CHAPTER 7

SIRE COULDN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT THE KISS. It had been a whole week, yet he still felt it—Joaquin’s lips against his, the warmth of his hand cupping his cheek, the way his breath had trembled. Every single time the memory surfaced, his heart would slam against his ribs like a caged bird, wild and frantic. 

Why did I kiss him back?

Was it simply because he was a good kisser?

“Hello? Earth to Sire?"

A heavy hand landed hard on his shoulder, yanking him out of his daze.

“I’ve been talking to you for ages and you're not listening at all!” Dae snapped. He was telling Sire a story but the latter wasn't listening to him.

Sire blinked, dazed, rubbing the spot where Dae had struck him. “What?” He hadn’t heard a single word. His mind was stuck—replaying that kiss over and over, like a record skipping in the same groove. He couldn’t shake it.

When Joaquin had kissed him, something had uncoiled deep inside him—something warm, overwhelming, utterly unlike anything he’d ever felt before. In all his years, in all the women he’d kissed, he’d never once felt this. No one had ever made him feel this. Joaquin’s lips had been soft, sweet, devastatingly perfect—so good it had taken every ounce of restraint not to deepen it, to let their tongues tangle.

"Sire!"

he received a slap and Dae's sharp and exasperated voice on his arm waking him up from his reverie.

“I’ve been talking to you this whole time and you’re off in your own world again!”

Sire shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Sorry. Must be tired.” It was a flimsy lie. “What were you saying?”

Dae snorted, narrowing his eyes. “I said-wait, why are your ears red?" his eyes laid on Sire's reddish ears.

Sire looked away quickly. “I don't know. Must be because it's hot today."

Dae arched an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Don’t give me that. I know something’s up. Spit it out.”

“It's nothing. Just random thoughts.”

Liar'. Dae shook his head. He’d known this man long enough to read every shift in his mood. Something had happened that he wouldn’t talk about. And he had a very strong suspicion he knew exactly who was involved.

Sire let out a sharp breath, frowning. “Why are you looking at me like that?” He met Dae’s gaze with a glare, though his heart was already fluttering nervously. “I'm not hiding anythi-"

His words died in his throat.

A scent drifted past him—familiar, warm, unmistakable. It was the cologne that had lingered in his mind, in his dreams, for seven straight days.

He turned toward the door before he even realized he’d moved and there he was, the man he'd been thinking of. Their eyes locked and suddenly he felt lighter, brighter, like the sun had broken through the clouds without warning. A smile tugged at his lips before he could stop it, and a strange warmth spread through his veins.

Joaquin walked straight into the room, heading toward where Sire sat. Sire quickly looked away, trying to school his expression but the smile wouldn’t fade. Damn.

“We need to go,” Joaquin said in his serious tone.

Sire stole a quick glance upward, and their eyes met again. Joaquin’s gaze was intense, unwavering.

Demter stood, gathering her things. “We’re leaving now,” she repeated.

“Where are we going?” Dae asked in confusion as he stood slowly. “Don’t we have class?”

“To the pub.”

"Why? Is there something wrong? You look like you're in a hurry?" Dae asked again.

"Just don't ask questions and follow us." Dem simply replied.

The two exchanged bewildered glances but grabbed their bags and followed. They walked in silence behind Joaquin and Demter, climbing into the car without a word.

Joaquin drove fast, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. He was rushing. “Put your seatbelts on." he said, eyes fixed on the road.

Sire clicked his into place. “Is something wrong?” He glanced at the side mirror and saw it—three cars, tailing them, staying close. “Are they following us?”

Joaquin flicked a quick look his way. “Yes. But don’t worry. You’re safe with us. We’ll protect you.”

Sire closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a quiet breath. “I’m not worried,” he whispered. And it was true. He should have been—they were being chased, for God’s sake—but he felt strangely calm. I’m with him. That was all that mattered. I trust him.

Dae, however, had gone pale. He recognized those cars. He knew exactly what this meant. His father had found his relationship with Creed.

He took a shaky breath, biting hard on his lip. Please let Creed be safe. “Y-you don’t have to—just let me out—”

The words shattered as gunfire erupted, bullets pummeling the car’s exterior. Dae flinched, heart hammering in terror.

Joaquin pressed harder on the gas. “Don’t panic,” he said evenly. “This car is bulletproof. They can’t hurt us.” He glanced at Sire again and felt a surge of relief. Sire’s eyes were closed, but there was no fear on his face—only a quiet, steady trust.

Sire opened his eyes then. “Watch the road,” he said softly, feeling Joaquin’s gaze on him.

Joaquin chuckled, shaking his head as he turned back to the windshield. Am I that obvious?

Demter was already moving, racking the slide of her rifle. She hit a button and the roof panel slid open, climbing halfway out and taking aim.

“Eat this, you bastards!”

A sharp, deafening screech tore through the air as one of the pursuing cars swerved violently—Demter had hit the driver. She flipped them a bold middle finger before pulling herself back inside.

Both Sire and Dae stared at her, wide-eyed. “What?” she demanded.

“N-nothing,” Dae stammered, looking away. He couldn’t believe she’d just done that.

One car still clung to their trail—until suddenly, two black vehicles appeared from nowhere, ramming it hard from either side. The remaining car careened wildly, spinning out of control and crashing. Joaquin didn’t even slow down.

“Make sure to finish them." Demter said into her earpiece.

Minutes later, they pulled up to the pub. The heavy gates swung open automatically, and Joaquin drove through.

Demter stepped out first. Sire and Dae froze in the doorway—drops of fresh blood stained the floor inside.

“Come in,” Joaquin urged gently from behind them.

They stepped inside cautiously, eyes fixed on the dark smears on the floor until they reached the main room.

“Thank goodness you’re here,” said a voice. Demter stood there in a doctor’s coat, stained with blood, tending to Creed’s shoulder.

“Creed!” Dae ran forward, throwing his arms around Creed as tears spilled over. “I’m so sorry—this is all my fault.”

Creed brushed the tears from his face, kissing his forehead softly. “It’s not your fault. I’m just glad you’re safe. I thought I’d lost you.”

“The wound isn’t life-threatening,” Demter assured them. “He will heal quickly. Whoever sent those men they have no idea what they’re walking into.

“We need to move to a safer place,” Dem said. “Your safety comes first.”

Dae helped Creed to his feet, supporting him as they followed Demter away.

Suddenly, only Joaquin and Sire remained. The silence stretched, thick and heavy. Sire bit his lip. They were standing so close—too close. His heart thundered like a drum. He swallowed hard, over and over.

“H-how are you?” Sire asked, finally breaking the silence.

“I’m fine. And you?”

A tiny smile touched Sire’s lips. “I’m okay.”

“You were so calm back there,” Joaquin murmured. “I thought for sure you’d be scared.”

Sire looked up, meeting his eyes. “I just knew we were safe.”

Joaquin took a step closer. “I want to kiss you.” he clearly knows this is not the time for that but he just can't restrain himself especially that they were alone. Also he's taking advantage that Sire might have feelings for him too or maybe he's just curious but it doesn't matter at all as long as he isn't pushing him away.

Sire’s breath caught. He watched Joaquin’s gaze drop to his lips, watched him lean in slow, deliberate. Their faces were inches apart—so close their breaths mingled—and he didn’t pull away. He couldn’t. His heart was racing so fast it hurt. He waited, trembling, and then—

The gap close.

Joaquin kisses him, full and sure, parting his lips, letting their tongues meet, giving in completely to everything he’d been fighting for so long.

*

*

*

"INTRUDER ALERT! AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED!"

Sire pulled back breathlessly, startled by the robotic voice echoing through the room. He looked around wildly—there was no one else here but them.

Then he realized their position. He was on Joaquin’s lap, arms looped around his neck, clinging to him like he’d never let go. Heat flooded his face.

“Guns detected. Shall I increase security protocols, Signor?”

“No need, Pisces,” Joaquin replied and his eyes lingered on Sire’s flushed and confused face

“Who was that?

Joaquin was about to give an answer when the buzzing sound cut him off. “I’ll explain later.” he runs outside with a happy smile playing on his lips.

Sire smacked his own cheek. He let him kiss him again and he kissed him back too! He was on his lap! He's really going crazy!

Outside, Joaquin opened the gate and strangers were waiting—all armed. He isn't scared even a little. “What do you want?” he asked, already knowing the answer.

"We're looking for someone."

They didn't ask permission and pushed past, fanning out to search the area. Joaquin followed, hands in his pockets, calm. They wouldn’t find anything.

“Search everywhere,” one of them ordered.

Two stayed behind, standing guard in the doorway. Joaquin walked straight past them and sat beside Sire. Sire looked up—there was fear in his eyes now.

“Don’t worry, babe,” Joaquin said softly. “Everything’s under control.”

“You!” A man named Bert stepped forward, pointing a gun straight at Sire. “Where is Dae?!”

“I-I don’t know,” Sire stammered, not meeting his eyes. He wasn’t afraid of himself ,he was afraid of Dae's sake. He had no idea that they were capable of this. They look just like normal bodyguards.

Bert sneered and raised the gun. Joaquin’s expression turned deadly. He stood instantly, stepping between them, drawing his own weapon and aiming it straight at Bert.

“Point that gun at him again and you’ll regret it,” he said, voice low and furious. The shot rang out, hitting Bert square in the shoulder. “Next time, I won’t miss.”

Bert clutched his bleeding shoulder and signaled his mem who sees him not to make a move. Sire sat frozen, terrified. What if Bert shot back? He reached out and took Joaquin’s hand.

Joaquin looked down, his expression softening instantly. He squeezed Sire’s hand gently. “Don't worry.”

Bert didn’t fire back—he knew they were far from alone here. Also this person was not normal either. Back when they were following them, they easily took down the group who were also chasing them and opened fire.

“Leave.” Demter stood in the doorway, her voice cold as ice.

Bert paled. He hadn’t heard her approach? Wait. She's the one who took down the group who opened fire. “We're searching for someone."

"No but we know that they were here. We saw them get in your car."

"Then I'll give you ten minutes. After that leave my property." Dem hid a smug smirk on her lips. Let's see if you can find them.

“He’s not here, sir.” one of the searchers called out after ten minutes had passed. “We already checked everywhere.”

“Time's up, people. Just kindly leave my property while I'm being nice.” Demter announced in the living room.

As what they agreed and since they really couldn't find Dae no matter how they search everywhere, Bert and the rest left without another word.

“I really wanted to kill them." Dem muttered and went back to her room.

When Demter left, silence settled over them again. Sire was still holding Joaquin’s hand. He cleared his throat and pulled away gently.

“Where are Dae and Creed?” he asked. “Why didn’t they find them?”

“They're just well hidden somewhere. You need to be careful. I'm sure they will come to you after this."

Sire nodded, staring at the floor. He couldn’t look Joaquin in the eye. It just makes his heart run wild.

“Will you stay tonight?”

“No. I think, I will go home.” he said quietly.

“It’s not safe yet. They might approach you while you are alone.”

Joaquin drew nearer, his movements soft, deliberate, as he reached out and curled his fingers gently around Sire’s hand. He tilted his head up to lock their gazes.

“Stay here with me,” his voice is low and tender. “I promise, nothing will happen that you don’t want. Just… stay.”

Sire’s breath caught. He hesitated only in a heartbeat before he whispered, “Okay.”

Instantly, a genuine, radiant smile broke across Joaquin’s face—bright, unguarded, glowing like sunlight. And just like that, Sire’s heart gave a wild, dizzying flutter, beating fast and hard all over again.