Cynthia
The doctor tended to my wounds and wrapped them in a white bandage. I was fully conscious now, and I could see Zander standing in the corner of the room, his eyes bloodshot, perhaps from my blood, and I knew he saw me as a potential meal at that moment.
After the doctor finished, he approached Zander and whispered something to him. I didn't care about what he was saying; maybe he was informing him that I was unstable.
Zander escorted him out of the room, and I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling the hunger gnawing at my stomach, but I had no desire to eat. All I wanted was to clean up and rest. I knew that when I woke up, I would forget everything.
The door creaked open, and I heard footsteps entering the room. I recognized Zander's presence.
"Cynthia, you need to eat; I brought you some food," Zander said, his tone unreadable.
"No, I'm not hungry," I replied, looking up at the ceiling, feeling a void in my chest and a heartache that I couldn't shake off.
"I didn't ask you, but I'm telling you to eat right now unless you want me to end your life and bury you in my garden," Zander threatened, and I scoffed.
"Do you have the guts to kill me? You lack the courage to do so; if you did, you would have done it already. It seems like you're too infatuated with me to harm me," I retorted, aware that I was rambling, but I just wanted him to leave me alone.
"Do you really think I can't kill you?" Zander questioned.
"Yes, you can't!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening as I heard the click of a gun. Zander aimed it directly at my head, and I quickly sat up from the bed. He seemed serious.
Without saying a word, I grabbed the tray of food from the nightstand and started eating with my uninjured hand. Zander sat on the couch, watching me as I ate. The food had no taste on my tongue, but I ate out of fear. After finishing, I drank some water and placed the tray back on the nightstand before reclining on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Get up from the bed, I want to take you somewhere," Zander stated, still holding the gun, and I complied, getting up from the bed.
"Where are you taking me?" I inquired, but Zander ignored my question as he took my hand and led me out of the room.
"Where are we going, Zander? I want to sleep; it's almost dawn, and I'm exhausted," I muttered, but Zander paid no attention. He guided me downstairs and into the storeroom, pushing open the door and proceeding further. Unlocking another door, we entered a room with only one window, sparsely furnished with a small blanket and a pillow on the floor.
Zander pushed me to the ground, and I fell.
"Cynthia, I detest those who wallow in self-pity and refuse to take control of their lives. I can't stand people like you; I could have killed you long ago, but you're lucky I'm giving you a chance," Zander declared firmly before leaving the room and locking the door from the outside.
I moved to a corner, sat down, and hugged my knees, lacking the energy to argue with him. Perhaps staying here would be beneficial. I could stay away from those bloodthirsty vampires. I closed my eyes, trying to push away all thoughts and eventually drifted into a deep sleep.
Zander
I sat by the fire in the sitting room, sipping blood from a glass. After confining Cynthia in that room for two days, she remained silent, refusing to eat or drink anything.
My mind was consumed with thoughts of her. Initially, I thought she was just scared because she had never encountered a vampire before, but now I realized she was broken and miserable—damaged goods. Her heart harbored resentment, anger, and a desire for revenge, but she directed it inward rather than outward. I wasn't sure if she felt powerless or if she chose to let go of her grievances. I had never felt sympathy for anyone before, but I felt the same way about her as she did about herself.
I knew she was dangerous, possessing unique and potentially hazardous abilities. I also remembered the prophecy from the previous night, indicating that she would serve as a distraction for all vampires and werewolves. She was a formidable adversary, and I wasn't sure what kind of enemy she would turn out to be. I should kill her; that's what I'm supposed to do. But I swore to protect her with my life.
"Zander," Nancy's voice called out from behind me. I didn't turn to acknowledge her; I wanted to be alone. Her presence was unnecessary, but she persisted like a desperate fool.
She approached me and wrapped her hand around my arm. "Zander, you should eliminate that girl. If you don't, she'll surely be the end of you, and it's best to get rid of her before you find yourself at war with everyone in the city," Nancy advised, biting her lip as she awaited my response. I chuckled, knowing she was only thinking of herself and nothing else.
"Nancy, just leave me alone!" I said firmly, rising from the chair with the glass in my hand.
"Zander, you can't dismiss me like this. You know I love you, and I want to be with you. Please don't push me away," Nancy pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes. It was rare to see her cry, but I couldn't care less.
"You fell for me on your own accord, so don't blame me for not reciprocating your feelings. You should know by now that I don't fall in love, so don't blame me for your foolishness," I stated, making my way downstairs to check on Cynthia before heading to work. Upon reaching the room she was in, I unlocked the door and pushed it open.
My jaw dropped at the sight before me. Cynthia's other hand was bleeding, and she sat there calmly, drawing on her hand with a hair clip, blood dripping from the wound as if she didn't feel any pain. She was clearly mentally unstable, and I realized she needed help. I had reached my limit with her.
"You're insane, you know that?" I remarked, standing by the door.
"I know, what I don't know is why it concerns you," Cynthia replied calmly, continuing to draw on her hand with the hair clip.
I approached her, took the hair clip from her hand, and threw it on the floor. I tried to hold her hand, but she pushed me away.
"Leave me alone. I told you not to touch me. Keep your filthy hands away from me," she snapped, and I chuckled.
"Do you think you're an angel? I'd rather be a heartless vampire than a broken angel like you. Look at yourself! You're no different from a madwoman, losing your mind. I might have to take you to a mental health facility soon," I said sarcastically, earning a glare from Cynthia, her emerald eyes piercing through me.
"Shut your mouth. You know nothing about me," Cynthia retorted, glaring fiercely at me.
"I know everything about you. I've even found the location where your mother is buried," I revealed, causing Cynthia's eyes to widen in shock.
"W-Where is she buried?" she asked, tears welling up in her eyes.
I smirked, knowing I had finally piqued her interest. I didn't actually know where her mother was buried, but I intended to use this information to control her wild spirit.
"Where was my mother buried?" Cynthia inquired, snapping me out of my reverie. I looked at her with a smirk.
"Well, as you know, nothing comes for free in this world. So, what are you willing to offer me in exchange for the location of your mother's burial?" I asked calmly, studying her reaction.
"Anything you want. I'll do anything as long as you tell me where my mom is buried," Cynthia replied, her voice trembling with desperation.
I didn't enjoy deceiving her in this manner, but it was necessary to shake her out of her current state of despair.
"Will you truly do anything?" I questioned, scrutinizing her to gauge her sincerity. She was unpredictable, and I wasn't sure what she was capable of.
"Yes, I'll do whatever you ask. Just tell me where my mother is, please," Cynthia pleaded, tears streaming down her face, her vulnerability tugging at my conscience.
"First, wipe away those tears. Second, come with me," I instructed, rising from the floor. Cynthia quickly followed me, wiping her tears with a trembling hand stained with blood.
"Okay," she replied, following me out of the room. It seemed I had finally found a way to manipulate her and exploit her vulnerabilities. I knew that once she discovered the truth, she would emerge stronger from this ordeal.
I put my hands in my pockets as we exited the storeroom, heading to the dining room and then upstairs to her room. I opened the door and entered, gesturing for Cynthia to follow. I sat on the couch, crossing my legs, and watched as she stood before me with a puzzled expression.
"Go to the bathroom, take a warm shower, and tend to your wounds. You have 30 minutes to get ready; we're going out," I informed her. Cynthia looked confused but complied, heading to the bathroom. I tapped my foot impatiently, glancing at my watch as I waited for her to return. It was time to leverage her abilities for my own benefit. With the upcoming elections, I knew she was the key to removing Robert Davis from my path.
After a few minutes, the door was pushed open and Cynthia stepped out, her whole body shimmering with water, a towel wrapped around her. Her blonde hair was still wet, drops falling from it onto her towel-covered chest. Her long legs were revealed, and if she removed the damn towel , she would look perfect. My eyes fell on the tattoo on her leg, a heart stabbed with a dagger and bleeding. It seemed out of character for her, but it made her look incredibly attractive. I swallowed hard, never expecting to be so captivated by a girl like this. She looked like a goddess of beauty.
"Are you going to sit there and admire my beauty or are you going to leave?" Cynthia asked, snapping me out of my daze. I smirked at her boldness, wishing she would stay like this – fierce and confident.
"I wouldn't mind sitting here and admiring your beauty, watching you get dressed and maybe catching a glimpse of your perfect ass. It could be a fair repayment for one of your debts," I said, surprised by my own words. Usually, girls were the ones chasing after me, not the other way around.
"Really?" Cynthia asked, walking towards me with a seductive sway in her hips. Was she trying to seduce me? If so, I was more than willing to be seduced and have my way with her.
Cynthia reached the couch where I was sitting, bending down slightly to my level and grabbing my tie, causing me to rise off the couch. Her emerald eyes locked with mine, drawing me in and making me feel like she was searching for something deep within me. Time seemed to stand still as we gazed at each other.
I snapped out of my trance when Cynthia pushed me out of her room.
"Do you think I would let a big pervert sit here while I get dressed?" Cynthia scoffed. "You'll only see me naked in your dreams, bloody vampire." With that, she shut the door in my face. I smirked to myself. This girl was dangerous – just a look from her and I lost my senses. I needed to regain control before she truly had the power to destroy me with that gaze.
I made my way downstairs and settled on the couch, anticipating Cynthia's arrival. Today, I had taken a day off from the office to spend time with her. I wanted to help her understand the importance of seeking justice for her mother's death and the hardships she endured because of Robert Davis. While I had my own reasons for wanting him to pay, it was crucial for Cynthia to see the truth.
After a few minutes, Cynthia descended the stairs. She was dressed in a short denim skirt that accentuated her long legs, a crop top that revealed her flat stomach, and sneakers. Her blonde hair was neatly styled, cascading down her back. She looked stunning, and I couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty.
"I'm ready," Cynthia announced, prompting me to stand up. As she approached me, I couldn't help but notice how alluring she looked. Her presence was captivating, like that of an angel.
"Stop staring and take me to my mother's grave," Cynthia said, bringing me back to reality.
"Go change first. You can't go out dressed like that," I advised. Cynthia examined herself, a hint of displeasure on her face.
"Why should I change? There's nothing wrong with how I'm dressed," Cynthia retorted, crossing her arms defensively.
"Do you want to visit your mother's grave or not? If you're not willing to follow my instructions, I can cancel our plans," I warned.
Cynthia shot me a glare, her frustration evident. "Bloody vampires," she muttered before storming back upstairs, clearly upset.
A few minutes later, Cynthia returned downstairs, dressed in a black long dress that accentuated her curves, paired with black heels, matching earrings, and gloves to cover her wounds. I smiled, pleased with her outfit.
"Good choice," I remarked. Cynthia rolled her eyes as I got up from the couch and motioned for her to follow me.
"Where are we going?" Cynthia inquired, her heels clicking on the floor.
"Don't ask too many questions, just follow quietly. If you don't cooperate, I won't take you to your mom's grave," I warned. I needed to incite her anger towards Robert Davis, and I had a plan in mind.
As we stepped outside, I held the door open for Cynthia.
"Trying to be a gentleman, fake it till you make it," Cynthia quipped before getting into the car. Just moments ago, she was in tears, now she had an attitude. What a complex woman she was.
I entered the car on the other side, started the engine, and drove away from the villa. The ride was silent, with Cynthia gazing out the window.
"Why did you spare my life when I discovered your secret? I know you wanted to kill me that night. Why spare me? And why marry someone like me instead of Tiara?" Cynthia broke the silence, questioning me.
"No questions means no answers. Just sit quietly," I deflected, avoiding her inquiries. I didn't have an answer myself, so how could I explain it to her?
"Whatever. You don't have the courage to kill me, even if you wanted to," Cynthia retorted, looking out the window. I continued driving on the highway.
After a few minutes, I parked the car in the restaurant's lot.
"Remember to keep smiling. We need to maintain the facade of a happy marriage," I instructed, earning a glare from Cynthia.
"Do I have to pretend to be happy just to please others, even if I'm not?" Cynthia questioned, her tone calm but defiant. Her sharp tongue was starting to grate on my nerves.
"If you want to see where your mother is buried, drop the attitude and follow my lead," I commanded, stepping out of the car. I opened the door for Cynthia, and we walked arm in arm to the restaurant entrance. The guard held the door open for us as we entered.
"Why did you bring me here?" Cynthia demanded as we walked in.
"Shut up," I snapped.
"Good morning, Mr. Jones. Your table is ready. Please follow me," the manager greeted us. I nodded and followed him inside.
I pulled out a chair for Cynthia, who sat down with a glare. If looks could kill, I'd be dead by now. I ignored her.
"Your food will be ready shortly. Would you like some wine while you wait?" the manager offered. I nodded, and Cynthia shot me a look.
"Bring a glass of water and a glass of wine," I instructed as the manager left.
"Since when do vampires eat food? I thought your meal was to suck blood from a human and leave them bloodless and lifeless?" Cynthia asked through clenched teeth, ensuring that only I could hear her. I scoffed at her comment.
"You're right. Maybe I should just drink your blood since you don't want me to eat like a normal human," I replied sarcastically, causing Cynthia to click her tongue in annoyance.
"A monkey can wear clothes, but it can never be a human. The same goes for you. You may try to act human, but you can't let go of your old ways of sucking other people's blood," Cynthia said angrily. Before I could respond, I noticed Tiara and her friends entering the restaurant. As soon as she spotted us, she made her way over to our table. It was her favorite spot, and I had chosen it knowing she would be there today.
A smirk played on my lips as Tiara approached, her face turning red with anger.
"Oh, look at you, Zander. I never thought I would see you sitting here with this dirt from the dustbin! What did you see in her that I don't have? Did she seduce you and trap you with a pregnancy?" Tiara asked, glaring at Cynthia, who remained calm.
"Good morning, Ms. Tiara Davis," Cynthia replied calmly, her tone icy. "Getting so angry in the morning is not healthy. You'll age prematurely."
I smirked at Cynthia's response.
"So now you know how to talk back because you married Zander Jones? He was going to marry me, and you trapped him into marrying you," Tiara said, her anger evident.
"He was going to marry you, but that's in the past. Now he's my husband, and he chose me over you. You need to accept that and stop shouting so early in the morning," Cynthia said calmly.
Tiara attempted to slap Cynthia, but Cynthia caught her hand and twisted it, her eyes filled with anger.
"Don't ever raise your hand to me again. I tolerated enough because of your father, but if you try it again, I can assure you, my husband can get me out of any trouble. Watch your step from now on," Cynthia warned, releasing Tiara's hand with force, causing her to fall to the floor. Onlookers turned their attention to the scene, some even taking pictures. My mission for the day was accomplished.
"Honey, I think we should leave this cheap restaurant and it's cheap people," Cynthia said. I was surprised by her boldness and impressed by her attitude. Robert Davis's countdown starts now.
I took Cynthia's hand, and we left the restaurant together. Once outside, Cynthia quickly let go of my hand and got into the car. I followed suit and drove away from the restaurant.
Cynthia sat silently in the car, visibly upset. I decided to remain quiet as I drove onto the highway. My concern grew when I noticed a car tailing us closely. I suspected it was Robert Davis following us, likely alerted by his daughter. I couldn't use my powers in front of humans, so I needed to find a way to escape without putting Cynthia in danger.
This situation was dire, and I needed to come up with a plan to evade Robert Davis and ensure Cynthia's safety.