Rejected By My Mate, Chosen By Fate
Chapter 83

Special Chapter: Kayden’s POV

Everyone had already woken up and were getting ready. Since they didn’t exactly have a bathroom, they did all their business, even bathing, a little farther into the forest. Their source of water was from a lake nearby and despite the fact that it was a simple and somewhat peaceful life, it’s pretty obvious that these people deserve better. They’ve all been through a lot. Besides, this is originally their kingdom so they shouldn’t be forced to hide out in trees.

I had just returned from a bath by the lake and I saw that Lucia was preparing to leave. “Where are you going?” I questioned, approaching her. “Patrol.” She said simply and despite the fact that the question sounded stupid, I asked anyway.

“To where and why?” I questioned as I gently plopped on the floor, trying my best not to hurt my still injured back.

“I’m generally not supposed to answer that but I will. We’re going to the market in the city for patrol, it’s morning so less vampires will be out and during this time, it’ll be easier to steal some food and help out anyone in need without getting caught or arousing any suspicion.” She said and tightened her thigh holster around her thigh and slipped a knife in it.

“Can I come with you?” I asked and she gave exactly the answer I was expecting. “No.” She simply said but continued. “You’re injured, I don’t want anything that might draw too much attention. It’ll be much better if you just stay here and focus on recuperating.” She said and I sighed. I wanted to argue but I knew it would get me nowhere unless I had a valid argument. I can’t stop thinking about Evelyn and I’m so worried about her. During the time we had to separate, she wasn’t exactly in a good situation, she was surrounded by Vampires and somehow, I can’t think of any positive end to that. Deep down, I’m sure she’s still very much alive, but I would still like to know the kind of condition she is in right now.

I would give anything to see her, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I don’t know how Lucia will react if I talk about Evelyn.

Besides, I can’t tell her who Evelyn really is to me or the real reason why we’re here. I’ll just have to come up with some story, and fast.

She heads towards the door but I call her name, stopping her.

“What is it?” She questioned and turned back hesitantly. “There’s something I need to tell you.” I said and sat up properly. She sighed before answering. “Can’t it wait till we get back? Morning is a less risky time for us, the market will be flooded with vampires by noon.” She explained. “What I have to say is very urgent and it really won’t take long.” I implored. “Fine, spit it out.” She urged.

“I really have to go with you on patrol because I have to replace my missing sister.” I said, the words feeling awkward to me. Lying about Evelyn being my sister was something I never thought I would do but this situation calls for desperate measures.

“What?!” Lucia exclaimed. “Me and my sister were traveling together, we came to this city by accident and when we encountered the vampires, we ran and tried to escape but then, we got separated. I was so worried about her but I couldn’t stop because I knew that if I did, the vampires would catch me. I wasn’t able to sleep properly last night, knowing that my sister is still out there, she could be in any condition and worst of all, she’s at the mercy of those b***d sucking demons.” I lied and felt slightly impressed with myself by how surprisingly smooth that had come out.

“Hold on, so you mean to say that you got separated from your sister while the vampires were chasing you and you didn’t try to save her? Even if you had to think of yourself first, why didn’t you say anything? We would have stuck around yesterday and looked for her.” Lucia said sharply and her tone vividly showed that she was not happy.

“Please don’t make it sound like I don’t care about her. I do, I love her to pieces. It’s just that the situation was so unexpected that I panicked and couldn’t think properly. The fear was almost paralyzing and if you hadn’t saved me yesterday, I don’t even want to imagine what could have happened. My sister isn’t a child, we’re almost the same age and she’s strong, I’m confident she must have survived. Now that all the adrenaline is finally gone, I can’t help but feel guilty about leaving her out there all by herself. I’m the worst brother ever.” I said, chipping in a little emotion. My acting was so spot on that for a moment there, I almost had myself fooled.

Lucia walked over to where I sat and crouched down, slightly hugging me but being careful not to touch my back.

“It’s OK. Don’t say that, you’re not a bad person. You had no choice. The things we do in the face of death are most times not of our making. I’m sorry for being so hard on you. I firmly believe that she’s alive and as long as she is, we’ll do our best to replace her as soon as possible, I promise.” She promised before breaking from the hug. She smiled at me and stood up.

“What is your sister’s name?” She asked. “Evelyn.” I replied.

“We’ll replace her.” She assured me but it was obvious she still hadn’t given consent for me to tag along. “How are you going to replace her if you don’t take me along with you? She’s my sister and only I know what she actually looks like. Do you plan to just go around and ask for any female by the name of Evelyn? Don’t you think that would arouse way more suspicion than if I come with you? I promise that I won’t speak to anyone and I’ll stay out of trouble. We just need to replace Evelyn soon so that my peace of mind can be restored.” I said and waited for her reply.

She remained quiet for a bit, as if considering my request before she finally agreed. “Fine, you can come with us but just remember to lay low, OK?” She reiterated. “Yes, you don’t have anything to worry about. Thank you.” I said and she replied with a smile. She helped me stand up before handing me a knife.

“If you’re going into the city with us, you’re gonna need this. You’ll need it to protect yourself just in case something unexpected happens.” She said and I took it before thanking her once again.

We both went outside and I saw that Gath and one of the other guys by the name of Harris would be accompanying us.

“Lucia, don’t tell me you’re really gonna let him come with us.” Gath blurted grudgingly. I still can’t understand the problem this guy has with me.

“He is coming with us and that’s final. He needs to come with us for an important reason and I don’t have the time to waste telling stories so let’s just go.” She said and I had to stop myself from chuckling.

“We’re gonna regret this but don’t say I didn’t warn ya.” Gath mumbled but Lucia just ignored him. She bade the others goodbye and we set out for the city.