Hate Burns • Kai Parker [2]

Chapter Ten

"Make it stop, please!" I cried out loud as the tears streamed down my face, jerking and jolting against my restraints in my chair. The vervain continued to mercilessly seep into my skin, turning it red as I continued to struggle, growing numb to the pain. I had just awakened once again, after being forced to plunge Damon in the heart. "Please, whatever it is I've done to endure this hell I'm sorry! Please!" I screamed, not knowing who I was even talking to but I was desperate. I had restarted the same loop for the thousandth time. I had to watch my friends die at my own hand over and over and over-

"Oh, Nayeli.." I watched Kai kneel in front of my chair, eyebrows knitted together in worry at my state. I hadn't even heard him come in, beginning the treacherous loop once again. 

Kai reached his hand out, stroking my cheek as I sniffled, "Look at you. Going crazy without me."

I shook my head softly as he began to rise to his feet, reaching into his bag, "Kai, please, you don't understand." I spoke in a whimper, "I know what's in that bag, okay? I know you want to brand me to make a statement o-or ensure that I don't defy you or whatever and I know you have my friends tied up at Mystic Falls High but please don't do this." My voice cracked as more tears began to fall down my face, "I-I won't ever leave you again, okay? I swear."

He paused his movements, thinking to himself momentarily before turning his head to face me and cracking a smile, "You know it's weird, Nayeli, I don't think I've ever seen you this afraid." He chuckled with a shake of his head, pulling out the iron rod, "It's adorable."

I shook my head rapidly as he began to chant, heating the rod and stepping closer, "Kai.. please." I begged as he continued to grow closer, extending the rod towards my arm.

"Kai, no!"

...

I pulled my sleeves down protectively as we entered the grill, the sound of my own skin burning under the iron rod Kai continued to brand me with replaying in my head. Although this had happened many times before, it seemed each time it happened the pain only grew even more unbearable. I had never grown immune to it, and it scared me.

I felt Kai's grip momentarily tighten when he leaned down to whisper in my ear, "I'm gonna get us some drinks. Stay close, you hear me?" He placed a kiss on the side of my head.

I simply nodded, not finding the words to speak. Or maybe I didn't trust my own voice not to waver with submission. Regardless, I felt a wave of relief when I saw him walk away.

I inhaled deeply, always finding this moment to be my favorite although temporary. I quickly took my same spot next to Enzo at the bar, wanting badly to embrace him in a hug just to feel something other than fear. Maybe even safety.

"Enzo." I spoke his name with relief even though I knew he wouldn't recall who I was.

He broke his stare with the drink in his hand to turn to me, "Have we met before?" He asked curiously.

I gave him a weak smile, glancing down at the bar counter with disappointment. So I guess there was one thing that hurt even more than Kai's brand; and it was those four words.

"Yes, we have." I looked back towards him, "I'm beginning to think you mean more to me than I originally thought."

He sat up straight in his seat, intrigued by my words, "Well if I had a dime for every rather gorgeous blonde stranger coming up to me in a bar--"

"God, do you ever get original here?" I rolled my eyes with a laugh, tired of his same old line, "I mean, come on, you must be as bored as I am by now." I leaned my head against my hand, staring at him.