I shift back to my human form... I mean, my druidess form. Nicolae's eyes hold sadness that I've never seen before, and his voice displays all this pain.
Nicolae: Did he transform you?
I raise an enquiring eyebrow.
"What the heck is Nicolae talking about?"
Nicolae: Are you a werewolf now?
Now, I'm able to understand what he means. Does he think that, because I've shifted into a wolf, I'm a werewolf? Doesn't he know that druids can shift into any animal?
Khawla: No one transformed me, Nicolae. I can shift to whatever animal I want.
Nicolae: And why a wolf?
Khawla: Perhaps because my boyfriend is one. Good night, Nicolae.
I'm too tired to deal with Nicolae's strange behavior. I want to sleep to be fit for tomorrow after strong emotions of today: from being called at the Principal's office to discovering Sebastian's past. I begin to walk when, suddenly, Nicolae pushes me and pins me against a tree.
"What's wrong with him?"
I'm visibly surprised by his aggressive mood. Only a few centimeters are between our bodies. Nicolae's aura is darker and more threatening, and I can't help being wet, and excited. He has some influence over my poor hormones that I can't explain. He bends his face forwards, our breaths mix, his brown locks caress my forehead, his fierce blue eyes are icy cold and rooted in mines, I'm apprehensive. I don't know to what Nicolae is up to in this very moment.
Nicolae: You know Father is very close? I can feel his dark aura.
"Is his strange behavior because of Viktor? Which influence he has over the Bartholy's siblings?"
More hundreds of questions wander through my mind, and Nicolae's proximity disturbes me. He's scrutinizing me as a predator scrutinizes his prey. And his coldness is making me scared and soaked. My breath is becoming heavy and jerky in a mix of fear and excitement. A heat wave comes from my guts making my lower stomach contracts painfully. I'm trembling and troubled.
Nicolae assumes his vampire form: his eyes become red, and he's showing me his fangs. I open my eyes wide, and my mouth is ajar. I'm frightened to death! I fear for my life.
"Holy shit! Is he going to bite me? Oh, fuck!"
I try to impose a firm tone to my voice. I don't want him knowing that I'm afraid of him due to his weird behavior. I won't let him intimidates me. I'm glad that he can't read my mind.
Khawla: Nicolae, you can't bite me. Druids and vampires have an agreement.
Nicolae: And who told you that I'll bite you?
Khawla: So, why are you showing me your fangs, then?
Nicolae smiles devilishly at me, and I can guess that his intentions aren't noble or chivalrous in this very moment. He moves his head closer and whispers in my ear with a husky and intense voice, what makes me have goosebumps of excitement and fear.
Nicolae: There are much more things that I can do besides biting, Khawla.
Well, I'm not up to know about the other things Nicolae can do. I'm not that curious, in this exact moment, to know them, because I'm frighted to death in being so close to a dangerous vampire as he is.
I wave my hands arousing the grass beside us, it wraps his fists, getting him by surprise, and I pinned him on the ground. Nicolae isn't happy at all, and he's becoming darker and more threatening. He's infuriated now. I run inside the manor, climb the stairs two by two, rush into my bedroom, and I lock the door before Nicolae can break free from the trap. I slide my back against the door, till I sit on the floor. I bend my legs, and I hold them tight. I'm in a fetal position, and I start sobbing. I'm so scared!
It seems that my fears from the first day, when I know that I was at the bat's den, can become true. I don't feel safe anymore in being at the manor with Viktor Bartholy so close. I have a sample of how Nicolae can behave in his presence, and it's a completely different Nicolae from that I know. The always gentle and paternalistic vampire gives space to a wild and aggressive one. He has shifted from his Light side of the Force to the Dark one. And I'm sure he is able to hurt me.
I stand up, and I push my study desk to block the door as if it would impede a vampire to enter my room... But I feel safer like this. Then, I lay on my bed. I feel asleep fast because I'm too tired and these overwhelming emotions have drained me.
This hectic day gives me nightmares! I'm in the Principal's office, but the Principal is Nicolae, and he isn't happy. He's showing me his fangs, ready to jump on my jugular. He stands from his armchair, walks into my direction, makes a hand-shift ponytail in my hair, and tug it unceremoniously, making my neck available to his bite. But, before Nicolae can do it, a huge black wolf comes inside the office and starts fighting with the vampire. Then, I can see a Navajo Medicine Man sitting beside me proud of himself.
Navajo: That's my boy! All Navajo warriors have a soul of a wolf.
I wake up soaked in sweat. I'm trembling and breathing short. I head to the bathroom to take a warm shower to calm my nerves down. Nicolae aggressiveness and coldness troubles me. He's showing me a side that I didn't know he had and I'm scared to death with this new Nicolae.
"Perhaps I should move. But to where? And my tasks with Lorie and in the office?"
I turn off the faucet.
" I'll think about this tomorrow..."
I dry myself, wear other pajamas, and I go to sleep again. I'm so tired! This time, no more nightmares.
***
The alarm clock says that it's time to get up. I'm moody because of the nightmares, and I have a headache. I can't handle the sunlight. I dress my uniform, remove my study table from behind the door, and I head to Lorie's room to wake up that little demon.
"Is she as wilder as Nicolae was yesterday?"
I'm apprehensive. More questions wander through my mind while I cross the corridor.
"What is waiting for me at her room? Is it a good idea to let her go to the school?"
I take a deep breath before opening the door. I'm not surprised in finding Nicolae there, in the father's role, combing Lorie's long pink hair. He seems gloomy and sad, and Lorie looks thrilled.
Lorie: Khawla, do you know that my father is coming home?
Oh, well! That's the reason for her excitement. Small kids always crave for the presence of their parents. Even if they're vampires. At least, someone is happy that Viktor Bartholy is coming home.
Khawla: Yes. I know, dear. Nicolae told me yesterday.
I conceal the part that he told me so while he was pinning me against a tree, and only God knows what debaucheries he was about to do with me last night. Lorie continues in her enthusiastic tone.
Lorie: You will like him! He's an original vampire, and he can empty you from your blood and transform you!
Oh, great! She's happy because Viktor Bartholy can hurt me badly. Well, what to wait from this little bloodthirsty creature? She likes to play with death, all her toys and stuffed animals have a somber aspect... I sigh tiredly and answer her ironically.
Khawla: Good! Yeah... I think I'll like him.
Nicolae seems defeated. Does he know what he did last night or is it only because of Viktor? I'm visibly worried and apprehensive about seeing Lorie in uniform. Is it a good idea let her go to the school?
Khawla: Nicolae...
I don't need to end my sentence, and you don't need to be a mind-reader to know what I mean. Nicolae answers me with a neutral tone of voice trying to calm down my anxiety.
Nicolae: That's fine. The problem starts on the sunset for her.
I nod. I'm also worried about being in the manor after sunset. I'm not feeling safe at all, and Nicolae is a powerful vampire, and I know how evil he can be, and it scares me to death! He senses my uneasiness because it's the same as his.
Nicolae: It's better if you don't spend your nights at the manor. You aren't safe here, and I'm not sure I can keep my promise to protect you, mainly because I'm the one threatening you.
Nicolae's confession disturbs me. I know he's behaving like that because he has feelings for me, and he can't hold himself because of Viktor Bartholy. Even the situation being serious, I can't help being flushed and wet because of Nicolae. His aura is even darker, more somber and more threatening, and it's impacting me in a way that it's making me crazy. His aura is vibrating almost in the same frequency as Sebastian's. Maybe it's the reason why I'm feeling so attract to Nicolae in this very moment.
Khawla: I'll ask Sarah if I can be at hers while Viktor Bartholy is around.
Nicolae isn't happy that I'll ask the shelter to an Osborne, but he wouldn't be happy if I've asked to a werewolf either. He lets out a long resigned sigh, and nods. There's nothing that we can do. He can't hold himself, and I'm not free to let go in his arms. Sebastian is the man I love and that I want to share the rest of my life with.
Khawla: Bye. Have a nice day.
Nicolae: Bye, my child. Take care.
I close the door behind me, and I head to the dining room to grab my usual huge mug of coffee.
***
I walk to the campus, rooted in my thoughts. I'm feeling completely lost, and sad with Nicolae's behavior. Viktor Bartholy awakes in him the worst side of his being, and I'm really scared. I've never been afraid of a vampire before, but Nicolae is frightening me to death!
Sarah is sitting on a bench in the campus' yard with her girlfriends. They look so happy and enthusiastic. They're so entertained in their talk that I've approached unnoticed. Sarah gets more excited when she spots me.
Sarah: Come, Khawla! Join us!
It's the first time Sarah invites me to participate in her exchange with her girlfriends, in general, we go only us two to the cafeteria to our chit-chats. I'm really curious to know what they're talking about, as I receive this invitation to join them.
Sarah: We're planning a party to take place in two weeks at the campus, in their Sorority.
"Oh-oh!"
I gulp. I still remember that I blackout about what happened at last campus party at Loan's Fraternity. And let's say that I was crazier and wilder than the usual! I let out an annoyed sigh.
Sarah: Come on, Khawla! It'll be nice!
I look at her with puppy eyes. Sarah can sense my despair, and burst into laughter with her friends. Yeah, they know what I mean by my facial expressions. They also were at the party that day, and I wasn't at the main trade in the gossips at Mystery Spell University in the next day because Professor Jones came with the Drugs Awareness Week, what shocked all the students.
Khawla: I can help with organizing, but I'm not quite sure that I want to participate.
They laugh even more feeling my uneasiness. Sarah, her friends and I are going to meet at the weekend to choose the theme of the party and so on. Then, Sarah and I go to the cafeteria for our morning black booster. She knows that I want to talk to her. She can sense my trouble.
Sarah: What's up, Khawla? And I know it isn't about the party.
I beat the bush. There's no time to round in circles, as I'm in imminent danger.
Khawla: Can I be at yours for a while?
Sarah is dumbfounded. My question gets her by surprise.
Sarah: I beg your pardon?
I let out a long sad sigh. How to explain to her that Nicolae harassed me and that he's still a threat while Viktor Bartholy is nearby? How to tell her that Viktor is coming to Mystery Spell? I'm too pensive and frowning my eyebrows. Sarah senses that the topic is serious. She's apprehensive.
Sarah: Khawla, what's going on?
I let out a long resigned sigh. She must know. I can't hide such a thing from her, and she must know to protect herself too.
Khawla: Viktor Bartholy is arriving in Mystery Spell any time soon.
Sarah opens her eyes wide, her mouth is ajar, and I can see the fear in her eyes. She's in shock with the news. She's as pale as death has touched her. I think Sarah has turned into a statue stone, and Medusa isn't around.
Khawla: Sarah?
Sarah: Holy crap! Oh, fuck!
Khawla: Yeah... I know the feeling.
Sarah: But I didn't get you, Khawla. You told that vampires and druids have an agreement back centuries. Why do you want to be out of the Bartholy's manor?
I drink my coffee seeking for the correct words. How to explain to her that Nicolae wants to take me as his due to he can't control himself because of his Father? How to explain that the problem isn't being attacked or transformed, but being, perhaps, raped by Nicolae? I can defend myself in the woods as last night, but not indoors, and I'm afraid he can enter into my bedroom and make me his prey. Although this idea let me slightly excited, I belong to Sebastian, and I won't cheat on my wolf.
Khawla: Sarah, the problem isn't being killed or transformed.
Sarah is visibly puzzled. She isn't able to understand what I'm saying. Am I speaking in riddles like a supernatural creature? Oh, well! I'm a supernatural creature.
Sarah: So, what's wrong?
I let out a long sad sigh. I'm embarrassed in explaining that the problem is the sexy oldest brother, that he was wilder and left behind all his gallantry because of Viktor Bartholy.
Khawla: Nicolae is the problem.
Sarah: I beg your pardon?
Definitely, I'm speaking in riddles, because Sarah can't figure out what I'm talking about. She's completely lost, mainly because I've lived all my life among vampires without any problem, and I always enjoyed their company, friendship, and nights of sex. I take a deep breath. She's my best friend, and she must know what's going on.
Khawla: Sarah, I've always known that Nicolae has feelings towards me, but he was able to control himself. But with Viktor's proximity, he can't hold it anymore. Yesterday, he harassed me, and I only could escape because we were in the woods, where I can use my powers.
Sarah is shocked by my revelation. She never thought that Nicolae could behave like that by what I talk about him. Then, she becomes dark and somber. She drinks her coffee pensive, and she seems also disturbed and confused.
Sarah: Drogo also was wilder last night. He scared me to death. I sensed that something was wrong.
Khawla: Viktor Bartholy is what's wrong.
We both let out a long sad sigh. Sarah is having problems with Drogo, and I'm having problems with Nicolae. I hope Viktor's visit doesn't take long... But I can see Sarah getting sad, and she's feeling guilty.
Sarah: Khawla, I'm so sorry that I can't shelter you at this moment. My two cousins just arrived in Mystery Spell, and they'll be with me for three weeks. These two guys are unbearable, and they like to flirt with my friends. Sorry, Khawla.
Indeed, Sarah's flat is small, and I don't think it could shelter four people in a row. I even don't know how she'll manage three people in it for three weeks! It would be a hell!
"Oh, no! To where I go now?"
Sebastian and I have to keep a low profile. It doesn't bode well if I go to sleep at his. People will start commenting, and Professor Nielson would take the case to the Board of Directors of Mystery Spell University, and it can lead Sebastian to be fired, and I expelled. I can't ask the shelter to my werewolf, unfortunately.
Khawla: That's fine, Sarah. I can find another place. Don't worry.
Sarah: I'm really sorry, Khawla.
I give her a reassuring smile, and we finish drinking our coffees in heavy silence till it's time for us go to our class.