Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)

Chapter 240 - 239: Bloodsucker{I}

Laila studied his profile for a moment, then smiled. "Do you also know I’m Eryx’s sister? Your friends seemed pretty surprised," she said, turning her head to look at him.

Alaric kept his eyes on the road, his expression calm. "I had my doubts," he replied evenly. "Although... the first time I saw you, I thought you were his girlfriend."

"What?" Laila laughed, shaking her head. "Really? I told that idiot we give off lovers vibes, not siblings."

Alaric hummed, his lips twitching as if he was fighting a smile. "Yeah... well, you definitely don’t give off sibling energy." He paused, then added carefully, "At least, not the kind people are used to."

She turned more fully toward him now, clearly entertained. "Is that your polite way of saying we’re confusing?"

"More like... noticeable," he said, choosing the word deliberately. "You both have strong personalities. That tends to draw attention."

Laila grinned. "Careful, you’re sounding like you’ve been observing me."

He glanced at her briefly, then back to the road. "I notice things," he replied calmly. "Doesn’t mean I jump to conclusions."

She laughed again, softer this time. "You’re very careful with what you say. Aren’t you?"

"Habit," Alaric said smoothly. "Saves me from unnecessary trouble."

Laila studied him for a moment, then leaned back in her seat, clearly enjoying herself. "You’re full of surprises."

He shook his head lightly. "You’re reading too much into it."

She said with a playful smile. "Maybe you just don’t realize how interesting you are."

Alaric didn’t answer. He focused his attention on the road, but the corner of his mouth lifted slightly, just enough to tell her he’d heard every word.

When they got to the restaurant, Alaric slowed the car and pulled neatly into the parking lot. The place was classy but not over-the-top.

He turned off the engine and stepped out first this time, walking around to open her door.

Laila raised a brow as she got out. "Look at you," she said lightly. "Learning fast."

Alaric smirked. "I adapt when necessary."

She laughed and fell into step beside him as they walked inside. The hostess greeted them, and after giving their name, they were led to a quiet table near the window.

Alaric pulled out her chair before sitting across from her. He scanned the place briefly, then looked back at her. "Nice choice," he said. "It’s... calm."

"I figured you’d appreciate that," Laila replied, resting her chin in her hand. "You don’t strike me as someone who enjoys loud chaos."

He met her gaze, expression thoughtful. "Only in small doses."

"So," she said casually, "are you always this composed, or am I just getting the public version of you?"

Alaric’s lips curved faintly. "You’re getting the version that behaves well in public."

Her smile widened. "I’d like to meet the other side in private someday."

He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "Careful what you wish for."

"Why?" Laila pressed, leaning forward slightly, eyes dancing with mischief.

Alaric let out a quiet chuckle. "Nothing," he said easily. "I just don’t want any trouble with Eryx. That guy is... very possessive. I’d rather not get on his bad side."

Laila’s smile softened, but there was steel beneath it when she spoke. "You don’t have to worry about him," she said calmly. "He doesn’t control my life. Or who I date."

She sat back, meeting Alaric’s gaze without hesitation. "Eryx may be my brother, but he doesn’t get a say in my choices."

Alaric studied her for a moment, clearly weighing her words. "I respect that," he said at last. "I just don’t want to be caught in the middle of something that isn’t your fault."

Laila tilted her head, a small smile returning. "Then don’t make it a problem," she said lightly. "Just... be here. With me."

His lips curved into a restrained smile. "That," he said, "I can do. But also... limited."

Laila rolled her eyes. "Are you playing hard to get?"

Alaric scoffed lightly. "I’m definitely not a cheap guy. So yeah, you can say that again."

She laughed, clearly enjoying this. "Look at that. A guy who knows his worth. I like that."

Her gaze lingered on him. "You’re one of a kind."

"And how do you know that?" Alaric asked, eyebrow lifting.

She shrugged, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I don’t know. I just have a feeling about you. You don’t exactly... look human to me."

His expression shifted instantly. "And what do you mean by that?"

"I mean..."

Just then, the waiter appeared at their table, menu in hand. "Good evening. Are you ready to order, or would you like a few more minutes?"

"Let’s order first, right?" Laila said, turning the question to Alaric.

He nodded. "Sure."

As she began scanning the menu, Alaric’s attention drifted, his thoughts circling back to her words.

You don’t practically look human to me.

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. What did she mean by that?

He knew that she was a wolf. That alone was one of the reasons he’s pulling back and the fact that she is Eryx’s sister. The spiritual Guild’s seal did its job well, suppressing what they were, masking power. It was supposed to make them invisible to each other.

So how did she sense anything?

Did she know that they’re Vampires?

Did she somehow see past the veil?

"And I’ll have the creamy mushroom pasta," Laila said finally, handing her menu back with an easy smile, "and a glass of red wine."

The waiter nodded and turned to Alaric. "And for you, sir?"

Alaric blinked, pulling himself back to the present. "Grilled steak. Medium rare. No sauce. And water."

"Very well." The waiter inclined his head politely and walked away.

Silence settled between them for a brief moment.

He cleared his throat after a while. "So... what did you mean by I don’t practically look human?" He tried to laugh it off, keeping his tone light.

Laila tilted her head, studying him. "You look like the curious type."

Alaric forced a smile.