CHAPTER 57: ONLY YOU CAN INITIATE A KISS BUT I CAN’T?

An arrow shot between them, striking the ground with a vicious thud making Darius release Victoria immediately....his expression hardening with rage.

"Who’s there?! Come out now!" Darius bellowed, anger etched into every syllable as his eyes scanned the surroundings. "Shooting arrows or wielding any type of weapon on school grounds aside from the designated training area is a crime punishable by law! Do you even realize the weight of your offense?!"

What the actual heck is that? Victoria thought, blinking in shock as her gaze darted around the open field until it landed on a shadowy figure. No... not one. Three figures.

Her eyes narrowed.

Those three fools. Just what are they doing here?!

"The three bodyguards," Leo whispered in her ear, suppressing a laugh. "When you mentioned needing a bodyguard to Damien, did he really go so far as to assign your other three brothers to the role? And they actually agreed?"

He chuckled darkly. "Your brothers really are hopeless. Despite being on this campus longer than most, they clearly forgot the rules. Darius wasn’t bluffing... using weapons like arrows, swords, or guns outside the training ground isn’t just an infraction. It’s considered a criminal offense. Bigger than murder, even. You could only use your weapon on school ground if you’re faced with danger from someone who’s not a member of the school or perhaps a member of the school. Then even if the council ask for an explanation, you have one to give."

Victoria muttered under her breath, rubbing her temple. "Damien is strict, especially when it comes to studies. There’s no way he would have agreed to this madness not when he knows how strict the academy is about weaponry on campus. I’m sure those three idiots came up with this brilliant idea themselves. Protect me from the shadows, skip their classes in the process... So dumb."

Meanwhile, Darius had yet to lower his weapon. His piercing gaze remained locked on the three silhouettes in the distance, his fingers tightening around his sword hilt. He stood ready....waiting for them to make the first move.

"Do you want me to use force to drag you out?" he shouted, voice sharp with fury. "You dare fire an arrow at me?! You must have a death wish."

With that, he took a step forward, drawing his sword fully from its sheath, the blade catching the light ominously.

"Let’s just go, Alpha Darius," Victoria said quickly, stepping in and placing a hand on his arm to stop him. "I’m sure the arrow just came from two students who were training. It’s time we started my lessons."

Darius turned sharply, glaring down at her. "Take your filthy hand off me," he growled, brushing her touch away with a snap of his wrist. "If they wanted to train, then they’ll go to the training ground. I really have to teach these bastards a lesson for daring to shoot at me. I’ve clearly been too lenient lately."

Before he could take another step, Victoria darted in front of him and spread her arms wide, blocking his path.

"I said there’s no need!" she shouted, matching his intensity. Anger and desperation were both evident in her tone.

Before Darius could object, Victoria stood on her tiptoes, reached up and kissed him. Her lips pressed against his, catching him completely off guard. His eyes fluttered shut instinctively, momentarily losing himself in the kiss.

While he was distracted, Victoria subtly waved a hand behind her back, gesturing at her brothers to retreat. The three figures vanished instantly.

Victoria then broke the kiss, but Darius wasn’t done. He pulled her closer again, leaning down to capture her lips once more only for her to place her hand on his mouth, pushing him away firmly.

"What? Only you get to initiate a kiss but I can’t?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he held her still. "I was about to see the face of that girl. Just one more second, and I might’ve gotten a full vision."

His voice trembled slightly with frustration. "Let me just see the face. After that, I might even allow you to train under your brother instead of me, if that’s what you really want."

He won’t be able to see the face of the girl... not until you get truly intimate with him...which is impossible.

Leo’s voice rang in Victoria’s ears, laced with dark amusement. And you shouldn’t just kiss him randomly. He’ll start catching on soon....realizing that even with a kiss, he still can’t see her identity. We can’t afford for him to figure that out. Not yet. Not until your mission is complete.

I understand, Leo. Victoria nodded slightly, lowering her hand.

"I’ve already decided to train under you," she said aloud, her voice firm and clear. "As for this ridiculous idea that kissing me is bringing you visions of a mysterious girl... Are you sure you’re not just losing your mind?"

Darius frowned, visibly unsettled. "That’s what I’m trying to figure out. The fact that I get flashes... visions, memories, whatever they are....every time I kiss you... It has to mean something. The real question is....why did you kiss me first, then? Hm?" He narrowed his eyes. "I thought you were interested in helping me find out the truth. But now, it feels like you’re deliberately keeping it from me."

"I only kissed you to stop you from punishing someone who might have acted out of panic or mistake," Victoria replied coolly. "And since you seemed so desperate for a kiss, I gave you one as a ’thank you’ for agreeing to take me as your student not because of some vision."

Her words struck Darius like a slap. He staggered slightly, his mind spinning.

"You’re really confusing me here, young lady," he muttered with a half-laugh, his smirk betraying the frustration behind his facade. "Do you normally go around kissing people just to say thank you?"

Victoria sighed, stepping back. "You’re the one stressing over this. Why are you so convinced that kissing me will help you see the girl’s face? And why do you assume I have to be the connection between you and your so-called revelations?"

"My wolf says so," Darius replied, his tone sharp and edged with unwavering seriousness. His eyes remained fixed on Victoria, yet a flicker of something unreadable passed through them. "But it’s fine. I’m really not interested in having this conversation anymore."

He turned slightly as if preparing to walk away, but his voice rang out again....firm and final.

"Just know one thing...you are forbidden from kissing me without my consent. If you want to kiss me, you have to let me know first. And you’re only allowed to do it when you’ve agreed to let me see the full revelation of the dream."

Victoria crossed her arms, unbothered by the warning. She lifted her chin defiantly.

"Sure," she said with equal seriousness in her tone. "I’ll definitely kiss you willingly after you’ve finished teaching me everything I need to know as your student. And yes, during that time, you’ll also have to protect me from whatever dangers arise."

She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Whether it’s from the other Alphas, or the students who might be furious that their crush.. meaning you is now my mentor."

Darius arched a brow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "What? Do I look like your personal bodyguard or something?"

Victoria didn’t flinch. "You can’t afford to let me get hurt. That would be... inconvenient. Bad for your image, even. Besides, you’re responsible for my safety now. You forced me to be your student, remember? And you need me for that dream."

Darius let out a short scoff, shaking his head in disbelief. "You do realize you’ve created a whole storm of trouble for yourself, right?" he said, amusement lacing his frustration. "And now you’re suddenly expecting my protection?"

His smirk deepened, though his tone remained dry. "Anyway, it’s done. Since you’ll be following me everywhere from now on, it’s only right I keep you safe. I’ll teach you everything you need to know... and then you can get the hell away from me."

He paused briefly, his voice lowering.

"I can’t guarantee Auren won’t make life difficult for you, though. But don’t worry....he won’t kill you."

Without another word, he turned and began walking away, his stride confident and steady.

"Follow me. Now," he added over his shoulder, not bothering to look back.

Victoria stood there, watching him leave. She took a slow breath.

"I’ll be right there," she called out. "Just need to use the toilet first!"

Her voice was a bit strained, though she tried to mask it.

Darius kept walking, his hand raising slightly in acknowledgment.

"Hurry up and meet me at the parking lot," he said, his voice carrying clearly down the corridor. "I’ll be waiting there for you. You’ve got ten minutes....not a second more. I value my time a lot."

And with that, he disappeared around the corner, leaving Victoria standing alone.