Chapter 7

8 years ago

“Ela...” She heard the familiar voice calling her. She turned to where the voice came from and saw her father standing there with his face etched with pain. His shirt was soaked with blood, his hand was holding his arm that was wounded.

Elektra immediately got out of bed and ran to her father. “Dad.” She called out.

Her father gave her a small smile despite the pain. “I’m alright, Ela. Just a little bit wounded.” He spoke, his eyes glancing at the wound on his arm.

Ela’s eyes darted to the wound and she inwardly flinched when she saw four long bloodied lines on her father’s arm. Blood was trailing down his arm and the cut was deep. It was gore but she was already used to it. Every time he was injured, he came to her. He had embedded the medical knowledge into her since she was little and now, she was great at tending wounds.

She wrapped an arm around her father’s waist as she guided him to her bed. She sat him down and went to her bathroom to take the first aid-kit before returning to the room. Her father looked pale, covered with sweats. His lips were shut into a thin line as if he was trying to hold back from groaning out of pain.

She sat next to him and tended his wound gently. Every time her father groaned she would stop but he would simply ask her to continue.

“Thank you, Ely.” He whispered, after she had finished tending his wound.

Ela smiled as her father placed a kiss on her forehead and brought her down to lie down with him. He held her in his arms, gently caressing her soft cheek as they both fell asleep.

**************************

Ela woke up from her deep slumber and found herself in Henry’s place. Why was she here? She thought. She tried to sit up but she immediately stopped when she felt the pain on her shoulder. Realization hit her. She remembered everything now. The wild wolf bit her and Henry had taken her to his home.

She turned her head to look at her wound and saw that it was wrapped up nicely. Henry was once a doctor in the military, so she knew he knows what he’s doing. Every time when she gets injured, Henry would be the one to tend her wound. She put her trust on him completely.

She also noticed that she was shirtless. That was understandable since Henry need to take it off to tend her wound. She was only in her pants and she was glad that it was still attached to her.

“Hey, you’re awake.” She heard Henry’s gentle voice. She turned and found him standing near the door, holding a glass of water in his hand. He closed the door and made his way next her, sitting at the side of the bed.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, putting the glass of water on the bedside table before he gently stroked her dark brown hair.

“I’m alright.” She answered. “Thank you.” She said affectionately, looking at him with gratefulness and love.

“It is my pleasure, little one.” Henry spoke before carefully hugging her. Ela wrapped her hand slowly around his waist and buried her face in his chest.

“I was worried.” Henry whispered, kissing her head. Henry didn’t know what he would do if he had lost her. He had come to love her so much. She meant the world to him. She was his everything.

“I’m okay, Henry.” She answered, lifting her head up and gently caressed his cheek. “Now, could you tell me what time it is?”

“It’s six o’clock sharp.” He informed while he took the glass on the bedside table and handed it to her. “Here, drink this.”

She took it from him and drank it. Her eyes grew wide opened and her face scrunched in distaste as she pulled the glass away from her lips. “What is this?” She asked.

It tasted weird. It was sweet but tasted like metal or copper. Her eyes flew wide opened and her body went rigidly tense. Sensing the silence in her, Henry knew she had realized it.

She turned her face to meet Henry’s who looked guilty. Her eyes flare with anger as she glared at him. “Henry...” She called out with a menacing tone.

“What? Are you that disgusted of me to drink my blood?” He asked, faking hurt.

Ela frowned as she answered. “That’s not it! You know-”

Before she could say anything else, Henry placed a finger on her lips to silence her. Elektra looked confused for a moment before her eyes flamed with anger once more. “You don’t want to take advantage of my blood. I know, Ela. I know.” He finished for her. “Love, I know you’re angry, you have every right to be but listen to my explanation first, alright?” He spoke softly.

Elektra nodded and Henry pulled his finger away from her lips. “Explain.” She growled.

“I know you wouldn’t want to drink my blood, so I had to do it that way. You need to drink my blood so you’ll get better faster. If you don’t drink it, your shoulder will affect you. It is that bad and you’ll probably get a fever after this if you don’t drink it. It will lead to things that will make your stepmother to get curious.  You cannot risk that, can you?” He explained.

Elektra drank in his words and reluctantly, had to agree with him. The pain would cause her a lot of things. For instance, not going to school and that will cause her stepmother to be suspicious.  “Besides, Darcy will be worried.” He added.

Oh no, he did not just used Darcy on her. It was her weakness. How dare he? However, Henry was right. Little Darcy would be worried and she didn’t want that. She wanted her to be happy with no worries. She didn’t want to burden her with sadness and pain.

“Fine.” She answered. Henry’s face lightened up in happiness. “But screw you for using Darcy on me.” She growled.

Henry chuckled as he caressed her cheek. “I know. Forgive me, little one?” He said, his eyes filled with brotherly love as he looked into her eyes.

Elektra wanted to stay angry with him but it was just so hard to be angry with him. “Fine.” She grumbled.

Henry laughed and kissed her cheek before standing up. “Thank you, love.” He spoke softly with a smile on his face. “Drink, the water, Ela. When I say drink it, I meant finish the whole glass. I’ll go get you food before you run off home.” He added, pressing his lips on her forehead before running off to the kitchen.

Ela let out a sigh, before examining the glass of water in her hand. Oh great, she thought.

*******************

“Hey, are you okay?” Chelsea asked, placing her hand on her arm.

Ela gave her a weak smile a nodded. “I’m fine, Chels. Just a little bit tired.” She answered.

A week had passed since the werewolf bit her. Henry’s blood worked. The wound healed shortly, leaving only dark blue and purple colour bruises. She hated to admit it, but she was glad Henry made her drink his blood or else, it would have been hell for her that day.

She had a long night yesterday. The number of zombies was increasing and it took her longer to slay them. It was almost four in the morning when she was done and she had little time to sleep. After her hunting, she did her research on the zombies, trying to find the answer for their increasing number. Unfortunately, she found nothing. However, she would not stop searching. There was something weird going on and she would find out about it. She would prepare herself and be ready.

It was already the end of school and she was really glad about it. It had been a long day but she managed it. She needed some rest but doubt that she’ll get one. She just hoped that there will not be too many zombies today or none at all.

There were a few times where she didn’t need to go hunting since there’s no unwanted creatures at loose. When she started being the Protector, they weren’t many cases and she got to go sleep early but when this year started, there had been a lot of cases, creatures on the loose that she had to take care of. It made her curious about it but she thought that maybe it was something normal. That didn’t make her unprepared though. She’s always on alert and prepared.

As they walked to the parking lot, she heard someone calling her. She stopped and turned as she found Blake running to her.

“Hey.” He greeted, breathing heavily due to running.

“Hey.” She replied, smiling softly at him. She had become close with him recently. They would always see each other due to the project and his little sister who would be at the daycare.

She glanced at Chelsea and saw her smirking, giving her a knowing look. Ela rolled her eyes as she shook her head.

Blake gave her Chelsea small smile and a nod before he politely spoke. “Hello Chelsea.” They had met and introduced to before.

Chelsea who looked stunned at him for greeting her replied after a few seconds. “Hey.” She smiled.

“I’ll wait for you in the car.” She said to Elektra, before leaving her alone with the stunningly handsome man. He looked really handsome today, wearing a dark short sleeves brown v-neck t-shirt that brought out his eyes and showed his muscles. The cargo pants he was wearing made him even more attractive.  As Chelsea would say it, he looked incredibly delicious.

“Ela?” His voice interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up and found him smirking with amusement dancing in his eyes. Great, he caught her checking him out.

“Umm...yes?” She replied.

“I wanted to tell you that I’ll be late to pick up Kate, later. I have a meeting I can’t get out of.” He informed.

“Oh, alright. I’ll tell her.” She answered.

Blake grinned, which made her heart fluttered. His smile was adorable and not to mention, handsome.

“Great...and I was wondering maybe after that, we could get dinner together? Umm...with Kate of course.” He spoke with hope in his tone.

Well, since her homework wasn’t much and she was able to complete it later at the day care, she figured why not despite her tiredness.

“I would love to, Blake.” She replied.

Blake’s mesmerizing smile appeared and she inwardly cursed at the effect that smile had on her. “Great. I’ll see you then?”

Ela couldn’t help but to smile back at the handsome man. “I’ll see you soon, Blake.”

Blake smiled at her once more before turning on his heels and headed for the opposite direction. Ela watched as his figure disappeared from her sight. Silently, she let out a sigh. Why in the world did that guy affect her so much? She never felt like this before. It was strange.

Shaking off her thoughts, she made her way to Chelsea’s car and saw that she was there with Darcy. She gave them both a small wave, which they both replied.

“Hey guys. How’s your day, Darcy?” She asked her little sister giving her a kiss on the head before all of them get into the car.

“It was great. I played with Olive again today.” She said.

Oliver was a small adorable kid in her class with electric blue eyes, as Darcy would say it. He had become her friend on the first day and now, they were stuck like glue.

Ela beamed at her sister, happy that she was able to have a normal life and be happy. She silently prayed that the sword would not choose her when Elektra’s time was over. “That’s great, Darcy.” She spoke.

She turned her body and looked at her friend who was just about to start the car. “Thanks again Chels, for doing this.”

Chelsea smiled at her friend, giving her a gentle pat on her knee. “Ela, it’s fine. It’s not a big problem at all. I like hanging out with your little sister and driving around in my baby.” She replied as she drove out of the school property. “Now, tell me what happened with you and that sexy guy back there.”

Elektra’s cheeks coloured when Chelsea brought the topic up. She swallowed a lump in her throat and shook her head furiously. “Nothing happened, Chels.”

“Out with it, Ela. Spill!” Chelsea exclaimed, her eyes, though still focused on the road.

Knowing her best friend, she wouldn’t let it go until she gets all the info from her. “He just told me that he would be late on picking his little sister at the daycare later. You know, Kate, the one that I told you?”

“Yes...and?”

“Wait...How do you know there’s going to be more?” Ela asked her, curious of her friend.

Chelsea chuckled and smiled. “Blake doesn’t talk much to anyone except you and his friend. He’s pretty distant with everyone. And he gave me a nod and smiled and actually talked to me which still shocked me to be honest.” She admitted. “ He’s pretty cold around others but he came up to you with a huge smile on his face which is rarely seen...there must be something else.” She pointed out.

“What? You don’t think anyone guy would come up to me with a huge smile on his face?” Ela said, faking hurt.

Chelsea rolled her eyes at her. “You know that’s not what I meant. What I’m trying to say is that he treats you differently than the way he treated others. You’re somehow special to him and he clearly likes you.”

Ela blushed once more hearing Chelsea’s words. He liked her? “That’s impossible, Chelsea. He couldn’t have liked me.”

Chelsea snorted in reply. “Elektra, you’re a beautiful girl and you have this amazing personality. Those people in school are too dumb to notice that. Blake, noticed it, which also means god has finally sent a smart, hot looking guy to our school.” She spoke which earned a chuckle from both Elektra and Darcy. “He likes you, Ela and you like him. It’s clear you guys are attracted to each other.”

“But I don’t like him...not in that way.” Ela quickly spoke which was a total lie.

Chelsea snorted and raised her eyebrow at her friend. “Do you?”

Ela groaned as she rubbed her face with her hand. “Okay, fine. I do like him but...I can’t.”

Chelsea glanced at her and frowned. “Why?”

She let out a sigh, closing her eyes for a brief moment before opening them back once more. She debated to tell Chelsea everything but she didn’t want to lose her. She didn’t want Chelsea to think that she’s a freak.

“It’s complicated.” She answered.

Chelsea’s frowned deepened at her answer. Ela glanced at the road and noticed that they had reached their destination. Chelsea slowed the car down and parked her car at the side of the road before turning her head to Elektra.

“Look, I know that you might think he’s a player and all but he’s not. Somehow, this guy’s different.” Chelsea spoke.

Ela wanted to object on Chelsea words but Chelsea held up her hand to stop her and continued talking. “Even if you don’t think he’s a player...just don’t let this guy go. He clearly likes you and you like him back. Don’t be afraid to admit it. It’s okay to like someone.” She said and Ela noticed that her words were the same as Henry’s.

“What I’m trying to say is, just give a try Ela. Don’t hold back. We might not know what’s going to happen but at least just give a try, alright? I really want to see you happy and he makes you happy. You deserve to be happy.” She spoke, smiling at her. “Plus, that guy is so sexy, it would be a waste to just let him go.” Chelsea added, making Elektra laughed.

“Alright Chels. Thank you.” Ela smiled affectionately at her friend before hugging her. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” She asked after breaking their hug.

“Yup. Pick you up at your house...and I’ll make sure Darcy gets home safely.” Chelsea replied.

Ela gave Chelsea a grateful smile as she thanked her. “Thank you.” She said before turning to Darcy. “Bye, Darc. Be good, alright? If anything happens, just call me, okay?” She spoke softly before placing a kiss on her little sister’s forehead.

“I will. Bye, Ely.” Little Darcy replied as she waved at her.

Ela waved back with a smile on her face as she got out of the car. “Oh, yeah... Chels?” She stopped and bent down to look at her friend from the open window of the car, resting her hand on the roof of the car.

Chelsea raised her eyebrow, looking at her expectantly, waiting for her to speak. Ela gave her a small smile before she spoke. “He asked me to have dinner with him and his sister.” She informed before backing away from the car, walking backwards to the day care.

Chelsea’s eyes went wide open, her jaw dropped to the floor. “Girl, you better jump on his bones later!” She shouted, the whole neighborhood could have heard it.

Ela blushed furiously, her mouth forming an ‘O’. “Chelsea!” She yelled back, shocked that Chelsea just said that aloud.

“Go get laid, Ela!” She exclaimed before driving off with her laughter echoing in the street.

**********************

Blake walked to his car with a huge smile on his face. He was besotted with her, to be honest. He liked her a lot, more than a just a friend. It’s weird because he never liked a person this fast and this much and she managed to do it to him so quickly without even trying. Even his ex-girlfriend who he thought he loved so much was not able to do it. She was the first girl ever to do this to him.

“Hi Blake.” A sultry voice filled his ears, snapping him out of his thoughts. He turned to find the girl who invited him to the party a week ago walking towards him. He remembered her introducing herself as Reina. His smile immediately turned into a frown.

He gave her a small nod before continuing walking to his car but she blocked his way. He internally groaned and rolled his eyes. He was not interested in her or a one-night stand. He wished she would understand that.

“Are you free?” She said, gently putting her hand on his arm. He stiffened and moved away from her touch which made her frowned.

“Look, I really have to go.” He spoke darkly, not wanting to stand there with the twisted girl another second.

Reina’s face fell hearing his tone. “Oh, okay. But if you want to hang out sometimes, here.” She purred as she slipped a paper with her number wantonly into his jeans’ pocket.

He was used to this as the girls were all over him all the time but that did not change the fact that he hated contact with the people that he didn’t know.

Blake stiffened again but gave a small nod to her anyway before bidding her goodbye and left quickly for his car. He didn’t know Reina but he sure didn’t really like her that much. She seemed vicious and twisted. She’s like a girl who gets whatever she wanted. A brat.

He saw Owen’s figure at his car, leaning comfortably on it. He looked up and noticed him, giving Blake a small smile as he got off the car and stood up straight. Blake unlocked the car and both of them got in it as he started the mobile. Before he drove, he took out the paper in his pocket and handed it to Owen who looked at him, confused.

“I don’t want it.” Blake simply said.

“Okay then. More for me.” Owen replied, stuffing the paper in his pocket before glancing at his friend.

He knew Blake well, as being the result of him being his best friend since he was little. Blake was a quiet person who likes to be alone sometimes and he didn’t really talk much with the people that he didn’t know. He didn’t go on one-night stands and if it did happen, he would be either really angry at something or someone or he was deeply upset. The same thing about him being drunk.

Although of his quietness, Blake was actually a nice person and fun to hang out with. He’s open minded and a good sport. He’s a good listener and an amazing friend which made Owen love him so much as a friend. He had a rough time when he was little and he ended up growing as a cold and distant man but he was a really good person when one gets to know him.

He wasn’t always cold back then. Things happened and he became like this. Owen wished he wouldn’t blame and torture himself due to the incident in the past. It wasn’t his fault. He just wanted to see his old friend happy again. Owen smiled, remembering how happy he has been since he talked to the gorgeous girl in his class. She seemed to make him happy and Owen appreciated it. Hopefully, Blake would introduce him to her soon because he really wanted to meet the girl who made his friend smile for real.

***************************

“She looks adorable.” Ela noted, smiling at little Kate who was fast asleep in Blake’s arms.

They took a walk after they had their dinner at the small diner near the daycare. It went well as usual. She had fun with the Conrad siblings. Kate was an amazing little girl that reminded her of Darcy a lot. She was a sweetheart and Blake, Blake was something special. He was amazing.

Blake treated them both for dinner again and Elektra started to feel guilty about it but Blake had assured her that he wanted to. He told her that his grandmother had always told him to never let a woman pays for dinner. Elektra reluctantly agreed to it and let him pay.

They walked side by side, admiring the calmness of the night and the beauty of it as they conversed with each other, bringing up every topic in their heads. Elektra felt at ease talking to Blake. She was comfortable with it despite her low socializing skills.

She wasn’t really good at conversing with people and she barely talks to people she didn’t really know. She was an introvert, as one would say it. When she tried to participate and converse with people, it didn’t really ended well. They would fall into an awkward silence or the person would make an excuse to leave.

So, she had accepted the fact that she wasn’t really good with people but she didn’t mind. She had Darcy, Chelsea, Henry, Daniel and even the kids at the daycare with her. They always make her feel better and at ease. Now, she had Blake and a sweet girl, Kate, another two people that would make her at ease, calm and normal. She wouldn’t have problems conversing with them.

Blake was something else. He was different from any other guy. He had this sweet personality in him that made her smile. She didn’t have a hard time conversing with him as he never made her felt awkward or comfortable. She always felt at ease with him. Even though they had only known each other for a few days, Blake was already her best friend and she was his.

“She is. She’s very precious.” He said with a smile, his arms around Kate tightened. His action reflected how much he loved Kate and how he truly cares for her. It melted Elektra’s heart to see such a sweet sight in front of her.

“I agree. She reminds me of my little sister a lot.” She replied as she gently pushed a stray of Kate’s blonde hair away from her face.

“Ah yes, little Darcy. From your stories, I am sure she’s amazing.” He mentioned.

A smile appeared on Elektra’s face. “Yes, she is.”

“She’s lucky to have such a wonderful big sister, not to mention beautiful.” He added.

Elektra blushed at Blake’s comment and Blake just had to chuckle. She was so darn adorable. Ela playfully punched his arm in return. “If I didn’t know you any better, you were flirting with me.” She said.

A boyish grin appeared on Blake’s face while he rubbed his arm. “Ow. You sure know to hit.” He replied. “If I did, what would you do?” He added with a smirk.

Elektra rolled her eyes at him. “You flatter me, Mr. Conrad.” She said.

“Oh, so we’re role playing now.” He replied, wiggling his eyebrows at her.

Elektra didn’t whether to laugh or to be embarrassed. Blake was such an awesome guy. He was sweet and charming despite the fact that he’s cold around everyone else. His playful attitude made her like him even more. Yes, she admitted that she likes him. It scared her though. Blake stirred something deep inside her. He brought out the emotion she been trying to hide, to prevent for all these years. It terrified her.

In the end, she chose to laugh because he was able to make her to. That was another special thing about him. He was able to make her laugh constantly. She heard Blake chuckle, so she lifted her head to look at him. Her laughter died when she saw a soft smile on his face and emotions swirling in his eyes. He looked at her ­with adoration and something else that she couldn’t decipher. Longing, maybe? She did not know.

“You have a wonderful laugh. You should laugh more.” He pointed out.

It made her smile that he wanted her to laugh more. It was sweet of him. “Only if you would too.” She replied.

Blake simply grinned and nodded, moving closer to her until their arms brushed each other’s. Ignoring the sparks that ran down her spine due to the contact, she continued walking by his side.

“So, which one of your parents is Greek?” He asked her.

Her eyes grew in surprise. Not many knew that her name was a Greek name. Most of them thought that it was from a movie and it annoyed her. Well, Blake was different.

“My mother.” She said softly in a voice filled with love and sadness. A small smile played on her lips thinking about her beautiful mother.

“Ah, I am sure she is as beautiful as you. No doubt about that.” He replied.

Elektra blushed at his comment and Blake chuckled. She was so adorable when she blushes. “When I meet your mother, I’m going to state that fact and I am sure she will agree as well.” He added.

Elektra took in a deep breath and smiled sadly. She knew sooner or later she would have to tell. "That's not possible, unfortunately. She passed away when I was ten." She spoke, her voice filled with sadness.

Blake's smile faded as his face turned pale. Silence fell between them. Ela held her breath waiting for Blake's response. He had a frown on his face and his lips were pressed together.

She looked away as she couldn't bare getting another pity treatment from people. It's not that she didn't appreciate them but she was tired of hearing people's so called pity when they do not really care at all.

Out of the sudden, her hand was in his. She glanced down at them before lifting up her head to find Blake smiling softly at her.

He surprised her again when he suddenly lifted his head and looked at the starry sky. "Mrs. Potter, your daughter is a very beautiful and amazing girl...and I'm sure you think so too, right?" He spoke.

Tears clouded her vision as it slowly made its way down her cheek. She was touched by Blake’s action. No one had ever done that. He didn’t give her his sympathy, he didn’t say he was sorry but instead he did something completely surprising and sweet.

She completely surprised him when she flew and wrapped her arms around him carefully, not crushing Kate. He went stiff for a moment before he returned her hug and held her tightly.

“Thank you.” She whispered in his embrace.

“You’re welcome.” He replied. His lips on her hair and his arm around her made Elektra shivered slightly from the delight. She inhaled and his scent filled her nostrils. Dear, he smelt incredibly good.

Whoa, her thinking came to a halt. Good god, he was messing her thoughts up.

However, his embrace was comforting. It was so comforting that she never wanted to leave. She started to loosen her hold around him and he did the same after he felt her retreating. They stared at each other with a small smile on their faces. Both of them glad and happy with the company of each other. Elektra knew it was impossible for her to stop liking him. He was just so likeable. She just hoped that he wouldn’t be the one to break her heart.

**************

There you go. I hope you enjoyed it. Sorry for not editing it, I will try to edit it as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and support. I love you guys. Share, comment and vote if you want to. I would really appreciate that. Thanks guys.

Love

FFarz