of boarding passengers.

"Enjoy your flight," the stewardess says politely as she checks our tickets.

Devyn and I nod at the female before entering the passageway to the interplanetary ship. The flight is long, so Devyn is able to squeeze in a nap. I remain awake, my protective instincts not letting me sleep while Devyn is vulnerable. I unfold the blanket provided for the flight and lay it over the sleeping human. My eyes travel to his masked face. His long lashes stand out between the cap and mask. I am glad Devyn is sleeping. His body is still recovering from the fifty-year crypt and is adjusting to the mark.

<<<<<>>>>>

I wake Devyn when the ship finally docks in Borum. His green eyes flutter open and look around sleepily.

"We're at Borum already?" Devyn asks after a yawn.

"Mm hmm. They're about to open the doors."

The human nods in response. He takes off the blanket and folds it before tucking it into the net on the back of the chair in front of him. Once off the ship, Devyn takes the lead. He takes me out of the station and into the bustling capital city of Zohan. It is nighttime, so the city is filled with vibrant lights and images.

Devyn leads me through the city to a tall tower with the word VIANT running down it in giant, blue letters. I am met with loud music and flashing lights when we enter the tower. Is this a club? I have never been to a club, but I have heard about them.

Devyn takes my hand in the frenzy of the club, which stuns me. My body freezes, but my heart is racing freely. Devyn turns around and looks at me. Colorful lights dance in his vibrant green eyes, stunning me with his beauty. Devyn tightens his grip on my hand and leads me through the club to the back of the tower. A stout guard blocks our way as we reach the back.

"I need to meet with Miren," Devyn says with an authoritative tone.

"Master Miren is not accepting any new guests," the guard responds.

Devyn removes his mask which makes the guard's eyes widen. "Mr. Vaumyr! Just a moment." The guard talks into his earpiece. "Devyn Vaumyr is here to see Master Miren."

"I can't believe you're still here," Devyn tells the guard after the man relays the message.

"It's good to see you, sir," the guard bows. "Someone has to look after Master Miren."

"Thank you. Keep up the good work."

It is only now that Devyn realizes he has tightened his hold on my hand. "Ah, sorry," he says shyly before letting go.

"It's okay."

After a few moments, our keen ears pick up hurried footsteps running down the hallway.

DEVYN'S POV

"Devyn!"

I turn to see Miren racing down the hallway. I barely have time to react before the redhead slams into me and wraps her strong arms around my waist.

"Where have you been? It's been fifty years!!"

I pet her head until she lets go and backs away to take a good look at me.

"Oh, look at you! You haven't aged a day! It's so good to have you back. How did you escape the dendrum? Tell me everything!" Miren takes my arm and begins leading me down the hallway, not even noticing the tall and handsome specimen standing just behind me in her excitement.

I motion for Denzyl to follow as I am dragged off. We enter the VIP elevator and go to Miren's office on the top floor instead of the office where she met Kilo and Castyr. It is not until we sit down that I get a good look at Miren. She now looks twenty years older than me instead of seven. She has not taken much of the expensive drug, but she is still as gorgeous as ever. Thin strips of white streak through her still-vibrant red hair, and small crinkles dance under her hazel eyes, but she is still radiant.

"Oh? Who is this?" Miren motions to the demon sitting beside me once her nerves calm and she is able to focus.

"Miren, this is Denzyl. Denzyl, Miren."

They nod at each other.

"He's the one who saved me," I inform Miren.

"You've been with him these fifty years?"

"Yes."

"What is he? He's clearly not human."

I remain silent. What do I say? I do not know what Miren thinks of demons. "He's my boyfriend," I spit out. Ahhh! Why did I say that?! What if Denzyl does not want to be with me in that way?! I keep my eyes on Miren, too nervous to look at Denzyl.

"Devyn, you know having a boyfriend is dangerous and, technically, illegal for you."

Miren's warning stabs me. "I know." Aish!! I should not have said that he is my boyfriend.

"Can you at least let me know if you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Miren. Don't worry," I smile reassuringly after I regain my composure.

"Alright. As long as you're okay," Miren smiles back.

"Did Kilo and Castyr get to Heaven?" I inquire as I think of the angel and star.

Miren's smile disappears, and she takes a moment before answering, "Castyr is safe...but...Kilo was taken by demons fifty years ago. I haven't heard anything since. I'm sorry, Devyn."

I feel Denzyl tense up at the mention of someone getting captured by demons. I reach over and take his hand as I respond to Miren, "It's okay. You did your best."

Miren lowers her head before responding, "Well, why don't you two get some rest? I'm sure you've had a long trip. I've opened up a hotel in the middle levels. I'll arrange a room for you two," Miren says as she stands and goes to get us a room.

"Thank you, Miren."

"Of course. Oh, and Devyn! I'll give you a detailed debrief over Vaumyr & Co. after you've rested."

My ears perk up at the name of the only thing left of my parents: Vaumyr & Co. "How is it?"

"It's doing well. I told the board you were on an extended business trip."

"For fifty years?"

"It was tough, but I managed to keep you in your place. Plus, it helps that your fiancé holds the majority of the shares. There's no way they could have you removed."

My hands clench at the mention of my fiancé. "What did you tell Wil?"

"The same thing: extended business trip."

"How did he respond?"

"He was pissed. Trashed his office. Be careful when you see him again," Miren warns.

My heart races in fear. "Thanks Miren."

"Of course," Miren says as a knock sounds at the door. "Hanna will show you to your room." The door opens, and Miren's secretary enters.

We follow Hanna down to floor 35. Denzyl looks at me worryingly the entire way to our room. Denzyl accepts the key card from Hanna and follows me inside the room. After shutting and locking the door, he takes off his jacket and sits beside me on the bed.

He takes my clenched hand and holds it gently. "What's wrong?"

I instantly melt and grab onto Denzyl. He wraps his arms around me and channels warmth into me. No tears come, but my body shakes and my jaw is clenched. Denzyl continues to hold me until I can steady myself.

"Is he the one who hurt you?"

I just nod. Denzyl's eyes flash red. "Where is he?" His voice is a deep growl.

"You can't kill him. You'll be caught and executed. He's a prominent figure on both Earth and Borum as well as several other planets." My grip tightens on Denzyl's shirt, afraid he will run off and do something rash.

His eyes turn back to grey, and his face softens. "Okay. Don't worry," he pets my head. "I'm not going to leave you."

I nod and rest my head on his chest. Denzyl pulls me in and continues to sooth me. I let myself relax in the safety of Denzyl's arms.