Chapter 41: Chapter 41
Hazel,
I returned to my hostel, after convincing Xander with a long effort. He appointed two bodyguards for me. They used to roam inside my college and used to live exactly beside our hostel. They used to follow me like shadows.
A week passed already after that night. Xander came to meet me in my hostel but he couldn't stay as he left for hunting. They used to return to the castle in the forest once a month in search of their prey. It was necessary for their inner wolf as without hunting their wolf would be weak. My college life was going on as usual. I was also absorbed in my studies and project.
"Look, what I have won. It is a discount coupon," Anna screamed, entering our hostel room. Ruth and I were busy with our project. Anna's sudden screaming startled both of us and we looked at her, dumbfounded. Ruth asked, "Coupon? From where-" Cutting her in the middle, Anna started explaining in excitement, "I participated in an online quiz competition, which was sponsored by Quest Mall and I won four coupons. I haven't noticed that I won these coupons. Only today when I opened the mailbox I find this mail. Oh my god! I am so excited. We are going tonight." I replied, "Ok. That is great. But I think Quest Mall is the most expensive mall. Are you sure we can shop there?" "Yes of course. Most importantly we are going there today, exactly at 6'O clock," declaring her final words, Anna left the hostel room like a storm. Anna was always an over-excited girl so we knew we had to accompany her. Ruth murmured still looking at the exit, "Hazel, I think we don't have any choice except go with her." I giggled seeing her flabbergasted expression. I spent half of the day in my room with Ruth. Anna was busy in her violin class. Ruth and I completed our project with vigorous efforts. Then we left for our biology class. In the middle of the class, when I was noting down some important information, I heard Xander's voice in my mind.
'I am back, my love. When will your classes be completed? I can't wait anymore. I want to see you.'
I replied instantly, 'Actually after college, I will go shopping with my friends. Can we meet after shopping?' 'No problem, I will be in my apartment. I will pick you up after shopping. I love you,' he replied. I blushed and replied, 'I love you more.' Ruth poked me with her elbow and whispered, "Why are you blushing? Are you dreaming of someone special?" I whispered in a low voice, "No. I am not blushing at all." with a mischievous smile, Ruth whispered, "Such a liar." I rolled my eyes.
Exactly at 6 pm, we hailed a cab and led towards the mall. It was in the elite part of the city. Xander's apartment was five minutes away from the mall. So I decided after shopping I would visit him. Anna already made a long list. Anna gave both of us a discount coupon. She was explaining in detail where she was going to buy at the mall. When we reached the mall, I found it was a luxurious elite-class mall. Entering the mall, we were stunned, it was extremely well- organized and all the top brands of the US were there. It was not so crowded and the staff was dressed professionally. We entered the department of female clothing. I was dumbfounded. Every cloth was extremely beautiful, delicate, and soft. It was really hard to decide which one I wanted. Though the price of the clothes was high I had a coupon for 500$. I picked a beautiful yellow floral top with a pair of dark blue jeans and matching yellow shoes. Anna was roaming with a trolley. Ruth also picked only a single dress. We both were waiting for Anna. After a long hour, she, at last, decided what she wanted to buy and headed to the cash counter.
The staff collected our stuff and billed. But when we saw the bill, we stood there frozen. It was way more than we expected and when we showed the discount coupon, they informed us it was already expired. Then only I noticed the date at the corner of the coupon. I asked, "Can we return some stuff? We don't have enough money with us." The cash collector replied apologetically, "Sorry Mam but we have already billed. You can not return." I asked impatiently, "When can you wait? I will-" Cutting me in the middle, "Sorry but we will close the mall within half an hour. So you have to pay us before closing," she explained professionally.
Ruth asked, "We don't have enough time to return to the hostel. What will we do now? What a strange mall! Why we can't return?" I replied, "I don't know. I don't think I have enough money on my card. We are in short of almost 1000$." Anna only replied with a panicked expression, "Sorry." Ruth and I both giggled together, seeing her face. When both Anna and Ruth were trying to find a way out, I suddenly got a better idea. I replied with a smile, "You two wait here for me. I will be back in 10 minutes." They both looked at me, questionably, but before they could ask anything, I ran out of the mall. I headed to Xander's apartment. It took me only 3minutes to reach. I barged into his apartment without even knocking on the door. I found that Xander and Damien were discussing something while sitting on the sofa in the hall. I overheard a small part of their conversation and instantly I forgot about my actual purpose of coming as fear started to suppress my other senses.
Damien explained, "It is not a good idea to meet Ralph anymore. You know very well how dangerous these bloodsuckers are. They are not going to forget about the engagement. Maybe they have planned something dangerous that's why they have invited you." Xander replied in his usual calm husky voice, "I know about the risky but no matter what I am going. I want to know their final decision and most importantly I think this is the time to meet my grandfather Vlad." Before Damien could reply, I rushed inside and reacted, "Never. You cannot go there like this." They were both startled hearing my voice and looked at me in surprise. I continued, taking a few more steps towards Xander, "What if they try to attack you? You are not going there. You can send your men." Xander replied with a charming smile, "Don't worry, nothing will happen to me. I cannot send anyone, because only a leader can talk with another leader." He raised his hand and grabbing my wrist, pulled me on his lap. I sat on his lap and replied, "Never. Then I am going with you." I was thinking about the vampire princess at that moment. The thought of Xander and Roxana together angered me more. I was burning in fire, my inner self was growling for her mate. Xander looking at my expression, chuckled and asked in his mischievous tone, "Are you jealous, my love?" "Of course not, but you are not going alone, if you will go I am going with you," I declared stubbornly. Damien laughed out loud and murmured, "Hazel, I think you can only convince Xander. But I think it is really risky for you to go to Vampire's den. After all, you are a human." I replied more stubbornly, "No matter what, I am going with you, Xander. We have to listen to me, I am the future Luna." Xander replied calmly, hugging me, "I can't. Don't be so stubborn. Before Luna, you are my mate, I cannot risk your life." I tried to convince, "But I am not-" Before I could finish, Xander replied in his calm tone, "No but. You are not going and that is final." "I am going. If you will not take me with you, I will go alone," I declared, pushing him away. "Ok then, you must try the second option. I will wait for you near the gate of the castle," he replied mockingly. Damien instantly explained, "Hazel, you cannot go alone. The vampire's castle is in the underworld. There is no way for humans to find it." I replied with confidence, "Don't worry, I will find it." "Yes yes, you must try it," replied Xander, pulling me closer. "Of course, just don't forget to wait for me. Whatever when will you go? "I asked. "Tomorrow morning," replied Damien. I replied shortly, "Alright."
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(Lines of the day)
She was a forgiver
Her heart was so large.
She didn't know how to
Give up people, because
She always believed the
Good in those she loved.
It was until she was
Walked on so many times,
She had no choice but to let
Go of those who burned
Holes in her heart.