Hello I just wanted to forewarn that the plot will be getting darker, depending on how I write my future chapters the rating will change.
Chapter 4: Trapped
Valentina sat soaking in a steaming bath. The sweet aroma of spices wafted in the air. Her godmother had performed a cleanse on her after they had seen her sprained wrist. Nana had freaked out, and for the first time, Valentina had told a white lie. Nana had been furious that the school hadn't notified them of the incident, but Valentina had reassured her that she was alright. Her godmother had removed the small brace that the nurse had given her and rubbed a salve on her wrist. Her godmother was good at making pomades and at-home remedies.
What had surprised Valentina was that her injury had been perfectly healed, the bruises almost unnoticeable as if the incident had never happened. She always found it odd that her cuts and injuries never lasted more than a few hours or days. A deep paper cut would heal in just a few minutes, while it would take days for any normal person. La Bruja didn't need to look twice at the injury, she knew of her goddaughter's healing ability. It was no secret between the three adults of the child's gift. They had told her from a young age to keep it a secret from others, they didn't need anyone taking her away because of her unique ability.
Valentina moved her hand in the warm water as her godmother had instructed her to purify herself; with the waters she had made out of orange skins, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks. She looked at her hand, everything was back to normal, her non-noticeable injury no longer hurt. She was stunned that her hand had healed so quickly. She watched as the red candle that was placed on the edge of the tub slowly burned. Once the light burned out, she'd be able to get out of the bath. She sighed, sinking herself lower in the waters, taking pleasure in the sweet aroma, and took in the calmness of everything. She enjoyed taking long baths, as the water seemed to take away her worries. It was something she needed after a long day of school. What had happened was not normal, she flinched recalling the incident. She could have been seriously hurt or even been killed if it wasn't for Kanato and Yui intervening. She hoped that she didn't make Yui's life worse because she couldn't keep her mouth shut, but she couldn't just sit and watch as Ayato treated her like crap. How she wished she had asked for Yui's contact number so she could call her and ask her if she was alright. She wondered if she could ask Kanato for their house number. She had to remind herself to thank him, because even if she found him a little weird, he did save her from Ayato's fury.
Once the candle had burned out, and the wax began to harden on the edge of the tub, Valentina got out and wrapped herself in a towel. She walked to her room, as water dripped from the tips of her long hair. The sun began to peek through her window, as dawn had started to rise. She sat at her vanity where she picked up a wide tooth comb and began to detangle her long tresses. She heard a knock on her door, and told them to come in. Nana had walked in carrying a silver tray that contained a few vials.
"Here, let me help you." Nana placed the tray down, taking the comb from her hand, as they sat in silence while the sun rays filtered the room. "You know I'm worried about you my dear." Nana placed the comb on the tray, giving Valentina a hug. She could feel her mother's warm frail bones on her skin. She stared at her reflection and told herself to be strong, that she was the fortunate one, unlike Yui who was suffering in the hands of those vampires. She couldn't ignore the fear she felt, not because of what could happen to her, but what they were capable of doing to her family. She hugged Nana back, she wanted to protect them, but she also wanted to help Yui.
"Nana, I have something to tell you," Valentina nervously revealed, retying the towel around her chest. "I haven't been honest with you, or anyone. I didn't sprain my wrist falling down the stairs."
Nana released her. "No matter what the problem is, we will do everything to help you," Nana encouraged. She wouldn't let her daughter suffer.
Valentina took a deep breath, trying to recollect her thoughts. "It may sound crazy, but I got it after getting into an altercation with a vampire." Her hands held her mother's as she told her everything that had occurred. She didn't want to tell her how badly Ayato messed her up, so she glossed over it a bit so she wouldn't panic. But she told her how worried she was for Yui.
"She's a sweet girl. I just don't understand how her father could have left her there," Valentina confessed. She began to shiver a bit, not sure if it was from the wet towel, or the revelation. Nana tried to hide her worry, but her hands trembled at what the young girl had told her.
"I'll talk to your godmother, and Alberto. Will see if we can contact the girl's father. In the meantime, get dressed and come downstairs so you can eat some dinner." Nana handed her the glass vials, and instructed her to rub the natural oils that were diffused of oranges onto her skin. "Don't ever feel like you're alone," Nana reminded her. "Even though I may look old, I can still put up a good fight."
That made Valentina smile, "you're right. Thanks Nana."
The elderly woman kissed the child's forehead and left the room, allowing her to change.
Valentina picked up a vial and used a dropper to rub the oil on her hands. The towel had slid off her and she applied the oil on her body. Unaware that a creature had been watching her from the window. She slipped on her pajamas, and went downstairs.
Nana had told Alberto and La Bruja about what the child had confided in her. La Bruja pursed her lips, she hadn't expected this.
"That man left Yui to die," La Bruja said, smoking her cigarette slowly. "He's no father."
"We don't know his circumstances," Nana said, trying to see if there was a possibility of saving the girl.
La Bruja exhaled a cloud of smoke. "If he's a man of the cloth, he has no business sending his daughter to her inevitable death. I suspect the Church is in some dirty business."
"She's right. A man like him is supposed to be on a righteous path. What is he doing sending a child, who has no capability of fending off creatures of that power?" Alberto said in a serious tone, "that man shouldn't have the right to be called Father. He knew what he was doing."
Valentina had stayed hidden behind the wall to hear what her elders were saying. She dared not show her presence. She began to feel cold as they discussed the fate her friend would hold.
"In ancient times, it was not unheard of for demons or sprites to spirit away young maidens from their villages. That girl Yui is some form of offering to those demons, and we should not meddle in their business," La Bruja warned. "We have to persuade Valentina to leave that girl be, or else they'll turn their sights on her. Unlike that girl's father I will not part with my goddaughter so easily. Now that her uncle isn't letting her return to the country this puts us in a difficult position."
Valentina's blood went cold. Surely her godmother was mistaken. Even though she tried her best to get along with the family, her uncle wouldn't just banish her.
"Godmother, what are you talking about?" Valentina slowly revealed herself. Her uncle had told her that she would live here temporarily until she had finished her studies. Her uncle wasn't like them, he cared for her. "Uncle wouldn't leave me here."
La Bruja sighed, stubbing out the last of her cigarette and motioned her to take a seat."It seems that you have been exiled."
Valentina tried to contain her tears. Her uncle surely wouldn't try to get rid of her. She had tried so hard to please him, and the rest of the family. She always knew they looked down on her, but she had worked the hardest out of all of her cousins, and had the highest marks hoping they would accept her. She thought this was an opportunity to show her family that she was a part of them and could help them, but now she realized it had all been in vain. This study abroad was nothing more than a farce to get rid of her.
Nana took her hand, breaking her from thought. "Wherever you go, we will stay close. Those people may not want you, but to us, you are our greatest treasure."
She should have known that being the black sheep would come at a cost. She was never truly a part of them, even her grandfather who was head of the family didn't make the effort to go visit her either when she was still there. Never once could he bring himself to look at her. Why couldn't he ever smile at her, or even acknowledge her like his other grandchildren? They were blood after all, even if she didn't know her other half. He had always been distant, keeping her away from the rest of the family.
"Your grandfather passed away," La Bruja revealed, lighting another cigarette between her teeth. "He had died right when we arrived."
Valentina understood, they wanted one less person to inherit his fortune. Everyone knew that his end was nearing, and who else other than his bastard grandchild to keep from seeing the will. If she would have stayed she would have been given at least something, because she was his grandchild even if the others had refused to believe it. They had sent her away so she wouldn't claim what respectfully belonged to her, but now she couldn't return home. Even if it was to visit her mother's grave, and that hurt her more than anything else.
"Why would they do this?"
"They have so much greed in their hearts," La Bruja responded. "With due time, they'll get what they deserve. No one is spared on their final day of judgment."
"We will have to be frugal with what we have," Nana explained, there wasn't going to be anyone to send the child money anymore. "Thankfully a lot of our old things got sent to us, so we don't have to worry about purchasing new appliances."
Valentina's eyes went wide, she would have to look for a job. "How will we afford this new place?"
"That you don't have to worry about," Alberto said with a twinkle in his eye. "We had decided to buy the place. It was up for sale when we moved in, and though it needs a bit of touch up, with a roof over our heads we should be fine."
Valentina couldn't contain her tears. They had bought this run down place with their own savings that they had been collecting throughout the years. She got up and hugged each of her parents, and told them that she loved them. If it wasn't for them she would be utterly lost, without them she'd be nothing.
"Now, now child," Nana said, wiping the tears from the girl's face. "No need to cry, things have been taken care of."
Valentina nodded her head, cracking a small smile. Nana was right, all would be well, but she wanted to tell her godmother about Yui, and the brothers. La Bruja seemed to read the girl's mind and told her to keep her distance.
"But godmother please, I can't leave Yui by herself. There has to be something we can do," Valentina pleaded. If there was anyone she knew that could help her, it was her godmother who knew of the unspeakable, the supernatural.
"Creatures like them can't be defeated by ordinary people like us." La Bruja said. "It may be possible to tame the beast. However, that would depend on your friend's strength and perseverance."
"She needs help," Valentina said sternly, remembering how frail and tired Yui looked. "She shouldn't have to suffer." If she couldn't get her godmother to help her, she'd find a way. She promised Yui that she wouldn't leave her, and she wasn't one to break promises.
La Bruja sighed, she knew her goddaughter too well. She was a spitfire, and wondered if she had gotten it from her as she was just as wild and determined when she was her age. She unfolded her colorful handkerchief and revealed a glittering gold bangle. Valentina stared in awe as her godmother handed it to her. There were intricate engravings that were chiseled by Alberto. He had such a steady hand when it came to welding, and crafting. La Bruja had designed it and sealed it with a spell to keep her safe, like her ring which prevented evil spirits from harming her. The bangle, when worn, would keep her presence hidden, a useful tool if she ever needed to get away from something or someone.
"Try to invite Yui over for a cup of tea." La Bruja said, pointing her long black nail at the bracelet. "This was meant to keep your presence hidden from unwanted company, but you can see who's fit to wear it. The best we can do is read her fortune, and lead her in the right direction. A future like hers could be constantly changing. But hear me now child, we will not meddle in their business. If your friend chooses to escape or stay after her cards have been foretold she will do so on her own accord. I say this for your safety and that of this family."
Valentina held the bangle, understanding her godmother's words. With this, she'd be able to sneak Yui away. She just needed a way to convince her to leave with her for a little while.
Alberto placed a plate of food in front of her. Her stomach grumbled as she smelled the chilaquiles that were served with a side of black beans and sweet plantains. She had forgotten how hungry she was and began to dig in. As always the food was delicious, and she carried her empty plate to the sink. She had excused herself and told her elders she was going to bed. Grasping the bracelet in her palm as she walked up the stairs. She was awfully tired, as she laid the golden bangle on her vanity and crawled into bed drifting into sleep.
A pair of glittering emerald eyes continued to observe her sleeping form. Laito was cautious, and careful. Unlike his brothers, he was not one to reveal himself and attack so directly. He preferred to observe his surroundings before sneaking in to attack. Laito wasn't one to play fair. Someone as sly as him, that laid hidden in the shadows could be just as dangerous. It was a specialty of his, it always pleased him knowing he could catch, kill, or break anyone when they least expect it. That was the thrill of the hunt.
However, this little prey of his proved to be tricky. He had noticed that all the windows and doors had been sealed shut with ancient magic. Pink and white clusters of seasalt were lined on the inside of the windows acting as a protective barrier. That prohibited creatures like him from entering, unless of course they were invited inside. He should've suspected that a girl who could mask her aura would definitely have her territory protected. She wasn't ordinary by any means. Watching her sleeping form, as she laid unaware that danger was only just a few feet away.
He noticed Kanato's bat circling around the property. It seemed that his brother's familiar was gathering information for him. As the bat left his sight, Laito fell to the ground. He wouldn't be able to do anything, ancient magic wasn't his area of expertise, and it would be difficult to break. He transported himself back to his room; it would be awhile before classes would start.
The sun hung brightly in the air, as Laito closed his curtains shut, preferring the engulfing dark. Vampires slept, but it wasn't a dire necessity as it was for humans, they could go days without needing sleep. It was one of those days for Laito, where sleep had been one of the last things on his mind. He left his room, heading to their house parlor where a grand piano adorned the room. He had noticed his half-brother slumped against the wall in false slumber.
"What do I owe the pleasure," Laito hummed, taking a seat at the grand instrument. His eldest brother by no means had visited him coincidently. Even if they lived together, they all tried their best to avoid one another.
Shuu ignored Laito, and sniffed the air. He couldn't smell any form of blood.
"You went to go see her?"
"My, curious now." Laito began to tinker with the piano keys. "I thought you didn't care."
Shuu remained silent. He didn't want to admit his slight interest towards her. His brothers were jealous, selfish creatures. He didn't want them going after her to spite him, particularly Reiji. If one of them had a new shiny toy, all of them would want a turn playing with it. It was an unspoken rule, that not one of them shared. Even for someone like Laito who made everyone believe he had a nonchalant attitude toward his prey, when in reality he was the last person to allow his prey to interact with others without their being consequences.
"Her home isn't too hard to find when you can access the school files," Laito confirmed, stopping his melancholic tune. "Her home was sealed with a form of old magic. Truly Reiji knew, but it has made the game exciting. Either she or someone she lives with has knowledge of ancient spells. It seems we have a witch on our hands."
"She's more of a sprite," Shuu mumbled, "well part sprite."
Laito laughed, continuing his tune into a building crescendo. " I could see her being a mischievous fairy, her presence alone has already caused ripples in our calm waters. She's already given our brother a run for his money. Whisking Bitch-chan away from him."
Shuu didn't answer, there wasn't a need to exert energy for something he agreed with. Valentina was the being that would bring out the unknown, which always occurred when a stone was tossed in a still pond. Ripples of water that are unheard of in calm waters will be rushed with the prospect of something new. In their age, where everything starts to become the same old routine, a ripple of something unprecedented is exciting, and exhilarating. This would end badly, he knew. Unlike Yui's expected presence, someone like her was not meant to have crossed paths with creatures like them. It was a cruel coincidence, or maybe someone like "Him" could have been behind it. Shuu doubted it, but he wondered.
"Do you think it's a mere coincidence that someone like her was brought here?"
Laito raised an eyebrow, as he played the piece before him slowly. "Well it's not like she was dumped at our doorsteps." Laito doubted that she was offered as some sacrificial bride, she certainly didn't present herself as a lamb ready to be slaughtered.
"Hmm, I wonder if someone like 'Him' is behind this?" Shuu spoke slowly, "it would be a first for someone like her."
Laito abruptly stopped playing, as he chuckled at the mention of 'Him' his mood turning sour. "I wouldn't give 'Him' that much credit. Sure, we may amount to nothing in his eyes, but I still like to think I am in control of my own path." Laito's eyes glowed dangerously, stating in a feigned calm demeanor that he was no one's marionette. "It's best if someone like 'Him' doesn't find out about her. I wouldn't want our fun to end early."
Shuu could sense the disdain in his brother's voice, but it quickly dissipated as Laito continued to play the piano. Shuu could appreciate his brother's artistic ability just like Laito could appreciate his. Just as skilled Laito was at the keys, he was with his bow and strings. Shuu pulled out his violin and offered to play a duet, which Laito smirked and allowed. They could play together for hours, and they would've if it wasn't for Reiji walking in to spoil their fun as Laito would say. Calling them to get ready for classes; warning them that they would leave in thirty minutes. Shuu grunted in response as Laito got up from the piano.
"Will you be joining us for classes today?" Laito mused, already knowing his brother's response.
"Not today.."
"You'll be missing your only class with her."
Shuu flashed him a smirk. "Waiting isn't my forte."
Laito chuckled, it wasn't his either. Even if Shuu was considered the lazy eldest and the next head of the family they got along well for being only half-siblings. After being told lies about his siblings, due to the fierce competition between the wives, Laito could never bring himself to hate Shuu. They were cut from the same cloth.
Laito took a seat next to Kanato as their limo headed to school. Laito usually sat next to Ayato, but after another sacrificial bride had paid them a visit, his brother had made it clear to everyone that she was solely his. He prohibited anyone to sit next to her, as he lashed out at anyone who defied him. It didn't bother him in the slightest that Ayato was unwilling to share her like he had done with the others in the past. It was common for him and Ayato to share blood-bags, but now Bitch-chan had unintentionally monopolized his brother's time. Which hasn't given him much opportunity to feed from her as he would like. This only fueled him to tease his brother, to get a reaction from him everytime he came near her.
Laito had no interest in Yui except her blood. He had found her to be the same as those other sacrifices that had been offered to them. All of them pure, naive, and boring. Laito had his fair share of them, he was surprisingly one of the more popular brothers, second only to Shuu that were chosen every time a bride was unceremoniously dumped at their doorstep. He had to contain his laughter every time a young naive girl had picked him. Thinking he was the least threatening of the lot. Just because he had a soothing voice, a fake smile, and a feigned demeanor. He was even able to snatch a few away from Subaru. He hated each and everyone of them. All of the sacrifices were easy to manipulate or bend. They all believed his honey-coated lies, as they foolishly gave themselves to him. Yui, on the other hand, had been wary of him, and almost everyone. He knew she would try to keep her distance from him, making it fun for him to try to find her like a deer caught in headlights.
He peered at Yui from the corner of his eye, he always wondered what made her captivate his brother. She was a simple girl really, clumsy, and had the body of a little boy; but the way she followed Valentina around like an entranced puppy made him reevaluate her. Just like Yui had placed Valentina on a pedestal, his brother wanted the same from her. Laito cracked a sly smile, it seemed that Ayato wanted to be acknowledged by his puppy, and be the pinnacle of everything that surrounded her. Unlike some of the other sacrifices, Bitch-chan seemed to handle Ayato's possessiveness and ill-humored tricks better than anyone else had.
"What are you grinning at?" Kanato asked suspiciously, his eyes narrowing at his brother's antics.
"Hmm, oh I was just admiring Bitch-chan's presence." Laito replied cheekily, resting a hand to his chin. "I didn't realize her charm until now."
Kanato gave him a weird look as if he had gone mad. Ayato on the other hand yelled at him to keep his prying eyes from what belonged to Yours Truly.
"Don't worry dear brother," Laito chuckled. "I won't whisk her away like I've done to Subaru's. I've already set my eyes on somebody else."
Subaru snarled at him, lunging at Laito as he grabbed the front of his shirt lifting him from the seat. Reiji swiftly intervened, by holding back Subaru's arm before he could punch Laito and start another fight that would damage anything else around him. He had firmly told him to sit back down.
"Let go of me Reiji! This bastard has it coming to him!"
Yui held her hands to her mouth in shock as Ayato kept his left arm across her body to prevent Subaru or Laito from crashing into her if they decided to fight inside the vehicle.
"Let go of him," Reiji commanded him, staring him dead in the eyes. "Before you wreck this vehicle."
Subaru was seething, he ignored Reiji's words as he continued to grip the pervert's shirt who had a smug look on his face. Reiji narrowed his eyes at Laito and warned him to keep silent. Subaru heard a soft voice telling him to let Laito go as he begrudgingly did; before he could bash Laito's face into a crater. Yui could see the hurt and anger behind his eyes as he teleported himself from the limousine.
"Thanks for that Bitch-chan." Laito replied in a light-hearted tone, as he fixed his shirt and picked up his fedora that had fallen to the ground.
"Laito, can you not provoke Subaru or anyone for that matter so early in the day." Reiji said in a cold voice. "Next time take your discussions outside."
"I was really hoping they would get to fight," Kanato mumbled to his Teddy as the limousine came to a slow stop. Everyone had exited the vehicle in a quick fashion, as Yui was pulled to Ayato's side. She had wanted to slide the letter into Valentina's locker, but she would have to find another time to do it. Kanato trailed close behind them as they headed to their homeroom class.
Kanato had been anticipating this moment. He wanted to make it clear to Valentina who she belonged to. As students started to trickle in, he took a seat waiting for her to enter; but as the lecture started to drag on she never came. When class had ended Kanato was annoyed that she hadn't showed up. He sent Ayato a threatening glare, if it wasn't for him, she'd be in class.
Ayato sent him a low growl, to get Kanato off his back wondering what had set him off. Yui noticed the glare match between the two brothers that gave her enough time to slip away from Ayato's gaze. She headed to Valentina's lockers and slid the unmarked envelope into the small opening of the locker; she was certain that Valentina would be able to see it when she opened her locker.
"What are you doing Bitch-chan?"
Yui quickly turned around to find herself standing in front of Laito who seemed to tower over her. His green eyes glinted as if he had caught a child stealing candy.
"I was just waiting f-for Valentina to show up," Yui stuttered.
"Well I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the little sprite won't be coming today."
Yui furrowed her eyebrows, wondering how he knew? When Ayato had suddenly pulled her to his side before she could ask.
"Pancake what are you doing talking to the Perv?" Ayato exclaimed, pulling her into a tight grip. "I told you not to stray."
"Wait Ayato," Yui pleaded, trying to get him to loosen his grip on her arm. "I was trying to see if Valentina was here."
Ayato snorted, "She probably left if she knows what's good for her."
Kanato shot Ayato a menacing look. "She's just sleeping," he said in a factly manner.
Yui looked relieved at hearing that, but she wanted to ask Kanato how he knew; but before she could question him, Ayato had dragged her away. Exclaiming how hungry he was and how he wanted her to make him takoyaki.
When Kanato couldn't hear his brother or the annoying bride, he glared at Laito. His familiar had told him they saw Laito snooping around the territory.
"What's with the hostility, dear brother?" Laito mused, smiling at him.
"Stay away from her," Kanato warned, his lavender eyes glowing in the empty hallway.
Laito pressed his lips into a sly smile, "You shouldn't be worried about me, the most she'll be of use to me is her blood and body. Though I would keep an eye on Shuu and Reiji, they're your competition not mine." Laito walked away leaving his older brother alone. Kanato grumbled to himself, who did his brother think he was? Ayato please.
Kanato hated even the simple idea of sharing Valentina with any of them. She wasn't just any blood bag. Laito wasn't worthy to touch even a single strand of her hair, much less drink her blood. He didn't want Laito corrupting her with his dirty mind, if anyone was going to break her it would be him.
Kanato didn't feel like going to class, it was all boring and dull. They taught the same thing every year as if they didn't understand it the first time. He had walked out of the school without being stopped by the school's security. Kanato had walked far enough from the school's campus that he found himself in the bustling nightlife of the city.
He had been walking past some sweet shops and cafes trying to decide which one he'd take Valentina too. Her lack of a sweet tooth was a little problem that could be easily fixed in his books. All she needed was someone to show her what pastries and sweets went best with certain drinks. Berry tarts and champagne, chardonnay and lemon bars, rosemary tea and chocolate truffles, or lemonade and chocolate chip cookies were a few of many drinks and pastries that went hand in hand. He thought of sampling a bit of her blood since it had a taste of spice and pairing it with a slice of chocolate cake. The spice and sweetness of it all would be delicacy, and he suddenly felt his throat go dry. He rushed behind a dark alleyway and pushed himself against the wall; loosening his tie as he held a hand to his throat, gasping for air.
"Teddy, I'm awfully thirsty," Kanato said between breaths. He had gone a few weeks without blood and his inability to sleep normally only heightened his thirst. This time it was different, he couldn't just lock himself in his room until the feeling went away. He needed to drink, unless he went crazy and slaughtered another town again. He took long deep breaths as he tried to calm himself, clutching his bear as the thirst persisted. When he was able to get a hold of himself Kanato had walked further into the city. Reaching the outer depths of the red light district. Kanato knew he stuck out like a sore thumb, it repulsed him being in seedy places like these. He never understood why Laito and Ayato liked to visit these places.
All these women were eyeing him like a piece of candy, believing that sleeping with him would be vastly more enjoyable than doing it with an old gross pig; men that disrespected them that belittle them, that thought they could do whatever they wanted to them just because they threw them a couple of dollars.
Kanato gave them a sweet smile, as many giggled in joy, teasing one another as who would get the honors. He would let them believe that he was naive boy looking to lose his virginity, a stupid social construct humans put so much emphasis on. He walked inside the shop as his stomach churned in disgust as he smelled cheap perfume, sweat, and the essence of sex in the entire room.
The Madame welcomed him in with a sly look, asking if he was lost. Kanato shook his head, and smiled sweetly, charming the older woman. The Madame told him that her girls weren't cheap, that business was business. Kanato handed her four crisp bills as the Madame thanked him, pocketing the money between her large breasts; she snapped her manicured fingers, motioning the woman who were available to stand in a straight line.
Kanato took a look at each one of them, feeling repulsed as he feigned a boyish smile. He hated woman like them, who coerced men into sex. They were all the same, they flirted and told everyone the same lies. To him, women like them were not to be trusted because they were so quick to change their mind about everything. He wondered if Valentina was as fickle, and gritted his teeth at the idea of her talking to some other man.
He picked the woman whose scent was the least horrid; she still had the smell of cheap perfume that clung to her thin brown hair and had pounds of makeup to hide her aging face. Her skin was pale and pasty like his. Most likely from sleeping in the day and working during the long nights. He caught himself imagining sun-kissed skin and dark long locks instead. This woman didn't compare to his toy in the slightest.
When Kanato entered the room, he noticed the walls were soundproof and the lights were dimmed. He found her sitting on the edge of the bed wearing black laced lingerie. He had placed Teddy on a chair not wanting him to get dirty.
When she saw him she stood up to give him a kiss. Normally she had a no-kiss policy with many of her clients, kissing in her books was too intimate. She had made an exception tonight hoping that this boy would give her some comfort and she was overjoyed when he kissed her back. Her eyes remained closed as a small smile graced her face.
Kanato placed a hand gently on the side of her face, slowly bringing it down feeling the warmth of her skin and snapped her neck, as blood painted the walls a dark crimson. She didn't scream, nor did she cry. Her blood spurted freely drenching the red silk sheets under them and he began to drink, gagging every few seconds because her blood was bitter. When he had his fill, he let the blood bag fall to the floor. There was still blood left in the body for him to store, but he didn't want to get near it, he felt repulsed.
He laid by himself on the bed, with his knees pulled to him as he felt this gnawing cold feeling in his chest. He heard the soft rain drops hitting the windowpane, and he felt undeniably alone. How can women be so quick to have a change of heart? Kanato had felt violated. Why did that woman kiss him? Why must she lie to him and make him believe things that aren't true. They were all the same, they were all like "Her" but they could never compare to "Her."
He sat on the bed as he felt cold tears slide down his cheeks, his thirst sated but his chest ached. He had to bring her body back, but the room looked like a crime scene. Blood had spilled on the rug, and coated the white walls. All he could think about was how to stop this cold feeling that chilled his bones. He grabbed Teddy as he lit the room ablaze, hoping that the fire would warm him as it burned any form of evidence.
Kanato teleported himself as the building began to burn down. He found himself standing in front of Valentina's house. His hair dripping wet as he peered at her through the window. It looked like she was having a nightmare as her eyebrows were scrunched. He wanted to bust open the window and lie down with her, but there was a thin, but strong barrier of magic prohibiting him from entering her room. All he could do was watch as she tossed and turned in her sleep.
Lighting had struck and Valentina had awoken from her slumber, gasping for air as she sat up from her bed in confusion. Her skin pricked as she felt that she was being watched. She glanced out her window and to her shock she saw Kanato staring intently at her with his clothes drenched from the rain. She opened her window yelling out his name as thunder began to strike the skies. She stuck her head out, as the wind slapped her cheeks cold with rain making her shiver. Kanato was just standing still, almost petrified she noticed his disheveled look and left her room grabbing an umbrella. She ran to him as she used the umbrella to cover him from the pouring rain.
"Kanato, what are you doing here?"
"I'm so cold," he sniffled, "my chest hurts."
Valentina's eyes went wide as she noticed his chest covered in blood not knowing that it wasn't his. "You need to go to a hospital! I'll go call my godmother!"
Kanato had gripped her wrist causing the umbrella to fall to the ground. "Don't leave me." As the rain soaked them both. He hugged her like a child wanting comfort from a mother, and Valentina found herself consoling him. He looked so broken, with lilac eyes filled with unshed tears.
"I won't, let's just get you out of the rain," she shivered from the cold. She had run barefoot outside and her feet were going numb from the rain and wind. Her feet and pajama pants were caked in mud.
Kanato held her tight as if she would go back on her word and without warning jumped to her window as they floated in the air; to her amazement as she held on to his neck as he carried her. When they were eye level to her room, she went inside, noticing that Kanato hadn't entered. Almost as if he was waiting for her.
"Kanato come inside! It's pouring out."
He lifted himself in, as he shut the window. The spell that her godmother had placed was broken. She was unaware that her invitation had caused this as water pooled under both their feet. She went to her bathroom and pulled out a fluffy yellow towel to hand it to him. He didn't look up at her and she walked over to him to dry his head. Every time lightning would strike she would feel him tense up.
"Are you scared of thunderstorms?"
"The rain makes me feel empty inside," Kanato mumbled as he felt her pull back asking him if he wanted anything, like a phone to call his brothers? He shook his head at the foolish thought and pulled her close, inhaling her scent.
Valentina felt nervous, she felt that she had unintentionally opened Pandora's box. There was an unstable vampire in her room that hadn't killed her yet. Since Kanato had helped her before, this would even them out, and maybe he could help her with Yui. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was bound to happen with him being here.
"Kanato, I can give you a place to rest in my living room, but I need you to promise me you won't do anything to my family."
He looked at her with sad eyes and told her he wouldn't, but he wasn't willing to be apart from her. Crocodile tears started to fall, and Valentina felt a pang in her chest, almost feeling sorry for him. Whatever that had been bothering him, she'd have to ask him in the morning.
Valentina felt cold and wet, and what she wanted was to take a warm shower, but Kanato wouldn't let her go. She found herself in between Kanato and Teddy, with Kanato's arm wrapped around her waist. He had managed to fall asleep much to her relief. It was hard to go to sleep in cold wet blankets but she somehow managed to as her teeth stopped chattering; Kanato was far from being warm.
The sun had started to rise and Valentina got up early to brush her teeth, she had a splitting headache. She looked over at Kanato's sleeping form and he seemed so innocent that she almost forgot he was a supernatural killer.
"It's rude to stare," Kanato yawned.
Valentina blushed, "I just wanted to ask if you wanted to use the bathroom before I did."
Kanato didn't reply as he swiped her toothbrush from her hand and proceeded to brush his teeth much to her horror. She didn't have a chance to chastise him, when she suddenly heard a knock at the door. She suddenly shut her bathroom door, leaving Kanato in there and opened the door halfway to greet her Nana who was surprised that she was already up.
"Breakfast is being made, come down and eat."
"I'll be down, I'm going to shower really quickly!"
"Okay child, don't take too long now."
Valentina shut and locked the door before Nana could suspect anything. She was going to ask Kanato to leave, so she could get ready, but he had hopped back into her bed before she could tell him anything.
"Kanato, I need you to leave," she told him as she walked over to shake his shoulder. Kanato suddenly pulled her wrist, causing her to fall on top of him.
"Tch so noisy," Kanato mumbled. "Who told you to get up?"
"Let go! I have to get ready," Valentina grunted, tugging her arm back.
Kanato pouted as if he had been scolded. Toys should really learn their place. He had stood behind her looking around her room. It was small, and it needed a fresh coat of paint. The majority of her things were still in boxes with her bed, and vanity the only things occupying her room. He observed her as she pulled clothes from the drawers. "What are you doing?"
Valentina held her clothes close to her chest as if it was obvious. "I'm getting ready to eat breakfast with my family."
Kanato instantly felt jealous, he had expected her to invite him. Or even yet, he imagined it just being the two of them, he didn't count on there being three extra guests. He had wanted some time with his toy, but she had continued to grab her things as if he wasn't there. "You know you're being awfully rude."
Valentina stopped in her tracks giving him an odd look. "Kanato, why did you show up to my home? I'm sure your brothers are wondering where you are."
Kanato's mood suddenly turned sour at the mention of his brothers. "Don't speak of other men in my presence. I don't want you near them, even if they are my brothers."
Valentina gulped, "Alright then…" This was the first time she's ever seen Kanato act so somber and threatening at once, but he had made no effort to remove himself from her bed. Not only did she have to shower, she had to strip the sheets that were wet.
"Should I be concerned?" She asked, motioning at the blood on his shirt.
"Don't be," he responded calmly, his eyes piercing hers."It isn't mine."
Valentina's back broke in sweat, she wanted to ask whose it was, but her mouth went dry. He had appeared before her, backing her into the wall. Even if she was taller than him, she caught herself shaking under his intense gaze. He gave her a vicious smile, the sadden little boy that had appeared to her was no more.
"You know I can sense every heartbeat in this household. There's three steady heartbeats nearby, but they're just about close to their end."
"Don't touch them," Valentina fiercely responded. He was threatening her and she wouldn't doubt for a second that if she didn't put a stop to it, he would do as he pleased and actually harm them. She wasn't going to play into that manipulative psychological bullshit. If she played her cards right, it was better to put a stop to it, then to coddle and beg him to leave them alone. She felt that would only trigger his sadistic side which would only encourage his behavior.
"I hear your heart beating through your ribcage." He whispered in her ear as he stood on his toes. "Why so nervous?"
He tossed her on the bed as she felt her arms getting pinned underneath her. He was sitting on top of her stomach as he used his thighs to keep her in place. She felt the urge to scream, but Kanato quickly placed his hand to her mouth to stop her from doing so. He fixed his sleeves in a pristine manner as he watched her struggle, enjoying it immensely. He licked the tears that had slid down her face.
"I had made a promise to my toy that I wouldn't touch her family. It's a silly request, but I'll entertain it. However, let's make things clear. If you disobey me, I won't hesitate to kill them. If you try to escape, I'll kill them. If you scream, I'll kill them. Kapish?"
Valentina nodded her head as tears streamed down her face; removing his hand. "What do you want from me?"
He gave her a vicious smile, the sadden little boy who she had helped was long gone. "What don't I want from you?"
Valentina wanted to retort back, reason with him, but she noticed that craze look in his eyes that anything she did say would fall on deaf ears, or worse be used against her. She knew there was nothing she could say that would ease the problem. She had dug her own grave, and had put her family in danger the second she let him in.
"I want everything from you," Kanato whispered in her ear. His body pressed against hers as she struggled to get him off. "You belong to me, there isn't any other explanation." He caressed her, brushing the hair out of her face as she flinched from his touch. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. "I always get what I want."
He leaned down to kiss her as his cold lips pressed against hers. She was stunned, his kiss was so gentle, as he nibbled on her bottom lip. Her hair was in disarray and her cheeks flushed as she remained pinned on the bed. She broke it off, and raised her hand to slap him, but Kanato quickly grabbed her wrist.
"You women are so troublesome." He huffed, a little irritated that she had broken away. "I thought you liked it when kisses were gentle?"
"Don't touch me!" Valentina exclaimed fiercely, feeling the tight pressure on her wrist. Right when she thought it had healed, Kanato was going to strain it again if he squeezed it any harder. He wasn't much different from his brother.
Kanato felt crossed as he grabbed her chin and told her that toys didn't have a say, pulling her into another kiss. It was more forceful, passionate then the first. She tried to break away, but Kanato had put a hand to her throat, choking her. She opened her mouth to try to breathe in some air, but he slipped in his tongue, denying her as he stroked her tongue. Her mind was feeling fuzzy and her body felt strange. Before she could pass out from asphyxiation he had let go of her throat as a small string of saliva connected them after she had pulled away to catch her breath. Her face was flushed a deep red, and her stomach felt jittery. She wanted to slap him, push him off her, but he reminded her that she couldn't refuse him; making her stomach sink, there would be consequences if she did.
Her bottom lip was a bit swollen as he rubbed his thumb on it. Placing a chaste kiss on her lips again. Her aroma was so tantalizing it was sucking him in, even more when she was in this state, he felt pleased with himself. She was like the sweet nectar that attracted the bees. He had to make sure his brothers didn't go near her. He walked to the window and told her he was coming back.
"Don't let anyone else in." He warned, as he left through the window and jumped from the third story.
Valentina was left alone, stunned and quickly shut the window. Scared that someone else would get in. She walked past the creepy teddy bear that Kanato had left perched on her vanity and locked the bathroom door. She turned on the shower as she stayed standing under the hot water until it turned her flesh red.
How would she get out of this?
Hope you guys enjoyed it! Just wanted to say thanks to those who have commented and are following and have favorited the story! It all means a lot to me!
