Chapter 57

I couldn't settle my restless thoughts. If I had to face Hadrian right now, I knew I would lose control emotionally. But there was another side to me, one that was burning with questions, questions I was desperate to ask him—especially why he hadn't told me about the bond, why he had played me. I had always known Hadrian had the capacity for cruelty, but never had I imagined it would be aimed at me.

It was just a thought, but I think I finally understood why Hadrian never wanted to mark anyone. A vampire's blood creates a bond, but what if it worked both ways? Hadrian had mentioned that marking someone stoked desire, but what if it was really about losing control—something that terrified him? I realized he had been using the fact that his blood bond still lingered between us, savoring the way I craved his bite, enjoying the power he held over me. He wanted to stay in control, and he knew that leaving his mark would mean relinquishing it. There, in that moment, I finally saw him for who he was—a calculated, cold figure, the next Vampire King. A part of me wanted to hate him, but another part longed to proudly claim myself as his possession.

I missed my punching bag. I couldn’t even remember the last time I trained. A good sweat session would clear my head, I thought. I needed to focus. My bodyguards might offer protection, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that danger would find me again, and when it did, I’d want to be ready. The memory of bleeding out, those three men looming over me, terrified me still. But the real reason I craved a good workout? It was the only thing that could keep my mind off Hadrian.

I couldn't shake the thought that perhaps Hadrian had left the castle for a few days, giving me space while his blood still coursed through my veins. If that were true, it might be the one thing that tipped the balance in his favor in my conflicted heart.

"God... I think I’d rather confront him and get this over with!" I groaned, tossing around on the bed. The uncertainty was unbearable.

Luckily, Freya had brought me some sleeping pills. They were my only escape. After a hot shower, I tried to tell myself I was calm and took the pill, hoping the restlessness would fade.

Hours later, I woke up thirsty. Not for blood—just water—but my mouth felt dry. I reached for the glass on the bedside table and took a sip. That's when I saw it. A dark figure at the side of my bed. The glass slipped from my hand, a startled gasp escaping my lips. I quickly flicked on the lamp.

There he was. Hadrian. Sitting on my bed, a sly smirk playing on his lips. My heart pounded erratically in my chest.

"Mr. Larkspur said you left the castle," I said, trying to steady my breath.

"I did..." he replied, standing up and leaning over me. "But I wanted to see you as soon as I could."

I recoiled instinctively, my body tense. "Do you really mean what you said, or are you just telling me what you think I want to hear?"

His smirk deepened as his gaze bore into mine. "Which answer would you prefer?"

"The truth," I whispered without hesitation.

He sat on top of me, pinning me down, and leaned close. "I came to collect what’s mine." His voice dripped with possessiveness, sending a thrill of anticipation through me.

I clenched my thighs, my body betraying me as heat coursed through me with every passing second. I could have pushed him away easily—but I didn’t. I didn’t even try. My body had already surrendered. I could only watch him, anticipating his next move, wondering if he would tease me again or finally give in to the desire I knew he felt. The uncertainty ate away at me.

His cold fingers traced the line of my cheek, down to my neck, then to my collarbones, stopping just at the fabric of my nightgown. A wicked grin played on his lips. Without warning, his teeth sank into my neck. A sharp pain shot through me, but as soon as his cold lips touched my skin, the pain morphed into pleasure. I couldn’t suppress the soft moan that escaped me. As he drained my blood, my arousal grew with his. His hand slipped down my body, brushing over my breast, then lower, between my thighs. My body responded, spreading my legs, allowing him to tease me until I was soaked with anticipation.

When he pulled back, licking the blood from the wounds, his eyes locked with mine, intense and dark. A grin spread across his face before he leaned down, kissing me deeply. I tasted my own blood on his tongue as he caressed mine, sending waves of pleasure through me. My desire swelled, becoming uncontrollable. I wanted him—completely.

He pulled off his shirt, grabbing my hand and guiding it to his chest. My fingers slid over his cool skin, tracing the muscles beneath, feeling the heat of his gaze as it burned into me. My heart raced, thundering in my chest as I struggled to breathe.

"Am I yours now?" I gasped, breathless with desire.

"Not yet." He leaned close to my ear, his voice a low whisper. "It would have to happen for real first."

"What?" I murmured, my eyes wide with confusion.

Just then, sunlight pierced through the window, stabbing at my pupils. I winced, turning away. The headache that followed was almost too much, but when I opened my eyes again, the realization hit.

"Hadrian..." I whispered, my voice shaking. I bolted from the bed, looking around the room in panic.

I was alone.

My heart was still pounding in my chest, my body still trembling with desire. I rushed to the mirror, my hands shaking as I examined my neck. No bite mark.

Relief? Disappointment? I wasn’t sure. My mind was spinning, trying to separate the dream from reality. Finally, I burst out laughing, staring at my reflection. I desperately hoped the dream had been a result of the vampire blood still swirling in my veins. Maybe its influence would fade soon. If not, I feared I would be defenseless in front of him—completely at his mercy.