Alejo [Vampire]

Alejo- Chapter 29

::CHAPTER 29::

A couple of weeks later, I peered around the wall and watched on as Loki stood talking to Ares. They seemed to be discussing something important judging by Loki's furrowed brow and animated hand gestures. Ares wore no true expression but I could tell he was pretty smug over the conversation. Preoccupied as I'd been with adjusting to the reality of having a Pet, I had failed to notice how chummy the pair had gotten.

"Break it up, you two," I said motioning for Ares to follow me, "Training in five minutes." Ares frowned but didn't say a word as he trailed beside me. Loki didn't seem too happy about my intrusion if his folded arms were anything to go by; a very human gesture that he got from Ana. I shrugged it off and moved along. There was nothing that he could do about my interrupting either way. This was my home, not his. I allowed him to visit so that he could see Ana. No other reason.

I understood now what being bonded to a Pet meant and I thought it was best not to separate the two. It would have undoubtedly lead to an unhappy Ana. An unhappy Ana meant an unhappy Ria. Loki was not allowed to cause my Pet any distress. Only I could do so. I was the primary, if not only, source of distress in this castle and I'd be damned if Loki took that privilege from me.

So he came by often enough and I let him.

Now I had a new concern. What on earth was he and Ares talking about? I considered demanding answers but instinct warned me against it. It would not do to make the ones plotting wary of your suspicions. Basic military strategy. It was unwise and I was sure that there were much better ways that I could think of to get the information.

"Thank you so much, Dier," I caught Ria's voice drifting over from nearby, "You're the best." Frowning, I moved around the corner to see who she was talking to. I knew no one by the name of Dier. Looking for this strange new person, I saw no one but Ria hugging the soldier that I'd assigned her.

"Who were you talking to?"

"My guard."

"His name is not Dier," I frowned at the lie.

"I know that," she rolled her eyes, "But he isn't allowed to talk to me and I don't know his name. So I gave him one."

"And why, may I ask, is he 'the best'? I could hear your gushing all the way over here."

"Oh…" she said, "I have a date tonight and−."

"I'm sorry, a what?"

"A date. It's when two peop−."

"I know what a date is," I cut across, "I just  wasn't aware that you were doing it."

"I am. It's my third one."

"Third?" my focus shifted to her guard, "And you knew of these…dates?"

"Do you have to say it like it's a dirty word?" she grumbled, "It was only dinner and then a show at the grand theatre. I was safe. I asked for Dier keep watch."

"We will talk later."

"Stop, Alejo."

I paused at that. She − a human − had the gall to command me. And in my own home. In front of one of my soldier no less. She would speak to me as if I was not the Master of the castle and all in it.

I turned on her, "You are threading on dangerous waters, Ria." She met my gaze with as much fire in her own. I could sense the temper rising in the tiny thing standing in front of me and it made me pause. For some reason, her temper doused my own with ice and water. I should have been furious that she would dare stand against me at a time where others would look to the ground. It didn't. Not really.