Alpha's Nala

The Red Eyes Guarding

Legaxy

When a vampire's eyes turn red, it indicates that he's either ready for danger, hungry, or in serious stress.

I don't know which one was clear in Seth's eyes this time — hopefully not hunger again — but I do feel that the situation he was in right now was beyond the normal stress or danger level he was accustomed to.

He almost looked distraught...

Though, I was much more stunned by what he had said earlier, rather than what he looks like right now. 

“Pa-pardon?”

“Oh, cheeky boo...” He mumbled, shaking his head in dismay, “you heard me right. It's you.”

His confirmation made my eyes grew wide. 

“M-me? Like, really me?” I voiced out, almost a whimper. 

He slowly nodded before getting out of the car with my backpack. When he opened the door for me, I could see his eyes changed back to their normal color — the green ones, that means he's calm now. 

As for me, I was beyond calm; I was terrified...

“But why?” I demanded as I step down the car, “I didn't do anything to be under Hue surveillance, and to know that it's you who will be doing the guard duty, then that means I'm in trouble — like I am in serious danger kind of trouble.” I stated, feeling uneasy. 

He didn't say a word after my statement. Instead, he keeps on staring at me with an intense gaze.

— His holding back something here, I know it, and I could tell on his face he was unsure of what to do or say about it. 

That's not good, and because of that, my anxiety kicks in...

Seth is part of the most elite forces in the security department — both supernatural and human world. He hunts, guards, protects and rescues. Knowing all of those are his specialty, a lot relied on him for their lives and safety. Also, he was well—respected and highly appreciated because of how clean his work can be; may it be the easiest assignment to the almost impossible missions. 

Yeah, that's how competent he is...

And so by having these big achievements and highly classified experiences — plus the 100% success rate of his tasks and not to mention, his good looks (gotta do an eye roll for this one), he made a big name for himself.

Thus, for those who knew him well, or just heard his name, they will either be terrified or comforted by his presence.

That's why in our community, if Seth's the one handling you, then it goes to show that there's something seriously going to happen to you — either good, deadly, or dangerous. 

Believe me, I've seen it beforehand and it is very unnerving...

Hence, thinking about the problems and possibilities other people had to undergo — and to be in the hands of Seth, made me wonder about myself.

I mean, what will be the circumstances for me? 

And why me, among all the people in the land of Mallow Key, being guarded by my highly trained assassin brother? 

Was it something I did or was it something I said before that got me into this?

Now that I thought about it...

Was it because I punched another clan member last week for being too harsh to me? 

Or was it because I argued with another group of mixed Vampire and Witch women for disrespecting me? 

Nah, those cases were minor and already closed... 

— Shoot, maybe I'm being hunted then? 

Never happened to me before, but it is a possibility... 

Though, who? 

What? 

Why? 

Great! Paranoia is sinking in now... 

Suddenly, I snapped my attention back at Seth, who happens to be chuckling at my predicament; I couldn't help but notice that there was no humor found in that expression. 

“See? I told you, you wouldn't like it.” He finally muttered, getting my full attention now. 

I wrinkled my forehead in discomfort. 

“Well, I didn't expect it this way. Especially at the fact that I'm involved with something I don't know of.” I pointed out. 

He made an apologetic face, and then, out of nowhere, it turned into pure annoyance. 

“I'm just — I just can't explain anything right now boo, I'm sorry.”

Feeling a bit depressed by his riddles and apologies, I made a begging face again, “Why can't you...”

“Legaxy, DON'T.” He warned, his voice was dangerously low. 

“But...” I pushed, without thinking twice. 

Wrong move...

He glared painful daggers at me; deadly red eyes shining in the moonlight.

“Seriously Legaxy, No BUT talks! Enough is enough.” He snapped, showing me his fangs, “We're talking about my loyalty here, and I won't break it just for you to understand the situation.” He added, growling viciously at me.

Okay, that was harsh. So, OUCH.

But a part of me knew already what he meant about his loyalty, and knowing how important this is for him, I just brush the pain off and tried to look cool.

— Still, there's a part of me that wanted to be bitchy and be demanding as possible for explanations. I mean, it is my right to know what I am dealing with.

Not that I wanted to scare the living daylights out of me with the answers I might get, and make myself go crazy about the situation, but I just wanted to prepare myself for the outcome.

I know from the day I was raised by Vampires and Witches that danger lurks everywhere. That every little thing about me screams 'prey' and 'death'. So when I got the chance, I decided to train and learn ways to defend myself, under the courtesy of my strict brothers and overprotective parents, of course.

However, at the end of the day, I never get to use any of it because my family — specifically, Seth, keeps on concealing things from me. 

I know, even if he doesn't say it, he doesn't believe in me and my ability to protect myself.

— I guess that's how I get for being human; weak and naïve, in Seth eyes... 

Anyway, going back to how valuable loyalty is for Seth and understanding the strict rules bound around that commitment, I quickly change my mind and chose not to argue with him. 

I bit my lip, so no further questions are asked. Then, abruptly, I began to think and worry as hell for myself as we started to walk down the pathway leading to the front door of our house.

Seth — calmed now, may have noticed the change of my demeanor that he put his one arm around my shoulder. He then made sure to massage my shoulder blade with his palm — to make me relax, I guess — before finally, letting out a shaky breath; making me think that he was holding it earlier.

“I'm sorry for saying that boo. I didn't mean to...I just want you to... I can't make you...” He trailed off completely. 

I bit my lip harder, avoiding my tongue to work.

He didn't continue, instead, he squeezed my shoulder and kept quiet. 

— I just hated this part of him because it always made my body tense up from anticipation; The stroke he does on my shoulder blades did not work one bit.

Even so, I didn't complain and kept my mouth shut. From there, as much as I dread the silence, I patiently waited for him. 

A half-minute passed... Nothing.

Then another half passed... Still no continuation.

I was starting to feel on edge right now, as both my impatience and anxiety eating me alive.

I bit my lip harder, blood can be tasted on my tongue at the second.

He must have noticed the conflict I was having — and smelt the blood — that he gave me another soft rub, but this time, it was at the center of my back.

That actually worked; I unconsciously relaxed.

“Just don't overthink this cheeky boo.” He finally muttered close to my ear, “To be honest, I'm struggling right now. I just don't know how to be patient with this and I... I made a royal promise boo. I'm so sorry, I didn't mention it earlier.” He confessed. 

Upon hearing this, my head snapped to face him — both my eyes and mouth wide open.

Seth saw my reaction and if this was any other day, he would laugh at me. But no, this was a different day, and all he could manage to meet me with was an agonizing, sorrowful and disappointed face.

I winced seeing that expression.

He saw that, and thinking it was something else, he clenched his jaw and tensed his body.

“We have no choice, Boo.” He started while running his fingers a bit harsh on his brown strands, “The order came from the Vampire King himself. Since we are his close men, we are the first ones to receive his private information. And to protect such sensitive info, we need to do the royal promise.” He explained, sounding a bit defeated.

And from just that tone, I immediately felt his discomfort and envisioned his struggles upon accepting that oath.

I know he didn't want to do it but, like a good soldier that he is, he has to obey.

He has to commit to these things without hesitation or reluctance. Even if it means he was hurting himself — or was hurting his own family, he has to do it.

Otherwise, he dies...

I could only sigh my distress and touch his cheek.

“It's okay Kuya. I clearly understand what you meant now.” I managed to mumble, flashing Seth my sweetest smile.

Seeing my reaction and hearing my words, my big brother sighs out of relief and eventually relaxes.

All of a sudden, he hugged me — oh so tightly, that I almost lost my breath.

“Thank you boo, thank you.” He whispered through my hair, “Though, before anything else, promise me 2 things first...” he paused, and I noticed him tense a bit while waiting for my response. 

Curious, I nod for him to continue.

I felt his shoulders sagged and then he spoke, a little softer now.

“First, promise me that you will wait until Saturday to know more about the matter. I know it will be a long 5 days wait, but I promise you boo, it will be worth every second of uncertainty and stress...” He paused again, this time, I felt him stroking my hair with his slender, cold fingers. 

I almost protest but held my ground and nod on his shoulder — signaling him again to proceed.

He got what I meant and began again, “Lastly, and for once, keep your lips sealed regarding this issue around Mom and Dad. I know you don't like that, and you were always open to them, but I don't want them to worry about the situation Boo. Especially Mom... So please cheeky boo, will you do this — for me?” 

“I..." I paused and shortly thought about it, but knowing nothing good will happen if I argued further, I quickly murmured a "Promise,” on my brother's shoulder.

At that moment, honestly, I don't care much about my brother's reasons. Matter of fact, I could easily debate with him regarding the issue and demand my questions to be answered. However, what made me agree to his terms regardless of the subject was the fact that he made a "Royal Promise".

— You see, a royal promise, once made, is considered DEADLY. You could picture it like a pinky promise but you have to take it SERIOUSLY and keep quiet about it because the said oath is equivalent to your own life.

So, once you break it, you DIE. 

… Simple rule, but has the powerful aftermath. 

That's why Seth kept on struggling to answer my questions before, and the way he snapped at me when I pushed him too far, all clear and understandable now. 

Hearing my agreement, I felt Seth relax even further. Then, his lips softly kissed the top of my head. Finally, he broke the embrace but kept one arm around my back as he leads me inside our home.

Mum and Dad were already waiting in the dining room — both chatting — and upon seeing them, I straightened my body up; trying to hide the worry and anxiety I was feeling. 

Seth, being as observant as he was, felt my sudden jerk and tried to comfort me by rubbing my back once more, while we greeted our parents together...

Kuya and I didn't mention anything or even talk, after that. 

— Not even after dinner... As promised.

Just having the silence made me feel a lot better about the situation and Seth, knowing how I value my personal space, respected that.

Though our parents, knowing Mum is a Witch and Dad is a Vampire, easily sensed the distance Seth and I created. They pointed that out a few times during the meal, but I kept on changing the topic until 8 pm came.

Time for Harry's. 

I didn't need much preparation for the gig — except for my hair which I just brush with a comb and tied using a blue ribbon to look cute — so, I quickly went out to get an Uber. 

When I bid my farewell, Mum and Dad looked at each other, confused at the moment. They eyed Seth — who stands beside them and was keeping his gaze on me — and then glanced at me. 

“You know your brother can drive you there,” Mum pointed out, releasing herself from the embrace. 

I shrugged. 

“No, thank you, Mama. I can handle this. Besides, Kuya needs his rest.” I smiled, while I caught Seth smirking at me; He knows I'm keeping my promise and now, started to cover him up and his guarding duty.

I internally rolled my eyes at him. 

“Are you sure Princess? Your brother could take you there, FAST.” Dad pointed out after freeing himself from the hug. 

I shook my head in a NO and quickly hug Seth, knowing all too well that he will follow me after this; his red eyes were already alert on guarding me.

“Don't worry cheeky boo, I'll be there. I promise,” Seth mumbled so low, I almost didn't understand it. 

I could only nod on his chest — letting him know I heard him. Then, after pulling off a smile to show my audience, I left. 

“Bye guys.” I chirped as I fast walk out of the house. 

Before I could even go further, I did hear the three of them grumbled something and feeling it was about me, I hurried for the Uber — who was waiting at our front lawn.

Once inside, I quickly told the driver the direction and left for Master Harry's Bar.