Chapter 8

Leaning against his car, he stared at her. Her eyes glittering with excitement and happiness when she spoke, he wished to see it all the time.

They were both standing outside her house, simply talking about things in their heads. Kate was fast asleep in the car while they both stood on the pavement, conversing. Both of them didn’t want to lose their company just yet. She didn’t want to enter her house and he didn’t want to leave just yet.

Talking with her was something he enjoys. Seeing her expressions was something he would keep in his mind and think of whenever he misses her. He wouldn’t admit it but deep in his heart, he knew he was already smitten with her.

“Ryan’s already captivated with her.” Elektra said, chuckling. She was telling him about a kid in daycare who had eyes on her little sister. He got on his protective stand like every other brother would.

He frowned as he folded his arms together. “Well, if he tries any move on her, he would get it.” He said.

She laughed at him and it made him frown even more. “Blake, they’re just kids. Let it go.” She pointed out.

Blake narrowed his eyes at her as he spoke. “Kids have wicked minds.”

Elektra shook her head and laid her hand on his arm. “They’re just kids, Blake. Let it go. Let them both has this experience. It’s a part of growing up.” She told.

Blake pouted but gave in. “Fine...but only if you say so.”

“I do. Just let them be kids, alright?” She smiled.

Blake smiled back at her. “Okay.”

They fell into silence as he stared at her, searching deeply in her sunset eyes that he could never get tired of. His eyes flickered to her rosy lips and he swallowed a lump in his throat, wondering how her lips would taste like. She stood there frozen in front of him, her eyes searching his as well. He didn’t even realize that he was leaning closer to her.

“Ela!” Both of them broke their gaze from each other, startled as they turned to the voice that had called out Elektra’s name.

Blake’s eyes grew wide in shock and confusion when he saw the girl that gave him her number standing right in front of the door of Elektra’s house.

“Mother’s calling for you.” She said with a smug smile as she returned into the house but not before shooting a sultry look at him.

Blake silently grunted in disgust. She still didn’t get the fact that he didn’t want her.

Elektra turned back to him with a worried face. Seeing his expression must have noticed her that he was confused at Reina being there in her house.

“I’ll explain later. I have to go.” She said, giving him a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. He didn’t like that. He wanted to see her sunset eyes sparkling with happiness.

Before she could walk away, Blake grabbed her arm, which made her stop and turned to look at him with a confused expression on her face. Before she could say anything, He pulled her and leaned forward, pressing his lips on her cheek. He felt a small spark when his lips touched her soft skin and his heart skipped a beat. Her skin was soft against his lips and it made him want to kiss her more.

He pulled back reluctantly after letting his lips linger there for more than necessary and smiled when she saw the expression on her face. She was shocked and her face was flushed. She looked completely adorable. Not to mention that the glitter in her eyes returned, which made him really happy. He had to hold back the urge to kiss her breathlessly as he let her arm go.

“I’ll text you later.” He said.

She nodded slowly, still shocked from the small kiss before turning her back towards him and walked to her house.

When she was no longer in sight and the door finally closed, Blake let out a small sigh and got into his car as he drove back home.

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

Elektra let her body fell onto the small single bed as she let out a grunt. Those witches were really asking for it. She had informed them that she would be a little late and they were acting like she had killed a person. She had to work extra hours again just because she came back home late. It was really unreasonable and she knew it was because of Reina. Reina probably made her stepmother punish her just because she wouldn’t stay away from Blake.

She let out a sigh as she ran her fingers through her hair. Why in the world did her life had to be so complicated? Why did they have to torture her? How she wished her father was here right now. His embrace always made her feel better. He would make the pain go away. If he was still here, those imbeciles wouldn’t be torturing her.

A soft ring of her phone snapped her out of her thoughts. She took her phone on the bed stand and read the new received text message.

‘Hey, you okay?’

Elektra’s lips twitched upward as she read Blake’s message. ‘I’m fine. You?’ She replied.

Her phone rang once more after a few minutes. ‘Just dandy. Can I know why Reina was in your house?’

‘It’s a long story. To make it short, she’s my stepsister.’ She informed.

He didn’t reply her for a while before he eventually did. ‘Oh, wow.’

She didn’t know if he was surprised that she had an awful stepsister or her stepsister was the prettiest girl in school.

‘Yeah, I know. It’s a long story. I’ll explain it to you when I see you again.’ She typed.

‘Okay. See you tomorrow?’

With a smile on her lips, she replied to him. ‘See you tomorrow, Blake. Good night.’

‘Goodnight, omorfi.’ He replied.

Her eyes grew wide in shock. He had called her beautiful in Greek. Her mother had taught her a few Greek words before she died and she just picked them up, studying them as it reminds her of mother. Did he knew Greek or did he look it up? She did not know. However, it made her smile. The way he said beautiful in Greek made it even more special and meaningful. Her heart swelled with happiness.

When he kissed her on the cheek, she felt her heart skipped. His lips were soft and she could feel his stubble on her skin. It made something in her heart stirred. Her cheeks coloured just by thinking about it. It’s no lie that she wished to feel his lips again.

“Seeing you smiling like that, you must be in a good mood.” Henry’s voice was heard.

Elektra dropped her phone and sat up as she turned her head to him, who was standing at the corner of her room. “Not really.” She replied.

“Well, you didn’t even notice my presence.” He said as he sat next to her.

Elektra blushed as she gave him a shy smile. “How long have you been standing there?”

Henry smiled as he took her hand in his. “The moment you started texting.” He said. “Guessing for that bright smile, it must be that Blake boy isn’t it?” He added, raising his eyebrow at her.

She laughed nervously while she gave him a shy nod. “Yeah.” She replied, biting her lip nervously. “But it’s not like that. We’re just friends.”

“The boy kissed you, Ela.” Henry stated.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “O-On the cheek!” She covered up quickly, her face flushed in embarrassment.

Looking at her flushed face, Henry laughed merrily. “Mhmm...Usually a lingering kiss on the cheek would lead to something else.” He said while his thumb stroked her hand.

Elektra did not reply and Henry’s laughter died down. Silence filled the room for a minute before Henry broke it.

“Elektra...”Henry called. Ela turned to meet his face. His eyes gleamed with happiness and amusement.

“You like him, don’t you?” He asked.

Ela was about to answer but Henry cut her off, as he said, “Not as a friend, but more than that.”

Ela bit her lip nervously, her eyes avoiding Henry’s while she thought about. After what felt like forever, she finally answered. “Yes.”

“But...” Henry continued for her, knowing that she was going to say it.

“But it’s impossible for us to be together.” There was sadness in her eyes as she said it.

Astounded, Henry questioned her. “Why? You like him and he clearly likes you.”

Elektra let out a sigh before turning to him. “Henry, I am the Protector. The person who protects the world from uncontrolled creatures and dark magic. The one who’s  gifted with abilities and the great sword of King Arthur and chosen by the great magician, Merlin . I slay zombies, werewolves, vampires, monsters and many more. Almost every night I bathe in blood.” She stopped for a moment almost as if she was afraid to say the next words.

“Blake deserves someone better. Not the girl who slays and kills. He deserves someone normal. Not me.” She said as she turned her head away from him. She couldn’t let him see the sadness and pain in her eyes.

She liked Blake a lot but being the protector meant great duties and she couldn’t leave that. If Blake knew about her being the Protector, he would not even look at her anymore and she didn’t want that. She liked him a lot and she needed him.

Her thoughts stopped when she felt a finger under her chin, bringing her face to turn and look at Henry. Her eyes met his concerned and sincere eyes as he took her hand in his.

“My dear...”He called out. “You are an amazing and the most beautiful person I’ve ever known. Now, I know you don’t think I meant it, but I do. Elektra, you are so beautiful and amazing and how I wish you could see that. I don’t think there’s anyone better than you. I’ve seen the way this boy looked you and I think, no, I know it’s safe to say that he would be with you. He wants to. I can see it. Don’t doubt yourself. If he’s going to let you go just because you slays monster and protects the world, he’s an idiot, he’s not worth it and you deserve so much more than that. But I know and I am certain, that once he got you, he is never going to let you go.” He said, smiling softly at her.

“I know you’re afraid and it’s okay. It’s normal to be afraid and I won’t say that you wouldn’t get hurt later. Life is unpredictable and relationships are tough, there would always be an up and down moment. But know this that the boy really likes you and he thinks that you’re the most wonderful girl ever.” He added.

“How do you know that? How can you be so sure?” Elektra asked. Her voice filled with disbelief.

Henry only smiled as he answered her. “Because, like I have said, I’ve seen the way Blake looked at you...and for centuries that I have lived, I’ve seen that in so many people...and most of them, they ended up living together in life filled with happiness that they wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”

Elektra gave him a small smile before she nervously bit her lower lip. “I don’t know Henry...”

“Hey, trust me. I am a two hundred and twenty year old living vampire. I know things.” He replied with a chuckle.

She chuckled as well as she caressed his jaw. She smiled as she looked into his beautiful eyes. She knew she could always count on Henry to make her feel better. He had always been there for her. Right from the start, from the day she saved him, he had always been there by her side. She didn’t know what she would do without him.

“Thank you, Henry.” She said as she leaned into his chest.

He wrapped his arms around her tightly, kissing the top of her head before resting his cheek on it. “You’re welcome, Ela. I love you, little one.”He whispered.

“I love you too, you old vamp.” She replied, smiling as she snuggled in his chest.

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

The next day, they went to school as usual. Elektra did not see Blake until lunch where he and Owen joined her and Chelsea at their table. When their eyes met, Elektra blushed remembering the kiss on the cheek that she got from Blake last night while Blake just stared at her with a smile. The group conversed with each other, talked about schools and each other's interests.

Chelsea somehow had taken liking to Owen. It seemed he too, had taken a liking to her as well.  She conversed with him while Blake and her just stared at them with a knowing glance before they drift off to a world of their own. She talked to Blake despite the glares and curious stares she got from everyone. At first, she was uncomfortable with it but when Blake stared into her eyes, she could care less about the stares. She was comfortable with him and it was like there was no one else in the room but the both of them.

She hated to admit it but she knew she was on the verge for falling for him, even though they just met a few weeks ago. They had been friends for a while now and he was a great friend that anyone could have asked for, aside from Chelsea of course.

He was sweet, amazing, funny, everything a girl wants in a guy. He was understanding and always comforting. Elektra had no problem opening up to him. It felt normal to speak to him and she was at ease when she was with him. He made her laugh and smile. He also made her feel things that she had never felt before. Yesterday night, when he kissed her cheek and looked at her so lovingly, she knew right away, she was on the verge for falling for him.

After her job at the daycare, Blake picked her up as they went to his house again to do the history project. They had fun doing it despite the boredom of history according to Blake. Blake teased her and made her laugh while she tried her hardest to be serious and concentrate. Not that she mind, though. They managed to do their work, completed their task for today, and continue it sometime else.

They took a walk in the huge garden of the Conrad’s mansion after their constant study. The moon was shining brightly upon them, stars came out to play, sending blinks of love to each other. It was such a beautiful night. They walked side by side in the huge and breathtaking garden. Ela walked pass a gazebo, which was leaded by a pathway, which was walled up by huge scrubs that were well trimmed.

There were many kinds of flowers in the garden. It was like a whole exhibition of flowers that she could find most of them. Some were exotic, some were the one she knew. They were fresh and beautifully grown. The colours of the flowers made the garden look inviting, beautiful and calming. She knew that her mother would have loved it since she had a passion for gardening.

Elektra could smell their sweet scent, orchids, roses and even her favourite; red chrysanthemum. They came to a stop in the middle of the garden and a fountain came into view. She took a seat on the edge of the fountain and Blake did the same, sitting right next to her. The water from it was cool and clear, that you could see your own reflection in it.

“The garden is really beautiful.” Elektra said, breaking the silence between them. Her eyes were focused at the water in the fountain as she dipped her fingers in it and started swirling them around.

“Thank you. The gardeners did an incredible job on it. They will be happy to know that you like it.” He replied, never moving his gaze away from her.

They fell into silence once more, only the sound of the calm water could be heard in the atmosphere.

“My father married another a few years after mom passed away. He thought that I need a woman’s guidance in my life, someone to take on that role. So, he married Georgina. When Georgina came into our life, Reina and Riley tagged along.” She spoke, her eyes still not meeting his.

“But I know dad never loved her. He could never stop loving mother. They were like...no, they were soulmates. When mom died, a little part of him died with her too. He was so sad but he came to realize that he couldn’t just mope around. He couldn’t leave me all alone since mom left. He cared for me more that anyone could. He took the role of mother with him as well and made me smile as much as he could. He only married Georgina because he thought it was the best for me. I was sure he didn’t love her. He always shared a bed with me instead of sharing a bed with her. In the morning, he would sneak back into their room while Georgina’s still asleep.” A small smile appeared on her face.

Blake smiled as well, loving the soft smile on her face as she remembered her.  “He sounds like an amazing man.” He said.

“He is.” She answered, turning her head to finally meet his eyes.

Blake smiled back at her, his eyes filled with gentleness as he spoke, “Thank you for sharing that with me.”

“Well, talking to you is easy.” She replied.

“Thanks. I’m glad I can be the one that sarcastic Elektra Potter talks to.” He grinned.

“Oh, shut it. You love my sarcasm.” She pushed him playfully.

Underestimating her strength, Ela accidently pushed him too hard, making him lose his balance as he fell into the fountain with a yelp.

Ela let out a gasp as she stood up and covered her mouth, staring at Blake who was drenched wet. He groaned as he shook his head, water flying out of his hair. He looked up, his eyes met hers as she burst into laughter.

She was laughing at him. His jaw dropped as he stared at her, though his eyes were twinkling with happiness, loving her melodious laughter in the air.

“It’s not funny, Ela!” He yelled.

Ela kept on laughing, her arms clutching her stomach, tears escaping from her eyes. “I-I’m sorry.” She stuttered, biting her lip to keep her from laughing but failed.

Blake sat there in the cold water staring at her intensely, mesmerizing her features. The way her eyes twinkled in delight when she laugh, the beauty of her smile on her lips.

“Are you done laughing now?” He asked as her laughter died down.

She chuckled as she took in deep breaths, a bright smile on her face as she looked at him. “Okay. I’m good.” She nodded.

Blake stared at her for a minute and suddenly, a mischievous smile, the one that Elektra knew so much appeared on his face.

“Ela...”He called out.

She looked at him with a small amount of fear and excitement altogether. “What?”

“Help me up.” He said, handing out his hand for her to take.

She stared at his hand before moving her eyes to look at him who still had that mischievous grin on his face. Realization hit her as she began to shake her head.

“Oh no. I’m not going to fall for that.”

“Come on. Help out this unfortunate guy.” He spoke.

“Nope. No way.” She chuckled.

Blake began to stand abruptly, his eyes glinting with mischief, as he was really up to no good. “Suit yourself.” He said before he started to make his way to her.

Knowing what he was about to do, Ela run for her life, away from him. He began to chase her, laughing along the way.

“Come here, Ela. Give the man some love.”

“Get away, jerk!” She shouted at him. She made her way to the red chrysanthemum tree, running down the pathway walled up by chrysanthemum shrubs that leads to it, escaping his threats. Unfortunately, Blake who had incredibly long legs and an incredible stamina, jumped across the shrub and captured her, tackling her to the soft green grass beneath.

His wet body clung to hers as they rolled on the ground from the fall. She squealed while he laughed like a maniac, making sure she was wet as he was.

They stopped rolling and their laughter died when his coffee brown eyes met her sunset eyes. He was on top of her, their faces were inches away from each other. He could feel her warm breath on his face while drops of water from his hair fell onto her.

Their eyes locked onto each other’s, unable to move away as if there was a power holding on to it. Elektra felt her heart increase its rate of beating, seeing those gorgeous eyes up close. His eyes flickered down to her lips and she was sure he could hear her heart pounding crazily.

What Blake did was a huge surprise. He smiled, that breathtaking smile of his as he kissed her forehead gently, letting his lips linger there for a while. Ela blinked her eyes several times, surprised by his action, which she had not expected. However, when he rested his forehead on hers and his eyes staring right into her soul, all was forgotten. She could only focus on him and only him.

He got off her and lay down next to her, wrapping his arms around her as he guided her head to rest on his chest. She didn’t oblige as she laid her head on his chest, listening to the soft beating of his heart under the glowing moon and the stars in the garden filled with the fresh scents  of flowers.

****************** Thanks to you guys who commented and voted and thank you for reading. I appreciate it. Keep on supporting this story. I really really am grateful for it. I'll see you soon. Bye!