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I had never felt such a deep, all-consuming embarrassment in my life. It was one thing to be overtaken by desire, to feel it coursing through every inch of me, but it was something else entirely to have it laid bare for someone else to see—especially in a way I couldn’t control. I had always assumed that the most obvious physical sign of my arousal was the tightening of my nipples, but now this? A mortifying heat rushed through me, and for a fleeting moment, I wondered if it would have been less humiliating to simply throw myself at Hadrian rather than let him witness my need so raw, so undeniable. It felt as if I had been stripped bare, every vulnerable part of me exposed.

"Don't hide them," Hadrian murmured, his voice a hypnotic caress against my skin.

My breath hitched as I slowly lifted my hand, pressing my index finger against my lips before slipping it inside to confirm what I already suspected. My fangs had emerged. My fingertip grazed the smooth surface, trailing to the pointed edge, and just as I reached the sharp tip, my teeth instinctively retracted. But not before the razor-like edge nicked my skin. A sting bloomed across my fingertip, followed by the slow emergence of a single crimson droplet.

Before I could react, Hadrian was beside me, his speed blurring between one heartbeat and the next. His hand closed around mine, his grip warm, possessive. The moment our eyes met, I saw the hunger darken his gaze—a deep, carnal yearning that sent a tremor through me. Then, he brought my hand to his lips and traced his tongue over the wound, his breath hot against my skin.

His eyes fluttered shut as a deep growl rumbled from his chest.

"How is it possible that you taste even better now?"

His words shattered the last fragile thread of restraint I had left. A heartbeat later, my lips were on his, my kiss wild, consuming, unfiltered by thought or hesitation. I barely registered the moment he lifted me, carrying me through the space at a speed that left the world spinning. The transition blurred—I couldn’t tell when he had torn my dress away, when I had ended up tangled in his sheets, or when I had surrendered entirely to the chaos between us.

All I knew was that I needed him.

A strangled sound escaped my throat as his lips trailed over my skin, his touch leaving fire in its wake. He moved with a desperate reverence, as though he needed to devour me just as badly as I needed to be consumed.

I gasped as he unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the sculpted definition of his chest, his muscles flexing beneath smooth, flawless skin. My body writhed beneath him, aching for more, for the impossible relief he could give me. He leaned down, sliding the straps of my bra off my shoulders, his fingers dancing along the lace before peeling it away completely. My breath shuddered at the cool air kissing my exposed skin.

Hadrian stilled, his gaze raking over me with a low, guttural growl. Then, he bared his fangs.

"You are breathtaking, my love," he murmured, his voice thick with need.

I clenched my thighs together, my body pulsing with an unbearable ache, knowing what was coming and craving it in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. I could have come undone from anticipation alone. He knew exactly what his bite did to me, and he reveled in drawing out the moment, his lips teasing the delicate line of my neck, his tongue flicking over my pulse, savoring the tension coiling within me.

"You smell irresistible," he breathed against my skin, and then, finally—finally—his fangs pierced my flesh.

A sharp gasp tore from my lips as I arched against him, my fingers tangling in his hair, my nails raking down his back. The intoxicating blend of pain and pleasure sent me spiraling, my body instinctively pressing closer, silently begging for more. He drank from me in long, deep pulls, his hands roaming, exploring, teasing.

When he withdrew, his tongue lapped over the wound, his breath warm against my sensitive skin.

"You drive me insane," he whispered, voice thick with raw desire. In one fluid motion, he pulled me upright, holding me close.

I barely had time to catch my breath before I noticed the way he tilted his head, exposing the strong column of his throat. My heart pounded.

"Your turn, my love," he said, a slow, knowing smirk curving his lips. "I know you want to."

Despite my lingering embarrassment, my body responded before my mind could catch up. My fangs extended without conscious effort, an instinctive reaction to the intensity thrumming between us. A deep, restless hunger took hold of me, making my hands tremble as I placed them against his chest.

Hadrian groaned, the sound vibrating through my palms.

I smirked.

My fingers trailed along his neck, feeling the steady rhythm of his pulse beneath my touch. His scent wrapped around me, warm and dizzying.

"Do it," he commanded, his arms tightening around me, pulling me flush against him.

I hesitated only a second longer before I sank my fangs into his flesh. The moment his blood touched my tongue, my senses shattered. Pleasure crashed over me, white-hot and overwhelming. Hadrian groaned at the contact, the deep, primal sound sending a fresh wave of arousal straight through me.

His hands slid down my back, gripping my hips, lifting me effortlessly before slipping beneath me—

And in that moment, I knew there was no going back.

His fingers trailed down my sensitive skin, drawing a cry of pleasure from my lips. When they reached the seam of my sex, he didn’t hesitate—his touch became an intimate invasion, leaving me breathless. A hoarse moan escaped me as I clung to him, my need for his blood turning into an insatiable craving. Hadrian hissed, his fingers plunging deeper, moving faster, unraveling me until I shattered in his arms. My body trembled violently as I reached my peak, gasping for air as I withdrew my teeth from his flesh.

Spent, I collapsed against his chest, my breaths coming in ragged pants.

"Don’t pass out just yet, love. We’re only getting started," Hadrian murmured, amusement lacing his voice as he brushed a strand of hair from my damp cheek.

Before I could recover, he had me pinned beneath him, his hands tracing the sensitive skin of my inner thighs. He knelt between my legs, the thick head of his arousal pressing against my aching core. My breath hitched as he slid inside me, stretching me, filling me completely.

"You make me crave you more with every second," he whispered against my ear, his movements deep and unrelenting.

I whimpered, my nails raking down his back as pleasure consumed me. My fingers tangled in his hair, desperate for something to hold onto as he pushed me over the edge again and again, refusing to let up.

"Hadrian!" I gasped, my body convulsing around him. The moment I shattered, he followed, a guttural roar tearing from his throat—only to begin the relentless climb once more.

Hours later, we collapsed in each other’s arms, our sweat-slicked bodies molded together. Our laughter was breathless, delirious, filled with a kind of reckless joy.

"I love you, my Queen," Hadrian murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead as he pulled me closer.

"I love you, my King," I whispered back, contentment settling over me as I nestled against him, my eyes fluttering shut.

\---

The morning light spilled through the curtains when I stirred awake.

Hadrian was lying beside me, propped up on one elbow, watching me shift toward him. A slow smile curled my lips as memories of the night we’d shared flooded back, heat creeping into my cheeks.

"Good morning, love," he greeted, his voice low and rich with warmth.

I giggled softly. "Not just good… it’s a perfect morning."

His fingers traced my cheek, but as his smile faded, a ripple of unease spread through me.

"What’s wrong?" I sighed, already bracing myself.

His lips quirked into a wry smile. "Before I place the crown on your head, I must present you to the board of nobles. You will be my Queen regardless of their approval, but securing their favor will make things… smoother."

I nodded. "I’ll go wherever you need me to—as long as it’s by your side."

Hadrian smirked, his eyes glinting. "Don’t count on getting away from me. You are mine, forever. My creation. My mate." His lips claimed mine in a kiss that was both sweet and possessive.

He made me smile, but already, a knot tightened in my stomach. My past encounters with vampire nobles had never been pleasant, and I knew all too well that my status as a commoner would not win me any favors. Even with my newfound strength, unease gnawed at me. I wanted to stand by Hadrian, to make things easier for him, to belong at his side—but I wasn’t naïve. To them, I was an unworthy misalliance. The thought alone ignited a slow, simmering fury.

Taking a steady breath, I forced myself to prepare. I selected an elegant wine-red gown, the fabric hugging my curves, its shallow neckline and thigh-high slit exuding quiet confidence. With light makeup accentuating my features and a pair of Jimmy Choo heels adorning my feet, I descended to the audience hall.

Hadrian stood waiting for me, his gaze darkening with appreciation the moment he saw me.

"Are you ready to be introduced as my Queen?" he asked, amusement and challenge intertwining in his voice.

A sense of déjà vu prickled at me, tinged with a bitter edge—but this time, I wasn’t just a spectator to my fate. This time, I would fight for my place.

Smirking, I slipped my fingers into Hadrian’s, meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve.

"Let’s not keep them waiting, my King."