Falling for my vampire enemy

Chapter 7 - His Offer

I spent the rest of the morning avoiding Chase.

It wasn't hard, at first.

Ravenwood was a big place, and I had no problem ignoring the vampire who decided to get on my nerves.

Except, somehow, he was always there.

Outside my classroom.

In the middle of the courtyard.

At lunch.

I swear the second I looked up, he was watching me.

By the time my last class ended I was drained.

I gathered my things and made my way towards the library.

I needed somewhere quiet to think and to come up with a plan.

I had to find a way to make money.

The scholarship covered my tuition and room and board, but my sister still needed treatment.

I couldn't rely on my aunt to pay for everything when I got out.

The second I entered the large building I felt a deep sense of serenity wash over me.

I made my way to the back of the library where it was the least populated.

I plopped down at one of the tables and pulled out my notebook.

I did the math, over and over again.

The wad of cash I had saved up wouldn't cover anything, much less the treatment I knew my sister needed.

I pressed my hands to my temples.

"What am I going to do?“Perhaps I can help.”

I stiffened.

I didn't have to turn around to know what was happening.

"Go away, Chase."

He pulled the chair up across the table from me.

I glanced up.

“I said go away.”And I heard you."

"Then why are you still here?“Because you need help.”

I closed my notebook.

"I don't need anything from you."

"You need money."

My whole body went rigid.

"How do you know that?"

"I told you. I pay attention."

"That's none of your business."

"It becomes my business when you're desperate."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"You barely know me."

"True,"

He kicked the chair out from under him and leaned back.

"But I know enough."

I shook my head.

"I don't want your help."

"Even if it could save your sister?"

My heart stopped beating.

I stared at him.

"Don't talk about her."

"Why?"

"Because you don't know anything about her."

"Then let me help."

I stood.

"I'm leaving."

Chase didn't move.

"Lyra."

I turned to face him.

He fished around in his pocket before pulling out a small black card and toss it on the table in front of me.

I looked at it, then up at him.

"What's this?"

"My offer."

I didn't take the card.

"What offer?"

"Money."

I snorted.

"Nothing is free."

He nodded.

"There is a price."

I knew there was a price.

There always was.

"What kind of price?"

He leaned forwards.

"You let me bite you."

I stared at him.

For a moment I was sure I heard wrong.

Then I laughed.

"You're crazy."

"I'm serious."

"You want to bite me in exchange for money?"

"Not exactly,"

He was giving me this look that I couldn't quite decipher.

Your blood is different. He said. I don't know yet.

But I'm going to find out.

I took a step back.

"Stay away from me."

He didn't come any closer.

“I won’t force you.”

That was unexpected.

He picked up the card and held it out to me again.

"The choice is yours."

I stared at the card.

Then I looked at him.

My sister's face flashed in my mind.

Her pale skin.

Her gentle smile.

The way she always told me not to worry.

I wanted the money.

God, I wanted the money.

But I wasn't going to let a vampire bite me to get it.

I shoved the card away from me.

"No."

Chase's eyebrows went up.

"You're sure?"

"Positive."

He gave me a small smile.

"Interesting."

"What?"

"Most people would have accepted right away."

"I'm not most people."

"I gathered as much."

He put the card back in his pocket.

Then stood and turned towards the exit.

Before he left, he turned back to face me.

"I'll make you another offer someday."

I frowned.

"There won't be a someday."

His smile widened.

"We'll see."

Then he was gone, leaving me standing there in the middle of the library.

I hated him.

I hated the way he thought he had me figured out.

I hated the fact that what he said was true.

I really hated the fact that he thought my blood was different.

I quickly shoved that thought away.

Whatever it was Chase Salvatore wanted from me, he wasn't getting it.

Not my blood.

Not my trust.

And certainly not my heart.