The Sinner's Mark (Alphas of Lair Series #2)

Chapter One: Marked

Chapter One: Marked

I always remember the stories I was told when I was a kid. That somewhere in the dark, a monster with huge, sharp teeth is waiting to lure someone so he could eat and kill it in the slowest and most gruesome way possible. That this monster takes a favorite and picks the children who refuses to listen. The way it was narrated to me gave me enough reason to follow rules, to become obedient, to be a good kid.

Maybe it was fear or my wild imagination. Maybe I was just naïve to believe that monsters really exist. Because after all of the stunts and sneaking I do in the night, I can now convince myself that there is no such thing as monsters. Just... daredevil kids who sneak out because of their strict parents.

"Confirmed. Nasa party na sila. You better brace yourself, princess. Lorein and Eleazar in one place." Nagbabanta ngunit mapaglaro ang boses ni Meredith. She sat in front beside her boyfriend, Roman, while I occupied the wide seat in the back. I ignored her and continued applying another swipe of lipstick. Muli kong inanggulo ang salamin upang makita ang buong mukha.

We are on our way to our friend, Vinnie's, party. Alas diez ang simula pero dahil hinintay ko pang mawala ang mga bantay sa bahay, halos alas-onse na ay nasa daan pa rin kami. Pasalamat na lang talaga ako dahil hindi kagaya sa kaibigan, mas mahaba ang pasensya ni Roman. Vinnie, on the other hand, has been bombarding our phones asking where the hell are we as if the place is wide enough for us to get lost.

"Remind me why Lorein hates you so much again?" ani Red habang binabaybay namin ang madilim na daan. She does this whenever there's a possibility that my hair gets pulled, para raw may motivation ako na makipagsabunutan.

Umirap na lang ako. Eleazar was one of my boytoys when I was in junior years. Anak siya ng kakilala ni Papa sa Klestive, kaya paminsan-minsan ay nagkakasalubong kami sa mga pagtitipon. I was a curious kitten that time and I thought we are a match since he was good at making me feel worthy, not knowing that he is in a relationship with Vinnie's cousin.

Of course, the girl thought I am head over heels on her guy, especially when a picture of me holding Eleazar's necktie was sent to her. Ni hindi man lang inalam ang kwento at agad na lang pinakalat na mang-aagaw daw ako. Eleazar said I tempted him and well, the fire made its way to burn fiery. Kahit anong paliwanag ko ay hindi niya ito tinanggap. I eventually gave up defending myself because it was easier for people to judge.

"I heard some kids from Klestive are there, too," ani Roman habang hindi pa rin tinatanggal ang tingin sa daan. Of course, it is going to be attended even by outsiders. Vinnie has the largest crowd amongst us. Ironically, siya rin ang pinakamay-ayaw sa tao. I guess it really comes with the name and title. When you're the only daughter of one of the wealthiest clans in the district, you will be known even by people you never crossed paths with.

Tahimik na nag-uusap ang dalawa sa harap habang nakatingin lang ako sa daan. Tall trees line the side of the road. Magkakalayo ang bahay sa parteng ito ng Lair, kagaya ng sabi ni Vinnie. There are no streetlights, too. Just a vast space of darkness. I don't even know what's on the side since I only come here when it's nighttime. Isa pa, madalang naman kaming pumunta sa bahay nila. It's only now again since her parents are out of town.

I peeled my eyes off the road and glanced at the cloudless sky. In between the tree branches, the full moon shone at its brightest. A familiar feeling started to crawl from my stomach. Isinantabi ko iyon at sinalpak ang earphones sa tainga bago pumikit.