Change of Heart

Chapter 37

**

Midnight struck, and there was still no sign of Alex. I was beyond worried now. I wanted nothing more than to get up and run after him. But where would I even begin to look?

The wind began picking up, that cold air brushed against my bare skin causing me to shiver. I wrapped my arms around my legs and buried my face. Damn...the tears are coming back again. If only I hadn't yelled and ran off, I might've been in his arms at this very moment.

The sound of footsteps started approaching. Without a second thought, I stood to my feet and ran to the end of the walkway. It was too dark to see anything. Not even the stars were glowing bright tonight. "Alex, is that you?" The footsteps got closer, but there was no answer. My stomach began to turn, and I backed away starting to have my doubts.

When the noise stopped all together, I took another step back. Before I got a chance to turn around, I was grabbed from behind, a hand clasped over my mouth.

A whisper sounded in my ear. "Don't scream, I'm an ally, not an enemy." A woman? She released me, and took a hold of my hand taking me inside. "Your body is freezing, how can you not be cold?"

Letting my eyes adjust to the change in light, I noticed she was only just a few feet taller than me. Her hair was tinted purple reaching just a little past her shoulders. She wore a hoodie with a pair of short shorts. "Umm...w-who are you?" I stuttered as my body shivered.

"Alek didn't tell you? Man, what a jerk!" The woman sat me down on the couch and held out her hand. "Wait here, I'll explain everything, but first you need to get yourself warmed up." I wonder, how does she know Alek? Could she be a demon too? I couldn't see her eyes just now so I can't be sure. Folding my arms, I sat there waiting. When she came back, she threw a blanket over me. "There."

I pulled the ends around my body. Being outside this whole time, I hadn't realized how frozen my body was. With the blanket against my skin, it felt as warm as the sun. "Thanks. So, how do you know Alek?"

"I could ask you the same, but I already know seeing as how he already told me." She let out a small laugh. "Anyways, Serine, right? The names Nikki, and I happen to be Alek's significant other." I don't know why I felt surprised, but I did. "Anyways, again, Alek asked me for a favor to come and watch over you."

"I guess I was so lost in thought I didn't even realize he left." Gripping the blanket tighter, I asked. "Where did he go?"

Nikki smiled taking a stand. "To go and search for his brother of course." She raised her arms over her head as if she was stretching. "Oh, by the way, sorry for spooking you earlier. You know grabbing you from behind. Just I felt if I approached you straight ahead you might end up freaking out and screaming. So I figured grabbing you from behind I could keep you from making an uproar."

"Oh, that. It's alright." I wasn't really concerned with that, though it did scare me a bit. My eyes wavered, and my mind began to wander again. Nikki put her face against mine, her eyes straight in front of mine. I could see her eyes clearly this close up, they burned with the same red shade as Alex's eyes.

She put her hands on my cheeks holding my face in place. "Are you alright? You still seem kind of spooked. Does this have anything to do with Alek's brother?" For a second she narrowed her eyes and pulled away. "I know. You two are a thing aren't you?" My cheeks heated, and I looked away. "Ha! I knew it!"

"S-so, what if we are?" Looking back at her, she smiled at me again. "I just realized, both you and Alek are a lot alike."

"Really? How so?" Nikki leaned forward resting her hands on her knees.

A small laugh escaped me. "You two both just have this, enlightening presence, I can't explain it."

"Not many people acknowledge that. Though I know it's because we're demons, so people can't help but be fearful of us. Don't get me wrong, I can get pretty scary, but it makes me happy someone sees that good side, so thanks for that." Grinning, Nikki stood straight again. Watching her almost makes me think twice about demons. Perhaps there are some out there who are just, misunderstood. "Well, I think you should rest and warm your body up." Taking my hand she pulled me up to my feet.

"But, Alex-"

"Will be fine. Besides, Alek is looking for him, I'm sure they'll be back in no time." I was dragged into Alex's room. "Now get some rest, I'll keep watch out for them."

No sense in arguing. I nodded and laid down covering myself in my blanket. Facing the wall, I stared at a single spot straight ahead. My mind wasn't ready to sleep, it was still alert. But I closed my eyes and forced myself to sleep.