ALACRIC'S POV
The moonlit forest cradled me in its embrace as I strode through its depths, the weight of my responsibilities as the heir to the vampire throne ever-present in my mind. My father's words echoed, a constant reminder that finding a mate was not only my desire but a necessity to secure my claim to the throne. The very idea of it left me conflicted, torn between my duty and my wishes.
My crimson eyes scanned the landscape, adjusted to every rustle and whisper of the night. A reddish-brown blur caught my attention - a deer, graceful yet vulnerable. Instinct took over, and I gave chase. The thrill of the hunt coursed through me, my fangs elongating in anticipation. With a sudden surge of speed, I closed the gap between us, tackling the deer with a swift, strong bite.
As I wiped the blood from my lips, my thoughts drifted to the dilemma I found myself in. The moon above cast an ethereal glow, a stark contrast to the disruption within me. The throne demanded a mate, yet, my heart yearned for more - a connection that overextended politics, a genuine love.
Approaching the forest's edge, a fragrance of jasmine and wildflowers wafted toward me. Intrigued, I followed the scent, my steps cautious. The aroma led me deeper into the woods, to a small clearing that was bathed in moonlight. There stood a figure, cloaked in shadow. My pulse quickened as I recognized her as a fae - her beauty was ethereal, haunting, and utterly captivating.
Mate.
Before, I stood a vision of ethereal beauty - my mate, my beloved who I was looking forward to forever. The realization struck me like a bolt of lightning, and I moved toward her in a blur. She saw the movement, her eyes widening in surprise, but there was no stopping my instinctual need. My hands reached out, grasping her waist with a gentleness that contrasted with the urgency that coursed through me. In an instant, we collided with the forest floor, a tangle of limbs and emotions.
Don't bite her, just don't.
I whispered in her ears, my voice coming out husky "Oh, doll, I am not going to harm you," I spanked her ass lightly, my words dripping with arrogance.
She struggled against my grasp, a mix of fear and determination in her eyes. "Let me go, you arrogant son of a b***h," she demanded, her voice commanding.
I couldn't help but chuckle darkly, savoring the power I held over her "You're quite a feisty one, aren't you? I like that," I teased.
I felt her getting tensed, and then calming a little. god her scent was killing me. it took me everything not to bite into her flesh right there and claim her mine.
"What are you after? I'm just a fate, and all you can do is drink my blood," she said softly, her vulnerability on full display.
I pressed my lips to her neck, taking in her scent before replying, "I want every part of you. You're mine, mate."
Her reaction was priceless - her body froze, her breath hitched, and her eyes showed disbelief. It was intoxicating, the mix of emotions she displayed: fear, anger, and a hint of intrigue.
When I pulled away, my face was concealed beneath a cloak, and only my eyes met hers. f**k, she looked so normal, yet there was something about her that hid what she was. She kept staring at me with her almond eyes, as my eyes turned crimson. Her reaction amused me; the power I had over her was undeniable.
"Escape is not an option, little fae. Destiny has marked you as mine, and I fully intend to claim what is rightfully mine," I stated, my voice a smooth blend of silk and danger.
She fought to regain her composure, defiantly meeting my gaze, "I belong to no one but myself, and I'll never submit to you or anyone else."
My smirk deepened, her resistance only igniting my desire. "Ah, but that's what makes you so irresistible. Your spirit, your defiance-it fuels my desire to make you mine. You'll come to see, my little fae, that we're bound together by a force greater than both of us."
With those words, I released her, disappearing into the shadows, leaving her to process the encounter. The weight of my claim hung in the air, and I knew that no matter how she resisted, our destinies were entwined in a forbidden seduction that would challenge her beliefs and reshape her world.
Exhaustion clung to my every step as I returned to the castle, a weariness that seemed to seep into my bones, yet my heart raced as if it had a life of its own. I sought solace in the refuge of my bedchambers, the weight of recent events pressing heavily upon me.
Upon entering, a familiar aroma met my senses, pulling me from my thoughts. I sighed inwardly; dealing with Laura was the last thing I needed at that moment. Sure enough, Laura appeared before me, a sly smile curving her lips, her nightgown barely veiling her breast and butt. It was a sight I couldn't bear to face, not at that moment.
"Laura," I sighed, my voice tinged with a mix of fatigue and apprehension, "not now, please."
Her laughter danced through the air, a melodious tune that grated against my nerves. "Oh, my dear Alaric, why deny such pleasures? I promise to make every ounce of stress go away?" Her words dripped with an intoxicating appeal, a temptation that seemed to pull at the very fabric of my being.
My weariness battled against the rage within me, a rage to kill her. "I need to be alone, Laura. Not this," I managed, my jaw clenching, gaze never quite meeting hers.
She walked closer, a predatory grace at every step. "Isolation can wait, my love," she purred, her fingers tracing a maddening path along her neckline.
Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I straightened my spine, my voice coming out irritatingly. "No, Laura. I won't be swayed by your games tonight."
A flicker of frustration crossed her features, her facade cracking for a brief moment before a sultry smile reclaimed its place. "Very well, Alaric. But remember, I'm always here, waiting for when you're ready to surrender."
I offered no response, watching as she retreated, her presence a lingering echo. Alone at last, I allowed the exhaustion to consume me, collapsing onto the bed with a heavy exhale. The night held secrets yet to be unraveled, and as I closed my eyes, the memory of her green eyes and whispered promises stirred a storm of uncertainty within me.