Insatiable

Chapter 17

The wariness radiating in Elijah's whole being is so strong that Eleanor can't help but sigh.

"What?" Elijah absentmindedly taps his feet on the ground while looking at the enchantress using those innocent and nervous eyes.

"You don't have to do this, you know." She sighs one more time and then she takes a step forward when the line moves.

They're inside a coffee shop at six in the morning. Both of them stopped by to get some coffee because they're too tired using their super speed.

After their long and awkward talk at Jude's house, they decided to go back to Lacuna Valley. Sage and Jimin are probably waiting for them. The only reason why Ellie's going back with the hybrid's adoptive father is because he gave her the chance to be close to Jimin.

Eleanor is rethinking her decision, though. Elijah seems so nervous that she just wants to back out. It's obvious that he still doesn't trust her.

"I wanted to," Elijah exhales deeply. "Jimin needed this. H-He's scared of you and I didn't want him to live in fear."

So this isn't a favor for Eleanor. She should have known. Elijah only cares for Jimin.

"I'm saying you can change the way he sees you. You're his sister, after all. Jimin deserves all love and kindness."

"Thanks, Elijah." The line moves again. It's Eleanor's turn to order. "Red velvet cheesecake, to go."

Elijah smiles after hearing that. The cake is for Jimin. It's his tip to her. Jimin loves red colored food.

"Shall we go now?" He readies himself to leave.

"Wait," she halts. Closing her eyes, Eleanor murmurs magical words.

Elijah's heart starts thumping again.

"W-What are you doing?" He stammers.

The female vampire doesn't answer. It took a few more moments before she opens her eyes.

"I connected my life to Jimin. If he dies, I'll die too. So stop worrying now. Jimin is safe with me," Eleanor winks.

It's her way of telling the untouchable that she won't harm Jimin ever again.

It works. Elijah is more relaxed now. He isn't faking his smile too.

"We're home~" The sing-song voice of the very first untouchable travels into the receiving area of his house.

Sage super speeds toward the door upon hearing voices.

"Ellie!" He didn't even give Eleanor time to breathe. The ruthless vampire continues to embrace the enchantress tightly.

"Where the hell have you been? I've been looking for you!" He sounds so worried while cupping Eleanor's face.

She keeps her mouth glued. It doesn't seem like it. If Sage is truly looking for her, then why the hell is he wearing a damn apron? There's also a stain of flour in his tattooed arms.

"Ah, right," Sage smiles sheepishly when he catches Eleanor scrutinizing him. "Jimin's craving red velvet cupcakes, so Hope and I decided to bake it."

"But we already bought—aw!" Elijah didn't get to finish his statement because the enchantress discreetly pinches his arm while hiding the take out bag of red velvet cake for Jimin.

"Anyway, where'd you two go?" His hand encircles on her waist. It appears like he doesn't have any plan to let go of her today.

"Did you eat? You look tired," Sage nuzzles her cheek.

"We had coffee." Ellie tilts her head. She's confused. Did something happen that made her ex-boyfriend think like they're dating again? Sage is acting so sappy.

"Only coffee?" Sage holds the enchantress hand this time. The latter wants to protest, but his hand is so soft and warm. It feels good. 

"Let's try Hope's cupcakes!"

Sage pulls Ellie's hand. Thankfully she manages to throw the take out bag to Elijah before Sage sees it.

"Hope, there's some—"

"Why is she here!?" Jimin and Hope say at the same time. They become hysterical the moment they see Eleanor enter the kitchen.

Sage holds the enchantress' hand tighter.

"Eleanor is my guest." He clenches his jaw as hard as the way he's holding the hand of the love of his life.

"She killed my brother, Sage!" Hope shouts. Tears immediately fill her eyes.

No. She cannot bear to see the creature who murdered Limuel! At least not now. The incident is still fresh in her mind, for Pete’s sake! It hasn't even a day! She hasn't even buried his body yet!

It might not be obvious, but Hope is grieving. She's only baking stupid cupcakes because she feels like thinking about her deceased brother will end up killing her inside.

The pain is too much.

"Get her out of my face!" She aggressively wipes her tears away. "Now!"

"Aunt Hope...please don't cry!" Jimin bursts into tears and embraces the witch. It hurts him to see her like this. She doesn't deserve the pain.

"Uncle Sage, please! Get her away from us!" The hybrid sobs. He also hugs Hope harder.

"Neviditelný." Eleanor murmurs before anyone sees her tears. It's the word used to be invisible.

"Eleanor!" Sage's breathing hitches when the female vampire disappears.

She left the house quietly.

Her hunch is right. She made a very bad decision of coming here. She wasn't welcome last night. What made her think that she's welcome hours later?

Hope.

Eleanor smiles bitterly at herself.

Hope is bullshit. Having a heart is bullshit. It makes her hope...love...crave.

It's not only blood she craves now. Eleanor desires everything and it's so intense. She wants Sage's love, she wants Elijah's acceptance, she wants Jimin's trust.

She's considered as the most powerful creature in the world, but she still can't get what she wishes. The sad part is, a creature who is obviously lesser than her has everything she wants.

Hope has everything she has. It's because 'Hope is a good one and I will never be half as good as she is no matter what I do.'

Her thoughts hurt. A bad one like her deserves nothing.

Ellie's heart aches over and over again as well.

She heaves a deep sigh. When will this all stop?