CHAPTER 16

WRITER'S CORNER

Dinner with the Vladamirovichs was quiet, except for the million and one thoughts running through Valerie's mind; thoughts she still didn't know were heard clearly by the two brothers.

Although Daemon regretted his use of harsh words, he convinced himself it was for her good. His weak self allowed his demons take control of him. He wanted to regret the kiss but at the same time, he couldn't. Deep down, he desired her but the fear of loosing her because of his selfish desires was more overwhelming.

He glanced over at his brother, and was happy for the first time, knowing his thoughts were safe from him, as Vampires don't generally read each other's thoughts, except the specially gifted ones. He knew too well the trouble he'd be in if Seth found out that this girl was the reincarnated soul he warned him severely against.

Seth, on the other hand, was having some unanswered questions on his mind, as Daemon had never brought home a girl. He couldn't help but wonder who this Valerie Gonzalez really was, to have struck Daemon's attention in nearly a hundred years, or was she the same girl from four hundred years back?

But if she really was, he wouldn't be this rude to her, right?

"Thank you for dinner. It was wonderful." Valerie said, breaking off the silence that tugged at the room relentlessly.

"You're most welcome." Seth gave her his widest smile to make her feel a little more comfortable but it was a futile effort.

"I should be leaving now before the night grows deeper."

"We have some spare rooms, you can always spend the night and go back home in the morning."

"I don't think I should." She said, staring at Daemon who hadn't spared her a glance since.

"Oh! I'll give you a ride then."

"Thank you but I'd just call my dad to send a car over."

"You'd need my phone right?" Replying to her thoughts, as she nodded, forcing a smile to curve on her face.

"Yeah." She chuckled rubbing down on her hair, as Seth handed her his phone, "thank you"

She stepped away from the brothers to make the call, as Seth glared at Daemon for hurting such a sweet girl, with Daemon staring indifferently at him, without an iota of remorse for his sudden cold actions.

She soon returned, taking back her seat on the quiet table, as she finished her meal, waiting for her car to show up.

The blaring horn of the car outside saved her from the cold torture she had to endure, as she rushed outside, still wearing the shirt and hoodie belonging to Daemon.

"What was that for?" Seth questioned sternly as Valerie's car drove off.

"What?"

"One minute, you acted liked you cared for someone other than that girl and yourself, and I was happy you finally brought a new girl home, only to treat her so harshly."

"There's was no longer any reason to continue playing the Mr Nice card with her."

"You're really cold hearted, you know that right?"

"I don't need a replacement." Daemon blurted out, walking away from the dining.

"You can continue fooling everyone but not with me that has been with you for over five hundred years and still counting."

"What do you mean?" Stopping on his tracks, as he turned to look at Seth

"I saw the look in your eyes while you held tightly onto her hand in the room earlier."

"What about it?"

"You only look at one girl like that." Daemon swallowed hard, cursing Seth under his breath for being so smart.

"Her soul must really be damned for her to reincarnate again for the fifth time."

"I..."

"I understand why you want to be rude and say the meanest things but do you think it'd work?"

"I mean... She doesn't seem like one to back down just because of a few angry statements."

"I just have to hope she does." Daemon whispered.

"And if she does, would you go after her to make sure she doesn't?"

"And moreover, know that she'd be at risk if the elders find out about her. Remember how badly they haunted her the other time just to study her soul."

"Yeah, and that's why I must make sure she doesn't fall for me." Daemon sighed, settling uncomfortably in a sofa.

VALERIE'S POV

The school bell rang for lunch break, as I watch him walk out of the class without a care in the world.

I could feel my heart constricting within my chest walls, as breathing was becoming even more difficult. I had tried my absolute best in distracting myself with my family issues or even school work, but all I could think of, all that came to this stupid mind of mine was him.

I had stolen glances at him, and I was pretty sure he caught me staring, but he acted like he didn't. How could he?

How dare he hurt me this much?

Was this how heartbreak felt like?

Can this even be referred to as an heartbreak, considering the fact that we were never actually dating.

Am I even in love with him? Or am I just angry that I was rejected by a guy?

He soon came back to class after the bell rang, as I remained seated on my chair, totally forgetting about eating lunch, but I couldn't help it.

Lectures started again in full and I wasn't even in the classroom; I was back in his arms, safe and happy. What's wrong with me?

"That's it for the day guys!! Don't forget to turn in those assignments by midweek!!" Mr Steven yelled, as everyone packed their bags outside, headed for their respective homes.

"Wait!" I reached out for his arm as he was about walking past me.

"Yeah." He said without looking down at me.

"Why are you being this way with me? What did I do?" I stood to my feet, standing in front of him with teary eyes.

"Nothing." He blurted, walking out on me.

"Stop hurting me." His feet suddenly stopped, as he stood with his back still against me.

"I don't want to hurt you and that's why I'm on this path."

"I know I don't know you and neither do you know me but..."

"Don't say it, Valerie."

"I love you!"

"No!" He half yelled, turning around to look at me for the first time.

"I love you Daemon Vladamirovich."