CHAPTER 3: Unexpected events

I sat down looking up at the empty dark atmosphere while listening to Gwen read out some details from the book.

"Vampyres have existed for a long time and are dubbed as 'undead'. This is because they are revived just after death. They've lived in the shadows and are ousted by humans. Their protruding fangs and pale white skin with supple blood-red lips have summed up their otherworldly beauty. Their inability to cast a reflection of shadow and appear in photographs has been a mystery to date. They relish human blood, by sinking their fangs into the neck of their prey and sucking them dry which surrenders them useless (dead). They can also choose not to kill but in this way, they turn their prey into vampires too." I felt her gaze on me as she stopped for a moment.

"Go on Gwen, I'm okay" I tried to ease her concern to which I heard her hummed.

"Being bitten by a vampire has always been a sure way to turn into one but there are also other ways; committing suicide, contagion, having a cat jump over a person's corpse, and through sorcery." 

"What if it's sorcery?"

"What if it's sorcery?"

Gwen and I said at the same time as we stared at each other for a few seconds before we laughed at our telepathy.

"For centuries, it has been believed that they do not get sick or contact human afflicted diseases, with their fast healing capabilities they've also avoided problems."

Making eye contact with Gwen seemingly the same thoughts running through our minds. I stood up, picked up a blade I sighted previously on the desk, and slashed at my palm blood trickling gently down my hand.

"Liv!! What'd you just do?!" Gwen panicked as she quickly rushed up to me and held my hand to check my self-inflicted injury. Astonishment flashed past her eyes as she scrutinized my palm.

"Unbelievable!! You really healed!" Gwen screamed excitement evident in her voice.

"I really healed" I repeated softly after her knowing I actually took a gamble.

"Gimme a minute" Gwen excused herself to answer a phone call while I just nodded still in deep thought. What does this mean for me? Is this what fate has in store for me or is there still more?

My thoughts were cut short as Gwen came back unable to hide her excitement as she spoke to me "Let's keep all this and continue tomorrow, it's almost 5… and coincidentally Aaron said he's around this area so he's probably going to spend the night here" I smiled figuring out where her excitement came from…Aaron is her Boyfriend and they've been together for 3yrs.

"Darn, I'm gonna be seeing a lot of public displays of affectionnn" I teased knowing how Lovey-dovey those two can get. 

"Oh common it's not that bad" she screamed as her face turned crimson red. We left the library and went back to the sitting room. I had a strong craving for meat, so I decided to step out and get some, while tactfully allowing the couple some privacy. Shortly after Aaron arrived, we exchanged polite greetings, and then I retreated to my room to freshen up. I chose a white crop tee paired with jean shorts and tied a checkered shirt around my waist. With my hair down and comfortable slippers on, I emerged to find Gwen and Aaron sharing a tender moment on the sofa. Though I wasn't surprised, I couldn't resist playfully teasing them.

"Oh my! I'm still here!" I exclaimed, feigning shock with a light-hearted tone. 

Gwen quickly detached herself from Aaron, her cheeks flushing as she stammered, "No, I thought—I didn't—Y-you—"

"Relax, I'm not seeking an explanation; save your energy for later!" I replied cheekily with a wink, walking out before they could respond.

As I strolled through the street in search of a restaurant, I found only roadside stalls. After about an hour, I finally spotted a restaurant featuring steak as their special for the day—what a delight! 

Upon entering, I searched for a vacant table; the restaurant was spacious and well-kept. A waiter promptly took my order, and before long, my meal was served. I swiftly enjoyed my food, settled the bill, and even left a tip for the staff. 

As I was walking back thinking of what else to do, I overheard some men behind me commenting, "She doesn't look like she's from around here!" 

"Perhaps she's just another city girl," one said. 

"Regardless, we can have some fun with her!" another chimed in

As the conversation turned unsettling, I could detect the strong smell of alcohol emanating from them. "Why now?" I thought to myself, still feeling quite satisfied with my meal. I picked up my pace, but they mirrored my actions. Upon turning around and catching a glimpse of the three men, I saw how their eyes reeked of lust not minding the fact we were still in public and it was just evening…weren't they scared of passers-by calling the police?. They certainly didn't seem like individuals with whom you could talk it out with. In a moment of urgency, I started running and ultimately sought refuge in an underground parking lot. Now this was much dimmer than outside making it suitable for unscrupulous acts to take place "Way to go Liv!" I muttered to myself as I walked lightly to shield myself from those hooligans.

"She entered here so where's she now?!" a man with dreads snarled

"Or is there an exit?" a slightly shorter man suggested 

Remembering there were three, I searched for the third one until I heard a chuckle behind me.

"Found her! What a sly b*tch"

I scurried out of my hideout and tried to run but they quickly surrounded me and I was already at my wit's end. A steady footstep, calm and calculated, my eyes followed the sound and it was then and there I saw my savior, or so I thought.

"Help me, please!!" I screamed like a damsel in distress but to my utter dismay, he remained unfazed not even bothering to look at me, he gave off this mysterious aura like the doings of the world were none of his business. He was dressed in a black shirt and a black trouser, his hair tousled and his eyes devoid of any emotions. They looked empty like the sky without stars yet they carried an unfathomable abysm of darkness. His brows were void of worries, and his thin lips were alluring, complimented by his straight small nose. This man's beauty was so dangerous that I doubted he was even human for a second.

Seeing that he didn't plan to help me, an idea struck me!

"Ohh Babe it's you! What took you so long?! I was just harassed by these men!" I complained like a baby and quickly made my way over to him immediately those hooligans let their guards down.

I entered the passenger seat and watched as he entered swiftly still not sparing me a glance before he ignited the car's engine.

"You can drop me just a distance away from here and I'll find my ahhh—" I couldn't even finish my sentence due to the scare I got from the way he zoomed off. I hastily put on my seatbelt as he continued driving furiously.

"Slow down! We're gonna die" I cried, terrified out of my wits. Not sure if it was my imagination or if he let out a chuckle.

I got into the Devil's car and now we're on our way to Hell!!

I clutched onto the seatbelt with my eyes tightly shut until who knows when? The car stopped abruptly leaving me wide-eyed. I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and burst out of the car.

"I'm alive! I'm alive" I said laughing with tears in my eyes acting over dramatic. After calming down I looked around and figured we were in a garage. I saw him walking out nonchalantly, I quickly followed him the earlier thrill still lingering.

"Hey! Where did you bring me to?! I clearly told you to drop me off at a distance not too far from the parking lot, but you not only ignored me but also almost killed me! Now you're bringing me to an unknown location" I was agitated my face red from anger. Gauging no reaction from him yet infuriated me.

"Can you not hear me?! This can be considered as kidnapping you know that right?" I threatened as I trotted to match up with his pace. On getting closer, I held his shirt back without thinking twice.

His sudden dark gaze finally landed on me and a trace of confusion flashed for a deep moment before it was masked by that emptiness one more time. 

"I never forced you to get into my car in the first place" I heard the deep huskiness of his voice tease me senseless and at that moment I couldn't think of anything to refute him. How embarrassing!

"Then how do I get home?" I asked chasing after him after finding my voice. As expected he remained quiet and I decided to just follow him. I mean eventually, he'll get tired of my presence and send me back.

I trailed carefully behind him and watched as the large doors opened up, an array of maids lined up at each side, bowing down respectfully. I was confused but tactfully kept quiet and trailed along.

"Sir, Mr. Michael stopped by and is upstairs in his room right now," said a woman who appeared to be in her late thirties. Dressed in a black and ash-colored dress with an apron tied around her waist, and with her hair styled in a bun, she gave off the impression of a house nanny.

He simply took a seat in the dining area and I sat right opposite him observing his actions. "So are we gonna eat? It's…7:12" I asked as I looked around. 

"Seems you're not keen on returning home anymore" he replied staring intently at me for the first time since we met. His eyebrows furrowed slightly and his lips pursed, I could tell my presence was not something he was enjoying. 

"Ohh well, I'm famished right now so after I've had my fill you can send me back," I said as I blinked my eyes cutely before giggling.

"Serve dinner" his husky voice sounded soon after. I looked around and saw the maids setting up the dining table. I was already salivating before I caught a glimpse of his observing gaze. I returned the gaze as I temporarily forgot about my appetite.

His brow crease gradually relaxing before he assumed his laid-back disposition.

"Woah Dom! When did you get yourself a girlfriend?" Someone walking the stairs said, followed by a breezy laughter.