Past.
5 years ago...
"You don't have to be so rude." She countered glaring up at him as her eyes turned misty.
How dare he yell at her like that? Her father and brothers never scolded her. Who did he think he was?
"Your non-serious attitude is pissing me off," He gritted lowly.
He was standing in her personal space. But she didn't care, Angela leaned forward glaring up at him. "Don't yell at me."
They both maintained eye contact and the way he glared at her with that ruthless look had her taking an involuntary step back.
"D... Don't scare me like that." She said in a small voice blinking desperately so as not to cry and show him that he scares the living daylight out of her.
Luca closed his eyes for a brief second and stepped back. Giving his back to her he raked his fingers through his hair and inhaled deeply to control his temper.
"You're done for the day. Leave. Be on the training grounds at 5 tomorrow." He said in his rough voice.
Angela didn't wait a single second as she dashed out of there. Those vampire girls were still watching, and Angela felt insulted in front of them.
Luca watched with narrowed eyes as Kevin jogged after Angela.
The next two weeks passed agonizingly slowly. Every day Angela would show up at the training grounds at exactly 5 but he would show up at 6.
Angela was sour with him. She didn't even talk to him, and he didn't care either.
For him, it was nice not to hear her comebacks constantly.
He'd train her in the gym and then ask Nolan to spar. Luca wasn't sparring with her. She didn't know why but it pissed her off. Did he think he was too good to be sparring with her or was he being vengeful for no damn reason.
Aside from the training she ignored his existence. Every day she would be tired and at the brink of passing out after the training sessions.
Angela was sitting along with the other trainees around the campfire. Finally, she was having a good time, and it didn't feel like she was in the battleground at that moment. With Luca, it felt like an invisible sword was hanging on her head all the time.
"I dare you to flirt with Queen Violet." A vampire guy said to the other vampire guy, and everyone gaped at him. They were playing truth and dare.
"King would not only skin me alive. He would bring me back to life and then kill me all over again." The second vampire was horrified by the dare.
"So, consider yourself a coward," The first vampire said as another round of tasty liquid was served. Angela drank her third glass. It was sweet and sour. It made her feel like she was floating.
Most of the guys called him a coward and that guy admitted that he was a coward. Other guys frowned and called him no fun. If Angela was the guy, she would've pulled off that dare. She can think later about what Lennox would do to her.
"The hell. Who gave you this?" Kevin asked sitting beside her as he yanked the glass out of her hands, and she glared at him.
"That's my drink." She lamented.
"Do you even know what it is?" He asked.
"Special Juice of vampire land, duh."
"It's like alcohol but stronger. Who gave you this?" Kevin asked, dismayed.
"After every few minutes, some passed around the drinks. It's not a big deal. Just chill, Kevin. Don't be so sour." She slurred smiling at him and he furrowed his brows. "Never thought a day would come where I'd find you cute, little devil. I want to pinch your cheeks." He grinned and she frowned.
Angela reached for his face and his brows furrowed in question when all of a sudden, she flicked his forehead and he groaned in pain, cursing and rubbing his forehead. "The f*ck was that for?" He grumbled.
"Oh, you look cute when you're in pain." She grinned and Kevin watched her appalled, his eyes wide. There was a screw or two loose inside her head. "You need help," He muttered.
"Help me then."
"I'm not a therapist, Angela." He said, rolling his eyes when suddenly everyone looked at her and she stared at them wide-eyed and dumbfounded.
"Truth or dare?" the vampire girl asked.
Angela jutted her lower lip out in a thinking manner. "Dare," She beamed when Kevin tried to stop her, but she had already said the words.
The vampire girl smirked; she shared a look with the other two girls in her group before facing Angela.
"Go and kiss Mr. Perez on the lips." She said and everyone gasped while a few snickered.
Kevin stared at the girl horrified. "Are you out of your mind?" He seethed.
"I don't want to kiss him. Ewww." Angela made a face as if the mere idea was so awful.
"You've to." The girl said, earning a glare from Kevin.
"She's not going to do that," he retorted coldly because he knew Angela wasn't comfortable with man's touch. He was aware of what happened to her, that was why he never touched her and let her hit him whenever she wanted.
"Then admit that you're a coward. Say it out loud and then you don't have to complete the dare." The vampire girl mused.
"I'm not a coward." Angela fumed, getting to her feet and glowering down at the girl.
"We know that but it's better to say it and get out of this ridiculous dare," Kevin said tugging at her shirt to make her sit again but she stepped away from him.
"Say you're a coward." The girl smiled.
"I said. I'M. NOT. A. COWARD!" Angela growled; her hands balled into fists as she grimaced at those girls.
"Very well, Sir Luca is there talking to Nolan." The girl said, tipping her head.
Angela turned around and Luca was standing far away talking to Nolan. He had a serious expression on his face and seemed to be drowned deep in serious talk.
Angela took a step forward when Kevin grabbed her shirt, stopping her. She frowned at him over her shoulder. "You're drunk, Angela. Don't do this, you'll only regret it later." He tried to stop her.
"Yeah, don't do it. We are not forcing you. Just admit that you're a coward and we can continue with the game, Angela." That girl said, smiling sweetly as Kevin threw her a warning glare to shut up.
Angela tugged her shirt out of his grasp. "I'll prove to you all that I'm not a coward. Just wait and watch." She smiled and faced Kevin.
She gently patted his cheek and he stiffened. The only touch she ever had with him was smacking him or flicking his forehead. She had never touched him like this before. It was confirmed, she was out of her mind right about now. "Don't worry," She winked and sauntered over to Luca who was already staring in their direction.
Nolan was gone and Luca was standing there with his hands tucked in his pockets staring at her. He noticed the group of trainees around the campfire, the way Angela touched Kevin who seemed stressed, and how she was sauntering towards him. He observed it all. It irked him when she touched Kevin.
She came to a pause in front of him. In his personal space. Way too close to what she was comfortable with.
He met her gaze and instantly noticed that she was drunk. She was even giving off the scent of that liquor.
"You're drunk." His deep voice floated in the wind, cocooning her in its embrace.
"I'm not." She slurred, stepping further closer that she was just inches away from him.
His hot breath caressed her forehead. She craned her neck up to find him donning his signature frown and cold eyes.
"I don't like you," she muttered.
Luca watched her dilated pupils. For the first time, he noticed she had pretty eyes. The green of her irises resembled the murky forest after the storming rain. Those long lashes were curled up and she had doe eyes. The same eyes that he made a bet on and won when he was just a kid.
"Feelings are mutual." He declared.
A rogue strand tumbled out of her messy bun and kissed her eyes. He was tempted to move it back, but he refrained from doing so. He was aware she didn't like male touch out of combat and sparring. Then why did she touch Kevin?
"So, don't think of it wrong, okay?" She slurred.
"What?"
Angela grabbed the front of his collar in a fist and jerked him down as she got on her toes.
He barely noticed Kevin running towards them when all of a sudden, he felt soft lips pressed on his lips and he froze.
His eyes widened visibly. Luca was blank and completely out of it. It took him a couple of seconds to realize what was happening. With wide eyes, he watched her closed eyes, and a jolt of current zapped through his spine when she innocently sucked on his lower lip.
His hand moved out of his pants pockets and before he could touch her, she pulled back dropping her weight on the balls of her feet as she beamed at him.
"I'm sorry. It was just a dare. I hope you don't mind. I can bet you had your fair share of women, so this means nothing. Thanks. It wasn't bad at all-"
"Stop talking Angela," Kevin yelled. He grabbed her arm, and she didn't flinch away from him. Maybe it was because of the alcohol. Kevin pulled her behind him.
"I apologize on her behalf. She's drunk and those guys gave her a dare. Sorry again, now if you'll excuse us," Kevin said and began to drag Angela away from there.
Luca was still in a trance as he watched the girl staring at him over her shoulder. She grinned, winked at him, and waved.
Luca turned around walking away from there as he touched his chest. His heart was on the brink of exploding out of his chest.
"F*ck." He cursed lowly.
That brat took his first kiss.
Present... Angela gaped at his massive shoulders as he dragged her from there. Her eyes narrowed and she tried to free her wrist. Angela didn't think of the consequences at all. This was Luca she was dealing with. She should've thought about the aftermath, but she didn't. It completely slipped her mind. But it wasn't like he could hurt her or anything. She didn't understand the fear that began to coil in the bottom of her belly. "Let go of me," She demanded tugging at her hand, but his hold was ferocious to the point she was sure he would bruise her skin. If Angela weren't drunk, she would've fought him tooth and nail but at that moment she couldn't fight him. "You're hurting me," She clawed at his hand and his hold on her loosened. Angela didn't wait a second before she freed her hand and dashed in the opposite direction. She hurried to the back door and stepped out, inhaling the cool air deeply. A loud gasp left her lips when a hand appeared behind her and cla
Past. 5 years ago... Her brows scrunched in her sleep as she slowly blinked her eyes open. A groan left her lips feeling the wild pounding in her head. She rubbed her temples to ease the pain as she closed her eyes. "Ugh, what the hell?" She groaned. Angela had never felt such an immense headache in her life. Her head felt so heavy. Angela turned to the side and placed the other pillow on her head. If only she had more time, she would've slept the whole day, but Luca would kill her for being late for training. With much difficulty, she sat up straight and rubbed her temples. Angela blinked her eyes open to look at the clock and her eyes almost popped out of her sockets in shock. It was 11 in the morning. How did she sleep all this time? Her alarm didn't go off. What in the world was happening? Angela stepped out of bed in a hurry only to wince as she closed her eyes tightly and paused. Luca was going to kill her. She was sure of it. He'd made her train for 24
Present... Just as their lips touched, she pulled back, dropping to the balls of her feet. Angela blinked at him muddled. "I think I've kissed you before. It feels like Deja vu," She mumbled, touching her lips. "So, you remembered," He rasped. Eyes darker than ever and jaw clenched. He looked mad. "Remember what?" She slurred, cluelessly. "That you kissed me 5 years ago when you were drunk. It was your dare," He breathed. Her eyes lit up and she blushed, pressing her fingers on her lips and looking up at him with those big sparkling eyes. "Of course, I remember it but you don't need to know that. It was so embarrassing. I still couldn't believe I wasted my first precious kiss on a cold emotionless jerk like you," She grumbled huffing in annoyance. The muscles in his jaw feathered as he glared at her. "Jerk?" His deep voice sounded clipped, icy. "Yeah, of course, you're a jerk. Listen Luca and listen well," she said, stepping closer to him as s
Past. 5 years ago... "I'm so excited," Angela beamed joyously. "Me too," Ella squealed. "Me three," Emily clapped her hands. Ella and Emily were Violet's younger half-sisters. These girls were the most adorable on this planet, and their sass was out of the charts. "We'll swim in the pond," Emily said. "For sure," Angela winked at the little girl. Violet ensured they got all the stuff they needed for the picnic. "You guys are being a third wheel for no reason. I just wanted to spend some time with Violet," Lennox sulked. "You took her on a dinner date just last night. Such a simp," Ella said, earning a chortle from Angela and Lennox narrowed his eyes at the little girl. "So what? She is my wife." "And she's our sister," Ella retorted. "Okay. Okay. No fighting. Let's get in the car," Violet said and they all settled in. Angela took the back seat along with the girls as she checked the messages from her mom when Lennox pulled over to the side and stepp
Present... Angela woke up with a heavy pounding on her head. She groaned and lay on the bed, trying to recall last night. Her head felt so freaking heavy. She rarely drank but last night she wanted to feel free and enjoy herself. That was why she drank. She wondered who dropped her home. Probably Maeve and Milo. She snuggled more into the pillow feeling her body relax. Blinking her eyes, she glanced at the clock and groaned in annoyance. She had classes in the afternoon. She groggily sat up on the bed and stared at nothingness, a bit dazed. Her head was throbbing badly, she hated this pain but still, she liked to drink once in a while. Angela stared down at her clothes. "Jesus, how did I even sleep in this?" She mumbled to herself, staring down at the dress. Pulling to her feet she winced because of the headache. Angela shimmied out of the dress and laid out her clothes on the bed. She was roaming in her room butt naked. Pouring herself some water she chu
Past. 5 years ago... Angela glanced at Luca who stood a couple of feet away from her. His eyes were void and cold. Not a hint of a smile on his face. She just landed two blows on Nolan today, despite how fast the man was and yet there was little to no appreciation from Luca. Nolan appreciated her, and even Kevin gave her a thumbs up, but Luca didn't seem satisfied. He tipped his head at Nolan who walked away. Luca stepped closer to her and stared at the number of bruises on her. "Landing a punch isn't a success when you look like this. You were so into having a hit on him that you presented yourself on a silver platter for him to hurt you, if it were the enemy, you would've been dead by now," he said looking somewhat furious. "Okay," she said in a small voice, and she noticed how surprise flashed in his eyes because she never listened to him before and just now, she didn't counter back with a sassy response so of course he'll be surprised. "Are you following the die
Present... His hand reached out. Luca grabbed her throat in a tight hold and jerked her closer. Her fragile hands landed on his chest as she tried to pull back. Her eyes snapped up to meet his dark gaze as flecks of copper swirled in his grey hues. "Let go," she said. Angela grabbed his hand trying to free herself, but his hold was firm and a bit painful. "Why did you hit me?" He growled at her face causing her to flinch. Her heartbeat quickened and fear began to pool in the bottom of her belly as she tried to regulate her breathing. "Answer me," He roared when she stayed mum. Her bottom lip quivered as she looked up staring into his eyes. "B... Because you insulted me," She tried to tell him. "Am I lying?" He gritted. Tears gathered in her eyes as she tried to free herself from his hold. "D... Don't make me punch you again. Let me go-" Her lips parted, and a soundless gasp left her lips when Luca dived down and bit her neck. Hard. Her eyes widened, feelin
Past. 5 years ago... Angela ran out of the gym into the training grounds. Her heart was thumping in her ears as she tried to make a run for the palace, but luck wasn't on her side because out of nowhere Luca blocked that way causing her to stumble back. Her wide eyes gaped at him in horror. He recovered too soon. He was still at some distance from her but if she didn't make a move now, he'd catch up to her. Angela pivoted on the balls of her feet and made a blind dash into the woods. She ran with all her might. Her heartbeat skyrocketed to a reckless pace. The darkness of the night spread around her like a choking grasp. It didn't feel like a play anymore. At that moment she genuinely felt she was being chased by an enemy who was thirsty for her blood. She was scared out of her wits but adrenaline buzzing through her veins urged her to keep going. If she could escape from him and get back to the palace safe and sound maybe she'd be able to rub this fact in his face. He'd
10 years later. "Mom, I can't find my cap," Levi yelled from his room. "It's in the second drawer on the left," Angela clamored from the kitchen. "I can't hear you, Mom," He screamed from his room. "You're done for if I find it for you!" She hollered back kneading the dough. "Go, help him. I'll look after this," Daphne said as Angela passed her a thankful smile, washed her hands, and hurried to her son's room. Angela stepped inside only to gasp when she found his room turned upside down. He didn't just do that. "Levi, what have you done?" She was on the edge as the little devil shrugged his shoulders. "I told you I couldn't find it," he said with a pout staring up at his mom. "How old are you?" she asked, tapping her foot patiently on the floor with her arms crossed over her chest. "Eight." "Why does your room look like a five-year-old kid's?" "Are you indirectly insulting me, mom?" She narrowed her eyes at him. Angela stomped over the cupboard, she retrieved the c
"You look stunning," Emma said. Her eyes were glassy as she got emotional looking at her baby dressed in a wedding gown ready to enter her new life. "Mom," the girl hugged her mom lovingly as Emma smiled sadly. She was happy but sad at the same time because Angela and Luca would be living in San Francisco rather than in the packhouse with them. Angela has dreams to fulfill and Luca would support her through thick and thin. Emma said she needed to see the arrangements as she left her room. Everyone was busy with the work which left her alone. Angela stared at her reflection in the mirror. She was donning a beautiful white gown, just like that of a princess. Her hair was in a neat bun, elegant makeup, and she looked extremely beautiful. She wondered if Luca would like it or not. The girl was still admiring her reflection when she heard a heavy thud and her eyes snapped on the window. Angela's jaw slacked, finding Luca dressed in his perfect black tux standing near the window immo
Angela was nervous. She was glad that Silvia and Hunter already knew the whole truth. But she couldn't predict the reaction of the rest of her family. On her birthday everyone was so excited to find her mate and she found her mate, she quietly fled, and no one knew about it. They all love Luca, so it won't be a crazy deal like when everyone found out Aurora's mate was Draken. It was complete chaos at that time. If her family could worry about something, then it might be the age gap but then again, her parents had a huge age gap between them. A big hand grabbed her thigh giving it a light squeeze as she glanced at Luca. "Don't worry, everything will be fine," Luca assured her as she passed him a soft smile. If only it was that easy. Of course, her family would be happy for her, but she couldn't wash off the nervousness. For the last two days, she was constantly thinking about the time Luca stopped her from marking him. If he wanted, he could let her mark him, so she was bound to
Luca tried to comfort her as he cursed himself for giving those details. Angela's heart was aching. She was hurting the man who loved her. She was so cruel. Luca hugged her close to his chest as he laid them both on the bed. He cuddled her close to his chest saying sweet nothings and she slowly drifted into darkness and Luca went to sleep as well. The vibration of her phone brought her out of her sleep as she checked her phone and found a folder that had all the photoshoot pictures that came out so beautifully. She thanked the photographer. Angela felt a heavy weight on her chest. She glanced at the soundly sleeping Luca. Stepping out of bed, she grabbed her phone and stepped out of the room. Angela went to the terrace for some fresh air and to her surprise there was a pool there. The blue water reflected under the crescent moon, sparkling like stars. Angela set their picture in which they were kissing as her wallpaper. She removed her dress and set it on the chair under
"Why are we here?" she asked softly. He was holding her hand in his warm embrace escorting her into a prestigious boutique."You'll know," That was all he was saying ever since they left the house.The manager escorted them to the VIP section on the top floor. Luca was served some drinks while the manager showed Angela extremely gorgeous dresses."Mr. Perez had asked us to present our finest collection to you, ma'am," The lady said while showing more dresses.Angela had no clue what was happening, but she went with the flow. She chose two dresses and stepped into the changing room.She wore the first dress and stepped out flaunting it in front of Luca who jutted his chin out in appreciation. His eyes glimmered with joyous shine, but his jaw was clenched. Maybe he was stopping himself from pouncing on her.Her exams just finished yesterday, and they have been roaming out of the house since morning.Angela was sad and kind of depressed in the past week because the investors refused to i
Luca was making sandwiches. He had already washed the dishes because he was free. They had dinner together. It has been a week since she let him do anything. They'd kiss and whenever things would get a little heated, she'd flee to her room and lock herself in. It was a f*cking torture, but he was bearing it patiently. Angela was such a good student. He knew that ever since training days. She always gave her hardest in everything. She'd study late at night, which made him worried, but she would comfort him saying it was no big deal that she always studied late at night. He put the sauce in a heart shape on top of the bread and smiled. She'd love it. He didn't cut the sandwich because that split the heart in two. He prepared warm milk for her. She didn't like milk and avoided it at all costs, but he knew it was good for her. So, he often had to force her to drink it. Placing the food in the wooden tray, he removed his apron and took the tray to her room. Luckily, it was unlocked.
"Where are we headed to?" Luca asked as they walked over to their bikes fully dressed in their gear and helmet. "Somewhere," she said, getting on her bike. His eyes darted to her gorgeous ass, and he refrained himself from touching her rear. Luca quietly got on his bike. The same bike with which he won second place in that street race. "Follow me," She mused, riding ahead of him as he followed her. Luca noticed how a few of the drivers kept staring at her and he had to glare at them viciously for them to avert their gaze from Angela. He was getting jealous to the point he wanted to smash their side mirrors just to look at her longer than necessary. He rode close behind her so all the f*ckers would know she was off-limits. While driving, he grabbed his phone and clicked some of her pictures secretly but the way she shook her head, despite wearing a helmet, he could tell she saw what he was doing through the side mirror. Angela pulled the bike over and stepped down from it
He was tempted to smash the things and put them on fire but refrained from doing so. Firstly, he didn't want to make her mad and secondly, there was a possibility that one of her friends sent her this. But for what? Luca tried to mask his expressions as he walked back to his room only to flinch when she blew a party popper on him. That scared him for a fleeting second but his hold on the stuff tightened. Angela stood in front of him, only in his shirt, her hair was an exotic mess, her cheeks flushed, and her lips swollen with love bites on her neck. She looked thoroughly f*cked. The comical look on his face had her bursting out laughing and she looked so f*cking radiant. "Happy Birthday," She beamed. For a second he was confused before his eyes widened and the realization dawned on him. "What date is today?" he asked, still unsure as she grabbed the stuff from him and placed the box on the bed and the flowers. "Keep holding them," she told him as he kept holding the heart-s
Angela was in the kitchen. "Let me do it, girl. Why are you persistent in making breakfast today?" Daphne asked for the fifth time, but Angela just smiled winking at her as she poured the batter of pancake in the pan. "And you won't even tell me what the special occasion is about?" Daphne asked and Angela just shrugged her shoulders. She set the food on the slab, sliced fruits, pancakes, toast, omelet, and juice. Angela heard the footsteps and her heartbeat quickened. Luca stepped into the kitchen as he glanced at the food and his eyes shot to her. "Come on, eat up," Angela smiled, getting rid of her apron as she took the stool beside him and dropped a kiss on his cheek, mumbling a soft good morning. Luca's ears tinted red as he stared at her with slightly wide eyes while the spatula fell from Daphne's hand who gaped at them. When Angela winked at her, Daphne closed her mouth and tried not to beam joyously as she winked back at Angela who couldn't help but laugh wholeheartedl