Lex awakens by movement in bed. His eyes shot open and he caught Kathy sneaking off the bed. He ran his hand through his loose hair.

"Are you hungry?"

Kathy glanced back and stood up without the effort to be silent. "Yes, please."

Lex climbed out of bed and padded down to the kitchen. He began preparing a big meal.

Marissa walked out of a room with a smile. "Oh, what are you cooking?" She lifts up the lid of a pot.

Lex growled and slapped her hand. Is she being annoying on purpose?

"Did your momma not teach you how to be a lady?" Lex whipped his sauce in a pan.

Marissa opened the fridge and pulled out a crystal bottle containing orange liquid. "Nope."

Lex lifted the pan and brought it over the two plates with large steaks and pasta. He poured the sauce over the pasta and whipped up another one for the steak.

"So about that interview.."

Lex glanced at Marissa. He sighed and pulled out the golden brown loaf of bread.

"I'll do it tomorrow but right now. I only wish to be with Kathy or near."

"You know, being overbearing can be just as bad as not showing any concern."

Lex shrugged and layer another plate with the bread slices.

Marissa bit her lip and turned to leave. Giving up on pushing her luck any further.

Lex grabbed the three plates and brought them into the room. Kathy sat on the edge of the bed, her face glued to a few screens.

"I brought food."

Kathy turned to him and smiled. "Thanks." She reached for the plate and grabbed the fork.

Lex sat down on a stool he made and ate while reading reports about the mercenary company's progress. We'll, their war gathering efforts. So far they haven't recruited more than sixty-nine people.

However, that fool of a pope attacked the Dwarves. Lucky bastard received very little resistance right up to the fifth outpost. Got a few resources basically for free.

I should make him send me a compensation packet. I'm the one fighting most of the Dwarves force.

"Are you going to keep pushing the elves?" Kathy wiped up the pasta sauce with a slice of bread.

"No, after this outpost. We will play defense. We can't afford a prolonged war." Lex sat his empty plate in his life.

"Oh, do you mind if I join?" Kathy set the empty face plate down.

"I do mind. You aren't at the minimum level."

"If I reach it?"

"You aren't my subordinate."

"Are you going to keep coming up with excuses or what?"

"I have a ton but to be blunt. You just aren't soldier material. The ambush said it, the scars that are still tender and pink said it. The fact that you force a rogue who told you he isn't a combat expert, says it. I would never allow you into my army but you can definitely make a group and go fight." Lex grabbed her empty plate.

Kathy released her gripped on the edge of the bed. "I need to rest. Thank you for the food."

Lex chuckled. "We will do physical therapy tomorrow. Call me if you are hungry or just want to cuddle and watch a movie. I really did miss you."

Kathy didn't respond, just got comfortable under the blankets.

Lex left her and went to the kitchen where Cher is washing dishes. He tries to kiss her lips but she turns her head, presenting her chubby cheek.

"Nu-uh. You can't just come and expect a kiss like that."

Lex slipped the three plates into the soap water and wrapped his arms around Cher's stomach. His fingers danced across her round belly. He even flicked her extended belly button.

"Well, you ain't going to live in my house without a little sugar here and there. Not with the way you smell."

Cher snorted but kept washing dishes. "Whatever."

Lex held her until he spotted Halle and Destinee coming into the house, followed by Marissa and skinny lass with that upper lip trouble.

"Hey, are you ready now?" Marissa's eyes lit up like stars.

Lex raised an eyebrow. "Who is the skinny girl? And which one of you invited her?"

Halle and Destinee sent a glance at Marissa before rushing to their rooms.

"This is my sister. She is an anchor. Going to help me with my new project." Marissa touched the girl's shoulder.

"Okay, don't do it again. I don't want to smell people I ain't fucking in my private." Lex released Cher and went to the Destinee room.

***

Lex sat in a soft chair that is a step lower than the anchor desk. Almost as if they are pulling a superiority trick.

"Welcome to Ebony Rose's News. I am your anchor Marissa McCallum and with me is Lauren who will be a neutral party." Marissa smiled at the camera while gesturing to Lauren. "Also our guest, Ebony Rose Guild leader, Lexington McCallum."

Lex tried not to yawn. He never really liked the media to begin with, much less now.

"I'm sure many of you have questions. Even listed some out about why the Guilds are established like they are. Why are they instead waging wars with foreign species instead of trying to save all the lost humans?" Marissa turned in her chair, a screen tilted slightly up parallel to the desk face.

Lauren nodded. "I'm even curious as to what makes the guilds different from the regular folks."

Lex crossed his leg and put his hands on top of the knee. "First, to answer your question. Why must we forsake our lives for people who don't even treasure their own lives?"

"What makes you say they don't treasure their lives," Lauren asked.

"Simple. We are here." Lex waved his hand at the surrounding. "We fought to build this and we steadily defended our land. While they are still hiding, waiting upon the government to save their asses. Is it fair to my subordinates to risk their lives for no benefit at all? For a burden that will take up homes, food, and even think they have to have the same access to training resources? Is this fair?"

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

Marissa leaned forward slightly, using her two unbutton top buttons to show a little white pasture. "But isn't it due to their lack of physical qualities that they can't save themselves? For example, a disable person or children who doesn't get classes."

"What do they have to do with me? They aren't my relatives nor are they my friends. If people want to save them, go ahead." Lex chuckled.

"Do you not feel any type of way about those that have died when you could have saved them," Lauren asked.

"What guilt is there to feel? When you used to read about someone getting shot in some article, did you feel guilty? Or when a domestic fight happens, do you go and break it up?"

"But this is different. This is an era where fictional species are killing us in droves. We should stand united, together. Instead, you want to pass the ball by saying they aren't your family or close friends?" Lauren sneered.

"How come you are sitting here instead of saving people? Do.."

"Because I don't have the capability to fight or even fight well. I tried the fighting simulation and died more than ten times on the easiest setting. Whereas, you don't have this excuse." Lauren snapped.

"I don't need an excuse to not want to go save unrelated people. I'll just not do it and still sleep well." Lex laughed.

"Okay, we aren't going to get anywhere on this topic. After all, he didn't label himself as a righteous person or some Pope. We call him, dark lord for a reason." Marissa waved her hand. "Some viewers want to know, why do the guilds have subordinate mercenary companies when they have their own armies?"

"They want discounts and we need resources. After all, just the puppets use more than a thousand mana crystals per day. But why would we give benefits to a group who might do something foolish? By binding themselves to us, they get significant benefits that put them ahead of the rest. We, the guilds, don't have to fear relying on them for a portion of our needs and they run off to a different state and die."

"So in other words, you are hogging all the resources coming in and out of the dungeons? Monopolizing the wealth." Lauren spun a pen in her hand.

"That sounds like the foolishness that comes from a layman without any ability." Lex shook his head.

"Oh? So we are ignorant for not understanding the mechanics behind your decisions."

"You are born ignorant and that is why they provide you with teachers and parents. I'm not your parent nor am I intending to be your teacher."

Marissa tapped the desk with her fingers. "A viewer says he is a leader of a company of thirty-six men. He wants to know why only companies attached to Guilds can acquire intermediate aura meditation methods while they can only settle for what comes out of the dungeon. That this will create a caste system that puts all the power in the hands of the Guilds while everybody else will either be second or third class citizens."

Lex switched legs crossed. "First, who will teach an outsider how to make a million? It's the same logic for these methods. Guilds are spending tons of coins on research. Why should we share our spent money on those that can't do shit for us?"

"But if they are at equal pacing with your favorite child, then wouldn't they increase the prosperity of the city," Lauren asked.

"The city's prosperity will increase either way. We have superior products and the only cities we see similar are several Capitals and only a few rogue towns. We are connecting to each other. So even if these small companies run away, they won't affect the general economy or safety of the cities," Lex said.

"So not only do you not care about the common man but you also don't care about.."

"Who are you again?"

Marissa grabbed Lauren's arm who turned in her seat, tapped the desk, and shook her leg.

"I have a caller on wait, would you care to talk to an actual, concerned citizen," Marissa asked.

Lex sighed and waved his hand. "Let's get this farce over with."

Marissa smiled and turned to a big screen that just appeared. "Lincoln, you are on now. Please go ahead and state your issue."

The slender warrior turned to Lex. "What I am curious about is whether or not we will be allowed to establish a guild?"

Lex shrugged, "I'm honestly not the mayor or overall leader. However, I have plots in my quarter for potential new guilds. However, to me, to start a guild the minimum number of members is a hundred."

"What goes into raising a successful guild in your opinion?"

"Resources. Just the health and mana potions that we buy cost over ten thousand gold and that is with us making our own as well. The potions and pills that help consolidate aura to tempering the spiritual aspect is another huge expense. Not to mention training in a gym, simulations to help with combat techniques, healers need to study actual medical techniques, spell research is a sinkhole, and that does not withstand losses in fights for gear, war sieges equipment, and more."

"So it's nearly impossible at this stage for a small company to become a guild," Lauren asked.

"Who is this skinny bitch?" Lincoln brows furrowed. "I don't mean to be disrespectful but she isn't a good anchor. I almost dropped the show today due to her implying we are all selfish demons only looking out for our interests."

Lauren's mouth opened, "I didn't say.."

"You really did when you wanted to throw your righteousness at me." Lex added with an amused grin.

"If you want to speak for us, then first come and live life how we have. Don't come from military camp with the intention of relying on your sister who is a trophy wife, to be famous. We didn't watch your lame ass podcast back then, we don't care for you now." Lincoln closed the call.

Marissa coughed. "We have to thank Lincoln on that illuminating call but we now have one from Miss Sara."

"Hey, guys. So first I just want to say that I agree with Lincoln and had to look you up to see we won't see eye to eye. That being said.." a short stack woman turned her black eyes to Lex.

Lex sighed and uncrossed his legs, pulling his ass to the edge of the chair, and leaning on one elbow. "I'm ready."

"Do you know what impact that your behavior has on the surrounding beta-males?"

"No, I typically don't care but if you feel it's a problem then explain why I should."

Sara held up a hand and grabbed a finger with her other hand. "First, your harem gives everybody else the idea that they can form one just because they are fancy-pants magic users. Some of them don't even take consent as a focal point. It's, you're fine, you're mine, don't run away or I'll make you wish otherwise."

Lex rubbed his chin and opened a screen. He tracked Sara's life with a simple command.

"Okay, if you see something like that then just tell a puppet that patrols the streets. They are authorized to handle anything that is morally against the principles set out by the Governing body. Otherwise, oh well. You hold your tongue, I can't be bothered to fish it out of you."

Sara grabbed her second finger. "Your whole image as a dark lord brings in the unsavory type who doesn't care about people."

"Like?"

"Like some of them grabbed products off my shelves and didn't pay. They killed the clerk I sent after them."

"Again, we have puppets on the street. You don't bring it up, I can't be bothered to care." Lex flipped through her store and tagged those who aren't paying. He sent dozens of battle puppets after them. "Alright, solved."

"Third, how come it is only those types of women you are seeking? Are you trying to rearrange the trend of what rich powerful men like? Do we women have to bend to your desires?"

"Mm. I don't care what you do with your body but I'm fuck what I like. I buy what I like. If people can't think for themselves then I prefer bbw's. I'll accept slender women with handhold breasts and little fat on their ass. My trophy wives have to be ten in my eyes. Looks, breasts, and ass need to be on point." Lex showcased his desire with his hands.

"You don't feel any guilt over the way you are defining what beauty is?"

"None."

Sara turned to Marissa. "How about you?"

Marissa bit her lip. "Can I even have an opinion as a Trophy wife? I mean, if I go out on the street even after making my name as a reporter and actress for my TV series. The first thing people say is that it's the Trophy wife. Am I ashamed of this title, a little but then I can fulfill my obligations and personal dreams."

Sara snorted. "Why don't you do something about it?"

Marissa giggled. "Do something like that? Tell the Dark Lord who looks like he just needs a reason to send you off to heaven, that you don't like what you voluntarily applied for?"

"I don't kill people for no reason. Besides, you can quit at any time after I earn back my investment into your hobbies." Lex held up his hands with an innocent smile.

"See what I mean? You.." Sara started.

"This isn't the old era. If you have a problem with the way someone else lives then fuck yourself. I'm not living this way to please you. I'm doing it to please myself. After all, I'm the one that gotta ask myself is this worth it. When I wake up and see my trophy wife's face, the answer is yes."

Marissa shook her head. "At the same time, we, the ones in his dark little tower, aren't against being his playthings. Most complaints are just jealousy that you aren't able to get into this position."

Lauren turned to Marissa. "So you are saying it's a perfect life?"

"No, but he isn't exactly the worst either. I have the freedom to start a career. On the other side, trophy wives of the Thunder Emperor dress like hoes and are groped in public. I don't have those fears because the Dark Lord holds himself to a higher standard. Whether it's his looks, clothes, jewelry, or who he carries on his arm." Marissa motioned to a small clip that began playing as she finished speaking.

"But does that make it better," Sara asked.

"Why do we need to seek perfection in a world that isn't perfect to begin with?" Lex interjected.

"Because it's pushing women into a bad spotlight that we just fought to get out of. We are still fighting to overcome it." Lauren bounced to the edge of her chair.

"How is that my problem," Lex asked

"You are the leader.."

"I'm not the leader of the city. I'm just an average guy living my life to the fullest using my company called, Ebony Rose." Lex interrupted.

"You are a famous person, who many quotes. Many kids aspire to be." Sara replied.

"And? That is my problem, how?"

Marissa held up her hand. "You guys are ignoring the very literal thing that while he is somewhat responsible for the way people outside of his life respond. He isn't the sole reason. They just wanted to do whatever to begin with."

Lex stood up and bowed. "It is and is a pleasure debating these odd topics with you ladies but I'm gone. Peace." He tossed up two fingers and walked out.

A yawn escaped him upon walking into the kitchen where he noticed the ladies sitting around the couch eating popcorn. The TV is belting out some romance drama that left me feeling odd.

Odd because he heard the male actor say he is the dark lord and definitely not going to put up with drama.

In short, he walked his long legged ass over and dropped down between Dana and Destinee. It turned out to be a pretty accurate portrayal of him and he is starving for the next episode.

"Who wrote this?" Lex looked around.

Destinee pointed at the credits and the Director and Producer is Angel McCallum. That little devil in human skin is a bloody genius.

Lex suddenly frowned.

He shot up and rushed towards the smell of blood thinking that Cher is having the baby now. Yet, he went past her door and straight to his room. His pace increased and he shattered the door frame. His eyes scanned the room but it isn't any different than how he left it.

No! Come on! Don't do this!

He turned to the bathroom with the sound of water flowing. The smell of blood was so thick that his throat tightened up and he lost control of his human form. He pushed into the bathroom and saw the silly girl with her arms hanging by her side.

She looked at him with a sense of panic in her eyes and she moved to hide the wound in her wrist. It is a silly move given the way the water turned a light red around the area.

Lex bit his bottom lip and dropped to his knees beside her. He grabbed her hand and held it between both of his, his magic surged to stem the blood flow to a crawl.

"Why," he asked.

"I-i thought I could live with myself but I can't.. I can't stop seeing their faces.." She wiped tears that just started diving from her face.

Lex gripped her hand a little tighter and his greens eyes shone like flood lamps. His tail slapped down into the white tile floor sending shattered shards up and away.

He stares into those grey eyes that he wanted to love. Feeling rising pressure behind his own. He allowed her blood to flow again and help prevent her body from healing the wound.

He pulled her head to his and just watched..

Her eyes lost that spark.. he no longer felt her beating heart.. no longer heard the sound that put him to sleep for so many days. There is no longer any hope of teasing her about their future. About the child they will have or how he will tie down their daughter.. chase away the Chad's while teaching her to throw a mean right hook.

How they would argue over the image he is setting for their daughter. How he would watch her ass when she squatted three twenty-five.

He bit back the fear and helplessness that came rushing up like a mighty dragon.

Lex closed her eyes, no longer capable of staring into those grey eyes.

Why?

His tail slammed into the toilet and ishbasin, exploding them into dust.

Why?

He gathered her in his arms and carried her out of the bathroom. He sat down on the bed and just her body.

Enjoying the last warmth..

God, why must she suffer? Why must she leave me? Am I not good enough to take away the pain? Am I only ever allowed to lose what I really want?

Must I take over your job?