The Dark Inheritance

Chapter 9

Asher was fuming as he stalked away from Gareth and Owen, the crowd of onlookers parting to give him a wide berth. Damn those vampires for doing whatever they want. If it weren't for that stupid peace treaty the hunters signed with those 'noble vampires', he would have killed them all already. He couldn't care less that they were part of the famous Valentine family. They acquired that power by preying on the innocents and he wanted nothing more than to snatch it all from them.

"Asher!" He heard Serah shouting and his body froze. Keeping his back to her, he closed his eyes to stamp down the fiery sensations coursing through his body. It was the first time she said his name and damn if that didn't send his heart in a frenzy. The anger at his loss of control came forth right afterwards and he turned to give her a scathing glare.

She appeared unaffected by his ire as she spoke on. "We've walked a far enough distance from them now. You can let of my hand." She wriggled her wrist which was entrapped in his palm.

He stared at the place their skin touched, hers soft and silky against his coarser one. His anger returned tenfold and he tightened his hold. "What the hell were you thinking getting involved with those guys!" He shouted.

She gave him a look of indignation. "You think I wanted this?" She hollered.

He stepped into her space glowering down at her. "What else could it be? Those guys usually never make the first move towards girls. You want a higher reputation? Is that what it is?"

She was visibly shaking, then she wrenched herself out of his hold, surprisingly managing to break his steel grip. "How dare you make all these assumptions on me when you do not even know anything!"

"You think I don't know how you became the main topic of conversation within minutes of coming here? What were you thinking, stirring so much trouble right on your first day?"

"I only told Natalia my thoughts. How is that stirring trouble?" She retorted. "She was humiliating Jennifer, I just couldn't stay quiet at this! And I don't regret my actions in the least."

Faced with her determined look, His mood sobered. "Tell me what happened."

She snorted. "Why do you care? You're just looking for an opportunity to scorn me, aren't you?"

His eyes narrowed. "You're also judging me."

She stared up at him, as if trying to read his thoughts. "What do you want? Why did you even interfere just now?"

His teeth gritted. "You should avoid getting close to those guys. They're bad news."

"I know that." She grumbled. "I would have stayed away from them without you telling me."

He frowned. "You know it? How?"

She exhaled wearily. "I've heard how you guys are supposed to be the 'untouchable elites' here." She then added more to herself. "Besides, I feel a weird vibe coming from those guys."

She shook her head. "Anyway, I don't want to attract any more attention than necessary here. And I certainly didn't need the scene just now!" Her eyes were shooting daggers at him.

"What are you implying?" He asked in a low, dangerous tone.

Her eyes glinted as she stared at him firmly. "I clearly understood the message when you said you didn't want to be involved with me any more than necessary. And the feeling is reciprocal. I can take care of myself so please stay away from me from now on. I will also try my best to keep my distance." With those words, she spun on her heels and marched off, her blonde curls bouncing with each of her steps.

Her words should have made him annoyed, but he couldn't help feeling impressed as he watched her retreating back. He never expected the frail girl who awoke in such dire circumstances merely a week ago to end up having such a strong personality. He kept staring at her until she disappeared from sight. Then he headed towards his class, his intent on finding one particular person. He passed by Gareth and his expression was every bit menacing as he addressed the vampire.

“I need to speak to you.” He coldly intoned.

“Sure” The guy carefreely responded. They headed to a balcony at the back of the building which was hardly frequented by other students. 

Asher rounded on the guy immediately when they entered the place. "I don't know what your deal is with Serah, but I'm warning you… you'd better stay away from her."

Gareth merely lifted an amused eyebrow. "Why? You're interested in her?"

"She's under my family's protection." He impatiently responded. "And I won't tolerate some bloodsucker laying his evil clutches on her."

"For one, it's Owen you should give this warning to. He's the one who approached her. I was merely saving her from him. He even promised to give her some retribution for slapping him."

Asher gaped at Gareth in disbelief. "She… slapped him?" His hand gathered into fists. Just what was that i***t thinking! At the same time, he couldn't help marveling at her courage.

Gareth's eyes sparkled with interest. "She did. Quite a daring girl she is, isn't she? First Natalia and now Owen. She's just a feeble human, yet she has such strength about her." He tilted his head. "Did you really pick her up from a park?"

"It's none of your business." Asher growled. "Just stay the hell away from her. Otherwise I'll count it as a breach of the agreement and your whole generation will suffer." His eyes glinted with excitement at the prospect of getting rid of all these wretched bloodsuckers.

"Since this threat is coming from the strongest vampire hunter in history, I cannot ignore it." Gareth evenly replied.

"You'd better not. And warn your brother as well."

Gareth snorted. "I'm not your messenger. You give him the warning yourself. Though knowing Owen's personality, he'll probably want to go after her more fervently just to spite you." He shrugged. "Anyway that's not my problem. But I can promise to protect her if he ever tries to harm her." There was almost eagerness in his eyes as he turned to head back.

"Just stay the hell away from her!" Asher spat.

Gareth merely lifted a hand. "See you around."

As soon as the door closed behind him, Asher punched the railing in frustration. They were turning a blind eye to his warning and still intended to go after Serah. Even Gareth…it was the first time he had seen such a spark of interest in the usually aloof vampire's eyes. And this was bothering him more than it should.