Chapter 17

Athena's Point of View

Arius carried me and he moved abruptly because he already knew me. He didn't allow me to complain, so after he carried me he used his vampire speed for us to go back to his house. I just shook my head and let him bring me back to the house.

After three minutes of running, we arrived at his house and found that many vampires were waiting for us downstairs. Arius put me down, so he could face all of them.

“King Arius.”

The vampires chorused, and they even bowed their heads to give respect to him. Now I know how they respected him as their king. Arius is a demon vampire king, and they feared him.

“What can I do for all of you?”

He queried them, so the vampires looked at him. They even fixated their eyes in my direction and I could sense that they were scared of me. Arius noticed that because he looked at me.

“I will go back to my room, Arius. You can talk to them.” I responded, so he nodded his head.

I just made up my mind to leave because I know that those vampires won't speak until I am with them. They won't trust me because I am a hunter. However, I washed that thought and focused on other things. I have so many things to do to make myself happy.

The moment that I arrived inside the room, I was shocked by what I saw. Many weapons were already scattered above the table. There are guns, bows and arrows, knives, scythe and many more. Those kinds of weapons are my addiction.

Of course, I am a hunter and all of these are so helpful when I am doing my mission. I know these weapons came from Arius. However, I feel guilty because of that. I planned to kill all of them when I got their trust. Unfortunately, these weapons would be the one that I'm going to use to kill them.

A deep sigh escaped from my throat for thinking that much. I made up my mind to check all the weapons, and it took me almost an hour until I heard the clicking sound of the door.

“Do you love my surprise?”

I turned my gaze toward Arius from what he queried. He was already smiling and I couldn't stop myself from being captivated by the way he smiled at me.

“I did, but what are these, Arius? I… I mean, what do these weapons cost you?”

Of course, I want to know if I should pay him for these weapons, but Arius just shook his head. It's a sign that he's not expecting compensation for this.

“I won't ask for any payment, Athena. Having you here beside me is already enough.”

Arius' response makes me turn my head away. I couldn't face him after he mentioned those words. I don't know myself, either. Every time that he mentioned words triggered my feelings. I started to feel something about it.

I was scared about it. The game that I started should be an accomplishment at the end of the day. I don't want to fall in love with him. Not to Arius.

“Give me valid reasons, Arius, because I would never accept that, especially because those things came from my immortal enemy.”

“Please take your pride down, Athena. I won't ask for payments with these weapons. This is my gift for you, and I know you are needing this for your mission. It's up to you how you are going to use all of those. But my request to you is… Don't ever think that what I give to you has a payment.”

I bit my bottom lips after I heard those words from him. I never expected that Arius would be that sincere to the words he mentioned to me. Yes, I know he's sincere. My heart could feel it, and his eyes as well.

“Look, I just want to make sure. Don't get me wrong. I will believe you and also… I… I want to thank you for these things. It will be a great help for me.” I uttered and Arius nodded his head.

“I will be leaving tonight for some reason, Athena. I will be back before sunrise, so please… You stay here and don't worry about the vampires. They won't hurt you. They are respectful, and they are different from what you've encountered in your mission.”

Arius explained and I nodded my head. However, I feel saddened hearing that he wanted to leave me alone here. I want to come with him, but I know he won't allow me.

“I want to come with you.”

Arius furrowed his brows from what I have said.

“No. It's too dangerous for you to come with me. Vampires were not informed that you are here, Athena and I will tell them about it later. To keep you safe, you better stay here and wait for me up.” He responded, so I let out a sigh.

I was right earlier. He didn't want to bring me to where he wanted to go and I couldn't do anything to complain.

“Please be careful, Arius. I will wait for you here.”

Those words just appeared in an instant that I didn't expect. The way I utter those, it looks so sincere.

Damn.

Why am I acting so differently now? Is it because of this demon vampire King?

I hate to admit it, but I think Arius made an impact on me. All the changes in my personality started when I met him. I am so furious with all of the vampire creatures, but I couldn't even kill their king.

“Yes, I will. You stay here and if something happens, please call my name, okay?”

Arius reminded me, so I nodded my head responding to him. He left after talking to me. Arius was already faded away from my sight, but I was still there in my direction standing and staring at the door where he left.

I feel worried about him. It seemed like I was afraid of losing Arius.

This isn't right, and I hated what I feel now.