Revenge - English Version

Chapter 7 - Shadow of the Past

ZAYN POV

— Just warning you, mate, you're walking on dangerous ground. — Liam informs me as I park near Louis' house. — Tomlinson has this sort of obsession with Alexa. Anyone who gets too close to her ends up in trouble.

I lock the car and adjust my jacket, enjoying the cool night air as we walk towards the blue house. The music is already blaring from inside.

— She's always surrounded by guys, Liam. If he doesn't do anything to them, why would he to me?

— That's where you're wrong, mate. Yes, he does. But Alexa hates drama, so he waits until they leave the party to deal with them outside. And trust me, no one leaves unscathed. He and his crew make sure of that. — Liam says seriously. — I'm telling you this because she seems to fancy you, and you need to win her over for the sake of that revenge. Just be careful, especially since we're on his turf tonight.

Liam's right. Tomlinson may be hosting this party, but that doesn't faze me in the slightest. I've taken down blokes twice my size; Louis isn't going to scare me.

— The Zayn they once beat up is long dead. That was seven years ago. — My voice is calm but firm. — You know that better than anyone. You know what I've done in that time. Do you really think I'm afraid of scrawny little Tomlinson?

Niall and Harry join us, and the four of us laugh. Louis? He's nothing compared to Zayn Malik.

— Have you heard anything from them? — Harry asks, concern evident on his face.

I know they'll show up eventually, and we need to be ready. If it weren't for that promise, we'd face them head-on. But now... now I just hope they find us after I've had my revenge on everyone. I just want to disappear for a while. Long enough to keep Liam away from all this.

— No. But do you really think we should be afraid of them? Have you forgotten who we are?

Honestly, they don't scare me. I'm Malik, known everywhere. They're the ones who should be afraid of me... of us.

— Zayn, the problem is, if they show up, they'll be sneaky. We know they can't get to you directly, so they'll target your weak spots. — Niall warns, his tone serious for the first time tonight.

I shudder. The only weakness I have is the people I love. The lads can handle themselves, and my family is safe, far from all this. But Care... She's my biggest concern. They're clever and know they could go after her. I can't let that happen. I need to protect her.

— I know, but I'll be here to protect her. — The words slip out before I can stop them.

— Protect her? Who are you protecting, Zayn? — Niall asks with a teasing tone.

— I said 'them'. I'll protect them. — I try to correct myself, keeping my irritation in check.

We step inside, and the blaring music almost bursts my eardrum. I've been to thousands of parties like this, but I never get used to it. Maybe because I'd rather be at home, curled up with a brunette on the sofa, watching some random movie. But tonight, I'm here, feigning interest. Drinking and tolerating Alexa. Yeah, maybe Care is right. Maybe I haven't changed that much... but no, I have. I've changed, I remind myself.

I walk towards the kitchen. My goal is clear: I need something to give me the strength to deal with Alexa. I grab a dark drink and take a sip, feeling the warm liquid slide down, burning my throat. The heat... it's almost therapeutic. It eases the day's stress. Almost like a cigarette. I allow myself a small smirk, satisfied.

I sense someone behind me and turn almost instinctively. Habits from the intense training — always on alert, even when I know there's no real threat. Then I see her. Red, wavy hair and that provocative smile she thinks is irresistible. Ah, Daisy. Of course.