CHAPTER 24: Stranger

**ALICIA**



“Yes, hello?” I stood up and welcomed the stranger who just came inside our club room without knocking. “May I help you with something?”

I stared at him. He’s a stranger to me…and I hadn’t seen him since my stay here in the university. Based on my observation, he might be a member of a night class, thus he is a vampire.

I tried to act that I am not scared nor that I am aware that he is different from us. He stared at me…and I did the same, waiting for him to say something.

Stephanie interfered, “Do you want to join our audition? We are looking for members.” It seems like she was attracted to the man.

I pulled Stephanie from him before she could add more of her flirty words.

“Ah, yes. I am wondering where I can sign up for it?” He said, not cutting our gaze. I felt awkward because I wished Akihiro would appear in front of me now.

Damn! Did he send this guy to kill me? Or worst…this guy might be the one he is telling me.

“I’m sorry, but you can sign up tomorrow as we are already closed and this is just for our meeting.” I explained. “But, since you came all the way here. Then, I will lists you as the first in our audition.”

He smiled at me. “That would be nice. I really want to join the club.”

“That’s great. Thank you. But, may I know your name because it’s my first time seeing you and so I can also lists it down.” I said, picking the paper, looking at it so I can cut our gaze.

“You can also put your number so we can call you.” Stephanie said, smiling at him.

The guy ignored her which means I am really the target.

“I am Andrei Kuran.” He simply said.

“Kuran?” I raised my brow. “You’re from the night class.” I immediately said.

“Indeed. But, isn’t that not allowed? The president is my cousin and I am really good at acting. Maybe you can make an exception.” He grinned.

“Let’s see tomorrow.” I smiled a bit. “Just give your best. Akihiro is one of the judges, too, and he will decide.”

“Oh, I didn’t know he has a cousin. I mean, we haven’t seen you.” Stephanie said. “Not that we’re close, but the Kuran’s are famous in the town.”

“I just came back from another place.” He replied. “Well, then…I will see you tomorrow.” He stared at me. This time I looked down because he might compelled me. “I am looking forward on joining your club, Ms. Alicia Reed.”

“Same with me.” I replied, tensed.

“Okay…” He nodded and meaningfully smiled at me. I couldn’t sensed if there’s something he wants to say. I am even confused that out of all times, his cousin will appear in front of me.

“Take care.” He added. “The night is dark and still. You should go home early.”

I acted strong, pretending that it didn’t affect me when I could feel goosebumps. I just nodded and immediately locked the door as soon as he was out. I felt eyes still staring at me even after he left.

“Are you okay?” Stephanie asked me. “Your lips are pale.”

I nodded. “Let’s just continue our script. I will just drink water.”

I felt relieved when some of the members went inside to help us. We spend another hour thinking of what we are going to do. Akihiro didn’t go to the club until we finished reading the script. I had to clean and fix everything.

“Alicia, we will go home now. Sorry, if we cannot stay late. You know what’s happening to our town lately, right?” Mia told me while I was packing my things.

“I think you should also go home. You still haven’t identified who did that to your family, right? So, it’s better if we only have club meetings until seven. Can you tell that to Akihiro?”

I nodded. “I understand your concern and thank you for worrying about me. Yes, I will tell him that. Due to curfew, I am sorry but we have to work on the weekends. I think it’s better than actually staying until late night.” I suggested.

“We agreed on that. The audition will be in the afternoon, too. Maybe, Akihiro will be the one to adjust right now because it’s day class.”

I smiled a bit. “I’ll try my best. You know that he’s cold, right? He might not want to show up. Anyway, you guys should go! I will finish everything first.”

They all nodded. I spent another hour finishing the materials for the audition tomorrow. I also need to study when I go back home, so it’s difficult for me to manage my time, knowing I am also tense with my surroundings.

I turned off the lights and locked the door. I dropped the keys when I felt that someone was looking at me from behind. My hands were shaking as I bent my knees to pick it. I am not sure if I am just paranoid or what…but it really looks like someone is watching me.

I immediately grabbed the keys and locked the club room. I am starting to feel hot even though there’s wind swaying around. My face was even hot like the sun is up when it is the moon that’s in the sky right now. What’s happening to me now?

Ugh! Alicia, you should have come with the club members and not stayed.

I checked my watch and it’s already eight in the evening. Ross is still in the field for their practice so I hurriedly walked to reach the field. We planned on meeting in the field so we can head back together.

Unfortunately, there’s no more day class students roaming around. The place became even creepy to me as I started imagining those red eyes in the dark.

Although the night class was still having their class, I cannot help but be frightened as I could now hear someone’s footsteps.

I pulled my phone from my pocket to call Ross. But, my hands were shaking so I dropped it.

Someone picked it for me.

I gasped when I saw Akihiro’s grandfather.