Defying the King (Fangs and Fury #1)

CHAPTER ONE

1

Morwenna

Danger. One word. Six letters.

I’m teetering on the edge of peril, my life hanging precariously in the balance. Regret seeps into my consciousness, its tendrils wrapping around my thoughts, tightening with each passing moment. They warned me, cautioned me about the impending danger, yet my stubbornness prevailed. I chose to venture into the abyss despite the ominous signs.

And what is this danger, you might wonder? It defies simple explanation; it is an enigma cloaked in shadows. To inquire further is to court peril itself, for I am already ensnared within its grasp.

My heart races, a frantic tempo echoing in my chest. Sweat beads upon my palms, and a feverish heat suffuses my cheeks.

Surrounded by figures that inspire both fear and fascination, I find myself confronting creatures whose existence defies reason. They are not ordinary mortals; they are something otherworldly, beings that have walked the earth far longer than any human should. They possess a sinister allure, a deceptive charm that belies their true nature.

They are vampires.

But I call them blood-suckers.

And I, dear reader, am caught in their web of danger.

Yeah, you might be wondering why I’m in this perilous situation. But how can I explain when I’m facing imminent danger, with these bloodsucking creatures ready to end my life any moment? Yet, I still have a breath left to tell you.

It all started way back when I followed my step-sister, Theresa, to what was called the Coronation Ball, as the media dubbed it. It was hosted by the Vimic Family, one of the wealthiest clans in Chimera City. The event was abuzz with excitement as they celebrated the appointment of a new heir. Everywhere I turned, people were talking about it, but something felt off.

I found it odd that such a powerful vampire family, with a significant influence in the city, didn’t send out formal invitations. They’re considered elites, dripping with wealth, yet only a select few received invites, mostly from lesser-known families, including mine.

Not want to sound insulting, but I probably am. I must admit, my family isn’t wealthy at all. We’re not among the elite who receive invitations to lavish events like the Vimic Family’s coronations. When we received their so-called invitation, I couldn’t help but feel insulted. However, I remembered that my step-sister, Theresa, works for the powerful Vimic Family, so naturally, they had to invite her. And of course, it was only her they invited.

I watched in silence as Theresa hesitated, clearly reluctant to attend. She could have declined, but who refuses an invitation from the almighty Vimic Family? It would only worsen the situation. Besides, my older sister had already pledged her loyalty to them through a blood pact; she had no choice but to go.

As for me, the younger sister who never took anything seriously, I decided to secretly follow Theresa to the Vimic’s coronation ball. It turned into a disaster, all because of me. I got caught, and now I’m in this perilous situation.

The peril I face could mean death, punishment, or torment... or worse, having my blood drained by those bloodsucking creatures.

However, they are bound by a pact, more like a truce, which prevents them from harming humans. Unless, of course, a human like myself breaches that truce by trespassing into the Vimic’s estate uninvited, in which case that human, namely me, is meant to be sacrificed...

This whole vampire-human situation might seem confusing, so let me simplify it for you.

Once upon a time, vampires were known for their gruesome acts of feeding on human blood while masquerading as charming, alluring beings with a hint of sex appeal. Years later, a vampire king made a pact with a Chimeran leader, forming a truce. Vampires were forbidden from consuming human blood or trespassing on human territory, though some still did. Chimerans, in turn, were warned to stay off vampire property unless they wanted to risk being killed or drained of blood.

Now, vampires coexist with humans, having gained dominance over us.

The Vimic family, with their billion-dollar empire, holds immense power and respect among both humans and vampires alike. Their estate alone could function as its own nation, showcasing the extent of vampire superiority. Meanwhile, Chimerans continue to supply resources, potentially paving the way for vampires to break the 600-year truce and assert control over Chimerans once more. That was what I feared.

Now, a question.

Why do my own kind fear the so-called almighty Vimic family, while I, on the other hand, despise them with every fiber of my being?

Yes, that’s a good question.

But the answer is... Nothing.

LITERALLY Nothing.

But something to prove.

If only I could prove to my naive city of Chimera that the Vimic family they idolize is dangerous, intent on manipulating us with our resources to establish control... we, Chimerans, would rise up and eradicate every vampire in Chimera City, restoring peace once more. Though there is peace in the city, it is fragile – the peace I seek is the ability to walk freely, to breathe without fear of being seduced by alluring vampires.

Unfortunately, my idea received no support. My boyfriend dismissed it, and my mom warned me. She had sought protection from the Vimic family for my stepsister, Theresa after her rough breakup with Dad. Seeking their protection comes with a hefty price: blood. Theresa was the one destined for that sacrifice not me. When I shared my plan with her, she brushed it off, echoing Mom’s warnings.

Theresa and I were never close; despite my efforts, our relationship remained distant. She was often away at the Vimic estate, while I spent most of my time at my boyfriend’s cramped apartment, indulging in simple pleasures. No, Daniel and I haven’t been intimate – I prefer a relationship without that complication, and he respects my boundaries. I guess. Despite the lack of support, I held onto my plan, even though everyone thought I was foolish.

Now, I’m determined to prove to them that I’m not just spouting nonsense; I truly believe that the vampires lurking in Chimera City are a real threat. Especially the Vimic family the very source of their sustenance, is a menace, they’re not the harmless figures people make them out to be. There’s a darker truth beneath the surface, and I’m going to uncover it.

I’ll show Daniel, Mom, Theresa, and those six others who doubted me that I’m right. It’s a risky move, but I’ll even offer myself as bait to these bloodsuckers to prove my point. By crossing into the Vimic estate uninvited, I’ve broken a pact that’s stood for 600 years, and now I’ll bear the consequences. Can you see now the danger I was warning about? Because that’s exactly where I find myself right now.

My breath catches, lodged deep in my throat.

Now, imagine this: surrounded by six burly vampires, clad in custom-tailored black attire, their faces unnaturally pale. The atmosphere is icy, and they exude an air of authority as guards of the formidable Vimic estate. Perhaps they’re baffled by my sudden appearance, wondering how they could have missed me. But I’ve always been invisible to Mom and Theresa, so it’s no surprise I slipped past them. Now, caught in their grasp, there seems to be no escape— only impending doom.

But I, Morwenna Petrova, always have a contingency plan. Enter Plan B: garlic. Vampires loathe garlic; its scent triggers an intense reaction in their senses. Luckily, I had some with me, having recently indulged in garlic-laden pasta. And so, armed with garlic dust meticulously crafted over five months with the assistance of a powerful wizard in Chimera city—though it cost me a fortune and countless months—I now wield it as my salvation. As I sprinkle the garlic dust around me and the vampires, they begin to sneeze uncontrollably. It’s a sign that my plan is working, weakening their senses enough for me to seize an opportunity to flee.

Then, my legs betray me as I stumble and fall against an unexpected door.

With a painful smack, it swings open, revealing a sight that chills me to the core: the grim reality of the Vimic’s actions. Inside, I see Theresa and several other humans, captive to their sinister schemes.

The garlic dust I sprinkled on them seemed to have affected my senses, especially my sight, as I thought I had ran away from the suffocating Vimic’s family estate.

I didn’t realize I had stumbled upon a completely different route within the estate.

Although, the estate was vast, so it could explain how I wind up here.

It felt like more than just my legs had carried me here.

As I’d fled the Vimic Family guards, I crossed a threshold of freedom—or so I thought. But it was far from freedom. Crossing that threshold seemed to have weakened my senses.

My eyes grew tired and dizzy, and my brain for no reason, momentarily ceased to function.

As I now catch my breath and blink, I find myself surrounded by a blue-lit atmosphere, filled with smoke that resembles clouds, obscuring my vision. The smoke indicates heavy smoking, making it difficult to breathe.

It’s strange—I find myself in what appears to be a club. Given that today is a coronation day, I expected grand decorations, sparkling with lavish designs and filled with people. However, this setting lacks such grandeur, despite the family’s wealth.

My senses suddenly erupted, and I instinctively reached for my head as the environment around me seemed to spin.

The smoke swirling around hindered my breathing, and to make matters worse, I kept experiencing sharp pains in my head unexpectedly.

You might think it was due to the booming music one would expect in a club, but there was no music playing wherever I was.

Despite the absence of loud beats assaulting my senses, I still felt a pounding sensation, as if my body was rebelling against me.

Clutching my head tightly, I found myself moving involuntarily, unsure of where I was headed.

Through the haze of smoke, I spotted Theresa and other Chimerans, possibly servants of the Vimic Family with their eyes glazed and reminiscent of glass, as they sniffed on powder provided by a group of vampires.

They were being drugged, whether by their own volition or as some form of entertainment, I couldn’t discern.

My eyes widened in shock as I witnessed Chimerans smoking powders, downing shots among vampires, and even engaging in intimate acts with them, seemingly for their pleasure. In return, the vampires fed on their blood, all while enjoying themselves and laughing among each other.

It was evident that the atmosphere I found myself in was held under some sort of magical influence or strange force.

I felt detached from my body, my senses clouded by smoke, and my head throbbing with pain. It seemed likely that some of the Chimerans present were willingly charmed into partaking in these rituals.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was in the wrong place, and the realization dawned on me that my body was being manipulated against my will.

This so-called Coronation ball appeared to be nothing more than a disguised sex ritual, designed to lure unsuspecting humans. While I had entered the Vimic mansion of my own accord, the control exerted over my body was certainly not of my choosing.

One nagging thought clung to me: how to break free from this lingering spiritual charm that clung to my senses like a bad perfume. Easy answer: I was clueless. How the hell was I supposed to know?

That’s when I spotted a group of burly vampires, all decked out in black, emerging from the shadows of the smoke-filled room. It felt suffocating, like the very air was trying to strangle me.

Somehow, despite the haze clouding my mind, I saw them – their wide eyes scanning the room for an intruder. Me.

Panic locked my throat. With a deep breath, I squeezed my eyes and counted to five, holding the air in my lungs in a desperate attempt to break the trance. One, two, three, four, five... With a whoosh of expelled air, I crumpled to the floor. The oppressive paralysis shattered.

How did I resist their charm? Simple. My obsessive research on vampires and witches – how they beguiled humans – paid off. I knew I’d likely fall victim, so I came prepared. There’s still more to the story. But that’s a story for another time, perhaps never. Reliving it leaves me breathless.

Disoriented, my head throbbed like a drum solo. The pain had dulled, but the sensation of falling from a skyscraper lingered. Time to get the hell out of there before they find me. Again.

Before I made my escape, I knew I had to capture what was happening.

With that, I snatched my trusty camera from my crossbody bag and snapped a flurry of photos. No time to count, I needed to capture the scene – undeniable proof for that clueless mayor of Chimera City. These vampires weren’t here to cooperate; they were a conquering force, and the Vimic family was leading the charge.

Mission accomplished, I tucked the camera back into the folds of my bag and adjusted my black cloak, pulling it deeper to conceal my hair. As I approached the doorway, a fresh wave of worry washed over me. Had Theresa seen me? Or any of the other vampires, for that matter? Except for the guards, who were now silently closing in on me.

Damn it. They’d spotted me. But rescuing Theresa seemed pointless now. There she was, engaged in a… well, let’s just say a very un-undead activity. I thought vampires were driven solely by bloodlust, not… other desires.

Panic clawed at the back of my throat. My hand, slick with sweat, reached for the doorknob.

It felt like an eternity as I tried to turn it, a sense of claustrophobia engulfed me.

The swirling smoke that danced before my eyes seemed to slow, the world around me muffling and distorting. People moved with a sluggishness, as if caught in slow motion. Had someone used some kind of power?

I fought to pull myself together, but my limbs felt heavy, weighed down by an invisible force. I strained against it, but it was no use... It felt as if someone or something was deliberately holding me back.

Then I heard it...

“Intruder!” A whispery voice, laced with ice that danced down my spine. My body lurched, a gasp escaping my lips in slow motion. “Intruderrrr!” The voice came closer, a throaty drawl that sent a delicious shiver through me, even as fear gnawed at my insides. Vampire or witch? Both possessed the power to manipulate time, but this… this was something else entirely. Plans A and B swirled in my head like smoke, but Plan C… well, that had vanished entirely.

“What brings you to my manor?” The voice, smooth as aged wine and laced with seduction, washed over me. It was a siren song, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. I fought against its pull, a primal awareness screaming that it belonged to a creature I despised – a vampire. Hatred, a white-hot ember, burned within me. My body, however, seemed to have a mind of its own, succumbing to the insidious charm of that voice. (Don’t you dare fall for it, I pleaded with myself. This bloodsucker doesn’t deserve an ounce of your weakness.)

My breath hitched in my throat, refusing to escape as the scene unfolded before me in agonizing slow motion. “To ex-pose you...” My voice cracked on the first syllable, a tremor running through me. Whatever I was about to say, I couldn’t afford to falter now.

“To expose me?” His voice, that sultry vampire drawl with a hint of a Transylvanian lilt, held a mocking edge.

The derision stung, but I’d faced worse. “Yes,” I said. Even before embarking on this perilous mission to unveil the secrets of the Vimic family, I’d been scoffed at. Everyone knew it was impossible. No one, and I mean no one, left the Vimic estate alive if they weren’t invited – especially not if they carried the burden of exposing their secrets to the world. After all, fear kept half of society at bay. But fear wouldn’t deter me.

“I’m going to tell the world the truth about all of you,” I declared, my voice firm despite the pounding in my chest.

“And just what evidence do you think you possess?” he drawled, his voice slithering into my ear, sending shivers down my spine. He was behind me. I could feel the chilling presence.

“I have more than enough evidence to expose you!” I asserted, my voice trembling with determination.

A sardonic chuckle escaped him. “Enough?!” He echoed my words, his voice dripping with seductive mockery. “And you think you can just waltz into my home, use a camera, and expect to expose me?” His words struck me with the sudden realization that he had indeed noticed my intrusion. Of course, as a vampire, he possessed senses far keener than humans. The subtle metallic tang of the camera, the foreign scent of an unwelcome guest – it wouldn’t have escaped him.

Despite the panic rising within me, I stood my ground. “Yes,” I replied firmly, though uncertainty gnawed at my insides. “I am going to expose all of you,” I repeated, feeling a sense of déjà vu wash over me.

“And who will believe you?” His voice dripped with mockery, taunting my efforts.

“The media, the world, the citizens of Chimera City—anyone as long as there’s proof,” I countered, my resolve strengthened by the images I had captured on camera.

“No one is going to believe you,” he murmured, his voice now dangerously close to my ears. A shiver ran down my spine as his cold breath brushed against my skin. “Do you know why?” he continued, his voice dropping to a seductive rasp. “One... No one, I mean no one, enters my home and thinks they can expose me,” he whispered, his tone filled with a chilling finality.

As he spoke, a realization dawned on me. This was no ordinary encounter. I was face to face with the very enemy I despised—the notorious Vimic. His words continued, the playful edge to his voice gone. “Two, you’re not leaving here alive. I’m coming for you.”

Fear clenched my heart as I realized the gravity of my situation. The Vimic’s power over time was overwhelming, and I knew I was no match for him. The inevitability of my demise loomed over me like a dark cloud.

“Are you afraid now...?” His voice, still close to my ear, taunted me.

No. Never. I refused to let fear consume me. I hated them (vampires). All of them. The fear they instilled in Chimerans was just another facet of their monstrous nature. Despite the terror gripping my heart, I summoned every ounce of courage within me. “N-No!” I stammered, my voice betraying the fear coursing through me.

They say a cornered animal is most dangerous, but a stubborn human can be a force of nature too.

A chilling giggle escaped his lips that threatened to crack the very foundation of the building. “Trying to be brave, are you?” he remarked, his voice dripping with menace. “Any last words before your demise?” His tone was low and whispery, capable of instilling fear in even the bravest soul.

I couldn’t deny the fear coursing through me. Death loomed before me, inevitable and terrifying. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against me, I clung stubbornly to a sliver of confidence, a belief that somehow, against all odds, I would escape.

I wished.

But deep down, I knew the truth. The chances of survival were practically non-existent. I was trapped, facing a foe far more powerful than I could ever hope to overcome. Still, I remained resolute in my determination not to escape, but to face my fate head-on.

Death shouldn’t be feared, I reminded myself, trying to find solace in the inevitability of my own mortality. It was meant to be peaceful, a release from the burdens of life. Yet, the thought of becoming a mere meal for those blood-sucking vampires filled me with a primal dread.

I shouldn’t be scared, I shouldn’t be scared, I shouldn’t be scared... I told myself firmly, taking a shaky breath. Instead, I should be prepared for whatever fate awaited me.

In truth, I was scared, but I shouldn’t let it show to the enemy. I just need to pretend that I was only slightly afraid of him. Slightly.

In response to his question, I trailed off, searching for any last words to utter before my inevitable demise. “My last words will be...” I hesitated, summoning all my courage. “Fuck you,” I finally spat out, my voice trembling with exhaustion and fear. It was a small act of defiance, but it felt oddly empowering to finally voice my disdain for the vampire who held my fate in his hands.

He chuckled darkly, misunderstanding my words. “The pleasure is mine. I would like to fuck you,” he replied, his tone filled with sinister intent which sent a jolt of dread through me. Images of Theresa and the others flooded my mind – drugged, coerced, subjected to the vampires’ twisted version of intimacy. This was clearly what the Vimics desired, but unlike them, I wouldn’t succumb. Human intimacy wasn’t a part of their repertoire; theirs was a dance fueled by bloodlust.

“Ugh, that’s not what I mean!” I spat, irritation flaring despite the terror gnawing at me. “I mean fuck you and your entire bloodsucking lineage!” If only I could raise a middle finger in defiance. My body, however, remained a helpless puppet under its supernatural control. But my voice, at least, was free, and I planned to use it with unbridled bluntness.

His lips drifted from my ear, leaving a lingering warmth. “I want to hear you say it,” he murmured, his voice a dangerous caress.

“But I am saying it to you right now!” I exclaimed, the urge to roll my eyes burning.

“No,” he countered, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice again. “Look at me. Say it to my face.”

A strangled gasp escaped my lips. The very thought of meeting a vampire’s gaze, especially a Vimic’s, sent shivers down my spine. Vampire eyes held an irresistible allure, and I was already fighting a losing battle against his charm. His very presence, the lingering scent of his cologne, even the absence of his face – everything about him was a potent seduction. It was a struggle to resist.

Then, I felt it – his touch. Cold, yet strangely thrilling, his hand settled on my shoulder, effortlessly flipping me around to face him.

My body reacted instinctively, a familiar warmth blooming under his touch.

My mind, which had been valiantly trying to hold onto its defenses, felt like it was on the verge of surrendering.

Should I look up? My inner voice screamed a resounding no. But under the intoxicating haze of his charm, I wasn’t sure I was even in control anymore. My thoughts were swirling, lost in the captivating aura he exuded.

His height was overwhelming, making me feel impossibly small under his gaze. It felt like an X-ray, scanning every inch of me. The lingering chill of his touch on my shoulders sent a shiver down my spine. Against my will, my body seemed to surrender to him.

Fuck it.

This was a Vimic. The first time I’d ever seen, touched, or smelled one. And a formidable one at that. If I dared look up again, I doubted I’d ever feel sane again.

As I couldn’t dare to look him in the face, trying to fight all urges not to fall into his seductive charm, his voice alone was seductive enough, feeling as if it was calling onto me to have sex with him. So, as I couldn’t do any of those things, he decided to do it himself. Fuck him.

His face, originally towering over mine, dipped lower. He hunched his back and craned his neck to meet my eyes. Instinctively, I tried to look away, but my gaze felt glued to his.

There I was, locked in a staring contest with powerful, mesmerizing bright gold eyes, they were undeniably captivating. Thrilling, even. But I knew better. Vampire eyes changed color with their hunger – a lure for unsuspecting prey. And right now, I was definitely the prey in this scenario.

“Now,” his voice rumbled, a low growl that resonated through my very core. “Say it to my face!” The command was rough, laced with something primal. It bypassed my normal defiance, making obedience feel strangely natural. Why should I obey him, a creature who held my body, soul, and mind captive? That was the unnerving part.

My breath hitched, then surged back, filling my lungs with a gasp. His gaze still held me captive, a seductive snare. Fear? Not a chance. I’d never been afraid of him, his family, or their kind. So why should his mesmerizing charm suddenly unnerve me? I scoffed internally. I’m a woman of my word, and I wouldn’t crumble now.

The allure was undeniable, yet I managed a defiant, “Fuck you.”

His expression darkened, surprised by my defiance. A powerful Vimic, capable of snuffing out my existence with a mere thought, and here I was, flinging insults his way.

A smirk played on his lips, infuriatingly attractive. His lips... Damn it. I forced the thought away. No. This wasn’t the time to be appreciating his kissable lips. A million “fuck yous” were simmering on my tongue. He might be able to charm others, but I wouldn’t be another mindless pawn. The desire to kiss him might be there, a rogue yearning, but it wouldn’t control me. Why? Because, duh, I loathed him and his entire bloodthirsty clan.

“Weird,” he murmured. “You didn’t fall.”

“And why in the world would I?” I countered, my voice laced with scorn. “You’re the last man – or should I say, vampire – I’d ever fall for.”

His gaze held mine captive. “Strange,” he muttered, more to himself than me. “My powers never falter... they worked flawlessly all day. Why on earth wouldn’t they work on you?”

I was breathless as I retorted, “Don’t get cocky just because you belong to the almighty Vimic clan! You can’t control everyone, not even me! Your infernal abilities don’t work on all mortals.”

“You’re right,” he conceded, a flicker of surprise crossing his irresistible features. “My powers have always been infallible... with everyone but you.” He paused, his voice dropping a notch. “You must be an exception. You must be something else.”

I bristled at being labeled as ‘something else,’ when he was the true anomaly—a goddamn vampire.

A jolt of fear shot through me as his hand clamped onto my shoulder. One of his fingers, impossibly sharp and pointed, traced a chilling pattern on my skin. His face, a looming shadow, hovered dangerously close. A soft bump as our heads collided sent our eyes locking again. While he may have had control over my body, my soul, and even my thoughts, he couldn’t force me to submit to his likely depraved desires.

His gaze felt like a scanner, dissecting every fiber of my being. The only beauty I could register at that moment were his eyes, still the color of a dying sun.

“Morwenna,” he whispered my name, sending chills down my spine. He had delved into my thoughts, uncovering my name, my very existence. “I know you, Morwenna. I’ve seen you in my dreams, Morwenna. I’ve been intrigued by your curiosity to learn more about me, Morwenna. It’s a delicious flame.” His voice dripped with hunger, and his gaze held an intimate intensity that made me feel exposed, as if he could devour me in that moment. “And I’m going to make you mine, Morwenna,” he added, his words laden with a possessive fervor that sent a shiver of fear and confusion through me.

I had hoped he would kill me, but his declaration filled me with a different kind of dread.

I despised him with every fiber of my being, and the thought of being his was unbearable.

But his words held a different edge now, not just a threat, but a raw possession. Hating him felt futile; escaping him, impossible.

“I will never be yours,” I whispered back, my voice trembling only slightly.

A slow smile played on his lips. “You will be. Watch me claim what’s mineee,” he drawled, his voice deep and chillingly cold. The tension in the air crackled with his words, and my heart racing with uncertainty about what he might do next.

“What are you going to do?” I ventured to ask, my voice barely audible.

“This,” he said, and with that, his long, sharp nail trailed down my arm, slipping beneath the black cloak I wore. It sent a tremor through me as the cool appendage brushed my skin. Was he going to mark me? I knew from my research that vampires often marked their mates, though typically on the neck. But I didn’t have much time to ponder, as a sharp pain shot through me. His nail pierced my skin, like a needle sinking deep into flesh. A cry of pain escaped my lips as my throat tightened with discomfort. The sensation was agonizing, unbearable, yet I couldn’t comprehend his intentions. Then, a strange sensation followed, a prickling warmth that spread from the wound. It felt as if he was planting something within me, something foreign and unsettling. And then he spoke, his voice cutting through my agony. “It hurts, doesn’t it?”

Of course it fucking does.

Tears welled in my eyes blurring my vision as I struggled to respond. It hurt like nothing I had ever felt before. With a swift motion, he withdrew his nail from my arm, leaving a trail of blood in its wake. His finger was stained with my blood, and his eyes glowed crimson with vampire hunger.

The air hung heavy with the metallic tang of blood, my blood.

His voice, a low rasp, sent shivers down my spine. “Your blood, Morwenna,” he murmured, his eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger. “So different. I caught the scent the moment you entered. And now...” He trailed off, a predatory smile twisting his lips. “It’s mine.”

Not his, Not his, Not his. I repeated the mantra deep within ragged breaths. He should just kill me already instead of spouting nonsense.

My breath hitched in my throat. “You’re going to kill me?” The words came out a choked whisper, laced with terror. Denial gnawed at me, but deep down, I knew he wouldn’t hesitate.

“No.” The word was sharp, immediate. The same hand that held the incriminating smear of my blood brushed against my jaw, his bloody thumb hovering over my lips. “I won’t kill you, Morwenna. I’ll claim you instead. Mark you as mine. But it will be on my terms.”

Frustration bubbled within me. He could have ended it all with a single bite, yet here he was, toying with me. “On your terms?” I echoed, bewildered.

A slow smile spread across his face. “Indeed. You must come to me willingly, Morwenna.”

Come to him willingly? The absurdity of it all made my head spin. His eyes, now the color of spilled wine, burned with a hunger that both terrified and exhilarated me. Then a wave of dizziness washed over me, my senses assaulted by a prickling heat. Was it him, or simply the aftereffects of the ordeal?

“I’ll find you, Morwenna,” he said, his voice a low growl. “No matter where you run.”

Run. How could I outrun a creature of the night? The very thought was laughable.

Fear warred with a strange, unfamiliar thrill within me.

His words were a twisted promise, a chilling threat laced with an undercurrent of something else entirely.

Escape seemed impossible, and yet, a part of me yearned for it. But escape from him? The very notion seemed absurd.

I felt trapped, yet strangely drawn. I hated I felt this type of way because the only escape was through him. Always him.