THREE

LUCIAN:

It had been a week since I had last been to school. The damn hell-hole was not for me but I didn’t have a choice. I was trying to get a normal life.

I had been sitting in my car for almost 10 minutes after arriving at Queens high. Valentine hopped out the minute we got there. He had made a couple of friends and he had ladies streaming around him. At least he wasn’t a loner like me.

Knowing it was almost time for classes to start, I reluctantly got out of my car and walked into the building. I knew all eyes were on me as I made my way towards my locker but I gave zero fucks.

I knew I should probably socialize but I couldn’t let go of the feeling of loneliness. I reveled in it. You might probably not understand but with the kind of childhood I had had, it had become a part of me.

Getting to my locker, I opened it to get my Chemistry textbook. It was my first class this morning. I wasn’t looking forward to it but as I said, I was trying to get back to a normal life.

While locking my locker, I heard a familiar voice behind me. It had been a week since I had heard that voice, it always sounded like soothing music to my ears.

I willed myself not to look at her but I knew it was a lost battle. Shoulders sagging in defeat, I turned to admire her adorable little face. She was chatting away with her friends with a smile on her face. I should probably turn away so she wouldn’t see me but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

I wanted to see the look in her eyes. After what had happened the last time we met, I was well aware that she wouldn't want to see me.

Truly, I shouldn't have killed that guy but I didn't fucking regret it. He was going to hurt her. The thought of him hurting her had triggered my anger.

She didn't see me as an Angel anymore. It had felt really good to be called one, even if it was for a while, even though I knew I didn’t deserve to be called it.

As if she knew I was watching her, her eyes landed on me, and the smile on her face slowly disappeared.

That was enough of a sign to know that I wasn’t wanted anymore. I couldn't blame her for staying away. Deciding to head to my class, I turned to walk away but after a few steps, a hand caught my arm from behind.

"Lucian." I heard her voice.

I was a little disappointed she didn't call me Angel. Turning towards her, she was looking at me anxiously as if she wasn't sure of herself.

"Errr, I-I…" She dropped her hand and stood in front of me looking at the floor. After a while she raised her head to look at me, "I just wanted to say thank you for the other day. I'm sorry I didn't acknowledge your help. It was just, I…" She trailed off, staring at the ground again.

She looked so adorable trying to apologize.

Again, her gaze wandered to mine, "It's just, I understand you saved me from getting hurt but I felt the way you handled it was a little too extreme. Maybe you should have jus-"

"I get it." I interrupted her. "Just know sometimes, Angels take desperate measures to protect what's theirs." 

She looked up at me, confusion etched on her face.

"You called me your Angel so technically you're mine to protect," I smirked. 

"Oh, okay." She grinned, "I-I should go to class. I'm late already. See you around." She smiled before turning to leave.

"Hey, Kris?" I called after her.

"Yeah?" She looked back.

"You owe me. Twice."

Her face contorted in confusion.

"Remember I don't accept thanks." I reminded her.

She rolled her eyes before slipping away and I chuckled. I have been smiling a lot more lately than I probably have in my entire life.

__________________________________________________________

Finally, I could get out of this suffocating environment.  A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I stepped outside.

School had closed for the day.

Strolling to the parking lot, I got into my car and pulled away. 

Valentine wasn't with me since he had football practice, he was going to hitch a ride with a friend. I should have probably participated in a sport too but I found all of them boring. 

Only one thing keeps me sane. Fighting. It was in my blood.

I was about to pick up speed when I saw a familiar blonde walking by herself. I pulled up beside her, "Get in." I ordered.

She looked at me, just when I thought she would refuse, she walked to the passenger side and slid in.

"Thanks." She muttered before strapping her seat belt.

"Why are you walking home? Where's your car?" I asked as I began driving, my eyes on her.

"Paige drove me to school but she got detention so I have to walk home." She answered, looking ahead of me.

I didn't feel right about her walking on her own after what had happened but I remained silent.

The drive to her place was silent but comfortable. When we got there, she was ready to hop out after thanking me but I held her hand to stop her.

She looked at me.

"I don't want you walking on the road alone, not even if it's from school. And no running at night." I ordered sternly. "I don't want what happened the last time to repeat itself because if it does, I won't hesitate to handle it the same way."

She stared at me wide-eyed.

"And if you have to get home alone without your car, then wait for me," I added.

"But-" She tried objecting but the look on my face kept her shut.

I smirked, "Phone." I opened my palm and she dropped her phone still looking at me. After saving my number in it, I dialed it. My phone rang before I returned it to her.

"Call me whenever you need a ride or help with anything." Her response was a simple nod of her head.

"Thank you."

"I..."

"I know you don't accept thanks." She interrupted, rolling her eyes, "I sure owe you a lot already." She added, making me grin.

"Goodbye, Kris." With that, she got out and headed for the door. I waited till she was safely inside before leaving.

After leaving her place, I drove around for a while before checking the time to see it was almost time for my flight. I drove to the venue which was a little diner downtown. 

Weird, I know.

I pulled into the parking lot before heading In, moving towards the back door of the diner. A set of stairs greeted me on opening the door. They led to the supposed basement which in reality, was an illegal fighting ring.

I'd found the place the first time we moved into town. I had needed a place to let off steam. 

Getting down, I saw it was already full of people. I went into the changing room and changed into my basketball shorts. Then, waited patiently to hear my name.

It wasn’t just any other fight where you would fight to win. You had to fight to survive because there were no rules. You didn’t fight just one guy. You had to defeat one opponent and then you would face another, and so on until there were no more fighters left.

A while later, I heard the announcer call my name. I made my way into the ring. I wasn't surprised that no one was cheering for me. Their cheers wouldn't make me win, besides, I was new. 

Moments later, my opponent joined me and the crowd erupted in loud cheers. To any other person, he'd look dangerous and menacing but to me, I'd seen worse so I wasn't fazed. Deep down I knew the match wouldn't last if he acted the way I knew he would.

The bell went off and as I had anticipated, he charged at me. I laughed internally. He was ready to deliver blows to me but I successfully evaded him and was now behind him. Just as he was about to turn, I held his head and snapped his neck. I watched him drop to the ground and the crowd erupted into loud cheers chanting my name.

Welcome to my world. Kill or be killed. I learned that the hard way.

Five dead men later, I walked out of the diner with my pay, got into my car, and zoomed away.