King Of Blood: Her Sin, His salvation

AUTHOR'S NOTE

This story isn't the usual kind of vanilla forbidden romance. It is dark, containing triggering elements like physical abuse, crime, r*pe, gruesome murder and the likes. If this isn't your cup of tea, you can ignore it.

But if this kind of story piques your attention, by all means, join the ride (*sneaks in a mischievous smirk) because it's going to be EXCITING, CHAOTIC and EXHILARATING.

DEDICATION

To all the girls, who wants a man who acts like the devil's son in public, but becomes her protector and safe space in private.

PART ONE: FATAL OBSESSION

Chapter 1

Risana

People thought that being the preacher's kid was a blessing, I saw it as a curse...

A prison. One that didn't require chains but kept me bound regardless.

I was twenty and single because my parents said it was forbidden to have a boyfriend without being married. My elder brother, Dairen, would seize my phone if he caught me smiling too much while staring at the screen.

Kayla, my kid sister, would snitch on me if a guy merely waved at me when she was around.

Worst one yet? The ten year old pest was constantly stalking me.

For years, I lived that way until today. The luggage arranged close to the door promised freedom. Today, after four years of being continuously refused from applying for a college, I was leaving for San Francisco.

Dairen bounced down the stairs with that smug grin I secretly despised, his hands tucked into both pockets of his pants. "My eyes are on you, Mango. Don't think for a second that you've been let off the hook because you're going far away,"

Masking my displeasure with a cheeky smile, I turned to him. "When have I ever failed you?"

"You haven't and I'll make sure you never do," he said condescendingly, stowing away after ensuring that my excitement had wilted.

Sometimes-no, most times, I couldn't stand him, and I hated the fact that my 'righteous father' indulged him. The young man had slept with nearly all the young girls in the neighborhood, yet my father turned a blind eye to all his misdemeanors.

According to him, his son could do as he wanted because he was a man and God will forgive him, but for me, even hugging a male teenager could take me to hell.

Mom traipsed into the living room, carrying a strong aroma of curry and garlic, a towel rumpled on her hands.

"Are you sure you don't want to have breakfast?" Her voice was shrill as she struggled to hold back her emotions while speaking to me.

She wasn't aware that I watched her cry last night in the attic. She didn't know how badly I'd miss her.

However, I shook my head, stomping my foot impatiently on the tiled floor. I wanted to be out of here.

"No, thank you, mama,"

Her head moved in a slow nod, tears gradually building up in her eyes. "I'm going to miss you, baby,"

Impatience gave way to the sadness that slowly creeped in. "I don't know how I'll cope without you,"

"I'll call you everyday, sweetheart," her voice began to crack. "I tucked some cash inside your box," she leaned closer and whispered. "About five grand. Don't hesitate to call me if you need more,"

My face heated up but I willed myself not to cry. "I love you, mama,"

I glanced at Kayla who appeared to be forlorn. "Be a good girl,"

"Come back soon," she muttered with a pout.

I rolled my eyes. She'd miss the money she made from snitching on me.

"Good bye," The words left my lips in a cold mutter.

I wheeled the rest of my stuff with Father in front of me.

"You know the rules," He began in an icy tone after we headed onto the road.

Of course, I knew the rules that had been ingrained on my head since puberty. Those rules made me a hermit, increasing my intense dislike for men. The kind that made me want to jump out of my skin whenever I was around them. How could I ever forget?

"Yes, sir. I do," I bellowed.

"You let any man touch you and I find out about it, I'll make sure you never set foot in San Francisco again. Do you understand?" His tone was grave, drawing chills out of my skin.

"Yes, sir." I nodded and turned away so he wouldn't see me cry.

~~~~~

The air in the airport was chill but welcoming unlike the harsh, spiky weather in Canterbury that made me icky all the time.

I'd merely set foot in the new city, but I liked the place already.

In less than a minute, a cab driver meandered toward me after returning from the baggage reclaim area. Partially satisfied with the state of his car and how professional he acted, I let him take my things into his cab.

"Welcome to San Francisco," He said in a quiet tone implying how polite he tried to be.

I nodded watchfully, slouching onto the back seat, enjoying my moment of reprieve. There was no need for pleasantries though. At nearly 6pm, all I needed was to arrive at the dorm on time.

I dug into my bag, reaching for my phone. If Mama wasn't assured that I'd gotten to San Francisco safely, she might die of a heart attack.

The phone had barely touched my ear when two words caught my attention. My gaze floated to the driver who was pressed against the door, a shiny black pistol pointed against his waist.

"Get out," The stranger said to the driver.

It wasn't harsh but scary and commanding enough to make any sane person weak in the knees.

I attempted to yank the car door open when he glanced at me.

"You move, he dies," A cold warning followed.

Swallowing felt like torture to my throat, my feet trembling against the rugged floor of the car. With his heavily blood stained arm and those rough fingers clutching tightly to the weapon, I didn't need a priest to tell me he'd make good on his words.

He leaned closer to the driver, whispering inaudible words to his ear. By the time he finished, the cabbie was gone and Mr stranger hopped in, jamming the door shut.

"Who are you?" I hoped to sound bold, but the thick lump in my throat only made the words sound like a wheeze.

"Your new driver,"

"No, you're not," I reached for the interior door handle, another silly attempt to disobey the monster but it didn't bulge.

When he turned to me, grey eyes pried hard at me, his jaw set as though he had plans to destroy me.

I clutched onto my seat belt, a knot tightening in my stomach. I should have been more careful.

"Now, listen to me, Dola. I'm in charge now and you can't fight me. If you cooperate with me, you might just get out alive. If you don't, you surely don't want to know what I'm capable of doing to you."

I froze on my seat, too stunned to whip up a salty comeback.

His words rang incessantly in my ears as he started the car and zoomed off.

Chapter 2

Risana

I stared at the man who navigated the roads without muttering a word. With the metallic scent of the blood circulating in the car, I was close to throwing up.

I couldn't even make a call because my phone had died.

‎Not only was he a kidnapper, he also drove like a mad man on a wild goose chase. I gripped onto the car handle with fear breathing hard down my neck.

‎

‎Perhaps, I should have remained in Canterbury if I knew that it would be unsafe over here. I should have endured father's high-handedness a bit more, and Dairen's nitpicking.

‎

‎Back there, no one would dare touch Darkwood's daughter. But here, I was only a fresher who was trying to navigate her way through life.

‎

‎The temperature of the car grew hotter with each passing second. Sweat broke out on my forehead, my neck covered with warm slick liquid as I contemplated jumping out of the car, but he'd be stupid to not put it on the central lock.

‎

‎Which meant that I was trapped here, available for whatever devilish plans he had for me.

‎

‎"Please, let me out. I promise you've got the wrong person." I sounded like a scared puppy, my heart swelling to the point of explosion.

‎

‎Maybe pleading with him fervently would work and he'd let me out. But he remained silent, as though my words had fallen on deaf ears.

‎

‎His nonchalance caused my body to quiver. If he didn't care about being caught, then he was truly going to end me even when I didn't deserve it.

‎

‎My dreams to experience some sort of freedom in a new city would be thwarted and I'd never see my mom again.

‎

‎"Please, sir. I promise I won't tell the cops what you've done. Just let me go. I'd do whatever you want." My voice was beginning to weaken, the T-shirt tightening against my clammy skin.

‎

‎There was no need to sound confident when he had plans of killing me.

‎He pushed gears, my body slamming against the chair roughly. That was his response to my plea. Maybe he truly hated me.

‎

‎"You'd better stop pleading if you care about your safety, Dola." His voice was chill and low.

‎

‎I hated the stupid pet name he gave me. I hated being in this car with a stranger that wanted to kill me. I hated this suffocating feeling of death.

I hated that I couldn't snap at him because he was going to kill me. Tears burned behind my eyelids. I was going to die.

The clump of trees disappeared quickly, leading to a strait of tall buildings, cafés, convenience stores and then a gate. He stopped and the security checked the car all too quickly, but the fear of dying made it impossible to tell them about my situation.

The car slowed to halt five minutes later, a four storey building with the signage 'St. Maria' written boldly on it stood in front of us.

"You asked me what the plan is? This is it." He said, plucking the car key from its hole and throwing a glance my way.

I darted a gaze at him and then the building. "I don't understand." My breathing took a hitch. "What are you talking about?"

He shrugged off my question and squeezed his arm, bright grey eyes with a promise of death leered at me. "You're going to invite me into your room and keep me hidden. If you dare breathe a word about what is going on, you already know what will happen." A dark grin sat at the corner of his lips as he spoke.

Shudders rolled out of me in vehement waves.

"Why should I do that? I don't know you," I kept my tone soft.

"Because you're not sure what I'll do to you if you disobey me. Aren't you a fresher?" His queried with a dark triumphant smirk.

How did he know that?

I sighed in resignation. "But I don't even know my room. I haven't checked in yet and I'm very sure that they don't allow men into the girl's hostel." The words slurred through trembling lips.

"I know that. Now go get settled in while I wait here... for you," He said the last part as though he cared.

My eyes lingered on him for a while and then I pushed out of the car, heaving a terrified sigh. He lowered the window before I took a few steps further.

"Dola," He called in a lazy drawl while my fingers wrapped tightly around the straps of my tote. "Don't forget that I'm watching you. Don't tempt me."

My legs were like lead as I dragged them toward the entrance. I didn't stop throwing glances behind me to be sure that he wasn't following me.

The building, which was supposed to be my monument of freedom, was about to serve as a place of my death.

The receptionist welcomed me warmly when I got into the lobby and directed me to the administrative block. Luckily someone was still behind the desk.

"Good evening, sir," I greeted, my voice a bit shaky as I glanced over my shoulder once more.

The man looked up from his computer, dark orbs scanning my face. "Yes, how may I help you?"

I lowered my head, fiddling with my fingers. His door was made of transparent glass. We didn't have enough privacy.

Shoving my fears to the side, I cleared my throat and told him everything about myself and gave him my documents.

"Welcome to the University of San Francisco. Let's get you settled in." He rose to his feet and circled around his desk when I grabbed his wrists, blocking him from moving to the door.

"Not yet, sir," My tone was hushed, the words rushed. "My ride was hijacked on the way here and the driver is nowhere to be found. The hijacker drove me here and threatened to kill me if I rat him out..." I trailed off, slowly swivelling a gaze at the door. "I'm doing that already." I murmured, chewing on my bottom lip.

His face warmed up with concern. "Where is he?"

"Just by the parking lot. He's going to kill me," I reiterated desperately.

He helped me onto the sofa then phoned the security downstairs, asking me for the description of the car. After the back and forth, he ended the call.

"Our people are checking every car in the parking lot, and once they are done, they'll get back to us. In the meantime, what would you like to have?" His voice was soft and soothing.

Though my throat was parched, I wasn't comfortable with taking anything until that man was caught.

"Nothing for now, sir,"

Ten minutes later, his phone rang, my heart racing at what would be the outcome of the conversation.

When he placed the phone against his ear, I craned my neck to catch on what was being said at the other end, but the voice was inaudible.

After a minute of torturous waiting, he ended the call, letting off a disappointed sigh. His brows furrowed in displeasure.

"What happened?" I sprang to my feet, the sofa feeling like a cage.

"There was no car of your description found in the parking lot. But we checked the footage and found a similar driving out quickly. He's probably aware that he's been bursted."

"Oh God. What... are we going to do?" I trailed off, trying not to stutter.

"We're going to be more vigilant and also report this matter to the cops. Don't worry, he won't hurt you."

I ran a palm over my forehead, nodding slowly after he finished. My heart hadn't stopped pounding but there was nothing I could do but hope that he never came back.

"Thank you very much."

"Alright. Let's get you settled in."

******

Contrary to my expectations, I was checked into a double room suite. The ambience of the apartment showed that it had been freshly cleaned. It had a common area where my roommate and I could just relax and chat-if I was willing to talk.

A smile creased my face at the sight of the full equipped kitchen. I could cook here all day. At least, there was one good thing to be grateful for.

All thanks to my father, I had a comfortable roof over my head.

All thanks to Mr Serial Killer, I'd sleep with one eye open.

The Student Affairs Officer stood beside me, peering at the room. "I have to go now, but if anything comes up, do let me know."

He'd helped me assuage my fears for a while and it was good to know that I could run to him. "Thank you for helping and good night."

He left and I shut the door without hesitating.

Finally, I was in San Francisco, but my safety wasn't even promised and I wouldn't dare call family. I was determined to see this through but how could I do that when my bags were missing?

What would I wear after taking a shower?

My eyes darted to the ceiling in a hopeless attempt to speak to the heavenly being I struggled to believe in. After all, my father didn't do a good job in portraying his qualities even though he preached to the congregation about him all the time.

Won't you help me? I'm tired.

I crashed onto the floor, stretching my body across the marbled floor. The parchness of my tongue reminded me that I hadn't drank anything or eaten all evening.

My money!

Oh, no. The five grand. It was gone as well.

I hope I never get to see that demon again.

Still on the floor, a hard knock on the front door jarred me still. My breathing ceased as I clasped a palm over my mouth.

Luckily, I turned off the lights as soon as the officer returned to his office.

I unraveled into a standing position, scurrying around noiselessly in search of a weapon that I could smash the intruder's head with.

Act first, think later.

He might be armed and strong enough to overpower me but I'd be damned if I didn't fight back with all my strength.

A handy ceramic vase beside the sofa caught my eyes. I grabbed it, the knock on the door becoming more persistent and harder, each thump causing my heart to sink further.

I moved swiftly toward the door, heavily overwhelmed by an adrenaline rush. I lifted the heavy vase above my head and when the knock came again, I framed my voice into a thicker note.

"Who is it?"

My question was met with silence.

"If you don't answer I won't open this door, I swear it," My voice thunderous, concealing my fear.

However, the silence stretched as though the other party couldn't hear me, but what came after sent me into a panic spree. I placed my ear against the keyhole, bags dropping onto the floor made my bladder fuller.

I had to open the door because whoever was on the other side wouldn't leave, but what if it was Mr Serial Killer?

What if I never got to tell the story because I listened to my head and acted on curiosity?

With the vase firmly fixed on one hand, I twisted the lock open and lurched the ceramic against him.

Chapter 3

Salvatore

Her dark caramel skin caught my attention first.

Or perhaps it was the doe lids framing her beautiful pair of coffee brown orbs- I didn't like coffee-yet those eyes called out to me.

She reminded me of my late mom with the soft aura emanating from her and her gorgeous facial features.

The dark tresses that sat as an afro on her head that made me aware of her ethereal presence?

Her innocent expression, the way her face glowed with excitement as the driver helped her load her stuff into the trunk made me halt my chase against the KBU.

Stupid, right? I know. But what were the odds that I'd ever see her again?

I'd trailed them from the moment I saw her at the airport. It's crazy how I was on a hunt along that route so getting the driver out of the picture wasn't a problem. Even if he reported me, nothing would be done.

I threatened to kill her if she disobeyed me. If she went against my orders and she did all of that. She didn't know who I was or she wouldn't have dared.

As the leader of the Capo of the Tijuana Banda, the largest Mexican Mafia family, killing was a part of my daily routine. It was expected of me. But it didn't help that he'd managed to keep himself anonymous over the years.

The hunt against the leader of the KBU was going fine until we realized that he wasn't even in any of the convoy we'd been chasing. He'd killed my parents. I was out for his blood.

Some of my men had lost their lives in the shootout even though we took out some of his men. My body wasn't left unharmed, but today's mission was already becoming fruitless until I saw her.

My left arm was bleeding profusely. It was still a miracle how I drove all the way from the airport to her school without slipping out of consciousness.

Yet, when I needed her help to get me into her room and treat my wound, she turned me down and even set me up. I didn't want anyone else but her to touch me, that's why her disobedience stung.

She'd see me again... and when she did, she'd plead for mercy. I might not give it.

It would be soon, I thought as I collapsed on the dark brown sofa, unwrapping the scarf I'd stolen from one of her bags from my arm.

A harsh grunt exited my throat as more blood flowed down my body. Though the scarf was soaked with my blood, the gentle vanilla scent of her perfume still lingering strongly around me.

It was so palpable, I could touch it. I could feel her around me just by her scent.

My moment of reprieve came to an end when Javiar skirted through the empty yard into the garage where I sat with a lit cigarette between my fingers, a trail of smoke spreading over my face as I puffed out air.

"If it isn't the most distracted Capo of the Banda leaving his foes for a girl. Have you finally returned to your senses?" His voice was filled with spite.

I couldn't blame him though. I'd left an important hunt that left me wounded for a girl I barely knew.

"You shouldn't speak to me like that." My words echoed in a low growl while I stretched my body slowly across the sofa, the scorching ache reminding me of my stupidity.

"I shouldn't?" He scoffed. His eyes skimmed across every cranny of the garage as though he was expecting to find someone. "You lost her too?"

"Careful, Javiar."

His head tipped downward in a mocking bow. "I'm sorry, your majesty. However, I still wonder how confident you'll be when you get to explain to our men, including the families of the ones we lost, that the reason we didn't get the Capo of the KBU was because you became so fascinated by a girl who dumped your horny ass."

I swung all the way up but I was rewarded with a wave of dizziness. My feet swayed as I stumbled backward, gripping the arm rest for support.

"She didn't dump me, okay? I left because she'd reported me to the hostel's security and I'm sure they have alerted the cops as well. I had to leave,"

A deep chuckle rumbled in his belly. "Either way, she dumped your ass, Salvatore Hunter Vargas. Now, what's the plan?" His voice was huddled in a snarl.

I was riding on thin ice. My nerves were frayed and ready to explode. The only reason I hadn't passed a bullet through his brain was because he was my brother and the fact that my arm was trembling terribly.

"There's no plan...yet," A painful grunt resonated in my throat as I shook my head and took another drag. "Get me Santiago. My arm, it hurts,"

His eyes lowered to the injured part, something akin to concern flashing in the angry orbs. "Fuck, Salvatore! How long have you been bleeding?"

I gulped, forcing the bile that rose to my throat down. "Long enough to make me incapacitated. I'm going to pass out soon,"

"Fuck!" He cussed again, slapping his phone against his ear.

I watched him order Santiago, the gang's private doctor, over to the garage with heavy lids and a blurry vision. After he ended the call, he stooped low beside me, peeling his jacket off and tying it again around the bleeding.

I'd returned to the garage as soon as the security started searching for me because it was the nearest place from Dola's dorm that I could hide. However, it lacked basic necessities like a room or even a first aid kit.

Only Javiar and I came here to strategize whenever we were going on an operation. To the rest of the gang, this place didn't exist.

"I have her scarf," I brought it over and pressed it on my nose.

Javiar raised a brow, his face creased with a frown. "Don't tell me you've fallen in love with a stranger,"

"I haven't. I have no heart, remember? Still, I want her and I'm going to make her mine as soon as I wake up," I slurred.

"And if she doesn't want you?"

I smirked. "She disobeyed me. She betrayed me. I'm supposed to kill her but I find myself wanting to do something different to her so she's going to pay by being mine. It's not an option,"

"You're crazy," He fired.

"For her, yes." My eyes were beginning to close, Javiar, the cigarette and the worn-out tires lying aimlessly around the large garage began to appear in twos. "Another thing... There's a card and a key in my pocket. It's from one of the KBU men that I shot. It will lead you to their club. You know what to do."

A resigned sigh heaved from his chest. "I do, but what about your girl?"

As consciousness slipped from me, I murmured. "I'll take care of it soon."