AUTHOR'S POV
After cleaning her bloody self and changing to a coral collared button down dress, Diana received a call from Hendrick saying that her personal belongings were already delivered at the lobby of her new residence. She felt bad for not saying at least a proper goodbye to her loyal butler, and also the rest of the household helpers back in the Woodsworth home. All her life, it was them who saw her ups and downs. She ate her dinners with them, spent her early mornings with their bright faces, and shared half of her laughs and cries. They were practically not just servants, but special persons whom she considered family. She wouldn't want to exactly leave the Woodsworth home if not for her fear for Calvin, along with all possible things that he can do to her. Stoking her doubts and uncertainties, her mother have also become an illusion of safety. Once more, Diana drowned herself in the depths of her second thoughts.
Diana sighed at her phone, receiving no texts or calls from Scott. She wondered why she feels a certain tightness in her chest when Scott didn't go rushing to her when she was attacked by a vampire. It is not like they are in an actual relationship however it did made her expect a little bit more from him. He didn't even went to pick her up after work, and had some random wolf guy [That's Cory!] stalk her until she gets home. "Alpha senses my ass!", she tossed her phone on the bed, and tied her hair up in a pony tail. Since it was still early and she doesn't have an appetite yet for dinner, Diana decided to take the lift down to the lobby and collect her belongings.
When the elevator opens, she sees the empty lobby and a concierge manned by one receptionist. She asked if her stuff have already arrived, and was immediately told that they were placed under the stairs, by the fire exit. Diana went there and saw her stuff piled up in four large boxes. One for clothes, another for bags, the third one for her shoes, and the last one were her books and her other random belongings. She tried to move one but it's too heavy for her. "Ahh... great".
"I can lend a hand", she turned around and saw Calvin standing right behind her.
Diana flinched at the sound of Calvin's voice. She looked around for anyone, but the only person there is at the ground floor was the receptionist, who was too busy in a phone call. "I think I can manage. Were you the one who delivered these here?", Diana stepped back, as soon as Calvin moved closer. With every step he takes, Diana moves away until her back hits the boxes.
Calvin went up close, leaning on the boxes with hand trapping Diana. "Yes.. your forever trusted friend".
Diana didn't want to show fear for he might be enjoying to see her afraid. She faced Calvin and said, "I can take it from here, see you around?". Pushing Calvin away, but he won't budge.
Calvin grabbed her arm, placed his other hand on her waist locking her in, and pulled her forcibly towards him. "Why are you so distant? It's still me, Diana", Calvin held her face with his cold palm. "I won't hurt you. If I would, I would have done it a little sooner, don't you think?", he said so casually.
Diana wriggled from Calvin's strong grip, grunting from the heavy force. "You're hurting me Calvin. I want to be clear, this friendship is over", she said, as she met his gaze in anger.
"No, D. This friendship will never be over. Besides, I want more", with his face inching from Diana, Calvin brushed his nose against her cheek. His icy breath made Diana's blood run cold. "It's always been you. If not you, then I'll make sure no one else can have you", Calvin lowered his face reaching for her lips, with his finger popping out one button on her chest.. Diana squirmed at his twisted deeds. Surely, this is not Diana's very lucky day. With all her might, she tried to get away from Calvin's grasp, as she squeal in agitation.
"DIANA?", Sebastian blurted out, as he sees his new neighbor being cornered in the dim area of the back stairs. At first glance, the two seemed to be like lovers sharing a very private moment in the dark. "I'm sorry", he felt embarrassed as if he interrupted them. But as his gaze ran from her shaking legs, to her dress getting unbuttoned, her misty eyes that were about to burst in tears, and her clenched fists on the chest of man double her size, Sebastian, who never liked to meddle in other people's lives, chose to intervene. "Are you okay?", he asked.
"Se-Sebastian!", Diana sighed a relief seeing a familiar face. Calvin loosened his grip on Diana, and glared at the man who interrupted their golden time. "Yes... I'm okay.", Diana walked past Calvin, going to Sebastian. She clutched on her chest, where the button have popped out, and hid behind her unexpected savior.
"Need.. help?", Sebastian feigned ignorance at the distinct annoyance in Calvin's hardened jaw. Reading the room, this man is trying to assault Diana, he figured.
"Yes, these boxes are too heavy for me. They are all my stuff", she smiled, nervously. "He just delivered them, he's going now".
"I can help you take your stuff in your house, Diana", Calvin insisted, as he rub his wrists, with his eyes fixed on her.
"No need for that!", Diana instantly refused, shaken with widened eyes and wavering lips. It was a clear sign for Sebastian that Diana is afraid of this man, who appeared to be a person she personally know.
Sebastian, imposing his lofty built as he step forward, sheltered Diana behind him as he meet Calvin's thwarted face. "We have excellent service here in this building. There are porters, like bellboys, to assist every tenant in situations like this for our own convenience", Sebastian said. The two men scowled at each other, as if measuring each others' equal size.
"We'll take it from here, Calvin.", Diana interrupted the two, as she didn't want to endanger Sebastian, knowing Calvin's real nature. Waving her hand, she hailed for the receptionist to come over. With more people around, Calvin won't dare to show his vampire side, she believed.
"I'll see you tomorrow then?", Calvin walked by, and whispered to Diana saying, "You're mine, keep that in mind". Diana held her breath, not looking back at him. Her body stiffened at those words. In her head, she desperately and sincerely hoped that they won't see each other again. Relieved that her luck haven't ran out, she looked upward wiping her forehead as she give a soft smile of ease at Sebastian.
The receptionist called for the residence porters to fetch some luggage carts and assist Diana with her boxes. As soon as a couple of carts arrived, Sebastian insisted that he'd take care of Diana's boxes instead. Diana refused at first, thinking that she is becoming a nuisance to her kind neighbor. Thus, Sebastian extended his kindness, as he willingly offered more assistance since he won't be doing much tonight despite he's looking like he's going to have a quick run outside. In Diana's reluctance, Sebastian responded with more persuasion. Several reasons and excuses were exchanged. There's something in Diana's warmth and light temperament that calls Sebastian in. Besides, he wouldn't prefer the porters to accompany a woman to her home who's living alone. Feeling indebted to him, and after a long time of persistence, Diana eventually agreed with a hope that Sebastian is not some kind of a vampire and a creep like Calvin.
They both went up, and no one dared to speak of what just happened. Diana, clenched on her chest tightly tapping her foot, as she gaze at the floor counter change from G to her flat. Sebastian could understand how antsy and jumpy she can be after all that. He just thought, Diana might need a friend at this very troubling time. The doors finally opened to Diana's home. She gestured to help Sebastian take in the luggage carts, however Sebastian declined. "I got it! Go on in. You might want to change your clothes first", he said, as he push the carts in.
"Okay, thanks", Diana mumbled, as she scurry up to her room.
Sebastian was mindful not to show his strength in front of Diana, even though he can lift the boxes all at once. As soon as Diana is out of sight, he hurriedly unloaded the boxes from the cart, and pushed them aside. While he wait at the living room, Sebastian was in awe how every detail in this house is well placed together. All along, Sebastian thought that Scott bought this home for himself, turns out he bought it for a girl. A mere human. The first woman whom he's brother is interested in. "Who are you, Diana?", he uttered. Not too long, Diana returned downstairs wearing a matching deep mauve pyjamas. She greeted Sebastian with a much relaxed smile. She excused herself to get some drinks, and asked Sebastian to feel at home.
"Boyfriend?", he finally asked, as Diana tods a can of soda to Sebastian. They both sat comfortably on the floor, with elbows on the glass coffee table.
"No…", Diana sighed deeply, as he take a sip of her ice cold water.
"Good. Looks creepy. Stalker?", Sebastian asked, breaking the tab of his soda and drank a little. He winced at the sour taste of the cold beverage, burping silently with pursed lips.
"You can say that", Diana said, lowering her gaze, picking the skin of her cuticles.
"So… you live here?", Sebastian looked around nodding, trying to change the topic seeing how unsettling she became with the thought of Calvin.
"Yes, why?", Diana wondered, looking concerned.
"I thought… never mind", Sebastian shrugged it off. Thinking asking about her relationship with Scott might be too early. "Nice place.", he claimed.
"So uhh.. Do you... want a drink?", Diana was thinking that the situation calls for some wine and beers. Since Sebastian is here, it would be best to share the night with her new found friend who seemed to be a good person after all.
Offering a drink while he already have one, Diana realized how it sounded like as Sebastian glance at his soda. She was so flustered as her ears turn red. "Uh... that came out senseless.. I just want to try a few beers or wine.. or something..".
"Ah! There is no judgment here, Diana", Sebastian chuckled at her innocence. "Well, let's see. What have you got?".
Diana stood on her feet, and dashed to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, it was filled with food, citrus fruits and a cranberry juice. And on the side, a bottle of Chateau Margaux wine. "Perfect", she smiled. She came back to the living room with two wine glasses, and a bottle of red wine. Sebastian popped the bottle open, poured their glasses and clinked them before savoring its rich taste. They both smiled at each other's similar reaction at the smooth aftertaste of the red wine.
The two bonded like soul siblings. They easily found comfort in each other, as they found different similarities. The new house was suddenly filled with laughters and good talks of the two new found friends. After few more refills, their voices became louder, and the conversations were bolder. The night grew colder and wine ran out. The two have lowered their inhibitions, with their crimson cheeks and droopy eyelids.
"Diana, no one knows I'm gay. So, if you would see me with other people, please don't tell anything about it", Sebastian said, trusting Diana who discovered his gender identity.
"Your secret's safe with me, Seb", she said, crossing her lips with her eyes half-open. Sebastian is her first gay friend, whom she never knew that the company of such gender could be this enjoyable until today.
"Alright… it's been fun. I better go", Sebastian stood up, staggering, and went to the door. "In case that Calvin bothers you again, you can ring me, okay?", he said, as they exchange numbers.
Diana didn't want to involved Sebastian with Calvin. He's too dangerous. Not unless he's a wolf, she thought. "Thanks Seb", she uttered, gazing his flushed face as the elevator doors closed.
The house became quiet again.
She turned off the lights, and went back to the living room. Diana sat on the floor by the large panel of window. This is her first night to live independently. Somewhere in her heart, she felt happy. With the moonlight shining through the window, she stared at the waning moon up in the sky. It was alone, without any visible stars. She leaned on the glass window, closed her eyes and hummed Scott's lullabye. "Alone, but never lonely", she told herself.
Meanwhile, Scott just hang up from a long conversation with Lucas about what happened to his undercover mission at the AW Lab Corp, warning him to lay low for a little while. Time flew as they made plans, built speculations, and fortified their defense, that it was long after dark when he realized he's been chasing his tail for too long in his office. With his car fixed, he left for home with a vast of fag ends in his ashtray.
He couldn't read Alva, but she seem very vigilant. Careful. Too guarded as someone who plans things out very well without leaving footprints. A scrupulous foe who does not leave small openings. The fact that she knew the Lockwoods screwed with his head. This isn't simply about getting her daughter back anymore, he thought. If only the wolves knew what Alva's nature is, they would know how to play her games. Regardless of that, Scott thought that he will keep is Luna safe, no matter what.
Alva got him thinking that he's still wide awake at almost midnight. Scott arrived his home, and winced at the strong scent of smoke in him. He loosened his tie, tossed his coat on the couch, and unbuttoned his shirt with one hand. He moved around his house carrying a persistent feeling of something that he should be doing.
Scott hastened to bathe, scrubbing off the noxious scent of cigarette on his skin. He finished, and change to his clothes in a rush but trying to keep it cool and steady. Drying his hair with a towel, he stood by the window and saw the moon. "It's almost full", he said, as he ponder on Alva's words who seemingly warned him about the full moon. When he looked down at the adjacent building, his sharp sense of sight noticed a woman sitting on the floor. He stared at her for a while, and noticed she haven't moved for a few minutes now. He smiled, put on his shirt and stepped out in no time. Satiating the persistent feeling choking him for a while.