Chapter 2

Irvin’s POV

Classes are over so I decided to buy some ingredients. I am planning to cook something special for Tristan for saving me yesterday. I went to the meat section when I spotted the three guys that try to rape me yesterday. 

“So what’s the plan now?” One of the minions asked their leader.

Out of curiosity, I lean even closer to listen to whatever conversation they are having. 

“Tristan said let’s just wait for his signal. We can’t just attack his guy. He will kill us.” The leader said in a serious tone. I couldn't move from my place after I heard Tristan’s name. Maybe it’s a different person. Tristan isn’t a rare name after all.

“When will the boss do his first base? We’ve been waiting for three years.” The other minions whine as they go to the cashier and pay.

Three years? That’s how long I have known Tristan. Are they really talking about my friend Tristan? That can’t be true!

With my legs shaking and mind still confused I walked out from the grocery and decided to buy take outs instead. Avoiding crossing paths with those jerks. I went straight to our apartment and found Tristan lying on the couch holding his phone. He excitedly ran towards me as he noticed that I got home.

“Hey, Vin. What’s for dinner?” He asked with excitement.

“I just bought take outs. That’s steaks and mashed potatoes.” I said, trying to hide my anger. I placed the take outs on the dining table while he just watched me settle the dinnerware. Even though I don’t have any appetite to eat, I need to do so. He must not know that I know something until I prove that the Tristan that they are talking about is not the Tristan that I considered my friend.

“Let’s eat already. Take your seat.” I avoid looking him in the eyes.

I could feel his stare on me as he took the seats in front of me. “Is there something wrong? You seem so different.” Tristan raised an eyebrow.

“I’m fine. Just tired.” I gave him a fake smile. He just nodded and enjoyed his steak.

After we ate dinner I washed our plates. I still think of what I’ve heard at the grocery when Tristan hugged me from behind. I turned to stone when he rested his chin on my shoulder and his arms around my waist. He always does this to me but this is the first time I felt uncomfortable.

“You look so space out.” He pouted. “Someone bullied you again?”

“No. I’m sorry.” I try to focus on the dishes so that he won’t notice.

We stayed in that position until I finished the dishes. I tried to get off his hand but he would just return it to its place.

“Hey! Stop it. I want to sleep right now.” I start to get mad at him. But he even tightened his arms around my waist. I struggled from his embrace but Tristan has undefined strength that no one can beat. Common for someone who’s six foot tall, one hundred ninety pounds build.

“Why, Vin? Is it because those brats had noticed you? Now, you’re acting so arrogant.” He bites my earlobe as he whispers. Then he started to kiss and suck my neck.

I am still tearing his grip to free myself. “LET ME GO!” I try to fight him back even though I know it is useless.

He threw me on the couch and got pinned by him. The strength of those three guys is nothing compared to him. He tied my arms on my back and started to rip my shirt. He forcefully kissed me but I fought back so he bit it that made me shout in pain. He slapped me back and forth. He violently bit and sucked my neck leaving red and violet spots after. “You’re mine baby.” He teases my nipples as he continues to bite my neck and collarbone. With my hands tied in the back all I do is shrug my shoulder.

“N-No please.” I cried in my poor situation. When he starts to unbuckle my belt I take the chance to kick him hard on his balls. He stumbled on the floor in pain. I run towards the door and open it while I turn around to reach it with my tied hands. And run away from him.

With my hands tied at my back, ripped shirt, I ran towards the park behind our apartment. I slumped my tired body on the cold grass as I reached it. I started to cry in despair. Nowhere to go, no one to trust, will I still survive this life? What should I do?

“Hey. What happened?” I was surprised when someone tapped me on my shoulder. And see a familiar face. However, I couldn’t remember where or what his name was. Probably a student in Rees – Evans High School too.

He scanned my whole situation and noticed that my wrist was tied. “Would you like me to help you?” He said. Staring at my hands. He kneels behind me and unties my hands. The knot leaves a mark on my pale skin but it is nothing deeper to the pain I feel inside.

“Thanks.” I stood on my feet and walked away.

“Irvin Walker, right?” I stopped but I didn’t face him. “You’re Tristan’s…”

“What? Friend?” I cut him off. I shake in fury just hearing his name. How dare he betray me…for what? I didn’t do anything that deserves this kind of treatment. I’ve been nice to him. “Friends don't abuse each other’s trust. So…no. Not anymore.”

He walked closer and put his jacket on my shoulder, “I know someone who can help you. My card is inside this pocket. Text me if you’re willing to trade your loyalty to us in exchange for your safety.” And went away.

Henrick’s POV 

It was exactly seven when I entered the classroom. We have a pre-exam today so I need to study my subjects again. Almost everyone is here except for the youngest of our group, Moe. I took my seats and started to open my notes while I listened to my mp3. I haven’t finished reading the first sentence of my notes when someone pulls down my book to take my attention. And it is Moe, wearing his widest smile I have ever seen before. I glanced at Boone, that seat beside me, he just shrugged his shoulder saying he has no idea what’s going on. I took off my earphones to listen to him. 

“You will thank me for today.” I raised my eyebrow still confused with his words. 

Before he gave me his explanation someone knocked the door. 

“Come in!” Zeke shouted since he is closest to the door. Every one of us looked at the door to see whoever that unexpected guest was. Our professors don’t usually knock if they are about to enter the class, which makes us curious who this visitor is. The knob slowly turned then the door showed the ‘goddess’ of the school, Irvin Walker. But this time I saw some bruises on his face, wounded lips and a lot of marks on his neck that I never saw yesterday. 

“You’re lost.” I said trying to hide that I didn’t expect this. I saw that he clenched his fist. I stared at Moe, now smiling at Irvin. So he is the one who invited him here? 

“I need your help.” He said with a firm voice but he sounded desperate to me. What made you decide on this, Irvin? What happened to you yesterday? 

“What d'ya think, Henry boy?” Boone asked in a low voice and grandpa tone. His mocking grin already tells me what he is thinking. I’m not surprised since ever since we were young we already know each other.  

I stand on my feet and walk closer to Irvin. I observed him from head to toe, front and back. He just stands still, his eyes have no emotion at all. His fist still clenched. I watch the other members. All of them are just patiently waiting for my decision while Moe is still wearing his widest smile. Such a weirdo. I went back and sat on my desk and crossed my arms. 

“You see, we have more than enough members already.” I started. He looked down in dismay. “But I might take it into consideration depending on your reason for joining. I hope you understand I don’t want a member just to brag about our name.” I continued. Not really sure what he wants from us.

He lifted his face and started his words. “I don’t want anyone to bully me again. I don’t want to be molested nor be raped by anyone again. If you worry I will use your name just to boast to anyone I promise you, I will not. I will do anything you want, just give me security against them.” A tear formed in his eyes. I stared at Boone for some suggestions. 

“He seems to be telling the truth. But let me remind you of his connection with a certain Tristan Young. How can we assure that he is not a spy?” Boone pointed out the main reason that we disregard his existence. Because Tristan is currently the leader of Osiris, our rival. 

“What’s with Tristan?” His eyes are full of confusion. “Don’t tell me you are one of his minions too?” His anger started to burst. 

“Boone is right. Tristan is our worst enemy. And you, being his friend, makes you his potential spy against us.” Though I want him to help him so that I can see him more often. I still need to be cautious with my decisions as the leader. 

“If I consider him as a friend I don’t need your help against him. And if he considers me as a friend then there’s no bruises on my body right now.” He said, holding back his tears.

“So he is the one who did that to you yesterday?” Moe asked in surprise. So they met yesterday? Everything happened yesterday. 

“I’ll give you a chance. Spy or not, I will find out the truth anyway.” His face lightened up. “Be prepared for your initiation.” I return to my seat and listen to my mp3 again and pretend to focus my attention on studying but the truth is I secretly observe him as the other members talk to him, welcoming the possible new member. And he is delightful. He wore a smile I have never seen for ages, only when he’s with Tristan. I know ‘cause I’ve been following ever since freshman years. 

Our last period at last ended. And I still can’t believe that Irvin talked to me. It’s not that I like him or anything but I just can’t help but worry every time he is bullied by others. That’s so inhumane. 

“I didn’t think that you'd organize an initiation for him.” Boone said as we walked in the crowded hallway. 

To be honest, I regret telling him that there’s an initiation before I agree to his favor. I would be very grateful if I could give him a hand without asking for anything in exchange. But it’s already been said and done. I cannot just back out from my own words.

“It’s for our own benefit.” My only excuse. 

“Are you sure?” He smirked. 

“Finn is the one who has a crush on him, not me.”

“You know that Finn has a crush on everyone. Didn’t he had this infatuation to Moe when we first meet him? And based on your actions you do like him. Let me guess, it was three years ago since you started stalking him. Right?” I was surprised that Boone knows this. I’ve been keeping this to them. Though they already know I am a bisexual. I just don’t want them to give meaning to me stalking this Irvin guy. Cause I am not into him. Just curious and wanna know him better.

“You are stalking me now.” I joked.

“Come on, Henry boy. It’s fine to speak up your true emotions.”

“The hell, Boone. Will you shut up? You’re saying nonsense.”

“Just think about it. It’s either you don’t notice you like him or you don’t want to notice it at all.” He stopped in the students lounge and so did I. He pointed to the guy that was sitting alone at the bench. It was Irvin, and he was spaced out. “Why don’t you invite him to my hotel? I’ll give you the usual room. Gotta go, got a date with Finn.” He just tapped my shoulder and left. 

For a few minutes I just stood still at my position and watched him as he drowned himself from his thoughts. I finally decided to walk towards him since I gained some guts to talk to him.