Claimed by the Vampire King

Chapter 6: The Council's Demand

The council's demand came sooner than expected.

A messenger — an old vampire with parchment skin — arrived at the penthouse the next evening.

He bowed to Damian, ignoring me completely.

"The council requires the girl's presence. Tomorrow night."

Damian took the sealed envelope, face unreadable.

"Tell them she'll be there."

The messenger left.

I looked at Damian. "What do they want?"

"To test your blood again. On more of us."

My stomach twisted.

"How many more?"

"All twelve council members."

I laughed — shaky. "They want to drain me dry."

"No," he said firmly. "One drop each. That's the deal."

"And if I say no?"

His eyes darkened. "They take it anyway."

I paced the living room.

"I can't do this. Be their lab rat."

He caught my arm. "You won't be. I'll be there."

I pulled away. "You can't stop twelve ancient vampires."

"I can try."

We argued — voices rising, frustration building.

Finally, I stopped.

"This is my body. My blood."

"I know."

"Then let me decide."

He was quiet.

"I can't lose you," he said finally, voice breaking slightly.

I stepped closer.

"I'm not going anywhere."

I kissed him — hard, angry, desperate.

He responded instantly, lifting me against the wall.

Clothes hit the floor.

This time was different — rough, urgent.

Like we were fighting the fear with touch.

His fangs grazed my shoulder as he moved inside me.

I arched, pulling him closer.

"Bite me," I gasped.

He did — deep, claiming.

Pleasure exploded, stronger than before.

The bond flared, bright and hot.

When we collapsed on the rug, panting, he licked the wound closed.

"You're changing me," he whispered. "I feel the sun on my skin in my dreams now."

I traced his face. "And you're changing me. I don't want to run anymore."

He smiled — real, warm.

"Good. Because tomorrow, we face them together."

The next night, we entered the council chamber again.

The twelve ancients waited.

Elena stood.

"The girl will give one drop to each member."

I stepped forward.

"No."

Silence.

Damian tensed beside me.

"I'll give one drop total. Shared among you."

Elena laughed. "Impossible."

"Try it," I said.

I pricked my finger.

One drop on a silver plate.

The light from my blood spread, touching each council member.

They gasped as warmth hit them.

Color returned to pale cheeks.

Eyes widened.

Elena touched her face. "Sunlight... I feel it."

The council bowed — to me.

"The Marked One," one whispered.

Damian pulled me close, pride in his eyes.

Elena approached.

"You are more powerful than we thought."

I met her gaze.

"And more dangerous."

She smiled — this time with respect.

"The King has chosen well."

We left with their protection.

But as we walked out, Damian whispered, "They're afraid of you now."

"Good," I said.

Because for the first time, I wasn't afraid of myself.

The power was mine.

And I was just beginning to use it.