God of Strength (Light of Obsession #1)

Chapter 17

Alicia

May 8th. The bane of my existence. The morning sun barely filtered through the heavy curtains of my dorm room, replacing the swirling shadows of last night's memories with an equally dismal gray light. I sat on the edge of my bed, the quilt bunched around my legs, an anchor that weighted me down more than it warmed me. The clock on my desk ticked relentlessly, each second like a small hammering against my temples, a reminder that time didn't care about the pain—the anniversary of that day was here again.

     Every year, like clockwork, the memories flooded in: the laughter, the thrill of feeling safe, then the abrupt shift into darkness. It suffocated me, the recall of joy twisted into sorrow. I could barely breathe if I lingered too long on the fragments of that day. Somehow, the world kept spinning while my own had seemingly stalled. Somewhere deep inside, I knew I should talk about it, but the words lay like stones in my throat.

     A soft knock broke through my fog. I barely noticed it at first, absorbed in my own thoughts, but then came another—gentler this time. My brother Eli's voice, laced with concern, filtered through the door.

     "Alicia? You in there?" His tone was steady, but I could hear the underlying worry. Both my brothers were here, having left the room when daddy and mum called to check on me.

     I cleared my throat, attempting to push the heaviness away. "Yeah, I'm here." The words felt weak and small, much like I did.

     Eli stepped inside, followed closely by Creighton. Their presence was grounding.. I was grateful, yet I didn't want their attention, didn't want the burden of pretending I was okay.

     Eli placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, and Creighton leaned against the wall, arms crossed—a protective stance. "How are you holding up?" Eli asked, his brow furrowed.

     "Just... tired," I said, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

     Creighton shook his head, an unreadable expression on his face. "You don't have to pretend with us, Little Angel. If you want to talk, we're here."

     I nodded but didn't speak. Instead, I looked away, focusing on a poster plastered on my wall—something colorful and bright that felt like a lifetime ago. The silence stretched between us, charged with unspoken concern.

      Minutes seem to be hours as they stay with me, not speaking, just holding my hand and being there in my presence.

     I hear a shout from Cecy outside, followed by a mans grumbling. That voice. Of course, Vaughn would come. I didn't even remember to text him that my brothers would be here so he shouldn't come.

     Oh no.

     My heart raced as the door swung open before I could react. Vaughn stepped inside, his presence charging the atmosphere with an intensity that sent prickles across my skin. He looked exactly as he always did—dark hair tousled, those piercing grey eyes blazing with concern. But in that moment, I feel the warmth he often offered.

     "Alicia!" he exclaimed, eyes scanning the room before landing on me. "I came as soon as I could."

     I felt my brothers tense beside me, Eli's fingers tightening on my shoulder. "Morozov? What the hell are you doing here?" Eli's tone was low, almost a growl.

     Vaughn's expression shifted slightly at the hostility, but his gaze remained locked on me. "I don't want you to be alone today." His voice was softer now, almost pleading. I could feel the struggle in his tone, a pull to comfort and a push against the resistance of my brothers.

     Creighton stepped forward, cutting into the tension. "What? Are you two friends? I told you stay away."

     Vaughn's demeanor shifted, his gaze hardening slightly. "I won't hurt her. You know that."

     "Do we?" Creighton shot back, and I watched as their animosity simmered. "What the hell is this?"

    Vaughn said, his voice growing louder. That possessiveness flickered across his features. "Just let me help."

  I could feel the air thickening, the weight of my brothers' distrust pushing down on my chest, while Vaughn's presence seemed to radiate an unseen force.

     Vaughn took a step closer, disregarding the space my brothers fiercely wanted to maintain. Instinctively, Eli moved to block him, but I interjected, "No, please."

     Eli looks at me with an eyebrow raised. The room went silent. The conflict was not just between them but within me as well—my heart pulled one way while my logic tugged in the opposite. I didn't want to reveal everything, not today. Not after reliving that horror.

     Vaughn took another tentative step toward me, his expression softening yet still guarded. "You can talk to me, Alicia. I want to help."

     His words hung in the air, dangling like a lifeline.

     I wasn't sure how much I wanted to share, how much I could share. But I found myself reaching for him, letting the warmth of his hand encompass mine. I could feel my brothers' eyes on us, disappointment and frustration woven through their silence.

     For a fleeting moment, I felt safe, cocooned in Vaughn's warmth, the chill from the outside world muted. Yet, that relief was punctured by reality—I knew that this connection I had with him was fraught with complications.

      In that moment, the room seemed to hold its breath, everyone waiting for what would unfold next. I was scared, but as Vaughn's eyes softened with understanding, I knew I wasn't as alone as I once believed.

      With an angry growl, Eli pulls Vaughn away from me. "What the fuck is this."

     "I've been dating her for like 3 months. Do you have a problem?" Vaughns snaps, I gasp at his reveal. Eli's eyes darken, Creigh snaps his head at me.

       "Alicia? Is this true?" He asks, eyes wide.

       "I... yes..." I mumble.

        Eli steps in front of Vaughn, shielding me from him. "Absolutely fucking not. This ends today, whatever sick game you're pulling-"

       "It's not a game, King." Vaughn interjects.

        "Whatever this is." He turns to me. "Tell me everything."

         "Hey!" Vaughn booms. "I don't care if you want to beat me to a bloody pulp or kidnap me and torture me with a skillet or whatever it is that you want to do since I'm dating her. You wait until tomorrow. Today is about Alicia. She will explain tomorrow."

          Both my brothers's eyes widen in realization and Eli says. "Fuck, he's right. Little Angel, I'm... I'm sorry. I got caught up. Tomorrow, then."

        "Could you both leave...? I just... wanna be with Vaughn today." Surprise flashes through their faces before they nod. Eli kisses my forehead and Creigh hugs me.

         "Call us if you need us." Creigh says before glaring at Vaughn. "This is not over, you're gonna have hell to pay for getting near her."

          Vaughn ignored his threat as both my brothers leave the room. He crawls onto my bed and pulls me into a crushing hug.

         I bury my head in his chest, sobbing softly as he kisses my head and face, whispering comforting words.

         "I'm here, Kukolka. And no one is ever going to hurt you again."

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A/N:
Well, this was a lot to unpack! Drama and dramaaa
There'll be even more going down next chapter ;)
Thank you so much for the support!
Don't forget to vote and comment <33