Chapter 5

“Don’t!” I started to plead when Draven took a step back before disappearing from my sight. I circled around my position, trying to catch sight of him but he was nowhere to be seen now, and I drew in a shaky breath, my hands shaking with a pounding chest. Where is he?

“He went to find your parents.” I heard Edward say and I turned to look at him, my whole face knotted in fear and concern.

“That’s not true, he wouldn’t go that far!” I snapped, shoving those thoughts away and shaking my head.

“Oh, but I do.” I stiffened immediately and turned to look at Draven who tilted his head to a side, giving me his usual cold look. My body tensed up at the sight of my mother, who was now standing next to Draven as she shot me a million daggers.

“Mom, it’s not what you think, I-”

“For heaven’s sake Adriana, what has gotten into you?!” She cut me off, her eyes flickering in hatred and anger and I froze in my position, my stomach turning ice when I realized what was coming next. “Do you realize how embarrassing this is for me? To think that, Draven Cruz himself, had to bring me here because of your attitude!” She finished with a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. I clutched my hands, wanting to scream at her but my mind had become completely blank.

“I wanted to go back home,” I asserted and she scoffed at my statement. “I hate it here and you know that mother, I want to go back.” I added, not meaning to sound so whiny and desperate.

“You don’t have a home to go back to!” It seemed like my mother finally snapped because there is no way those words just slipped out of her mouth. "Your father and I have decided that it’s best for you to stay here forever,” Her voice turned all soft and I stared at her in disbelief as she went on. “Even if you do manage to run away, don’t expect us to welcome you back in.” She finished, taking in a deep breath, as if she’s been holding onto these thoughts for ages which killed me a little inside. She didn't mean it, did she?

“Are you…” I started to choke out when the infamous asshole cleared his throat and my mother and I snapped our heads towards Draven.

“That lecture was pleasant to hear but you’re forgetting why we’re really here.” Draven amused, turning to stare down at my mother, who shockingly nodded, as if she understood exactly what he meant.

“What do you mean?” I choked out and I swear I could’ve heard Edward say something along the lines, “Draven, don’t.” from behind me.

“Why, your punishment of course.” Draven sounded genuinely sweet but his expression remained indifferent.

“What do you mean?” I asked softly, my eyes raging with distress when I noticed my mother sliding her hair to a side as she tilted her head a little, revealing her bare neck.

“This.” Was all Draven mumbled as he grabbed a hold of her neck before opening his mouth and digging his fangs inside her skin. My screams mixed with my mothers and I was aching to run towards her but I couldn’t move. I was still under his compulsion.

“Stop! What are you doing, let her go!” I started yelling, grabbing my dress and bending down, screaming my lungs out at him to stop but he kept going.

“Adriana, calm down!” I heard Edward say before two large hands pulled me into a hug from behind but I refused to go along with his words.

“Get away from her, you sick freak!” I yelled, digging my nails into Edwards’s arms as he picked me up. I could only hear my mother choking out in pain before Draven finally released his grip, dropping her on the ground. My eyes froze on her body as she stayed still and I felt my own body droop into Edward’s arms as I broke down on the ground.

“She’s fine.” I heard Draven mutter and I looked up to glare at him, hatred filling my eyes as I brushed away my tears.

“Fine? Does she look fine to you?!” I retorted, jolting up from my position as I brushed away Edward. I was about to take a step forward but to my very great frustration, my feet still refused to move. “Break this stupid compulsion!” I cried, clutching onto my dress as Draven walked up to me and I instantly stiffened when he reached up to graze my cheeks with his fingers, my body crippling at his touch.

“If I were you, I’d choose my words very carefully from now on.” He warned, and I watched the blood trickle down his lips before he licked it off, causing a sob to escape through my lips.

“I’m sorry-” I choked out, realizing that my outburst wasn’t going to intimidate him or affect him in any way.

“Better.” He opened his mouth to say and I caught a glimpse of his two sharp fangs, sending shivers down my spine.

“She’s completely drained-” I started to argue and Draven trailed his hands from my cheek to my shoulders, giving it a sudden squeeze.

“But not dead,” He countered, wiping the blood of his lips and I bit my bottom lip to resist any rude remarks. “Take her back to the room.” His tone suddenly turned all cold and bitter before walking past me.

“Wait! My mom, she’s-”

“She’s the least of your worries right now.” I heard Edward say before he picked me up in his arms and I snapped at him to let me go. I was about to yell at him when I saw Draven appear in front of my mother who was still unconscious on the lawn, before picking her up in his arms.

“Don’t hurt her!” I yelled and Draven shot me another glare.

“It’s a little too late for that, don’t you think?” He shot back before disappearing out of the lawn and I was about to start punching Edward when he spoke.

“He’s taking her back, just calm down Adriana.” He mumbled and this is what I hated about Vampires. It’s like they never felt remorse or regret. Telling me to calm down?

I kept silent as Edward guided me back inside and Vincent was waiting for us near the staircase.

“I’ll take her.” Vincent’s words sounded unclear to me now and I didn’t even bother to fight when Edward handed me over to Vincent. I wilted in his arms as he stared down at me but I kept my gaze on his chest, my face remaining expressionless.

“Are you okay?” I heard him ask softly and I wanted to scream at him to shut the hell up. I wanted to let them all know just how much I hated their existence but words will never be able to describe my hatred towards them. “Adriana?” He whispered softly, still carrying me in his arms as he walked through the hallway. How I wish I could brush his dirty hands away from me.

“Leave me alone.” I mumbled, drawing in a shaky breath as I unconsciously buried my face inside his chest and he went silent before guiding me to my room. He opened the door and slowly walked towards the bed, gently squeezing my shoulders. Where was his super speed when you needed it? Or was he just trying to act nice, hoping I’d fall for his little act?

“Rest, if there is anything you need, call me.” He offered with a hint of concern in his tone but I ignored them. At my silence, he placed me down on the bed and a tear rolled down my cheeks before I brushed them away, hating the fact that I was being such a cry baby. A normal person in my position would be infuriated right now but here I am, breaking down and crying all over again. But that’s only because I feel helpless, weak and vulnerable.

“Hey?” I heard Vincent’s voice before his cold fingers brushed against my cheeks and I flinched before looking up to face him, quickly brushing away his hand. I hadn’t even noticed him sitting on the bed as he stared down at me, guilt flickering in his eyes but I knew better than to think that he or any other vampire felt any remorse.

“I’m fine.” I lied, irritation clearly evident in my voice but he didn’t stand up to leave.

“I’m staying here till you fall asleep.” He confirmed and my pulse raced at his words.

“P-please, I’ve already learned my lesson-” I started, jolting up from the bed and sitting up straight as Vincent shook his head.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” He tried to reassure but I didn’t take his word for it. I wanted to, but after what Draven did tonight, there is no way that I am ever going to trust a vampire.

“Please…” I pleaded, feeling more desperate and dreading at the thought that he might feed on me if I fall asleep.

“Rest.” He ignored my pleading, fixating his ice blue eyes into my brown ones and I sighed in defeat. I know better than to beg a vampire. Pleading is something which works on people with a heart.

“I got some songs. I can play one you like, till you fall asleep” He offered as I tucked inside the blanket, going silent.

“I guess that’s a no then.” A nervous chuckle escaped through his lips and I went silent again.

“Cry baby,” I finally mumbled and he looked at me in confusion. “Cry baby by Melanie Martinez.” I added and he seemed to realize that I was stating a song now. I watched him pick out his phone before scrolling through it.  

You seem to replace your brain with your heart

You take things so hard and then you fall apart

You try to explain, but before you can start

Those cry baby tears come out of the dark

The song started and I closed my eyes shut, trying to ignore Vincent’s presence.

They call you cry baby, cry baby

But you don’t fuckin’ care

Cry baby, cry baby

So you laugh through your tears

A sob escaped through my lips before my eyelids finally gave in as I drifted off into a deep sleep.

*3 days later*

It’s been 3 days since I’ve last seen Draven or gotten into any trouble. I followed all the rules and made sure that I wasn’t late for the breakfast, lunch or dinner. In fact, I was the first one up every morning. I eat quickly and go back to my room before anyone else wakes up or comes to eat. Luckily, I haven’t seen Draven since that “incident” and Edward reassured me that my mother was alright, although I didn’t quite believe him at first, until he made a phone call to her. She sounded annoyed, as usual, and hung up as soon as she answered my questions. Didn’t even bother to ask me how I was doing or why my dad wasn’t calling to check up on me.

“Hey, are you done?” I heard Raymond’s voice from behind the door but I didn’t bother to answer him. Instead, I just stared at the elegant and strapless black dress that I was practically forced to wear today and exhaled in annoyance. It’s been an hour since we were instructed to get dressed and meet the guys downstairs. Apparently, today was the day that we give the whole “speech” about the vampire’s hospitality and that kind of nonsense to the humans. Basically, it means that we have to spurt bullshit throughout the whole speech.

“Fuck, you look so damn sexy.” I heard Edward’s voice and I snapped my head to look at him, Raymond and Vincent, three of them staring at me in admiration.

“I didn’t give you permission to come in.” I mumbled, not even the least bit flattered with his “compliment”. To be honest, I feel a bit more comfortable around these three than the other vampires, since they haven’t hurt me in any way or tried to make a move on me. Not that I like them or anything, just saying that they are tiny bit better than the rest of the assholes here. I walked up to the three of them and forced a smiled before Vincent spoke.

“You look stunning.” He complimented and I smiled in response, not thrilled with the fact that they have been acting so comfortable around me for the past 3 days. I didn’t want them to. I wanted them to stay away from me but it feels like that the harder I push them away, the harder they’re trying to pull me in. After grabbing a black clutch which had white jewels embedded all over it, I slipped on my lace-up heels and followed them outside where the girls and a few more vampires were waiting for me. The guys were all wearing suits and had their hairs brushed neatly, almost making them look like somewhat decent human beings. Some guys cooed upon my arrival but I didn’t bother to make eye-contact with either of them.

“When are we going?” I heard Julie ask and a male named, Jason, chuckled.

“Who said anything about going anywhere? It’s the humans who come to see us sweetheart, not the other way around.” He said with a hint of sarcasm in his tone and I narrowed my eyes at him. Jerk.

I scanned my eyes around the huge lawn and noticed that there was a huge table of food and drinks near the fountain. It wasn’t long before people started arriving and soon enough, the whole lawn was packed with people and I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable as I tried to catch sight of my parents, who were still absent tonight.

“You should eat.” Vincent’s voice sounded genuinely concerned and I turned to look up at him. Why does this guy keep following me around anyways? He’s been like a leech ever since the whole “punishment” thing happened where Draven almost killed my mother. The thought angered me but I’ve learned to hold my emotions intact. At least for now.

“I will.” I said shortly and he nodded as I returned my gaze back to the gate, where I was expecting my parents to walk in any second now. After another 20 minutes or more, I finally decided to give up and sighed as I made my way towards the table of food. Everyone was now talking and laughing, enjoying their night, while I simply stood gawking at the gate. As I stood near the table, my eyes caught a glimpse of a male in hoodie, standing near the gate and I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to focus on his figure. I could’ve sworn he was staring directly at me now but it was hard to confirm it because of his hoodie.

“Hello miss, want anything to eat?” A butler asked and I shook my head impatiently.

“No, thank you.” I said and started walking up to the gate when a hand grabbed my shoulders before I spun around to face Vincent.

“I’m just going out for a quick walk.” I blurted out with a pinch of annoyance in my voice, knowing that he was about to start lecturing me.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Draven specifically told me to keep an eye on you.” Draven’s name somehow pricked my nerves and I raised a brow at him.

“Well, Draven is not here, is he?” I countered back and he mumbled something to himself before shaking his head.

“Adriana-”

“It’s just a quick walk, I promise I won’t try anything funny. Please Vincent, I need a break.” I spoke softly and his expression grew softer at my words.

“Fine. But be back in 10 minutes.” he said and I nodded with a smile. I quickly turned around and walked out of the gate before turning to my left as I tried to catch sight of the mysterious looking guy, who was standing near the gate before. There was something about him and I have no idea why I’ve taken this sudden interest in someone I only caught a glimpse of. He was probably some normal guy passing by, so why was I hunting for him now? Maybe I finally snapped.

After glancing around the area one more time, I was about to turn around and go back inside when I noticed a dark figure, standing near a huge oak tree. His blue eyes sparkled even under the shadows of the tree and perhaps that was the reason why I found him so alluring. I started walking up to him as he leaned against the tree before shooting me an unexpected smile, almost making it seem like he’s known me for ages.

“Hey.” He greeted, standing up straight and I stopped to take a good look at his face. There was something awfully familiar about his eyes but I can’t seem to put my finger on what it was.

“Hey, are you here for the event?” I asked, jumping right into the topic and a dark chuckle escaped through his mouth as he shook his head.

“No, I’m just wandering about,” I doubted his response but decided to ignore it. “Why are you here?” He asked and I smiled weakly.

“I was chosen.” Was all I said and he immediately nodded as if he understood what I meant very well. Well, who wouldn’t?

“How is it like in there?” He taunted and I rolled my eyes as I stood next to him, leaning against the tree as well.

“Hell.” I replied bluntly and he laughed a short laugh as I chuckled. I don’t know why but I feel like this stranger and I had a connection already. Maybe it’s because I haven’t spoken to a normal human being in such a long time that I’m starting to take comfort even with strangers?

“I’m sure it’s not that bad,” He said and I shook my head. “Or maybe it is.” He said and this time, I raised a brow and nodded.

“How come though? I thought it was every girl’s dream to be chosen.” He teased in a mocking manner to which I responded with a scoff.

“Not every girls dream is to be a personal blood-bag and get dumped afterwards. I hate it there to be honest, especially when he’s there.” I mumbled the last two words and I heard him clear his throat.

“Who?” He asked and I looked up to meet his eyes. His dark, wavy hair had become messy under his hoodie and I shrugged.

“It doesn’t matter.” I muttered, not really wanting to talk about Draven or even think about him.

“Well, if you hate it so much then why don’t you leave?”

“I tried,” I mumbled, the memory of my mother lying on the ground flashed through my mind and I shook them away. “Didn’t turn out so well for me.” I finished and I heard him “tsk” before slipping his hands inside his pockets.

“Well, if you can’t run away, there’s always plan B, right?” He suggested and my eyes darted up at him. "Use Draven Cruz as your escape route.” His words made my eyes widen.

“How do you know his name?” I asked and he chuckled before shooting up his brows.  

“Who doesn’t, sweetheart?” He raised a brow and I mumbled a “fair enough” before going back to fiddling with my fingers nervously.

“Tricking Draven? It's impossible.” I muttered, remembering how Draven had treated me so far.

“Worth a shot,” He shrugged. “Plus, you're a smart girl, I'm sure you'll figure something out” He said and I looked up to meet his intense gaze, contemplating to whether I should actually give this “plan B” a chance.

“I didn’t catch your name?” I asked, changing the subject and turning around. He turned to face me as well and a smirk appeared on his face before he opened his mouth to speak.

“I have to go but I'll catch you later okay?” He waved me off, completely ignoring my question before he turned to leave. I was about to call him but before I could, a hand grabbed my wrist and I turned to look up at Draven, who was now frowning at me in displeasure. As usual, of course. 3 days since I’ve seen him but his expressions never changed around me, not even once.

“What are you doing here?” He questioned, fixating his eyes into mine and I instantly started to feel uncomfortable.

“I was only talking a walk, I promise.” I answered quickly and he gave me a look, as if he was doubting my words.

“You’re not supposed to be here." His voice turned all soft before releasing my hands and tugging at the end of his black, long sleeved turtleneck t-shirt that fitted him very well.

“Sorry, I was just talking to-” I started, turning around but stopped when I noticed that there was nobody there anymore.

“Talking to who?” Draven asked and I looked around in confusion before turning back to look at Draven.

“Never mind.” I responded, wondering how that guy was able to run away so quickly. Did he run into a nearby store or something?

“What do you mean “never mind”? Were you talking to someone here or-”

“Draven, bring Adriana! The speech is about to begin!” Edward’s yelling cut off Draven and I mentally sighed in relief. Draven groaned and we both quickly walked up to the gate before I stopped to look around the neighborhood again. Where did that guy go anyways? I didn’t even catch his name.

“Something wrong?” Edward asked and I snapped my head towards him before shaking my head quickly, ignoring Draven’s intense staring. I didn’t do anything wrong so there was no need for me to be scared of him…right? Right.

“Is it done?” Edward asked Draven and I watched him nod.

“It wasn’t easy.” Draven muttered and I stared at them in confusion.

“You were gone for quite a while, brother.” Edward sighed and I mentally rolled my eyes.

“Too bad it didn’t stay that way.” I barely muttered under my breath, completely forgetting the fact that Vampires were able to hear almost anything.

“Too bad your attitudes gotten worse!” Draven retorted, grabbing my cheeks roughly and bringing my face up to meet him.

“You guys, stop. People are going to notice.” Edward groaned and Draven released me from his grip as I mumbled an apology.

“Also, about that person you were talking to earlier,” Draven started and my pulse raced at his words. “Did they say anything?” He closed in on my face and I bit my bottom lip before shaking my head. I’m surprised Draven still haven’t let it go. It’s not like he even saw that guy so why was he so curious anyways?

“No.” I said shortly and he took another step forward before bringing his lips closer to my ears.

“That better be true, doll face,” He whispered, causing a shiver down my spine. “Because I don’t let go of things so easily,” He breathed, standing up straight and I went silent. Why was he constantly pulling on my strings anyways? It’s not like I even did anything…yet. “Remember that.” His voice was barely audible now as people started calling his name, greeting and praising him. I watched him enter through the gate and took a deep breath before walking in as well.

“Maybe plan B was an “okay” idea,” I told myself before making my decision.

"I’ll use Draven as my escape route.”

xxx

Do comment and let me know how you feel about their personalities so far.

Much love, 

Kathy