Bitten By Lust

Chapter 11_ Shadows at the Door

Evi froze.

The knock echoed again — louder this time, more insistent. Not the kind of knock someone polite makes. This was a warning. Or a challenge.

Lucien was already on his feet, body tense like a beast about to pounce.

> “Stay behind me,” he said, voice low, but not soft. It had the edge of command — of danger barely caged.

She obeyed. Not because she was scared of him — but because she was scared of what was outside.

Lucien moved toward the door with slow precision, as if measuring the air itself. His hand hovered over the knob, and she saw it then — his fingers trembling. Not with fear. With rage.

> “Lucien…”

“Don’t speak.”

She bit her tongue. That wasn’t a request. It was protection.

He flung the door open.

A man stood there — if he could be called a man at all. Pale, sharp-jawed, with a cruel smirk and silver eyes that flashed like steel under moonlight.

Evi knew immediately:

He wasn’t human.

And he wasn’t here for pleasantries.

> “Hello, cousin,” the stranger said with a voice like crushed velvet and poison. “Thought I’d pay your little game a visit.”

Lucien didn’t move. “This isn’t your territory, Cassian.”

> “Is it yours? I see you’ve been playing house with the mortal. Cute.”

Cassian’s eyes flicked to Evi, raking over her like he was assessing prey. Her blood went cold.

> “Don’t,” Lucien growled.

The temperature dropped. Shadows twisted in the corners. Evi could feel the tension, thick and alive.

> “She doesn’t even know, does she?” Cassian’s smile widened. “You haven’t told her what you are. What you’ve done.”

Lucien stepped between them, fully blocking Evi now. His voice was low, dangerous.

> “One more word, and I’ll tear your throat out on her floor.”

Cassian didn’t flinch. “Still the prince with the temper. Just remember, Lucien — secrets don’t stay secrets forever. And when she finds out… she won’t be yours.”

With that, he turned and vanished down the hall, moving like smoke.

Lucien slammed the door shut, hands clenched so tightly his knuckles turned bone white.

Evi stepped forward, heart racing.

> “What did he mean?” she asked, voice shaking.

Lucien turned to her. For the first time, he didn’t try to hide what he was. His eyes were burning crimson, fangs slightly bared, fury and fear tangled in his expression.

> “It’s time I told you the truth,” he said. “About who I am. And what’s coming.”

---