Sacred Flame: His Enemy, His Mate (BL)-Chapter 44: An angel

Kain Locke

"This really works. Thank you." I let out a relieved sigh, twisting off the cap before handing the concealer back to Sam. The thick layer I’d slathered on masked Kael’s scent completely. Finally, I could breathe without feeling like I was drowning in it, or go about smelling like him.

As you must’ve guessed, he caught on the scent, I have no idea what prompted him to ask but I’m grateful he did, because if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t have known that he has a concealer, needless to say borrowing it from him.

Sam took it from me with an amused smile. "Anytime." He gave the tube a little twirl between his fingers. "I hadn’t used it myself, though. Didn’t think I’d ever need it. You might as well keep it."

I blinked. "No... I can’t possibly–"

"It’s fine." He waved me off, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I’ve got a bunch stocked up from the store. That one’s not my last, trust me."

I hesitated for a second, then curled my fingers around the small tube. "Thanks... I owe you one." I said putting it in the drawer beside the bed.

He chuckled. "I’ll keep that in mind. And I’m going to the dining area for lunch. Do you want to go together?"

We had breakfast in the morning before coming here, and if I were to check the time, it definitely must be close to noon, or noon already. I wasn’t really hungry or anything, but I nodded, "Sure." It’s an harmless invitation so I don’t have to make a big deal out of it.

We walked out of the room to the new dining which was now on this floor, it wasn’t far, if anything, it was in a pretty close spot.

We chose our table, grabbed our choices at the counter before going to set them down on the table with four chairs, the lesser here actually, because there were ones with six, eight, ten, even more like the long table at the other side, it must have about 20 chairs around it.

I picked the fork digging it into the food, my gaze flickered around the cafeteria before I even realized what I was doing.

I wasn’t sure what I was looking for. It wasn’t like I’d ever seen him here before so why was I looking as if he’s somewhere around here? Even if he was, I shouldn’t be looking for him right?

Still, something felt off today. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but the restless energy sat heavy in my chest as my thoughts drifted to different possibilities, making me momentarily forget about the world around me until someone cleared their throat.

I blinked and looked up to see it was Alec, he was standing by the table wearing long grey pants and a black tank top showing every good portion of his muscle. He was also holding his food tray.

"Can I sit with you guys?" His voice was smooth as he asked with a smile.

Beside me, Sam tensed. Not like he said anything, I highly doubt he’s going to because his posture spoke for him.

I knew Alec’s reputation wasn’t exactly good here, but I never knew it was up to this extent, but could they really focus on the rumors surrounding him, and refuse to see beyond it. He is actually a very nice guy, but they aren’t seeing it yet.

Now with this current situation, letting Alec stay is not a problem for me. However, if Sam wasn’t okay with this, I’d send Alec away. It wasn’t a big deal so we could talk later. I’m not about to make him uncomfortable by allowing Alec to sit here just on the account of knowing Alec.

But before I could say anything, Alec turned to Sam, a small smile tugging at his lips. His eyes squinted just slightly at the corners. "Please?"

Sam swallowed. His fingers curled around his fork, knuckles going white for a second. Then, with a small, uneasy nod, he muttered, "Sure... have a seat."

"Thanks." Alec set his tray down and slid into the seat across from us, completely at ease, like he belonged there.

If this was left to me, I wouldn’t have allowed him to stay here, but since it was like this, there’s nothing I can do anymore, he allowed him to stay, opposing now will look offensive.

The three of us ate in silence, the only sounds coming from trays shifting and utensils scraping against plates and the indistinct chatter in the hall.

No one spoke, but I noticed Sam was rushing his food, his bites were quick, and he was chewing like he was being chased by someone.

Halfway through his meal, he suddenly pushed his tray aside and stood up. "I gotta go," he said, brushing his hands off. "I’ll catch up with you later."

Before he could turn away, "Hope it’s not because of me." Alec asked looking at him, "I can go to another seat."

Sam froze for half a second, then shook his head. "No, I just need to give something to a friend." His voice was tight, but he didn’t wait for a response as was already walking away, practically disappearing into the crowd.

I sighed, stabbing at a piece of meat on my plate. "You really know how to make people uncomfortable."

Alec chuckled, resting his elbow on the table as he propped his chin on his hand. "I didn’t even do anything."

I shot him a look. "Exactly."

"That’s not my fault, though, is it?" he asked in a low voice.

I exhaled sharply and shook my head, deciding not to say more as I focused on my food, but Alec didn’t seem in any hurry to eat. He just watched me, his gaze steady, unreadable.

After a few moments, he broke the silence again, "You seemed distracted earlier," he said slowly with his voice filled with curiosity, "Looking for someone?"

I hesitated, my grip tightening on my fork. "No."

"I was just there at the counter to get my food and I saw you guys here, so I thought to join you instead of sitting alone, now I’m starting to feel maybe I shouldn’t have done that." He sighed, putting his fork down.

"Why did you say that?"

"I was here for just a few minutes and your friend is already gone, making me feel as if It was because of me."

I stopped eating, tapping my fork against the plate, watching Alec as he leaned back in his seat. His expression was unreadable, but there was something different in his tone, it was less playful, and more thoughtful.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Sam left because he wanted to. If he wasn’t comfortable, he could’ve just said so." I said hoping that would erase that impression from his mind.

He hummed, "Could he, though?"

I frowned. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

He let out a short chuckle, shaking his head. "Nothing. Just thinking out loud." He picked up his fork again, pushing his food around but not really eating. "I don’t blame him, you know. People like him don’t usually hang around people like me."

I narrowed my eyes. "And what exactly is ’people like you’ supposed to mean?"

Alec smirked, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "You already know."

I pressed my lips together of course it was the rumors, the stares. He had a reputation, and whether it was fair or not, people believed what they wanted.

I picked up my fork again. "People talk too much because they’re people."

Alec chuckled again, this time softer. "That they do." He finally took a bite of his food, chewing slowly. "You’re different, though."

I glanced up at him. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

He tilted his head slightly. "You don’t look at me the way they do. I’m not exactly an angel you see..."

I held his gaze for a moment before looking back down at my plate. I wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so I didn’t. An angel? Someone untainted, pure.

Everyone, including me, has their own shortcomings. Be it a killer, a thief, a saint, a sex worker... Everyone has a reason for doing something. So, I’m not in a position to judge, because I’m not an Angel myself.

We ate in silence after that, but it wasn’t uncomfortable like I had thought it would be.

And for some reason, I didn’t mind.