CHAPTER 22: Knock

**ALICIA**


“Do you know someone who can do this?” The police asked my father while they were investigating what happened. “I don’t think this is an accident as they were trying to kill you. And, the bullets fired are not ordinary bullets.”

My mother was hugging me while we watched the police interrogate my father, who is their boss, being threatened in his own house. I cannot believe a lot of things happened on my birthday and it’s because of Akihiro! I am sure he has something to do with this.

“Is this the serial killer you were after?” Ross whispered while standing in our back. My brother was holding his gun now in case another ambush happened again.

So far, we lived, except that we have to move to another place tomorrow because of the damage that happened in our house. Almost all the windows and glass doors were broken. There's a lot of damage on the porch.

"I am not sure." My father sighed. "You know how many people can hold a grudge on me because of our line of work. Thus, I cannot name someone. But, surely he wasn't aiming at me."

My father looked worried as he turned to me. I was a bit shocked when all eyes were focused on me.

"I believe they were aiming at you, Alicia." My father said to me, "Can you see how I am still alive after opening the door which means if you open the door…then they would have killed you."

I blinked as my jaw dropped. "But, who? Who would kill me…"

Akihiro? If this is Akihiro, he can easily bite me so I can die. Oh, right, he cannot do it because of my father so the easy way is to use guns.

"Dad, it could be me, either." My brother responded. "Why are you saying that it's Alicia? It could be me or Mom or Ross? What makes you think—"

"It's because of the direction of the bullets." My father said, "Have you forgotten how we have to pull Alicia to a safer place because the bullets seem to be following her? That's my theory, but who would do this?"

I shook my head. I decided to lie until I am not yet sure. "Dad, I don't know." I sighed. "I'm sorry. My birthday was ruined and this happened!"

I started crying. "I really didn't mean something to happen." I kept on apologizing to them while my mother calmed me.

"It's okay. It's not your fault, dear. It's just a theory. You don't have someone you think will harm you, right?"

I can think of only one person yet I don't want to believe that it's him.

"I don't know, mom." I replied. The police are still investigating the case and guarding the place in case another attack will happen.

"Who would have done this to you?" Ross whispered. "And, if it's not you…to your family?"

"That's the only explanation. It's not about her, but our family." My brother sighed. "We need to get our things and find somewhere safe. We cannot stay here for long."

"You can stay at our house until everything's fine." Ross offered. "I live alone so it's not a problem."

"Help Alicia to pack her things." My father ordered him. "I'll stay here. Alexa, make sure to pack all important things. I need to call someone to fix our house as soon as possible."

"You'll stay here?" I widened my eyes. "Then, it would be dangerous here, Dad. You should come with us."

"Someone has to stay in our house, Alicia." My Dad meaningfully said like he was telling me not we cannot live in the house.

"Dad? Are you kidding me? The house is ruin! What else needs protecting here?"

"This is an ancient house, Alicia. It needs protecting." Dad said as he turned to my mother. "I will stay here with your brother. Give me a week to finish these things."

"You cannot do this in a week. The house needs renovation. A lot of—"

"I did not teach you to argue with me, Alicia." My father answered in an authoritative manner. "I am your father and you will follow me. Now, go to your room. Pack your things and be with your mother until I say so."

I bowed my head. For a second, I felt like I didn't know my father at all.

"Here. Have some tea." My mother offered it to me. I looked at the purple petals flowing in the tea before drinking it.

"Let's go upstairs, Alicia." Ross held me.

"It's my fault." I whispered. "I should not have known about them."

"Huh? Are you saying something?"

"Nothing. I'll go to my room now." I lied.

My knees felt so weak right now as my heart was beating due to nervousness and fear that something might happen again. I don't want to be away from my father because he might be dead the next time I see him.

"I'll pack my things alone." I told Ross.

"I cannot leave you alone!" He protested. "Come on, your—"

"Ross, just stay outside and I will call if something happens. Please, I just want to be alone…because everything's making me insane!" I covered my face and tears fell again.

"Okay." He understood. "Hurry up! I am outside. Shout if you need help."

I went inside my room and immediately checked my phone. Akihiro was calling me. The nerve of him to call me after sending someone to kill me!

He's still calling but I blocked his number. My blood was boiling as I gathered my things. I pulled my bow and arrow. I guess it's time for me to go back to archery. I need every information I can get to defeat the vampires, too.

Alicia, where? How are you going to defeat them? Should I start watching vampire movies?

"Alicia, what are you still doing? Your mother is already waiting!" Ross shouted from the outside.

"Wait! By the way, can you get the baseball bat in the next room?" I said as I zipped the lock of my bag.

Just when I was about to close my cabinet, I felt someone staring at me. It gave me goosebumps. I slowly closed the cabinet and looked at the reflection of the mirror but there's no one out there.

I turned around to check. My heart almost fell when someone knocked.