Chapter 21: TWENTY-ONE

J A D E

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves, trying to get myself under control.

The last thing I wanted was to make a scene. After a few shots, I felt the alcohol starting to have its effect, and it was making me feel better.

I was feeling tipsy, and light headed, and I loved the feeling. The music had changed and a slow song had started playing, and just as I was about to order another drink, a man stepped in front of me.

"Care to dance?"

I glanced at him.

He had a charming smile. He was handsome, but there was something sinister about him.

His hair was black and was tied in a man bun. His jaw was chiseled, and his eyes were a mesmerizing mixture of green and blue.

His body was tall and lean, and he had an aura that screamed dangerous. But the smile on his face made him look boyish, innocent.

And a part of me wanted to say no, but the alcohol had given me courage, and a part of me wanted to know more.

So, I nodded and took his hand.

"I'm Jade."

He smirked. "Jade. It's nice to meet you."

I frowned.

He didn't give me his name, but I didn't think too much of it.

He wrapped his arm around my waist, and we moved slowly with the music. His scent was familiar, but I couldn't tell what it was.

I could sense the tension in his shoulders, and his hold on me was possessive and firm.

"Relax. It's just a dance." I said, smiling.

"I know."

"May I ask what your name is?"

"Kellan."

"So, Kellan, are you one of the guests?"

"Not exactly. I am here for business."

"Ah."

"Why are you asking?"

"Because, there's something about you, and it's scaring me."

"You're Markov's girl. The real person you should be scared of is him. He is not the man you think he is. And he is not someone you should be with. You don't know him. If you did, you would run far far away from him. He is the devil, Jade. The devil in disguise. He will bring destruction to everyone, especially you."

I stopped, my heart beating fast and I could feel the dread filling my bones.

What did he mean?

"What are you talking about?"

"You should run, Jade. Run and don't ever look back."

"I- I-"

"You don't know what he has done. And you will never find out. He will keep you in the dark, and make sure you will never see the truth. Markov is not a man. He is a monster. A ruthless, bloodthirsty monster. You need to run. You—"

We were suddenly interrupted by Markov, and I could already feel him grabbing my arm before I could say anything.

His eyes were flashing a murderous look at Kellan, who also matched his intensity.

"What the hell are you doing here, Kellan?"

"I am here for business."

"Lying doesn't suit you. You should leave now before I lose my temper."

"Why, Markov? You're not the only one with powers, you know? So, you haven't told her about your dark side yet? It's only a matter of time before this one runs for the hills like the rest. You can't hide it from her forever. Sooner or later, she will see the real you, and if she has any sense, she will get as far away from you as possible."

Markov's grip on my arm tightened, and his breathing was labored, his expression turning feral. "Leave now, Kellan, or I'll kill you. This is your last warning."

Kellan chuckled, before looking at me.

"Run, Jade. Run and don't ever look back. Before he kills you."

And just like that, he was gone.

Markov was looking at me, his expression was cold and his eyes were dark, but I could see the fear hidden in them.

He was afraid of something.

But, what was it?

And how was it related to the things Kellan had just said?

I was in Markov's arms for hours, and he wouldn't let go, not even for a second. His hand was always wrapped around my waist, and his attention was focused solely on me.

I was dying to know what was going on, and what did Kellan mean when he told me to run.

He was called for something important and told me he would be right back.

I hated how good it felt to be in his arms, safe, protected and cared for. But that feeling was short-lived when I saw the last person I wanted to see at that moment.

Alpha Dane.

"Well well well, it's a great pleasure to see you again my beautiful daughter."

My breath caught in my throat.

His expression was smug, his tone mocking.

"And it seems like you've been enjoying yourself, my dear. You run away from my son, and now you're with his rival. Tsk tsk, you know how to choose, don't you, dear? I'm glad to see that the apple didn't fall far from the tree."

"You're not my father."

"No. I'm not, am I?" He chuckled, his lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Because your father is sick feet under and you will forever remain a useless, worthless orphan. And, as if that wasn't bad enough, you have a monster by your side. Soon enough, I will make sure you regret your decision of running away. And once I'm done with you, you'll wish you were dead. That's a promise, Jade. Enjoy yourself while you can, because soon enough, everything will change. You think Markov is going to save you? You are wrong, my dear. Dead wrong. Until we meet again, my lovely daughter."

My heart was racing, and I could feel myself shaking. His words were cutting through me like a knife.

Alpha Dane was laughing as he walked away, leaving me alone and confused.

I felt a tear sliding down my cheek, and I wanted nothing more than to curl up and cry.

What was happening?

I didn't understand anything.

But, I didn't have time to dwell on it, because Markov was already walking towards me.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes. I- I think I want to go home."

"We can't, love. The night is just getting started."

"Please, Markov. I want to go home."

I wasn't able to hold it in any longer.

I couldn't.

And the moment the words left my mouth, the tears came crashing down.

Markov took me in his arms and held me. He didn't ask questions, didn't demand an explanation.

He just held me.

And his arms were the only place I wanted to be at that moment.