CHAPTER 4

(STAZ'S P.O.V)

"What the fuck were you thinking?!," Zero exclaimed in irritation, as he changed my bandages. "Actually I wasn't, yet it was totally worth it." I winced in pain. I glanced at the old expensive grandfather clock. It was midnight. It was only a matter of time before I heal.

That was one of the benefits of being a pure bred vampire. "You need to remember Staz, Ryoutei Academy isn't the Academy of low lives. A lot of these students are gifted, and are of the upper class just like you." Zero spoke while looking out into his court yard.

I had made an agreement with Zero before I had enrolled in the Academy, to live with him in his mansion, since I didn't have any relatives living nearby. "Oh yeah," I stated stubbornly glancing at his back. "Name one." "Ok," Zero said turning to me. "Ayato Sakamaki.

Do you know who his father is?. His father is Karl Heinz, and I think you got lucky in beating one of his sons." Karl Heinz?... Where did I hear that name before?. "You really don't know who Karl Heinz is?." Zero asked in disbelief. "Not that I remember." I shrugged standing up now.

"Well you should. Karl Heinz was once a well feared man in the demon world, back in your dad's day." "That explains why he's not remembered. So he's a has been." I sighed bored with our conversation. "Far from it. He was up for the title of demon king years ago, but he disappeared from the demon world without a trace."

"Your point is?." I yawned. "Careful who you mess with. Karl Heinz strength and fighting skill is legendary. So it won't be a surprise if his sons are the same." Zero explained. "I'll believe it when I see it." I answered casually heading for the stairs. "As far as I'm concerned the Sakamaki's are weak. Besides I only challenged Ayato, because he has something I want."

"What could he possibly have that you-you know what forget it." Zero sighed too tired to reason with me. You have no idea Zero… At that moment I pictured her (Yui) innocent face and her scent. As I stared at the expensive chandelier, I wondered to myself what really attracted me to the girl I met in the hall. It was more than her scent and beauty, and I couldn't put my finger on it.

I decided as I saw my room up ahead, that I needed to get to the bottom of this. My eyes widened suddenly in realization.

I had won the bet with her…

As I slowly turned the doorknob, I realized I couldn't wait for school tomorrow.

(Ayato's P.O.V)

"Hold still Ayato," I heard Yui's gentle voice murmur, as she placed a bag of ice under my chin.

I couldn't fucking believe it…

I had lost…

I lay in my bed wounded, as Yui tried her best to ease my pain. The emotional pain that I felt right now was nothing compared to the physical one.

I felt humiliated…

Somehow put in my place….

I had a broken jaw, two teeth that were cracked, a swollen face, and a wicked headache that wouldn't be going away anytime soon.

FUCK…

This guy really did a number on me.

That name…

Staz Charlie Blood…

I've heard it before….

But where?.

I finally opened my eyes to stare at Yui. Her blonde hair had fallen over her eyes, as she continued to hold the bag of ice under my chin. As I stared at her, I thought of our relationship. I knew I could be sadistic, sometimes downright cruel, even twisted.

Yet recently, I had a change of heart towards Yui. Yui tucked her hair behind her ears on the left side, as she switched hands. I raised my left hand slowly, and cupped her cheek. Her gaze drifted to mine. It had been two years, since Yui had been brought to our home.

Despite everything that my brothers and I had put her through, she seemed to remain firm in what she believed in. She believed in God and faith, something I didn't understand. She seemed to be somehow more confident and determined. I first noticed this when Kanato and her were practicing to sword fighting. Kanato had her on the ground, with his sword by her throat.

Thinking that she would surrender, she managed to get Kanato in one blow on his knees. That was the day I noticed Yui Kormori had changed. There were times she was vulnerable, but the thing was she wasn't so much anymore. When it came to the new Yui, I'm a bit hesitant.

This was new territory…

However, new Yui or not, there was still a side of me that felt guilty of how I treated her. So I came to a decision that I would turn a new leaf. I know it would take time, because old habits die hard. I wanted Yui not just for her blood…

I wanted her love….

And I was afraid she wouldn't give it to me.

So I decided…

It was now or never to ask her a particular question. Hopefully she would give me an honest answer.

I needed to know…

"Yui" I said softly. "Yes Ayato" she responded.

"What do you think of me?." My eyes widened in shock, as I saw her flinch for a split second. "Your stubborn," she slowly started. "Yet your one of the most loyal, and courageous men I know. I feel so lucky to be with you." I watched as a blushed.

So she loves me…

I squeezed her cheek gently, and tried to smile. "You don't know how that makes me feel Yui." "How touching," a certain mocking baritone voice said from behind us. Yui and I turned to see Laito. "Look how the mighty have fallen." "Shut up." I rolled my eyes.

"After watching you getting your ass kicked so badly, I decided to do some sleuthing about this guy. You're not going to believe what I found out." Ignoring the pain, I pushed forward supporting my body weight with my elbows, eagered to know what he had learnt.

"For starters, your enemy is from royal status from the underworld. He's from the blood family." Laito explained. I growled in irritation. That explains his technique and enormous strength. "It gets worse Ayato, his brother is currently the demon king, just like their father Richardz Blood." "That's the guy who beat Dad to the throne years ago."

I answered lost in thought. For the first time I felt nervous about another vampire. So Staz Charlie Blood wasn't a bottom beater after all, I mean I had certainly learnt that last night. (Remember its midnight). He was practically royalty. What bothered me was why I had he made me his target?.

Was it revenge for what happened between his father and mine?.

Whatever it was, I didn't like him.

Which means I needed to find a way to get rid of him. I slowly turned to look at Yui whose face had instantly turned red.

(YUI'S P.O.V)

Oh God…

I could feel my face burning in embarrassment, as if I was caught in the cookie jar. Ayato was good at reading my feelings, and I had a feeling he knew what I had on my mind.

I was thinking about this Staz guy…

The last thing I wanted was Ayato to become jealous over another vampire. "I think that Staz guy is trouble." I spoke up trying to distract Ayato. "Look at how he attacked Ayato. He seems like a low life to me." Ayato grinned pleased at my response.

That was a close one…

So Staz was from the elite…

I never would have guessed. I took the bag of ice away from Ayato, since the ice had melted. I quickly excused myself to get some more. As I stared at the Sakamaki's portraits, my mind was brought back to the question that Ayato asked me. I was taken aback by his humbled question.

I didn't think that the great mighty Ayato could be humbled.

I wondered what brought that on…

I smiled to myself now. Whatever the case, that narcisstic idiot was getting what he deserved.

That's right:

I was overjoyed that someone had the balls to walk right up to Ayato, and smash him in the face.

Maybe that Staz guy wasn't that bad after all…

He certainly someone that was worth getting to know.

I could tell Staz was a bit over confident, but yet he seemed…

I sighed as I climbed back up the stairs.

Only time will tell…

Suddenly it hit me.

I HAD LOST THE BET!.

Which meant…

I placed my hands on my neck.

I suddenly wasn't looking forward to school tomorrow….