six

Vlad's POV

Sitting in World Government class, I watched the enthusiastic newbie teacher, a twenty-something-year-old inexperienced Lycan eager to teach us.

 He used a butt load of words that annoyed my classmates. No one took him seriously, especially the vampires because all he did was ramble about some of the world's Lycan leaders. 

"Go ahead with the teaching already," I groaned, tired and struggled to stay engaged in class. I tapped my pencil on my desk and didn't bother taking any notes. 

"This dude is going to cause trouble," I took a sip of water and whispered to Thorne who was playing games on his phone. 

"Whatever. it's not like I like school anyway. Any plans for the weekend? We're hosting another party tomorrow night at the valley. "

I slouched in the chair and was about to respond when a huge argument ensued. 

"Vampires shouldn't be allowed in StoneCrest. Their king is an anarchist. He wants to overthrow King Jalen but that's never going to happen."

Everyone turned in my direction. I rolled my eyes. I'd heard worse about my father from the Lycans and their claim was becoming stale. 

 My dad ruled the powerful and ancient vampire dynasty. He was a just and fair King who had one weakness, invading other people's territories. 

He had a huge grip on the Lycan king, Raven's dad. The only way the Lycan king could overthrow us was by having access to my dad's special scepter of authority which was safely tucked away in my dad's special room. 

"These aliens want to take over our world," the Lycan continued rambling. "They have no place here."

"Look who's calling us aliens. Meat-hungry freaks. You eat organs, kidneys, and hearts. Yuck!" A vampire retorted and pretended to gag.

The teacher's lips pressed together in a slight grimace and his smile wavered. "Guys, let's keep it down. We don't have to quarrel."

 "No," Another vampire blurted. "I need to clear this up. We live in a free world and we can do whatever we like. If not, let your king dare send us out."

"I live for chaos," I whistled and Thorne chuckled. 

"Leave our pack and stop trying to take over our towns," Lulu, one of the Lycan girls curled her lips in disgust. "Since you invaded our pack, terrifying flies and rats crawl with diseases. Let's not even talk about the damn bats. Just go and never return."

This wasn't funny anymore. My breath sounded low in my ear and my heart beat pounded with hate for the brat.

A vampire and Lycan male began exchanging blows while Lilith, Thorne's girlfriend faced the Lycan girl. 

"Lycans and werewolves are insane, stupid, unintelligent, primal, classless. All you care about is your stupid mating ritual. You're not even special because you're nothing more than animals that can shift into humans. Be lucky we are not demons or undead vampires with crimson claws who take pleasure in taking over souls. You all would have been dead if we levitated before you."

The vampires cheered Lilith and the fighting Lycan gripped the vampire's shirt roughly, baring his teeth.

"Enough already!" The teacher's reddened face pleaded as he separated the boys. 

The fight became more intense among Lycans and vampires. "Come on, join us," Thorne got on his feet.

"I'll pass."

Thorne's freckled face scrunched in disgust. "Are you serious that you're not going to defend your dad?"

"It's just a baseless argument."

"Ah. I see. It's because of your little woman, right? I hope you don't abandon your kind and become an asslicker someday."

"You're not getting my point," I leaned against the desk. "Vampires and Lycans can coexist just fine."

"Please," he rolled his eyes. "That's never going to happen, and you better not take that girl seriously because it's going to end in tears. She's making you a boring piece of shit."

It wasn't about Raven. Thorne wasn't seeing the bigger picture. We were all supernaturals and it wasn't impossible to live in peace. 

"Don't forget we're invading their territory. We are the troublemakers."

Thorne's gaze narrowed on mine. "I see. You're defending them now?"

 Principal John rushed in screaming at the top of his lungs and separating the fighting students.

"This is gross incompetence from you, Mr. Frank!" He yelled at the teacher. "You clearly lack class management."

 The teacher looked purely embarrassed. Raven turned back and our eyes met. She turned away almost immediately and I broke into a smile.

****

"Rise and shine, lazy bums!" Coach Francis blew his whistle, pushing recruits to their limits.

The coach was a mean piece of shit. His trick was, the more you hate him, the faster you learn. Our training was usually from hell.

 I carried a soccer ball under my arm while waiting for my teammates. We began passing the ball back and forth after doing warm-up exercises, running ahead of the ball. 

Quickly, I dribbled the ball between my teammates' legs, letting out a playful laugh as he groaned in frustration. 

After about thirty minutes of practice, we took a break. I stood on the sidelines, chugging water greedily as sweat trickled down my face, and wiped my mouth with the back of my hands. 

"Vlad, hi."

I turned my head quickly after hearing my name. Nova, Raven's sister, approached me from the bleachers, smiling widely and waving her hands enthusiastically. 

What did this bitch want? 

I took off my running shoes and faked a smile, watching her close the distance between us. 

"Hi," she played with her hair and her eyes raked boldly over me, lazily appraising me with a double-ended meaning. 

"What do you want?"

 There was a resemblance between her and Raven, except that they had different hair and eye color, and Nova was at least a foot taller than Raven. 

She held my hand, watching me with smug delight and a wave of irritation filled my body. 

"I came to watch you play and maybe drink in the comfort of your nearness."

"I'm flattered."

"No, I'm serious," she laughed. "How about going to get some ice cream?"

She moved closer and my heart thundered in my chest, threatening to explode with irritation. 

"No, thank you."

"I insist," her eyes dazzled with determination, unconcerned that I was frowning. 

"I've got stuff to do at the… " 

"When will you get the hint that I like you?" She purred. " I can't help the way I feel about you. Please be mine. "

"I'm sorry, Nova, but I don't feel the same way. I like your sister and I was wondering if you could help me talk to her," I said with unwelcome frankness. 

She paled. I watched her fight against the tears she refused to let fall. 

"You like Raven?" Her voice broke, and her face clouded with sadness.

 I cleared my throat, becoming increasingly uneasy. "Yes, I do. You could try to talk to her for me, right?"

"And why would I do that? She's never going to like you."

"Why won't she?"

"For starters, she just returned from rehab after being caught with a male teacher. I'm not sure my dad would be so pleased to hear that she's seeing a vampire."

Alarm bells rang in my heart. Now it all made sense to me as to why that idiot Troy brought down his cock. 

"Well, I'm sure that teacher tried to attack her. And even if they had a thing in the past, it doesn't stop me from liking her."

Nova's face reddened. "Well, I won't let it happen," she barked, glaring at me with burning, reproachful eyes and unbridled anger in her voice. "I was here before her. I've given you several signals for you to notice me. I really like you, Vlad."

Way not to sound desperate. She tried to touch me but I pulled back. 

"Nova," I began calmly. "You're a very beautiful girl, you're one of the boys' biggest fantasies. But liking you back has to be natural. And for now, I like your sister. Why not help me talk to her?"

"Here's what I'll do," she chuckled nastily. "I'll tell my dad instead and trust me, my parents believe every word I say. Imagine what will happen when they hear that their rebel daughter is causing another mischief in school by dating a vampire. Raven wouldn't like that. She'll hate you forever."

Her tone was odd and gentle. It made my heart race. "You're going to put your sister in trouble just because of some stupid crush?"

"It's not a stupid crush," Her finger traced my chest. "If I can't have you, Raven won't. Get that straight."

She gave me a peck on my cheek. 

"You wouldn't dare," I flinched back.

"Try me," she laughed and whispered in my ear. "See you later."

I watched her walk away with a cat-like grace and I groaned loudly. This was trouble.