CHAPTER SIX

Emilio's POV

This morning had been a disaster from the start. Lucas and I didn't start up in a good way due to the fact that he annoyed me the previous day.

I felt like a stupid person to be in love with a vampire. Weird right, but I can't help it.

I didn't see the point in texting him to say I was heading out. He'd probably just ignore me or send a curt reply.

But as I grabbed my keys and headed for the door from my office, my mind began to wander. I couldn't shake the memory of our first kiss, the way Lucas's lips had felt against mine. And that night... oh, that night. The way our bodies had moved together, the way Lucas had made me feel.

My chest tightened, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I hated how Lucas pushed my buttons, how he knew exactly how to get under my skin. But at the same time... I loved him. I loved the way he made me feel alive.

I sighed, frustration and desire warring within me. Why did it have to be Lucas, of all people? Someone who drove me crazy, yet made my heart skip a beat.

As I stepped out into the cool air, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen next between us. Would we ever find common ground, or would our differences tear us apart?

My phone remained silent, no messages from Lucas. I shouldn't have expected any. But a part of me hoped he'd reach out, that he'd say something to bridge the gap between us.

I shook my head, pushing aside those thoughts. I needed to focus on something else, anything else. But Lucas's face lingered in my mind, a constant reminder of what I couldn't seem to shake.

I took a deep breath and pulled out my phone. My pride was screaming at me to leave Lucas alone, but my heart was telling me otherwise. I typed out a quick message.

"Hey, I'm heading to my family's house. Just wanted to let you know."

I hesitated for a moment before hitting send. Maybe he wouldn't even respond.

The drive to my family's house was uneventful, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Lucas. What was he doing right now? Was he thinking about me too?

As I pulled up to the house, a sense of unease settled in. Something felt off. The usual warmth and welcoming vibe was replaced by an eerie silence.

I stepped out of the car and approached the front door. It was unlocked, which wasn't unusual, but the stillness inside made me pause.

"Hello?" I called out, my voice echoing through the empty halls.

No response.

I walked further in, my footsteps creaking on the wooden floor. Every room was spotless, but devoid of life.

Where was everyone?

A shiver ran down my spine as I checked each room, growing more uneasy with each passing moment.

The kitchen, usually filled with the scent of my mom's cooking, was cold and dark.

The living room, where we'd spent countless family nights, was deserted.

Even my own bedroom felt foreign, like I was intruding on someone else's space.

Something didn't feel right.

I stood frozen, my eyes scanning the empty rooms. Where was everyone? Had they gone out for the day or...?

My mind started racing with worst-case scenarios.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, hoping it was Lucas responding to my earlier message.

But it was a text from my mom:

"Hey sweetie, we're out of town for the weekend. Didn't expect you to come over. Sorry!"

Relief washed over me. Everyone was safe.

But now I was left standing alone in an empty house.

Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. Something nagged at the back of my mind.

Wait a minute... last night, Mom had asked me to come home this weekend. She'd said they needed to talk about something.

So, why were they suddenly out of town?

And why was the house left open? My parents were always careful about locking up.

A prickle of unease crept up my spine. Something didn't add up.

I tried calling Mom, but it went straight to voicemail.

"Hey, Mom, what's going on? You asked me to come home, and now you're gone? And why is the house unlocked?"

I left a message, hoping she'd call back soon.

I walked through the house again, searching for any clues. Everything looked normal, but the silence felt oppressive.

I checked the kitchen, living room, and even my room, but nothing seemed out of place.

Then, I spotted a piece of paper on the kitchen counter.

It was a note, scribbled in Mom's handwriting:

"Emilio, sorry for the confusion. We'll explain everything when we get back. Be careful."

Be careful?

What did that mean?

My mind started racing with worst-case scenarios.

What's going on?

I stood frozen, staring at the note in my hand, when the sound of a car pulling up outside broke the silence.

I turned to the window, and my heart skipped a beat.

Lucas.

He was stepping out of his car, his eyes locked on mine through the window.

What was he doing here?

I felt a mix of emotions: surprise, confusion, and a hint of excitement.

We'd left things tense earlier, and I hadn't expected him to show up.

Lucas walked toward the house, his stride confident and purposeful.

I met him at the door, still trying to process his sudden arrival.

"Lucas, what are you doing here?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression softening. "I saw your message. Thought I'd check on you."

His eyes scanned my face, and for a moment, I forgot about the weirdness with my family.

All I saw was Lucas, standing in front of me, looking concerned.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

But Lucas's gaze was still on me, as if he knew I wasn't telling the whole truth.

Soon, I heard his voice, his eyes narrowed.

"Emilio, get back," he whispered urgently.

With that, I spun around, but it was too late.

As a figure emerged from the shadows, eyes glowing in the dark.

"Run," Lucas growled, pushing me behind him.