Damien's POV

　　With Red at my side and the mutt left behind licking his wounds, I had to admit; this day was turning out to be better than I expected! Turning the corner and coming to a halt, the suitcase hit the back of my legs. My eyes studied the building, appalled that this was where she contemplated living; she liked to tease. I knew that much. Maybe this was another one of her jokes.

　　Looking at her nervously, I could see the excitement crossing her face, pride even as she mentioned her Mother having a heart attack at her living here. I wondered if she realised that if she stayed here, there was a good chance that someone was going to harvest her heart and other vital organs!

　　"Mmmhmm, I don't blame her, Red!" I whispered. Noting the shrug of her slender shoulders, I sighed heavily, unsure what to do; I did not want her staying here, but as a stranger to her, I knew she wouldn't listen to me! However, it was no secret that her Mother seemed insanely protective of her! Even if their relationship did seem to be a little estranged, I was willing to bet she could get Red to see sense! Perhaps that's what I needed to do: get Mumma bear involved. Or at least threaten too! I had a feeling that if anyone could force her out of this slum, it would be mother Red!

　　Looking between Red and the building manager, I grinned wickedly, sensing the depravity coming off him in waves, even if Red here was falling for his game. My eyes narrowed on him, letting him know that I was not as naïve as Red here, I knew what he was, and I would be watching him. Sensing his unease, I winked playfully- his demons calling to my own. An unspoken agreement passed between us. 'I won't tell, if you don't.' Seeing him shuffle away, I looked up at the stairs with a growl.

　　"What exactly is it I owe you for, Red?" I mocked with a raised brow, lifting the case, not wanting to damage it. "God, Red, what's in here? bricks!" I grumbled it wasn't heavy, but I knew she would expect me to think it was; humans are weak, after all!

　　"For the pleasure of carrying my case up these stairs, it will help you lose a few pounds too!" She sassed, looking over her shoulder at me with a playful pout. Dropping the case to the floor, returning her smile, I bumped the case up each step loudly- No longer caring about breaking the contents. Seeing her throw her head back exasperated, I grinned at her childishly, pretending to wince each time the case thudded loudly against the steps.

　　"Still want me as a roommate?" I prodded, ignoring the loud thumps from the case. "I walk around naked; is that a problem? I bet you do too! If so, I might be able to ignore the state of the place and take you up on the offer!" I teased, not needing to see her pretty face to know she was rolling her gorgeous eyes at me. "Ignore me all you want, Red. But I thought you would like to know that the angrier you get, the tighter your ass clenches... So, I am doing you a favour, really..." I added, grinning, seeing her turn to face me, her face red with anger and embarrassment.

　　"How?" She whined, clearly regretting letting me help her to her apartment.

　　"Men like a nice tight arse!" I added with a charismatic wink.

　　"You're impossible", She groaned, turning back and heading up the stairs.

　　"And you are gorgeous when you're angry!" I laughed, following her. Standing on the landing, I watched her fumble with her keys, pushing the door open; I covered my mouth and nose in disgust, smelling the distinct smell of mould and urine. I sensed her neighbour before I heard her crass voice; she stunk of vodka.

　　"Another positive to her staying here", My beast grumbled sarcastically from the depths of my mind.

　　"I was beginning to think you'd finally done as I commanded and crawled back into your pit," I growled, trying to hide the frustration from my voice. He had made more appearances today than he had in over a year! And there was the only reason I could think of for that! Red! He could sense her purity- just like me! He wanted her- just like me!

　　"Tough! I don't share!" I barked at him.

　　"What makes you think I would share her with you, boy?" He laughed, retreating.

　　Usually not one to feel nervous, the fact he was getting bolder was unsettling. I made a mental note to speak to my father about the stirring beast inside me.

　　Watching her, you'd think she had just stepped inside heaven! Seeing her look so overjoyed and excited was worth the long trek up the stairs, the way her face lit up and her eyes widened, turning almost metallic in colour. Running her teeth over her bottom lip as she lost herself in thought.

　　"It's perfect", She whispered, making me smile; I had been thinking the same thing, although I wasn't looking at the room, my eyes were glued solely on her! And she truly was… Perfect!

　　By the time I had zoned back in, a child was at her feet, looking up at Red in awe! 'I feel ya, kid, she's beautiful', I mused to myself, but I said nothing, leaning back on the wall, praying it wouldn't leave a mark on my expensive shirt. She was terrific with the kid; it came so naturally and effortlessly. I wasn't fond of kids; they stunk, they were sticky and far too needy!

　　Although I would admit this kid wasn't half bad, and I liked seeing Red happy, I could put up with the kid in small doses. I grinned, hearing her name a fish after Red, the smile widening as she proclaimed she would name one after me too! Maybe I was better with kids than I thought!

　　"Grumpy", She announced the name proudly. The beast howling with laughter in my head at my expense didn't help my mood.

　　"I think handsome would be a better name!" I coaxed, attempting to smile at the child, who looked rather nervously back to Red. Sighing, I pulled my phone out, wanting to distract myself from the lovey-dovey shit in front of me! Hearing the door close behind the neighbour and its child, I followed Red into her apartment, suitcase in toe.

　　"Your gonna flush them, right?" I asked, seeing her head to the bathroom. Within minutes she had emptied them into the bath, kicking her shoes off and sitting on the tub with her feet among the fish. Raising a brow, leaning up against the door frame, and shaking my head at her offer to 'join them.'

　　"If I catch a deadly disease, Red, I am blaming you and expecting you to nurse me back to health." I winked playfully. "Nurse outfit and all." I half-joked, but what I would give to see her in that outfit!

　　Seeing her watching me, trying to be subtle and discreet! Two things I soon realised she was not able to be! The way her eyes stalked my features, I knew she was attracted to me; I could smell it, if nothing else. Her arousal filled the small room; she smelt divine! Like rich honey! Damn, I needed her to control herself if she expected me to behave! She was driving me insane; not even the cool waters seemed to lower the heat between us! My beast not helping in the slightest with his incisive nagging to let him play too!

　　"You know what would make this better?" I asked, wriggling my brows. "If we were tub… naked... with no fish!"

　　Seeing that beautiful blush on her cheeks, I made the conscious decision that I would make Red mine.

　　Not my beasts and definitely not that gormless fool and his pack!