After popping myself out of the bathroom, I couldn’t help myself when I ran to my newly set up bed. I heard the brothers talk on the other side of the wall. Yet I didn’t want to intervene in their conversation or make myself known.

Though I was sure they knew I was out and in the room. Even though I hid under the covers, it wasn’t long until I floated, thanks to Oswald’s magic. A second later, it yanked me off the bed and towards the two brothers who were in the main room.

Before I knew it, I was being set down on the floor gently. I scowled at the two boys, not wanting to argue anymore. It took everything in me to put the lid down on my emotions. If Oswald was going to report me, then I would go for a contingency plan.

Though that would lead to chaos, and Dad surely would get involved. We stayed in silence while the ill-mannered twin gazed at me without uttering a word. Though it wasn’t long until Loki rolled his eyes, nudging him on the side of his arm.

It prompted Oz to growl at his brother before turning back to me. He appeared conflicted. I braced myself by snuggling myself into the covers that were yanked off the bed with me.

“I’m sorry for a lot of what I said. For now, I can accept a temporary truce between us.” He sighed.

He was sincere, yet something about it didn’t make me feel any better. Well, at least the fiery head appeared to have calmed down enough to think rationally. I didn’t know what the brothers spoke about when I was in the shower for an hour.

But it seemed they were okay, too. That alone was a relief since when I was gone, Loki would still have Oswald and his family. I never wanted to strain their relationship, but I couldn’t just leave either. Not until the troublesome vampire was safe.

In response, I turned around with my covers still tightly warped around my tiny figure. I was wearing a two-piece sky-blue pajama.

“I don’t accept,” I huffed, trying to head back to my bed.

The twin got ticked off again. I almost heard a vein pop when he suddenly stood up from where he was, taking a step towards me.

“What!?” the warlock blurted out.

I stopped, snuggling myself into the warmth of the blankets. I had used the same body wash that Loki always used. So, the smell was comforting me. Even though I had almost broken down earlier. His scent took me forward.

This was something I could always have once everything was set and done. I could buy the soap myself. And with that, I would always have the scent that reminded me of him with me. I never thought I would need something like this to stay strong.

This disease was getting worse, and I couldn’t stop it.

“There’s nothing for you to apologize for. So, I don’t accept it, Oswald.” I clarified, turning slightly to him.

He seemed to be bewildered because of it. After all, we were enemies. My words weren’t what he expected from his foe.

“Though, if you hurt Emma, then you’ll have to do more than ask for forgiveness,” I warned, trying to not allow myself to feel.

The warlock’s eyes narrowed when I said that. He didn’t know how to deal with that yet. And that was something I had no part in involving myself in. Turning back to my bed, I sighed before shaking my head slightly.

“Oh, and don’t take me out of my bed again.” I huffed, walking back towards my comfort.

It wasn’t a second later when he spoke up again, though.

“We need to talk about the attack,” Oswald spoke up.

I shrugged, dropping onto the fluffy fabric.

“I already told you all I know. If you need anything else, wait until tomorrow. All this talking exhausted me.” I mumbled, knowing that if he didn’t hear me, Zephier would.

Slowly, I found my way to my pillow before snuggling into it.

“Fine… Tomorrow, after the shitty day, we’ll speak again. And Vivian, I won’t hurt her.” Oz gave in before going back to Loki before speaking briefly about tomorrow’s plans.

After that, he left for the night. My vampire went into the bathroom to freshen up. The entire time, even though I tried to fall asleep, I couldn’t. The thoughts from earlier bombarded my poor, brittle mind.

When Oz left, Eli found his way into my bed. Feeling him slither on my back, cuddling the pillow, made me smile. I wasn’t worth anything. No, I wish I couldn’t feel.

It was easier when I didn’t care about a thing. I clasped onto the pillow for a while. Then I heard the bathroom door open and close. Before I knew it, I felt the bed sink under Loki’s weight, causing me slightly to turn to him.

He appeared concerned about me. Those blue purplish orbs of his told me all I needed to know. But why he did was something I would struggle to come to terms with.

“Hey,” he murmured, tracing my cheek.

I closed my eyes in response to his warmth.

It’s too much.

“Loki, I don’t want to put a strain on your relationship with your brother. I’m sorry if—” I tried to speak, only to be interrupted by the prince’s lips crashing into mine.

An effective way of silencing me, since I couldn’t resist him. His thumb caressed my cheek when his tongue glided against my lips. Instinctively, I opened my mouth to allow him to roam it. We tangoed with one another for a while.

He eased his way into the small bed made for one. It wasn’t long until he was in the covers I was trying to keep for myself. With his summoner's intrusion, Eli moved from my back to my front before pushing the pillow off my hands.

That was when the prince drew away from our kiss.

“Does anything hurt?” Loki worried, tenderly caressing my cheek.

I instinctively gazed at my hand that still stung from slapping Oswald earlier. I was so heated that I didn’t care how hard I went. Probably a mistake, since Oz had a fucking concussion.

Is he alright?

“Just my hand. I think I never have hit anyone that hard before. Well, I guess the vampire girl who jumped you is up there too.” I mumbled.

I prompted the vampire to chuckle, picking up my aching limb. With his thumb, he softly caressed it, provoking me to wince, only to feel instant relief soon after. Again, I gazed at him in amazement at his abilities. He gently simpered at me.

He had so much potential to do good in this world. Yet everyone was out to get him. That was unacceptable. He wasn’t a force of destruction like me. No, he was something good.

“Yeah, you hit a home run with both of them. Especially with Oz. I think you made his headache worse.” Loki crackled before biting his lip.

 He was concerned with Oswald, which worried me.

Why is this vampire with me in this bed?

After everything that Oz said, I thought Loki would stay away from me. He was insane to not see the reason his twin did. Especially after learning some things from my past. Though they hadn’t been like I had said.

He was smart enough to put them together.

“You… aren’t angry I hit him?” I asked.

It caused his expression drastically to change. It was like he was looking at me like I was crazy. He shook his head, rolling his eyes.

“No, he deserved it after antagonizing you like that.” The vampire chuckled, gazing at me with an emotion that I didn’t want to describe.

But it triggered me to clash lips with him again. This time, he tugged away before I could enter his mouth with a smirk on his face. His eyes gave off a soft hue.

“I was going to fuck you so hard for what you did earlier in the Café. But… I think I’ll be extra gentle tonight.” He teased playfully.

I felt Eli slither under my top before popping on my other side in between his summoner and me. The vampire’s words tickled me. I couldn’t help but burst out into laughter upon hearing them.

It caused the prince’s eyes to widen in surprise while I tried to control myself.

“Pfft… You can go gentle? Is that even possible?” I crackled, trying to hold it soon.

This vampire… even though I know I should pull away…

That I should have run miles away from him the moment I knew what I was feeling. Even so, I would enjoy the time I had with him. I was selfish that way. Even though it would’ve been easier for him if I ended this affair.

I wanted to keep it going. So, when I had to go away. I could keep those memories with me. After all, loneliness was something that I had to live with for the rest of my life. This was a brief relief from that.

Until he was free from destiny. Though I couldn’t help but hope that day never came. A wish that Loki would always need me was selfish and one that I needed to bury deep. My desires caused so much pain before.

Well, at least his death would be avoided because of it.

“Oi, I was very gentle with you the first time we did it,” Loki grumbled.

His cheeks were pink. I continued to giggle uncontrollably. It was fun being with him. It really was.

Please… don’t dig yourself into me anymore. I… would want… No… I can’t take him away from his family.

For that, I formed a plan while I was in the bathroom. I would make it seem like he was utterly addicted to me. That I forced him to accept me.

My blood… I…

“For a second!” I pointed out before biting my lip.

Everything that happened replayed in my mind. Our first moment together was like this. And every single one after that. Oswald’s fight and emotions brought everything to perspective. If this would all be a moment for me.

It’ll be okay, right? I can enjoy it. Well, as long as I don’t define it.

It would save his relationships with everyone else, too. I wouldn’t allow my love to poison his life. Not like it did with everyone else.

“Oi, you little…” Loki seemed a bit ticked off by my laughter, but it soon died when I clashed against his lips.

A feverous kiss followed before I itched for everything this vampire offered. His hand traveled up my back, only to stop there when I drew away from the kiss. Slowly, I turned my body towards him.

“Loki,” I mumbled, reaching for his cheek.

There, I trailed my fingertips up to his beauty mark near his bottom lip. If it wasn’t for his pointy ears or hair, at least I could always identify him from Oswald by this.

My vampire… I… have saved no one. But… I’ll do anything to save you.

Even if it was the last thing I did in this mortal realm.

Your future will comprise longevity and happiness.

“What is it?” he hummed, licking his lips.

Even though I couldn’t tell him how I felt in fears of my powers. I could give him everything I was. I would make him desire me for everything my flesh offered. Then when the time came. I would use it as an excuse for why he cared for me when everyone came for me.

Even though I knew from the way he looked at me.

That… you… No…

I could never accept that. If I did. I would never let go of him.

“I’ve been meaning to ask. Why don’t you drink blood more often? Isn’t that unhealthy for vampires?” I asked, shoving the vampire onto the bed before moving my head onto his chest.

There I wrapped my arm around his abdomen while the other held his shirt in it. It was much to his surprise. I wasn’t quite ready for the sex yet. Nor for one of the dumbest things I would’ve ever done.

For the time being, I wanted to relish his presence.

“Arg… Why do you ask that?” Loki sighed.

It appeared his grandfather always bugged him about it.

“Curious,” I mumbled, enjoying the beat of his heart.

He shook his head, placing one of his arms around my body as the other landed on my head. He held me tightly against his body. I enjoyed the moment, even though he was reluctant to speak about that.

“To be honest. I don’t like the taste, Vivi.” The prince sighed, disappointed by the turn of events.

However, I was satisfied by doing this first. I mean, if this was all we did for the night, I would’ve loved it too. But this was just the start. Gentle, he said.

Good.

“A vampire that doesn’t like the taste of blood?” I continued, pressing my hand against his chest, causing him to release a nervous chuckle.

He gazed up at the ceiling.

“Well, if I’m honest… Ever since… Compared to yours, everything tastes dull and nasty. Ever since I was a child. I can’t drink it as often as I’m supposed to. Sometimes it makes me want to hurl when I do,” he answered, leaving me feeling responsible for that.

It was also something I could fix. Well, while I was with him, at least.

“I see…” I mumbled, wanting to spend a little while longer in his embrace.

I felt his chest rise and fall. It always had to be like this. Shivers ran down my spine the moment I remembered when Nene’s heart stopped. I didn’t know if he noticed it, but soon after, he traced his fingers down my hair.

It left a pleasant feeling in me. However, he wouldn’t stay down after I was so direct with him.

“Can I ask you something now?” Loki began.

I hummed against his chest, glancing up at him to see his orbs still glued to the ceiling. There I made the night sky appear again with a wave of my hand. A small chuckle came from his lips again as I rested against him.

Eli was coiling around us while he rested his head was on Loki’s stomach.

“A question for a question,” I whispered, petting the little snake gently on his head.

It prompted him to gaze at me intently. He softly flicked his tongue against my skin. I continued to find his scales pleasing.

“Can you really not remember a thing?” Loki asked.

In an instant, everything came to a halt. I closed my eyes, biting my lip slightly. It wasn’t like I didn’t know it would come up again. I just wished it wasn’t as soon. It took everything for me to lock up all the emotions that stemmed from that.

Even so, I wouldn’t go back on my word. He answered my question. So, now I needed to be honest, too.

“About my life before? No… I can’t remember a thing about it.” I snuggled myself into him.

This wouldn’t work. This selfish desire to stay with Loki would ruin me. I knew it. Yet…

“But… I think the spell was too weak to keep them all back. Usually, I’m tormented by night terrors. Though lately… I have had none. Heck, I think I even had a dream for the first time while I slept with you.” I confessed, getting up, straddling on Loki’s hips.

He seemed surprised by my action. What we were talking about and what was happening were two different things. At least to me.

“Vivi, is that why you wanted your bed?” he breathed, looking concerned over me.

“I feel like when they come back. I… It doesn’t matter. When I wake up, I have no recollection of them. It just hurts. And at times, I feel like I’m being torn apart by something. Others I think I’m thrown away.” I shrugged, trying to keep myself in one piece.

Loki went to reach for me when I whisked off my shirt along with my brooch. I let them fall on the floor next to the bed. In response to my sudden exhibition, his hands dropped to my hips.

I moved Eli from the vampire’s belly, slipping my hands under the white t-shirt he used to sleep on. The warmth that radiated from him into my limbs was pleasing.

“Though… I feel like I scream so much, but no one hears me. I was voiceless. Or at least I think I was.” I sighed, licking my bottom lip before slightly biting it.

My fingertips traced his features. They were so defined and set thanks to all the activities he did. Though my body felt more like a marshmallow. I never thought I needed physical endurance.

“Vivian, I’m sorry.” Loki apologized.

I gazed up at his face to see his eyes were full of regret. What for? I wouldn’t know.

Stupid vampire…

He had nothing to apologize for. Even if his race handled everything that my mother endured, I… He wasn’t to blame.

“For what? You weren’t even born then. I’m sure most of it was my fault, anyway.” I sighed, nudging his shirt off.

He complied before sitting up slightly, kissing my chest lightly. His tongue gently lapped my lump’s nob before he gazed at me.

“I’m sure there’s more to it, Vivi,” Loki assured me.

I felt a snap.

What’s wrong with this vampire? Why does he keep saying things to break me? Why isn’t he like his brother?

The stupid fool said he was going to do to me what Rem did to Alijah. Well, that was impossible, but he could have me while I was here. As long as I never told him about my feelings for him. It should have been fine.

As long as my power didn’t corrupt him, I… Everything would have been fine in the end.

“Stupid fool,” I mumbled.

It prompted him to kiss me, shoving his hand into my pants and underwear. His fingers traced my vulva when I drew away from his lips, pushing him into the bed. The sudden movement caused him to drag his limb out of my clothes before they ended in my arms.

It wasn’t usual for me to treat him like that while we were getting it on. So, instead of continuing, he waited to see what I was going to do. This boy would do nothing to hurt me.

What a silly fool you are.

“Loki…” I breathed, trying to steady my heart for what was coming next.

“Hm…?” the vampire hummed, unaware of what I planned.

However, his world was about to be shaken up tenth fold when I bit into my lower lip. After what I said next, surely he would think I lost my mind. Perhaps Oswald’s chains had messed with my process of thought.

Even though he had suggested it before, he never thought I would actually give in. For him, it was teasing more than anything else. But…

“Bite me…” I declared, causing his eyes to widen.

His face warped in full bewilderment. It was cute to see him get flustered like that. Probably thought I was messing with him.

“I-I’m sorry I-I must’ve m-misheard. C-come again.” Loki stuttered.

Oh fuck. You’re adorable!

I needed to get ahead of this more often.

“Drink my blood,” I tried to hold in a small chuckle.

He shook his head in disbelief.

Becoming immune to his bite… Now that we would spend entire days together, night together.

I would take his challenge. And when the time came, I would have no regrets. And more importantly, an excuse to give to his family. One where I forced the vampire to crave me. To adore me because of his addiction.

Even if it wasn’t true. It was what I would fall back on when I left. To survive this. Because survival was all that mattered. Another plan this vampire would be my accomplice to. But this time, he was unaware.

“Vivi… don’t say things you don’t mean. If… I don’t have that type of self-restraint. When it comes to you.” Loki sighed, rejecting the idea he was using days ago as a tease.

I knew it. He cared, but I couldn’t allow him to know how deep my emotions ran. I couldn’t poison him. He would be the only person I would ever save. Even if the days after I left would be a little painful for him.

“What the rose in my blood is making it too much?” I huffed, causing him to scowl at me.

Good… don’t agree with me. Fight it… but… you won’t be able to resist it.

“No, you idiot. My bite will affect you for hours after. And tomorrow you said we had to go back to normal life.” Loki scolded, getting serious.

I would have to shove this vampire if I wanted him to do so. Though it was hard because I knew he would never hurt me.

Why care for me in such a way?

Though I would never label it.

What we are… what we feel… I won’t dare name it.

This was but a passing moment for us, two kindred spirits. I grabbed onto his face, tracing my thumbs on his cheeks.

“Stupid… I’m telling you to do it.” I started only for Loki to gaze away, reluctant to do so.

Silly… I want to give you my all while I can.

But for that, I would have to push him.

“Fine… if you won’t do it then…” I simpered, letting go of the vampire’s head.

I had never used my magic against myself before. Even so, I… My body gave off a light hue when Loki grabbed onto my shoulders. His speed was unfair, but he couldn’t stop me.

“Wait, what are you—” the vampire began, only to stop the moment I winced in pain.

A sudden gash appeared above my right breast when my body stopped glowing. It was deeper than I had intended, but it did what I wanted it to do. Blood trailed down my lump, causing Loki to gaze at me like I was crazy.

Gentle isn’t for me, silly vampire. I don’t deserve it.

Five days had passed since he had last drank any blood. I knew because he was spending all this time with me. What fueled his magic was the remaining strength that my blood left him with.

“Fuck!” Loki cursed loudly, slamming me against the bed.

A second later, he lapped the blood off my skin. A drop wouldn’t be wasted. The way his tongue licked up every little trail made me shiver.

“Do… whatever you want with this flesh,” I whispered before Loki sank his teeth into the side of my breast.

Immediately, it felt like electricity rushed through me. I grabbed onto his hair, gently tugging it. It was so different from the first time he bit me. Mostly because I knew he wouldn’t leave me waiting for long.

Even though he was feeding on me, his hand quickly traveled down my pants and underwear before his fingers invaded my walls. Mewls left my lips when Eli helped to tug off my clothes while his summoner continued to feed.

After licking my skin clean, the vampire gazed at me, letting his fingers send pleasure through my body. It wasn’t enough. My hips were bucking into his hand, wanting more.

“You’re fucking crazy. Don’t… hurt yourself again.” Loki huffed, angered by my rash action.

I gazed at the tent on his pants. My body burned, but it was different. It wasn’t as painful or as desperate since I knew… I would… My wound was no longer visible.

“Won’t you give it to me?” I asked, not feeling satisfied by his fingers alone.

He smirked, shuddering a bit.

“I shouldn’t after what you pulled, but I want you to,” Loki whispered.

Eli wrapped around my legs again. He was also coiling around his summoner’s body. The vampire lowered his pants and underwear with his free hand. Thought the snake tug them off as he did to my clothes too.

Removing his fingers from within my depths, he caged me between his arms. Though he was quick to fill me to the brim. A sharp mewl left my lips, clinging to his neck and hair. Instinctively, I coiled my legs around his hips.

Eli didn’t pull them apart this time.

“Fuck, Vivi…” Loki cursed, before rocking my senses.

Every thrust felt so warm that I didn’t mind. I was on the brink of losing my mind. It felt so exhilarating. His name left my lips multiple times after. I wanted him and only him. And on each occasion it did, his movements go rougher and faster.

The moment his wings erupted from the excitement of it all, I pulled myself up to nibble on his neck. It triggered him to groan, not in pain, but pleasure as his movements got sloppy.

At that moment, I pushed myself on him, causing him to sit with me. Once on him, I matched his earlier rhythm. Eli coiled around both our bodies. My name left the vampire’s lip, letting his hands travel to my hips.

Knots filled my core when I continued to move to both our pleasures. In response to what I was doing, Loki kissed my chest, only to stop by my neck. There he sunk his teeth again. The sudden blaze that my body experienced triggered me to cry out.

I never knew I could sound like that. Feeling pleased, he licked where he bit before suddenly pushing me back down onto the bed and shoving himself within me. The explosion against my core caused all my knots to undo as we reached our release.

The entire moment left me in a daze. The high I felt was more intense than when I didn’t have his venom in me.

Ah, I’m the one who’ll be addicted to you.

It wasn’t long before we went for a second round and so on. The bed we were in was only meant for one, but it didn’t matter. Loki and Eli wouldn’t leave me for the rest of the night. The next morning, when the alarm went off, I was still in the vampire’s arms.

Eli slithered around us. When my eyes flew open, I quickly noticed how the effects of the venom were still active. I felt the warmth from before to a lesser degree. The itch, though, was almost the same.

Even though Loki never got up on time, even with an alarm. The moment I move he traced his hand down my curves. My body responded in jitters when he stopped by my inner thigh before he tugged up my leg for easier access to my entrance.

In an instant, I felt him shove himself into me. A sharp gasp left my lips when he pressed against my ear.

“Morning, sweetheart,” the vampire murmured before plunging himself into me again.

Mewls left my lips before I found myself lost again. Before I knew it, I was on all fours while Loki rammed himself into me. I could hear Eli shuffling in the drawers next to us when the vampire kissed my back lightly.

I felt my voice crack when he licked his fingers before they ended up in my bell. I squealed his name when he rubbed it, continuing to stimulate my walls, too.

Soft moans left his lips like the prior night. He used his other hand to grab onto my breast.

“Come… on, baby girl.” He murmured, causing me to tighten on him.

A sharp moan left Loki’s lips while I was a mess under him. His movements didn’t stop until I squealed harder than I had before. My body convulsed into its release, finding myself a breathless mess.

A slight chuckle left the vampire’s lips before he pulled out of me, allowing me to fall onto the bed. Every breath was hard to take when he cleared my hair off my face.

“Hey, are you going to be okay?” Loki asked.

I tried to fill my lungs with precious air. That was the first time he had ever done that so suddenly. Usually, it was me jumping on his sleepy ass in the mornings. Even though my body didn’t feel like mine, I slowly rose from the bed.

Nothing would stop me from being by his side. Not even the desire to want to ravish him constantly.

“I’ll be fine.” I panted for air.

He leaned into me, unsure of what I had said. My words said something, but the way my body trembled at the slightest touch of anything.

“Hm… I don’t know about that. Maybe we should skip.” The vampire sighed, helping me up.

The moment he touched me, I leaned my body into his, brushing my lips against his skin. This was harder than I thought. Pressing my hands against his bare chest, I sucked on his neck, causing him to breathe deeply.

I really was shameless. Unable to help myself, I continued to leave marks on his fair skin. Once again, I didn’t care where I left them, just that I wanted to. He could always make them go away.

Once I was happy with what I did, I gazed at the vampire that was shuddering in anticipation of my next move.

By the gods… Loki’s just… too cute.

Slowly, I trailed my fingers down his chest, and belly until I reached his heat. I didn’t feel him explode in me earlier. Softly, I gripped onto the vampire’s member, causing him to release a soft sigh when I pumped it with my hands.

Shameless, even though I had half my marvels compared to the prior night before I passed out.

“I’m stronger than you think… But please fuck me more in the bathroom.” I cooed before coming up to his ear.

“And make sure you finish inside of me. It feels empty when you don’t.” I kissed his cheek, only to be pulled into his lap.

A second later, he found his way into me. The sudden fill caused me to whine when he brushed his lips against my cheek. I had wakened the man within him.

“Stirring me up like this… will make you regret it. Especially when you feel everything I unload into you slip into your underwear later,” Loki smirked, standing up from the bed.

The sudden movement had me jittery. Yet I held onto his neck, playing with his hair. His eyes showed pure desire, while mine expressed the same for him. And it would only be him.

“Stupid… All it’ll do is comfort me when I remember…” I stopped myself before kissing him lightly on his lips.

He traced his fangs with his tongue.

“How you held me.” I purred.

He kissed me before clinging to me, taking a step towards the bathroom.

“Vivi… Don’t cry when I make a mess out of you,” Loki warned.

Each step he took towards the restroom caused him to pull out of me before shoving himself into me again. Mewls soon left me as we made our way there. Though he fucked me silly a few times inside the tub.

Every time he released within me, causing me to fill with bliss. Eli had brought our clothes to us. Though the familiar quickly joined us in the tub, where Loki finished one last time before pulling out of me.

Letting me go, I sunk into the tub filled with water. There he lathered my hair with shampoo. I couldn’t help myself when I spun around, taking the vampire into my mouth. He was always more sensitive when he found his release.

My name left his lips, shuddering a bit before clasping my lathered hair in his hands. I was utterly shameless, and I didn’t care. Moans soon left his lips when Eli handed him the showerhead to wash off the soap from our bodies.

I continued to pleasure him, wanting to hear more of his voice. The familiar wrapped around my body, causing me to shiver. Loki let go of the showerhead before focusing on me. It wasn’t long before an explosion in my mouth rewarded my efforts.

It filled my taste buds with a bitter and salty taste before I swallowed it. Loki gazed at me like he wanted to ruin me. Instead, though, he pulled away from me before helping me wash my face and hair.

I fought the urge to kiss him. Though it wouldn’t be long until he claimed my lips for a quick kiss before growling softly against them.

“Can we just stay in the room?” he sighed, trailing his thumbs on my cheeks.

Instead of practicing his sword skills, he much rather stay in the bed with me. But if he did that, Gerta surely would come for us. And I didn’t want anyone to take me away from him. At least at night, he could be mine.

For a short while.

“No…” I mumbled, even though I wanted to do otherwise.

Thanks to the constant releases in such a short time had helped me get my head around. A bigger sigh left his lips, shaking his head, grabbing onto the towel on the side.

“You better stay close to me, Vivi. If another man touches you… I might break them in half. The gods know that I almost did that to Oswald yesterday when he chained you.” Loki announced, causing me to grab onto his arm.

He wanted what? No… that… can never happen.

“What? No, you can’t hurt him.” I clung to his arm.

“I know, sweets. I didn’t hurt him.” The vampire smirked before kissing my forehead lightly.

“If you don’t, hurry and get away from me. I might just ditch the sparring after all.” He teased me, causing me to let go of his arm, gazing at him softly.

I wanted him to jump me, but I was filled enough. Both last night and this morning were enough.

“You can’t,” I mumbled before slowly making my way out of the bathtub and into a towel.

This day was about to be one of the hardest ones in my life. Loki chuckled while I struggled to get Eli off of me. The snake could pass as a snail from how much he clung to me. Especially when we were alone or when no one was watching.

It made me wonder if it had to do with the vampire’s feelings. Or if it was the type of being he was before they threw him into the soul cairn. Once dried, my body still shivered when I tried to get a hold of myself.

The fire was smoldering, but any touch from my vampire caused me to shudder in anticipation. When we were ready to go, my prince yanked me into his arms, kissing me one last time. The lock caused me almost to pin him against the wall behind him by the door.

I didn’t want it to end, but it had to. The moment we separated, a string of saliva connected us before he crashed into my lips again. This time was shorter, though.

“Stay close.” Loki smiled, tracing my cheeks with his fingers.

I nodded softly. The moment the door opened, we saw Oswald walk out of his room. Emma gazed at him, not knowing why he had turned cold towards her. However, instead of letting it affect her, she went back into his room to clean up with Zoe.

He had said nothing to her from the previous night. It appeared he still needed time to analyze before he decided what to do with their relationship. The moment his eyes met with Loki, a soft smirk rose on his lips.

“Did you have fun?” Oswald snickered.

Loki got slightly annoyed while I tried to not let his words grip me. A small bicker broke among the two when we walked to the library. There, the ill-tempered twin separated from us. The entire time, I tried to focus on Loki.

All while he kept peeking back at me to see if I was fine. Luckily, I wasn’t the type to give up because of my desire to ravish the man that stood in front of me. It was interesting how even though Oswald had the same face; it didn’t make me feel the same.

The warmth that radiated from my core from what we did earlier was enough to keep me going. And even though Loki worried I would swoon for other men because of how I felt, I never did. We stopped by a stall to grab a quick breakfast before making our way to the colosseum.

With the food and small walk we made, I had a clearer head than this morning. Luckily, the playful vampire hadn’t teased me today. But it probably was because I would jump him if he did.

Though nothing would prepare me when Lucas suddenly sprung us when we came inside. He greeted us before we could enter the main room. There he shortly gazed down at me curiously.

Is that admiration in his eyes?

“Holy shit! Vivian, was it, right? You were insane!” Lucas blurted out, suddenly catching me off guard.

I gripped onto my dress.

Shit… it’s still a little hot.

“Huh?” I mumbled out.

It caused him to tilt his head with a big grin on his face.

“The way you jumped in front of those beasts! You’re crazier than old Gerta!” he gushed, confusing me terribly.

Why is he… admiring a normal human?

Well, someone that was supposed to be an ordinary one.

“Ah… I was...” I started, unable to articulate well what I wanted to say.

My voice was still a little raw from everything Loki and I did. I never thought they would put me in the spot so quickly, either. My vampire placed an arm between me and the energetic boy whose red orb glistened with excitement.

“Lucas, don’t harass my maid.” He sighed, drawing the blond vampire’s eyes off of me.

I got jittery upon hearing his voice. This was dangerous. Luckily, it was only he who made me have that reaction.

“I just can’t believe how a normal human girl would do that.” Lucas was in awe of my feat.

Though I tried to gaze away from the friendly vampire.

“Well, she did. Now leave her be.” The prince tried to shut it down.

Lucas rolled his eyes at him before smirking. A plan rose on the blondie’s mind. It had been too long since he teased his cousin. Well, an entire week since the coliseum was closed. Slowly, he turned back to me.

“So, Vivian, how was Loki’s bite?” Lucas suddenly asked, causing me to glance his way eyes widened.

I expected no one to ask me that. Especially after the night I had. It made me forget that there was a video where they recorded Loki biting me.

“What?!” I yelped, surprised by the question.

Luckily, Loki stepped in. That line of questioning wouldn’t fly with him around.

“Oi, I’m going to wipe the floor with you if you keep going.” Loki hissed.

It caused Lucas to straighten up and back away a bit. It was a week since my prince last placed anyone in their place, but the blond shivered where he was.

“Oh shit! I stepped on a land mine! Don’t worry, Loki, I’m not going after your girl.” He quickly backtracked.

It prompted the prince to get even more irritated.

“S-she... W-watch what you say.” Loki snapped, flustered.

The blond boy snickered. He wasn’t looking for a strenuous day, but he had to tease Loki. It was in his blood. The moment he noticed the prince cared for me, he quickly got serious. The friendly smile disappeared.

He gazed off to the side and towards the door that separated us from the rest of the coliseum.

“Shit, you care about her. I wish you didn’t, Loki. It isn’t looking good. In all honesty, I think you should think of relocating yourself, Vivian.” Lucas began reluctantly.

I gazed at the vampire. He was utterly concerned. At least the prince had found a good friend in him.

“What are you going on about? Just spit it out.” Loki got alarmed by his cousin's demeanor.

“That day, you walked around the town with Vivian. It caught a lot of eyes.” He began before shifting his gaze towards the prince.

“Some royals started talking. They want to try her blood, too.” He continued to say in a lower tone.

It was so the ones inside wouldn’t be able to listen. There was no sigil in this room.

“What of it?” Loki asked, annoyed.

I closed my eyes. It seemed I would have to do something about this. These vampires would be troublesome if they got to bite me.

“Alistair overheard them talking about trying to get Vivian. They plan to wait until she’s waiting for you to finish at the coliseum. Some of those plans even involve dragging her into one bathroom or spare rooms.” Lucas informed.

Loki seemed about to snap again. I had never seen him make such a scary face before.

“What the fuck is wrong with them?” he growled loudly.

Eli got agitated as well. I could hear him hiss under his breath, raising his head from Loki’s neck. His glare would paralyze anyone between it and him. Usually, he would seem like an accessory. But right now, he was a viper, ready to strike.

“Let me devour them.” Eli pleaded with Loki.

Lucas appeared nervous now that familiar seemed agitated.

“Hey, Ali sent them packing. He doesn’t like it when I tell you, but he looks out for you. After he kicked their asses. So, I don’t think they’ll be here. But they weren’t alone. I’m sure the girls are planning something, too.” Lucas continued.

Loki’s temperament quickly changed.

Wait, Alistair helped me?

He was a tough man to decipher. Though I was sure that if anyone wanted to hurt his family, he wouldn’t allow it to stand. It confused me more about why he would kill Loki. Even though he disliked his younger brother, he…

“They would dare to touch my maid?!” my prince huffed, annoyed at the turn of events.

We were hitting a tipping point. I didn’t need any of the princes to protect me, though. No, I was here to protect them. This situation had to be fixed. I didn’t have to be watching my back against all the fucking vampires from this castle.

Though I knew I wouldn’t be able to lower my guard ever again. The turn of events allowed me to clear my mind, although my body still ached for Loki.

“They’re desperate to get your powers. Stupid fucks forget you were born with them. Though… I’ve never seen you that powerful before. Maybe her blood is special, but not to the extent these crazy people think it is.” Lucas sighed, shrugging.

Idiots… my blood won’t grant them Loki’s power. Not even if they drained me.

“Well, I don’t drink that much blood to being with. Tell any idiot that thinks Vivian’s blood is special that.” Loki huffed, clenching his hands into fists.

He was ready to fight everyone in the other room if needed, but that couldn’t happen. We already had enough enemies as it was. The coven and Alistair…  Though he was looking like a less likely scenario than anything else.

Why would he help me? Or is it to help his brother?

From the brief moments I spoke with him, he appeared different from what I expected.

Alistair… there’s more to him than I first thought. Maybe the loneliness in his eyes is the clue to this. Or maybe he’ll be used by someone. Used… like a tool. But… by who?

“I do, but they still… I don’t know, man. Stupid rumors spread faster than the truth.” Lucas shook his head before I suddenly decided it was enough.

These vampires needed to know their place.

“Excuse me…” I huffed, passing next to the boys, who pursued me into the other room.

There was no stopping me, though. Even if all the vampires in this room could blow my brain if they wanted.

“Wait, Vivian!” Loki grabbed me by my hand as I yanked myself away.

I could barely handle the warmth that radiated from him. It almost made me stumble before I caught myself. There, I realized everyone’s eyes were on me.

Good… Fuck… Calm down, heart.

That was a moment where our skin brushed together. Even though my internal dilemma had to do with Loki, all the hungry eyes gazing at me caused me to snap into place. I continued to walk towards the center of the stadium.

Loki followed me along before I stopped, glaring towards the crowd of royals.

If only I could… No, I have to steady my hand.

“Hello, everyone. I’ve heard you want a taste of my blood.” I began, before clearing my throat.

It was still hoarse whenever I tried to speak too loudly, but this was necessary.

“It’s too much disappointment that I announce my blood isn’t for sale or up grabs! And if anyone tries to drink it by force, well…” I trailed off, gazing at everyone in the coliseum before a defined smirk rose on my lips.

“I challenge you to try if you have a death wish. I’m not afraid of shadow demons that are immortal god-like beings. So, what makes you think I’ll crumble to you a mere fraction of what they are?” I sneered at them.

It triggered all their eyes to narrow. Yet I stood there, showing no fear. My words showed no deceit, too. Applause suddenly erupted from the crowd. There I saw Gerta emerge from the vampire crowd.

A wide grin was on her lips. I didn’t need anyone to defend me, but seeing her here made me feel safer.

“Well said Vivian,” she announced, standing in front of me.

I bowed to her a bit. Though I didn’t expect what she was going to say.

“Gerta,” I greeted her.

She turned towards the crowd of vampires who weren’t happy by my challenge and threat. After all, I didn’t behave like a normal mortal would while their eyes were on me. Then again, they were mere dirt to me.

I dare any of you to come for me.

“I came because a little birdy told me what these younglings were thinking of doing.” The old woman placed her hands on her hips, staring at the vampires she served under for years.

Just like I did, she showed no fear even though she was a human. A real one unlike I tried to pass by.

“You don’t need me to remind you that staffers are off-limits. If we find any of you guilty of forcing anyone to feed you their blood. Well, you’ll have your fangs ripped out per the law. A fate worse than the death of a vampire.” She warned the crowd only to receive glares from them.

Many in this room didn’t like the head maid. And she didn’t care if they did, since she didn’t serve the royals' families. No, her boss was the king. To her, the staff was sacred. Even the royals couldn’t cross that line.

“You can’t do that to us. We’re royalty! We should be able to feast on whoever we like!” one female vampire growled from the crowd.

Gerta shook her head, smirking in her direction.

“I don’t give a rat's ass if you’re royal, or low born laws are laws. And you won’t be above them. They were placed there to avoid wars and you surely aren’t worth a country.” The old woman chided, before grabbing me by my shoulder.

The sudden touch caused me to shiver. I struggled to keep up for a moment.

Shit… this is troublesome.

“This maid is Loki’s personal aid. I’m sure he’ll personally rip those fangs of yours out if you hurt her. Isn’t that right, prince?” the head maid turned to him.

He was beside me with Lucas. The most defined smirk rose on his lips, enjoying the thought. I wouldn’t put it past him, though.

“More than glad to.” Loki agreed.

The skin surrounding his eyes turned slightly red, triggering the others to know their place. Though what scared them the most was Eli, who shifted into his authentic form, gliding around us. It let anyone know whoever got near me.

The giant winged snake would surely swallow them whole.

“I hope you won’t tarnish your good standing for a ridiculous rumor. Those who do well, you’ve been warned. I’m sure any of our crowned princes won’t allow it to stand.” Gerta continued before bowing her head to everyone in the room.

“Please remember, there’ll be a ball in a week. And there you’ll have the chance to woo the crown princes. I would hold from doing anything rash. And for the boys. Well… maybe you’ll be able to woo the princes too.” She chuckled, enjoying the moment she used to cause everyone discomfort.

Though on the side, I could see Alistair wince at the same moment she said that. It was something I tried to ignore but couldn’t.

There’s no way that Alistair… No… he… has had so many women before. I must’ve misunderstood.

Then again, I knew what pain looked like. Alistair was someone I would have to get to know better. He had the same expression Emma had this morning.

“Gerta…” Loki grumbled.

It seemed I would be safe for now.

“I said chance, my prince.” The head maid chuckled before bidding us farewell.

After she left, everything calmed down enough for me to sit in table by a corner. Though I couldn’t help but stare at Alistair intently.

There’s so much… I want to know about you. I need to.

Though, my constant stairs were noted by Loki who wasn’t pleased with me studying his brother. I had to know before the ball if he was a threat or a tool in someone else’s scheme. And the only way was to get to know him.