DELONIX [COMPLETED]

Chapter 41: Shadows and Secrets

Red Pov

"M-Mr. C-Caddel, what are you doing here?" I stammered, feeling a rush of embarrassment at our intimate encounter being interrupted. The way his face darkened indicated that he didn't appreciate my question. His presence was a reminder that our connection was forbidden, a dangerous secret that could unravel everything.

"I believe I asked the question first, Red," he replied, his voice low and filled with a mix of frustration and longing. But his gaze never wavered from Xavier, who didn't seem pleased that our moment was interrupted. The tension in the air was palpable, crackling with unspoken words and ancient animosities between vampires and werewolves, as depicted in the books I had read.

"And you..." Mr. Caddel's gaze turned to Xavier, who appeared less than pleased that our brief moment had been interrupted. However, my gratitude overwhelmed any disappointment as I yearned for the opportunity to give Mr. Caddel a heartfelt kiss.

If only such a moment could ever come to pass.

I sighed inwardly, my heart sinking at the realization of the impossibility of such a gesture.

"...I think you have done enough, putting Red into so much trouble with these accursed rumors about the two of you. I would prefer it if you ceased your association with her before this reaches your mother," Mr. Caddel's voice resonated with anger, his attempt to maintain a professional demeanor falling short.

Xavier merely smirked, striding confidently toward him without a trace of fear.

"Who I choose to hang out with should not concern you. Your role is to guide your students, not stalk them," Xavier retorted, his voice laced with defiance. Mr. Caddel growled in response, his words dripping with a simmering animosity. It dawned on me that vampires and werewolves were not depicted as the best of friends in the books I had read. Yet, something told me that the tension between these creatures of the night went beyond ancient animosity.

"Besides, about the rumors, we're working on it, right, Red?" he said, his voice laced with a hint of challenge. I found myself momentarily tongue-tied, unable to muster a response. Instead, I gave a slow, cautious nod, hoping to convey my agreement. It was a small gesture, but it seemed to ignite a spark of annoyance in Mr. Caddel.

"Of course, anyone who arrived a few minutes earlier could clearly see you 'working it out' with your lips," Mr. Caddel remarked with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Wait, did he think we were making out? And if we were, why should he be upset about it? I knew he was my guardian, but if I wanted to kiss someone, I would. Sadly the lip contact I wanted from anyone was him.

Unfazed by the tension, Xavier flashed a devilish grin, his eyes dancing with mischief. "I don't see the problem if I want to 'work it out' with my lips. Besides, I've been told that I'm an amazing kisser," he replied, his voice filled with a hint of seduction.

"Xavier!" I exclaimed, my voice a mix of shock and embarrassment. Was he deliberately trying to provoke Mr. Caddel, to stir the pot and revel in the chaos that ensued?

Mr. Caddel's face flushed with anger, his knuckles turning white as his grip on the books tightened further. It seemed as though his veins might burst from the strain. The situation was spiraling out of control, and I knew it was time to intervene before it escalated further.

As I opened my mouth to speak, Ana, Avery, and Jacob suddenly emerged from the library, their footsteps echoing through the stillness. They stopped abruptly when they saw me, their eyes widening in surprise.

"Red, what are you still doing here?" Ana asked, her voice breathless as though she had just run a marathon. But there was something else in her eyes, a glimmer of understanding that made me wonder if she had caught a glimpse of our secret.