THE DEVIL WHO BOUGHT ME

As they stepped inside, Alexa heart skipped- she knew who he was. Levi.

He turned slowly, a faint smirk, tugging at his lips.

"Alexa "he said, almost laughing.

He brushed past her, heading to the small kitchen. A pistol lay on the counter, but he didn't seem to notice. He grabbed a glass of water and handed it to her.

" You must be thirsty".

"Thanks" she whispered, taking the glass, eyes locked at him.

He studied her for a moment, then motioned towards a nearby room " follow me".

His tone was sharp- no room for refusal.

She followed, grabbing her gown tight, nerves on edge.

" This is your room", he said opening the door." Don't touch anything I didn't tell you to".

Alexa looked around - this wasn't the same place he kept her before. " This house is.....it's different", she murmured.

Levi turned to her with a slow smirk. Are you saying that place was better than here?"

Alexa didn't answer. She walked to the window instead, her arms folding around herself.

" It's late....and dark," she murmured. "I feel sleepy."

She kept her eyes on the glass, hoping he'd leave.

But he noticed.

" I don't joke with my night sleep, Alexa," he said, voice low and deliberate.

He was already turning away when he paused.

"Your Cross necklace, he said suddenly, stepping towards her.

"Where did you get it?"

Alexa instinctively took a step back.

"Uh...my late mom," she replied carefully. "Why?"

Levi chuckled. Not kindly.

"Nothing. Just looks a little...off." his he's flicked over it again. " Like something dark wrapped in gold".

And with that, he turned and walked out of the room.

Alexa sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the door. Her fingers tightened on the sheets.

"Maybe this time." She whispered " I'll Wake up in hell,"

Sleep took her slowly, like sinking into cold water.

*****

She woke to muffled voices

Men talking.

She slipped from the bed, her bare feet silently against the floor. Carefully she crept to the passage and peeked downstairs.

Levi. And three men she didn't recognize.

Her breath caught when she saw the suitcase on the table.

Weapons.

A gun. A glowing red stone- almost alive with energy.

" What the hell is that?" She whispered, shrinking behind the railing.

She inched closer, crouching slightly to stay hidden.

Levi was speaking to a man in a blood-red suit. His tone was low, unreadable, but firm.

Whatever they were planning- it wasn't normal.

Alexa stomach turned

"What is this man up to now"

" The price we are paying isn't worth the resources boss" One of the men argued

Levi just smirked wicked and calm

" The one with the highest pay wins the treasure"

Alexa heart skipped

" Was he .....talking about me?

Yes. Maybe

But still - I'm not a resources".

As Levi walked pass the stairwell where she was hiding, he paused- like he hadn't known she was there all along.

But she could feel it. He knew. He had always known.

He didn't look at her. Just said coldly,

"And when I set my sight on something, I don't like letting it slip- especially if others are watching. Learn that"

Then he walked away.

Alexa chest tightened, but she refused to let his words get to her.

" Levi!" She called out.

He didn't turn around.

" Breakfast is in the kitchen. Next room."

" I'm not hungry "

She stepped forward.

" I'm curious. What do you need a gun for? And that gem, whatever it is?"

He stepped forward. Looked at her-really looked. Then he laughed lowly. Like her question amused him too much.

" Maybe to blow up that little brain of yours . How's that sounds?".

He inched in close. Lips inched from hers.

But Alexa didn't flinch.

" Let's see whose brain gets blown first".

She moved to pass him-

But suddenly she couldn't .

" Ah... Levi....stop it hurts."

Her body froze. Stiffed like stone.

" It's rude to walk out while I'm talking " he said,calmly.

" Didn't your parents teach you manners."

She struggled but nothing moved

" Let me go....let go or-."

" Or what?"

His voice cold and mocking

"You'll throw me out? Scold me? Call me names?"

He chuckled darkly

" Maybe the resource is worth the price this time."

And just like that, the spell broke.

She stumbled a step forward, catching her breath.

He turned to leave, then paused

" Tonight stay away from me, Alexa."

" Or what?" She challenge, voice shaky

He gave a slow dangerous smile.

" It'll hurt more."

And with that he was gone

Alexa stood still, her heart pounding.

What did he mean by that ?

Was he talking about the spell? Or something worse?

******

Alexa ate the bread quietly, her eyes fixed on nothing in particular as her thought ran wild. She picked up the old phone sitting on the counter and dialed again

" Dad....pick up. Please." She whispered, holding the phone close.

But nothing. Just silence

She pulled it away. staring at the dead screen

Maybe it's better this way, she thought bitterly.

That cold man out there.... he's still better than a family that couldn't be grateful for my sacrifice.

Her chest tightened, but she took a deep breath and pushed down the ache.

" I'll see this through. No matter what."

She didn't even bother to sneak out- something told her she wouldn't make it two steps past the door, instead she stayed where she was, roaming the hallway slowly.

" I wonder what lies in this secret.." she murmured to herself.

And then something made her freeze.

Levi.... In the kitchen.

Wearing a soft blue sweater. Sleeves pushed up. Humming a song under his breath while he washed the dishes . His voice was deep- melodic. Shockingly gentle

Alexa blinked.

" What the..?" She whispered, resting against the doorframe in disbelief.

He noticed her, glanced once, but didn't say anything. Just continued Washing the plates, rinsing them off, and drying them with a cloth. Then he placed a plate of food into the microwave, pressing the buttons like he had done with a thousand times before.

She titled her head, watching him.

The way the sunlight hit his golden hair. The clean lines of his tall muscular frame. His focus. His quiet.

He looked... almost human.

He's Soo familiar.... But from where?

She stayed there, watching. Something about the moment felt oddly peaceful. Foreign.

" It's bad to stare."

His voice cut the silence as he wiped his hands dry

Alexa straightened.

" Never thought devils did house chores." She said with a small scoff, eyeing the soap and sponge on the sink edge.

Levi didn't smile. He didn't even look at her.

" They do more. Better. But it's not my thing"

And with that, he turned to leave the kitchen.

" What kind of devil are you,anyway?" She called after him.

" A vampire? Werewolf? Witch? A-."

" Enough!" He stopped.

Alexa blinked twice as he turned, walking back towards her with calm but deliberate steps

" Why don't you find out yourself?"

He didn't stop until he was inches from her. Too close.

" Levi... you're soo close...." She whispered, her voice shaking slightly.

He leaned in slowly, eyes unreadable. His lips brushed the side of her neck...and then she felt it.

A lick. Soft. Cold

Her breath caught.

" I like the scent of your blood" he murmured darkly.

" It's.... tasty."

" A vampire?" Alexa breathed

" Vampire devil"

He leaned close, cold breath on her skin.

" I'll like to know how it taste" he whispered hoarsely into her ear

" Will you...please."

Her breath hitched.

She didn't move.

Nether did he