It’s Funny How Love Starts (IFHLS Book 1)

Alexia’s POV

Zane and I went separate ways to avoid any type of attention but we kept close tabs in each other’s head.

Travis will be here any minute with Charles DiGetto so be ready on your toes but for now act good in front of the Elders and the society. Mingle with the people and stick with Lucas.

That was our simple plan. Since Zane and I would give Charles a heart attack if we went with Travis, Travis was leading Charles to the hotel. We asked Travis how he was going to lure Charles but he told us not to worry. He probably had some hunter persuasive skills or something because he later told us that Charles agreed.

We decided to meet in a restaurant/bar that was also part of the hotel so Zane and I could sneak out of the party unnoticed but able to quickly enter before people thought we were missing. It was better than not attending the party at all and corner Charles. That would have led to a disaster.

It wasn’t a dangerous plan. We just couldn’t get caught or else who knows what would happen to my future? If I went missing, the Elders will just make up an excuse that I’m up to no good and destroy me. They were too superstitious about the prophecy. Just the thought of the prophecy made something dark in me twirl.

“Hi Lucas,” a bright voice broke through my thoughts. Mingle with the people and stick with Lucas.

I tried to do just that but Phoebe seemed to latch onto Lucas. That was a side I haven’t seen but I saw the alcoholic beverage in her hand and she smelled like she had one too many.

“Phoebe, you’re drunk,” Lucas said, matter-of-factly but I could tell the disappointment in his voice. “What happened?”

“Too much stress. Ugh, I need to have a little fun. Shouldn’t you?” she slurred, smiling. “You’re always stressed. You need to let go like you used to. You were more fun.” Lucas cleared his voice, clearly uncomfortable. Then it struck me. His past life. The life when he partied and hooked up with girls.

“Phoebe, that’s enough. Don’t drink anymore. The alcohol will pass in a couple minutes,” Lucas said, sighed. He held Phoebe’s small waist and her shoulder since she couldn’t stand on her own. The crowd seemed to have too much fun to care and notice Phoebe’s notorious action. All but one person.

“Ah, well. I didn’t know you’d give into my words so quickly,” Damon came towards us with a sly smile on his face. “Just like old times, huh? You and Phoebe.”

Lucas and Phoebe? They had to be at least ten years apart! I knew Lucas looked older and mature for his age and Phoebe looked very young for her age but that didn’t close in the huge age gap. I knew he had a really bad past, but a sexual relationship with Phoebe? I shuddered at the thought.

“Go, to hell, Damon,” Lucas sneered. He still had Phoebe’s weight in his arms and he let her arms go around him so she was propped up better.

“I’d told you we would be seeing each other more in the future,” Damon winked at me. I rolled my eyes at him in annoyance.

Alexia, he’s here. Meet me by the entrance. Zane’s voice rang in my head. Perfect opportunity to excuse myself. They would think I was excusing myself because of the topic. I guess it would be both.

“I…uh need to go now. Excuse me,” I said, looking at the ground. I couldn’t bear to look at Lucas or Damon right now.

“See, Lucas? She left you. Now have some fun,” Damon said, his laughter carrying across the room. Ugh, so obnoxious. It was good if Lucas and I split for now. We both weren’t exactly in the best situation even before Phoebe and Zane’s calling.

I’m coming Zane. Hold up. I answered in my head, acknowledging that I got the message.

I weaved through the crowd until I bumped into a familiar figure. Derek.

Ah, shoot. I did not need another problem. I had too much on my list already.

“Oh, there you are little Bloodwolf,” Derek smiled pleasantly as if he had every right to be there.

“Shh!” I shouted. Most people didn’t know what the term ‘Bloodwolf’ meant and I didn’t need anyone to know what I was. Hell, most of the people here didn’t even know vampires existed but it was best to keep a low profile. “What are you doing here? Did you not get the memo that this is a werewolf party? No blood included in the beverages.”

Derek laughed melodically, touching my arm. “Little wolf, you make such funny jokes. I’m here to see my good friend Amos. Do you know where I can find him?” Derek asked, looking around the crowd.

“No, but you need to get out before people start noticing you weren’t invited,” I hissed at my stubborn savior. With all the commotion that happened in the last few minutes, a headache started to make its attack on me.

“You’re going to meet someone,” Derek said interested, digging deeper into my thoughts. I pulled away from his touch. “Someone you shouldn’t be dealing with. Oh, I’m interested. Count me in.” He smiled excitedly like a little kid on their birthday. He seemed rather bored to be cooped up in a room full of werewolves. I tried so hard to conceal that thought but he was good at picking up even the smallest of thoughts. Stupid ability of his.

“If it means you’ll come out and stay quiet, then why not,” I gave up. I didn’t have time for this and his ability might actually come in handy.

“Excellent,” he said, returning back to his normal self. I groaned. He was also a really good actor.

“OK, try not to touch anyone,” I said. We didn’t need any more problems of him blurting out anyone’s thoughts and secrets.

“Don’t baby me, little wolf. I’m older than you think,” Derek said bitterly but he seemed intrigued by how I babied him. What can I say? I suck at guessing ages.

“Just come,” I said cautiously before taking his hand and leading him out.

Once we swerved through the crowd and out the door, I saw Zane waiting impatiently. He caught my eye and raised his eyebrow in confusion when he saw Derek in tow.

“What is he doing in there?” Zane asked his eyebrow now furrowing into anger.

“He was looking for Amos and thought it would be funny to reveal himself,” I said hastily. We really didn’t have time for this.

“I’d like to object. I was kidding on revealing myself but I didn’t see any harm in finding my good friend,” Derek interrupted.

“We don’t have time for this, Alexia,” Zane said irritated, ignoring Derek at the moment. 

“You’re right and he can help. He can touch someone and know everything we need, remember?” I said, begging. Zane sighed in defeat.

“And you expect me to help you?” Derek said, giving it a thought.

“Will you?” I asked in my best persuasive voice.

“Anything for my little wolf,” he smiled.

“Fine, then let’s go,” Zane said quickly, ushering us to the restaurant that was up ahead. We entered the fancy restaurant after telling the waiter a thousand times that we were meeting someone.

“Waiter, they’re with me,” Travis’ voice spoke loudly, signaling us to sit with him. A short, nervous man sat next to Travis. I didn’t know what Travis said to make him come all the way out here but there he was. The answer to all our problems.

“Hey, Travis. Mr. DiGetto,” Zane nodded at them each in turn. We all sat down in the comfy chairs and waited until the waiter left. When he did, Travis looked at Derek and tried to guess his presence.

“What’s he doing here? And most importantly, who is he?” Travis asked, still observing Derek. Derek was about to answer but I interrupted before he had a chance to blow it up.

“Just another friend. Someone we can trust,” I said, trying to send a message that we would explain everything later. First thing was first.

“So Mr. DiGetto, do you know why you are here?” Zane asked, sounding official.

“I told Mr. Trevino here before but I don’t remember anything about the night of the fire. I know I called it in but everything was so blurry.” Mr. DiGetto seemed genuine enough. Crap. I thought we would’ve been closer to figuring everything out.

“Why’d you bring him here if you knew he knew nothing?” Zane questioned Travis.

“He’s probably lying. I thought it was at least a good shot for you guys to pry something out of him,” Travis said, taking a sip out of his champagne, keeping the disguise that we were just having a regular dinner conversation.

“I told you, I’m not hiding anything and I would like it if I can leave now,” Mr. DiGetto said angrily now, getting up from his seat. Derek stood up to face the short man, their height, a huge difference.

“It was nice to have this conversation with you, sir,” Derek said politely. “I don’t think there’s any reason to call the hunter’s headquarters or else you’ll probably receive a special visit from the werewolves and other creatures that might be prowling around.” Derek held out his hand in agreement, longing for a handshake. Travis looked like he was about to burst but Zane and I both kicked him under the table at the same time to shut him up.

“As long as I get to live my life peacefully,” Mr. DiGetto grumbled and shook Derek’s hand and left.

“What was that for?!” Travis yelled but I put my hand over his mouth. Apparently, we captivated the customer’s attention.

“Everything’s alright. Sorry,” I said, looking apologetically. I gave them a nice smile and they resumed eating. I sighed and looked at Travis. “Derek’s a vampire. His ability is that he can touch anyone and know everything about them,” I explained quickly. We didn’t have much time to spare before Lucas and the Elders would question where I was.

“What did you find out?” Zane asked. Derek, for once, seemed speechless, or more confused.

“It felt so weird,” he said, trying to animate the situation with his hands. “I’ve never felt anything like it before. It was like there was a mental wall and a haze in his memory. I only caught a glimpse of a guy and a girl and that’s not even for sure since I was judging from their figure and body size.”

“Well, that helps,” Travis mumbled.

“It’s the most we’ll get out of that guy,” I said. “Thank you Derek for helping when you didn’t need to.”

“Anything for my little wolf,” Derek smiled. “Ah, I think your presence will be missed at the party soon. Your Lucas is getting worried.” Then Derek smirked. “He thinks you ran away because of this Phoebe girl.”

Ugh, crap. I did not want to go back to that drama but it had to happen sooner or later. “We need to go before they bring on a whole search team on me. Will you be OK, Travis?” I asked. He barely talked through it all and mostly listened. I was worried for him. He had gone through as much as I did and probably even more. He snapped out of his mind and looked at me.

“Yeah, go ahead. I’m going to hack in headquarters again and see what else I can dig up. I’ll see you guys back at the estate,” Travis said distantly. We all said our good-byes and got up to go back to the party.

“I don’t think it’s such a good idea that you go back in there,” I warned Derek.

“Don’t worry. Just a quick word with Amos and I’ll be out of your hair,” Derek promised. I sighed and tried to merge back into the crowd of people.

“Alexia! I’ve been looking all over for you-” Amos cried in relief but his words were cut short by his surprised reaction. “Derek,” he breathed.

“Ah, Amos. It certainly has been quite some time since the last time we met. You barely look a year older,” Derek complimented.

“And you don’t look a minute older,” Amos commented back. The two gave each other a firm handshake and a pat on the shoulder. “It’s been quite a while although for you it must seem like only a few months,” Amos laughed.

“Atlas, it’s been seven years,” Derek laughed. Zane and I just stared, intrigued by their friendliness towards each other despite their major differences. For one, Derek was a bloodthirsty vampire and Amos was a high ranking werewolf leader. Very different.

“Yes, yes. Time flies especially when you’re immortal,” Amos joked but he was confused by his presence. “Why are you even here? You do this realize this is a werewolf party.”

“Yes, yes. I was here to be a moral support for Alexia.” Derek patted my hair which got messy by his touch. Geez, people and my hair. I patted it down, hoping it wouldn’t stick up like it usually did when people touched it too much.

“Ah! You were the vampire who fed Alexia blood,” Amos said quietly so others wouldn’t hear.

“Who else could it be? Only a purebred’s blood could replenish this little wolf,” Derek said, patting my hair. Again, with the hair. He only chuckled at my reaction. He probably knew it was my pet peeve. “But it’s interesting she’s a Bloodwolf. I’ve only heard of them,” Derek said in curiosity to know more.

“Well, what else can we tell you? You probably read Alexia’s mind so you know what we know,” Amos sighed.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Yes, and you, my friend, is looking for someone to help her with this transition and I was wondering if I could apply to this ‘special’ job,” Derek said.

“Ugh, I hate it when you do that,” Amos said mildly annoyed but he was grateful for his friend to lend him a hand. “But we might actually need your help,” Amos admitted.

“My support in this will tip the scale of the Elders’ decision,” Derek said, with authority and confidence. “Alexia will be safe with me standing by her side.”

“And when did you decisions matter the most?” Zane asked, not liking Derek’s cockiness but he didn’t seem boastful at all. He seemed like he was saying it in the most modest way, really believing in his words.

“Well, I’m sure if you’re the original vampire king, you have some powers, even in the werewolf society,” Derek winked.

No way. Him? I stood there speechless. I thought Derek was at least twenty but then again, vampires were immortal.

“What?” Zane said nervously this time. Derek liked the reaction he was getting.

“Yes, yes. The immature Derek is indeed the king of the vampire society,” Amos smiled, also satisfied with our reaction. “I think you should be more formal and respectable towards Derek, Zane.”

“Uh, sorry…King Derek,” Zane apologized, hesitantly.

“Ugh, don’t call me by that title,” Derek winced. “Just Derek is fine. Anyways back to my generous offer, I would-”

His sentence got caught off by a big explosion. Again.

Here in the hotel?! It was human territory and I didn’t see us doing anything that would harm humans. This could only mean one thing. Something that hasn’t happened in history since World War I.

This meant the hunters were finally pulling a war on the werewolves to annihilate us.