VAMPIRE’s QUEEN

A Date

There had to be a way to stop him. As class ended, I quickly jotted down some ideas for the project and scribbled Xavier's name next to mine. I knew if I didn't include his name, the professor would probably call us out, and I didn't need more drama today. Satisfied, I walked over to her desk and submitted the paper. I didn't want any more interactions with Xavier, so I just wanted to get it over with. I stepped out of the classroom, pulled out my phone, and scrolled through messages while waiting for my friends, who were still inside submitting their own ideas. As I lost myself in my phone, suddenly, a hand grabbed my wrist, yanking me out of my thoughts.

"You're coming with me right now, and I'm not going to take no as an answer," Xavier's voice growled next to me. I snapped my head up and glared at him.

“Not you again! What the hell is wrong with you?" I nearly shouted, trying yanking my hand away.

"We're not in class now. If you cross me again, I swear I'll kick your ass. Stay the hell out of my way!" He smirked, but there was something darker in his eyes.

“You have no choice, Evelyn. You're mine. Why can't you understand that?" His words sent a shiver down my spine, his voice low and threatening. Before I could respond, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Is there something wrong?" It was Mathew. He stepped closer, his eyes flicking between Xavier and me.

"Eve, are you okay?" Mathew's timing couldn't have been better. I shot Xavier a cold look before turning to Mathew.

“Yeah, nothing's wrong," I said, but my tone made it clear I was annoyed.

"Hey, man," Mathew said, his voice steady as he stepped between us.

“What's your problem? Leave her hand." Mathew gently took my hand out of Xavier's grip. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and honestly, seeing Mathew stand up for me made butterflies flutter in my stomach. He had this protective nature that always made me feel safe.

"Nothing's wrong. I was just talking to my group mate about the project," Xavier said, but his teeth were clenched, and I could see the anger simmering beneath the surface. It was like he was barely holding himself back.

“Come on, Mathew," I said, grabbing his hand. "Let's get out of here. I can't deal with him right now." Mathew didn't hesitate. He nodded, and we started walking towards my locker. But, of course, Xavier wasn't going to let me leave without having the last word.

"Evelyn!" Xavier's voice echoed down the hall. "We have to finish the work!" I rolled my eyes, my frustration bubbling over. I didn't want to work with him, but I knew I had no choice if I wanted to pass the class. The sooner I got it done, the better.

"Fine!" I shouted back. "Meet me tomorrow at the library, and we'll finish it." Xavier didn't say anything after that, and I was grateful for the silence as Mathew and I walked away. When we reached my locker, my other friends, Hailey, Amelia, and Jason, were already waiting there, concern written all over their faces.

“What happened?" Hailey asked immediately, her eyes wide as she looked between me and Mathew.

"Yeah, what's wrong with that guy?" Jason asked, his expression hardening. He was always quick to defend me, and I appreciated it, but sometimes, he could be a bit too overprotective.

"He's just being his usual creepy self. You know how these west wing students are. They think they can have everything. He's the same guy from that night," I said while shoving my books into my locker.

“Now he grabbed my hand and tried to drag me off somewhere, saying I had no choice. You know, the usual nonsense."

“If he bothers you again, I'll break his jaw," Mathew said firmly, crossing his arms over his chest.

I smiled a little at that. It was sweet how they all looked out for me.

“Thanks, but I think I can handle it. I just don't want to deal with him anymore." "You shouldn't have to," Amelia said softly, her voice filled with sympathy. "We'll all keep an eye on him. He won't get away with this." After a few more minutes of talking, my friends eventually had to leave for their home.

Hailey, Amelia, and Jason waved goodbye, but Mathew lingered behind, standing next to me as I closed my locker. Once we were alone, Mathew leaned against the lockers, his expression softening.

“Hey, are you sure you're okay?" I nodded, trying to push down the tension I felt. "Yeah, I'll be fine. It's just... frustrating, you know? I hate that he keeps trying to act like he owns me."

Mathew frowned but didn't push it. He was always good at knowing when to give me space and when to be there for me. After a brief silence, he suddenly spoke again, his voice a little softer this time.

“You know, I was wondering... maybe we could go out sometime? Like on a date?" My heart skipped a beat. I looked up at him, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"A date?" I repeated, blinking in surprise. Mathew was my close friend, but I hadn't expected him to ask me out. I have known for a long time that he has a crush on me, that's why he kept flirting with me. But i wasn't expecting him to ask me out.

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach again, but this time, it wasn't from fear or anger. He smiled, that sweet, shy smile of his.

“Yeah. I mean, only if you want to. We could go to that new café downtown or catch a movie. Whatever you'd like." I couldn't help but smile back.

“I'd like that," I said softly, my cheeks still warm. I have never been in a relationship. Maybe it was a sign. Mathew was the golden boy of east wing, and every girl drool over him, and here he is asking me out. I should give him a shot.

Mathew's smile grew wider, and for a moment, all the tension from the day melted away. "Great. How about Friday night, then?"

“Sounds perfect," I replied, still feeling a little giddy. As we walked down the hallway together, I couldn't stop thinking about how the day had taken an unexpected turn.

Xavier might have tried to ruin things, but in the end, something good came out of it. And for once, I felt hopeful. Maybe things were starting to look up.