Mate For The Bride

Creepy eyes

Andrew came rushing up to me with Mother behind him.

He saw what was in front of me first and there was not much change to his expression before he pulled me up to my feet and to his chest. When Mother tried to get closer to us, he shooed her away.

"Go back Mother. She was just startled."

"Startled?" Mother frowned. "What would make her like that? Elora dear-"

"Mother, I'm fine." I quickly cut her off. "You should go back inside now."

"Are you sure?" she held my eyes and I managed a smile to reassure her.

Once she was out of sight, I pulled out of Andrew's embrace.

"Wait here for me. I'll take it away." he didn't ask any questions. He just ruffled my hair, a worried look in his eyes as he moved towards the thing that was lying on the ground.

"Wait." I called him back when he bent towards it. I forced my legs to move until I was close to it and Andrew looked up at me with concern.

"I'm fine." I told him, shifting my gaze to the bloodied human arm that laid there. I wasn't as scared as when I had first stumbled upon it.

I was calm now. My eyes caught something on the wrist so I squatted next to Andrew, squinting my eyes and going even closer to see what it was.

A tattoo.

Thes ame one that man had. The general's man that tried to attack me. Or perhaps it was the same person.

Flash back of the scene a while ago entered my mind and my lips quivered, heart hammering in my chest.

It was him.

The Devil did this.

But for what? What was he trying to prove?

My eyes searched around for the box the bloody thing had came in and I found it lying at a corner. I picked it up and like I had predicted, there was a note at the side which I peeled away to read.

I hope you liked your gift.

Bloody asshole!!!

I gritted my teeth in anger as I crushed the paper in my palms, running my fingers through my messy hair and watching Andrew wrap up the human hand, ready to dispose of it.

He cleaned up the scene pretty well and I didn't bother telling him anything for fear he might do something stupid. I thought it was a good thing he didn't ask but the very next day and the next couple of days after, Andrew continued to follow me everywhere.

Except for when I want to relieve myself, he never lets me go anywhere alone. It was so annoying I could go mad but Andrew didn't care. I couldn't escape his eyes either so I just accepted my fate.

I imagined he was a body guard and I was a rich heir that needed protection from the enemy.

Nothing happened during these few days. I didn't bump into any of the general's men and I didn't feel those creepy eyes watching me.

It was already night when me and Andrew finished decorating the streets for the festival that would happen tomorrow night. I stare at my work with pride and awe.

It was truly beautiful. Maybe I had chosen the wrong job in my previous life. Instead of a spy, I was born to do this.

"Let's go, Lora. Tomorrow will be one long day." Andrew sighed as if expecting the worst on the moon festival.

And he was right.

A lot of things usually goes on on that day.

"How about we grab a drink first?" I suggested and Andrew nod his head fast, as if he had been thinking about it too.

I smiled and linked my arms with his.

Because there were not so many places for drinks around, we had to go back to thesame tavern Andrew was almost killed in.

I had to swallow the fear I felt remembering that man as I took a seat and Mia came to attend to us.

"The brother and sister duo are here today. What would you like sir, Madam?"

I glared at her for teasing us then answered. "The usual."

"I'll be back in a bit."

I noticed how Andrew's eyes followed her until she was no longer visible to us.

I chuckled. "You don't have to make it so obvious you like her."

"What do I do then? I'm head over heels!" he shamelessly told me and I smiled again.

"Ask her out. Maybe she likes you too."

"You think so?"

"You never know until you actually do it."

"It's harder than you see it. You've never had to go up to someone and confess your feelings."

My lips purse together and Andrew shifted his gaze to me. "You have?!"

"Why do you look so surprised? Do you really think I haven't?"

"Who was it? Did he reject you?"

He did. Fortunately, it wasn't in this timeline or this world whatever it is.

Back then, I was young, the elite of my group, the master's favorite. His fondness for me was mistaken for love and I had let myself fall uncontrollably for him. When I found the courage to confess, he quickly brushed it off like it was nothing.

Yes, I was ignored just like that and I never fell for anyone ever since.

"It's okay if you're not going to tell me. I would've beaten up the bastard."

"Or you would've been beaten into a pulp." Mia returned with our drinks and I tugged at her shirt before she would leave.

"What is it my dear Elora?"

"Are you busy?"

"Obviously I am."

"You can't spare even a minute?" I made a pitiful face and she acted as if she was disgusted with that.

"Of course I can.." she said and my eyes lit up immediately until she added. "If you're going to pay for my extra minute."

I immediately released her and she shook her head.

"Don't worry we will hang out sometime soon. I'll be free during the Festival tomorrow night."

I nod at her, pouring myself a drink, still displeased she refused to spend time with us tonight.

We really didn't label ourselves as friends but we were on very good terms.

"Enjoy." she called out and left to serve other guest.

"Mia doesn't have time like us. You know she provides for her family."

"You don't have to remind me." I groan then lifted my cup to my mouth and took gulps after gulps

This tasted nothing like the wine we usually had in the modern days. It was better!

Andrew's was different from mine since he had a wolf and werewolves do not easily get drunk unlike a certain someone. Me.

I had only finished a bottle and was feeling lightheaded already. Feeling bile rising up to my throat, I stood up.

"I-i'll be back." I stutter, knocking over a couple of benches as I managed to locate the restroom.

The moment I turned into that corner, I felt those creepy eyes on me once again and I freeze.

When I looked behind me, there was absolutely nothing.

I was drunk. Maybe I just imagined it.

I chanted but my steps had become hasty as I head to the washroom for females, hoping I could lock the door once I get there.

In my drunken state, I had forgotten the doors here were wooden and there was really no use locking them.

Holding the wall, I closed my eyes as I listened to the footsteps that approached me. It echoed ominously, each step sending a shiver down my spine. My heart raced, its frantic rhythm accentuating the growing intensity of the footsteps, like an impending storm drawing near.

What was I so afraid of? He was just another man but he had this effect on me. Something I dread.

"Found you." came his low-pitched voice.

My whole body stiffened but I released them again, strengthening my back, holding my head up and turning around to meet his dark, empty eyes.

I felt the chills immediately.

Just like the last time, he was dressed completely in black, staring down at me like I was a prey. His prey.

"This is the female's restroom. You cannot be here-"

"Did you receive my gift?" he cut me off, eyes holding mine intensely.

For some reasons, it wasn't that hard to look.

"Look, I know-"

"Were you happy with it?" he cut me off again and I almost swore.

Like hell, I was happy with the damn bloody arm he sent.

"I'm not as sick as you are!"

"Sick?" he slowly pushes me into a corner. "What is sick about what I did? He was going to hurt you."

My mouth opened."Y-you cut off his arm because of that? No, wait. How was it any of your business if he hurts me? I never asked for your help."

"You didn't have to. I saw that you needed one."

"You saw wrongly."

His eyes darkened dangerously and I gulped when he came closer. "You still don't understand?"

My back plastered against the wall but he didn't stop coming closer to me until, I could practically breath in his wood scent.

"Maybe it's because you don't have a wolf so I'll show you." he leaned closer, tilted his head and I close my eyes in fear, no, it was anticipation. I closed my eyes in anticipation of what he wanted to do and next, I felt his tongue, on my face. He licked up the side of my cheeks to the lobe of my ear and I swear I shivered uncontrollably with my eyes closed like I was having a freaking orgasm.

"I've just staked my claim. Next time someone hurts a hair on you, I'll bring you their head."

"That doesn't sound sweet at all." I finally found my voice again.

"It wasn't meant to."

"Are you a pervert?" I looked into his eyes, forcing the confidence to my voice. "If not, what do you want from me? First, you stalk me for a whole day then you corner me here and talk about staking claims?"

Before I could finish, he pinched my cheeks, eyes growing as dark as I had ever since them but he released me again and a playful look entered his eyes. Trust me, this expression was much scarier.

"Don't push it." he said. "Whatever you want to call me, just not a pervert."

"Why? Bad memories?"

He didn't answer. He just narrowed his eyes at me and asked. "How's Andrew?"

What was the Devil trying to pull now?

"Have you thought about why I left him alive?"

"Maybe you could enlighten me." I smirked but I was never prepared for what he said next.

"Come to my place then."

"Why would I do that?"

"If you don't, I'll kill him."

My body freezes as I stare at him. It wasn't a joke. This psycho will really do it. And yet, Andrew trusted him so much.

"Why do you want me in your place?"

"You said you wanted to be enlightened. I will be more than happy to do that for you."

"You could do that right here." I insisted and he made an action of looking around before shaking his head.

"It doesn't seem appropriate here."

"It doesn't seem appropriate in your personal space either. You can do it outside if you want."

"I want you in my place, princess." the amount of power in his voice forces me to still. I swallowed hard.

"You know what, I don't want to know anymore."

His lips curled. "Are you sure about that, because... I might send you another gift if you remain stubborn."

I released a breath of frustration and anger. He seemed so calm, watching me. As if he enjoyed the look on my face.

"Why are you so interested in me?" I asked boldly and he just smiles.

"You'll know it soon." he kisses my forehead and I freeze when I feel his cold lips.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow then."

I don't answer. I just watch him leave.