Chapter 10 Ten
DANIKA
My stomach churns as I await Kaziel's response. He parts his lips to speak. But suddenly, his gaze darts in my direction. Quickly, I hide myself away, pressing my back to the wall. I swallow hard, praying he didn't see me.
I hurry back to class, keeping my head hanging low as my thoughts go out of control. I should've known. Whatever I have with Kaziel is too good to be true.
If Eve is the one I must compete with, why should I bother? She's everything I will never be.
A lump forms in my throat, my chest tightening as I sit on my stool. A few seconds later, Kaziel walks in. His burning gaze meets mine, and I look away instantly, lightly tracing my fingers over the handkerchief tied around my palm.
Still, I can feel his eyes on me. I desperately want to sink into the ground and disappear.
When Eve returns, I barely acknowledge her. I can't help but zone out as lectures begin.
Much later, I head to the cafe to grab something to drink. As I wait for my vanilla honey latte, my phone buzzes. A message pops up. From Kaziel.
'Will you let me explain what you saw?'
I stare at the message, embarrassed. He definitely saw me. There's no escaping this.
It doesn't matter.
I should cut things off early on. It's the only way to stop myself from getting attached.
I take a deep breath, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest.
"Vanilla honey latte with oat milk for the pretty lady."
I look up at the sound of a masculine voice.
The barista handing me the cup has a smirk that could get him into trouble and warm hazel eyes that sparkle like he's already found some. His curls are a dark brown, one lock falling right over his eyebrow.
"Uh... thanks," I mumble, taking the cup.
"Vanilla honey latte with oat milk," he repeats, leaning his elbows on the counter. "That's a dangerously sweet drink for someone who looks like she bites."
I blink. "Excuse me?"
He grins wider. "You've got that look. Soft, but with the potential to cause chaos when provoked."
I blink again, unsure whether to laugh or hide. "You don’t even know me."
"Not yet," he says easily. "But I've got good instincts."
He taps the name tag pinned to his black apron— RILEY—in bold white letters. "Now you know me. It's only fair."
I bite back a small smile despite myself. There's something about his confidence that pulls me in. It's teasing but not overbearing, playful without crossing a line. The complete opposite of Kaziel's dark, magnetic intensity.
"Danika," I say finally, lifting the cup. "Nice to meet you, Riley."
"Danika," he repeats like he's testing the sound on his tongue. "Pretty name. Kinda fits the drink. Sweet with a little mystery."
I can't help it, I laugh, shaking my head. "Do you flirt with all your customers?"
"Only the interesting ones." His grin deepens.
I scrunch my nose, amused. As I turn to find a seat by the window, his voice follows me.
"Hey, just so you know, if that latte doesn't fix whatever storm's brewing behind your eyes, I make a mean brownie that might help."
I glance back at him, startled that he noticed.
He shrugs, feigning innocence. "Told you. I've got good instincts."
As I sit down, sipping my drink, I can't help but let out a small, reluctant smile.
But then, my phone buzzes again. Another text from Kaziel.
'Please don't shut me out.'
I tighten my grip on the phone.
Should I give him the benefit of the doubt?
I shake my head, trying to push the thought away.
My phone rings out, and I wince. Letting out a sigh, I answer the call, bringing the phone to my ear.
"Tell me where you are," Kaziel says, and I tense.
"I don't want to see you right now," I breathe.
"Don't do this, dove. Please," he croaks. He sounds like he's physically in pain. My heart aches hearing his voice like that.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I give in, telling him where I am.
"Thank you," he breathes, and the line goes dead.
Just then, Riley moves over to sit on the chair opposite mine. There's a slight metallic smell under the smell of his cologne.
He flashes me a smile, drumming his fingers on the table.
"So, boyfriend issues?" He asks, and I lower my gaze. I notice the tattoo of vines trailing from the inside of his wrist to his ringed fingers.
A rather expensive-looking watch sits on his wrist.
"Shouldn't you be working or something?" I ask, fiddling with my fingers.
"Well, I don't need to. Considering that I own the cafe and have workers working for me," he tells me, and I look up at him, surprised.
"I'm a med student. I'm in my fourth year," he continues.
My eyes go wide.
Is this a coincidence or not?
"I'm in my first year," I say, and he grins, pushing a small piece of paper on the table towards me.
"If you ever need anything, hit me up," he whispers, gesturing at the digits written on the paper.
When he smiles again, I could've sworn that I saw a pair of fangs in his mouth. But then, it vanishes, making me think I'd imagined it.
Suddenly, my phone vibrates again. I peer at the new message on the screen. It says,
"GET UP AND WALK OUT. NOW."
Struck with a sudden urgency, I rise to my feet slowly, careful not to startle Riley. He cocks his head, and suddenly his gaze turns predatory.
"Leaving already? You haven't even finished your drink," he tells me.
My instincts are screaming at me now.
Riley is another brand of monster. I can feel it.
"I have to go. I have a lecture to attend," I tell him, and he rises to his feet. He reaches for the paper with his number, placing it in my hand.
From the corner of my eyes, I see Kaziel approaching from across the street. His eyes are wild.
Riley leans in to whisper in my ear as Kaziel quickens his pace.
"If you don't want your photo all over campus, call me," he says, his words crashing over me like ice water.
He retreats and slinks away into the back room just in time for Kaziel to storm in, the entrance bell ringing vigorously.
He moves over to me and leads me out of the cafe, his hand protectively wrapped around my waist.
My pulse is pounding in my ears. I'm in shock, but still my body easily moves along with Kaziel’s. His dark chocolate scent washes over me, somehow easing the knot in my chest. We don't stop moving until we're far enough from the cafe.
Finally, Kaziel brings me to a halt behind a tall building.
"What did he say?" He finally asks, and I look up into his blue eyes, nausea gripping me when I recall Riley's voice.
"He..." I whimper, tears filling my eyes as I glance back towards the cafe. "He has the photo, Kaziel. He wants me to call him."
Kaziel's eyes go cold, his face blank.
Then he cups my face with both of his hands.
"Look at me, sweet thing," he utters, his voice rough and husky.
When our gazes meet, chills travel down my spine. His eyes have gone into predator mode. Terrifyingly icy.
"He is not your problem anymore, Danika. Leave him to me."
My eyes go wide. "Are you—are you...going to kill him?"
He says nothing, but his features darken.
I pull away from him instantly, fear sinking into my bones.
He sighs, pinching his nose.
"He's a vampire, Danika. An undead. You can't handle him," he rasps.
"So, you're going to kill him?" I repeat.
This time, every trace of emotion vanishes from his face. "Yes, sweetheart. I will."
I stumble backwards, my legs shaking.
"Damnit, Danika. Don't walk away from me," he growls, and I shake my head.
"I was stupid to think that I can handle any of this. I...I can't—"
"Yes, you can."
Golden rings surround his eyes now, his chest heaving.
Horror scalds my insides, a vicious headache stirring in my temples.
"I-I'm done!" I say, and panic flashes across his handsome face.
His body shakes, sweat forming on his forehead. Suddenly, he looks half mad. And that scares me to no end.
"Y-you're a monster," I spit.
He shakes his head, reaching a hand for me. I pull my hand away, and his Adam's apple bobs in his throat.
"Please, baby, don't do this to me. I can't...breathe without you..." he croaks.
My heart sinks.
I'm drowning in my thoughts, drowning in my extreme paranoia.
He presses a hand to his forehead, his knees suddenly buckling. Fear grips me as he crumples to the ground, his fingers clawing at the gravel.
He's wheezing now, struggling to breathe.
I've seen panic attacks before. This... isn’t it. His veins have turned black.
Concern breaks through the fog of terror. Only then do I move towards him, sinking before him.
"W-what's going on?" I breathe, my voice shaking.
"Touch me," he gasps. "Please."
Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I reach for his face. The instant my shaky hand cups his face, he moans, leaning in to bury his face against my neck.
His breathing gets better as he gathers me into his arms, inhaling my scent.
"Kaziel—" I start to say.
"Don't be afraid of me, I'm begging you," he whispers. "My life is in your hands."
I freeze.
What does he mean?