UNEXPECTED HELP

Zeda's stomach rumbled as she walked into a restaurant, starving.

She'd dropped her bags at Mr. Percival's office, planning to eat before finding a cab to her apartment.

She quickly ordered, found a quiet spot, and dug in, not even bothering to look around.

When she finally finished, the place was mostly empty.

Her eyes landed on a tall guy sprawled out at the next table with a wild, incredibly attractive vibe.

He was…so much. Like a god, with tousled, inky black hair and midnight eyes that were pure seduction.

"From the way you're staring, I can tell we haven't met," his lazy drawl snapped her out of her daze.

A shiver ran down her spine. "H-hi," she stammered. "I'm Zeda."

He sat up smoothly, his intense, dark eyes meeting hers, then his lips curved into a smile that made her heart pound.

“Zeda.”

A small moan escaped her lips. Just hearing her name spoken in his deep, velvety voice made her body hum with a strange desire.

“Your name reflects your beauty," he said, his eyes scanning her. "I'm Lucian.” She shook his warm hand.

“I'm Shane, nice to meet you too," another voice said, full of sarcasm, making Lucian chuckle.

Zeda frowned, realizing there was another guy at the table. "Oh hi, I'm sorry, I didn't… notice you," she mumbled, blushing.

"It's normal. Happens when I'm with him," Shane shrugged.

"I guess you're new here. I would have remembered seeing a face like yours, even in my dreams," Lucian said, smirking.

Was he flirting with her? And why did her stomach feel so fluttery?

"Uhh… yeah. Just arrived," she replied.

"You must have been hungry then," Lucian said, looking at her empty plates.

"Yeah, it was a long trip," Zeda admitted, slightly embarrassed. "Actually, I wanted to find a cab to help me take my bags to my apartment."

"Well, you don't have to do that anymore. Come on, I'll take you," Lucian said, standing up.

"Are you serious?" Zeda asked, surprised but already on her feet.

"Of course, love," he said, his smile making her breath catch.

He took her hand and led her out, her mind buzzing about that last word. Love?

"Wait, I haven't paid for my food," she called out.

"Shane, take care of it," Lucian ordered without slowing down.

Zeda couldn't think about anything except Lucian's soft, big hand on her wrist, sending tingles all over her body.

There was no denying she found him attractive. That messy, shiny hair. Those dark, intense eyes. That voice. Yum.

Outside, Lucian opened the back door of a black Maybach. Zeda got in, and he settled beside her.

She noticed his movements were super smooth, like Mr. Percival's, but his skin wasn’t pale.

"Aren't you driving?" Zeda asked, despite liking how close he was. His scent, a mix of woodsmoke and berries, was captivating.

"No, Shane will drive," he replied.

"Who is he to you?" she asked, curious.

"He's my servant. But over time, he's become my friend."

Servant? Zeda blinked. The car probably explained it; Lucian was rich. Hot and rich.

They held each other’s gaze for a moment and she tried to distract herself from his tempting lips by looking out the window.

Shane came to her rescue, getting behind the wheel and starting the car.

"I was wondering why you didn't ride your bike today, Lu, but it seems fate wanted you two to meet," Shane said, smiling slyly.

Lucian smirked. "Uh huh, she's worth the sacrifice after all."

"You like bikes?" Zeda asked. His leather jacket and all-black outfit answered her.

“Yeah, I love them a lot," Lucian replied, grinning.

She smiled. Bikes suit the wild, bad-boy vibe he had about him.

"So Zeda, where are your bags? And why didn't the school chauffeur drop you at your apartment?" Shane asked.

"He took me to meet the director, Mr. Percival, and said he had to leave for other new students. So my bags are in the director's office," Zeda replied.

Lucian frowned. "You met the director?"

"Yeah… Wasn't I supposed to?" Zeda asked.

"It's unusual. A new student taken straight to Mr. Percival," Lucian replied.

"He said Mr. Percival had told him to bring me to him specifically,” Zeda revealed.

Lucian tilted his head, a mix of curiosity and wonder on his face. “Did he say why?”

Zeda shook her head.

Shane cut in. “Her eyes. That’s why, I think. She’s ascended the realm.”

Zeda was about to yell, but Lucian’s next words stopped her cold. “I don’t think so. Her eyes do say a lot, yes, but I don’t sense any power from her. She seems… human.”

Zeda gulped. “What do you mean I seem human? Am I supposed to be something else? And what’s all this talk about powers and my eyes?” Zeda’s voice was louder than she intended.

Shane sighed. “She doesn’t know anything, does she?”

“Then tell me what I need to know!” Zeda yelled, her anger boiling over.

Lucian cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. It calmed her down but also sparked a craving.

“Calm down, love,” he said, his voice warm and soothing. “Since you don’t know about this place, there’s a lot to learn. I’ll explain everything and help you, but first, you need to rest. It will be a lot to take in.”

It was almost exactly what Mr. Percival had said.

Zeda sighed and nodded, but Lucian still held her face. His dark eyes seemed to heat up, and Zeda found herself looking at his lips, hoping he would…

“We’re here,” Shane announced, cutting off her thoughts.

She jerked away from Lucian and swore when her head bumped the window. Lucian smirked, and she blushed.

He slid out and held the door for her as she did the same.

“Did you finally find a taxi?” Mr. Percival asked when she entered the office.

“Not really, I found… he… Luc…”

“Mr. Percival,” Lucian greeted smoothly, saving her.

Zeda watched the director’s face light up. “Prince Lucian, good to see you. What brings you here?” Mr. Percival asked kindly.

He’s a prince? Zeda frowned.

“Actually, I’m here for Zeda. I’ll help her take her things to her apartment,” Lucian replied.

Mr. Percival raised an eyebrow. “I see.”

Zeda ignored his knowing look and tried to help Shane, who was already carrying a suitcase.

Lucian gently held her arm. “Let me do the hard work, love,” he said, smiling. Adorable dimples decorated his pouty lips —lips she wanted to bite and kiss.

Zeda sighed. He was charming his way straight into her heart.

He carried the other two suitcases to the car so easily, even Dale would be jealous.

Zeda followed, watching him in awe. Shane didn’t seem surprised at all.

“Where’s your apartment? Did he tell you?” Shane asked, driving away.

“Yes, Apartment 11, room 4,” Zeda replied. Shane nodded.

Zeda relaxed, glancing at Lucian, who was just… watching her. She cleared her throat. “So, you’re a prince?”

“Yeah, I rule the demon kingdom, but I don’t have any demons under me yet,” Lucian replied with a sigh.

Zeda laughed at his joke. She saw him look at Shane, and then they both laughed at her.

He didn’t really expect her to believe him, did he?

They arrived at the fancy building Shane said was her apartment and knocked on room 4.

The door opened, revealing a stunning girl with brown eyes and a short, bouncy brown hairstyle.

“H..i I’m Zeda, your roommate. I just arrived,” Zeda said with a smile.

The girl grinned. “I’m Carrie. It’s nice to meet…” Carrie stopped, staring behind Zeda with her mouth open.

Zeda realized she was looking at Lucian.

“Prince Lucian?” Carrie called in surprise.

“Hi, Carrie,” Lucian replied.

“Do you two know each other?” Carrie asked.

Zeda frowned. Why was Carrie acting like Lucian was special? And what’s with the ‘Prince’ title?

“Yeah, we helped her with her bags,” Lucian replied before Zeda could.

“Can we come in?” Shane asked, gesturing to the suitcases.

“Of course, please come in. I’m so sorry for leaving you outside. Let me help with the bags,” Carrie said quickly, easily carrying one of the suitcases inside.

Zeda was speechless. Where did these people get their strength?

“Do you guys want water? I just started cooking, so the food isn’t ready yet,” Carrie asked, looking at Lucian, her cheeks red.

“No thanks, we’re leaving now,” Lucian replied with a smile, glancing at Zeda before leaving with Shane.

“Lucian,” Zeda called, following him out.

Lucian turned, watching her approach him. She had a soft, sweet caramel smell that made him want to stay close.

“Thanks for everything, I’m so happy I met you,” Zeda said and bit her lip. She hadn’t planned on saying the last part.

“Does that mean you’ll be happy to see me again?” Lucian asked in a deep, husky voice that made her heart race.

She blushed. “Yeah, I guess.”

He handed her his phone so she could put in her number, a hot-boy smirk on his face.

She returned the phone when she was done, and he typed something, then showed her his screen.

He had saved her contact with a capital letter: LOVE!

Zeda blushed. “I think that’s too fast.”

“Maybe,” Lucian shrugged his broad shoulders. “I’ll see you around, love,” he said and smiled.

A smile that promised something hot, completely consuming. Something she craved with every fiber of her being.

With him.