Panic surges through me as the tires of my charge’s capture car squeal against the wet asphalt, speeding away. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe Daman just got taken right in front of me. Then again, of course I can.
This is me messing up again, like I always do. I had one job—follow Daman—and I let my stupid feelings get in the way. I shove the self-pity down. Now isn’t the time.
I let my wolf’s instincts take over. I need to track, not to feel. I sprint back to my car, hands shaking as I jam the keys into the ignition. The engine roars to life and I peel out, chasing the fading taillights through the woods toward the city.
Guilt claws at me, but I don’t let it pull me under. Don’t think. Just act. That’s what I keep repeating to myself.
Last time I did that, I hurt Eevee. I’ve hated myself for it ever since. But I’d saved Jake that day too. And I have to protect Daman now, no matter who gets hurt.
The chase leads me downtown. The captor’s car turns sharply into a side street before disappearing behind a nondescript building that houses a club. A club known for its exclusivity and as a frequent haunt of the city’s vampire elite. My pulse thunders in my ears as I park in a nearby alley.
I find the car easily—it’s being parked by a valet who glares at me suspiciously. Did the kidnappers just hand the car over and go inside with Daman? But why bring him here, of all places? Isn’t this a popular spot among vampires?
Surely someone would recognize him. Something’s off. It’s my only lead. I have to get inside.
The club sits below a dimly lit bar lounge where vampires sip drinks made of one ingredient. At the entrance, a hostess greets me with a cold smile. “Do you have a reservation, Miss? ” she asks.
“No—please, I have to get inside. ”
“We don’t let customers in without a reservation. ”
I calculate my options. Punching my way in wouldn’t be discreet.
Then I remember Ian mentioning that his name would get me into any vampire scene. “I’m with the Cromwells,” I declare. The hostess’s face brightens. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?
Please, come in. ”
I enter the bar and scan the crowd for Daman. Nothing. What if I trailed the wrong car?
What if this was a decoy? Don’t think. An elegant man who appears to be in his early forties—though he could be centuries older—approaches me. “Welcome.
Please make yourself at home. I’m Marco Rossi, and I own this establishment. Any friend of the Cromwells is a friend of mine. ”
I search his expression for deceit, but find none.
Either he doesn’t know Daman is here, or he’s a very good liar. “I’m looking for Damien Cromwell,” I say carefully. “Have you seen him? ”
He shakes his head.
“Not tonight. Trust me, I’d know if he was here. It wouldn’t do me good to ignore a client like that. ”
He sounds sincere.
I take a shot. “Mind if I head downstairs to check? We were supposed to meet up here tonight, but I don’t see him. ”
Rossi nods and personally leads me toward a back elevator.
It’s almost too easy. Something feels off. But it’s not like I have a choice. The club below is throbbing with bass.
Neon lights cast long shadows against polished concrete and exposed brick. I scan the room, my werewolf senses cutting through the haze of alcohol and sweat, seeking Daman’s scent. There he is. In a dimly lit booth, surrounded by a small entourage of vampires, looking suspiciously relaxed.
A vacant smile on his lips. “Well, as you can see, he isn’t here,” Marco Rossi tells me impassively. “What do you mean he isn’t here? ” I protest, pointing.
“He’s right there. ”
Rossi frowns, looking at the booth. “Where? I don’t see him.
”
I glare at him. Is he sincerely blind or just a talented gaslighter? Either way, I don’t have time for this. I push through the crowd of dancers—some human, mostly vampire—toward Daman.
“Damian! ” I exclaim when I reach his booth. He blinks slowly before giving me a happy grin. “Oh hey, Chloe.
”
Beside him, a thin blonde in a silver dress sends me a cold look while rubbing Daman’s shoulder. Before I can react, a male vampire in a slick dark suit steps in front of me. “Get lost, kid,” he threatens, grabbing my arm. I shrug him off.
“Let Damien go. ”
The vampire isn’t impressed. “I wasn’t asking. ”
Behind us, Daman tries to stand, but another vampire shoves him back down.
The girl in the silver dress takes that as an opportunity to sit on his lap, making him smile. I grind my teeth. I grab the vampire’s face and headbutt him in the nose, then swiftly turn to kick another attacker coming at me from behind. “Damian, get up, come on!
” I shout, reaching my hand toward him. He smiles peacefully but doesn’t move. Arms wrap around my shoulders, trying to immobilize me. “Enough of you,” a vampire hisses in my ear.
I kick my boot into his groin, punch him in the face, and break free just in time to dodge another hit. I grab a wrist and spin my attacker into the ground. A blow lands on my back, sending pain flaring. I spin and throw my elbow—it connects with a jaw, and I hear the sharp snap.
Eve’s face flashes in my mind. Her eyes wide with fear. No time. No guilt.
Not now. Another vampire lunges. I slam my palm into his chest, and he hits the wall, the thud drowned out by the music. They keep coming.
Fangs flash. I twist away, feeling air rush past my neck as teeth just miss. A heavy hit to my ribs makes me gasp. Another vampire grins viciously as he strikes.
I roll, barely avoiding his grasp. In my peripheral vision, I catch the blonde girl still seated on Daman’s lap. She slips something into the pocket of his jacket, then moves away. I’m distracted.
I don’t move fast enough. A suspicious click sounds, and then a gunshot fires. I dive behind the bar as screams echo around me. People flee in a panicked wave.
I can’t see who took the shot, but Daman is still sitting in his seat, holding his head like he’s in pain. I jump out and run toward him against the sea of fleeing dancers. But just as I’m about to reach him, I feel hard metal against the back of my head. I freeze.
“I’ve had just about enough of you,” a vampire says, finger on the trigger. My eyes meet Daman’s. They widen with shock. “Stop,” he says.
I close my eyes, expecting death. But a second passes. Another. And then I realize everyone has stopped screaming and moving.
The only noise is the music still blasting through the club. I try to open my eyes but can’t. I can’t move at all. “Oh, sorry,” I hear Daman laugh.
“You’re free, Chloe. ”
My eyes snap open. I move away from the attacker easily. He’s frozen in place, face blank, gun still pointed at the empty space I occupied moments ago.
I wave a hand in front of his eyes—no reaction. I take the gun from his hands. Everything and everyone is still. People run in place.
Others cower behind furniture. No one moves. It’s like time itself has stopped. “All right, let’s get out of here,” Daman says, rising unsteadily from his seat.
I rush to his side, draping his arm over my shoulder. “Did you do this? ” I gasp. “Looks like it,” he replies unfazed.
This is insane. An entire crowd of people frozen because Daman uttered one word. Unlike when his grandfather used his powers on me, I didn’t even feel Daman’s compulsion hit. “You can move again in fifteen minutes,” Daman tells no one in particular as we step into the elevator.
“You won’t remember anything out of the ordinary happening. ”
“Damian,” I say, my mind reeling. “Do you mean to tell me you could have just asked these people to release you at any time? ”
He gives me a sheepish look.
That’s all the answer I need. I’m about to yell at him when we exit the elevator. Upstairs in the bar, everyone is frozen too. Glasses hover at people’s lips, drops of drinks dripping onto shirts and dresses.
Waiters stand mid-service. Clients are caught in mid-conversation. The room is utterly silent. “Oh my God,” I whisper, stunned and slightly afraid.
I throw a nervous glance at Daman. Why is he looking at me like that? He looks upset. My wolf tenses.
“Are you afraid of me? ” he asks, accusatory. “You did freeze me,” I mutter. “I couldn’t move or open my eyes.
”
“I would never use my powers on you on purpose,” he says, sounding sincerely hurt. He sags against me, his eyes shutting. He looks unwell. Blood is still dripping from his nose.
“What’s wrong? ” I ask, worry overtaking my fear. “You have that look in your eyes,” he whispers. “Like you’re afraid of me.
”
He starts coughing up blood—alarming amounts of it. My heart skips. A second ago I was afraid of him. Now I’m afraid for him.
“They poisoned you again? ” I goof internally at the stupidity of my question. “We need to get you some blood. ”
The streets are nearly empty.
I can’t just ask a passerby. Please tell me you keep emergency blood bags in the car,” I say, looking under the seats. Daman grunts something inaudible before coughing again. I should have thought of this.
Ian told me what to do if Daman got poisoned again. “It’s not your fault, Chloe,” Daman says weakly, reaching for my hand. “I’ll see you soon. ”
He squeezes my fingers and gives me a reassuring smile.
“I think you’re dying,” I tell him, terrified. His gaze meets mine—peaceful, serene. No sorrow, no fear. “It’s fine.
”
He says it like he’s passing up food or a drink. Like he doesn’t care at all that he’s about to die. Then he starts convulsing. “Here,” I tell him, snapping my wrist to his lips.
“Drink from me. Come on, Daman. ”
He doesn’t react. He’s unconscious.
He’s dying. I bite into my own skin as hard as I can, ignoring the pain as flesh tears and blood leaks down my arm. I press my wrist to his mouth, holding his head upright. “Come on, Damian.
Please. ”
For too long, nothing happens. I’m certain I’ve lost him. Then his eyes snap open.
There’s no kindness or peaceful resolve left in them. Only pure, unadulterated hunger. He seizes me with bone-crushing force, tearing a small scream from my lips, and sinks his teeth into my arm. —
Six years ago.
Harry lunges forward, his movements a blur. I dodge left, barely avoiding his outstretched hand, and spin to face him again. “You’re getting faster,” he comments, blocking my swipe. His approval sends a wave of pride through me.
Then he adds, “Stronger,” and the pride swells. I’m glad I get to practice with him today. He’s been so busy lately, traveling more and more for his university studies. I can tell it makes him happy to be independent from the pack.
I’m glad our Alpha has allowed it. But I miss him. I have no one to confide in without Harry. And I have my mate now, but it’s not the same.
I want to impress Nate, to make him proud. I can’t share my shortcomings with him like I would with Harry. With a sudden burst of energy, I feint left and strike right, catching Harry off guard. My palm connects with his chest, sending him staggering back.
“Well done, Chloe! ” he exclaims, gray eyes lighting up with genuine surprise. I beam, panting. “All thanks to you.
Without your help, I’d never have been strong enough to deserve a wolf like Nate for a mate. ”
Harry’s expression shifts. His smile fades into a frown. “You don’t have to prove your worth to anyone.
Nate should love you for who you are, not for how strong you become. ”
I hesitate, searching his face. Harry is the Alpha’s favored pack member, along with Jake. He’s good-looking, talented, powerful.
What does he know about proving himself? He doesn’t need to—everyone already looks up to him. “I want him to be proud of me,” I finally mutter. “He mated with me despite who I am.
I owe him so much. ”
Harry’s eyes widen slightly. He considers his next words carefully. “I would rather hope that he mated with you because he loves you.
Sometimes, Chloe, when you speak of him, you make it sound as if—”
“I thought you liked Nate? ” I interrupt, feeling hurt. “Why are you saying these things? I’m lucky to have found my fated mate.
”
Harry releases a small sigh. “If he makes you happy, then that’s all that matters. ”
I nod slowly. The clearing is bathed in golden light, the air fresh with earth and pine.
“You’re still coming with us to visit Nate’s old pack today, right? ” I ask as we head back. “Yeah. Rowan would like me to meet with their new Alpha.
”
I find it strange that Rowan sent Harry instead of Jake. Jake is the one who’ll be replacing Rowan as Alpha soon, not Harry. To my regret, I think Harry would make a great Alpha. “I’m going to tell him that,” I say.
Harry laughs. “Jake is much better suited for the job. Besides, I’ve been asked by my university professor to accompany him on his next dig in South America. ”
We split up once we arrive home.
I hurry to my room to shower and change, carefully picking my outfit. I hesitate between a light pink dress I know Nate likes but which might be too revealing for meeting his family, and a more modest black dress. I decide on the black. Nate says he loves me in black.
When I come back down, Nathan isn’t there yet, but Jake is, speaking conspiratorially with Harry. “Chloe! ” Jake greets, flashing one of his dazzling smiles. I hope I’m not blushing too much.
Judging by Harry’s amused expression, I probably am. “I’ll be coming with you instead of Harry,” Jake announces, slapping Harry on the back. “You don’t mind having me, do you? ”
“Of course not,” I reply, hoping Nate won’t mind either.
Jake wraps an arm around my shoulder. “See? Chloe doesn’t mind me. ”
Harry rolls his eyes.
“I never said she’d mind. But your father asked me to—“
“Who cares? We switch places all the time. Say, Chloe, what do you think about Seth?
Mr. Big Shot New Alpha? ”
“Seth? ” I ask nervously.
There’s tension underneath Jake’s light tone. He smells angry, territorial. “I… well, Nate says he’s pretty inexperienced. ”
“Inexperienced!
” Jake exclaims with a content nod. “That’s what I thought. Explains quite a lot, actually. ”
I breathe a sigh of relief.
Good. That was the right answer. Next to me, Harry purses his lips. “What happened?
” he asks Jake. “Nothing. Poor guy doesn’t know any better. So I’m just going to politely remind him of some basic rules of conduct.
”
His smile doesn’t seem friendly whatsoever. “Is this about Viv? ” Harry guesses, in the tone of someone who’s been through this before. Jake and Vivian have been pretty much engaged for as long as I can remember, and they’ve been butting heads for even longer.
Harry’s usually in the middle, trying to keep the peace. “Nope,” Jake snaps, slamming the car door. “She has nothing to do with it. ”
Harry sighs in a way that makes it clear he doesn’t believe a word of it.
“I’m coming too,” he declares. “I don’t think you should. Let me deal with this. ” Jake’s voice drops, suddenly more menacing.
“It’ll be me handling all this soon anyway. I might as well get started now. ”
Harry ends up agreeing, but not before sending a wary glance as we climb into the car. In the following years, I’ll often think back on this moment and wonder how things would have turned out if he’d come with us that day.
Probably very different. Harry always fixes everything. If he’d tagged along, Jake would have become our Alpha and mated with Vivian. Nate and I would still be happy and part of the pack.
And Eevee’s life wouldn’t have been ruined by me. —
Present day. Daman’s teeth piercing my skin is slightly uncomfortable, though not as much as I expected. Then the discomfort fades, leaving only the sensation of his lips on me, his body against mine.
He relaxes his hold, and I wonder why I was ever warned against a vampire’s bite. It really isn’t so bad. If letting him drink from me helps him recover, I’m glad. But then it begins.
First, warmth inside my wrist—soft, pleasant—growing languidly up my arm. A tingling sensation that spreads to my chest and stomach, becoming more pressing, scorching. My skin feels too tight, like before a turn into my wolf form. Perhaps even more pressing than that.
The strange thought that I wish Daman would suck harder crosses my mind. I wrap my fingers around his hair, pushing him on. I close my eyes as he adds more pressure. The warmth spreads, intensifying with each pull of his lips.
It seeps through my veins—sweet, thick—leaving me panting. The world dims. My focus narrows to the point where his mouth meets my skin. A very loud, very telling moan escapes my lips.
Daman abruptly pulls away. “Are you okay? ” he asks, looking worried. “Does it hurt?
”
I feel dizzy and embarrassed, but mostly ridiculously aroused. “Hm? No,” I reply, distracted by the blood on his lips. His eyes are dark, pupils blown.
There’s a slight blush to his cheeks that reminds me of how he looked after drinking from Gemma. The thought stirs my wolf’s anger. I hesitate only briefly before putting my hands on his shoulders and pulling him toward me. “Chloe, what are you—”
My lips crash onto his.
My wolf rejoices at tasting the blood on them. Daman is frozen for a moment. There’s hesitation in his touch, his fingers softly grazing my back as if testing the reality of the moment. Then something shifts.
He pulls me onto his lap, his lips moving against mine with fervor that matches my racing heart. This isn’t hunger for blood—it’s hunger for whatever is blooming between us. Then, as abruptly as it started, he pulls away. “We can’t,” he says, sounding pained.
“What do you mean, we can’t? ” I don’t understand. My head is spinning. He moves me so he’s in the driver’s seat, and the distance between us feels unbearable.
I groan in protest, trying to hold onto him. “I’m going to drive us home, okay? ” he says in a kind, patient voice, fastening my seat belt for me. Why is he acting like this?
Does he not feel what I feel? Does he not want me? “My Chloe,” he murmurs, caressing my cheek. His eyes look sad, torn.
“I’m sorry. This must be confusing. ”
“Did I do something wrong? ” I ask unsteadily.
“You did nothing wrong, love,” he replies, eyes fixed on the road. “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have bitten you. ”
His scent is thick with desire.
I can almost taste it. He does want me. So why is he—
“That’s the venom talking, Chloe. It makes you feel good.
Pliant. It’s not real. ”
I frown. Gemma’s blissful expression flashes before my eyes.
“You always smell good,” I sigh. “Bite or not. ”
Stupor briefly crosses his face before he schools it. “You’ve never said that to me before,” he says quietly.
“I thought vampires smelled like death. ”
He interrupts himself, but I don’t care what he was about to say. My skin is scorching. I feel like I’m about to burst with need.
“Damian, please. I need—” I’m not sure what I need. Everything. Him.
His lips. His body. His teeth. I shift closer, movements languid.
His grip tightens on the steering wheel. For a moment I fear I’ve pushed him too far. But then he reaches over, brushing a strand of hair from my face with such tenderness it makes my heart ache. “Chloe, don’t say things like that.
”
“Why not? ” I smile. It’s working. I can tell he wants me too.
He lets out a startled laugh. “That was never in question,” he says, speeding up. “But what I want isn’t important right now. ”
My wolf is preening.
I would be too, except the lack of contact is becoming almost painful. Thankfully, his car slows as we approach his house. He carries me inside, and when he puts me down on my bed, I throw my arms around his shoulders, pulling him into another kiss. He briefly responds before pulling away with a groan.
“Chloe, I really should go. ”
I topple him onto the mattress and climb on top of him. “I want to be with you,” I confess, sincerity piercing through the pleasant haze. His eyes are fully black now.
I think it looks beautiful. “And I want you to bite me again,” I add, stretching my neck toward him. His hold tightens. “Chloe, you’re high.
You’re not yourself. ”
I frown. Everything does feel hazy, but it honestly feels too good to care. “Is it because you think you’re taking advantage of me?
Because I was attracted to you before, you know. ”
Daman smirks. “I know, darling. ” He sits up, pulling me flush against him.
“But I’d like you to experience our first time together sober. ” He wraps his arms around me. “I don’t think I’ll be able to stop if I bite you again, my Chloe. I’ve missed you.
”
Confusion pierces the haze. “What do you mean you missed me? You see me every day. ”
I feel him tense.
Then he puts his hands on my face, turning it toward his, looking directly into my eyes. “Just pretend I didn’t say that. Forget about it. ”
I nod, already forgetting what I was supposed to forget.
It feels important, though. My wolf urges me to hold onto it. But then Daman whispers for me to go to sleep, and everything goes black. —
Six years ago.
It’s not the first time I’ve visited Nate’s old pack. Their headquarters remain unchanged despite Seth recently becoming Alpha. The property is expansive, rolling fields stretching toward dense woodlands. The main house is an impressive blend of weathered stone and dark wood, each detail projecting warmth and hospitality almost too deliberately.
I don’t really like coming here. The edges feel too sharp, the spaces too perfectly arranged. I look around for Nate, wondering why he left on his own instead of waiting for me. The greetings Jake and I receive are cordial but lack warmth.
Then I hear a voice behind me. “Where were you? ”
Nate is strolling toward me, his expression twisted in a frown I’m unused to. “Where was I?
Where were you? We were supposed to leave together. ”
“Yeah,” he interrupts, crossing his arms. “Two hours ago.
I couldn’t find you. I thought you’d stood me up. ”
He looks genuinely hurt. “I told you I was going to train with Harry until noon,” I remind him.
“No, you didn’t. ” He looks at me straight in the eyes, then softens. “You’re so forgetful, baby. You must have forgotten.
You forget things all the time. ”
He’s smiling intimately, like we’re in on the same joke. He looks happy again. That’s what matters.
“I guess I am quite forgetful,” I concede. Nate winks. “I love you for all your faults, baby. I even like your black dress.
Even though I know you know I hate you in black. ”
I blink. I thought he liked it. Had I misunderstood?
“Anyway,” I say, changing the subject, “Harry and I had a great training session this morning. I even managed to hit him once. ”
Nate laughs. “Baby, that’s just because he let you hit him.
”
“No, he didn’t,” I protest. “He wouldn’t do that. ”
“Oh, because he’s so perfect? You’re amazing, Harry, who’s so much better than me?
”
“What? Nate, what are you talking about? ”
“I would appreciate it if you didn’t try to put me down all the time, Chloe. I know you’re insecure, but I’m tired of you taking that out on me and making me feel like I’m not enough.
”
My mind buzzes with retorts and denials. I’m gaping at him like a fish. “I’m not trying to put you down,” I protest, throat tight. “Oh?
Spending all morning with one guy and then showing up here with another isn’t to piss me off? What is it, then? You just don’t think about me at all. ”
“That’s not true.
”
“The two most important wolves in our pack,” Nate sneers. “Just say it if I’m not enough for you. ”
He turns away from me before I can reply. “You know what?
I don’t feel like hanging out today. I need some time with positive people who genuinely care about my well-being. See you at home. ”
He walks off, leaving me frozen in place.
What is wrong with me that I’ve upset him so? He’s always so happy with me, so loving. But ever since Harry came back from his last trip, he’s been agitated. Does I really make Nate feel like I love Harry more than him?
It’s completely different. Harry is family. Nate is my mate. He should have said if he felt threatened.
Then again, I should have known. We’re mated. I should know how he feels all the time. I’m a terrible mate.
Otherwise Nate wouldn’t be so mad. My thoughts are interrupted when I notice a familiar silhouette walking quickly in the distance. A girl slightly older than me with short light brown hair and hazel eyes that look like Nate’s. Eevee.
She looks distraught. Her scent smells like fear and aggression even from here. I debate whether to follow her, but then a familiar voice echoes from the direction she’s heading. Jake.
And he sounds angry. I trail after Eevee, determined to make sure everything is all right. Angry words and yelling echo around the field. By the time I reach the barn, it’s obvious Jake and Seth are arguing violently.
I reach the barn just as Eevee does. Hidden in the shadows, we peer into the dimly lit interior. Inside, Jake and Seth are locked in a violent confrontation. Fists fly, growls pierce the air.
They’re too engrossed to notice us. Seth lunges, but Jake counters, landing a punishing blow. Seth staggers back, blood spattering the dusty floor. He wipes his mouth, charges again in desperation.
Their bodies slam with force that shakes the tools on the walls. Jake’s attacks grow more precise, more relentless. Seth’s defenses crumble. The fight tips irrevocably in Jake’s favor.
Beside me, Eevee trembles. Her eyes are fixed on her pack’s Alpha being beaten down. Her distress morphs into fierce protective rage, and her body begins to shift uncontrollably. It’s swift—a testament to her raw emotions.
She’s almost fully turned. Large and imposing. Poised to leap into the fray. My heart skips.
There’s no mistaking her intentions. She’s going to attack Jake from behind. He can’t see her. I scream, but he doesn’t react.
He’s focused on punching Seth. She’s going to hit him from behind. Her scent is violent, afraid, filled with primal desperation to protect her Alpha. I need to protect mine too.
The next thing I know, I’m in my wolf form, plunging toward Eevee, baring my fangs. My wolf wants blood. Seconds later, its taste erupts onto my tongue as Eevee’s piercing howl fills the air. —
Present day.
I wake up to the sound of the house staff moving about efficiently outside my bedroom. As I take in my surroundings—still fully dressed in yesterday’s clothes—everything comes back to me in waves. Visiting Daman’s other house. His kidnapping.
The club. His display of power. Him biting me. Then I muffle a mortified scream into my pillow.
What was I thinking, throwing myself at him like that? I remember telling him in great detail how much I wanted him, asking him to do things to me while he remained stoic and distant, politely declining my advances. What must he think of me? He has a girlfriend—one he visits at night.
I’ve seen them together, and still I threw myself at him shamelessly. I groan. He did say this was due to the venom in vampire bites. I’d never heard of such a thing.
And I did reveal that I’d been attracted to him before the bite—which is sadly the truth. And I scent-marked him like he belongs to me, despite being mated to someone else. I’m the worst. I hate myself.
“Miss Chloe! ” Miss Jones’s stern voice echoes behind my door. Before I can respond, she bursts in. “Oh good, you’re awake.
What are you still doing in bed at this hour? Never mind. I’ll send someone to help you get ready. Master Cromwell is here and wishes to see you.
”
It takes me a minute to realize she probably means Ian, not Daman. My heart sinks. Did Daman tell him how I failed at protecting him before sexually harassing him? He’s going to fire me.
After I shower, a stylist tells me what to wear, and a makeup artist deals with my face despite my protests that I’m probably about to be kicked out. Then I’m escorted to the reception area where Ian is waiting. “Sir—” I begin, ready to apologize. He turns to face me, his mouth stretching into a wide, pleased smile.
“There she is! The lady of the hour! ” He places his hands on my shoulders. “I believe congratulations are in order.
Damien told me what happened last night. ”
A memory of me kissing his grandson against his will erupts in my mind. My cheeks burn. “He did?
”
“Yes. How you managed to track him down, extract him safely from the club, and even kindly give him some of your blood to help him recover from the poison he’d been administered. ” He gives me a warm, genuine smile. “I can’t thank you enough, my dear.
Not only did you protect Damien effectively, but you also figured out who’s been behind these attacks. ”
I frown. “Marco Rossi? ”
“Damien mentioned you’d run into him.
Seems he was hoping his men would stop you and get rid of you more effectively in the process. ”
“But why pretend he couldn’t see Daman? ” I ask. “You know, we’ve been allies for years, him and I,” Cromwell muses.
“I can’t believe I sponsored him into power, only to be betrayed like this. You can’t trust anybody these days. ”
My stomach unsettles, but I nod weakly. “Anyway, I can’t thank you enough.
Now that this has been dealt with, I can focus on reigning in the vampires to respect the Accords again. I’d love to thank your Alpha in person. ”
“Oh, that won’t be necessary,” I protest. The less Harry knows about my involvement with the vampires, the better.
“Well, maybe a nice bonus then. You absolutely must keep all the clothes and jewelry you acquired while working with us. ” He pauses. “And if there’s anything else you’d like before you go… Surely you’ll be eager to go back to your family now that your job is over.
Though perhaps you’ll consider paying Damien a visit before you leave, to bid him farewell. He’s grown quite fond of you, I can tell. ”
My throat tightens. “Thank you, Mr.
Cromwell. ”
I head back to my room at a painfully slow pace. This went better than I thought. But it doesn’t matter—I still have to leave.
I won’t be staying with Daman anymore. That’s good, because I don’t know how I can stand to be in the same room as him. But then again, it means I won’t get to see him smile or make stupid flirty jokes. And who’s going to make sure he doesn’t get poisoned again if I go?
Gemma? I grind my teeth. “May I ask if Master Damien has a moment for me? ” I ask Miss Jones, my heart pounding.
She agrees, though not before sending me a judgmental look. A minute later, I nervously knock on his bedroom door. My humiliation evaporates when I’m faced with his impenetrable blue gaze. He’s lounging in a chair, a book in hand.
“Chloe,” he says impassively. “I’ve come to say goodbye,” I blurt. “Your grandfather seems to think your life is no longer in danger, so there’s no need for me to stay. You don’t need me anymore, right?
”
When Daman doesn’t reply immediately, I raise my eyes, hoping for some sign he’s sorry to see me go. “Right,” he says slowly. “Well, thank you for your services then. ”
The worst part is, he isn’t being unkind.
He’s simply indifferent. As he should be. I’m only an employee. “My pleasure,” I reply, blushing at my own words.
Why did I say pleasure? “Goodbye. ”
I practically run out of the room. Once safely inside my own, I sink to the floor and bury my face in my hands.
This is it. Time to go home. Back to the situation I was trying to escape. I can’t even bring myself to care.
All I can think about is that I’ll never see Daman again. My eyes fall on the book he lent me. The Time Traveler’s Wife. I should give it back.
Or maybe I could ask to keep it and return it later. That way I’ll get to see him one more time. I grab the book and open my door—and stop dead in my tracks when I almost run straight into Daman, standing outside my room, fist raised like he was about to knock. “Oh,” I say dumbly.
“Yes,” he says, clearing his throat. “It occurred to me that, as I mentioned, there are still tons of people out there who want to kill me. ”
“Surely tons? ”
“At least,” he says seriously, closing my door behind him.
“I’m actually quite insufferable when you think about it. Who wouldn’t want me dead? ”
His eyes search my expression just as much as mine search his. “Right,” I tell him.
“That can’t be good. ”
He moves closer, close enough that I can feel the rise and fall of his chest against mine. “Definitely not. ”
His gaze lowers toward my lips.
“I’d feel much better if someone could ensure my well-being. Someone with experience. ”
“I have experience,” I reply stupidly, angling my head toward him. His hands clasp my lower back, reeling me in until our heads are bent together.
“My thoughts exactly. ”
His lips claim mine. —
Two weeks ago. I apply a heavy dose of perfume to my neck, hoping it will mask Nate’s scent.
I’ve scrubbed my skin for a good half hour, but he spent the day thoroughly scent-marking me despite my protests. Tonight I’ll be surrounded by wolves—the entire pack plus at least a hundred guests from nearby packs. Any of them could easily pick out my mate’s scent on me. I gulp nervously, adding concealer to hide my blush.
It probably won’t work. Should I pretend to be sick? Surely with so many guests, no one would miss me. “Chloe!
” Emma’s voice sings through my door. Before I can reply, she bursts in. She looks beautiful in her light blue dress. “What are you wearing?
” she asks, inspecting my outfit with a frown. I look down at the long, loosely fitted dress Nate instructed me to wear. “You don’t like the color? ” I ask, frowning.
“The cut? ”
“The entire thing,” she says, walking over to my closet and pulling out a red dress that used to belong to her. “Wear this. ”
“Emma, we look nothing alike.
And besides, Nate likes me in modest clothes. ”
“And I like you in stunning ones. ” She thrusts the dress at me. “Come on, you’re going to be my date tonight.
I don’t know anybody at this party, and you know how shy I am. ”
Emma isn’t remotely shy. She’s rather the opposite. But I’m touched she wants to spend the evening with me.
“What about Harry? ” I ask as we arrive downstairs. “He’s on babysitting duty. ” Emma points to our left.
Harry stands between Jake and Vivian, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. The pair seems engrossed in yet another argument. “Why would I get her a present? Your grandmother hates me,” Vivian is saying.
“Yes, strange, seeing how you’re so warm and lovable,” Jake replies sarcastically, earning himself a violent kick to the shin. Harry rubs the bridge of his nose and escorts a limping Jake away. Everyone is staring at Emma. “They’re curious about you because you’re Harry’s mate,” I explain.
Some of these guests could really afford to be more discreet. Half look at her like she’s a zoo animal; the other half like they’re about to eviscerate her. Emma shrugs. “All right, so everybody’s going to either hate me because they’re jealous or hate me because I’m not good enough.
”
“I’m sorry,” I say. “It’s cool. I don’t care. ” She grins.
“Is there anyone I should introduce myself to? ”
I scan the room, eager to take her mind off the attention. Then my heart skips a beat. Across the room, a tall, dark-haired woman with hazel eyes is limping through the crowd.
A frown on her face. I feel faint. “Chloe? ” Emma asks, putting a hand on my arm.
“What’s wrong? ”
I didn’t know she’d be here. Why is she here? Her gaze catches mine.
I gasp. “Chloe, where are you going? ” Emma calls, following me as I run back out of the room into the library. “Eevee,” I gasp, feeling short of breath.
“Eevee is here. ”
“Who’s Eevee? ”
“Nate’s sister. ” I kneel on the floor, trying to catch my breath.
“I haven’t seen her in years. I can’t face her. ”
“Who cares what she thinks? You were right to dump his ass.
”
“No, Emma, you don’t get it. I ruined her life. I attacked her once and nearly killed her. She was paralyzed from the waist down for years afterwards.
”
Emma is stunned silent for a minute. “Oh,” she says after a while. “Yeah, that’s way worse than my thing. ”
I laugh, but it’s not joyful.
“Jake was fighting with her Alpha, Seth. I guess she tried to jump in to defend him. She was about to attack Jake from behind, but he didn’t notice her. I panicked, and the next thing I knew, she was lying before me.
There was blood everywhere—on the floor, in my mouth. ”
Emma wraps her arms around me, holding me tight. “I couldn’t control my wolf at the time,” I sob. “This incident ruined Nate and I’s relationship.
He had to choose between me and the sister I hurt. He’s the way he is because of what I did. I’m a monster. ”
Emma shakes her head, but she doesn’t understand.
Without me, Nate would never have turned out the way he did. I did this to him. I did this to Eevee. —
Present day.
A week has passed since I rescued Daman. He’s softly caressing my hair, holding me close as I come back to my senses. My body is still getting used to vampire venom, though it’s been easier to stay lucid whenever Daman drinks from me. Probably thanks to my shifter powers—but Daman doesn’t know what I am.
He constantly worries about biting me, which usually ends up with me begging for it. He doesn’t know why he feels guilty about something that makes us both feel this good. I do feel guilty, though, because I know we break the Accords every time he drinks from me. But he doesn’t know.
I wish I could tell him. The only way to tell him the truth would be for his grandfather to lift his compulsion. But that would mean revealing that Daman and I have more than a boss-employee relationship now. I’m not sure what we are.
In the light of day, nothing has changed. Daman still parades me around like I’m his bride-to-be, and I still dress the part, draped on his arm. At night, though, it’s different. I slip into his room on some pretext, and we joke and flirt, pretending it’s innocent.
Then I feel his lips against my skin. We kiss until I’m dizzy and breathless, until our clothing disappears. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before, without the usual guilt and shame. I feel adored.
Safe. Beautiful. He looks at me like he sees me. It drives me insane.
Then his fangs find my neck or chest or inner thigh, and I beg until they sink into me. Afterward, I groan and hide my face in his shoulder, embarrassed by how vocal I’ve been. “It’s cute how embarrassed you get,” he observes. I punch his shoulder a little too hard.
“Sorry,” I grunt. He laughs, pinning me down on the bed to hover over me with a soft expression. “Never apologize to me, my Chloe. I love every moment I spend with you.
”
My heart freezes. “Who was that girl you visited the night you were kidnapped? ” I blurt before I can stop myself. His eyes widen into a horrified expression.
“Why are you asking about her now? Why, Chloe? We were having a moment. I don’t want to think about her.
”
“Well, excuse me for thinking about your girlfriend while we’re together naked. ”
He groans, pouting. “She’s my sister. I don’t want to think about my little sister when I’m naked in bed with you.
”
My jaw drops. His sister? He has a sister? Since when?
Does that mean he doesn’t have a girlfriend? “Were you jealous? ” he asks, amused. “I was just wondering,” I blurt.
But then my eyes meet his, and something in my chest blooms too big to contain. “I was kind of jealous, I guess. ”
He laughs—gleeful, delighted. “I knew it.
You’re so into me. ”
“That’s not helping,” I pout, turning away to avoid being kissed. He captures my face in his hands, his expression turning serious. “You have nothing to be jealous about, my Chloe.
I love you. There’s no one else but you. ”
My eyes widen. He can’t mean that.
Infinite joy wars with fear and guilt. If he truly loves me, that changes everything. It was already bad enough that he didn’t know I’m a wolf—a mated wolf. How will he react when I tell him?
How will he feel, so betrayed he wants nothing to do with me? I can’t lose him. “You don’t have to say it back,” he smiles, kissing the tip of my nose. “I can wait.
Though I should probably tell you—seeing how I’ve been drinking so much of your blood lately, we can’t very well continue like this without you officially becoming my bride. ”
“Your bride? ”
“You know, that thing you were supposed to act like you were before. ” He grins.
“If I continue drinking from you for too long, we’ll form a blood bond. I won’t be able to feed on anybody else until the day you die. We’ll be tied together—my survival depends entirely on you. ”
He says it lightly, but his eyes are serious.
Vulnerable. “You don’t have to say yes. In fact, I understand if you—” He looks uncertain, defeated, like he already expects my answer to be no. It’s so unusual to see him vulnerable.
“I can’t,” I gasp, tears pricking my eyes. His crestfallen expression is like a knife in my heart. “You don’t want to,” he says grimly. “It’s not that I don’t want to!
I would love nothing more than to be with you forever. But you don’t understand. Your grandfather—there are things I can’t tell you. I have to speak with Ian Cromwell and convince him to lift his compulsion so I can—”
“Chloe.
” Daman catches my wrist. “It’s okay. I do understand. ”
“No, you don’t!
”
“Wait. Is this about you being a werewolf? ”
I’m stunned speechless. How could he know?
“You knew? ” I squeak. He rolls his eyes. “Chloe, there were two werewolves following you the other day.
One is constantly hanging out in my backyard. And you beat up at least ten vampires with your bare hands. That wasn’t enough—you don’t pass out when I bite you. Of course you’re a werewolf.
”
I’m gaping. He’s known this entire time. “Why didn’t you say anything? ”
“You never mentioned it, so I thought it was something you weren’t comfortable talking about,” he says with a laugh.
He looks relieved, happy. He takes my hand and kisses it softly. “Were you afraid to tell me? Is that why you said you couldn’t be my bride?
”
I don’t know what to say. Relief and dangerous, delirious joy slowly take over. “Your heart? ” I whisper.
“It’s yours, Chloe,” he replies, pulling me toward him. “If you’ll have it. ”
Our lips meet in a kiss unlike any we’ve shared before—tender, longing. It does nothing to slow my tears.
“We’ll still need to ask for my grandfather’s permission,” he tells me later. “But don’t worry. I’m sure he’s going to love the idea. ”
—
The next morning, I absolutely hate the idea.
“I absolutely hate the idea! ” Ian Cromwell’s voice booms from the next room, as furious as I’ve ever heard it. “I forbid it, do you hear me? It’s out of the question!
”
I wince from the sitting area where I’ve been told to wait while Daman asks his grandfather for permission to make me his bride. He was so confident his grandfather would agree. Ian was the one person in his family who’d always supported him, unlike his mother, who Daman detests. Cold-hearted to the point of psychopathy.
His mother had no interest in a human daughter, which is why Daman hid his little sister from her. Ian had taken the sister’s side and ensured his protection. If there was one person Daman trusted among the vampires, it was Ian. He was somehow more tolerant and open-minded than most.
But now it appears that even for the man behind the Accords, a marriage between a vampire and a werewolf is too much to bear. “Get Chloe,” I hear him tell Daman. “There’s something you two need to know. ”
A few minutes later, Daman and I sit in front of Ian, nervously holding hands.
He towers over us, furious. “This needs to end,” he says, pointing an accusing finger at Daman. “You two have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. ”
“A blood bond between a vampire and a werewolf is simply unfeasible,” Ian says with a tired sigh.
He looks conflicted—not rethinking his position, but like he’s sorry for it. “That is the entire reason behind the Accords. ”
Daman and I exchange a confused glance. “What do you mean?
” Daman asks. “I thought the Accords were to maintain the peace between us. ”
Ian clenches his jaw. “It is, but not for the reason you may think.
” He rubs a tired hand over his face. “What I’m about to tell you is a breach of the Accords itself. You were never supposed to know. It was decided this was a secret best kept between the leaders of both parties to preserve the peace.
”
“How is that so, Gramps? We’re confused here,” Daman says impatiently. “Only a vampire king should know this. Therefore, most vampires aren’t aware of it.
” Ian turns to me. “And your Alpha knows, Chloe, like most other pack leaders. But other wolves wouldn’t. ”
“Yeah, we get it—big deadly secret.
Quit building the suspense,” Daman mutters. “Werewolf blood has healing properties,” Ian snaps. “So should a vampire form a blood bond with one, having to rely only on the werewolf’s blood to survive, that would—” He winces like the thought is abhorrent. “That would make said vampire mortal.
Essentially, the blood would heal the vampire back to life, and the vampire would age along with the wolf. ”
My eyes widen in shock. “You mean,” I say slowly, “that if I were to become Daman’s bride, it would eventually kill him?
”
Ian concludes with a thundering glare, his silence confirming everything.
