CHAPTER 76: YOU CAN’T STAY AWAY

Aaliyah blinked, disbelief colouring her eyes for a moment. Instinctively, her hands reached behind and roamed around the door till she found the doorknob and gripped it, ready to bolt at any moment.

"Professor," She breathed, back pressed against the door, "What are you doing in my room?"

His Green eyes gazed into hers, and she held her breath. Then, he motioned to the cupboard where her things were, "I see you haven’t packed yet,"

"Packed?" Her brows furrowed, "Why will I do that?"

"Because I remember asking you to leave this school before it’s too late. Not once... but twice,"

Twice?! She only remembered discussing this with him one time.

But that doesn’t matter. She had already made up her mind that she was going to stay a long time ago, "Why are you doing this, Professor? I told you I’m not going anywhere,"

"You’re vulnerable here, little Siren. Every day you stay here, you paint a target of yourself," He replied, dropping the book back on her bed.

His eyes never left hers, not for a second, and it was maddening to keep holding his eyes for such a long time. His gaze was burning, sharp as a blade, and his demeanour filled the room.

"Then...," She swallowed tightly, gripping the knob tighter, "Why do I feel like the real danger...is standing in front of me?"

Alastair’s lips curved into a faint smirk, but he looked so devilish at that moment. Something in his eyes sparkled, and a wave of dangerous energy crashed into her. Oh God, was he some kind of untouchable villain?

"Smart girl," He purred, and she was surprised to hear that his already insanely deep voice had dropped even deeper, "Keep listening to that instinct of yours,"

Her voice trembled as she replied, "If you’re trying to scare me into leaving, it won’t work!"

His feet moved, and she instantly reacted with a hitched breath as he walked up to her. It sort of felt like he was slowly crossing the line between professor and student, and the thought of it had heat creeping down her neck.

Alastair stopped in front of her, "You’re more foolish than I thought,"

A bit of the fear vanished, and she met his eyes. She was slightly pissed now, "Why do you care so much what happens to me? It’s my cross to bear, not yours,"

His eyes darkened a bit, "Because whether we both like it or not, our fates are now tied to one another,"

"Bound? You mean...,"

"Mates!" He pronounced strongly, but she caught a whiff of bitterness in his tone.

Her heart was racing, "You sound like you hate that, Professor,"

Alastair paused, "I didn’t choose, and neither did you. That silly bond is a chain dressed up as destiny," Then, his voice dipped again, "One that I’m going to find a way to snap,"

He stepped even closer. One more step and their chest would brush against each other.

Alastair looked down between them, and something flashed in his eyes as if he was just realising the little distance left between them. Something intimate passed his eyes ... desire? Anger?

She didn’t know.

"Well, Professor," She cleared her throat, pulling his eyes back to her face "I’m not changing my mind about leaving. And please, when you do find a way to break the bond, let me know. I’ll be more than delighted," She stated with the strength she had managed to summon.

But all the strength disappeared the second he stepped even closer, and her eyes widened.

Her heart thumped wildly in her chest, and the heat from him threatened to consume her in that moment. It was only a slight brush of his chest, and it’s not as if they were naked, but every part of her being felt it.

Every single part.

"W...what are you doing?!" She managed out, physically trembling now.

His expression is stoic, almost like he feels nothing at all, "You’re in my way,"

And that was when she realised she was blocking the door. Quickly, Aaliyah slipped through the opening and left the door, her pulse hammering.

As she did, she glared at his back. Why didn’t he say something before he decided to melt her skin with his touch?

Then, he turned the doorknob and pulled the door open, and then stated, "You look flushed. Don’t mistake instinct for anything more, siren,"

Of course, he felt nothing. Or he was just that good at hiding the effects she had on him. She looked confused, a slight ache in her chest from his words.

Just as he took a step to leave, she said, "You keep telling me to leave, Professor, but you’re the one who can’t stay away,"

That made him pause. Another dangerous look passed his eyes, but he didn’t look back. She noticed as his finger twitched for a split second, and then that crazily dangerous composure was back.

Without another word, he walked away and she took the quick initiative and slammed her door shut.

She didn’t even realise she was holding her breath till it rushed out in a long exhale. Everything that happened right now replayed in her head, and it didn’t help that his scent, a masculine mixture of smoke and steel...and she hated how much she liked it.

Slowly, her trembling hand rose to where their chest had touched. Why was this happening to her? And why him, of all people? This alone should have her running, terrified out of her mind.

Yet, her body was betraying her. She could feel herself aching from the emptiness of his touch, craving something she didn’t even understand.

Something so dark.

’Why does it feel like this?’ She whispered into the empty room.

.

.

.

"This Friday is Scavenger hunt Friday," Yuan said, drawing a long gulp of the blood out of the can, "I wonder what we will be hunting this time,"

"Something dangerous as always," Lancelot replied.

Yuan stared at Aaliyah seated across her for a moment, her eyes wandering around the cafeteria like she was looking for something.

"Aaliyah," She called.

"Hm?" Aaliyah arched a brow, her attention falling on her friend but her spirit was still searching. She was staring directly at Yuan but wasn’t at the same time.

"We are gonna be grouped randomly. First year, second, third, weak, strong, and all, and each group has to find and present a specific... Aaliyah!!!" Yuan half-yelled, slamming her hand on the table.

"What? What?!" Aaliyah blinked quickly, her breath quickening, "Why did you do that?"

Yuan leaned in, "You’ve been acting weird all weekend and the same thing has been happening since morning. Care to share...what’s on your mind?"

"What?" Aaliyah stared with guilt, "What? No, I’m fine,"

Yuan rolled her eyes, "Is it because Lance is here?" She turned to him with a flat look, "Lance, get out. She can’t say it when you’re here,"

"Me? Why?" He looked between Yuan and Aaliyah.

"Because you’re not here best friend!" Yuan groaned.

"What? I...,"

"I’ll call you back when she’s done,"

At that moment, someone pulled out a seat and sat down next to Aaliyah.

Yuan, who was about to say something, almost choked on her words, and Lance’s eyes widened in shock.

Then, Aaliyah turned to see the Vampire who was very much unwelcomed here, and she instantly frowned upon seeing that face of his.

"Hi, everyone," He waved casually at Yuan and Lancelot as if they had known each other for a long time, then turned his attention to Aaliyah, "Hi, Aaliyah," He smiled.

Her eyes narrowed at him, "What do you want, Blake?"