The star mark burns itself into my eyes. Black ink, black and cruel on his finger. I remember it too well.
Raja is apologizing for my idiotic startled scream "Don't mind her, Derrick" She says stylishly, at the same time pinching me underneath the table "I guess it's just the shock of meeting you in person. "
"Yes" I lie, emphatically clicking my hand "The shock."
God. I could electrocute him right now. But I don't. Even if static lights up my finger tips and I hide it beneath the table cloth, placing a thin small smile on my startled face.
The tabloids thoroughly undercuts the charm of The Devil's Eyre. He is much cuter in person. Long hair neatly folded into a tight bun. Eyes that arrest your stare unflinchingly. Lips that narrow into a chilling smile. His half human gene has made his skin devoid of the corpse like whiteness of full blooded Vampires. I wondered if he had a mirror reflection.
Yes. He could make a fine man to some woman. If he wasn't a very smooth underhand assassin. But what if I was wrong. What if this cute tall impressive famed figure in front of me was nothing like the black knife I was imagining.
"I get that a lot" His honeyed voice drips with the grating arrogance I guess comes naturally to public figures. And which unfortunately was doing nothing to calm the tension in my veiled fingers buried beneath the table cloth.
"Yes. I guess it's not surprising that fans literally scream their lungs out when they see you " I roll my eyes.
"Female fans." Derrick smirks "But you—" his gaze drags lazily down my face, to the curve of my neck, then back up, "—you don't look like the usual screaming type."
"I'm full of surprises," I say flatly.
"So I've heard," he murmurs, taking the seat opposite mine. He leans back with a predator's ease, stretching one long arm across the booth like he's claiming territory.
Raja's almost vibrating. "Oh my God, Derrick, I just love your latest collab with Zeya. That track—what was it called again? Blood Moon Something?"
"Blood Moon Serenade," he says smoothly, and flashes her a grin that could curdle milk. "You've got taste."
"Thank you," she breathes. "Guess that's why Dammy can't get enough. Of me."
I sip my drink to keep from gagging.
Derrick Vale turns back to me, " Night Carter. Raja's been telling me how different you are "
"You shouldn't believe everything you hear."
"I don't. I prefer to see for myself." His eyes meet mine searchingly and I wondered, if he was the assassin, did he recognize me.
"So tell me," he continues, voice a low purr. "What exactly made you scream? My face? Or my reputation?"
Me eyes dart to the haunting tattoo on his finger , and then back at his face. I say "Both. Although one is just louder. "
Derrick laughs. Not a real laugh — something hollow.
"You're sharp," he says, resting his chin on his hand. "I like that. Most people go soft around me."
"I can't imagine why," I mutter.
Raja kicks me under the table so hard i nearly spill my drink.
"Maybe because I am irresistible" He sneers. ..
"I see. Ha ha" I chuckle mirthlessly.
"Tell me something true, Night " He leans closer "Do you like my music?"
"Let's just say, I like Moon Sol" ..
"So you like the band " His voice sounds a bit deflated.
"Every one does ". I shrug listlessly.
"Well things are a lot more smoother now that that icy bastard was put out"
"Fortunately " I begin unamused, "That icy bastard is now a Bloodstone ".
"How convenient " Derrick snorts and I wondered where the conversation was headed. .....
God I needed to leave here. Like soon. Like soon soon. My conflicting thoughts and theories were threatening to shatter my skull.
"Now guys" Raja chips in "Let's not ruin our day with talks of Jordan Files. "
"Unfortunately " I say, getting up "Mine is already ruined. I will see you later, Raj. I think I need to leave now. "
I watch a scowl settle on Raja's face. But she's the last thing on my mind right now. I needed to find Jordan Files. Propound my turbulent theories. If Derrick Vale was the assassin at Don Puerto, how had he gotten Lupine Teleportation? The assassin had vanished right in Jordan's grip. And Vale was a hybrid, half vamp, half human. He was not even a wolf, not to talk of being an alpha.
So many pieces sitting out of place. My head banged terribly.
"You leave us too soon" Derick Vale says .
"I think she's the only honors student in the Academy " Raja snorts "School work all the time. Watch how she will tell us how she's got a trailer load of assignments"
"But I do, really " I laugh "I really do have a trailer load of assignments, Raj."
"Here we go again " Raja rolls her eyes.
I stretch a tensed hand to Derrick, inwardly warning my fingers to stay put.
Behave, sparky pants.
"It was a pleasure to finally meet you " I say to him
Derrick stands tall in impressive splendour. "A pleasure to meet you too" His lips are on my outstretched hand "Again."
I freeze.
Wait.. What
He leans closer, too close. His voice is a sharp slow whisper but it lands with the haunting, cold precision it was carved out with "Tell Jordan he won't be that lucky next time. "
Chills creep up my spine. I stand straighter, tongue tied and dazed.
Bloody Christ.