章 27: He's not mine

Alisha's body shook with sobs as she shuddered on the floor, her tears flowing uncontrollably. She had never felt such a deep ache in her heart, as if she had lost a part of herself.

Declan, her closest friend, her confidant, her rock, was gone. She had pushed him away, knowing it was the only way to extinguish the forbidden feelings that threatened to consume her.

Their friendship was a beautiful dream, but their realities were worlds apart. A Mythic princess and a powerful vampire holding a powerful position - their love was doomed from the start. She knew it, and yet, her heart refused to accept it.

"I'll miss you, Declan." The silence that followed was deafening, a harsh reminder that he was truly gone.

***

Declan's smirk hid the pain he was feeling. Sitting in the dark forest, surrounded by the haunting hoots of owls, howls of wolves and hungry stares of the creatures lurking around.

"It's all my fault," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "I shouldn't have asked her if she could date me. When it's obvious she can't."

But he knew the truth - her heart beats for him, just as his soul rages for her. He wants her and she wants him too!

Declan's eyes closed, his body shaking with the force. Something cold slid down his left cheek and Declan wiped it away. He looked down at his hand and saw that it was blood red. Tears huh? He smirked. No! He couldn't just leave her! He'd give her some time maybe but there's no way he'd let go of her. He refused to be pathetic.

***

Dinner was silent, the silence punctuated only by the clinking of cutlery against plates. Seraphim's sudden absence was obvious but no one bothered to ask about it. Cecil and Quynn were also noticeably missing, leaving Leticia to wonder what was amiss.

As she glanced at Devon, she couldn't help but admire his chiseled features and striking eyes. His profile, with its sharp jawline and slight dimple, gave him a endearing, baby-like quality that made her giggle inwardly.

"I know I look more delicious but you should eat. Stop feasting on me with your eyes." He said with a cocky smile, interrupting her thoughts.

Leticia rolled eyes, "Delicious my foot," she replied, her voice laced with sarcasm. Devon's smirk only grew wider. "Wanna confirm?" he asked, his brow raised in a playful challenge.

Leticia batted her lashes and blushed, feeling a flutter in her chest. "No," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Devon's smirk turned into a knowing smile. "Opportunities don't come twice, Kitten ," he said, his voice low and husky.

As they bantered back and forth, Leticia's gaze drifted to Luis, who seemed lost in thought. His usual warmth and humor were replaced by a quiet aura, leaving Leticia wondering what was troubling him. She hoped to reconnect with him after dinner and asked, "Are you busy later, Luis?"

Luis looked up, his eyes softening into a gentle smile. "Oh no, you need help with something?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. Leticia shook her head, her ponytail swishing behind her. "Nope, just wanted to talk...like, really talk."

Before Luis could respond, Devon snapped, his tone sharp and possessive. "What kind of talk?" he asked, his eyes narrowing into slits. Luis raised an eyebrow, his expression purely filled with amusement.

Devon's gaze didn't waver, his jaw set in a stubborn line. "You're busy," he stated, his voice brooking no argument.

Leticia's eyes flashed with annoyance, "No, he's not. You can't stop me from spending time with my friend, Devon."

The air was thick with tension as the two engaged in a silent standoff. Luis's calm voice cut through the tension, his words a gentle rebuke. "Don't start an argument, you two. I'm not busy later, Leticia."

Leticia nodded at Luis, "Okay, then." As she turned to look at Devon, he looked away, his expression unreadable. A pang of sadness pricked at her heart, leaving her wondering what had caused the rift between them.. Like he'd just flared and it annoyed her.

After dinner, she walked to her room to rest a bit. Luis had assured her he would join her in the library soon. Leaving her room, she began to walk towards the library. Then, she saw a lady.

The woman was stunning, dressed in a revealing blue dress that exuded a high-class sophistication yet leaving very little to the imagination. She approached Leticia, "Excuse me? You must be a maid here. Where is Lord D'wayne's room?"

Leticia bit back a retort, thinking to herself, 'What business do I have with him and his conquests?' With that, she said, "Follow me."

She led the lady to the room Devon usually occupied although it was not the one she'd entered thar night.

She knocked on the door, and Devon's voice called out coldly, "Come in."

Leticia opened the door, and the lady sauntered in, her smile fixed on Devon as he lounged on the wide bed. Devon didn't even spare her a glance. His eyes were fixed at the door, on Leticia.

Their eyes met, and Leticia quickly looked away, feeling a pang of jealousy she couldn't explain. The lady kissed Devon, and Leticia's heart twisted. She felt foolish just standing there yet she couldn't turn away.

When their eyes met again, Devon raised an eyebrow. "Leave or would you like to watch me fuck her?" he asked, his tone detached.

Leticia's teeth clenched. "No."

"Then get out," he deadpanned. She muttered under her breath, "I hate you," and she turned and rushed out of the room. Or so she thought she didn't care. But sadness overwhelmed her, her eyes welling up with tears, her lips trembling, and her heart constricting at the thought of Devon with someone else.

These conflicting emotions infuriated her. "He's not mine, I have no right to feel this way. He's just... " Tears pooled in her eyes. "My master?" But he didn't treat her like a slave,not anymore. "Friend?" But they'd shared intimate moments. "Lover?" He never asked her out, and he never would, given he's a fucker.

She walked to the library, making sure to wipe her face clean before entering. Luis was already waiting and immediately he saw her, he frowned, taking her hands in his, "Are you okay?"

"Oh yes!" She beamed, pushing the conflicting emotions aside. Devon was having his own fun and she wouldn't allow him ruin hers.