"Are you sure this isn't a date?" I ask Sebastian as he sits across from me in a restaurant. He grins and shakes his head in amusement. "I'm starting to think that you want it to be one." His attitude is nonchalant, but I catch how his shoulders tense.
"Look at you. Your muscles are already forming knots at the thought of me having romantic feelings for you. You don't have to worry about it, Sebastian. Why would I give up screwing and leeching off you without any need for commitment?" He looks at me through his long lashes, and a small smile appears on his face. "Have you been taking advantage of that fact?"
"If you're trying to ask if I've screwed other people, then the answer is no, and I hope it's the same for you. Not because I want us to be exclusive, but because I don't want to catch anything."
"I feel the same. You know, Soren, our three days ended a while ago. Why are you still here? And don't say it's because of the privileges that I provide because you knew about them before, yet you still rejected me."
"I could ask you the same question, Mr. Multi-Flavor," I put my hands under my chin and grin at him. His head rolls back as he emits a hardy and seductive laugh. After he calms down, he looks at me, but his eyes aren't the same.
"My sister, the one you saw that day, recently got engaged. Her engagement party is this weekend. She suggested I come with somebody as she's only inviting pairs for a reason she refuses to disclose to me. Naturally, you're my first option."
He avoided his own question...
"Really? Little ol' me? You shouldn't have. I'll go with you. I need to brush up on my social skills before I meet the rest of my in-laws. So, what am I getting in return?"
He cocks a brow, and a bit of shock is held in his eyes. "You're expecting something in return." He says it more as a statement than a question.
"You've made it clear that our relationship is one of pleasure and satisfaction. Each of us getting something in return from the other. As far as I know, we aren't friends, family, or partners. So why should I do anything for free?"
I grin. It's been a while since I've incorporated my business attitude into my personal life.
Sebastian's eyes glimmer, and I can't tell what he's thinking. "Sometimes I forget our roles in each other's lives. Tell me, if I were to say that I wanted a relationship with you, would you go for it?"
"Yes. I have no real reason to say no. I like you enough, and while I've yet to develop any romantic feelings for you, that doesn't mean that I can't in the future. There isn't much I'm not down for nowadays. Now, my question to you is are you ever going to let your walls come down and fall in love again? You can't deny the fact that you're a family man and crave one of your own."
"You got me there. Honestly, I don't know. I'm going with the flow."
"Bullshit,"
"Excuse me?"
"I'm calling bullshit. You're not going with the flow because you'll run at the mention of commitment. If you were going with the flow, you'd accept falling in love and catching feelings. Honestly, I'm over you men denying your feelings. You've gotten your heart broken. It happens to all of us. I'm not going to coddle your obsession with keeping everyone at arm's length. It's not healthy, and it's something I'm still reeling from. Take it from me when I tell you we're too old for this shit. And much too old to tiptoe in life. So make sure that whenever you're with me, you know exactly what you want because I won't tolerate anything less. Regardless of whether we're together or not. As much as our current relationship benefits me, it's only going to sink you deeper into this pity party you've been throwing for yourself for god knows how long."
I take a sip of my lemonade and sit back. Sebastian deeply inhales and exhales before also sitting back in his seat. He closes his eyes and talks. "You're a no-nonsense kind of gal."
"I thought you knew that before we started whatever this is. If we were to start a relationship, I think it would be good practice for getting you back in the game. I'd say I'm a reasonable and kind woman." I smugly say with a hint of humor. "Let's go. I want to take you somewhere." I cock a brow and look at him skeptically.
"I'm slightly behind on my work, and our summer line is going to be released in less than a month. It's best if I get back on the grind." Sebastian gets out of his seat and pulls me up from mine. He quickly pays for our food and drags me out of the restaurant. "Hey! I said that I need to work!" Sebastian completely ignores me and continues to drag me to his car.
What about my car? It's going to be left again! And once again, it's because of a tyrannical male who acts like he's deaf. Why can't I get a sweet, cute, and fluffy guy? One that actually listens to me! I brood in silence and accept my fate.
Sebastian takes us back to his place. I keep my mouth shut and follow him around the house. He leads me to his walk-in closet, moves his clothes around, and reveals a door without a handle. My attention is completely focused on what he's doing. He grabs a secret handle that looks like half of a hanger. He pulls it down, and a doorknob appears. Despite its presence, the door opens anyway.
"The doorknob is there in the event that the lever fails." He quickly explains. I absent-mindedly nod my head, completely entranced by what's in front of me. The door leads to a secret library. Its interior is completely organic, being made of wood, and the stair rails are made of cut-up logs. A living room lies in the middle, and the stairs are low, only reaching slightly above the couches. A chandelier hangs from above and illuminates the entire room. Plants and vines decorate the interior. A food bar lies on the side, and there's presumably a bathroom somewhere. The entire place was circular, never extending forward in a straight line.
"Woah, Sebastian, this is beautiful. But why have this secret room when your house is already lined with so many books?" Sebastian chuckles and walks me into the room. I cautiously step on the smooth wooden floor, afraid to dirty it with my shoes. "It's fine if you track a little bit of dirt."
Sebastian leads me to the couch that also goes around in a circle. We go down a small set of stairs to get to the couches. Sebastian seats me here and goes about his business. He goes to the snack bar and asks for my confirmation on a few snacks before passing them to me. Then he goes up the second set of stairs and grabs a book before coming down.
"This is one of my favorite books. I built this place because it was my dream as a child. I always wanted a secret library that looked as organic as possible. It gives me a sense of freedom. Plus I get to experience nature without the bugs that come with it."
I stare at him in awe.
"This has always been a dream of mine as well. It's almost as if you've perfectly captured the essence of my vision." Sebastian smiles and pulls me to his side. "I'm still here because I enjoy your company, Soren. You're one of the few people that I can talk to without any worries. This scares me because I don't know what it means." I smile and grab both sides of his face.
"I'm here because I enjoy you, Sebastian. I would like it if we became friends. We can go as slow as you need." I place a chaste kiss on his cheek. Sebastian's face is shocked and holds an expression that I can't pin down. Much to my surprise, tears start rolling down his cheeks. "Oh, oh shit. Wait, um, I'm sorry. Hey, don't cry."
Sebastian quickly turns his face and bashfully blushes. "I'm not crying. A speck of dust got into my eyes," he pouts. I can't help but laugh. "Okay, let me blow it out of your eyes."
I turn his face towards me, and instead of a soft blow, I furiously blow into his eyes. He instinctively pushes me back and starts to rub his eyes.
"What the fuck!"
I start breaking down in laughter. Sebastian glares at me, but it has no effect. It isn't long before he also starts to laugh. When we both calm down, Sebastian gets to the point of showing me this. "This is my favorite book. I want you to read it here." I'm curious, but don't express it.
"Fine, as long as you get my car back here and get me my laptop." I smile and dangle my keys in front of his eyes. He rolls his eyes but takes the keys regardless. I smile as he leaves before suddenly frowning. "Why are you here?" I call out. "I was wondering when you were going to acknowledge me," the slightly distorted voice says. "Well, I'm acknowledging you now." The outline of a woman walks towards me in her dark glory. Her walk is confident and slick.
"What would you have done if that witch friend of yours didn't pick up the phone?" She sits on the arm of the couch and leans into her palm as if I'm about to tell her the most interesting story. "I would've figured it out,"
"Before or after you got those girls killed?" The figure grins. "What's your point?" I ask, quickly becoming annoyed. Of course, I know where she is going with this, but she ought to just get to the point. "My point is that you need a bit of magic of your own."
"Magic that's going to come from you? Right, I don't know about you, but that's not my definition of 'my own.'" The figure rolls her eyes before groaning. "How long are you going to drag this out? Will you really let somebody die because you're too selfish?" I can't help the laugh that escapes. "I don't even know what you are. For all I know, you could cause more harm than good. Besides, I'm not giving up my body for anybody. Call it selfish, you wouldn't be the first."
The figure frowns before disappearing. I sigh and lean back into the couch, and open the book as I try to forget about everything else.
~
Saiya's P.O.V
"Jason, hello? Is anybody in there?"
I furiously wave my hands in front of Jason's face until he snaps out of whatever trance he's in. His eyes look dull and void of life. It would concern me if this weren't the hundredth time that this has happened.
"It happened again? I'm sorry," His voice sounds dreary.
"Okay, what the hell is going on? Because lately it seems like I'm the only one who wants this wedding to happen, and I'm getting real sick of you mentally being somewhere else when your fiancée is sitting right next to you!"
My frustrations come streaming out, and I feel bad. The past few weeks have been so stressful, and I thought I at least had Jason. "Of course I want this wedding, Saiya. I'm just in a bad place right now." Exhaustion weighs on his body. I go to wrap my arms around him, but stop midway.
"A bad place that you tell me nothing about. If you're not going to tell me anything about what the hell is going on in your life, then the least that you could do is pick out a fucking flower!"
Tears of frustration stream down my face. What kind of person doesn't tell their partner anything? I thought Jason and I were closer than that, but lately he's been so secretive, and it's really getting to me. Especially since he showed up.
"Clearly, you aren't up for this right now. I worked a long shift last night, and I'm tired. I'll see you tomorrow." I get up from his couch and leave his house without another word, and much to my distress, he makes no effort to stop me.
~~~
I unlock my door and put my keys on the hook before kicking my shoes off. I walk down my hallway and throw my bag on the couch before turning around to sit. When I turn around, I'm not alone in the room anymore. This fact alone startles me and sends me backwards. After forcing myself to breathe, I finally register who it is.
"You have got to be kidding me! I told you to leave and never come back!" I say with a roaring anger. His face shows he's clearly unimpressed by my display of confidence. "Hello, luv. I thought I made myself clear when I said that I'd be coming back. It seems like things aren't going that well between you and that mutt." He frowns at his mention of Jason.
His red hair seems to glow like fire, just like the determination in his eyes. It's a stark contrast with his dark skin. He towers over me by leaps and bounds. "First of all, stop referring to Jason as a mutt. Second, stop trying to involve yourself in my business. I don't want you or whatever bond you've been yapping about."
"Listen, sweetness, I will persistently court you. Whether you believe a thing I say is up to you. I have no intention of hiding anything from you like he is. Come on, don't tell me you're not the least bit interested as to why that mutt has drastically changed over the past week." The offer is tempting. Extremely tempting considering my frustration with Jason.
"Jason-" I emphasize his name, "-will tell me, when he's ready. You have no right to air out his business. And why would I ever believe a thing you say? You're deranged! First, you break into my house. Then you try to put some weird claim on me, and then try to convince me that supernaturals exist. You need medical help." I cross my arms and keep my body tense. Despite my words, his face still has the audacity to spread into a wide grin.
"I've shown you what I can do, sweetness. You've seen just how fast I can run, how high I can jump. You've even seen my fangs. Yet you still refuse to believe me. I can see why Jason has kept it a secret for so long." I smile at the fact that he used Jason's name, but it's wiped away from me by the last part of his sentence. "Wait, what do you mean by that?" The disgusting grin that appears on his face sends chills down my spine.
"Interested, are we? You're the one who insists on having him tell you."
"No, I mean yes, but it sounded like you're implying that Jason knows about whatever the hell you're talking about." His eyes gleam with mischief. "Let me touch you."
"Okay, that's it, you're insane." I grab my phone to call somebody, but Ash is in front of me in a matter of milliseconds. I audibly gasp. He snatches the phone out of my hand and throws it on the couch. He plants both of his hands on the wall, trapping me in.
"Please, just one touch so that you can understand what I'm talking about." I can barely feel my lungs expanding, and it's getting harder to breathe. "Do I even have a choice?" I hate that my voice shakes. Suddenly, Ash's face shows sincerity. "Yes, you do."
He brushes my blonde hair away from my face with such care, I have to wonder if this is the same guy from a few moments ago. A small blush heats my face, and I gently nod my head, giving him permission. He caresses my face, and an electric feeling runs through my entire body. If I had space to back up, I would.
"You can feel it." He says with relief. Why is this a good thing? "What is this?" I say, slightly breathless. "It's our connection. It proves that we're meant to be together," I'm sure my eyes are as big as saucers. I push him away, and he takes a step back.
"You must be joking. I'm engaged, Ash! Does that mean nothing to you? I'm in love with somebody else. What are you possibly trying to accomplish with this? You think after a little spark that I'm going to drop everything to be with you?" Anger boils within me.
"Of course not. You wouldn't be my fated woman if that were the case."
"I am NOT your woman, but please enlighten me as to how this woman is supposed to be." His eyes glimmer in light of my interest. "My woman is strong, lethal, a ruler, and she doesn't conform. But she's also sweet to me, and only me." Ash says with such confidence. I almost laugh at the inaccurate description.
"I hope you find somebody like that, but that's not me. Nobody who knows me will describe me as 'lethal' or a 'ruler'."
"And what do you think?" His question is unexpected and takes me by surprise. "I know that I'm strong, but I'm no ruler. That title belongs to my sister." Ash frowns and looks me up and down. The action makes me uncomfortable, so I start to restlessly shift my weight from one foot to another. "Why do you shrink at the mention of your sister?" I bitterly laugh. He isn't the first to point this out.
"I'm not 'shrinking at the mention' of Soren. I just know where I stand with her. I know where I stand in comparison to her." I bite the inside of my mouth and sit on the couch. "Just now, you were so confident, but the moment you brought her up, your light dimmed. You feel inferior to her, why?" Ash genuinely looks angry, and I don't know why.
"Why are you so concerned about it?"
"Because my woman is inferior to nobody, sweetness." Unexpectedly, his words make my heart skip a beat, and I have to shy away for a moment to collect myself. "Well, as a gentle reminder, I'm still not your woman." I hear the wavering conviction in my voice and immediately decide to shut this down. "I have a busy day tomorrow. Please leave," I kindly ask Ash. He walks up to me and plants a kiss on my forehead before I can react.
"Sleep well, luv."
Ash leaves with a gentle look that seems foreign on a face like his. I scurry to the bathroom the moment he's gone. My face is bright red as I look at my reflection. "Oh God. Snap out of it."
Yet I can't help thinking about Ash's last few words. Ash showed up at my house two days ago. Naturally, he terrified me at first. He introduced me to these crazy ideas of the supernatural. Then showed me undeniable evidence of his abilities. But the idea is just too crazy to grasp. If vampires do exist, then what about everything else? And the biggest question that I keep asking myself is, will Ash's presence in my life affect my relationship with Jason?