His eyes fluttered open, there was another strange presence in the room.Though he couldn't sense any ill intent but he was sure this uninvited visitor was dangerous.

Asher stood from the bed fluidly, he was wearing a spring faux silk satin sleeping robe which was opened at the front , revealing his lean waist and well toned stomach.

"I don't remember inviting you " He said, his voice tensed and grim as he watched the woman admiring the painting on the wall.

A lazy smile played itself on her lips, she shot him a sideways glance " I like making an epic entrance " came her reply, then her attention switched back to the painting.

It was a portrait of two figures from the old Testament, known as The Jewish bride . A masterpiece of the golden age : Rembrandt's Jewish bride.

"Do you know? " She started, eyes fixed on the picture "Painters reveal part of their soul in their - "

"What do you want " Asher cut in harshly "Cause I'm sure you didn't come here to admire a work of art "

Her lips twisted into a wry smile " You're smart Asher, I'm sure you know what I want already "

Eyes narrowed, Jaw clenched tightly, he retorted " You're wasting your time "

"Am I? " She asked and turned to face him, her blazing red hair falling over her shoulder like a waterfall.

She had green eyes like him but hers was of a darker shade but she was endowed with curves he couldn't tell whether it was natural or magically enhanced.

As if they were a couple, her hot, see - through red rose floral lace trim robe left little to the imagination.

"Am not stupid enough to join in your suicidal plan " Asher retorted, dragging his eyes away from her body.

"*Smart cookie " She purred, stopping right in front of him " He thinks my plan is suicidal " She whined, twirling her finger in a circular motion on his bare chest

"My clan is much more important than whatever plan you're cooking, so give up " He warned through gritted teeth ignoring her hand teasing his chest .

"This is the more reason why I like you " The woman said, her hand caressing his jaw " You don't give up on things close to your heart including your mate "

Asher's gaze hardened and he grabbed her wandering hands " I don't have a mate " he said and flung her hand away.

The woman laughed hysterically, her mocking smile infuriating Asher more and more.

"I don't have time for this " He warned and turned to leave.

"Who told you she isn't your mate? "

Asher halted. He turned slowly to face her asking, " What do you mean? "

She laughed "The girl is your mate Asher "

There was a look of disbelief on Asher's face, followed by an icy glare afterwards.

"Leave "

"You don't believe me? " She scoffed.

"Don't you dare play me, you witch! " He growled at once, barely suppressing the urge to hurt her. "It's impossible to have two mates so get lost! "

"It is not impossible for her you moron! " The woman raised her voice on him for the first time. "Those rules don't apply to her "

"The universe has an order for everything! " He refuted furiously " There are rules for everything and you can't change the course of nature "

"Oh yes, we can " She sassed back looking him straight in the eyes "Those rules don't imply to her "

Asher's gaze hardened, he asked suspiciously

" What have you guys done? "

The woman slowly smirked and walked to the edge of his bed and sat down.She gestured with her hand for him to sit beside her but his cold indifference told her otherwise.

"I don't have time to play games with you " he shot at her.

Her brows narrowed "If you want to hear the truth, my terms and conditions " She said, tapping the space on the bed beside her.

Asher squeezed his eyes shut before reopening them with a renewed determination to get to the bottom of this

"Fine, talk turkey " He spat and took a seat as she smiled in victory. Asher hated that grin and had the greatest urge to slap that off her face but he knew this wasn't the right time.

Since she had the courage to break into his house, it means she had other plans made, incase things go south.

The woman leaned forward resting all her weight on his body , her barely covered assets rubbing against his body seductively as she whispered " Guess"

Asher smirked sardonically, he could see through this lousy plan of her's. He wasn't considered ancient and experienced for no reason.

He pushed her down to the bed and straddled her while she giggled excitedly

"I like where this is going " She breathed.

A sinister glint flashed in his gaze as he murmured " Oh, you would "

All of a sudden , the witch stared at him wide-eyed while grabbing her throat

"W-what do.. you think you're doing " She struggled to speak.

"What do you think? " He asked back, a malevolent amusement playing in the depth of his orbs.

"Do you think I came without a plan "She threatened still struggling with her breath.

"Oh I know " he said nonchalantly "Which is why I figured out, if I ended you and killed myself afterwards , my clan would have a much better chance of surviving, won't they? "

The woman stiffened realizing his plans at once. This guy was crazy, she clearly underestimated him.

The woman knew if she died in his hands, her coven wouldn't let his clan alone but if he dies immediately, it was another problem altogether.

The Nicoli clan is a very popular vampire clan due to their double special ability possessions. So if their leader dies, it will draw too many attention and they might get exposed in the process.

Though she had her own support in the council but it wasn't time for their existence to be exposed yet .

Everyone thought the burning Eaglet were exterminated during the Purge and they wanted it to remain that way until the time was ripe.

But now this guy was threatening to destroy everything they've built throughout the years? She won't allow that.

"Fine " She reluctantly agreed "What do you want to know? "

Asher's eyes narrowed as he asked in a dangerously low tone " Why is she my mate? "

----

*Smart cookie : a clever person who makes good decisions.