A True Lifestory: Part 2 A Demon’s Obsession

Chapter 33 Who Is on The Right?

[..]

“Why didn’t you tell me you were going back to school?” Armaros asked Stella, as they had just sat down at a table in the school cafeteria, handing her the sandwich he had picked out for her.

“I wanted to tell you, but my dad wouldn’t let me talk to you before I had to go, so I didn’t get the chance to.” Stella replied, as she started eating the sandwich. Armaros nodded his head, as he spoke again.

“That guy in your class, who was sitting next to you.. He is one of Nathan’s friends, isn’t he?” He questioned.

“Yeah.. Why do you ask?” Stella replied.

“Are you friends with him too?” He continued. Stella paused herself from taking another bite, as she observed him, but proceeded to shake her head.

“Me and Wilder, friends? No, he has never really spoken to me, but today he suddenly changed, and actually helped me out of a bad situation.” Stella added, which made Armaros tilt his head.

“What kind of situation?” He asked her, as she stared at her food with a serious look before looking back at him.

“I almost shifted in class today.. I couldn’t help it. I was just too angry to stop it, so he pulled me out of there, until I had calmed myself down.” Stella explained.

“That’s another reason for me to be here. Are you feeling okay now?” Armaros asked, placing a hand on top of hers, which Stella confirmed.

“Much better after you showed up.” She smiled at him, as she gave him a hug.

“Did your anger have something to do with that blond bimbo who asked us to eat lunch with her?” Armaros asked.

“Is it that obvious?” Stella asked.

“I haven’t seen you be so tense around another person before, so I might have taken a guess.” Armaros grinned.

“It’s just.. She is seriously píssing me off!” Stella sighed.

“I agree, that’s why I called her a bítch, but it’s nice to see I’m not the only one who can be jealous.” Armaros stated, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Stella!” Vicca suddenly called out, before she, shortly after, was standing by the table with Kyan and Jaze.

“Hey guys.” She greeted them, while they proceeded to sit down.

“Vicca told us what happened, are you okay?” Kyan asked, as all of them seemed a little worried.

“Yeah, I feel fine now.” Stella replied, while Armaros still had one arm around her.

“Good to hear.” Jaze spoke up, as he then turned his attention to Armaros.

“I’m not sure that we have been formally introduced yet, I’m Jaze, and this is my brother Kyan, and his mate Vicca,” Jaze added, before he pulled a hand out to him. Armaros looked at his hand, and then made eye contact with him before taking his hand.

“Armaros.. And you’re right, we haven’t. Though I do remember you from earlier occasions,” Armaros replied, before pulling his hand back.

“Right, those situations didn’t really give the room for such a thing,” Kyan added.

“Agreed, they didn’t.. You two are Stella’s cousins, right?” Armaros asked, as they nodded.

“That’s right, so remember if you ever hurt her, it’s us you have to deal with.” Kyan stated, as Armaros lifted an eyebrow.

“Is that so?” Armaros replied, which Kyan confirmed with a nod, but he didn’t seem angry, instead a grin came across Armaros lips, while a small chuckle slipped through.

“Well, I will make sure to remember that, then.” He added, and with that, the tension seemed to have disappeared.

But after a few more moments, the school principal, Mr. Samson, and two guards of some kind showed up by the table.

“Hello everyone, I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I would like a word with your guest.” The principal spoke.

“Why? He hasn’t done anything.” Stella defended, but Armaros raised from his chair.

“It’s fine, Stella. I’ll be back, just stay here with Vicca, Kyan, and Jaze.” He spoke.

“Okay, just try not to get in any trouble.” Stella whispered, as she gave him a hug.

“You too, babygirl – no more girl drama.” He smirked, before he followed them to the principal’s office.

____

“So, you wanna talk?” Armaros spoke, as he sat down on a chair.

“What are your errand here?” He asked, as he sat down behind his desk. Mr. Samson stood next to the principal, while the two guards were standing outside the office.

“I already told that fine gentleman over there.. I’m here to make sure Stella stays safe.” Armaros stated casually.

“Yes, I’ve heard that much, but it’s not what I have heard from Stella’s father. He didn’t ask you to come here.. And threatening the teachers doesn’t color a very keen picture of you as some protector.” He clarified.

“True, I came on my own accord because I don’t trust this school to do my job.”

“I can assure you, our top priority is the safety of our students here.. I promise Stella is completely safe here,” The principal stated, but Armaros couldn’t care less.

“Your promises don’t mean shít to me!” Armaros shot.

“I got in, didn’t I? Without anyone even knowing my true intentions.. I’m sure I could have killed the entire class, and your dear teacher couldn’t have done a single thing about it, if that was my intention.” Armaros snapped, as his eyes moved to Mr. Samson, who was undoubtedly scared at this point.

“Henry, please leave us for a moment.” The principal spoke to Mr. Samson, who nodded before he hurried out of there.

“See what I mean, your whole school is pathetic, you have no idea what you’re dealing with.” Armaros snarled, before heading for the door.

“That’s where you’re wrong. I’m well aware of who and what you are.. Armaros Mortem.” The principal spoke, making Armaros pause and turn back around.

“So, you know everything about what’s going on?” Armaros asked, as he nodded.

“Chase already filled me in, and he also warned me beforehand, that it was a possibility you would show up, but this place is not just werewolves, witches, and Lux Blandas.. Humans are attending this school too, who have no idea what’s going on. Mr. Samson is one of our human teachers, and for that reason, I can’t have you putting everyone in danger.” He explained.

“I’m not threatening anyone, unless they purposely stand in my way,” Armaros defended.

“Listen, I will allow you to accompany Stella to school, if you promise not to involve yourself in any trouble at our school. If there is any trouble, you call our guards. Don’t try to play the big bad wolf with us.” He warned him.

“I will, as long no one puts their hands on Stella, I stay on my own base.” Armaros spoke.

[A week later]


“Chase, there have been frequent attacks against some nearby witch covens in the area.

In particular, witches there have been leaving their areas for the last week, have been targets, and we got a message that two witches had disappeared without a trace last night.

“They want us to help search for them.” Landon explained, as Chase sighed loudly as he thought about it, before looking back at Landon.

“Do we have any idea who is behind these attacks?” Chase asked.

“I think you already know who,” Armaros interrupted, as he was leaning against the doorframe by the open door to the office, and Chase raised from his chair.

“Armaros, what are you doing here?” Chase asked, as he stepped in. He looked at Landon, as he was met by a glare from him.

He did beat him up last time they saw each other, so it didn’t surprise Armaros one bit.

“I came because I heard about the attacks, and I’m sure it’s my father’s work. You should know as well as I, that he doesn’t like to be messed with, and I might have contributed to worsening it.” Armaros stated, as he stopped right in front of Chase’s desk.

“I did have a bad feeling, it does seem pretty calculated, so you believe he has people lurking around outside the territory?” Chase asked.

“Yes, I believe he has, and I am sure he is waiting for the right timing to strike, but I unfortunately have no idea why he’s targeting witches.

I only know that he must have some kind of plan. It’s not the first time he has done something like this.” He replied, as Chase pulled a hand over his face.

“He just won’t give up, I’m so sick and tired of that bastard,” Chase growled, as he let himself plump down on the chair.

“Me too, and that’s why I want him dead!” Armaros spoke, making Chase frown.

“What did you say?” He asked, but Armaros didn’t blink.

“You heard me. I want him dead.” Armaros repeated, as he leaned against Chase’s desk.

“I think most people want that,” Chase sighed.

“The same goes for those two werewolves who hurt Stella. I know you still got them locked up somewhere, and I get that you have other rules, but for them to still be alive is just another threat to Stella’s safety,” Armaros declared, making Chase place his elbows on the desk as he folded his hands.

“Okay, I know you have been raised under other circumstances, but we can’t just go around and randomly kill people,” Chase explained.

“Why not? They deserve it,” Armaros argued, as he was already getting angry.

“Violence only generates more violence,” Chase started, but Armaros interrupted.

“It creates order and respect, it has always worked for me.”

“That’s not respect you’re talking about, but fear, Armaros!” Chase exclaimed, as he let both hands fall to the table.

“Throwing people in cells doesn’t change anything, they won’t change – threats and violence are the only thing getting through to them – I shot my brother, and my only regret is not doing it earlier,” Armaros stated as he crossed his arms.

“If you plan to be with my daughter, then you’ll have to change that attitude, cause that’s not how we operate here. I have already told you this before!” Chase scolded.

“And see where that has gotten you! If you had just killed Damon back when he took your mate, we wouldn’t be standing in this mess now, would we?” Armaros yelled back at him.

“Out, now!” Chase growled at Armaros, as he pointed at the door, but Armaros didn’t move one bit.

“I said, GET OUT!” Chase roared, as Landon grabbed Armaros’ arm, but he shoved him off.

“Fine! But you know I’m right, you just won’t accept you’re wrong,” Armaros stated, as he walked out the room, while Chase covered his face with his hands.

“Do you need me to..” Landon started, but Chase shook his head.

“No, let him go. All he did was speak the truth. I don’t say I agree with everything, but he is right about one thing,” Chase spoke, as Landon frowned at him.

“You can’t be serious.”

“I am, I have always tried to respect the rules of my old pack. As a result, I kept having the same bastards ruining our lives over and over again because I follow a rule not to kill without it happens in direct combat. But maybe we can change those rules somehow, as we still have respect for the old ways.” Chase thought out loud.

“How do you suggest we do that?” Landon asked.

“I think I have an idea.”

[Stella’s POV]

It had already been a week since I had returned to school, and it finally started to feel like my life had returned slightly to normal.

Armaros was, of course, still watching over me, and surely, we had no idea what Damon was planning to do next, but I wasn’t going to let the fear of the unknown control my entire life.

“Did you know what Armaros was up to since he couldn’t come today?” I asked Jaze, as we had just stepped out of his car.

“I have no idea, but he promised to be here as soon as he was done.” Jaze replied with a small shrug.

“He just seems a little more on edge lately. You would tell me if you knew what it’s about, wouldn’t you?” I asked, as he glanced at me.

“I think whatever it is, it’s for a good reason, he cares about you and I believe he just wants you to feel as normal as possible.” He answered.

I understood what he meant, I just wished he would share his own worries with me, so I didn’t have to worry about him.

“Shoot! I forgot my book in your car.” I exclaimed, as we had just reached the entrance.

“I’ll get it for you. You are already late, so you should probably head to class. I’ll be back with it in five,” Jaze spoke.

“Thanks!” I beamed, as he then walked back to his car as I continued through the school-doors.

Everyone had already walked to their classes, so the hall was completely deserted, until someone came running from behind me. Just as he passed me, he bumped into me, so I dropped all my things.

“Hey, watch out!” I yelled, which made him stop. I didn’t recognize him, so either I had never met him before, or he was new.

“I’m so sorry, I was just in a hurry to get to my class. I should have been more careful,” he apologized, as he started helping me pick up my things.

“It’s okay, I get it, the teachers can be a bit strict here, I’m Stella, by the way,” I replied, as he nodded.

“Tell me about it - I’m Ezra,” he chuckled, as he gathered everything in one big stack.

“Here you go! Again, I apologize for bumping into you, Stella,” he spoke again, but as he rose from the floor, and turned around, a bracelet fell to the floor in front of me, but he didn’t seem to notice.

It was made of leather and had what looked like black stones covering one side of it. I had never seen anything like it before.

“Hey! You dropped your..” I called out, but as soon as I touched it, I froze. He then turned around again, and walked back towards me.

“I’d say I was kinda skeptic if it would work, but you feel it, don’t you? How it drains your energy from inside. I do wonder how this would affect you in a concentrated doze. You probably wouldn’t be able to move a single muscle for hours,” he spoke, as he was just looking at me like I was some kind of experiment.

I wasn’t able to move at all, I couldn’t even let go of the bracelet that, I felt, was slowly swallowing every ounce of energy I had in me.

“You’re a nature-witch, aren’t you?” I managed to ask.

“I like the word wizard better, but you’re right. Now, please follow me.” He replied, as he started walking and somehow my feet started to move against my will, and I couldn’t do anything to stop it.

“But why are you doing this? What have I ever done to you?” I continued to ask him, as he made me stop in a more secluded area.

“Nothing, it’s nothing personal, at least not to me,” he answered, making me frown, but I soon realized what he meant.

“You’re working for Damon? But, why? Our kinds have been at peace in forever. Damon has done nothing but to use both our kinds for his own gain, like he is doing right now with you, Ezra.” I argued.

“Says the one who is dating his son, and you don’t really fit in to any of those categories, do you?” He responded, as he leaned against the wall without looking at me.

“Armaros is nothing like him!” I hissed.

“He is not better than his father. I’ve seen first hand some of the things he has done.. It’s not pretty. Damon might be a bastard who’s getting people to kill for him, but do you know what Armaros has done?” He asked as he came closer to me.

“He has always insisted on doing the job himself because he isn't concerned with others than himself.” He added, as I shook my head.

“No, he has changed!” I argued, as he grinned.

“Has he really? He shot his own brother for crying out loud. Who does that?” He shot.

“He did it because he was going to hurt me! Armaros was trying to protect me,” I defended.

“Did he now? Or maybe you were just in the wrong place at the right time,” he stated carelessly.

“Just admit it! The man you love, doesn’t just look like Damon, but he is just like him, if not worse.”

“No, he’s not!” I refused. I started to feel dizzy, like I was going to pass out any given moment.

“I see it’s starting to take a toll on you,” he observed.

Then I suddenly heard someone call my name, but I couldn’t really make out who it was.

“It sounds like your friends are looking for you, so I’ll leave. I already got what I needed,” he stated, as he took hold of my wrist.

“Just remember, we will be watching you, so don’t get too comfortable.” He warned me, before he took the bracelet from my hand, and I collapsed.

My breathing was heavy, as sweat was dripping from my forehead.

“Stella! Where the hell are you?” I suddenly heard Armaros' voice call out. From the sound of footsteps, I could hear he wasn’t alone.

“Stella!” I heard Jaze’s voice call, but I somehow I couldn’t call out to them. Though it didn’t take long before they found me.

“Hey, why are you sitting here on the floor?” Armaros asked, as he removed the hair from my face. I saw the worry in his eyes as he observed my facial expression.

“What’s wrong babygirl? Why are you shaking and sweating? What happened?” He tried again, as he gently stroked my cheek, but I couldn’t even answer the question. All I did was cry. Armaros then lifted me up.

“Don’t worry, I got you.” He spoke soothingly, as he carried me out of there.

[8 days ago]

“Stones? You are telling me these stones are her weakness?” Damon asked in disbelief.

“You gotta be fücking kidding me!” He growled in disbelief.

“This is not just any kind of stone, Mr. Mortem.. These are divine magic stones that are said to maintain the same kind of magic that the dark wizard and the spirit Queen possessed. They are even said to have been used to make the ancient stone seals, too. The magic from the stones is neutral, it’s neither good nor bad, but it’s very powerful and can strengthen a witch’s spells tenfold.”

“Okay, so a witch becomes stronger, but how would that help me, when magic literally doesn’t seem to have any effect on her?” Damon asked, annoyed, as he lit another cigarette.

“Well, we aren’t completely sure why, but the stones seem to draw energy from her blood, which weakens whatever that keeps her immune to magic, and therefore makes it possible to use spells on her.” The man explained.

“There is only one problem with it,” the woman spoke, as Damon turned to her.

“She needs to touch the stones for it to work, but we are positive that, if we extract the magic from these stones, that you will be able to use it to your advantage, Mr. Mortem,” the man spoke.

“And how are we going to do that?” Damon asked.

“It requires a considerable amount of magic, and some skilled witches, as the spell we’ll need for this, is a strong one which is nearly impossible to do without the right conditions. But this type of spell hasn’t been used for more than five decades, so it’s difficult to predict how it’s going to work.” The woman explained.

“Well, then we’ll need to gather some more witches, won’t we?” Damon stated.