Chapter forty two

Chapter forty two
I did tell Marianne anout Richie's behavior. I didn't want to have enemies before I even integrated myself into Coven's lives. I didn't know for how long I was going to be around, but I presumed it was going to be long enough to form relationships with people.

Marianne was angry. She said Richie was a little bastard, but he went too far this time. She said she'd have a talk with him.

The next day, Richie came to apologize to me. I could see it in his eyes that he wanted to suck the soul out of my body. I didn't tell that to Marianne of course. I'm sure she knew.

Seren kept to me, claiming she was monitoring my thoughts. I asked her if Marianne can also read my mind.

"Of course she can. She's the leader, but she prefers not to for now for your privacy. She can read everyone's mind. Perks of being the leader." She winked. "But she can turn that thing off. She mostly doesn't read everyone's for privacy. But she has me. I'm her eyes and ears. Perks of being the second."

I could see the pride in her eyes. My next question got me a slap on the shoulder. I swore they just liked to assault me. "Don't you sometimes want to become the leader since you're so close to the title?"

"The hell? Why would I want that?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. Mostly everyone just wants to go up the ladder until they are at the top."

She shook her head, like the very idea revolted her. "We all have roles to play in a Coven. We are satisfied. You are born into a title here, and you are satisfied with it."

"So no one here ever challenged to change their positions in the Coven?"

"They did. But not anyone higher up. We always listened to their side, and then got them training. If they felt like it's too much, they usually went back to their old ones," she explained.

I wanted to ask more, but I saw Richie emerge from the house.

Seren and I were sitting outside. I had a pretty good view of the front door.

"I see you've met Richie. A troubled soul that one. Don't mind him, really."

I turned to her. "Mind him? He's a creep and definitely out to get me."

"Don't make yourself so important, now. He's just looking for trouble, like he always does."

I didn't believe that one bit.

"It's probably because you were involved with Drew. Did I tell you he used to be involved with him? I think just before you two found each other. Dumped him because of you by the way." She dropped the bombshell like it was nothing.

"Seren! Why didn't no one tell me?" I asked, now rightfully scared. "Why didn't Marianne tell me?"

She shrugged, leaning against the backrest of the bench and looking up at the sky. It was a cloudy day. "Probably slipped her mind. It was a long time ago I suppose."

"Ten years isn't a long time for a vampire, Seren. Now I know why he looks like he wants to kill me."

What did I get myself into?

"Don't flatter yourself, Leon. Not everyone is out to get you. I suppose Drew is though."

I glared at her, even though she couldn't see me.

How was I more safer here than at my place? I shouldn't have come here. I was better off at my apartment.

"Did anyone ever tell you your thoughts are too loud? I can't get any peace around you."

I didn't entertain her. At least Richie didn't look at our direction. I was relieved when he went back into the house.

"So, Marianne and Mark only met ten years ago?" I asked, much to Seren's annoyance.

"No. About fifty years back. Mark came to stay with us. Richie didn't because he was busy with Drew. They had promised to be each other's chosen Beloveds, I think. Anyway, Richie only came after you and Drew got involved. He was hurt, rightfully so. They've been together on and off for over sixty years. I'd also want to kill you if I was him." She snickered, as if my life didn't just flash before my eyes.

"How could you say that? I didn't even know Drew was with someone. I didn't even know him for a day, and suddenly, he made it seem like we were lovebirds. He polluted my mind with thoughts of love I didn't feel for him. I didn't have a choice," I told her, my voice getting strained when I thought of Daniel.

Seren turned to me, her eyes narrowed. "Richie doesn't care by the way. He's just pissed you left Drew when he would have done anything yo stay with him."

That's what I didn't understand. Didn't everyone know I was in danger? That Drew was going to sacrifice me? That I was as good as dead?

"Like I said, he doesn't care. But don't beat yourself up. He won't do anythjng to you. Not when Marianne and I are around."

That was good to hear. "Thank you. I appreciate it," I told her.

She gave me a tight lipped smile, then stood up from the bench. "Marianne is calling me. Do be careful around Richie though. A ticking bomb I'm telling you."

I didn't say anythjng. She went into the house, leaving me alone. No one approached me.

I was both happy and sad about that. Although I was used to being alone most of the time, it was my choice. Now I felt like everyone avoided me. It stung, especially knowing they did so because I was related to the Harimots, their enemy.

In the end, I went back to my room, where I spent most of my time. I wasn't doing anything much. I mostly laid on the bed and scrolled through my phone.

This time, I didn't get to spend time as I had hoped since Marianne came knocking on my door.

I got off the bed and went to unlock the door. I still kept my door locked. I was sure I was offending some people.

"I'm sorry for this, but Richie has requested to speak with you. Alone," she said, apologetic.

I raised my brow, confused. "Doesn't he want to kill me?

"He's harmless, given his big boy act. He won't do anything to you. Not when I'm around," she assured.

"But you won't be around. I'm sure he wants to take me to the Harimots."

Her eyes hardened. "No one is taking you to the Harimots. Now, I believe Richie wants closure. Are you going to meet him?"

I wanted to get past this so that I could be free at the Coven. Richie was an obstacle.

I agreed. Marianne seemed excited, her eyes no longer hard. "Perfect. Let's go."