The Taste of Seduction

"We shouldn\'t stay here for long," he said, still focused on healing her. "We may not know if we have really dealt with every single incubus in the location. If ever there are survivors and they know that their comrades have fallen, we\'ve provoked them."

Atlas and Marcus nodded. No words came from them but they were civil as they prepared food for everyone. They were making stew as it was still indeed cold in Svalberd. They continued to listen to Austin as he talked about Meredith\'s recovery.

"I\'ve already healed her and sped up her recovery process. This would have taken her half a month, but by tomorrow morning, she\'d be up and about already. Perfect timing for us to leave by then," he said, the men nodding at what he said as that is indeed good news.

Meredith gave Austin a small smile. She looked at her wound that only stung every now and then unlike a moment ago that it was excruciatingly painful.

"Thank you, Austin," she thanked her, Austin giving her a pat on the shoulder and then helped the boys prepare the dinner by preparing their dishes instead.

"We have to take turns in the night watch," Atlas recommended, Marcus volunteering already.

"Let\'s let Meredith rest. I\'ll take the first watch," he suggested, Atlas looking at him.

He never retaliated, rather, he nodded as he thought it beneficial for the whole group that the three men take watch as Meredith recuperates.

"Then I\'ll take the second. Austin, you rest, too. We need you more in this journey as well and you need to keep watch on Meredith\'s recovery," the werewolf added, Austin agreeing to their suggestion.

"Alright. Thank you two, then," he said, Atlas looking at the key given to him by Marcus.

He could really tell that the vampire was serious in protecting Meredith and that he wouldn\'t dare get on his nerves like last time. If he had not followed them from the very beginning then who knows what could\'ve happened to Meredith?

Atlas hated to admit it but as much as he hates Marcus, he indeed owes it to him for saving the woman he loves.

He even proved that he bears no ill will, giving the key without hesitations and even helped them get it for easy retrieval for the last part of their journey.

"So… you\'re going with us all the way?" Atlas asked, quite surprising Marcus that he is talking to him, even asking him a question. "You\'ve already come this far, following us since the start of our journey and even helped us without asking. Are you really decided to finish it with us through the end?"

"Yes," he answered without any hesitation at all. "I even know why you are in search of the book. One of which is getting rid of the soul tie between me and Meredith, is it not?"

There was silence in the camp as it suspended in the air. Meredith just wrapped her blanket around her tighter as she said no words, the truth spoken by Marcus himself.

As for Austin, he knew well not to chime in to the conversation as this is between the three of them as well. Atlas said no words since what\'s the point in lying? It\'s what they prompted to pursue the book as well.

"Don\'t worry," Marcus said, letting out a sigh as he continued mixing the broth of the soup. "I\'ve already made up my mind. I\'ll be helping you guys no matter what. As long it\'s for Meredith\'s happiness and safety. I\'ll be really going the extra mile."

Meredith just looked at the two from afar. As Atlas just listened to him, he added potatoes in the soup and nodded to what Marcus said, admiring his will to do so even though he was not chosen by the woman he loves.

As a man, the decision is remarkable. It is an epitome of unconditional love and he was willing to dedicate his whole time, effort, and life into helping them. Since Marcus knew that their journey is also arduous and risky, he knew that he isn\'t stupid in doing his decision.

Atlas knew that Marcus is an intelligent man. He wouldn\'t do something reckless as this without giving it much thought.

They may not be in good terms but as men, they understood each other\'s pride and dedication. They respected each other\'s ways in pursuing what is best for them and especially for Meredith.

It is a man\'s mutual understanding.

"I know you understand me well," Marcus said softly, only heard by Atlas. "There\'s no use in living if the woman we love is gone and we did nothing about it."

Atlas nodded. He couldn\'t imagine what he would do if he lost Meredith during the journey. He let out a sigh, replying to what he said as the tension between them started to loosen up.

"I have to admit you\'re stronger than me emotionally," he said, Marcus arching a brow at him. "You see… I wouldn\'t know what I\'d do if Meredith didn\'t choose me and chose you instead. Could I have done the same thing as you?"

The two of them couldn\'t help but let out a soft chuckle. It made Meredith who was watching them from the tent curious. She cocked her head to the side, wondering what the two could be talking about that they were laughing when just a while ago, they were about to attack each other.

"I know you\'d be crazy to do the same thing as me if that were the case," Marcus replied, adding a pinch of salt to the pot before mixing. "Love makes us do crazy things, right? I have to admit… I\'m doing one now."

The two continued laughing. Meredith blinked her eyes a few times, wanting to chime in to their conversation as she\'s curious about their conversation.

But seeing as the two are slightly getting along, she wouldn\'t want to interrupt. She just smiled at them from afar, lucky that she\'s alive because of them.