Chapter 45

CHLOE’S POV

I woke up with the biggest, stupidest grin on my face. I stretched like a cat in silk sheets, my fingers curling against my plush duvet as I giggled to myself. Adam. I didn’t even care that it was early. Or that it was hockey practice today. Or that Elizabeth would probably lecture me again. None of it mattered. Not when I was seeing Adam again.

I twirled in front of the mirror, fluffing my golden curls and admiring the elegant scarf wrapped around my neck. Soft, ivory lace with an antique shimmer—Adam had such taste. I didn’t even remember where exactly I got it from… or why I couldn’t take it off. I’d tried. Last night, this morning… even yanked it a little. Nothing. Still, it looked cute, so who was I to complain?

Practice was already in full swing when I got to the field. My legs were sore ten minutes in, but I pushed through the drills, laughing as Vanessa nearly took Elizabeth’s head off with a slapshot. It felt good—sweaty, alive, almost normal.

“Cute scarf,” one of the girls called out between drills.

I grinned. “Thanks! My… uh, good luck charm.”

Coach side-eyed me. “Chloe, you know we don’t allow accessories during practice. What is that, silk?”

“It’s my good luck scarf,” I said sweetly. “Can’t take it off. Serious superstition.”

Coach blinked, then muttered something under her breath and blew the whistle again. I sighed in relief and skated back into formation.

After practice, I barely had time to wipe my face before Elizabeth was tugging me toward the benches, Vanessa trailing close behind.

“Okay,” Elizabeth said, narrowing her eyes. “We need to talk. Now.”

I flopped onto the bench, still buzzing. “About what? The amazing game I just played?”

“Adam,” she said flatly.

Vanessa nodded. “He’s dangerous, Chloe. Like… seriously. The whole family. They’re hiding something.”

I groaned. “Oh my god, can we not do this today? You sound like my mom when I told her I wanted to dye my hair pink in seventh grade.”

Elizabeth crossed her arms. “I’m serious. You shouldn’t be hanging out with him. You don’t know what they are.”

“Exactly,” Vanessa said, softer. “And I know you feel left out lately, but—”

I stood, grabbing my bag. “Wow. Thanks for the support, besties. He’s just helping with my next charity event. Not that either of you asked.”

"Chloe, we can help you with any of your events. You don't need their help. Trust us we are only trying to protect you." Elizabeth said . I looked at her as if she had grown a second head ,she sounded crazy as usual. She was the one probably putting crazy ideas in Vanessa's head because Vanessa was never like this.

"You two seriously need to chill with the crazy talk ...okay."

Elizabeth looked like she was about to argue, but then—

A deep purr of an engine silenced everything. Adam’s car pulled up, sleek and black and absolutely unfair. I swear it sparkled like magic.

“Oh, look at that—gotta go!” I said, blowing them a kiss. “Try not to act like he’s a serial killer or something.”

I skipped down the steps, heart thudding as Adam stepped out, smile lazy, golden eyes gleaming in the sun. I kissed his cheek and slid into the passenger seat, practically floating.

He didn’t say much at first, just smirked as he drove, one hand on the wheel, the other tracing patterns on my thigh.

It wasn’t until I noticed the familiar streets—too familiar—that my smile faded.

“Wait… are we going to my dad’s office?”

His jaw twitched. “Yes.”

I pouted. “Why? I don’t like being there. It smells like cologne and politics.”

He reached over, gently cupping my chin. “Because I need you to do something for me, love.”

“Adam—”

His pupils dilated. His voice dropped, velvet and inescapable. “Go inside. Ask your father for an invite to the council event. Just like we talked about.”

My lips parted. “Invite… council event… right.”

I stepped out of the car and walked like I was floating, like something else was guiding me. The tall marble building loomed ahead, and I barely registered the receptionist’s greeting as I made my way to the top floor.

I knocked.

“Come in,” my father called.

He was hunched over paperwork, but the moment he saw me, his face lit up.

“Well, this is a surprise. Everything okay, sweetheart?”

I smiled sweetly, just like Adam told me to. “Yeah! Um, I’m helping Mom with the upcoming council event, and I need a few invitation cards. She’s super swamped, and I told her I’d help with the guest list.”

He blinked. “Really? That’s… wow. You’re growing up.”

He stood, unlocked the cabinet behind him, and pulled out a small stack of ornate cream-colored cards.

“Here. Give your mother my love, okay?”

“Of course!” I chirped, kissing his cheek before bouncing out the door.

Back in the car, Adam looked like he’d just won the lottery.

“You are amazing,” he said, eyes gleaming as I wrote his name on one of the cards.

I smiled. “Told you I’m good at planning events.”

“Good girl,” he murmured, and gently reached for my scarf.

My fingers instinctively went to stop him. “I don’t like it when you—”

He brushed my hair back. “Shh.”

Before I could say more, his lips brushed the skin just above the scarf. Then I felt it—sharp, sudden, euphoric pain.

He bit.

I gasped, body going limp against the seat. His hands were warm against my waist, steadying me, drawing me closer. The world spun.

“Don’t be afraid,” he whispered, blood-red lips against my ear.

It was impossible not to be.

He drank slow, like he was savoring me. My breath hitched. Everything dimmed. When he finally pulled back, his lips were glistening.

“You love it,” he said, eyes locked with mine.

“I… love it,” I repeated dreamily.

He smiled, licking the last drop from his lips. “That’s my girl.”

He kissed me softly, and then everything—everything—went blank.