After I said those words, we took the time to walk in the park. It was the same one where we had shared our first kiss. The fountain was still being rebuilt and was drained of water. The moment I got close to it. I felt the energy radiated from it, too.

However, whoever did this open a gate here before the normal opened up. There had been four shadow demons in the city five days ago. From what Loki gathered from his grandfather's reports, witnesses said that one gate opened first followed by another, backing up what I felt.

Sadly, whoever did it was good at covering their tracks. I sat on a bench that had been newly placed in the park, taking a moment to see if I could figure it out. But it appeared the only thing that was left to do was wait for their next move.

One would think being a goddess who waited thousands of years would’ve made me patient, but I was far from it. Every minute that ticked irritated me. It was almost as if they were wasting my time.

I quickly forgot all of it the moment something cold touched the back of my neck. A yelp released from my lips, prompting Loki to burst into a small crackle. Instinctively, I glared at the playful boy who stood behind me with a smirk, handing me a cold bottle of water.

“Here, don’t want to get dehydrated after all the exercise you did earlier.” He teased before crackling again.

I growled before muttering to myself for a bit. However, I was thirsty so I wouldn’t waste his gesture. I opened the bottle, grumbling under my breath a few curses at him. He did the unnecessary. We weren’t alone.

So, I could berate him like I did the past few days. Well, ever since we became more than links. However, his playful nature wouldn’t go unpunished.

“Why do you intend to make me want to yell at you all the time?” I huffed, gazing back into the fountain in front of us before sipping on the bottle he had gotten for me.

He needed to take this more seriously. There were people after him, then again, all of his life he had been destined to be in danger.

“Well, that isn’t my intention, but I like your voice in any pitch it comes. Well…” Loki started, leaning into my ear.

“I like it when you cry under me the most.” He teased, causing my heart to throb.

I closed my eyes to keep myself calm. But there wasn’t a mask to hide behind with this vampire. And he knew which buttons to press to make me crack to perfection.

Instinctively and unintentionally, I grabbed only his face, turning to him. My knees held me up when I glared at the boy who loved every minute.

“Do you really have to flirt to live?!” I growled, causing the vampire to chuckle before his eyes suddenly turned to the side.

At that moment, he grabbed my hand, drawing it away from his face, turning to the new intruder. In my burst of anger, I hadn’t noticed a royal vampire in the vicinity approaching us. Loki always did a mess out of me.

Then again, there was no way of knowing who would come to us and who wouldn’t. Most of everyone was busy building.

“Maybe,” Loki mumbled lowly, facing the girl who joined us soon after.

She had beautiful black hair and blue eyes. I had seen her before. She was the king's right hand.

“If that’s your help, I don’t want to see your enemies, Prince Loki.” The unannounced woman declared.

The prince let me go, allowing me to sit back down. The air felt heavy.

Shit… I fucked up.

Then again, only the prince could fire me.

A little rough handling was not bad either, right? I mean... he asked for it.

“Well, I guess they’re deadlier than an angered frail girl,” He chided towards the woman, whose name I didn’t know.

It caused me to take a peek at him to see his expression one of annoyance. He wasn’t pleased to see her here. This female vampire I had only seen around Asher in the brief moments the boys spent with him.

If I recalled, she was his constant adviser. Rather young for such a title. She couldn’t have been much older than I was. Perhaps in her mid-twenties.

“Well, maybe you should hire a maid that knows her place. That little show was a disgrace.” The woman began.

I bit into my tongue. Unlike Loki, I shouldn’t berate a stranger. Especially one of the royal family. They could make my life a living torment to stay near him. I couldn’t help quivering a bit when Loki grabbed my shoulder.

The warmth of his hand radiated through my dress and onto my skin. Eli also took the chance to slip through and onto me. It caused me to gaze back at them fully as the vampire’s thumb slightly caressed my shoulder.

Is the prince trying to soothe me or himself?

I wouldn’t know, but what came out of his mouth next would shock me a bit.

“Well, like you know, she’s more than a maid. I owe her my life.” The prince scowled at the woman, who stood there glaring at me.

In her eyes thought there was something else other than the revulsion of our friendly relationship. It reminded me of prey being stared down by the predator. It caused shivers to run down my spine.

I remembered what eternal witches were for vampires. They hunted our race for our blood once we lost our power.

Shit…

“So, the witnesses and reports weren’t lying. This maid ran into the battle to protect you from the shadow demons that spawn in the market. You hadn’t let us see her before. I’m a little underwhelmed by how tiny she is.” The vampire sighed.

Though a smirk rose on her lips soon after. Eli coiled protectively around me.

There were people around us?!

I hadn’t even realized it. Yet again I had tunnel vision towards Loki. There could’ve been people hiding in the collapsed buildings that surrounded us. It wouldn’t have changed anything, though. Even with prying eyes, I would’ve jumped in front of the beasts without hesitation.

Though if they saw how Loki's power excelled after drinking my blood, then that would cause complications. However, the bitch called me tiny.

Does she even know what she’s saying? Me? Tiny? Now, who’s the disgrace? Insulting a goddess such as myself should land her in agony! Yet here I’m having to bite my tongue!

“Yeah, she did. Do you have a point of being here?” Loki saw no point in lying to her.

She knew the truth from the surrounding witnesses, but he also didn’t want to linger. It was almost as if he saw how threatening her gaze was towards me, and he didn’t like it one bit. After all, I was his link.

If the vampires drained me of my blood, it would affect him, too. Though there was something else in his eyes, too. Something I...

“Hard to believe a simple human did so.” The woman shrugged, glancing back at him.

I felt a wash of relief come over me once her eyes weren’t on me. Vampires were always prunes about where they got their donors from. However, the council of races had placed laws to protect everyone from their advances.

It was illegal for them to take blood from anyone unwillingly. Well, at least they tried.

Vi, if vampires get a taste of your blood, they won’t let you go. So, make sure to murder all those that do. Well, if you don’t, just tell me and I will. Dad’s words echoed through me.

I gazed up at Loki, who hadn’t bitten me since the events that led to it.

How are you resisting the craving that drove many insane?

The blood that coursed through my veins even drove his race to genocide. Mine had to be even more powerful to resist. Yet there he was like he had a good quality wine rather than the most addictive drug.

Even though we were like animals in heat for the past days, Loki hadn’t even tried to bite me. According to Lilith, most sexual encounters with vampires always lead to getting bit by them. It was in their nature, but he hadn’t.

And even when he bit me for revenge, he only did it briefly. This boy was my protector. My link was more than I could ever hope to understand.

Can it be the bond?

“Well, I don’t have to tell you she did, Lexi. So, why don’t you hurry up and tell me what you want?” Loki asked straightforwardly, jumping over the bench, sitting next to me.

Even though my stomach was full of butterflies, I couldn’t help but feel his presence reassuring me of how safe I was. Well, while he was around.

Did my mother know of this? Of the feelings this vampire caused in me.

Surely she hadn’t. She hated the vampires. She even plotted against their god to have their powers removed. Yes, she wouldn’t approve of the feelings I had developed for him. Then again, Edna shouldn’t have linked me to these boys if she wanted to avoid that possibility.

Even so... these emotions were a passing moment, much like Gerta had said. I would soon forget them in the wind. A moment of passion between two enemies. While this internal dilemma was raging within me, the animosity between the two continued.

“Witnesses say you drank her blood in the middle of the battle, too. So, I’m curious about her potential.” The woman named Lexi declared, biting onto her lip before gazing back at me.

“I find it hard to believe that for curiosity alone you left grandfather’s side. Where are you going with this?” the annoyed prince continued to query.

She chuckled, enjoying the prince's unfriendliness. There was no love between these two.

“Very well, I was wondering if I could get a try at her blood. You know, since it made you so powerful. I...” she announced, gazing back at me like I was a piece of meat.

I couldn’t hold down the smirk that wanted to erupt from my lips. However, Loki wouldn’t allow her to say another word when Eli hissed upon hearing that. If she even made a move towards me, I had no doubt the snake would’ve attacked her.

He was probably begging Loki to let him at her.

“She’s just like any other human, Lexi. I assure you.” The vampire lied without batting an eyelash.

Even though I was trying to hold on to the scorn that I was feeling for this female mortal. Loki's words reassured me again of his intentions. However, if anyone but the twins dared to touch me.

I…

“Hm… I don’t know about that. You never could use your magic to that extent. That alone has people talking. Imagine if she...” Lexi glanced back at Loki, who didn’t want a single word to come out of her mouth.

He didn’t see this woman as an ally at all, that much I was sure of.

“Well, none of that matters. She’s mine, Lexi.” He declared, wrapping his arm around me before pulling me closer to him.

This motion caused Lexi to laugh before smiling politely at the prince. His protective action was reassuring to me again, but it felt like I was about to be ticked off. Not by him. Well, a little because of his possessiveness, but mostly it was because of the vampire that appeared intent on trying my blood.

“I see. Still, she should donate her blood. It’d kind of unfair for you to keep it all for yourself, prince.” The female vampire countered.

I felt it went far enough. Drawing away from Loki, I suddenly stood up, facing down the vampire, who quickly met my gaze with hers. At times like this, I probably should’ve shown fear, but she didn’t scare me.

Unless she killed me instantly, she would be the one who died in an encounter with me.

“Excuse me, but I’d rather you stop there. I’m the owner of said blood, and I refuse to let anyone drink it. The only reason the prince could was that it was an emergency. I also believe that’s my right.” I smiled politely, as I did to everyone else.

I didn’t need Loki to defend me. No, I was more than just a defenseless girl.

“I see. Well, that’s a pity. I hope you reconsider. You’ll be handsomely compensated if it’s necessary.” Lexi tried one last time.

I could almost feel myself snap.

Bribing me? Me? Shit… they must be overly interesting about how Loki got so powerful from just drinking my blood. Why does this prince have to be such a handful?

He should eat his meals regularly.

“I’ll pass. Thank you.” I struggled to remain polite.

Loki stood up too, stepping between us.

“You heard her. Now, don’t harass my maid, Lexi. Never know who might be king next.” Loki scowled at her.

She took a few steps back with a smirk on her lips.

“I never intended to harass the girl. Oh, I almost forgot one other thing.” The female vampire smiled politely, making the prince roll his eyes.

“You came all this way to be a messenger, too?” Loki huffed, crossing his arms.

“Well, the main reason I came out was to see the girl for myself. This other thing, you would hear about it from the king later. But I guess I can say it to you now." Lexi took out a notebook from her pocket.

"The king announced a ball for the entire town. It’s a pick me up after what everyone went through. There’ll be festivals for the townsfolk outside while the royals will be inside the castle. I think it’ll be masquerade themed.” She informed, taking out a pen, writing something within the papers.

It was a surprising development. Asher was throwing a party to help everyone recover from the attack that was identified as a freak event. I found myself plotting how I could use that event to catch the perpetrators.

It would all depend on if they wanted to target it. Though, it could’ve been extremely useful or a complete waste of time. It was hard to tell without knowing the details of the event.

“Did he?” Loki grumbled, annoyed.

To him, a party wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

“The king also said he hopes you find a fiancée to your linking there,” Lexi announced.

It caused me to feel a sting in my chest.

Fiancée? Loki?

That was the moment my heart felt a new pain I had never experienced before. It almost knocked me out of my high horse.

Would he do all the things that he did with me for the past five days with another woman? Would he make her not walk as he did with me? No… Would all our moments be replaced by her? No!

I didn’t want that, but I had no right to say anything. Much to my relief, though, was Loki’s expression when she said that. He appeared utterly disgusted by the thought.

“I already told that old fart that I’m not marrying anyone.” Loki scoffed.

His blue, purplish orbs reflected pure revulsion.

“The king only hopes. No one’s forcing you with Rem breathing down his back, but you never know when you’ll have that fated encounter I hear so much about. And if you don't, there’s always me if you would like.” She shrugged, turning away from Loki.

What?!

"I rather marry a rock." The prince scowled, causing her to chuckle.

If there was ever a union between the two, it wouldn’t be for love. Most vampire marriages weren’t for something like that either. Much like the current queen and king. You could tell how little they loved each other.

Yet they appeared friendly. That was the best one could hope for in this society of vampires.

“Pity, I always look forward to keeping you on your toes for once, prince." Lexi chuckled, closing the book in her hands.

"Unfortunate as that is. You’re forced to attend, along with Oswald and Alistair. Anyway, have a good day crown prince.” She added, walking away.

Loki clenched his hands into fists. The anger in his eyes was real. Though I was more focused on trying to soothe my aching heart.

“Bitch…” the irritated vampire muttered, causing me a bit of relief.

At least for the moment, those memories would only be shared between us. Even so, it wouldn’t last. This emotion was slowly killing me. And when I would have to walk away from him would be the moment, my heart died.

The little piece of the girl I wanted to be would stay with him. Unable to get a lid to place to keep those emotions from going array, I shifted away from him, walking away. He called for my name before closing the gap between us.

“Oi, what’s the matter?” he asked, clasping onto my hand.

It triggered me to take a deep breath, turning to him slightly.

Hold it in…

I had to hide this. This had to be nothing but a fancy that poisoned my soul.

“It is illegal for them to come for my blood, right?” I asked, pretending that bothered me the most.

My words caused him to narrow his eyes, tightening his grip on me. There it was again, the protective and possessiveness. I wanted to give into it, but we weren’t made for one another. I was a goddess and he was a mere mortal.

Or so I told myself.

“It is. Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone other than me sink their teeth into you.” Loki promised.

I felt a sting in my heart again.

Why hadn't he sunk his teeth into me? Did he respect me enough to keep it to himself?

“That doesn’t sound reassuring.” I sighed, frowning before drawing away from him before continuing to walk towards the Cafe where we would go get food.

What I wanted to ask the vampire wouldn’t come out of me. This emotion was a burden. One that I felt was sinking me deeper into my grave. I had to think of it as a fling. One of those things Lilith loved to have now and then.

Yeah, it had to be one of those sex friend things. Before I knew it, I clenched my hands into my dress, trying to fight off the tears that had come to life the day I expressed everything. It was silly how I never had cried for anyone other than him.

Why does this prince have to dig himself in a way that I never wanted? No! Vivian, get a hold of yourself! It doesn’t matter that I experience every of my first with him. It doesn’t matter how gentle he is every time we try something new.

Nor did I matter we did everything in the book. None of that matters!

If anything, I asked for it by teasing him. The warmth of what we did earlier in the alley still radiated out of my core, too. I couldn’t help but wonder if Loki felt the same warmth from what we did before. Or if it was a moment thing for him.

The way he kissed me, and his expressions, were ingrained in my mind.

Am I in his? Huh? It’s useless to think this! Focus!

I tried to keep my speed up to hide my expression from Loki, but I couldn’t. Not while Eli was on me. So, I tried to keep my head up, ignoring everything that wanted to rush out.

Who would’ve thought that having vampires crave for my blood would come secondary at this moment? Even the assassins that were after the boys to make Rem suffer were irrelevant. Fuck, get a grip!

This disease called love was something that would destroy everything I aimed for if I didn’t control it.

Pathetic, it makes me a mess.

Even though I tried to. I couldn’t help but reflect some agony on my face. I felt my lips press together. My entire being felt like I was shrinking. I wanted to.

“I won’t marry anyone in that ball or anyone they choose for me. I hope you know that.” Loki suddenly announced, stopping me in my tracks.

Can he read minds? Is that an ability of the blood magic? No... it is...

I shot a glare at Eli, who appeared almost to break into a sweat because of it. He had been around my neck the entire time.

“No one asked you! I couldn’t care if you married fucking cow!” I huffed without gazing back, clenching my hands into fists.

I could already feel his smirk growing on his lips upon hearing that. My voice betrayed me. Everything about me gave me away. All but my harsh words that unphased him.

“Ah… I see. I just wanted to clear the air of any misunderstandings.” Loki chuckled, enjoying the pitch in my voice.

Shit... I’m happy to hear that. So much that I...

“Hmph… I don’t care.” I repeated, unable to shake off the smile that grew on my lips before grabbing Eli, throwing him onto Loki.

“And keep your familiar to yourself!” I added with a slight scowl before turning back toward our destination, smiling.

It was illegal how such simple words could fill me with such relief. I honestly couldn’t understand it anymore. After that, we stopped by the Café to bring Oswald food. Ro was as lovely as always, although she was complaining about having too many customers coming by.

Most of the workers came by to order food from her shop and she wasn’t used to this amount of traffic. After enjoying a drink at the Café while waiting for the food, we left, heading to the castle. By now, it was almost dusk.

Our first stop was by Loki’s room to drop off food that we had bought for ourselves. That was when he removed the barricades from Oswald’s room door. From there, he opened it up, only to be stunned by what awaited us inside.

Loki froze by the door when I peeked in, only to do the same. A moan flowed through the air as a scene played out in front of us. The noise from earlier was from a woman’s voice. One that I recognized even though I had never heard her make those sounds.

A squeal quickly erupted from Emma before she flew into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. It almost appeared like a ghost ran by when she took part of the sheets with her. A moment later, Oswald sat up from the bed, growling at Loki and me.

We stood there dumbfounded.

Was that really Emma? Didn’t she hate him? What had I missed?

It didn’t seem Oswald was distressed at being with Emma, either. In fact, the interruption angered him. His blue purplish orbs only showed annoyance towards us. It was the first time I ever saw Oz without his ponytail, either.

His hair reached past his neck, unlike Loki's, who reached a little past his jawline. It was slightly curly too, and it didn’t help that he was rolling on the bed doing indecencies. He was shirtless too, and the mark that linked us was visible on his chest too.

Same place as my prince.

“Loki, you fucking moron. Didn’t you say we had to knock for each other?!” Oswald hissed, annoyed at his brother more than me.

Unlike the vampire who stood next to me, I didn’t have a key for the door. The harsh words cause the stunned twin to snap out of his shock and move.

“Hah? You never did, so why should I?” Loki huffed.

Oz grumbled while the prince left the food on the table. At least the annoyed twin was doing better, too. The dark circles were present in his eyes, but the gash he had on his forehead was healing nicely.

After leaving the food on the table, Loki turned to his brother.

“So, she treating you alright?” the vampire tried to hold back his laughter only to receive a pillow to the face from Oz.

It was unexpected, then again. That broke me from my shock when I gripped onto my chest. Luckily, a pillow couldn’t harm the vampire, who tugged it off his face before his brother continued.

“Fuck off!” Oswald growled, eyes twitching.

At that moment, Loki broke out laughing. The tenderness in his eyes was surprising after what we witnessed. A second later, the vampire head to where I was frozen, grabbing me by my arm.

“Well, it’s good to see you’re feeling better. Have fun!” he winked at his brother only quickly to close the door behind him, placing a chair under the handle again.

I could imagine Oswald's rage at that moment. The twin that was next to me gazed down at me, only to see I was staring at the door. I had been dumbfounded by what I had witnessed. Emma was fucking Oswald.

How did that come to be?

Loki didn’t appreciate my shock when I suddenly found myself in his bed.

“Oi, why are you so stunned about?” he mumbled, towering over me.

I gazed towards the headboard of the bed. They made it off the fanciest wood I had ever seen. Its design had roses made from black wood, but it wasn't its craftmanship that had me in awe. It was my brain lagging.

“Emma hates Oswald. How did…” I mumbled, perplexed by what played out in front of me.

The last time I saw her, she was calling Oswald many names, along with Zoe. Then again, my situation also changed. But I never badmouthed the prince to anyone other than my mind. Well, until recently.

She seemed so sure of her dislike, too. Then again…

Had the concussion changed something in Oz? So many variables…

“Don’t you ‘hate’ me too?” Loki tried to get the conversation back to him.

I turned my body around, even though he was on me. I placed my hands up to my lips, where I nibbled on my fingernail, trying to understand how this happened. There I slipped.

“No… I don’t hate you.” I mumbled, gazing at the same place.

How did everything change so quickly?

I asked myself over and over, only to realize something.

Had Emma been interested in Oswald the entire time while trying to hide it for the sake of the job? Is she like me?

Her relationship with the other twin didn’t bother me at all. This was so unlike the feeling of having Loki meet with another girl. I was happy that Oswald was with her.

It seems like… I… for Loki...

“So, you like me?” he continued to prod.

Even though I was in deep thought, that snapped me out. I gazed at the prince that was my intimate partner for the past few days.

His lips... his everything...

I wanted to own it all, but I couldn’t. My love would kill him, surely. Or make him go insane. Never once had there been a mortal that had survived a god's affection.

“No. I don’t.” I denied the vampire, knowing full well that I didn’t like him.

No, this emotion was more powerful than a simple like. My answer caused him to smirk before kissing me. It was like he was waiting for me to gaze at him again. His tongue invaded my mouth.

I whined against him when he traced his hand up my leg and into my dress. Separating for my lips, he trailed kisses down my jawline.

“Hm… How to make an honest woman out of you?” he hummed, removing my undies in one swift movement.

I grabbed hold of his shoulders. He was about to make a mess out of me again. I had to keep my head straight. After all, Emma...

“Did you know they were getting together?” I huffed.

Eli again wrapped around my legs before Loki took my dress off in one sweep. He had gotten good at making me bare.

“No. Well, I suspected it.” Loki answered.

I felt Eli tighten his grip on me before pulling my legs to my sides, allowing the prince to get in between my legs. This snake was more perverted than the prince. Then again, they were halves of each other.

That was what the summoner’s bond did to them. Fused a former god-like being to a mortal. It was the first plan the gods from the soul cairn used to get out. Though they traded their memories in return.

But these two were different. Their aura was too similar.

“Why didn’t you say anything to me?” I tried to keep my head straight when he took off his shirt and undid his pants.

At that moment, Eli had gotten behind my back, where he unclasped my bra. A soft gasp left my lips as the snake's length continued to grow while he slid from under me. Before I knew it, Loki grabbed onto my chin, forcing me to gaze at him as his orbs reflected annoyance.

“Well… I didn’t think it mattered who my brother fucked.” He huffed, kissing me again.

He wouldn’t allow a word to leave me when he separated from my lips before trailing pecks down my body. I quickly found my voice when he let me free of his mouth.

“It doesn’t! But Emma…” I argued, only to be interrupted by him sucking on the nobs of my bosom.

It triggered a whine to leave my lips instead of words. After teasing them, he continued leaving new love bites around them. It was like he was marking his territory. It almost felt like he got absorbed in what he was doing when he pulled off his pants, leaving his briefs on.

There was a visible tent in them. Every suck he gave caused me to shiver when his fangs grazed my skin. At any moment, he could sink them in, but he never did. The moment his name escaped my lips, I could feel my core become warmer.

My body shuddered in anticipation while my chest felt like a fire had been set ablaze. Separating from my bosom, he eyed me down before licking his fingers, tracing my core with them. He didn’t appreciate how I wasn’t concentrating on him alone.

Leaning into my ear, he continued to tease my sensitive bell with his wet appendages.

“She’s part of your coven. It doesn’t take much to figure that out, sweetheart.” Loki whispered, gazing at me.

Kissing my cheek, he introduced two of his fingers into me. A low mewl left my lips. This vampire didn’t need to inject me with his venom to make me lose it. Everything about him did, but I had to find out where his mindset was in this.

“T-then why are you o-okay with her b-being with Oswald?” I continued out of breath and stuttering mess.

A soft smirk rose on his lips before he rolled his eyes, withdrawing his fingers out.

“Because she treated him right. I would hear him complain nonstop about the two witches, especially Emma. Oz doesn’t do that unless he’s interested. If he wanted them gone, he would not only curse at them.” The prince shrugged, massaging my walls.

It was making me a jittery mess.

“Ozzy is way more sadistic than I am, sweetheart. So, I know it was Oz who brought her into his bed. Much like I did with you. That witch could never overwhelm him.” He added.

I silenced myself, knowing if I kept going, he would make it about us. The sudden wave of quiet caused him to smirk again.

“If you’re satisfied, let me fuck you silly. I held back in that alley. I don’t need to anymore.” He huffed, trailing more kisses down my body until…

“Wait, let me shower!” I tried to get up only for Eli to tug on me, causing me to stay put.

Loki snickered before sliding his head between my thighs.

“Your scent doesn’t bother me, Vivi.” Loki purred, lapping my vulva with his tongue.

Instinctively, I tried to close my legs, but couldn’t. His familiar held them firmly apart. The only thing I could do was grab onto Loki’s soft hair while my mewls of pleasure left me. With his free hands, he plunged his fingers into me, allowing his other hand to grip my chest firmly.

It wasn’t long before my body responded in the way he wanted, as I found my release. A sharp cry left my lips when my body twitched at his touch. Instinctively, I tugged on his hair, causing him to groan.

I panted heavily soon after as he took the chance. My grip on him loosened to leave marks on my inner thighs. My entire body was full of them by now. They were all in places I could hide easily, so I didn’t care. It wasn’t like anyone else would see them.

“You’re beautiful, Vivian.” Loki breathed, admiring everything he did to me.

He licked his lips seductively as the heat within me grew. Even though he hadn’t bitten me, I could feel the desperation for wanting him to fill me. At that moment, he took off his briefs before I gazed to the side to put up a strong front.

“Shut up.” I huffed weakly before I felt my whole-body quiver when his heat pressed against my entrance.

Everything always betrayed me.

“I think I might have a troublesome fetish here. All this verbal abuse and scary glances you give me just turn me on more.” He teased, pushing himself into me.

A sudden gasp left my lips when he filled me. However, I quickly took a grip on myself. There was no way I would let him win.

“You creep,” I smirked.

Eli wrapped around my hands, binding them together. His name left my lips as I found myself in a pickle. Loki was enjoying himself.

“This creep will be the only man ever to fuck you like this.” Loki snickered, shoving himself the entire way in, causing me to whine.

I wouldn’t allow him to win. There was no way.

“Hah? Aren’t you full of yourself?” I tried to keep my voice steady.

He shivered, probably because of my tightness.

“What makes you think I won’t fuck anyone else?” I asked, trying to keep my tough exterior.

Though his possessiveness towards me made me feel happy.

“Vivi’s the best.” Eli snickered, suddenly yanking my hands up.

He had bound all of my limbs. Loki placed his hands on the sides of my head. Filling me to the brim, he ground his hips into me before grabbing onto my neck with his right hand. His eyes gave off a hue, fighting off the desire to bite me.

“Because you’re mine. No one could ever please you as I do.” Loki breathed, leaning into my ear, gently tapping his fingers against my neck.

“Especially my bite.” He murmured, causing my body to quiver, knowing how the high felt when I was on his venom.

There was nothing that would ever top it.

“Don’t…” I whimpered.

Not because I didn’t want it. I desired it more than anything, but with the boys under attack by my coven. I needed my mind there to its fullest. Tugging away from my ear, he chuckled, tracing his hand down my neck and onto my bosoms.

There, he began playfully to tease them.

“I won't bite you unless you want me to. I promise.” Loki assured me in a low tone.

I could tell how much he desired it, but somehow he was keeping himself from biting me.

“Don’t you want it?” I asked, enjoying the sudden gentleness he was showing before he stopped, caging me under him again.

“More than anything, but at the same time. I don’t want to hurt you or do anything that’ll make you upset.” The prince confessed.

It caused me to grab onto Eli’s body that held my hands. I wanted to touch Loki, but this had to be enough. It might’ve been a blessing that he had taken my hands. I didn’t think I would’ve been able to keep myself from kissing him.

“The bond...” I began bucking my hips.

It prompted the vampire to hum, gazing at me full of desire.

“No… it isn’t the bond,” Loki sighed before kissing me feverously.

It robbed me of my breath. A second later, he moved to his delight. Every thrust caused me to see the stars. My mewls and his moans were muffled by our mouths sealing to one another. Unlike the alley, his wings made an appearance.

It happened every time he got too excited, and I didn’t mind it at all. It turned me more sensitive. Although my hands were bound, I knew how soft his feathers felt from before. A knot filled my senses to the point it felt like I was going to blow.

The moment Loki released from my lips to allow precious air to fill our lungs, I lost it a bit. Thoughts of how another woman would ever feel this in the future consumed me. Even if he didn’t pick anyone in the ball.

Eventually, I would have to leave this place, and he would stay behind. After all, his family was here. And they wouldn’t accept me. I wasn’t the girl he could bring back to his mother or the one he would marry.

These thoughts made me realize how precious every moment with him truly was. The moment I saved this vampire, everything would be over. Everything would change. I didn’t want it to break. I wanted to freeze the moment.

But time... Fate... waited for no one. And I would save this boy from his destiny, even if it was the last thing I did.

“I want to touch you!” I cried, causing Loki to stop in his tracks before a curse left his lips.

“I’m yours. Touch me all you want, Vivi.” He breathed before Eli suddenly let my hands go.

The moment my arms were free, they found their way to the back of Loki’s head and neck. He thrust himself into me again.

By the gods, how much does this boy make me feel alive?

When our lips clashed again, my chest met with his. Every thrust caused me to move in his rhythm as my tongue played against his. I didn’t want to let this go. But unlike Emma, who was a normal mortal girl.

I couldn’t allow myself to be driven by this emotion that wanted to consume me. Loki plunged himself into my depths before we both found our sudden release. It felt like my mind went blank. I even blanked out for a moment because the next thing I remembered.

Loki softly called for me, struggling to keep his body off me. The moment I came to, a gentle smile formed on his lips when I mumbled his name. His voice was soothing to my ears. I felt like the world could burn at that moment and I wouldn’t care.

I was only out for a few seconds, but it caused the vampire to pull out of me, fearing taking it too far. That was when we remembered the food that had been left by the table. Even though it went cold, it still was tasty to eat.

Loki threw one of his shirts for me to wear while we ate. It was comfier than the maid’s dress I had to wear for work. At these moments, it almost felt like we were dating.

A normal couple...

Teasing each other and chattering about random things while we enjoyed the meal. It all made me not want to go back to the maid's quarters. Looking at the clock by the door, I got off the bed, trying to take off his shirt only to be met by him grabbing me by my hips.

A second later, he pulled me onto his lap.

“Why don’t you stay the night?” Loki purred into my ear, kissing my neck.

I grabbed onto his hands. He knew what I was going to do.

“I can’t stay here anymore.” I sighed, knowing that Gerta, Emery, or Ivy might kill me in my sleep if I continued to stay in the prince’s room.

Especially after parading around the town. They weren’t blind. It was obvious I was recovered from whatever injury Loki made up.

“But you could stay. Be my permanent bed warmer.” Loki teased.

I scowled at him, causing a smirk to appear on his lips before I took the chance to kiss him lightly.

What are we? Surely, nothing.

It might’ve appeared like we were a couple, but that was an illusion. We hadn’t confessed or asked each other out. It wasn’t like I would’ve said yes to any of them. After a brief moment, I drew away from his lips before licking mine.

Sex friends... well, sex enemies? Hm... Sex frenemies?

“Loki, how can I wake you up if I’m sleeping in your same bed? Plus, I have to get up earlier than you to report with Gerta. You’ll be the one to kill me instead of her.” I pointed out, causing him to smirk before trailing his hand down my cheek.

“Well, sorry to say, you can’t go back to that room. Or anywhere without me while you’re in Night city or all of Celnaer. Not after the rumors that are going on about you.” Loki announced, causing me to roll my eyes.

 I couldn’t care less if the vampires tried to go for me. That bite would be the last they ever had, but...

“If it’s the vampires after my blood, I’m not afraid of them.” I huffed.

He kissed me before pulling away from me right away.

“No, but I’m afraid of what one of them will do if you go walking down those halls alone. Royals can hurt you before you can even see them.” Loki sighed, tossing me onto the bed again.

A yelp left my lips as I hit the soft bed, only for him to join me on my side. He was right. Even though I was powerful, I couldn’t see a vampire come at me from so short ranges. And if they got me in their death zone, then I...

Even so, I wasn’t raised to depend on anyone. I wouldn’t give in without a fight. It would be a weak one, though.

“But…” I mumbled, feeling like I would drown in Loki if I stayed in this room.

Softly, I turned my body to him with a slight pout. There was no way this was happening, but it had to.

“Gerta—” I began, only to be interrupted by him pressing his forehead against mine.

“I already spoke to her. Oswald was the one who let me know what was going on. And that was two days ago. You’re to stay with me, personal maid.” Loki informed, causing me to drop into confusion.

He spoke to Gerta. When?!

“What?!” I grumbled, trying to keep up.

Two days ago… It must have been when I was sleeping! This sneaky vampire… There... How will I face her?

“That woman was so surprised when Loki told her,” Eli announced, sliding in between the space between us.

I could barely form a word before Loki continued.

“They’re coming to install a bed here tomorrow, but they don’t need to. Just sleep with me.” He smirked playfully, causing me to roll my eyes.

A weak fight indeed. This wasn’t a bad turn of events, since it would mean I would be with the prince all the time. But it wouldn’t be good for my heart.

“If I do, I might spoil.” I sighed, turning to face the ceiling.

This was both a blessing and a nightmare. I had experienced no terrors while I slept with him. That was something I couldn’t allow to continue. My heart wouldn’t be able to take it when he was gone.

When they would come back, they would break me. The warmth would shatter this goddess.

Frail girl indeed.

“Good,” he beamed happily, thinking he won, but I would never give him an easy victory.

“No,” I grumbled, turning my head to him.

It caused his smile to disappear while his orbs twitched.

“Wait, what?!” Loki snapped.

I smirked at him, enjoying the change of emotions in him.

He really is...

“I won’t sleep with you. So, let them install the extra bed.” I announced, causing him to shake his head in disbelief.

A growl left his lips.

“Fuck! Vivi, why play so hard to get?” he grumbled, gazing at me with an expression I couldn’t allow myself to identify.

Though he appeared to be enjoying himself, too.

“Play? Pfft, you’re so full of yourself. I’m a goddess and out of your league.” I whispered playfully, poking his nose with my fingers.

He chuckled. “You little… I hope you know I’ll just jump into your bed instead.”

I shrugged, gazing towards the ceiling.

“I’ll make sure it’s uncomfortable for you,” I sighed, reaching for the ceiling before it suddenly turned into what appeared to be the night sky.

There was no reason to hide my powers from him. He already knew what I was, and it had been a while since I could do this. A spell to project the cosmos onto the wall. Loki followed my gaze to see what I did, only to grab onto my hand, snuggling closer next to me.

“We’ll see about that.” The vampire challenged, causing me to chuckle, intertwining my fingers with his. For a while, we both stared at the stars. Eli lay comfortably on us now that Loki had pushed the snake from where he had been when he moved closer.

I honestly never expected this to end like this.

“Oz can’t do that,” Loki mumbled, admiring the night sky that couldn’t be seen through the barrier of this city.

He probably hadn’t seen it ever since he came to Night city. A soft chuckle left my lips when I shifted to press my lips against his ear.

“That’s because my magic’s more special than his. I don’t even know what it is yet.” I murmured, feeling his hand tighten on mine.

The gentle warmth radiated from it and into me. I had never spoken with anyone about my magic. Dad never asked, just taught, and Lilith couldn’t care less. She was more interested in making me learn how to survive.

They both were. And they knew nothing of how to help me.

“You’ll find out. I’m sure of it.” Loki reassured me.

I chuckled, causing his gaze to meet with mine.

Those eyes… Everything about him… made it… too much. Why do you try to comfort or befriend me? Is this an act? No… it’s genuine.

Thought the playful smirk that appeared on his face soon made my heart stop.

“What? Falling in love with me, princess?” he teased, causing me to try to hold on to my laughter.

He wouldn’t give up.

Good... keep me on my toes so I don't fall too deep.

Though I was already at the bottom of this abyss. I would kill for him.

“Pfft… What a foolish prince you are.” I chuckled, pulling my hand from his grip and onto his warm cheek.

I was already… Too bad my love was poisonous.

“Are you sure about this?” I asked, getting serious.

He grabbed onto the limb that was touching him before pressing it against him.

Does my warmth comfort you too?

“Well, it isn’t uncommon for personal servants to stay near their master,” Loki informed.

I frowned. That usually was in separate rooms, not the same one.

“But I’ll be in your room. With you… You won’t have your privacy nor—” I began, only to be interrupted by him.

Eli coiled around the arm that had my hand hostage.

“Sweetheart, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Any other room would be too dangerous. Even if you were to stay with Oz, it would still be too risky. I can undo a royal’s damage if I’m close enough.” He informed, not letting go of me.

“And since their blood control is useless against me. No royal would ever come in here. Especially not with Eli around. Unlike my magic, he’s another monster to deal with.” Loki continued.

I gave in. He was right. In tight quarters, I was helpless against a royal. All they needed was a second to blow a vein in me. If I could see them coming before they got to me, it would’ve been a different case. But in Night city vampires were the apex of predators.

Their speed was another factor I couldn’t keep up with unless I used my time magic. And that would cause me to lose this world when the gods came down to find me.

“Hah… Right.” I sighed, pulling away from him.

Eli spoke soon after. What he said would infuriate me.

“There was this one time a male vampire came into this room.” He snickered, causing me to sit up slightly.

The magic I had used to change the ceiling dissipated.

“What?” I snapped.

Loki sighed. Father never told me about an attempt on his life before.

“Eli killed him.” The vampire announced, sitting up slightly too.

“He had a knife aimed at my other half.” The snake defended his actions.

I gaze at Loki, worried about him.

Just how many people are after this prince’s life? My prince's life... that’s unforgivable.

“Loki…” I mumbled.

Even though all he did was to be born into this world. Everyone either wanted to be with him or make him disappear. All because he had the power they wanted.

Ah... He… is just like me.

“That was four years ago, Vivi. Don’t worry. Eli ate him whole, and no one knew of the event. Though his family was searching for him for a while." Loki tried to joke.

I launched myself at him, only to cling to him the moment he was in my grip. He was just like me, but purer. He deserved to live more than I did. In response to my sudden affection, the prince embraced me back.

I listened to his heartbeat. It was so strong and pleasant to my ears. It had to keep beating always. And not just because I would die without it, but because he deserved to live.

“Make sure it keeps beating,” I mumbled, smothering myself into his chest.

The way it rose and fell made me want to stay on it always.

“I-I’ll make sure… it does.” Loki stuttered, holding me tighter.

Ah… I have to fix this.

It was coming across like I cared a bit too much. Softly, I peeked from his chest and onto his face where the gentlest expression was. It made my heart want to stop what was about to leave my lips.

But I was too stubborn to halt them. After all, I had to keep the prince on his toes.

“Good, because without it I drop,” I smirked.

It prompted him to shake his head and kiss my forehead lightly.

“And who would want that to happen?” the vampire rolled his eyes.

I giggled, pulling myself up to his level.

“Shut it,” I simpered before planting my lips on his.

From there, a feverous make-out erupted, only to be continued in the bathroom before ending in the bed again. This fatal attraction was too strong to stop. We were too similar to one another to ignore.

Though that wouldn’t stop me from fighting it. I refused to give in to the feeling that made me adore him. For the rest of that night, all we did was kiss, cuddle, and chatter about stupid things that would usually end in a bicker.

I never knew having an equal would feel so right. And as we headed to the future, all I could hope was that my love wouldn’t poison him. Not that I would ever let him know what I truly felt. That would be my guilty pleasure.