*Ch 278: Vampire Oath's Meanings

I did not attempt to defend myself against her indelicacy toward me. It wasn't worth my time or energy. For the remainder of the class, Rebecca and I didn't speak until it was time to go.

"What's your number?" Rebecca asked me whenever she fetched her phone out of her handbag. I gave her my number, and she texted me, so I had hers.

"After this project, you will be blocked," she grumbled, grabbing her handbag and books.

"As if I care," I mumbled, and she flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder and left. Once I gathered my stuff, I was more than glad to get out of there. Since I had a small break between classes, I went to the university cafe and bought a non-caffeine cappuccino to soothe my stress. I found an empty booth, and loaded up my laptop to get more ideas for this map project.

"Victoria, isn't it?" suddenly I heard this really smooth voice ask me.

I peered up at this gorgeous man, having a defined toned body. He was wearing a casual blue shirt and classic khakis black pants. He looked as if he had come back from a modeling photoshoot for a magazine company. His hair was dirty blonde and trimmed shorter in the back, while he had some wavy strands merely at his eyebrows. Then his eyes were mint green and monolid shaped. Adding that, he had the ideal nose and lips. Gosh, he is a gorgeous dream.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" I snapped awake from this mirage that bestowed itself before me.

He chuckled handsomely. "I'm sorry, where are my manners? My name is Tyler. I saw you and Rose in the secret chamber at the museum."

My memory jolted as he held out his hand. Now I recall he was with that group of vampires that went through a hidden door behind a painted portrait of this Light vampire. To my remembrance, Rose appeared cautious about him. Not even Athena and her friends didn't seem to trust Tyler and the group he was with.

"I'm sorry, I think I should go."

I was about to stand until his eyes expressed sincerity. "I apologize." Tyler elaborated, dropping his hand. "I didn't mean to alarm you. I never had a chance to introduce myself at the ball, but I can assure you, I am not being insidious."

"You didn't seem too cordial that day at the museum." I swallowed before telling him how I felt.

"Yeah." Tyler chuckles. "I wasn't too thrilled to attend a meeting with my relatives, was all." Now I relaxed in my seat as he pointed at the empty seat across the booth. "Do you mind if I have a seat?" he asked me politely.

"Sure." I faintly smiled as he took the incentive to get himself comfortable.

"So you're a—"

"Vampire." Tyler finished in a whisper as his eyes veered cautiously to avoid human ears. "I'm an alpha, your mate and I go way back."

"I'm surprised Kai didn't mention you or introduce us at the ball." I smiled, thinking it was odd but not necessarily unusual. My husband was secretive at times.

"Kai and I don't always get along, but he's my pal whenever he wants to be. Just in case he still has a beef with me, it's probably best not to say anything about me sneaking around to meet you," he giggled as his mind seemed to drift to memory lane.

"I guess for now, I can keep quiet," I smiled before chuckling with him.

"Not forever." Tyler sheepishly smirked. "First, I have some making up to do. You know how Kai can be indignant."

"Tell me about it." I lowly laughed at the thought.

"Anyways, it's nice to finally meet the girl that stole Kai's heart." Tyler greeted. "Congratulations about the triplets."

"Thank you." I blushed, rubbing my stomach. "I'm looking forward to being a mom, but it's scary because I'm not sure how..." I couldn't complete what I was going to say, so Tyler did it for me.

"You're worried because they aren't human." He finished, lowering his voice as others around the area were either playing pool, having coffee, studying, eating, playing cards at the tables, or socializing.

"Yes, that sums it up."

"Always remember they're yours." Tyler beamed warmly. "Right now, I sense their sleeping beautifully to the sound of your heartbeat."

I smiled at his kind words. We started to casually talk about anything random that came up. Mostly it was about what I knew about vampires. Like which breeds I've studied and whatnot. I mostly told him about my recent research on the Wing and Slither species.

"Sounds like you've done your research," Tyler complimented. "What do you know about the Vampire Oath?"

"Not much," I replied. "Just that I was under protection at the ball from being harmed."

"Correct," Tyler praised. "But it also has more than one meaning."

"I've been told this, but no one has explained it to me," I mentioned before sipping my coffee.

"Firstly, it means we never expose each other. A human has to figure it out for themselves, or that vampire comes forward about it," Tyler verifies.

"Now that makes sense," I voiced lowly. "It's to protect your Kind."

"Mhmm," Tyler nodded. "Secondly, it also means we aren't to kill any granted humans from another Coven. Unless you mean to make war with that Coven. According to the Vampire Covenant, it's game on. The winning Coven gets to claim their minions, but if the invaders are losing, they can forfeit. Then both Covens have no choice but to compromise. The ones that were detained during the battle are normally freed. Usually what happens is the attackers organize a better battle plan for another time to invade."

"That's sad," I remarked, and Tyler agreed with me when I picked up my phone to see the time. "Sorry to make this short, but I have to go to my next class, before I am late."

As I was gathering my things, Tyler offered. "If you're free after class, I'll treat you to a coffee tomorrow."

"Sure, I'll be here after class!" I chippered, looking around. "I guess I'll meet you at this booth, if it's available."

"Sounds like a plan." Tyler smiled as we both stood up and shook hands.

Afterward, I bolt to my next class. Time seemed to fly by. Today came to an end for one eventful day. After saying goodbye to my favorite Professor, I left the building only to be greeted by Orlando. He gave a half smile once he noticed, I scoffed at him with my glare.