CHAPTER FIVE

Lucas's POV

I stepped out of Emilio's house, wrapping my coat tightly around me. The sun's rays were harsh, and I couldn't risk exposure. I covered my face, neck, and hands, protecting my pale skin.

As I walked downtown, my thoughts drifted to Emilio. Would the sun affect him too? I worried about his safety, but then I remembered – he hadn't fully turned yet. He was still in limbo, caught between human and vampire.

The city streets blurred together as I hurried to my apartment. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Emilio's transformation weighed heavily on my mind.

Finally, I reached my apartment and shed my protective layers. Exhaustion hit me, and I collapsed onto the couch, letting out a deep sigh.

Just as I closed my eyes, my phone buzzed. Vikram's name flashed on the screen. I hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Hey, Vikram," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Lucas, we have a problem," Vikram's serious voice greeted. His tone sent a shiver down my spine.

"What's going on?" I asked, instinctively alert.

"There's a danger coming," Vikram said, his words measured. "You need to be careful."

My grip on the phone tightened. "What kind of danger?" I pressed.

But Vikram's response sent my heart racing...

Vikram's voice was laced with concern. "Lucas, your relationship with Emilio is risky. You need to be careful." His words sent a shiver down my spine.

I frowned, my mind racing. "What do you mean? Why is it risky?" I demanded, my grip on the phone tightening.

Vikram hesitated. "I shouldn't have said that. Just be cautious, okay?" But I knew he wasn't backing down that easily.

"No, Vikram. Tell me. What's going on?" I pressed, impatience simmering. Vikram sighed, knowing he had to reveal more.

"Emilio's family...they're not ordinary," Vikram began. His pause hung in the air like a challenge.

My heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice laced with unease. Vikram's next words would change everything.

"Lucas, Emilio's family are vampire hunters," Vikram said bluntly. The room seemed to spin as I processed the information.

My eyes widened in shock. "How...how can that be?" I stuttered, trying to make sense of it all. But Vikram wasn't finished.

"And there's more," he added, his voice dropping to a whisper. My stomach churned with foreboding.

"Lucas, Emilio's father..." Vikram's voice trailed off, leaving me hanging.

"WHAT ABOUT EMILIO'S FATHER?" I roared, my patience snapping.

The line went silent for what felt like an eternity before Vikram spoke again.

"Lucas, Emilio's father...he's the one who killed your family," Vikram said finally. The words punched me like a physical blow.

I felt my world crumbling around me. The past and present collided in a maelstrom of emotions.

"No...that can't be," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

I stared blankly at the phone, my thoughts reeling.

Vikram wasn't just anyone. He was a close friend, a brother in every sense. We'd survived the raid together, fought side by side.

I knew Vikram wouldn't lie to me. He had no reason to. Our bond was forged in blood and fire.

"Emilio's father...the one who killed my family." The words seared my mind like a branding iron.

I couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal. Emilio, the man I loved, the man I'd turned...his father was the monster who'd destroyed my life.

Memories flooded back: the night of the raid, the screams, the flames. My family, torn from me.

Vikram's words brought it all back. The pain, the anger, the thirst for vengeance.

My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. Vikram's text flashed on the screen: "Coming to your house. Now."

I frowned, unease creeping in. What was Vikram's urgency?

The doorbell rang, and I knew Vikram wasn't wasting time. I opened the door to find Vikram's stern face.

"Lucas, we need to talk," Vikram said, striding in.

"What's going on?" I asked, shutting the door.

Vikram's eyes locked onto mine. "Emilio. He's a liability. We need to eliminate him."

My instincts flared. "No," I growled, stepping back.

Vikram's expression didn't change. "He's a threat, Lucas. To our kind, to our revenge. His family will never stop hunting us."

I shook my head. "Emilio's different. He wouldn't hurt us."

Vikram's voice hardened. "You're blinded by love. Think about what his family did to yours. Think about the danger he poses."

Memories clashed in my mind: Emilio's smile, his laughter, and the pain of my family's death.

"Vikram, I won't hurt him," I said firmly.

Vikram's eyes narrowed. "You're not thinking clearly. Emilio will bring destruction. His family will use him to get to us."

Doubt crept in, but my heart refused to betray Emilio.

"No," I repeated, standing my ground.

Vikram's face darkened. "Are you crazy? What do you mean no? Have you thought about what his family would do to you when they find out their son is in love with a vampire?" Vikram asked but I ignored him.

The threat hung in the air, leaving me with a chilling sense of unease.

Vikram's eyes bore into mine. "Think about it, Lucas. Think about what's at stake."

I nodded, my mind racing. Vikram was right; Emilio's family wouldn't hesitate.

"Emilio's in danger too," Vikram said, his voice low. "Once they find out what he's become, they'll kill him."

A chill ran down my spine. It was true. Emilio's family were ruthless vampire hunters.

"If Emilio goes to his family house...and his parents find out..." Vikram's voice trailed off.

I knew the consequences. Exposure. Danger. Death.

"It's better we take care of him," Vikram said bluntly.

My heart recoiled. "No," I growled.

Vikram's face hardened. "You're risking everything, Lucas. Our kind, our secrets..."

I shook my head, resolute.

Just then, my phone buzzed. Emilio's text flashed on the screen:

"Hey, I'm going to see my family. Need to talk to them about something."

My blood ran cold.

"Vikram," I whispered.

He followed my gaze to the phone.

"No," Vikram whispered back.