The Year 3000

Chapter 8: Surprises

Scarlett's POV

Previously:

I stiffened immediately at the smallest contact that came between us. Harry didn't seem to notice as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his toned chest. He wiped away my fallen tears with his thumb and tilted my head up to meet his seemingly apologetic eyes.

"Hey, shh. It's over. It's over," Harry cooed as he moved my brown hair over to my right shoulder. He ran his slender fingers though it several times before he finally leaned down to plant a small kiss on my exposed neck. I knew what was about to happen next, so I closed my teary eyes once more, and tried to shut out the world.

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Once Harry was done, I was left lightheaded and weak. He had taken too much blood, but I didn't stop him. I just took it without complaining, even welcoming the spreading numbness. When he had finally finished, he licked and kissed the spot where he had bitten. I made sure to keep my face perfectly blank and my body uncomfortably stiff. Harry gave up after a few minutes of trying to get a reaction out of me.

"What can I do?" he breathed, pressing his forehead against my shoulder, leaning his hands on either side of me for support.

"About what?" I whispered, looking down at his oddly vulnerable position, though I knew he was anything but vulnerable. Harry looked up at me, and the pain in his eyes was startling. I was shocked to know he felt pain: I hadn't thought he could feel anything at all. I felt a sick sort of satisfaction seeing his suffering.

"What can I do to make you not fear me?" Harry whispered, his voice pleading, the pain still in his eyes. My only response was internal; I made sure my face was unreadable. "I know I'm a monster you should fear, but what can I do to make you see me differently."

I was left staring at him in amazement. Did he want me to pity him, after everything he had done to me, to my camp, to my entire fucking race. I almost blew up in his face, but the burning in my backside checked me. No, it was better I lied and fueled his fantasy.

"You're not a monster," I started carefully.

Harry scoffed, shaking his head. "Don't lie to me."

I grit my teeth at his answer.

"What do you want to be to say, huh? That I'm not lying? That you're not a monster? That yes, you can be cruel at times, but that doesn't a make you heartless?" I feigned sympathy, sarcastically pouting my lips at him, before I snapped, "Because all of those would be lies! You are a sadistic bastard, and there's nothing you could ever say or do that could ever make me not despise you," I hissed venomously. Clearly the pain hadn't checked me for very long. Harry looked up at me then, suddenly with the wide green eyes of a child. I was stunned to see that there was no trace of anger in them.

"I-I know. Trust me, I know." He gently cupped my cheek, sitting up straighter. "But I want to change. You're my second chance."

I felt my brows furrow in confusion, until Harry began leaning in. Then my confusion turned to fear and disgust. I instinctively scooted back.

The pain returned in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced with anger. His hands clenched into fists by his sides, and I instantly regretted my decision. I should've kept my mouth shut. Harry's eyes widened when he saw my reaction, and his fists quickly fell slack. He looked up at me and without another word, fled the room, slamming the door behind him. I was left stunned and confused. What the hell did Harry want from me?

***

Michael's POV

"Really?" I gasped at the cooking lady. She nodded, a bored expression on her face. I jumped up and down like a little girl, immediately taking off in the direction of Harry's room, where I had just found out Scarlett was. By the time I reached the oak door, I was out of breath.