Chapter 18

Cadella's POV

I looked around the almost deserted park. Glancing at my watch I noted I was a rather early, but I hadn’t been able to sit in my dorm and wait any longer. I needed to see Vasile. We were meeting today so I could tell him what I decided.

Just as I was about to take a short walk around the open park to pass time, my gaze fell on the familiar figure sitting at the picnic table. Instead of his usually well put together appearance, Vasile looked heartbroken. Slowly, I walked toward him.

My eyes moved over him as he sat on the picnic table bench, facing outwards. He was slumped backwards, leaning against the table. His shoulders were rounded down, and his hands were in his pockets. Long legs were extended and crossed at the ankles. The corners of his lips were turned down, and his eyebrows were drawn together. The muscle in his jaw tensed and relaxed as though he was literally chewing on his thoughts.

Even though he looked sad and worn down, I couldn’t help but admire his handsome features. Only Vasile could be so haphazardly perched at a picnic table at the park and still look elegant. His jacket was unbuttoned and hanging in the space between the table and the bench at his sides. The only color in his clothes was the light blue shirt under his suit jacket.

The leaves beneath my feet crunched and rustled as I walked, drawing his attention to me. I smiled and waved as I continued to approach him. He gave me a half smile and small wave, but it was quickly replaced by the frown he was wearing when I first started to walk towards him as he placed his hand back in his pocket.

His saddened expression made me walk faster towards him. I’d do anything to make him smile again, or at least look more peaceful. I hadn’t seen Vasile look so down before, but I knew now that I didn’t like it. Vasile deserved to smile everyday.

“Hey.” I awkwardly said as I sat beside him.

“Cadella, thank you for meeting me.” He smiled softly at me, his left hand leaving his pocket and hovering like he wanted to touch me, but he placed it on his thigh instead.

“Of course.” I smiled.

“Forgive me for my bluntness, but I’d appreciate if we get right to the point today.” His frown deepened. “Have you considered what I asked you?”

His gaze darted around the park, making sure no one was within hearing distance.

“There was nothing to consider.” I shook my head.

His eyes widened and complexion paled. I wasn’t being clear enough, he must of thought I meant I would never consider him now that I knew he wasn’t a human.

“Vasile, your race doesn’t matter to me. I fell in love with you. Not because of what you are, but because of who you are. I’ll admit I was a little nervous when I first found out. But it was never because of you, or what you were.

“Honestly, I was in shock. I’d lived my whole life believing that humans were the only ones that roamed around the earth. In less than half an hour I’d seen proof of how wrong I was. My entire world and viewpoint was turned upside down. I was still recovering from what I saw in the alley, and was shaken.

“But it never changed how I felt about you. If anything, the care and tenderness you showed me made me fall harder for you.” I blushed with my admission as I thought of his gentle touches and calm demeanor as he brought me back to my room.

As I spoke I watched Vasile’s face transform from sadness to relief. His eyebrows moved back to their normal place, and the lines that had formed around the corner of his eyes relaxed. I couldn’t help but smile back as his lips turned up slightly at the corners as he looked at me.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to let myself fall for you more than end up getting hurt. I need to hear that you really want this — me.” He turned to face me on the bench.

“I want you Vasile.” I confirmed.

“You need to know something. I’m all in with this. As long as you don’t betray me, I will never leave you.” He words were a warning, but there was another emotion I couldn’t discern in his tone.

My eyes snapped to his, but I only saw affection and tenderness there. Pushing the doubt aside, I figured I had imagine it. That it was just lingering emotion from the roller coaster we’d been on this weekend.

***

Vasile’s POV

“I promise.” She smiled and leaned towards me.

Smiling I met her halfway and pulled her closer to me as I wrapped my arms around her. Her warm curves pressed against my cold torso. I was grateful for her not being able to see my expression, because I couldn’t hide the excitement I was showing.

I could have probably played it off as being excited to be with her, but the less lies I had to spin the less complicated this would be.

But would be a lie?

I forced the intruding thought from my head. Of course it would be a lie. Otherwise, I would be getting attached and I wasn’t. My end goal hadn’t changed. I wanted-no, needed-revenge. Sophia had to pay for her betrayal.

Cadella’s words echoed in my head. I want you. I had spent so much time the last few months laying this trap and drawing her into me, and now I was finally making progress. She was so young and innocent, I doubt she’d ever truly been in love.

It was probably for the best, after all love only caused pain. It wasn’t as great as the romance books made it out to be. I knew first hand just how much love could hurt.

My chest tightened like a band was wrapping around me, making it hard to catch a breath. Pulling back, trying to give myself some space to calm down. I smiled at Cadella, but it wasn’t Cadella who was staring at me. It was Sophia.

I snapped my eyes shut, trying to ease the pressure and calm the pain that was suddenly coursing through my head. Mentally I shook my head, trying to refocus. Opening my eyes I was surprised by what I saw.

Sophia and I weren’t discussing being together. The table was gone, the warm sun was shining down on us as we sat on a soft plaid blanket. A basket sat between us, open and revealing a collection of finger foods and a bottle of wine. Sophia’s head was tipped back, her hair cascading down over the back of her dress as she laughed at something I must of said.

This was one of my favorite memories of her. It was only a short while before her betrayal. We had been so happy together.

Snapping my eyes shut, I tried to refocus.

“Are you alright?” Cadella’s voice brought me back to the present.

Opening my eyes I saw Sophia-no Cadella, as she leaned forward and took my hand. I smiled and put my hand over hers.

“Of course. Just some crazy thoughts.” I smiled. “They broad sided me and I had trouble forcing them away.” I squeezed her hand.

“Is there something I can do?” She asked.

I watched as she leaned forward. Her chest was moving more rapidly, her eyebrows drawn slightly together. Red lips were slightly parted and I wanted to kiss them. To feel them against mine. Instead, I licked my own and forced my gaze back to hers.

She may be here for me to use to get my revenge, but there was no reason I couldn’t use her body too. In fact the more I thought about it, the more I wanted it. I wanted to have access to her anytime. Plus being around her more meant I could ensure she was trapped by my side. Willing and trusting while I lead her to the wolves.

“Move in with me.” I blurt.

She pulled back, her eyes growing wide as she slid a little bit away from me. I’d surprised her, caught her off guard. Good. Now, I’d see how she really felt.

“I’m sorry. What did you just ask?” Confusion lines grew between her eyes, which were narrowed as she considered my words.

“Move in with me. I know it’s sudden, and probably a little fast. But I love you, and I want you around me all the time. I don’t want to have to wait for little cracks in our schedule. I have a duplex that I rent. It’s not huge or overly fancy, but it’s enough for the both of us.” Words just kept falling from my mouth.

“It is a little fast.” She looked at her hands as she pulled at her fingers.

“We don’t have to say anything to the school yet. In fact we shouldn’t until the end of the semester, when I’m no longer your teacher. But that way you can keep your dorm room. If you get uncomfortable or need space it’s there.” I tried to make her feel better about the choices.

I watched as she considered my words. Her fingers moving faster as she thought. Then they stopped and she looked up to me, a smile growing on her face.

“Okay. Yes, I’ll move in with you.” She smiled.

Leaning forward I pulled her into another hug. A deep laugh escaping from my chest. Today just kept getting better. Not only was she committing to our relationship, but now I would have unlimited access to her. The little mouse was just moving closer and closer to the cheese in my trap.