My CEO is a Vampire - Book One: The Pact

Scarlett suppressed a sigh. Was she dreaming? Even though she knew it was all real, it felt decisively like a dream. There was an engagement ring on her finger that cost more than ten of the apartments she used to live in. And her future husband was none other than one of the most coveted men in America, if not the world. A CEO desired by thousands of women and envied by countless men. Not only that, she stood before a sea of cameras, and the news was already being broadcast by every outlet on the internet. It was hard to believe; she, a mature woman, a divorcée, a mother—a warrior who had spent her life wrestling with destiny—was now standing there, a celebrity by association, radiant, breathtaking, and deeply in love. The blonde's almond-shaped eyes sparkled. It was like a dream. And obviously, it wasn't as simple as it seemed. ♥♥♥ She remained where she was, hand extended for photographers and influencers for over twenty minutes. Julian Strike, the powerful CEO and her future husband, stood like a smiling statue. The man was simply magnificent and commanding for a myriad of reasons. Julian was tall, sturdy, and possessed an air of nobility that set him apart. When he arrived, it was as if an angel had appeared with wings, a halo, and a warm, golden aura enveloping everyone present. Though, of course, he was far from that concept. Julian was almost the polar opposite of an angel. But what truly mattered was that he loved her. Julian Strike was much more than a man; he was something more, something superior. Upon his shoulders lay the responsibility for the fate of thousands across the globe, and yet, even with every minute of his day meticulously accounted for, he had found time for her. Scarlett knew that she and the man she loved belonged to distinct worlds. She also knew everything he had already done for her, for them, for their love. Although he was a powerful man, there were others like him in the world. Others who did not approve of their union. To reach this point, many battles had been fought. And many more would surely come. However, she knew Julian would never give up on them. They were predestined. Their connection transcended the ordinary. Neither would renounce it, even if it cost them their lives. ♥♥♥ After nearly two hours of posing and interviews, Julian and his fiancée announced their departure. The party would continue. Scarlett’s studio director, producers, and publicists would remain until dawn, providing pre-rehearsed answers to the press. The couple understood the repercussions of the evening. Julian wasn't just a multimillionaire CEO, and it wasn't just reporters watching. Before sunrise, ripples of this announcement would trigger consequences across the world. "Can you wait just a moment?" the blonde whispered, pulling Julian out of the reach of prying eyes. "I’ll touch up my makeup, and then we leave." "Of course. The helicopter is waiting; I shall be nearby." She nodded discreetly and walked away. He was always like this—attentive, present. Not to mention the obvious: magnetic, seductive, a conqueror. He was like a Hollywood star, making her feel as though she were living in a romance film. Inside the restroom, Scarlett stared at herself in the mirror. She was beautiful, and she knew it. She sighed; it had been a long, frantic day. She was also worried, and for good reason. What would the others think? Those like Julian? She knew that accepting this proposal was like poking a beehive—a massive, dangerous hive capable of threatening global security. She had fought her greatest fears to say yes, all for love. Julian was good to her and her daughter, and that was enough. He would keep them safe; he would guarantee a future for Hannah. ♥♥♥ Scarlett reapplied her lipstick and blew a kiss to her reflection. Regardless of the fallout, it was done. The world now knew about her and Julian Strike. All that remained was to stand by his side and face the challenges head-on. Suddenly, the temperature in the room plummeted. It was as if every ounce of warmth had been stolen. Before she could move to leave, the lights began to flicker out, one by one. Still caught by surprise, Scarlett closed her eyes and held her breath as she felt a warm touch on both sides of her waist. She could feel a large, powerful body behind her, enveloping her, heating her skin. Despite being shrouded in darkness, she knew who those strong hands belonged to. He had that power—the ability to warp the environment to his will. She bit her lower lip softly. Feeling her body wrapped in that embrace was exquisite. No other man had ever made her feel this way. She was far from an innocent maiden; she had been with men before. But this intense desire was purely supernatural. Did supernatural lust exist? Scarlett believed so. There was no other explanation. The arousal was unique, intensifying with every second. Every fine hair on her skin stood on end. She knew what would happen next. It was strange... and wonderful. It was like being in a nightmare and never wanting to wake up. ♥♥♥ In the beginning, it was painful. It felt like two needles piercing her neck simultaneously. But the pain was swiftly replaced by pleasure. It was as if a toxin was being injected with the bite, transmitted through the predator's saliva, numbing her and disarming her every defense. It was a "good" poison—the kind that brings ecstasy even in death. Moments after the fangs sank in, blood began to flow. There was no need for concern; the puncture wounds always healed rapidly on her skin, becoming imperceptible. She didn't understand how, but they did. And the blood would be cleaned. Scarlett felt euphoric, intoxicated. She knew the thin trail of blood trickling down her chest was nothing. Her lover drank most of it. She was anesthetized by the bite, by his grip, utterly aroused. Had she surrendered to the vampire before? She couldn't remember. It was strange—her memories felt shrouded in a fog. It was like a déjà-vu. This uncertainty caused a flicker of insecurity, yet she was incapable of pulling away from his grasp. Nor did she want to. She felt an excitement no other man had ever stirred in her. At this point, the only thing Scarlett could think was that she was caught in a game far larger than herself. And even there, in the eye of the storm, all that mattered was what she felt. The fangs slowly detached from her flesh, inch by inch. Even that simple gesture brought pleasure. In those singular, peculiar moments, everything else felt trivial. It was as if the entire world ceased to exist, leaving only this moment. The bite was replaced by kisses on her neck, her ear, her shoulders. Warm, strong, firm hands slid down her waist, then moved forward to caress her stomach and breasts. The vampire likely moved in fractions of a second, but her mind processed it all slowly, hypnotized, dreaming. The weight behind her made her ache for more than just provocative touches. It made her think of the marvelous experience of being taken right there in that bathroom, with her guests so close they could hear her if she opened the door. She was nearly begging. She would shed her dress without a second's hesitation. When she opened her eyes, she was startled. Despite the darkness, she was certain she was no longer in the bathroom. In the distance, she saw floor lamps with black candelabras, their candles glowing like stars. She also couldn't feel the floor beneath her feet. Was she levitating? Was that possible? Or was she truly dreaming? ♥♥♥ Turning in place, she faced her lover. She intended to ask what was happening, but she never got the chance. The vampire pulled her into a fierce embrace, claiming her lips in a deep, wet, lingering kiss. Like every time before, Scarlett was unable to resist. She could never deny her own desires. She could taste blood in his saliva, but somehow, it was good. When their lips finally parted, Scarlett’s eyes widened. "Y-you..." she stammered. "You aren't Julian! Who are you?" The man was tall and strong, much like the CEO, and equally handsome and seductive. However, he had long, raven hair; a beard and mustache covered much of his face, and his eyes were a cold, piercing grey. He looked somber, dark, and cruel. "You know who I am, Scarlett. And you know why I am here..." "I... I can't... I don't know..." "It doesn't matter, do not fret. I merely came to congratulate you on your engagement," he said. "I do not intend to interfere. Not today." Backing away, Scarlett gazed at the creature. He was robust and terrifying, dressed in black garments and a fur cloak that billowed as if caught in a phantom wind, just like his hair. He smiled, revealing his fangs. "You are... you’re a vampire... why do you feel so familiar if I don't remember you?" "That is quite obvious. Be calm; you will not remember any of this." Scarlett was about to ask another question when she blinked and suddenly found herself back in the bathroom, everything in its place. Before her was only her reflection, staring back, startled and surprised. Why did she feel this way? Grabbing her small clutch, she took a deep breath and stepped out. Her future husband was right there, waiting, as breathtaking as ever. "Are you ready?" he asked, extending his hand with a smile. "Yes, thank you for waiting," she replied, confused. As they walked toward the helicopter, Scarlett wondered why she felt so apprehensive. She didn't remember anything abnormal. What could have happened? It wouldn't take long for Julian to notice her racing heartbeat. She forced herself to try and remember if she had seen or spoken to anyone in the restroom, but the recent memories seemed to have vanished. Surely she had just had too much to drink, and to make matters worse, she was exhausted. A good night's sleep would fix it. Fortunately, she felt safe. Julian provided that security. Whatever had happened, she would find out... In time.