Chapter 72

I woke up in Hadrian’s arms, my bare skin pressed against his. This time, the marks he left were different—tiny love bites scattered across my body. He hadn’t fed on me, not this time. He didn’t need my blood; he just wanted me. And the realization of that made me happier than I cared to admit. A foolish grin refused to leave my face as I lay nestled in his embrace, pretending to sleep so I could stretch this moment for as long as possible. My rational mind tried to intervene, sending warnings I deliberately ignored. I wanted to hold on to this morning, this fleeting bliss, without thinking about what it might change or what it already had.

I rested my head against his chest, listening to the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat while inhaling the intoxicating scent of his skin.

“Are you awake, love?” His voice, low and heavy with sleep, broke the silence like the sweetest melody.

I nodded slightly, burying my flushed face into his chest. “Mmhmm...”

He chuckled softly, his hand sliding through my hair while his other arm pulled me closer. I was getting used to this—his warmth, his touch, the way he seemed to revel in my presence. It wasn’t just the physical connection; it was everything. His scent, his laughter, the way he looked at me, all stirred feelings I’d never experienced before.

“I don’t want to let you go,” he murmured, his voice a mixture of longing and resolve.

“Then don’t,” I whispered, my fingers trailing across his chest.

But reality, as it always does, intruded. “The gathering is in three hours,” he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “And it’s an hour’s drive. We need to get ready.”

I sighed, knowing our carefree morning had come to an end. Wrapping myself in the sheets, I attempted to get up, spotting my nightgown on the floor a few steps away. But my legs, weakened from the night before, gave way, and I fell back onto the bed.

Hadrian’s laugh filled the room. “I told you, you should exercise more,” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

I glared at him, though my attempt to appear serious quickly dissolved. The exhaustion was a small price to pay for the pleasure he’d given me. Before I could try again, he moved with inhuman speed, landing beside me and offering both hands to help me up.

I leaned on him as I stood, his grin turning wicked as he watched me struggle to take even a single step. “I’ll make it up to you tonight,” he promised with a wink.

I wasn’t entirely sure what he meant, but I had a pretty good idea, and the thought brought another silly smile to my face. It all felt unreal, like a dream I never wanted to end.

Hadrian walked me to the bathroom, his restraint palpable as he resisted the urge to join me in the shower. We both knew where that would lead, and neither of us could afford to miss the gathering.

When I emerged, wrapped in a towel, Hadrian was already dressed. His black suit fit him perfectly, paired with a dark gray shirt that made him look effortlessly regal. I shuffled forward, my movements sluggish and uncoordinated, earning another smirk from him.

Without warning, he pulled the towel from my body, leaving me bare.

“Hey!” I protested, instinctively trying to cover myself.

His eyes roamed my exposed skin, a hungry glint in them. “I’ll help you get dressed,” he murmured, his voice laced with mischief as he kissed my neck.

Despite my embarrassment, I allowed it, convincing myself it would be faster this way. But Hadrian took his time, his hands grazing my skin deliberately as he slid on each piece of clothing. Every touch seemed designed to ignite a fire within me, and he knew exactly how to do it.

He wasn’t just helping me dress; he was staking his claim, ensuring I would think of him and only him for the rest of the day.

“Whatever happens at the gathering, remember this—you’re mine,” he said firmly, his tone suddenly cold. “Let that be your shield, and no one will dare to touch you.”

His words were a sharp reminder of where I stood in this world—a marked possession of the future king. No more, no less. The warmth of the morning was gone, replaced by a bitter truth that lingered like a shadow.

We shared breakfast, his smile unable to soothe the sour taste in my mouth. I was nervous, unsure of my place in the hierarchy of the vampire court. Would I be respected, or merely tolerated? Power wasn’t what I sought, but dignity... that wasn’t too much to hope for, was it?

The limousine ride to the gathering felt suffocating. Hadrian and I sat in the back, accompanied by two bodyguards, Mr. Larkspur, and the driver. Everyone was impeccably dressed, their presence exuding formality. I felt out of place, my anxiety growing with each passing mile.

“One of my marks is still visible,” Hadrian said suddenly, pointing to my neck.

“What?!” I panicked, pressing my hand over the spot. I was sure I’d covered them all with makeup.

He chuckled, gently moving my hand aside. “Here,” he said, brushing his lips over the spot.

“Hadrian... we’re not alone,” I whispered, glancing nervously at the others in the car.

“They wouldn’t dare look,” he replied coldly, as though daring anyone to defy him.

Before I could protest further, his hand slid under my skirt, his fingers tracing a path up my thigh. I flinched, whispering, “Please, not here...”

His gaze darkened. “Don’t resist me,” he hissed, sinking his teeth into my neck.

Though he didn’t drink much, the bite left me dizzy, both physically and emotionally. His blood healed the wounds, but the damage to my spirit was harder to mend.

“You’re mine,” he whispered, his tone possessive.

Pain blossomed in my chest, the sting of his words cutting deeper than his fangs ever could. I looked at him, forcing a smile I didn’t feel.

“I told you before—I may bear your mark, but I’m not a thing. Don’t treat me like one,” I said, my voice trembling with suppressed anger.

His red eyes dimmed, but the danger in them didn’t fade. “You should remember,” he said, stepping out of the car and pulling me with him, “I am a vampire. Don’t expect me to feel human emotions, and don’t presume to tell me how to treat you. Be grateful my attitude hasn’t changed for the worse.”

We stood before a grand palace, its opulence imposing. And for the first time that morning, I wasn’t sure if I could survive what lay ahead.