Symphony of Death

Anastasia’s POV

“I wish it would rain cats and dogs,” I mumbled to the dark sky. I was not being woeful.

I simply didn’t want to see Cain Black in any way.

“I hope something ruins that ass’s party.” I bumped into someone around the corner. He balanced my grocery bags before they could have fallen on the ground.

“Thank you.” I took the bags from him. “I’m so sorry.”

“It happens, no worries.” He replied coolly. “I’m glad your stuff wasn’t damaged.” He was being polite but I couldn’t reciprocate his courtesy.

He resembled Black brothers in many ways.

Except for the blonde hair and gray eyes. His complexion was a bit paler than normal but he was handsome nonetheless.

“One can never know what’s waiting around the corner.” He remarked to which I forced a smile. “But try not to make a habit out of it. I’m Harry by the way.”

“Harry as in Harry the wizard from the magic world?” He laughed in response. “Anastasia.” I shook his hand.

“Nice to meet you, Anastasia.” He smiled broadly. “It’s a beautiful name, perfect for a beautiful woman like you.” My cheeks burnt at his blunt compliment. “Do you know what it means?” I shook my head. “It means resurrection.”

“It’s fortunate that I don’t hold the power of my name.” I chuckled humorlessly. “I won’t want dead lining up on my door.” How ironic! “I should get going.”

He stepped aside and I walked past him.

“Anastasia?” Harry called me suddenly from behind. “I’ll see you.” His smile was cryptic. “I get the feeling I will see you very soon.”

I walked away from him as fast as I could.

“I don’t know why I am suddenly encountering so many cynical men.” My phone rang and I answered the call with a groan.

“Your groan is not going to help you.”

“I can only wish.” I could see Angie shaking her head. “I’m not going.”

“Anastasia Grace, come home right now.” Angie switched to mother mode. “Are you going to ruin everything for yourself because of a few misfortunes?”

“Let’s talk later.”

“We are not talking. We are getting ready for the party.” I sighed in defeat. “Come quickly. I got a really cute dress for you.”

“Cut the call now. I’m coming upstairs.” I put the phone back in my pocket and entered the elevator.

I was sure that I was going to regret everything a moment from now.

****

“Who organizes a business party in a club?”

“Cool people,” Angie replied coolly. “As much as they are obnoxious and despicable, I’m grateful to the brothers for not organizing a boring come in, talk business and dine your way out kind of party.”

I was not ready for this.

“I knew it was not going to end in something good.” I kept tapping my finger on the bar top. “I hate clubs, Angie and you know why.”

“Ana!” Angie turned my stool so I was facing her. “We are here, no? You look stunning tonight. Loosen up and have fun.”

I was having a prickly feeling every five seconds down my bare back. Angie forced me to style my hair up in a high tail.

“Here,” Angie took the drinks from the bartender and handed me one. “It’s non-alcoholic. You two don’t mix well.” I raised one brow at her. “Alcohol I mean.”

I smiled when Nat came at last.

“Wow!” Nat whistled at me. “I’m glad you decided to listen.”

“It was not easy.” Angie gave me the look. “She is still trying to run away. She is the designer and I had to pick her dress.” I glowered at Angie. “It’s true.”

“You are not wasting this, Ana.” Nat pointed to me whole. “Get a boyfriend tonight. You have lived enough single years. Look at Angie. She is on her breakup number eighteen.” Angie opened her mouth to counter. “I’m not saying follow her footsteps but get one man at the least.”

“I will do that once you do that.” Nat watched me smugly. “I’m fine on my own.” I palmed my cheek and looked between them. “I don’t need the trouble named boyfriend in my life.”

“This is the height of despondency, Ana.” Nat reprimanded. “Why do you think everyone will leave you alone?”

“Forget about it.” I didn’t want to spoil their mood and night. “You are looking killer tonight, Nat.” I gestured to her. “Your dress is amazing.”

“I have to keep up with the standards.” Nat gestured around. “So, are we going to sit out the whole night?” I raised my hands when they looked at me simultaneously. “Ana, come on!”

“I’m fine where I am right now.” I made a face. “I don’t want to run into unnecessary people.”

I surveyed the club for any signs of Mr. Cain Black. His brothers came a while back but he didn’t. They went straight to the VIP area so none of us had to keep up the charade of being excited to see our bosses.

“Are you sure?” Nat confirmed. I made an okay at them. “Meet your people at least.” She pointed toward Nia and rested.

They were having a time of their life except for Hannah. She was sitting and chatting with a few people from DS-con.

“I met them,” I said off-handedly. “I’m sure I’m not missing out on any fun.” I sipped my drink leisurely. “You two go and enjoy.”

“Come if you change your mind” Nat yelled on their way to the dance floor.

It was a closed party so the club was not overcrowded. But still, there were so many unfamiliar faces.

“This is something.” I admired the interior once more. From the ceiling to the very last corner, everything was luxuriant and eminent.

Nat told us that Xic redid the whole place within three days. It screamed extravagance in a new way.

“At least, they are not turning off the lights.” I was relieved at the thought.

I smiled when I saw Angie and Nat. They were dancing like there was no tomorrow. Nia and Sean joined them on the floor along with a few other people.

My eyes unconsciously went toward the VIP area and met cold turquoise.

“The man knows how to carry even the club looks” I mumbled absentmindedly.

Black slacks and a button-down shirt, sleeves rolled and buttons undone to his mid-chest, Cain was ready to make females drool at his feet.

A woman hugged him from behind and I looked away when she grabbed his face and kissed him full on the mouth.

I held my drink with both hands. It didn’t look like Cain Black looked at me just now. I was becoming highly conscious of his eyes drilling holes in my back.

“You have company, damn it” I muttered spitefully. “Stop throwing daggers at others during your fornication.”

“Hey!” I looked to my right unwillingly. “I’m Miles.” Not this. “You look bored. Why are you all alone?”

I focused on sipping my drink. It left a bitter taste in my mouth at the end but it felt good.

“Give me another.” The bartender took my glass to refill. “Thanks.” I looked at the guy again. “Yes?” I raised one brow in annoyance when he made no move to leave.

He was not bad looking. It’s just that I was not looking for one night stands and pathetic make-outs with strangers.

“You want to dance?” He was persistent.

“I’m good.” I scooted away when he hovered over me. “Can you not crowd me?” He didn’t get the signal. “Get out of my face, dude. I’m not interested.”

“I can make you.” He extended his hand to my thigh. “Such a hottie like you shouldn’t be just sitting.”

He better leave before I lose it.

“She has company.” Cain stood between us. The guy, Miles, was gone before I could blink. “Must you wait until the end?” I held my breath when Cain faced me.

“You didn’t have to” I was becoming highly flustered by his presence in my personal space. “I was about to handle it.” I grabbed my glass and finished my drink. “This is strange.”

It made me feel funny but it gave me enough courage to face the devil.

“You got here so fast. You were standing up there.” I pointed to the VIP lounge. “So high.”

Cain helped me off the stool and dragged me to the dance floor. The lights dimmed further when the music changed its flow and the bass dropped.

Breathe, Ana. Nothing will go wrong.

Angie and Nat threw me questioning glances when they saw us. They were ready to jump but I shook my head.

I was sure Mr. Cain Black cared about his reputation more than anything.

My heart thundered in my chest when Cain held my waist and pulled me close. He wound my arms around his neck and started swaying us sensually to match the beat.

I was very much aware of his hands on my hips.

“You didn’t ask me.” I was not a bad dancer but my feet were not ready to cooperate right now. “This is not the office, boss,” I added sarcastically.

He was still a full head taller than me despite my heels.

“I feel funny.” I was getting agitated by his mute behavior.

I pushed him back and turned to leave but he caught my waist and pulled me back into him. My hand went on his arm around my abdomen. I gripped his other hand on my thigh when he controlled the movement of my hips to his rhythm.

This is insane.

I tilted my head on his chest when his lips brushed my shoulder. I found it extremely difficult to breathe when his eyes bore into mine.

“Mr. Black!” I whispered when he forced me around in his arms. I was not liking how he started touching and feeling me without permission.

He grabbed my left thigh and pulled it over his hip before dipping me back. His lips moved up my throat just as his hand moved up my thigh under my dress.

I swear my skin burnt everywhere he touched.

I pushed him back when his administration took a dangerous turn.

A lot of heads turned at my little outburst. I was more angry than embarrassed. Cain bore zero ounce of shame toward his open lechery.

“Don’t touch me.” I ran away from there. My head was already spinning and his presence made everything more claustrophobic.

“Asshole,” I somehow ended up on the rooftop. I staggered out in the cold night and breathed deeply. “Stupid man” I rubbed my arms and looked around warily.

I was glad it was not dark up here.

“My head hurts.” I pulled my hair free of the tie and grabbed my head with one hand while massaging my aching scalp with the other. “Why is everything spinning?”

“You need help?”

****

Cain’s POV

“What was that?” Aeron raised a questioning brow at me. “She didn’t seem pleased by whatever you were doing.”

Angela glared at Aeron when they passed us to go after Anastasia.

“And them.” Aeron pointed out.

“Mind your fucking business.” I was feeling angry but I couldn’t direct it to one thing.

“Your impatience is getting to your head, Cain.” I glared at Aeron. “Admit it.” He raked his hair. “Damn that fucking spell. How can it still be this effective? You won’t be able to tell until she calls out to you?”

“It won’t be long.” I spat.

“You are getting too hung up on the thought, Cain,” Aeron said meaningfully. “The augur said–Is everything okay with you?” Aeron looked the way I was looking. “I haven’t seen you approaching any woman in years.”

I shot him a deadly glare.

“Just saying.” Aeron raised his hands in surrender. “Don’t mess up things in your haste.”

“You don’t have to worry about my end.” My eyes once again went to the way Anastasia left. “Everything will unveil itself.” I walked away from the dance floor. “She will be standing before me on her own.”

My intuitions could never be wrong.

“I said leave me.” My ears picked a feeble cry. “No, don’t touch me.”

I ascended the stairs to the rooftop at a leisure pace.

“I said, no.” My brow shot up in amusement at the scene unfolding before my eyes. “Go away. Leave me alone.”

“Come on, babes” The mutt slurred. “You won’t regret it.”

“Damn it, you leech,” Anastasia shrieked. “Why are you so persistent?”

She was pushing against her assailant with all her might but she was failing miserably due to her intoxicated state.

“Stop being a bitch now.” He groped her breast. “Let’s have some fun.”

“She said no.” He visibly shrank on my approach. “I don’t intend to soil my hands with a filth like you so better get out before I change my mind.”

He let go of Anastasia and cowered away in fear.

“Don’t stir trouble for me or you won’t ever be able to set foot in this realm, less return to your fucking holes ever again.” I hissed coldly. “Get lost.”

“I’m sorry, master. It won’t happen again.” He ran away with his tail between his legs.

“Pathetic vermin” I spat after him and turned to Anastasia. She was having great difficulty in standing upright.

Her clothes were messed up and her hair was undone. She kept messing them up more.

“Are you drunk?” I inquired when she braced herself against the railing. “It wouldn’t take a second look.”

“I don’t drink.” She shook her head slowly. “I’m sleepy. I kept telling that bastard to leave me alone.”

“You shouldn’t be here alone.”

“I would have dealt with him.” She retorted.

“You couldn’t,” I smirked at her confusion. “Because he was not human.”

He was a demon.

“It’s you.” Anastasia pointed at me. “Woah!”

I grabbed her arm and pulled her back when she toppled over the railings.

“You won’t want to break your bones.” I let go of her arm when she staggered away from me warily. “I don’t bite, Anastasia.”

“I know.” her arms flailed around aimlessly. “I feel weird around you.” She looked at me with hazy curiosity. “I feel a lot of pain when you are near.”

“I never touched you in any way that could be considered equivalent to inflicting pain of any sort.” I scowled when she scoffed. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.” Anastasia stumbled past me. “I never saw you talk unless it’s business.” I faced her when she poked my shoulder from behind. “I have a question. One minute.”

She took off her heels and threw them on the floor. I cocked one brow skeptically when she moved closer to me all the while looking in my eyes.

“Don’t you think you are too tall?” She tiptoed to reach my height but failed miserably. “I think you should cut your feet.”

“You are drunk,” I said flatly. Anastasia swayed and smiled goofily. “You should stop moving.” Her balance shook and she fell against me.

“You have broad shoulders.” She giggled while touching them back and forth. “You are fit. Wow!” I balled my hands when she rubbed my chest slowly. “You are a show-off.”

Her fingers skimmed over my bare skin timidly.

“I think I know why she was touching you here and here.” I grabbed her hand over my chest and abdomen. “All muscles. So hard.”

“Watch it,” I held her shoulders. “Anastasia!” I jerked her a little. “Fuck!” I grunted when she slumped against me.

“Is my head heavy?” Anastasia mumbled in my chest. “I know it is but your shoulders are strong and broad.” She poked them. “Just for a little bit, please. Bear with me.” She sighed.

“It’s because I’m carrying so much here.” She looked up and tapped my forehead. “I have to bear the weight over my conscience. It’s too tiring.”

I grabbed her hand on my lips.

“You won’t want to go there,” I warned deadly.

Anastasia pulled her hand free of my hold and looked at the alley across the road. I followed her line of vision but there was nothing there.

Not something a normal person could see.

“I hate it.” Anastasia pointed toward the alley. “That,” She looked back at me. “It’s dark. They take advantage of it every time. It won’t do.” She nodded to herself. “It won’t do at all.”

I watched bemused when she grabbed her heels and threw them toward the alley with all her might.

“Go away, monsters. I am not afraid of you.” She screamed.

I grabbed her shoulders when she stumbled back and buried her face in my chest.

“What monsters?” I pinched her chin and forced her to look at me. “What do you see?”

“I want to go home.” She mumbled. “I don’t want to be here. It hurts near you.” I grabbed her wrists when she tried to push at my chest.

“Stay put,” I twisted her arms behind her back and held her close. “I’m not going to put up with your tantrums.” The fear was evident in her eyes. “What happened that night? Why were you hiding under the table?”

“I–that–” She stuttered. “You won’t believe me.”

“Try me,” I held her arms with one hand and caressed her cheek with my knuckles. “Don’t provoke me to use my ways, Anastasia,” I smirked when she squirmed under my touch in fear. “They are not something a little girl like you would like.”

Anastasia whimpered when I increased the pressure in my hold.

“Cain!” Serra looked at me questioning when I twisted our bodies to hide Anastasia. “Who is she?”

“Go back.” I fixed her with a warning glare over my shoulder.

The last thing I wanted was this obsessive woman hampering everything. As much as Serra was capable of many things, she was a real pain in the ass as well.

“Don’t astray, Cain.” Her eyes were throwing daggers at Anastasia. “My dad won’t appreciate it.”

“You are not my fiancée yet, Serra.” I retorted coldly. “You won’t want to worsen your situation by angering me.” Her hazel eyes narrowed into slits and she stomped back inside silently. “Women!”

“What?” I looked down at Anastasia when she mumbled sleepily. “What woman?” She peeped around my shoulder. “Are you talking about me?”

I looked away from her.

“You know I am not that bad looking. I’m above average in all the departments.” She puffed proudly. “Look at these curves. They are to die for.” She looked down at her body.

I was more amused than annoyed at her bluntness right now. She was always confident but her drunk confidence was something else.

“I get it.” Her mood deflated within a blink. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. I totally get it.” She slurred. “High standards and all.” Anastasia muttered sarcastically. “You men are all the same everywhere.”

“I don’t have time for this.” I scowled darkly when she pushed me back.

“Don’t touch me.” My jaw locked in anger. “I said I don’t like being near you. I don’t like it when you touch me.” She glowered at me.

“Is that so?” I approached her menacingly. “It makes me want to do it even more.”

Anastasia screamed when I pulled her in my arms and carried her against her feeble protests.

“In ways you cannot even anticipate.” I said sinisterly.

Her lips trembled and she looked at me with frightful eyes.

“I didn’t mean it in that way.” I chuckled at her whimper. “I meant that no one wants someone who is messed up in the head.” She mumbled. “Please!”

“I never said you were unattractive.” I declared. She blushed furiously. “Don’t try to capture my attention more than you already have, Anastasia.” I carried her back inside the club. “So, I was not entirely wrong about you.”

Anastasia could see them.

I couldn’t feel their essence in her but no ordinary human was able to see the dead.

Pray to your god, Anastasia.

My hatred was not going to simmer down. I was not going to spare anyone, no matter how insignificant their role was in destroying me and my kin.

“You didn’t have to rub it in my face, you know” Her lips brushed against mine when I looked down. “I know the significance of my life.”

“You are so hateful.” Anastasia palmed my cheek.

“Yet, you are in my arms.” I whispered darkly against her lips. I couldn’t suppress the urge her kissable lips rose in me.

It was purely instinct.

“I said I didn’t find you unattractive,” Her lips parted against mine. “But you are too innocent for my liking.”

“Ana!” I drew back and looked ahead apathetically when her friends rushed toward us.

Their bitter expressions said everything they saw and didn’t like.

I put Anastasia down and they held her by her shoulders.

“Ana, are you drunk?” Angela frowned and looked at me in distaste. “What–”

I walked away from them.

“Attractions can be lethal, Anastasia.” I fisted my hand in anger. “They can be deadly.”