Jolting awake, I felt a throb in my chest that caused tears to well up in my eyes. My breathing was unsteady too. Sadly, I found myself unable to remember what caused it. Again, the memories of my past haunted me in my dreams.
Shaking that feeling, I went into the bathroom to get ready, leaving the room soon after I was done. Even though the past days had been a bliss of new things entering my world. I could not shake this dream off me.
It filled me with such dread that I did not wait for Emma or Zoe to get up before I was out of the room. The alarm had not even gone off, but I needed to take a walk to position myself. Much to my surprise, I found myself faced with Gerta just down the hall.
She seemed to have been on the way to the lounge when our paths met. I did not know what my facial expression was, but she grabbed me by my hand and led me to the lounge. Sitting me down on a chair, she went to grab tea before giving me the hot drink.
My hands trembled to even hold the tea too. I probably was pale when Gerta saw me. She sat in front of me, holding my hands together so it would not spill.
“Is something wrong, child? I haven’t seen you like this ever since you came in. Did the twins finally show their ugly heads?” Gerta asked, worried about me.
I shook my head. Usually, I was all smiles. Even if they were fake. Though with the twins, it was starting to be less so. Even when I tried to control myself, Loki always seemed to take me out of place.
I had already noticed I had some type of affection for the boy, but it was not one I would allow myself to act on. Or for anyone else to know. It would be my guilty pleasure.
“No… They’ve been surprisingly pleasant lately. It was just a dream… I can’t shake off.” I confessed, closing my eyes trying to shake the feeling that gripped me to the core this time.
The fear and loneliness would not let me go. It was probably because I had been feeling it less lately. These new feelings were poisonous to me.
“Want to talk about it?” the old woman offered to be a listening ear.
But it was all to waste as I…
“I can’t remember it,” I mumbled, opening my eyes.
I gripped onto the teacup better too. All I needed was a couple of moments to get back to my old self. Gerta sighed, smiling gently before pulling away from my hands. I had never seen her be like this towards the new maids.
Though to the rest of the older staffers, she was like a caring mother. This was nice.
“I see. Well drink up, it's chamomile tea and it’ll help you relax a bit.” Gerta urged me.
I took the first sip. It had honey in it instead of sugar, making it pleasant for the buds of my tongue. It was always more enjoyable with honey.
Did she take notice that I always picked honey instead of sugar?
Of course, she did. She always had her watchful orbs on everyone. Emma and Zoe called her the creeper of stalkers. Everything that went wrong in the castle somehow she would know about it before it was even announced.
That also included the incident where I kicked that vampire. Everyone knew too, probably due to Alistair or Lucas. Both of the boys seemed to catch interest in me after that. Lucas was just to bug Loki, but Alistair spoke to me a few times while at the coliseum.
It left me wondering if he had it in him to murder Loki. If anything, he seemed to admire his brother. Although, he denied it. To me, it looked like he was a lonely child wanting attention which was stolen when Loki took the spotlight.
Then again... I murdered for less... But unlike me, his eyes were... purer. Gentler and loving when he gazed at Loki. Even if there was a rivalry between the two. I misjudge his frustrations with dislike.
“Thank you, and sorry for the trouble. I didn’t think anyone would be up this early.” I apologized for taking her time.
I was up earlier than usual. So, it was surprising she was up too. It was two hours before dawn. We usually would wake up an hour before. Gerta shook her head, raising an eyebrow at me. Those hazel orbs were beautiful to look at.
“I’m up before anyone else. Sadly, I suffer from insomnia.” Gerta informed, chuckling a bit.
I nodded my head slightly. Insomnia was something that Oswald seemed to suffer from too. I guess humans that lived long within Night city had their internal clocks messed up.
“I’ll keep you company until you calm your nerves a bit.” She added.
It took me by surprise.
Why would you waste time on me? I… would be fine after a bit by myself.
I always was. Never needed anyone.
“But what about the table placement,” I mumble, seeing it was still all packed up.
She grabbed onto my shoulders, causing me to gaze back at her. Her touch was so warm too.
What’s up with these mortals?
“Vivian, that can wait. I’m more worried about my maid's wellbeing.” Gerta assured me.
I shook my head in disbelief.
Why… is she being so nice?
Before, when we were alone she seemed to be a shark out for blood. But I did not sense that in her anymore. No, I sensed genuine care behind her words.
Is it because we were in the third week? Or is it because I surprised her by being genuine when I said I wouldn’t go after the boys?
She was hard to read.
“Why are you being so nice to me?” I asked, planting my eyes towards the floor.
She grunted a bit before sitting down in a chair in front of me, placing one leg over the other. Crossing her arms too, her lips tugged into a smirk.
“Well, at first I thought you were here for impure reasons, but it seems you don’t want to mess with the princes' life in that way. Usually, it comes out within the first week. But then you go within the first three days and kick a vampire's face without a second thought.” She chuckled, triggering me to sigh.
So, that’s why…
Gerta did not stop there though.
“Honestly, I can't help but admire you. Ivy and Emery are a menace though. They don’t work as diligently or do shit other than gawk at the princes. If it were to me, I would fire them right away, but it isn’t.” She shrugged, gazing towards the side before coming back to me.
“Emma and Zoe on the other hand are okay. Though they need to watch those mouths of theirs.” Gerta confessed her opinions about everyone that had newly entered the staff.
This woman was facing me straight on, while I struggled to face her like that. It seemed Alistair’s girls were becoming a thorn on her side too. Those hazel orbs were on me though. And at the moment they seemed caring.
I always felt a bit on edge when she gazed at me though.
“Impure?” I mumbled, taking another sip of the tea finally, gazing at her.
The moment she heard my question, Gerta clicked her tongue, remembering something that had happened before.
“Yes, like looking to get pregnant to receive a ransom from the royals.” She clarified.
I nodded before shaking my head like I did not want that at all. Fortunately, my expression said it all since her eyes stayed gentle.
“Since you’re so sincere, I’ll tell you something I usually keep to myself. King Asher always finds a way for the girls to abort the fetus if they happen to succeed in their efforts. It already happened with Oswald and Alistair.” She started, shocking me.
Oz?
“Though, Alistair multiple times, it’s like he knows his granddad will bail him out no matter what he does. Though, I think he does it for revenge.” Gerta sighed.
However, my attention was only on my link. In Oswald’s eyes there always seemed to be distrust towards us maids. Even though he slowly was getting used to us. I never knew it was because Asher had done something to him before.
Or that a woman had done something to him.
“It happened to Oswald?” I asked curiously as to why Gerta had said that.
She nodded. My nerves were soon forgotten thanks to this, as my attention shifted fully onto him. Anything that was about my protectors mattered more than anything else.
“Yeah, it happened a year after they got here. Oswald didn’t quite understand the royal games and fell for an older girl that was supposed to be his teacher. Even though they used protection, she poked holes in their condoms and well.” Gerta sighed, shaking her head.
I could see a flash of anger in her expression too.
“Asher made sure she didn’t have any reason to stay.” She answered, clearly annoyed by that memory.
She was not the only one. It triggered me too.
“Loki at the time still didn’t have control of his powers. So, no one other than Asher would go see him, but when it came out. Well, that was why they started to be so mean to the maids, and teachers that came into their lives.” She paused, shaking her head with a resentful expression.
Gerta was trying to not think of what happened that day but continued to chatter with me either way. I was annoyed though, but at who I did not know. It almost felt the same way when I kicked that girl's face.
I guess I was protective of my links.
“Rem almost killed Asher when she found out about Oz. It took everything to convince her that it wouldn’t happen again. Poor Oz was crushed though. The girl played with his heart to the point that he thought he loved her.” She continued, leaving me feeling even more frustrated.
I clenched onto my dress, trying to repress the anger.
“He was only fourteen. The poor boy didn’t know what love was, while the woman that was supposed to teach him was twenty-five. A disgusting piece of shit if you ask me. I would have strangled her myself if she hadn’t run for it after aborting the child.” Gerta scoffed.
How dare that woman hurt one of my links?
If I ever found who that woman was and where she was. I would… sear her alive, making sure she would never see daylight again. What I felt must have been expressed in my face since Gerta smirked.
“It seems, you care for the boys. That’s good.” She suddenly announced.
I found myself in a pickle. She had played me right where she wanted.
Shit…
I had forgotten how cunning she was. The motherly look caused me to fall right into her trap.
“What?” I mumbled, snapping out of my murderous train of thought, hoping she would move on only for her to smile.
“Don’t pretend like you didn’t hear me.” Gerta snickered, enjoying my surprise.
For a moment I thought we were having a touching moment. These people knew how to play individuals to their tune, and I fell into her lap. There was no need to deny it though. Caring for them did not mean anything out of the ordinary.
I had spent two weeks constantly with them. And they had been nothing but kind to me in the past days.
“I do. I care for them, but not in a sexual way. And even if I did, I wouldn’t allow it to happen. Unless I was out of my mind.” I confessed.
The boys were becoming a greater existence than I first thought they would be. Two weeks in and I was already caring for them in ways I never thought. Especially Loki. The way he touched me.
No, the way he spoke to me. It all stirred me up to know that I fell for the tricky vampire. Something I would never admit to him.
“Hm… I don’t know about that. I’ve seen the way you look at Loki.” Gerta suddenly pointed out.
I almost choked on the tea that I was sipping on. She broke out in laughter. My mask once again was gone in a split second. I coughed, trying to find my breath.
“W-what?!?” I stuttered.
She continued to laugh whole heartily.
“Oh ho, am I right? Look at that, I never knew you could make that expression!” She gushed.
What expression?! It can’t be!
I did not know how to answer her anymore.
Had I been looking at Loki differently than I did with others? Why? I… thought I was hiding it so well.
“N-no I-I would never do anything.” I fumbled.
She continued to bask in the fact she got me. I escaped her one too many times. My dream did not help me in this matter.
“So, you aren’t going to continue to deny it?” Gerta raised her eyebrows.
She seemed to be having fun over my reactions. Lately, I had been having a harder time keeping my poker face on. Anything would crack it even though I did try to hide it. It was mostly things that involved Loki himself.
Fuck my heart. You fucking traitor. Stop beating so loudly. Stop making my stomach feel like it has butterflies flying in it.
Dad or Lilith never warned me of this emotion, and even if they had, I was helpless against it.
“I-I…” I began, clearing my throat and facing Gerta straight on.
There was no denying it now. Not after my unsuspected reaction to her words.
“I won’t lie. I fancy the troublesome flirt of a prince. He just won’t let me stay away as I wanted. It’s annoying how he doesn’t stop making my heart flutter. But... I couldn’t help myself from feeling this way.” My voice almost felt like not my own.
I never thought I would put these words out.
Fuck me…
“The more time I spend with him the more wonderful he becomes. But that’s where this stops. I can't allow this to blossom into something else.” I confessed, feeling like my cheeks were about to fall off.
Gerta stood up. I thought she would chase me away or scold me harshly. But instead trailed her hand down my hair, causing me to gaze up at her. Her expression was so gentle.
“You can fancy him all you like. Reminds me of when I was younger. I used to love King Asher before he got married to Queen Andrea.” Gerta declared with a tone of sadness in her voice.
No, she still loved him. She was unmarried and worked all her life here. It was like she devoted her entire life to Asher, who never responded to her. At least that was what it sounded like. I knew nothing of their past.
But perhaps there was something in her smile. She did get to raise his son Leonard. And Asher had gone outside of the marriage to conceive him. Something that was not known to the public.
“I see. So, is it normal?” I asked, feeling like Gerta could help guide me.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
She snickered before lowering herself again onto the chair, crossing her arms.
“Is it normal to fall for the ones, we work under? Na, we’re just masochistic beings, Vivian.” She pointed out, causing me to pout somewhat.
That was not helpful at all, and I did not like pain. She chuckled in response to my unhappy expression before she closed her eyes.
“Your feelings will probably end up like mine, anyway. Forgotten in the wind.” She added, opening her eyes before gazing towards the windows once again her expression softened.
It seemed regretful too. She still loved the man she was never supposed to have. I probably was destined for that same fate as hers but worse. Loki would hate me in the end. I would not be able to stay by his side when that happened.
“Don’t worry madam, I am not going to show my emotions towards anyone here. More than anyone else, I know I’m unfit for the prince.” I smiled, reassuring her that I would remain faithful to my work.
She gazed back at me again with that regretful expression. The pain in her eyes was visible.
“I see no problem with you or your feelings, dear. I can also tell you won’t do anything to harm the princes. But I do fear what will happen to your heart.” Gerta sighed.
I stood up from the chair, bowing to her respectfully. She had enlightened me in many things, especially of Oz’s past. That was something I would have to discuss with the girls later. Perhaps it would cause Emma to loosen up on torturing the poor warlock.
After all, she…
“Of course, I won’t harm them. And my heart is a lot tougher than it seems,” I assured her.
My life was linked with theirs. Even if I wanted to hurt them, I could not. Thankfully, they had not made me feel that way either. I expected her to remain silent, but the moment she placed her hand on my head, softly petting my hair. I somewhat broke again.
She was a kind woman. One I did not deserve. Gerta did not know who I was. In her eyes, I was just a girl.
“Thank you, Gerta,” I mumbled.
“So soft.” She played with my hair a bit before pulling away.
At that moment I straighten up to face the elderly woman. Her height difference did not change how I saw her. Loyal, and kind was all she was as well as cunning. Her age made her wise.
“I’m still going to watch you, dear. I must know how you managed to tame those twins. Tell me all your secrets.” Gerta chuckled.
I gave in once again. Nothing had gone wrong when I showed some of my emotions to the boys. So, why would it be with her? Either way, it was not like I was going to do anything to her.
“I don’t think I did anything out of this world though.” I simpered at her.
She reached out to my cheek before tracing her thumb down it. Her touch was fine. It felt like a mother’s. One I never had. Or perhaps I did, I did not remember it.
“Hm, I think it was that smile. It’s beautiful. No, your entire being is beautiful, Vivian. I hope you find a good husband one day.” Gerta noted, letting me go, going towards the tables.
I stood there for a minute, trying to analyze what she said. People kept calling me beautiful. This woman even called my soul that. She knew nothing. If only she knew there was not a bone in my body that was dignified to be called elegant.
Turning towards her my heart stung a bit, she was beginning to set things up.
If you knew what I was, would you still say the same? Doubtful... Shit! If only I was a normal girl. If only I could be loved. Perhaps then this world would be colorful.
I had almost forgotten myself in these past few days. No, I was forgetting why I had come here and what I was. This was not okay at all. A being like me could not forget. Or else I could bring ruin to everything the twins loved.
This happiness was fake. It had to be. None of it was real. Even so... I...
“It isn’t beautiful at all,” I mumbled to myself before going to join Gerta in her work.
It was not long until Zoe and Emma rush here to find me. I had never left when they were asleep. So, they seemed concerned about me while I assured them I was fine. These two girls had also crept into my heart.
From annoyance, they became allies that I could rely on. To a certain point though. After breakfast, we once again prepared for the day. This time Emma got coffee for Oswald. A trick I told her to do.
Especially since he seemed to be an addict to it. I watched her grumbling under her breath about how he was so picky about what he drank. And how it had to be perfect or else he would not drink it.
Zoe on the other hand watch us while I prepared the tea for Loki, who was not as picky about flavoring as Oz. Even though, I had done this already more than a dozen times. My nerves each day got worse.
Standing outside of the crown’s prince’s room, I tried to steady my heart, hoping the events from the previous day would not play out. I had come to wake him up like usual. This time, however, he pull me into the bed before I could open the curtains.
He held me captive there for a while too. I felt like I wanted to melt right then and there. Luckily, Eli helped me out of it. Loki had fallen asleep while on me. It was torture to be surrounded by his scent and warmth in such a way that was never meant to be for me.
This time I would be ready for it if it happened though. I just had to open the curtain without getting too close to the bed. Opening the door, I placed down the tray to hear mumbling from the sleeping vampire.
Closing the door, I went to open the curtains successfully to see something that made my heartthrob. Loki lay in the bed with his arms wide open, glancing at me. Surprisingly, he was already awake.
His expression was so gentle that I could barely move from where I was. Gerta, if you only knew how unfair he was.
“Vivi… I woke up from hearing your footsteps. They’re so light.” Loki smiled gently.
I tried to remain strong while those blue purplish orbs gazed at me. He played dirty. It almost broke me again. Somehow though I managed to stay in one piece today. I guess it was thanks to Gerta.
“Well, you can stay in bed, as long as you’re awake since it’s your day off,” I informed, smirking.
Loki’s eyes twitched a bit when I said that. He did not seem pleased about being woken up even though his schedule was empty.
“Hah? Then why did you wake me?” he growled, sitting up.
I made my way towards the tray by the table.
“Because it’s healthier for you to wake up at the same time every day than to sleep in one day,” I noted only to be suddenly pulled from behind.
Oh… I fucked up!
Even if it was hard for my heart, I should have kept my eyes on him. Because I did not, I did not even realize when he got up. In a second I found myself on his lap. His breath hit my dress’s collar from behind.
He played too dirty. Using one arm to hold my hips, he cleared my hair to one of my ears with his other. His finger traced down my neck soon after. It was too warm.
“Why don’t you come to bed with me? Like yesterday?” Loki whispered teasingly.
This vampire!!!
I tried to hold on to myself. It was so hard to do. His touch even two weeks later made me want to lose myself in it. It had gotten worse. If I was a normal girl, after being teased in so many ways.
I would have grabbed him by his shirt and forced him to be mine by now. Something I could not allow myself to do. He was playing, and it made my heart skip. Though it was all my fault, I did take his first kiss.
And I wanted to take much more.
Endure…
“You plan to suffocate me today too?” I mumbled, trying not to give in to the warmth that wanted to consume me.
It was hard because I wanted to be devoured by it, but it was not for me. Plus, he had no feelings for me. He was trying to get a reaction from me like always. Payback was a bitch.
“Suffocate you?” Loki asked in a low seductive voice, still holding me in place.
He was not going to let go. Eli seemed nowhere to be found either. Probably was under the bed where it was cooler. Summer was here and even in Night city, it was hot.
“Yes, if it were not for Eli, you would’ve kept me under you all day yesterday! And you would’ve been late to your sparring!” I pouted.
He chuckled, remembering how Eli had to lift him off me. If not, I would have probably passed out because of my embarrassment.
Why does your voice have to be so pleasing to my ears too? Oz, why haven’t you come out yet!?
I gazed at the door that held the other twin with hopeful eyes. Emma and Zoe must have woken him up already. Though it was not long until my attention was again on my captor.
“Ah… I did that without realizing it. You just smell so good and are cuddly, sweetheart. Though I like you more when you don’t drink that rose tea.” Loki pointed out his reasonings.
I felt a smirk form against my ear. A sharp squeal left my mouth when his free hand tugged on the tie that held the dress together again. The moment it came undone I felt my heart snap.
“Loki, stop!” I yelped, unable to hold my emotions from spilling out.
He chuckled, resting his head on my shoulder before hugging me tightly.
“You’re one of a kind,” the playful vampire mumbled.
I felt the annoyance build within me. Playing with me was too much. I wanted to smack him for doing this to my heart. It was not healthy at all. I would die because of him, surely. A heart attack was imminent in my future.
“Stop testing me! I’ll hit you one day because of it!” I growled, pouting once again.
He lowered my dress collar a bit, triggering me to freeze. It was like I was enticing the lion to take a bite of the sheep.
“Will you?” Loki asked, moving my hair from the way.
I felt my heart in my throat again.
Any moment Oz. Please!
“Y-yes.” I stumbled to answer.
I felt his breath against the skin of my neck.
“How will you hit me even though I’m faster than you in every way? It won't be like that girl you kicked on the floor.” Loki brushed his lips against my neck, causing me to shiver.
Though the moment I felt his tongue I flew. I did not know how I did it, but in an instant, I was up and away from his grip. He probably let me go. No, I possibly could have done that since the start.
“I don’t know!” I squeaked, trying to turn towards him to keep my eyes on the devilish vampire.
But before I could a misstep sent me tumbling. Loki stopped me mid-way before I hit something that would have left a mark. Though I did cause some things to fall onto the floor from the cabinet that almost cracked my skull open.
Well, if the playful vampire had not caught me.
“Oi, Vivi, you’re going to hurt yourself,” he warned, helping me.
I could feel my eyes twitch. This vampire was going to be the end of me for sure. I would not make it back to the coven in one piece.
“Perhaps if you didn’t tease me every day, I wouldn’t have accidents!” I snapped at Loki.
All it did was cause him to chuckle. I pulled away from him, pouting again. Slowly, I picked up the items that had fallen only to see a picture frame was one of them. Plucking it from the floor, I turned it over only to feel my heart stop upon seeing who they were.
Vera and Leonard.
Vera was the girl with silver hair and purple eyes who was heavily pregnant. She was in a bathing suit and Leonard was the man next to her. They seemed to be on a popular beach, in Azear, the water elf nation.
Its pink sands brought tourists from all around the world. Noticing me staring at the picture Loki stepped closer towards me.
“Oh, that’s my birth mother and father. I don't have any memories of them though.” Loki shrugged, feeling a bit indifferent about them.
I shook my head, tracing my fingers on the picture. It was my fault he was an orphan. All because I existed.
Damn it… What’s this feeling?
These people seemed happy before my mother got into their lives. Vera was a beautiful woman, and they say I am prettier.
What a lie that is. I’m nothing compared to her.
The radiance and love from her eyes beat me any day. I was empty inside and unloved. Even so, I still wanted to live.
Selfish of me, I know.
“Vera the most powerful witch that ever lived and Leonard the most talented vampire to ever lived. Both of them died going against the eternal witch Edna or so they say.” I whispered, feeling utterly guilty over it.
Is this because of my feelings for Loki? What a drag they are.
Before this moment I did not care about their lives. But seeing how they were supposed to be important to this vampire. It made me feel like perhaps I should have been destroyed instead. He deserved to have them in his life.
Instead, he got me. A broken goddess, who needed him to live peacefully.
“So, you know that too?” Loki asked curiously.
A second later, he grabbed me once again by my hip, placing his chin on my shoulder, gazing at the picture too.
“My father likes history,” I sighed my first full lie since I got here.
It felt horrible when it rolled out of my tongue. I usually did not lie so straightforwardly. No, I usually hid it under the truth or voided details. Thankfully, my heart stopped beating so irately once I was reminded of who I was and what I did to Loki.
My affection would bring nothing but ruin for him and his family.
“I see. He seems like a smart man.” Loki chuckled.
I shook my head slightly. Smart, cunning, and dark evil beings that was what we were. All we ever would be. If he only knew how many people I killed in this life. I lost count at a hundred. Lilith wanted to desensitize me from taking a life.
Of course, all of my murders were attributed to her. She did not mind it. I had never felt them so heavy until now. My hands were stained red. The cost of being strong was too heavy on me.
“Hm… Perhaps.” I mumbled, gazing at the picture, unable to shake the guilt that was swelling within me.
How many fathers had I killed? I don’t know.
Loki held me tenderly. He did not who I was, and what I did to his life. Or what I would do. I had to find a way to save him without changing his life anymore. He did not deserve any of this.
“That image was taken in their twenty-first birthday. It also turned out to be Remi’s wedding day,” Loki informed, gazing at the picture.
I simpered, feeling disgusted for myself. Rem was Vera’s twin. No, they were a quad, Caden, Aiden, Vera, and Rem. The boys were dominant Lycan hybrids, while Vera was dominantly human.
Rem was stuck in between.
Stupid luma…
They were Lilith’s and Fenris’s children. This Lilith was a witch that had part of the soul cairn stuck within her. We called it the gate. She was also the reincarnation of Lilith the elf that worked for Cain and me. Our elf was a copy of who she used to be.
While Fenris was the second red-eye Lycan to exist. Alijah, Rem’s husband, was the first. Their history was another tale that was told through their eyes though.
“Seems like they were having fun,” I noted, biting my bottom lip.
Loki hummed in response to my comment. What slipped out of my lips next was something I did not expect. I was not thinking, but I also wanted to know.
“Loki, do you hate eternal witches?” I asked before I even knew it was going to come out.
My heart dropped for a moment as my eyes widened upon realizing what I said.
Do I really want to know?
It scared me.
Fuck it isn’t like it matters either way.
Loki held me a bit tighter to him.
“The one who raised me is part one, so no I don’t, but the one who took my family away. I’m not too fond of,” Loki confessed.
I nodded my head, knowing I probably fell there too. These emotions were nothing. They had to be nothing. On the cabinet, there were other pictures too. The entire family unit was on one shelf. Rem and Alijah were there too.
They all seemed happy. There were even recent ones. I guess they always made time for the twins. And that pleased me. The hybrid was not useless for everything.
“Rem the savior of this world,” I commented, placing the picture back on the cabinet.
Loki nodded his head a bit.
“Remi has a lot on her plate. Though Pa... Uh... Alijah’s with her, which makes me feel good about their future.” Loki continued to chatter.
I hummed again. Loki let go of me, allowing me to turn to face him. His eyes seemed nostalgic and somewhat regretful of the people he never got to meet. He knew about them thanks to the memories others shared with him, but none were personal.
“Miss them?” I asked, trying to keep up the facade I had going to hide what I was feeling deep down.
It hurt.
Gerta, is this how you felt? To know you would never be loved by the one you... No... Unlike you... I know I’ll never be loved.
There was not an ounce of hope. I thought I had grown to terms with it. Yet I could not help but want it either way. Pathetic of me.
“Hardly, they come here all the time. Pa’s annoying too. He has no filters and embarrasses me like crazy. And Ma well, she can be a handful. Uh no, stubborn is the right word. But I know she loves me too much.” Loki rolled his eyes, remembering memories of his family.
I chuckled, not expecting him to have that reaction towards Alijah. He was the Lycan who had the soul of another god within him like me. Another danger and ally against the gods themselves. Mother wanted to make him my protector, but she failed to acquire him according to Lilith.
It was better this way. Loki had the protector I was supposed to have. And I felt pleased with that.
“I see. Perhaps I should get some pointers from him then.” I crackled, triggering Loki to stop in his tracks.
My laughter soon ended when he pinned me against the cabinet behind us. His eyes seemed to be filled with an emotion I did not know how to deal with.
Jealousy?
“Oi, no. Don’t go near him.” Loki warned, narrowing his eyes.
I found myself in another pit. It seemed I kept falling on them, no matter what I did.
“Why?” I mumbled, unsure what had ticked him off to act this way.
His eyes made me feel little in them. His effect on me was too great. I needed to get a grip yet I…
“Every female that ever meets Pa gets smitten by him,” Loki growled.
His words took me by surprise.
Smitten? What? How?
I had seen pictures of Alijah, and yeah he was one of the most handsome males I had ever seen. But it was nothing that made my heartthrob. Not like Loki did at least. He was a first. To me, Loki was way better than Alijah in both looks and everything else that came with him.
There was no comparison between them.
“And why would you care if I were smitten by him?” I mumbled, trying to understand Loki better.
Before I knew it, he grabbed my chin, pulling it towards his face. His blue purplish orbs were scanning mine. He seemed annoyed by an unknown thought that was racing through his mind.
“You’re mine,” the vampire announced, setting my heart to beat erratically once again.
His? What? When did that happen?
“Hah? I-I’m not an o-object to own, L-Loki.” I stuttered, unable to hold my emotions in tack.
He smirked, getting even closer to me.
“Vivi, you’re mine,” Loki repeated effortlessly.
I placed my hands on his chest when he leaned into me. Our lips barely brushed together when Oz suddenly open the door, triggering us to separate. Loki’s eye twitched again. This time though, Oz noticed what was happening.
The sliest smile was on his lips. I was left utterly flustered.
“Oh? Did I interrupt something?” Oswald snickered, crossing his arms by the door.
Loki turned to him annoyed.
“I told you to fucking knock!” Loki growled at Oz, storming towards him.
Zephier jumped into the bed. That was when Eli slid to me to snap me from the shock of what happened. Tapping his tail against my leg, I slowly reached to pick him up. Oz and Loki continued to bicker.
“I did you, nitwit. It isn’t my fault you didn’t answer.” Oz rolled his eyes, grabbing onto the chair by the desk, sitting on it.
Emma and Zoe pretended to clean the other room, but they were trying to eavesdrop on the twins' argument. Anything that involved me was a high priority on their list.
“Then wait for me to open it, damn it!” Loki huffed, flustered, and bothered.
His brother enjoyed this side of him.
“Ha? So, what I should wait forever for you to open it? With what you were doing, it would have taken an eternity.” Oz countered, unimpressed by his twin.
Loki clicked his tongue in annoyance.
“I don't care. Fucking just wait.” Loki grumbled, gazing at me.
I avoided his gaze entirely. My heart was too much. The simple brush was too much to handle too. Not even Eli could help me out of this ditch.
“Anyway, let us head into town. Leo texted me that the book is finally in stock.” Oz smirked at his brother, who did not seem pleased at all by how things turned out.
“And you couldn’t go by yourself?” Loki still seemed ticked off.
Oz shrugged.
“Nope, I wanted my loving brother with me. Remember you die, I die. You love to remind me of that. Plus, Leo will meet us there after his movie is done.” Oswald countered, using it more like a joke.
To him we maids should not have of what he was talking about. Loki rolled his eyes, grabbing some clothes to wear from the cabinet next to me. His approach caused me to hug Eli tightly. It was hard to try and handle my emotions.
“Fuck.” Loki cursed under his breath, shutting the drawer closed.
I had not seen him that annoyed since I got here. The tingly sensation that brush of the lips left on me was too much. My heart did not want to silence itself. A second later, Loki was inside the bathroom.
Eli snickered from my arms while Zephier gazed at me from the bed. It almost seemed like she wanted me to pick her up too. They felt something from me.
“Did I save ya, Vivi?” Oz asked once Loki was inside the bathroom, snapping me out of my trance.
I turned to him, smiling like I normally did.
“Yes, thank you.” I bowed.
It caused him to chuckle, gazing back at the girls who quickly got back to ‘work’. He seemed suspicious of them.
“No problem, now save me from your minions,” Oswald grumbled, glaring at the girls who shivered under his orbs.
I could not help but break a chuckle because of it.
“If only I could.” I giggled, causing Oz to frown unhappily after hearing that.
He seemed to be doing better though. The dark circles were less, and he seemed to have more energy than before Emma and Zoe came into his life. Although it annoyed him to no end, it was an improvement in how he was handling himself before.
Once Loki was done dressing, we left the room before stopping at the café for breakfast with Emma and Zoe. Since Leo would be joining us later, Oz brought Zoe along which in turn meant Emma came too.
From there, we headed towards a bookshop in the shopping district of Night City. We had been here before, but it never stopped to amaze me how many stores were in this place. Even though the sky was so dark, they kept them open twenty-four seven.
Though the twins were usually out during the ‘day’ only. Without a second thought, Oz went into the shop. Emma and Zoe gazed at the clothing stores next to it. Loki stood next to me, waiting patiently for Oz to come back.
My eyes did drift to Emma and Zoe, who seemed to be having fun window shopping.
“Do you want to try a dress, sweetie?” Loki smirked, noticing my gaze.
I shook my head before returning it to the bookstore.
“No. That sort of thing isn’t for me.” I assured him.
H grabbed onto my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine.
“What do you mean it isn’t your thing? Let’s go. I bet you’ll look beautiful in a gown.” Loki urged me.
But before he could take a step towards the store a blaring alarm screeched through the district. A second later, the lights went out when an energy boom blew out most of the stores' glass windows. Oz along with others that were in the book shop were propelled out, slamming onto the floor unconscious.
Zephier was also unconscious in his arms. The first thing I noticed was the blood that was coming from Oswald’s head. He had probably been close to the exit. The book he was looking for was in a bag around his arm too.
The glass was probably the cause of his injuries though.
“Oz!” Loki went for his brother.
A blue light shone from inside the store before it suddenly collapsed in front of us. A gate was opening here out of all places. This would be the start of a challenge I never thought I would ever be in.