Possessed By The Alphas

Behind The Door

Fortunately, Reiku swiftly seized Relina by the arms before she fell and gently carried her into his arms. Relina would have likely fallen and gotten hurt if he hadn't been timely.

Earnestly focusing on her eyes, Reiku bent his head.

"Don't appear tough in front of people, especially in front of me. What good am I to you as your mate if I can't help you? From now on, learn to trust and rely on me," Reiku said. His words were full of security, yet they were also selfish.

"T-thank you."

While sensing the warmth of her skin, Relina shook her head, appearing to try to escape Reiku's eyes focusing on her. Under his stare, she felt like slowly melting ice. Additionally, she noticed a significant increase in her heart rate. It moved so quickly that it felt like horses were racing over her chest, and with every second that went by, it grew stronger.

"You know I'll go above and beyond for you, my mate, so it's nothing", Reiku added with a smile.

When Relina heard what Reiku had stated, her blushing intensity increased. She was aware that he was playing a joke on her and that if she believed all the crap he was saying, it would undoubtedly make him laugh once more.

Why, though, was she feeling that way? Why did every word he says seem to have a peculiar harmony that profoundly affected not only her chest but also the entirety of her being?

Relina acknowledged that she disliked this creature, not because she didn't trust him, but rather because she found his speech repulsive. However, hidden beneath the annoyance she felt for him was the strange happiness she had only recently experienced. The truth was, she had been looking for the solution to her question, but as of that very moment, she had not succeeded.

Although Relina was aware that it was humorous to learn how she felt, the fact remained that she had sympathy for this creature, even if she tried to hide it a few more times. Reiku might have used a portion of his power, or perhaps this was the effect he had on her by the time she entered the dimension. And if any of this had been the cause, she would have just gone back to her previous state.

"Alright, I'm fine. It just looks high, but I'm sure it's only a few steps away from here, so you can put me down."

"I insist. As I said before—don't act tough in front of others, especially in front of me. It will bring me great happiness if you learn to trust me. In addition, it is better for a couple if they both understand each other," Reiku stated.

"And from what I've heard, it's one of the most important elements for a relationship to last. What do you think? Is everything they say right? Just in case everything is true, it would be better if now we could both learn to get along so that we don't have any problems shortly," Reiku added.

Reiku's statements worried Relina more than they made her happy, or at least relieved.

"My grandfather used to tell me that Yokai does not want to mix with people and that they prefer to live in hidden places such as mountains, forests, and rivers so that they cannot be seen," Relina explained.

"According to him, disaster and death are the compensation if Yokai falls in love with a human. However, even if all the things my grandfather said were true, aren't you afraid that you might put your life in great danger because of me?" Relina continued.

Relina's voice was engraved with a combination of anxiety and apprehension. In addition to the various Yokai traits, she was also aware of the taboo nature of Yokai and human relationships. Her grandfather believed that both races would only experience calamity. The fact that it might result in a painful death was even worse, which was why Yokai decided to live in secret locations away from humans.

'What I mean is—" Relina spoke hastily as she turned her head away from Reiku. Her tone contained a tinge of remorse.

Relina's revelations did not surprise Reiku because Reiku was aware of her extensive knowledge of Yokai. He was unable to comprehend why it had such an odd impact on him. His chest felt constricting, as though his heart was too heavy. But he opted to conceal his genuine emotions and attempt to act normally in front of Relina.

"Forget about what I've said; whether the answer is yes or no, it won't matter to me; why do I even have to think about those things? Except that it doesn't contribute at all, it will only be a big barrier for me to achieve everything I want. Besides, everything you said will only occur when they both fall in love with each other. Is there any love that mediates between the two of us? Isn't there anything, so you don't have to worry," Reiku explained at length.

After hearing those things, Relina's face clouded at once. Every syllable that came out of his mouth was packed with anguish, pain, and rage, which she could sense. Not to say, but if she had known that there was a reason for everything he had said, it might have been so difficult for him that he could have spoken those things.

How come, though? Why did Relina feel like every letter Reiku had uttered was like broken pieces of glass that had sunk into her chest? Why did her heart and her entire being filled with so much pain and suffering?

"Put me down; I can walk from here; I don't want to be a burden to you."

"You're not a burden, and you'll never be a burden to me, so please just forget everything I've said. Besides, that so-called love doesn't exist in a world like this, so a Yokai can't fall in love with a human. Not unless they're both under a spell or curse."

Relina simply closed her eyes. She didn't want to hear what Reiku would say next because she would only definitely be hurt again.

How was Reiku able to utter those things? Was what he claimed—that love did not exist in this world—true? Did he claim to have no feelings or a heart? If such was the case, Relina no longer believed that Reiku would keep all of his promises to her. If what she fears occurred, she would escape that world on her own, without his assistance.

Reiku declined Relina's request since it was clear from her appearance that she was still unwell. As a result, he climbed the stairs while he held her in both his arms until they arrived at an ancient shrine on the outskirts of the Central Hidden Realm.

Except for a few chosen Yokai that dwelled there, no other Yokai could see the entire area because of a powerful force that acted as a shield around it. In the history of the Hidden Realm, those beings represented the highest Yokai level.

"We're finally here," Reiku said. He set Relina down carefully.

Relina believed that because they had climbed for so long, they would make up to the ground in the morning. Reiku's assistance was incredibly helpful since if not, they might still be climbing. She was also much helped by this creature in some way.

"Wow!" After seeing everything around her, Relina exclaimed and all the fatigue vanished from her body. She had no idea that hidden behind the modernization of that world, there was a special location that, in her opinion, was the best of all.

Massive, towering trees lined the whole perimeter of the area. It was clear that the shrine had been around for a long time from the way it looked and how it was built. Yet despite its age, it was nonetheless notable for its beauty and overall cleanliness. The lovely flowers that served as décor throughout the entire area also attracted attention in addition to the trees in the immediate area.

Relina observed many different kinds of flowers, not just one or two. In addition to having lush grass, they featured a choice of eye-catching hues. Moreover, she could feel the breeze gently stroking her cheek.

She was certain that whoever maintained the order and tranquility of the entire area spent all of his time making sure everything was in order.

Relina caught Reiku's attention. A smile sprang on his lips when he notice her grinning while looking about with such awe in her eyes.

"Did you like everything you see?" Reiku asked. His head held high. Relina simply nodded her head.

Since Reiku claimed he would take her there because of the plush mattresses and, in particular, the delectable meals being cooked, Relina honestly assumed that they would stay at a five-star hotel.

Reiku taking Relina to that kind of location was not something Relina had anticipated.

"I know how eager you are to visit the five-star hotels and restaurants in this land, but just make sure you never do anything silly because, by the time you disobey everything I command, you might not be able to come back alive. I will never grow tired of repeating to you that this world is full of mystery, but behind it is doom," Reiku reminded Relina once more.

"By the time we enter the shrine, you'll meet Kei. He'll be the one to take you around the entire second district" Reiku added.

"I understand, but don't worry about me; I know how to do what I'm instructed, " Relina replied.

"Let's continue since they must have been waiting for a while. It's better that way so we can avoid any issues."

Reiku caught Relina's eye. Relina gasped in shock, "What do you mean?" she asked.

"Are you saying they've heard I'm coming?"

Reiku looked up and observed the entire sky which was being progressively engulfed by dark and thick clouds and said," It appears so, so let's hurry. It's not a good idea for them to wait for us, especially in this sort of weather."

It would start to rain hard in a few moments. Relina turned her back to Reiku. She gazed and drew her head down.

"Is that so?" Reiku smirked as he looked down and continued, "I thought you weren't scared of them."

"Why did the wind appear to blow differently? I didn't believe fear would bloom on your body either." When Reiku turned to gaze at Relina, he was tormenting her with his eyes.

The instant Reiku noticed the dread on her face, he abruptly changed his mind and decided not to see how terrified she was.

"There are some of them who are nice so you have nothing to fear. Besides, you are in my domain so no one will dare to lay their hands on you. And if someone dares to hurt you, I will make sure that their lives wouldn't be enough to compensate for the harm they did to you." Every word that came out of Reiku's was full of assurance and security.

Although Reiku was aware that it might not be enough to calm her anxiety, doing it in that way might at least help.

"Thank you," Relina merely said.

Relina straightened her spine despite being stiff and driven by a strong panic in her chest. She made her way to the shrine with Reiku by her side.

Relina took a deep breath and averted her eyes as they approached the door. What was waiting for her behind that door was a mystery to her. It's possible that the calvary, which would start with the creatures of that world, was hidden behind it. She had a lot of thoughts going through her head, but at that time she had to give up the last shred of hope she had.

She was aware that it was not a smart idea for her to believe what Reiku said to her, but she was also fully aware that there was nothing to lose if she trusted him with her life.

"Are you ready?" Reiku questioned. Relina simply nodded in answer. She summoned up her bravery once more. As soon as the door opened, they were greeted by piercing brightness.

Relina's eyes widened as soon as she saw the creatures behind the door. They're drinking at a long table. As Reiku stated, she would meet powerful Yokai, but she was not prepared for what awaited her.

Those creatures even outperformed humans in terms of charisma and grace, but Relina was certain that behind their gorgeous faces concealed their true looks.

"You all appear to be having a great time. Please excuse me if my mate and I just arrived. We had a little difficulty on our way here, and I hope you understand." Reiku grinned broadly and drew Relina to his side.

Relina was shocked from her position as one of the creatures abruptly got up from his seat and struck the table hard after hearing Reiku's comment.