Babel Novel
Chapter 15 Stay With Me
Chapter 15 Stay With Me
Rufus' POV:
The servant was very efficient and served up a table of food immediately.
As I treated her wounds, I could feel the absentminded Sylvia glancing at the food from time to time.
"Are you hungry?" I asked.
"I said I'm not hungry. I'm fine." Her voice was stubborn.
But as soon as she said that, her stomach growled loudly. She hurriedly covered up her belly, trying to keep the sound on the low. Her face flushed pink with embarrassment. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
I couldn't help but chuckle. This was the first time I had ever found a girl cute. But since I was in a good mood, I decided not to make a fuss out of her embarrassment.
"Eat with me." I invited her anyway.
Shyly, Sylvia nodded and took a seat at the dining table.
I didn't eat. I just quietly drank some water. Sometimes, I would steal quick glances at her. I could tell she was very hungry, but she was trying to restrain herself and eat slowly. When she stuffed her mouth with food, she looked like a little hamster with puffy cheeks.
Realizing that I might have been staring at her for too long, I got flustered and accidentally spilled some water onto the table.
Frightened by the ruckus, she froze and had a hesitant look on her face.
"Do you not like the food?" I made sure to ask in a lower voice, hoping not to scare her.
"No, the food is okay." Sylvia shook her head. After thinking for a while, she asked, "Why did you save me back there?"
I turned my eyes to the water stains on the table. She just happened to ask the very same question I couldn't figure out for myself. Was it because she relieved me of my headache? Was it because the Moon Goddess designated her as my mate? Was it her fascinating and addicting scent?
Before I could come up with an answer, she spoke up.
"Listen, if it was just because we're mates, you didn't have to do that at all. I'm not really interested in having a mate right now. Besides, we live in two completely different worlds. It's never going to work. You can reject me if you want. I will fully accept it. I'm sure the Moon Goddess will give you an even better mate." She kept putting herself down and even insisted that I would find another mate anyway.
I know she was just being considerate, but I didn't like the sound of that at all. When she said that she wasn't interested in having a mate, I could not help but feel uneasy. I thought something must be wrong with me.
"As you know, I went berserk last night-" I started.
"Yes, but I won't tell anyone about it."
She interrupted me before I could even finish. She seemed so eager to get rid of me already.
I was beginning to get annoyed, so I gave her a cold glance.
"Every full moon, I lose my mind and turn into an absolute monster who destroys everything around him. That's my secret, and you witnessed it for yourself last night." I paused and adjusted my sleeves. "Everyone who has found out about my secret has never made it out alive."
Sylvia dropped the knife and fork in her hands. Her eyes were wide and she was too scared to say a word. With a pale face, she stuttered, "I--"
She really was a timid girl. I couldn't help but feel a little guilty for scaring her right now, so I put on a warmer expression. "But last night, I discovered that your blood could soothe my mania. That's why I'm hoping you can stay with me and be my medicine."
Thinking of how she ruthlessly spoke about our mate bond just now, I followed up immediately and said, "Nothing else. I won't hurt you, don't worry."
"Is that really the only reason?" She cautiously raised her head.
"Yes. Are you willing to stay with me?" I said seriously.
Sylvia didn't reply immediately and lowered her head, only allowing me to see her smooth forehead. I didn't realize that I was actually afraid of her rejection.
Seeing that she was still hesitant, I added, "If you come with me, I can help you investigate your mother's case."
Even though I was already going to investigate on it anyway, it wouldn't hurt to use it as a bargaining chip right now.