The Risen HODWII

Chapter 56 : My Man

"She won't kill me." Claire suddenly faced me once again, her eyes glistening, but the light in them immediately disappeared. She's an expert at hiding her feelings. "That night at the clinic, I met your monster. She did not kill me, Claire, because she is you... the feelings you have are the same. She's protecting me the way you do, and I trust her, Claire... the way I trusted you." After I said it, I saw a tear fall from her eyes.

I took a step, closing the distance between us, and wiped her tear. "Now, answer me honestly, Claire. Do you love me?" I asked once again.

She smiled, the sweetest smile I've ever seen, and nodded. "Yes."

That was the moment that changed my life, the happiest moment I will never forget until the end of time. I smiled genuinely and kissed her forehead. "I love you, my angel."

She looked deeply into my eyes. "I love you too," she said, and she smiled once again.

Her lips were tempting; I couldn't help but kiss her, and when our lips met, I felt the place become lighter than before. I ignored it, feeling her presence and the moment we shared together.

We shared a long, passionate kiss. I sucked and bit her lower lip slowly, trying to make up for the moments we lost. Oh, how I didn't want this night to end.

After a moment, she parted, catching her breath. She smiled and watched the surroundings... so beautiful, and she's mine.

I hugged her tightly from behind and looked around. I gasped, surprised at what I saw. Amazing!

"Spill it." I looked at Claire, confused. "You look bothered. What is it?" she asked.

"Hmm..." I looked back at the lake. It was so lovely-sitting under the tree with the girl I love while watching the bioluminescent lake emitting light from the living organisms, with the moon as our witness.

I felt a hand holding mine and I looked at her. "Tell me, Xenon, what's bothering you?" she asked softly.

"Claire..." I took her hand, interlacing mine with hers as I looked intently into her eyes. "The school also needs you," I said.

Her forehead furrowed. "What's wrong?" I could feel the worry in her voice.

"I didn't know Marco had a child, an Underboss of the Cadena Mafia, and unfortunately, he was assigned as the new School Head. But he's there for revenge for his father's death. The students, including all the school personnel, are being held hostage. If... we don't come out after four days, everyone in the school... will die." I looked down in shame.

It was my fault; I will bear all the burden if they die.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier? How long has it been?" She stood up, and I stood facing her.

"A day has gone by. I'm sorry, I didn't want to-" She cupped my face, cutting me off.

"The Martinez Grey Academy is the first school I had, except for being homeschooled, and I can't lose you as well. Your fight is also mine; we're in this together." Her voice was soft and comforting.

I smiled, nodding. She's really good at comforting me.

"I think we have to go; you look tired," she said.

I chuckled and pecked her lips. "You're not mistaken, I am really tired, but it's all worth it. I found my girl."

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**Venice Claire's POV**

I woke up to see a handsome man beside me, sleeping peacefully. I watched him intently... he accepted the monster inside me; he accepted me fully. I smiled.

"I know I'm handsome, and yeah... you're lucky to have me." His voice was groggy, pulling me closer to him.

"We need to get up, Xenon. Time is running," I said, taking his arm from around me. Earlier, he told me what was happening in the school, including the planted explosives, but because of tiredness, we decided to take a nap at his house. I gave him first aid for the wounds he received while fighting our men in combat-that jerk of a brother.

"Aish." He suddenly opened his eyes and cupped his face. "How could I forget?"

I stood up and started preparing myself for later. I had just finished taking my bath and was now tying my hair up when I suddenly felt arms encircling me... hugging me from behind.

I smelled his enticing scent that always sent tingles through my system. He buried his face in the crook of my neck, sniffing it. His warm breath touched my skin, making me close my eyes, feeling the moment with him.

"I don't want this to end," he whispered. "Claire..." He turned me around, making me face him.

"Hmm?" I asked, holding his hand.

Cupping my face, he said, "I don't know what you can do, but please, be careful."

"I will." And I gave him my sweetest reassuring smile.

For the past few weeks, the monster inside me woke up in intense anger... anger that came from the wrong choices I made. I had a hard time controlling her until, unconsciously, I found myself in Morounes Cave. Right there... I found comfort with my old friends, and with just that... she calmed down.

But now, I have him. My man.

******

**Xenon's POV**

We sneaked inside the school, walking towards the mansion. With her presence, it made me feel at ease, even with the silence around and... some blood splattered along the way!? What the hell happened while I was away!? This is bad.

We saw no students or personnel around except Kurt's men. When I opened the door of the mansion, confusion filled me.

"Where are they?" I asked mostly to myself, feeling the silence of the house.

I looked at Claire, who had just entered the mansion, but I caught her looking upstairs. I looked in the same direction and was surprised to see Zoey leaning on the banister. Her presence was unnoticeable; no wonder she was called the Huntress, the most respected and feared in the country of Spain.