The Vampire Prince goes to High School (Book 1)

Hidden Truths

"Like what?"

"Protecting you."

I yanked the comforter off my head. I spotted the Prince by the window. He had the curtain pulled and he was looking outside. He looked serious.

"You think the mafia is coming after me again?"

He stayed silent, then, "something is."

"Why do you say that? I mean, why would you even care?"

"Whatever was on that note spooked you."

My heart lurched and the Prince chuckled, dryly.

"You forget that I'm a vampire," he muttered, "I can hear your heartbeat. It is enough to tell me that something is wrong."

"I told you it's nothing. I -"

"Then, why are you afraid? It's sickening. Pathetic really."

"What would you know?" I chocked out.

"I've heard you calling out in your sleep before."

Whatever words I though he'd say were not those. I sat up.

"What?"

"Someone harmed you," he continued. Not once did his gaze shift. "I can tell that much."

"Wh-what's that got to do with anything?" I stammered out. "Besides, it's none of your business. You're just being noisy. You can't stand the thought that the world doesn't revolve around you."

He turned towards me. There was no anger in his eyes. There was no emotion there.

"Is that what you really think?"

I swallowed thickly, but I didn't reply. His gaze shifted back to the whatever was outside the window.

"I was serious when I asked you about dating me."

Here we go again. I rubbed my eyes. He didn't get it. Why was he bringing this up again? Was he trying to tell me that he did cared? He had a funny way of showing it.

"Let's not have this conversation," I said. "I'm tired."

"And yet you can't sleep."

"What do you want from me?"

The Prince was suddenly beside me. "The truth."

I leaned back. "It's just a silly note. I don't know why you're so hung up on it. It has nothing to do with you. You said it yourself. No one is going to send me a love letter. It's a joke."

"Not to you." He leaned closer. "Rin, I promised I was going to protect you. I can't do that if you won't tell me what's gotten you upset."

My eyes grew hot and swallowing was hard. I looked away. There was no way I was going to cry.

"Nothing," I insisted. "Just stop pretending you care. You obviously don't."

"Says who?"

I looked at him, speechless. "You," I blurted out. "You're cruel and arrogant. This has been about you from the beginning. None of this would have happened if you hadn't attacked me."

The Prince stood. "I told you my name," he forced out. "Does that mean nothing?"

"I don't know if that's your real or name or not."

"Does it matter?"

"Yeah. It does."

"What about you? You've never actually called me by my name. Not once."

"Would calling you by your name make you any nicer?" I asked. "Would it make you less cruel? All you see me as is another lowly human. Let's stop the games. I'm getting tired."

"Fine," the Prince said, "if you won't tell me on your own. I guess I'll just have to force you."

Tears spilled over my face. My vision blurred. I couldn't breathe. He stepped closer.

I moved away from him, gripping the comforter closer.

"St-stay away."

But he kept approaching.

I jumped out of my bed and ran towards the door but he was suddenly there. I screamed but no sound came out. His hand was pressed tightly against my mouth.

Terror surged through me. I lashed out trying to get free. I screamed and screamed hoping someone would help me but he wouldn't let me out. He was an unmoving force. I scratched at his arms, anything to make him let go but he wouldn't.

No, not again.

My arms and legs wouldn't listen to me. They went numb.

"No, no, no, no," I groaned.

My body refused to listen to me. It crumbled but I didn't fall to the ground. Against his arms, I hung limp. I couldn't fight him. I didn't have any strength left.

I heard sobbing and I realized it was coming from me. My throat was dry but I kept sobbing.

He was saying something but I couldn't hear him. His grip tightened and I couldn't do anything.

I don't know how long I stayed like this. Eventually, the noises stopped. I stared into the darkness, exhausted and empty. My eyes burned but the tears had all dried up.

"It's alright," I finally heard him say. "It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm sorry. Don't cry."