Chapter 27: IN HIS MANSION
"You know her?" Nicholas's mother asked in suspicion. It's not common for vampires and humans to live together and know each other but for some reason, she felt a bit wary towards their guest.
"I don't know her personally but I've met her once. She's very kind and sweet. She's got a big heart."
"Oh." The Luna and the Alpha breathed in relief. "So, that's what you mean. I can, indeed, sense the goodness in her."
"Anyway, let's not talk about her. Let's talk about business." Damon instantly changed the subject and carefully threaded around the werewolf couple. He knew that he's more powerful than them but he was still in their territory and he should not make a mess unless he wanted to implicate the whole du Lac clan.
They talked about the business cooperation between the two family, thinking that it would make things better for both side and would ensure their domination in the city.
On the other hand, Serina was sitting up on the bed when the door was pushed open and Nicholas came inside. Their eyes met and for a moment there, Serina felt danger coming off of him. "Are you…are you okay?"
Nicholas chuckled at her question while placing the tray of food on the bed. "I should be asking you that question. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. Although, I'm a bit confused and afraid now."
"Afraid? Are you afraid of me?"
"Kind of."
"Why?"
"Well, for the record, I didn't know you that much. Second, I have no idea how I ended up in your bed. Third, I don't know in which corner of the world are we. So, being the heir to the Vallardi group gives you the privilege to do this?"
Nicholas didn't say anything in response to her words, just picked up the plate of food and the glass of milk before giving it to her. "Eat first and let's talk later."
"Does my parents know?"
"Hn. They gave me consent last night." Nicholas answered which made Serina's nose twitch. He had no idea that his words implied different meaning in her head.
Instead of taking the food, she pushed it away and hid under the blanket. "I'm not hungry." She said. Even if she won't show her face, Nicholas knew that Serina was crying.
"I didn't really mean to bring you here but I had no other idea of saving you. Also, I'm returning you to your parents later. Don't worry, I didn't do anything inappropriate."
"Huh?" she removed the blanket and looked at him. "Return me home? Really?"
"Yeah." Nicholas replied but seeing the embarrassed look on her face and her red nose, he finally realized what was going on in her mind. He couldn't stop himself from laughing at this realization. "Did you think your parents sold you off to me?"
"There's no way they'd do that. Even if they have a huge debt in your family, my parents wouldn't sell me to pay off that debt."
"Right. Your parents love you so much. And I – "
"Hmm? What about you?" Nicholas was staring at her face which made her feel conscious of how she looks at the moment. She unconsciously fixed her hair in front of him and looked at him. "Is something wrong with my face? Why are you staring at me?"
"I respect your family."
"Ha? I don't really get where this conversation is going."
"Don't mind it. Just eat and rest. I'll send you back this afternoon."
"O-okay." Serina finally accepted the food and ate slowly. She's not fond of cheese but when she tried to eat a little to pair it with bread, she actually liked it. "What brand of cheese is this? It's actually tasty. I mean, I don't like cheese that much but I think this is really good."
"That's a homemade cheese here in our mansion."
"Here in your mansion? We're in your village?" The surprise on her face wasn't hidden at all. There's awe and a little bit of fear in her eyes at the same time. "Did you bring me here last night?"
"Right. I forgot to mention this to you." Nicholas stood up and walked to the window where he could see their servants working on some house chores. "Something happened to you yesterday and your parents couldn't find a way to deal with it. Our family has ways to help you though so, I asked your parents if I can bring you here. They agreed and so, I brought you here."
"What exactly happened to me? I don't remember anything that troubles me."
"Rina, do you believe in supernatural beings like werewolves, vampires and dragons?"
"Yes. I believe that they exist why? Why are you asking me this question?"
"And will you believe my words if I say that a vampire was trying to suck your life force?"
"My life force? Like my blood? Vampires drink blood, right?" Serina questioned before drinking the glass of milk. "And by the way, have you eaten your breakfast? I just realize to ask you this question after getting myself full."
Nicholas laughed once again because of her question. She seems indifferent but she's actually kind and thoughtful, although, she'd show it a little bit late than how other people do. "I'm not hungry. Don't worry about me." He sat on the couch at the window and looked at her. "Back to our topic. Vampires don't just feed by drinking blood. They also enhanced their power or their abilities by sucking out one's life force. For example, you may not be aware of this but a spirit must be living within you. Even if that spirit is being dormant, vampires will be able to tell you apart from normal people. They knew a lot of sorcery when it comes to taking someone's life force."
"And what happens if that spirit thingy gets sucked out of me?"
"You will become dumb or lose some parts of your memories."
"That's scary."
"I know. And since you were a victim of their scheme, you should be aware by now that something lives in you. Have you been hearing voices as if someone was talking to you from the deepest part of your mind?"
"No." Serina answered almost immediately. "I'm not hearing things. That's just abnormal." She was saying these words but they were contrary to the truth. "Also, I have forgotten to ask you this question. Who changed my clothes?"
"I did."
"You did?!"
"Well, I don't want any other people to see your body. I – "
"Did you see something on my back?"
"No, I didn't."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes." Nicholas was the one getting confused now. He remembered seeing her smooth and fair-skinned back but seeing her anxious expression he started to wonder if there was something else that he missed. "Do you want to take a walk for a moment? It will help you recover quickly and we can go back to the city after that."
"Sure." Serina jumped out of the bed in excitement but she felt an airy feeling on her lower body which made her realize her mistake. She jumped back to the bed and covered herself with the blanket. "I'm not going out." She said in a muffled voice from under the quilt.
Nicholas wanted to laugh again but he held it back, worried that she'd feel even more embarrass and will start to hate him. "I'll borrow some clothes from my mother. Just wait for me here."
He picked up the tray and the empty utensils before going out of the room. Now that she's clearheaded and have calmed down, she couldn't stop the fluttering of butterflies in her stomach.
'His bed smells like him. His shirt has his scent and I could just smell him everywhere. My god! Am I really in love with that dangerous man?'
Brittislava was just listening to her silly antics in the depths of her mind. She wanted to agree with Serina but she couldn't. If things continue to develop as it is right now, Serina's bound to get hurt. 'I'm sorry, Rina.' Brittislava thought but she didn't convey this message to Serina at all.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone