"I don't like it when you faint," Anna said while showering.
"Says the bitch who keeps drinking my blood," Ashton laughed, looking at the mirror as water dripped from his hair, tracing his muscles.
Anna and Ashton were used to taking baths together and also made it Anna's feeding time as it was easier to wash off the blood in the shower.
"I'm not joking, Ash!" Anna ripped apart the holographic curtain as Ashton said those words. "You need to take your health more seriously!"
"I'm sorry... but to read someone's memory, my conscious needs to leave my body, and hence I collapse," Ashton mumbled, enjoying the sight before him for the thousandth time. "Believe me, it's nothing serious!"
"I know, but it still worries me," Anna sighed, wrapping a towel around her body before stepping closer to Ashton. "You've been pushing yourself so hard lately, using god knows how many abilities without a worry about the toll it takes on your body."
Ashton turned off the shower, his expression serious as he looked into Anna's eyes.
"I can't stand idly by when there's so much at stake, especially when it involves you. As long as the cult tries to capture you, I'll do anything to stop them," Ashton mumbled, pulling Anna closer. "Even if it meant selling my soul to the demons."
"I understand why you're doing whatever you are, but you need to take care of yourself, too," Anna urged, placing a hand on his cheek. "You can't help anyone if you're not well."
"I know," Ashton admitted, leaning into her touch. "I promise to be more careful."
Anna gave him a small smile, her hands hovering above his nether region. "Good. Now how about we continue where we left off?"
"Seriously? You were the one saying I should take my health seriously-"
Before Ashton could complete what he was saying, Anna placed her finger on his lips before pulling him close and whispering in his ears.
"This is an activity I can overlook," Anna's luscious voice was enough for junior Ashton to get roaring. "Besides... you need to look after your creation... M-A-S-T-E-R..."
Ashton couldn't resist the allure of Anna's playful advances, his body responding eagerly to her touch. He chuckled at her teasing words, feeling his heartbeat quicken with desire.
"We have to... go..."
But Anna was relentless, her mischievous smile widening as she leaned closer.
"You know you want this, Master," she purred, her fingers tracing tempting patterns on his skin.
"Fuck..." the words escaped Ashton's mouth as Anna began getting handsy with him. "Fine, this 'master' would gladly put you in your place!"
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Ashton pulled Anna closer, his lips finding hers in a heated kiss. Their bodies pressed together, igniting a passionate fire between them.
Their shared desire filled the air as they explored each other's bodies, each touch igniting sparks of pleasure. Time seemed to slip away as they lost themselves in each other, indulging in the intimacy they both craved.
Their love-making session was becoming a sort of ritual as they couldn't keep their hands off of themselves as soon as they were done with a mission. Especially missions that involved a high risk of fatality.
"Ah... go slow, damn it..." Anna squealed as Ashton lifted her up, her legs around his naked waist as he penetrated her. "We have time! We can take it slow!"
"Uh huh, that ain't happening," Ashton mumbled before kissing her neck. "As a responsible master, I must deal with a rowdy succubus."
Ashton and Anna's intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by a knock on the door. They quickly pulled away from each other, trying to compose themselves as they exchanged knowing glances as they got dressed.
"Come in," Ashton called out, trying to mask the lingering desire in his voice.
The door creaked open, revealing Flintmace standing in the doorway with a mischievous grin.
"Am I interrupting something?" he asked, his eyes darting between Ashton and Anna.
Ashton rolled his eyes, though a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Yes, you are," he replied, trying to sound annoyed but failing miserably. "But does it even matter?"
Flintmace chuckled and walked into the room, closing the door behind him.
"Sorry, couldn't help myself," he said, giving Ashton a playful pat on the back. "But we've got business to attend to."
"What's the matter, Xyran? Jealous you're not getting any action?" Vulcan's voice echoed from the outside.
"Oh please, you know I've got plenty of admirers," Flintmace raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Being a tower's owner has its perks, unlike you, you red-haired baffoon."
"Enough of this banter," Ashton said, returning to why his masters were there in the first place. "What's the matter?"
"We have some guests who want to meet you," Vulcan said, his voice low and intense.
Ashton raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden appearance of unexpected visitors. "Guests? Who are they?"
"You'll know when you see them," Flintmace replied. "You better come with us to the meeting room. Both of you."
Curiosity piqued, Ashton and Anna followed Flintmace and Vulcan to the meeting room. As they entered, they saw two figures waiting for them—Lycaon and Frankenstein, two of the three Progenitors of mutants.
"Damn... it's been a while, guys," Ashton greeted them with a smile while Anna, true to her royal lineage, gave them a courteous bow.
"Indeed, it has," Lycaon replied with a smile. "You're looking well."
"And doing well!" Frank intervened. "We have heard a lot about your mercenary group. As a fellow earthling, I'm proud of you."
"And you two look as intimidating as ever," Ashton complimented them. "But where's the third wheel hiding? Don't tell me he's out there flirting with my people... I swear he never learns!"
As soon as they heard Ashton asking about Dracula, their faces fell. They looked at each other before Lycaon delivered the bad news.
"We have some troubling news," he said. "Dracula has been kidnapped."