Sacred Flame: His Enemy, His Mate (BL)-Chapter 78: Recharging

Kael Dreaven

As night fell, I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the mask I’d picked up earlier. It fit snugly over my face, hiding just enough without feeling suffocating. My hair was a mess from the day, so I ran my fingers through it, fixing it up as best as I could. Good enough.

This job was almost too easy. No complications, no last-minute twists. Just get in, get it done, and get out. A few hours, at most.

I stepped out of the room, blending into the party like I belonged there. That’s why I wore this damn coat, wasn’t it? The gold accents, the sharp cut, screamed wealth, power. Just another masked guest in a sea of high society.

A server passed by, balancing a tray of wine glasses. I plucked one off without breaking stride, the cool glass resting lightly in my fingers. Now, time to find her.

It didn’t take long to spot her. She was right in the middle of a small group in another dress, cream coloured, exchanging greetings, flashing that published celebrity smile. Fake warmth, fake laughter, just like the rest of them.

I leaned back, blending into the crowd, swirling the wine in my glass before downing it in one go. No rush. I just had to wait.

Not long after, she excused herself, stepping away from the group. An older woman stopped her, and they did the usual act, hugs, smiles, a few empty pleasantries. But the second the woman walked off, Alexandra’s whole demeanor shifted. She moved quickly, her pace sharp and purposeful.

She’s definitely going to the restroom.

I set my glass down and followed.

She walked briskly, her heels clicking against the marble floor, weaving past guests without so much as a glance. I kept my distance, moving at an unhurried pace, blending into the crowd. No need to draw attention.

She turned down a quiet hallway near the restrooms. Fewer people were here.

I slowed my steps down. She wouldn’t be suspicious, watching as she pushed open the restroom door and disappeared inside. Leaning against the wall a few feet away, I pulled out my phone, pretending to check messages.

Now I just had to wait.

A few minutes later, the door creaked open, and Alexandra stepped out. Her expression was unreadable, however, just as she walked past me, I shifted slightly, just enough for my shoulder to brush against hers. The movement was subtle, but it was enough to make her stumble.

"Ah—"

The wine glass in my hand tilted at just the right moment, the deep red liquid splashing onto the front of her dress.

She gasped, stepping back as she looked down at the stain spreading across the expensive fabric.

"Shit," I muttered, feigning surprise. "Didn’t see you there."

Her sharp green eyes snapped up to me, annoyance flickering across her face.

"Are you kidding me?" she huffed, dabbing at the stain with her fingers as if that would help.

I let out a low chuckle, stepping back as I raised my hands. "Hey, it’s totally my fault. Let me make it up to you."

She exhaled sharply, clearly irritated but trying to keep her composure. "I don’t need your help."

"I insist," I said smoothly, offering a polite smile.

She scoffed and moved to push me away, but before she could, I had already pressed the cold barrel of my gun against her lower back and she froze.

"To the restroom," I murmured, my tone light, almost casual.

Her shoulders stiffened, but she didn’t argue. Slowly, she turned on her heel and started walking.

Smart girl.

I led her into the restroom, locking the door behind us with a quiet click.

A few moments later, I stepped out alone, slipping the silencer off my gun and tucking it away as I walked out of the restroom, and put through the hotel like any other guest, head high, expression unreadable. And then, just like that, I was gone.

***

Even though it’s already late, the light around made it possible to see.

I landed the car in front of the base, scanning for a decent parking spot. Of course, there was none. In the end, I settled under a huge tree. It was among the reasons I never brought it here because there’s no parking spot like a garage here. I kill the engine.

Only then did I pull out my communicator, switching it on and sending a quick text. Then I leaned against the car, waiting.

It didn’t take long for him to step out a few minutes later, dressed in a cotton hoodie and loose pants, his eyes fixed on the screen of his communicator.

The moment he looked up and saw it was me, his face twisted into a frown. Without missing a beat, he turned on his heel, ready to walk away.

Not so fast. Because I had already closed the distance in a flash, sweeping him off his feet before he could even protest. His startled gasp barely left his lips before I had him back at the car, held firmly in my arms.

"Why are you in such a hurry to get away?" I teased, tightening my hold as he wriggled against me. He was warm, solid—real. I wasn’t letting go just yet.

"Put me down," he demanded, voice sharp.

I chuckled, tilting my head. "Don’t you miss me at all?"

His scowl deepened. "In your dreams! Why would I miss someone who disappears whenever he feels like it?"

Ah. He was angry.

I let him down, but before he could take a step back, I caught his waist and pulled him closer. "So you did miss me," I murmured, pressing a quick kiss to his forehead.

He only scowled harder, refusing to answer

I pressed closer, letting my forehead rest against the side of his neck. His scent, familiar and grounding, wrapped around me. "I’m sorry I didn’t tell you," I murmured, "I just had to be somewhere. And didn’t want to wake you up."

I felt his fingers twitch against my arm. The smallest movement, but I noticed.

When I sensed him gathering the will to push me away, I tightened my hold, whispering, "Let me stay like this... And recharge for a little bit will you?"