Aeliana

Chapter 4

Several minutes passed as Aeliana and Chad sat on the couch, engaged in conversation. The door creaked open, grabbing Aeliana's attention. She turned her head slightly toward the entrance.

"Did you notice someone coming in? A human with a strange scent?" Aeliana asked Chad.

"That's strange. I didn't smell anything," Chad replied. "Gina, someone's at the counter," he called out.

"Why don't you go and check for yourself?" Aeliana suggested.

"Because I wanted to talk to you before you leave, and we can find out who's out there later," Chad explained.

Gina descended the stairs and approached the door, but she paused, scowling. She wore a vibrant red African print shirt, jeans, and had her long dreadlocks in a high bun, adorned with beaded jewelry.

"What is she doing here?" Gina asked, her tone filled with disapproval.

"Relax, you know she's my friend and always welcome here," Chad responded.

"I don't care. I don't want her here," Gina retorted.

"Shut up and attend to the customer instead of standing there," Chad raised his voice at Gina.

Gina shot him a disgusted glare before stepping out through the door. Aeliana couldn't help but wonder about Gina's animosity toward her.

"Why doesn't she like me?" Aeliana inquired.

"Vampires and werewolves aren't supposed to mix, remember? Gina is stuck on the old ways. But let's focus on us," Chad explained. "So, what do you plan to do when you get there?"

"Um, I don't know. I'll immerse myself in everything they have for me, maybe learn more about my history and attend school," Aeliana replied.

"Girl, you're so lucky to be heading to an actual kingdom. Right now, I could use a vacation," Chad remarked.

"You're, like, practically 19 years old. You can go wherever you want," Aeliana pointed out.

"You're right," Chad agreed. "I'll take a vacation with you, your highness. Besides, I want to see if Bresien City has those big, creepy castles you see in movies."

Aeliana rolled her eyes playfully, a smile gracing her face.

"But... Michael and Vivian probably won't want you tagging along," Aeliana mentioned.

"I think I can persuade them. You'll need a bodyguard," Chad stated.

"I think I'll have plenty of those," Aeliana replied.

"I mean a personal bodyguard," Chad clarified, arching his brow seductively.

Aeliana rolled her eyes again. "Yeah, I wish," she muttered.

At that moment, Gina returned, and Chad asked, "Who was it?"

"Why didn't you find out for yourself?" Gina responded with a fiery tone.

"Who do you think you're talking to?" Chad retorted.

"You. I would have been nicer to you if you weren't with that bitch," Gina pointed at Aeliana.

Chad shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Watch your fucking mouth!" he snapped at his sister. "If you only knew, you would show some respect."

"What are you going to do, little brother? You're not fast enough to win a fight," Gina taunted, her eyes turning red as she revealed her fangs with a crooked smile.

"No, but I'm stronger," Chad responded angrily, rising from the couch.

"Come on, guys, stop this. It doesn't have to escalate like this," Aeliana interjected, trying to diffuse the tension.