Chapter 23

After an urgent meeting held by Vampire King Allen Ellsworth, Jason and William were having a secret meeting of their own in the heir headquarter: Freya’s room.

Being mated to a low rank vampire, Freya’s mother, Sienna Ellsworth, was the most neglected Royal in the whole Villa, far away from notable families. Her portion was the outhouse near servant quarters. So, there was not a chance in hell that anyone will eavesdrop on them.

“It’s been twelve hours since we have last seen Chloe alive. Records suggest that the Royal Uncle killed his beloved in six hours after finding her. Why can’t we just barge into the basement to find her?”

William was anxiously giving a speech about Chloe’s survival, whereas Freya was combining her hair carelessly. Jason, who was searching through her cupboard for something nonexistent, peeked through it,

“For your kind information, William. It’s more than two weeks since Royal Uncle has marked Chloe. Don’t worry, I am confident that they wouldn’t have time to think about anything else.”

Victorious in finding a key, Jason calmly closed the door.

“I am borrowing the key to Aunt Sienna’s locker. Thank you so much, Freya.”

“You rascal!”

Freya threw her hairbrush and lunged at him.

“Mom will bury me alive.”

Jason quickly hid behind William, crouching down in defense,

“It’s William, he needs it. Aunt’s locker has old blueprints of Villa, secret passage way can be found without a hitch.”

Freya’s charging position froze midair, she was suspicious, but William cleared his throat and spoke in an earnest tone,

“Can you do me a favor, please? Don’t tell Aunt Sienna about it.”

Well, that was it for warrior Freya, who was melted with William’s one “please”.

“And to repay your favor, William is going to college’s party with you.”

Freya’s countenance blossomed like roses while William’s wide eyes were glaring at Jason, who was shamelessly displaying the toothy smile.

“I need to change.”

Freya hurriedly went to the bathroom, William brought out his cellphone and texted to Jason while gritting his teeth.

“Screw you, Jason! I just played along with you for blueprints and you pushed me in the bigger turmoil. What kind of brother you are?”

Jason wasn’t affected a bit by his rant,

“Freya is obsessed with you, William. Let’s use this for our better future.”

Jason winked at William and left, gesturing a flying kiss towards him.

…

At the party, William was sitting in the farthest possible corner, away from the crazy crowd. Flickering lights were illuminating the huge hall, girls, and boys were wearing neon bands on their arms as a sign of different years. Freshmen were blue, second year yellow and final year green.

Only Royals were allowed to wear red. Quite expectedly, there was a warm welcome planned for William, as Freya posted in groups that he was coming too.

Beautiful girls in flashing dresses hovered around him like butterflies, trying to get a whiff of his scent but in vain. William used scent blocker every time just to save himself as it was a ritual after his 100th birthday that almost every day, some pretty girl claims him as her beloved.

Cursing Jason in his heart, his eyes were randomly trailing at dancing girls and just then, he forgot to breathe. The alluring scent of cherry blossom evaded his nostrils, he was restless despite the distance between him and the source.

“Here are you, cherry! We were waiting for you.”

That was the most handsome hank of their batch, Aero, whose feelings for Cherry were not hidden from anyone.

“I was helping mom with work.”

Cherry, the only daughter of the city’s top baker, smiled politely. She was wearing a long floral gown, her hair braided with Jasmine flowers, adorned with pearls. Her eyes were darting from one corner to another, in a desperate attempt to find an excuse to avoid Aero’s advances.

Freya, who was her best friend and now savior in this situation, dragged her to the corner,

“William is my date tonight.”

Her excitement brought a lovely smile to Cherry’s face. She held Freya’s hand and pressed it gently.

“Congrats, darling! I know your feelings will win his heart.”

She strode towards William with a warm smile, making it hard for him to breathe. Before she could say “hello” to him, he got up,

“Freya, Jason has called me just now. I have to go.”

Ignoring Freya’s pleasantries and gratitude for accompanying her, William departed instantly. He took refuge in the solace of his car and banged his fist on the steering wheel.

“Why can’t be I at peace for a second?”

…

Exhausted from all night long, Chloe slept until noon only to be woken up alone. Covering her body with a sheet, she stepped down from the bed, searching for slippers. Her heart was aching as the dream of getting up beside Edith was already shattered in to pieces.

“Edith!”

She called him after checking the bathroom and because of yesterday’s protest, the door was not locked. Chloe was about to go out when an envelope posted beside the door knob caught her attention.

“I am going out for breakfast. Relax! Don’t wander around.”

Chloe’s lips stretched in a silly smile while she admired his calligraphic style handwriting. Seriously, who uses such an artistic way to convey an informal message.

Chloe shook her head and went for a bath, moments of last night were on repeat telecast by Lulu, who was expecting morning coitus.

“I can’t believe that he loves us. Our mate is perfect!”

Chloe was shy despite being so bold, doubtful after his countless reassurances. The moment when your dreams come true, the very first stage is not believing.

It took someone a bit to realize that he/she also deserves something as precious as love. It was a dream for Chloe too, but her throbbing mark was making her believe the reality.

Edith refrained from drinking her blood as he must be uneasy with it, but Chloe understood his fear. He was scared of his control, as his fangs were automatically extending on their accord last night.

This whole feeding idea was quite disturbing for Chloe, too, so she was a bit relieved by his caution. After the shower, she wrapped a fluffy towel around her body and searched through the cupboard, which was full of pretty dresses.

“He stitched a whole collection, my mate is the best!”

Chloe exclaimed loudly and chose a blue long floral gown and left her wet hair free to air dry them. Leisurely, she walked towards the sofa in the living area, where a beautifully wrapped gift box captured her attention.

“Another present for me!”

Chloe hushed jumping Lulu and opened the tapes carefully, dreading not to ruin the package even its wrapping paper was just for packing purpose.

Lulu was proposing a series of possibilities and Chloe had some idea about intimate gifts exchange too, but when she finally opened the box, a heart-wrenching scream escaped her mouth.