LEGEND OF THE VIPER(COMPLETE)

CHAPTER 8

Sam sat anxiously in Viper's mansion. This was supposed to be his, the organization, the money and the fame; but fate had something for me. He was just meant to be a lead priest. To serve a young girl who was younger than his own children, it wasn't his destiny.

Why was she not coming? He had been waiting for twenty minutes and she was nowhere to be found.

He had instigated Helen White to follow haven but in the end all the men were found dead. Only if they had managed to just kill her, which was impossible considering that Haven had so many shadow guards who only listened to her alone. If she had found out that he was behind all this then she would have taken action but since she was quiet about it then he was still safe.

'She is here, she said that you should go to her office,' Gina said.

What was her secretary still doing at this time of the night?

Sam went to the office and knocked; he got in and took a seat.

'I'm sorry to keep you waiting, lead priest. I was on a call. Couldn't postpone it,' Viper said looking as calm as she always do.

'It's okay, I didn't wait for long.'

'That's good then. So why did you wanted to see me?'

'Oh, the Oracle had a meeting and thought it would be for the best to hold this year's graduation ceremony in a week. Saturday night would be appropriate and everyone will be free.'

'It makes sense. Do whatever you need to do and get the necessary funds. I hope it will be a great night, full of changes and hope.'

'I hope so too. And to make everyone feel safe, we were planning to bring as much security as we can. We shouldn't want any surprises,' Sam said fully knowing what he wanted to use that security for.

'Bring as many as you can then. We wouldn't want any panic; it would be bad if someone causes a riot or something like that.'

'Indeed. If there are any changes I will update you.'

'It's okay, I trust your decision. Just make the day a success.'

'Thank you.'

'I should be the one thanking you for being patient with me. How long have you been part of us Sam?'

'Over three decades now.'

'That's something else. You deserve a bonus for being loyal. I will make sure you receive what you deserve during the ceremony.'

'Thank you. I will look forward to it.'

'You may leave now. Its late and I wouldn't want to keep you away from your family.'

'Thank you for being considerate. I will take my leave,' he said and stood up.

He was now walking towards the door when she suddenly spoke and he felt his heart beating like crazy.

'I heard your son had another child. Congratulations on your additions,' Viper said.

Sam turned back and looked at Viper who was staring at her without blinking at all and said, 'yes, it's been a few days.'

'I will send my gift. Have a safe drive,' she said and took out her cigar.

Sam sighed and left the office.

Why did it felt like she knew something and yet the opposite? He was going to prepare heavy security for his family before the graduation day.

He was going to topple the Viper and become the new leader. It wasn't the first time something like that had happened. Among all the three Vipers that came to rule, the other two put themselves there.

He was just going to kill the chosen one, make a prophecy and become the new one. She was no match for him and he was going to ensure he succeeded. All that was left now was to meet his people and tell them his plans.

Haven smiled as the old man left her office. She was smoking her cigar when Lee came in.

'How did it go?' Haven asked.

'He looks very anxious.'

'Good, that way he will slip up more. Did you have some follow him?'

'Yes, I put some men on it. I couldn't trust the others so I used my shadow guards. He had been meeting secretly with other priests and priestesses.'

'Just keep an eye on them and make sure our people get mixed up with the security for Saturday. There should be no mistakes and keep an eye on my family. I have a feeling they are just beginning.'

'What about Amber?'

'Put the best on her and unless someone tries to kill her don't interfere,' Haven said.

'What if she gets taken away?'

'She will be. He will try to get me by using something I hold dear and it's not a secret I don't get along with my family so he will go after her. So don't do anything and wait for the right time.'

'Shouldn't we prepare her for that?'

'No, she isn't good at pretending and it will just shock her more. I will give her the antidote and make sure she is immune to whatever methods we use.'

'Good idea. I will take my leave and get down to business.'

'Thanks Lee.'

'You are thanking me for what, Ma'am?'

'For being there always for me, you are loyal.'

'I should thank you for having complete trust in us. You saved us,' she said and disappeared.

She still hasn't met the person who trained her shadows but she knew that the person wasn't the original one because she killed him. He was just a vicious man who used people like his slaves and he just bothered her. He tried to touch her, molest her. Was he even crazy to try that? At that time she was still mad about what was happening to her and he just happened to commit such a heinous crime to her. So she scratched him and let him die slowly. And just like that the ownership of the shadow guards came to her automatically.

The shadow guards followed whoever took the authority from their owner; so with her killing him she took that authority and ever since then they had been by her side fighting with her, drinking with her and just being siblings.

She left her office and went outside to finish her cigar.

The night sky looked beautiful, it would have been wonderful if Amber was with her but she couldn't risk it especially with so much bloodshed coming up. She took out her phone and called Amber who picked up after the second ring.

'Hello, did you arrive home safe?' Amber asked the second she picked.

Haven laughed and answered, 'yes baby, I did. How are you?'

'I'm not that great.'

'Why? Are you sick?'

'Yes I am. You left me alone.'

'Come on baby, I told you I had things to do and besides it was not a good idea doing all that in your house.'

'It doesn't matter,' Amber said.

'To me it does. I will spend the weekend with you, take you out or just stay indoors and make love to you.'

'You promise?'

'I do, so now do your assignments and go to bed. I will see you tomorrow.'

'Can you pick me up tomorrow?'

'Didn't your parents come back?'

'They did but I want you,' Amber said and Haven just smiled.

'Okay, I will come and pick you up then. Your car will be ready tomorrow.'

'I don't want it.'

'Then I won't come.'

'Fine, I will take it after you drop me off to school.'

'It's a deal. I love you little one.'

'I love you too. Goodnight.'

'Goodnight,' Haven said and hung up.

She breathed in the fresh air and returned back inside. She was on her way to the kitchen to find some snacks when she found Gina still at her place.

'I don't know what to do with you but its late and you won't be going anywhere. Make yourself comfortable and sleep in the guest room.'

'I...'

'If you wanted to go you wouldn't had stayed for so long. You will go to work from here and you better tell your lover boy to see you tomorrow because tonight you will be sleeping here,' Haven said and went into the kitchen.

She opened the refrigerator and found a box of grapes. She took some and put them in a plate before going to her bedroom.

She put them by the bedside and went into her bathroom where her tub was already full with warm water. She took off her clothes and slide into the tub and let the salts and herbs to penetrate every inch of her skin. This was one of her routine, she had to do bath every night like clockwork with those medicines; the same thing in the morning.

After thirty minutes she climbed out of the tub, put on her robe and wiped herself before going to her bedroom where she applied her oil. After finishing that she climbed into her bed naked, something she had been doing for the past three years. Clothes made her feel as if bugs were crawling all over her. She took her grapes, changed the TV channel to entertainment and there were her sisters. They were pretty busy and that was awesome.

She wondered how Helen was taking everything all in and she hoped that will scare her and never tell anyone.

                                                                                          ....

She couldn't sleep or eat well ever since Haven told her about the killings. Was that really her sister? She couldn't even tell anyone about it because she had a feeling she was being followed everywhere she goes. To make matters worse there was a family dinner and Haven had been invited and she accepted. She wondered what was really wrong with her mother for bringing Haven in. she dressed herself and got ready to go.

Heart as a darling as she was came to pick her up with her fiancé. Sometimes she wondered what her sister saw in her fiancé but it was her choice.

'Let's go. It will be fun tonight,' Heart said.

'Why do you say so?' Helen was curious.

'Haven is bringing her girlfriend. You should have heard mom's voice on the phone. She was furious.'

'She has a girlfriend. Who is it?'

'I have no idea but I can't wait to see her,' Heart was very talkative and she didn't hear any remorse in her voice.

Heart had been less aggressive towards Haven ever since her engagement. Did she get threatened too?

But who was Haven's girlfriend? What she knew was how a player her sister was. She never had a serious relationship so this girlfriend talk, was it a sham or what? She was going to see for herself when she arrives.

Twenty minutes later the car stopped in front of the entrance where their mother was standing looking beautiful as always. They got out the car and kissed her as a way of greeting her.

'Please, let's go inside,' she said.

They were now walking towards the door when they heard the sound of a car probably speeding. Who could do that?

They all stood there and watched as a Maserati Quattroporte came to a halt in front of them.

Helen heard her heart racing like crazy and knew that the devil was here. Just like she predicted Haven got out of the car looking splendid. She had never seen her like that before. Haven was wearing all black. She could tell that her clothes all cost more than a hundred thousand dollars. Haven didn't look at them but went to open the passenger seat and the heiress was back.

Was Haven dating the famous Amber St Claire? She was a very rich girl. Her family was richer than hers and everyone was vying to be part of them. She watched as Amber wore the new edition of the eternal love series, her clothes were all brand names and she knew them because she just saw them a day before during a fashion show. They were not even in shops yet and here she was wearing them on. Haven hooked her arm around Amber and walked toward them

'Good to see that you are okay and healthy mother,' Haven said smiling at their mom who now looked happy. It was probably because of Amber that she wasn't angry at all.

'I am. It's nice to see you again Amber. If I had known you were coming I would have properly welcomed you,' their mother said.

'It's okay Mrs. White. I'm fine as long she is by my side,' Amber said looking very in love at Haven.

She couldn't believe this. And what was the deal with the car? How many cars did Haven really own?

'I'm good to hear that my daughter makes you happy, let's all go inside,' she said and led the way.

She looked at Haven and she did the same and smiled at her.

'You look very thin sister. You were not like that the last time we met,' Haven said. She could feel the mockery in her words and yet she couldn't do anything.

'I am on a diet,' she lied.

'Oh I see. You shouldn't stay on the duet for long. It's not good for your health. I would hate to miss you on TV because you end up with anorexia,' she smiled.

'I will take care of myself.'

'When did the two of you met?' Heart asked.

Helen was quick in answering her and blocked her, 'I accidentally saw her the other day while I was shopping.'

'Okay, let's go before mom gets angry,' Heart said and they all followed.

This was the most awkward dinner she had ever had in her life. Haven was at peace, talking, smiling and laughing with her girlfriend Amber. It was as if they were the only ones in the room. She had never seen Haven so happy like that before. It really pained her because she knew they all participated in making life miserable for her and yet she was the most successful among all of them and no one even knows about it. She was different from them who loved to show off. She just was being Haven but a deadly one at that.

Dinner was taken in silence, everyone minding their own plates. After dinner that's when the talk began.

Their parents had found another match and it seemed she was the one who was going to be matched.

She had someone she loved though she never got to tell the person and an arranged marriage wasn't something she wanted. She wanted to be free like Haven.

Haven smiled when she heard the news and looked at her with the eye questioning her, what will you do? To be honest she didn't know what to do. She wasn't good at saying no to her parents. She wanted to be loved by them. She had seen the consequences of saying no on Haven.

Everything about the man sounded good but she wasn't into him. Heart wouldn't save her since she was the same like her and Haven wouldn't bother after what she did to her.

'Mother, I don't think that's wise,' Haven broke the silence and everyone stared at her.

'I wasn't talking to you.'

'I know but mother I think you should stop taking your children as meal tickets. Whoever has money you want to marry your daughter to? Aren't you ashamed of doing that?'

'What's wrong with me trying to make a good future for my kids?'

'Everything is especially when the benefits fall mostly on you. Can't you even tell she doesn't like the idea of being married to anyone? Why won't you for once let your children do what they want?'

'And become like you? You disgraced this family ever since you were a child. You couldn't even finish school because you got into a lot of fights and to make matters worse, you even date women. Just how crazy are you? Aren't you ashamed of using her for money?' their mother asked looking at Amber who looked very angry at their mother and not Haven.

What was going on there?

Haven just laughed and looked anther mother before saying, 'is that so? Just because I dint ant to do what you wanted me to, I became a disgrace. Did you even asked why I got expelled from school? Why I had to fight that day? No you never bothered at all, but it didn't bother me because that is the way all of you are. You want to be a perfect family when you are now and dating women is my choice. Don't talk that way to Amber. Even if I use her money so what? It's hers and not yours.'

'How dare you talk back to your mother?' father finally cut in.

'I thought you were going to change, which is why I dressed up and came to this dinner but you are all the same. I'm very ashamed and hurt that Haven is a White. You don't even consider her as a part of the family and yet you don't even bother to look up on your daughter. Who told you she is spending my money? Haven is the richest among all of us in this house. Of course you don't know because you never bothered to sit down and ask her but always harass and frame her daily,' Amber said very furiously.

It was the first time Helen was seeing someone standing up for Haven and she saw why she fell for her. Amber gave Haven all that she missed when she grew up and she was happy for her.

'I even know the reason why she got expelled and I wonder why you never heard of it. Just because of your lovely daughters that you love so much, Haven got expelled. Because she stood up for her sisters who hated her so much she ended up in a fight to protect their dignity and got expelled. No one listened but there are those who still know the story,' Amber said and Helen was shocked.

She began to remember how one second these guys kept harassing them and then Haven got into a bloody fight, the guys were beaten so badly that Haven got expelled but they never thought it was because of that issue. Haven got in many fights so it was a usual thing. What did they do?

Bothe Helen and Heart looked at Haven who was now on her feet, taking out a cigarette and leaving the room.

'Haven!!'

'Let her be. If you go after her right now, I'm afraid there will be another bloody bath,' Amber warned and followed after Haven.

Helen watched her mother looking down. Her mother knew something.

'Did you know about this mother?' Helen asked.

'Why are you asking mom that question? Why she knows the reason and if she did would she have done that to Haven?'

'She is our mother, which is why I believe she is capable of doing that,' Helen said looking at her.

Her mother was so cruel; it was just a good thing that the cruelty was never directed at her and her other siblings except Haven.

'I knew about it,' she confessed.

'What?' her father asked, he seemed to be in shock.

'I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. Since Haven was the bad one I thought it was the best to just continue that way. My babies were going to enter that competition and I didn't want anything in their way,' she said.

'Haven is also your baby Maria! How could you be ruthless as a mother?'

'I'm sorry okay. I didn't know it would reach that level.'

'It did. We never gave our child the love se deserved, we never even bothered to check if she was eating or sleeping well; whether she had work or not. All you ever cared about was to compare and make sure you never lose. Now look what you have done!' father was very furious and it was the first time she had seen him like that.

They all watched as father left the room and followed Haven outside.

They all looked at their mother, she couldn't stomach the thought of everything but how was she different from her. She almost had Haven killed. This was the worst family.

She followed her father outside and found him standing next to Haven, the two of them smoking and Amber on her way back inside.

It was going to be a very long night.