Xenia
I was seriously regretting some of my life choices lately. Why had I decided to get my master’s in child psychology again? Yes, I loved the field, and working with special needs children was so rewarding, but the study itself was challenging, not to mention the class schedule was completely outrageous. I’m barely able to stay afloat. I guess in order to obtain your degree, you aren’t allowed to have any type of social life.I shouldn’t even be complaining about it, though, because this is exactly what I need to be doing, throwing myself into my studies completely. With everything that has been happening, I need a distraction. Thankfully, Mom and Dad take care of all my financials, so I don’t have to work. They know how important this is to me and I am so grateful for them. I know everyone doesn’t have it as easy.Sitting in class, I can’t help the way my mind wanders as I stare out the window. Professor Richardson’s lecture is barely audible in the background as I drift off into deep thought. Aiden has been blowing me up since that night and I am really considering blocking him. It’s just kind of fun to watch him beg. He’s so full of shit, though, and I’m not buying any of it this time. Dare I say I’m finally over him? I’m not sure. It’s easy to feel this way when I’m in a good mood. But at night when I get lonely and my bed is empty and cold, that’s when I start to miss him. Is it really him I miss, though, or am I just craving someone’s warm body and touch?I sigh thinking about a certain someone who has been occupying my mind more than he should; Demetrius, his toned body and beachy waves. He looks like a freaking model. That alone tells me I should stay away from him. Most likely he’s either toxic or gay. It seems those are the type of guys I’m attracted to. I laugh at myself and my shitty luck and bad taste with men while tapping my pencil on my laptop keys. I know I shouldn’t have given it to him anyways, but it kind of sucks he didn’t even ask for my number. Is he not attracted to me or something? Why am I even thinking that way? Since when did I become so self-conscious? Aiden has done a number on me.I look down at my laptop. I haven’t been taking notes for the last few minutes. It’s no big deal, though. I’ll just get them from the virtual meeting later.People start getting up and I assume that means Richardson has dismissed everyone. Thank God. Sometimes he just drags it on and on. I gather my belongings and head to the door when he suddenly calls me.“Xenia, stay back, please. There’s something I would like to discuss with you.”Oh, hell. That’s never good. I frown as I watch the rest of the students walk out. Some of them give me a look like I’ve done something wrong, others don’t pay me any attention.He walks to the door and shuts it while motioning me to take a seat. I sit down and lay my book bag on the floor while clutching my laptop bag against my chest. He’s a somewhat attractive older man with salt and pepper hair and an impressive beard, but he’s a little cocky and I don’t care for the way he looks at me, on top of the fact he has a bit of a reputation of being pushy with female students. Now I’m regretting wearing the tight-fitting top that hugs my larger than average chest. But I should be able to wear what I want without worrying about an old perv making it awkward for me.“What did you need to discuss, Professor?” I ask ready to get the hell out of here. He makes me a little uncomfortable. Instead of taking his chair, he walks to the edge of his desk and leans against it right in front of me. My face is almost level with his package. Not cool. Instinctively, I scoot back in my seat while looking up to him. This position is borderline inappropriate.He eyes me momentarily before clearing his throat.“You seem distracted lately, and it’s evidenced in your assignments. You’re a promising young woman, and I’d hate to see anything bring you down. Is there something going on in your personal life that’s having a negative impact on your work?” Yeah, pretty much. Not that it’s any of his business, but I decide not to be argumentative.“Not anymore. There was something, but that’s over with. I am eager to get back on track now. No more distractions for me,” I force a fake smile.“I see. That is good to hear, but I’m not sure if this turning point will be enough.” Shit. I need a passing grade, better than passing, really. I didn’t think I was doing so bad though. I can’t believe I let a man get in the way of something so important. Freaking stupid Aiden!“This is really important to me, Professor. Is there anything I can do to make it up? Can I redo an assignment? Any extra credit work available? I’m desperate to correct this.”“Hmm. I like to hear that. I love seeing a young student so enthusiastic about her… education.” Something about the way he says the word ‘education,’ isn’t sitting right with me. I was clear I was willing to do the actual work, right? Had I not communicated that well? There is no way he thinks I’m inferring anything inappropriate. I have never given him that idea and I never would do anything like that. Maybe I am just overthinking. Being on edge and stressed to the max can do that to you.“I am very enthusiastic about my education and my future career. And I wouldn’t jeopardize that for anything. I am willing to put in the actual work to get to where I need by doing it the right way.” Hopefully that cleared things up.He puts his fingers on his chin rubbing his bottom lip in contemplation. I look away disliking this defenseless position I’m in even more. Yes, my gun is in my bag. I don’t go anywhere without it. Dad taught me that. But it’s not like I’m going to shoot him for being a pig. Well, unless I had to. But me sitting down and him having that height leverage makes me feel vulnerable and I don’t like it. My training has taught me better than to be in a situation like this, but the classroom setting has thrown me off.Thankfully he pushes off his desk and walks away. I follow him with my eyes until he moves behind me and I can no longer see him, but then I tense up realizing he’s directly behind me. I can feel his presence. What the hell is he doing? Before I can turn around his hand lands on my shoulder.“You said you were desperate, right?” His tone is deep and husky, and it makes me nauseous. I can’t believe what he’s suggesting. What a perv! I slap his hand off me and jump out of my seating turning to face him.“I don’t know what you’re insinuating, but I would never do anything to jeopardize my education, and I would appreciate it if you kept your hands off me.” Now I’m getting angry at the fact he thought he could touch me like that and I’d love nothing more than to break his damn nose. I’m pretty sure I know where this is going, but so far, he hasn’t done anything that I would be able to prove. I let my guard down with a teacher when really, I should have known better, because now it would be his word against mine. So, if I kneed him in the balls like he deserves, I would probably be the one to get in trouble.“Oh, really. Don’t play coy with me now. Those were your words not mine. Take a failing grade. I don’t care. I was just making you aware there are ways you can pass with flying colors. But if you won’t jump on that opportunity, that is your mistake.” The smirk on his face really sickens me. Is he serious right now? I can’t believe this man is supposed to be an educator. Instead, he’s taking advantage of young women, parading their grades over their heads with threats. But what can I do? He’s my professor. I’d love to report him, but at this point it’s just he said, she said and I will still have to face him another day.“You’re disgusting,” is the only thing I can manage as I stand up and storm out of his class with my mind going in a hundred directions. I’m pretty sure I see a smirk on his face as I’m leaving, and, oh, how I’d love to wipe that off his face. He must think he’s untouchable or maybe he’s not afraid of a woman. Guess he doesn’t know I’m the chief’s daughter and I’m well-trained in martial arts and hand-to-hand combat, plus like I said, I’m always carrying. I will remember this day. He won’t get off so easily. I don’t know that I even need to involve Dad. I just have to play my cards right and wait it out. People are creatures of habit and I’m sure this isn’t the first or last time he’s done something like this. He will slip up and when he does, I’ll be there.Professor Richardson, you’ve just made it to my shit list.XeniaI’m still in shock and fuming mad as I walk back to my car. What a complete dick. I can’t believe men like that actually exist. The girls will lose it when I tell them. Brittania would have slapped him for sure. Jezebel was fearless when it came to situations like this too. I only wish I had the balls they did. Neither of them gave too much thought about consequences, where I was more of the rational, calculated person in the friend group, you know, the one that usually ends up being the designated driver taking care of her drunk girls. There’s always that one responsible friend. I think things through and play it safe, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes it just made me feel like I couldn’t put myself out really. Being the chief’s daughter didn’t help. I felt the need to carry myself in a certain way. I would never want to embarrass my dad.I’m in such deep thought reeling about my recent encounter with Professor Dickman -- that’s his new nickname -
DemetriusI detach his head from his body without even thinking twice. Low-level scum. Luckily he was not one of mine, and had we not been in a parking lot where eyes could be on us at any moment, he would have been tortured and put through extreme pain before he lost his head. But I didn’t have time for that, so a quick death it was.Somehow, she did a number on him and I’m pleasantly surprised. My initial thoughts about her were right. She’s not the average woman. She has a depth to her that I want to explore in many ways. But seeing her laying there slumped over like that, I almost lose it, not even caring how worked up I am and why or the fact that I just killed a fellow vampire because of a human. All that matters in that moment is her safety. Thankfully I made Avalon stay in the car when I sensed her, unsure if the two meeting would be a good idea. If I had doubts before, I knew now it was no mere coincidence that I was being drawn to her once again. What was this unknown force
XeniaShit. Did I really just ask him out? This is so unlike me. I’ve never done anything like this in my life. I’m not old school and I’m all about equality, but I just feel like a man should be the one asking me. My one caveat in being an equalitarian or whatever. I don’t know. Maybe it’s backwards to think that way. If a woman can do anything a man can, why shouldn’t we be able to ask them to go on a date or propose for that matter? Not that I’m thinking about proposing. I don’t even know if I want to get married at all. My mind is all over the place. It’s just he’s giving me weird vibes now. One second, I think he’s into me, the next he’s frowning and being kind of standoffish or making me feel like something’s up. I don’t know him well enough to ask and I don’t want to seem pushy, so I just let it go, but it does bother me a little. How I’d love to be in his head right now. But the simple fact is I’m here in his house, with his little sister, and he saved me… again. There’s no
Xenia I thank the driver and tip him, not sure exactly how that works, because I think he’s actually employed by Demetrius by the way he spoke of him. But he was a sweet older gentleman opening the doors for me and waiting until I got inside before he pulling off, so he deserves a tip.I dive into my bed immediately sending a message to the group chat I have with Jez and Brittania. Britt is a night hawk, and sure enough she video calls me seconds later and I give her a recap of everything.“Holy shit, Xee. What the hell? Are you sure you’re okay?”“Yeah. I feel great now, actually. I mean, I was a little groggy at first and had a headache, but now I feel super energized. I guess I was out for a few hours.”“Hmm. And Demetrius was there again?” She asks sounding skeptical. “Yeah. Thank God for him.”“Yeah. I guess… it’s just kind of weird how he keeps showing up, don’t you think?” “I don’t know, Britt. I kind of feel like maybe he’s my guardian angel or something. I know it sounds w
DemetriusIt was as if my mouth had a mind of its own. I was meant to turn off the charm, but instead I had actually turned it up a notch. What was with this word vomit I was experiencing and why could I not control myself when it came to this human woman? It was more than disturbing, and yet instead of distancing myself from her I had agreed to a date. Yes, I promised myself this would be the last night, but I had also done more than I thought I would have already. As expected, as soon as Xenia leaves, Avalon bombards me with questions, most of which I have no answers to. Her curious young mind is so excited to be involved in human matters. Even though she’s witnessed enough, I will not reveal the dark thoughts I harbor for Xenia to her, the things I think about doing to her if I ever had her alone. No one could ever know, partially for her own safety, yes, but also, I had a reputation to withhold. I could not be associated with the likes of a human in this way. That was yet another
Demetrius“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight? I’m not sure.” I smile unable to contain my words. I suppose the charm is turned up full throttle, but so be it. I’m not longer fighting it. Whatever happens, happens. One last night. Might as well swan dive headfirst. She blushes again averting my gaze, and I enjoy the way her warmed cheeks look. I love the fact that I throw her off a bit. I need to be in control. I need to hold the power. “You did. But thank you.”“Hmm. So, Xenia, tell me about yourself. As first dates go, I feel like I need to know more about you.” I sip on a glass of wine, and I have to admit I am intrigued. In all of our encounters, I still have yet to learn much about her.“Well, where to start?” She looks up to the left in contemplation tilting her head thoughtfully. “As you already know, I am recently single. I’m a full-time graduate student majoring in child psychology. I’m trained in martial arts and hand-to hand-combat.”Hmm. I am impressed. Beauty
XeniaI walk away without turning back as tears begin to blur my vision. This has to be a joke, a nightmare. There’s no way I let my guard down for someone to completely deceive me like this. Did Aiden put him up to this? I half expect someone to pop out with a candid camera, but it never happens. To make matters worse, he hasn’t even come after me. I mean, there was no calming me down now and I wouldn’t listen to anything he has to say. The damage has been done. But he was really just going to allow me to walk away all alone in the middle of the night like this? He drove me here. He knows I have no way home. I’m just in complete shock at his actions. The kiss we shared and the way he made me feel… I thought it was meaningful. Did something happen during our date or had he planned this all along? What had I done wrong? Now I’m analyzing every single thing. No. No. I can’t go there. It wasn’t me. He’s obviously just some sick, sadistic, asshat. Probably one of those predators that gets
XeniaI’m sitting down at the table wondering what the hell I’m doing here. What happened to being done? What happened to being strong? The man across me is saying something. I know because his lips are moving, but the words don’t make it to my ears. I sip on my sweet tea while in deep thought staring off into the distance. Okay. So I never turn down a free meal, but what am I thinking? I’ve ignored Aiden for days now and because I happen to have a run-in with him, I allow him to take me out for lunch? I blame HIM, freaking Demetrius. If he wouldn’t have pulled the stunt he did that night, I probably wouldn’t be in this situation. But since he sent the message I ignored, I haven’t heard from him and I can’t lie, it hurts. Not that I was planning on responding if he did reach out, but I want to know that he’s at least bothered by this.How could he be so cold and heartless after the other side he’d shown me? I still can’t get over the fact that I don’t know what happened. That’s one o