Game of the Vampires

Chapter 14:

"He did what?!" Mai screeched, sitting up on my bed.

We were sprawled out on my bed during our hour of free time. I had finally opened up with Mai about last week; at least, I think it was last week since the days seem to merge together.

I took a deep breath. "The brothers had asked me to entertain them. Of course, I went in there expecting the worse. Instead, I played the piano for them. When I was done, the middle brother kept asking things about me."

I massaged my head. "He was drinking blood right in front of me. It was fresh, too."

I shivered at the thought before I continued. "That's when he tried to... drink from me," I said.

Mai's eyes widened. "What did you do?"

I leaned back on the bed, letting out a breath. "Nothing. I couldn't do anything. It's like... he made me helpless," I mumbled.

"Eventually, the eldest brother pulled me away. He acted as if it was my fault that his brother tried to kill me."

Mai leaned against the wall, looking up thoughtfully. "At least he sort of... saved you," she offered.

I crinkled up my nose. "Doubtfully."

She sighed. "Well, let's start going downstairs. Will Paul be joining us?"

I leaned up as Mai stood. "I do not know. I will go and see."

"Would you like me to join you?" she asked.

I shook my head. "No, thank you. I will go and see."

She nodded. "Alright. I'm going to meet up with Grayson."

I grinned at her. "Have fun," I teased.

Her cheeks turned red. "Oh, hush," she mumbled as we separated in the hall.

It took me awhile before I finally found Paul's room. Lately, he had been coming to the dining room more. Before, he would just stay in his room.

I was glad he was socializing with us more. Before, he was sort of quiet. He kept to himself usually. However, he had started opening up to me.

Apart from Mai, he was the only person I could really talk to.

Of course, we never really talked much about our pasts. We had told each other the basics, and we both knew that alone was progress. We had harsh pasts, and we understood if the other didn't want to talk about it.

I knocked on Paul's bedroom door. The door swung open, revealing a weary Paul.

Dark circles were under his eyes, and his spiked blond hair was messy. He gave me a tired smile when he saw me.

"Hey, you," he said.

His voice was slightly strained, and he sounded hoarse. Now that I was looking at him fully, he did look rather pale.

I pressed the back of my hand against his forehead. "Paul, are you feeling well?"

He nodded. "I'm just a bit weary."

I gave him a skeptical look. "Paul..."

"Let's just go to dinner. Maybe I'm just hungry," he suggested, forcing a smile.

He started to walk past me, but I grabbed his hand. He stopped, but he didn't look down at me.

I reached up and touched his cheek. He had a bit of stubble, which he hated. I gently turned his head until his eyes met mine.