Chapter 55: Chapter 55
JONEA
I have never felt this nervous when I had to meet and face Hunter. Since when did we become strangers and awkward? Actually, I know where it all started. Even since that day, I have considered Hunter an enemy to be wary of.
I arrived at the park where we promised to meet. After looking, I saw Hunter sitting on a park bench. He didn’t see me.
I walked towards him. After getting closer, I realized that Hunter was not alone. My legs suddenly stiffened, and I couldn’t move.
“I think I recognize that person. Could they be the same person? The person who sneaked into the warehouse at Daran’s house that night? What were they talking about? Are they really related?”
I was suddenly struck by a strong awareness and urge to approach the man. I had to make sure.
When I arrived, the man had disappeared, leaving only Hunter alone. How could that be?
“Jonea?” Hunter was surprised to see me coming.
My breath was still short. He smiled at me.
“Are you running? No need to rush. I’m even ready to wait for you even if I have to spend the rest of my life.”
Hunter tried to joke, but I didn’t like it. I looked around. “Where is that person? Who is he? Do you know each other?”
“Who?” Hunter looked confused. “Which person? I’ve been sitting here alone.”
I secretly clenched my fists at my sides. Of course, he wouldn’t admit it.
“Since you’re already here, why don’t you come with me? We’re on a date!” he said excitedly.
I didn’t even have time to react, but Hunter had already grabbed my hand and pulled it.
“No, Hunter, wait!” I snapped while trying to free my hand from his grip. I stood still and tried my best to reject his invitation.
“Do you have any special requests?” he asked.
***
DARAN
I stood in front of the house’s door and opened it. Three letters greeted me—letters in white envelopes with no information. From the scent, I knew where the letters came from. I took them and continued to walk in.
The house was tranquil. The lights automatically turned on when I stepped in. My gaze fell on a sticky note stuck near the door. I pulled the paper out and read it.
“Welcome back, Lycan King! Owen said, today you might come home because your business is finished. I’m out. You don’t need to worry and wait for me. Jonea.”
I took the cell phone I had left in the room and checked the contact list. That was when I realized I couldn’t add anyone to my list. There were only two contact numbers there: Owen and Jonea.
Apparently, she also sent me a message on my cellphone. “Since you’re back today, I’ll be home early. Come on, let’s have dinner together.”
I was so happy after reading her message. Because I missed her so much.
I pulled out my office chair and sat down. I was going to check the letters that I had just received. But heavy rain suddenly fell. I shifted my gaze to the window, and I became worried.
***
JONEA
“I’ve done everything you asked! You said you’d tell me about Aland. But, all day, we’ve just been going around aimlessly. I’m so tired and fed up. From now on, don’t ever contact me again or appear in front of me. My promise to you has been fulfilled. I have to go home now!”
I turned around and was about to go to the main road to look for a taxi. Suddenly, heavy rain poured down. I raised both of my hands to protect my head. From behind, Hunter followed. He used his jacket to protect my head from the rain. Then, he invited me to find shelter.
“The rain is really heavy. You might get a fever. Let’s wait here for a while until it stops a bit, then I’ll take you home. My car is parked a bit far from here.”
“No need!” I replied curtly. “I’ll order a taxi through the app.”
I looked for my phone in my bag. When I was about to order an online taxi, my battery power warning suddenly appeared. My phone couldn’t be used. I was so annoyed because I was utterly unprepared.
“Are you in such a hurry to go home?” Hunter asked patiently.
I was actually disgusted by his dualistic attitude. I continued to ignore Hunter’s questions.
“I’m going to the nearest bus stop. I don’t want to stay here with you any longer,” I said coldly.
“No, Jonea, it’s dangerous!” Hunter shouted.
I glared at him. You’re the source of my danger right now. Then I ignored Hunter and continued running towards the nearest bus stop, covering my head with both hands. Completely outside with me, it turned out Hunter was also following me. What did he want?
“Jonea, I’ll take you home. I’ll take the same bus as you.”
He’s stubborn, too, huh? I glanced at him sharply and sneered. “Since when did Hunter Abraham take the bus? Don’t you always use your luxury cars? Private jet?”
“Jonea, I beg you. I don’t know why you’ve changed like this and hate me so much. If it’s because of Aland, I’ve told you everything I know about him…”
“I’ve changed? Isn’t that you?”
Then, I ignored him and turned my gaze to the left. The bus I was going to take had arrived. On the other hand, I was already shivering from the cold, and my clothes were also wet.
When the bus arrived, my position was too close. The bus wheels stepped on a puddle before me, splashing dirty water onto my body. I closed my eyes and protected my face with my left arm. I thought my suffering today was complete.
It turned out not to be. Suddenly, Hunter stood before me and protected me from the water splashes. Our gazes met. I was mesmerized for a few seconds, which felt very long.
Hunter’s back was wet from the splashes of water from the road. When I realized it, the bus door had closed, and the bus had started moving. Damn bus, wait for me!
I was foolish. I missed the last bus that would take me home. Meanwhile, the rain showed no signs of letting up. There was no one at the bus stop except for me and Hunter.
Hunter pushed me until I was pressed against the billboard at the bus stop. It all happened so fast. The neon lights from the billboard made Hunter’s face glow. He then lowered his head and was about to kiss me.
“Don’t touch her, you bastard!” someone shouted from the side.
It all happened so fast, like lightning. I only saw a black umbrella fall to the sidewalk, and also Hunter’s body fell to the ground with blood dripping from his nose.
A man dressed all in black stood in front of Hunter with clenched fists. He was ready to beat Hunter again. While I was still confused, I began to feel my vision blurring. I couldn’t even see my own hands clearly. What’s wrong with me?
I shivered with cold. My knees also went weak. I fell down under the billboard.
“Hunter? That’s not him. The red mark on his forehead... He wants to kill me...” I hugged my own body with both hands.
It felt like my body wasn’t standing on the ground. My eyes were spinning. In the distance, I faintly heard someone screaming my name several times in panic.
I tried to focus. Daran came and wanted to carry me. Our bodies were soaked from the rain.
“Daran?” I whispered weakly.
***
DARAN
I don’t know how many times I’ve tried to call her, but none of them connected. The texts I sent were also unreadable. And now I’m starting to worry. While outside, it’s still raining very hard.
“I can’t just sit around waiting. I’m going crazy worrying about a little girl who should be my meal.”
I put on my coat and grabbed an umbrella from the storage rack. With just a snap of my fingers, I arrived where Jonea was supposed to be. At that moment, I saw Hunter Abraham trying to kiss Jonea at the bus stop. No, Hunter was actually trying to steal Jonea’s energy. I won’t let it happen!
I ran towards Hunter and swung one punch right at his face. Then, followed by my other punches.
After I was satisfied, I left Hunter, who was groaning in pain. I immediately ran to check on Jonea.
“Daran?” Jonea whispered in the midst of her almost fading consciousness. “How did you find me?”
I chanted a spell and moved the rainwater into a thin vortex. The layer of water began to cover our bodies. I teleported Jonea and moved to the house.
While carrying her in front of the door, I whispered, “You didn’t answer my calls. You didn’t reply to my messages either. From now on, you must always answer my calls, even when I’m by your side. This is an order from the Lycan King!”