Chapter 10

Nicholas could not stop replaying the young woman’s face in his mind. Even after his blood healed all her wounds, exhaustion still lingered on her features. She was unassuming, yet blessed with a natural, pure beauty.

She had long, wavy brown hair and warm chocolate-brown eyes, but his gaze kept drifting to her mouth. Small yet full, her lips were soft and tinted a rich blood red. They captivated him, as if they were made to be kissed.

She wore no heavy makeup, lending her an air of innocence. Her skin was pale, yet he could distinctly feel the steady thrum of her heartbeat and the warmth of blood flowing beneath her skin.

When he had carried her to safety, her face rested against his shoulder. The gentle brush of her breath on his neck sent a chill running down his spine. It had been centuries since a woman stirred such a reaction in him, yet this dhampir affected him far more than she ought to.

He had watched her the moment she woke in his room. Small and delicate, she seemed almost swallowed by his oversized bed. Those brown eyes roamed slowly across the space. For a long while, she looked around, unaware he sat hidden in the shadows, waiting for her to stir.

He was about to reveal himself when terror flashed across her face. He frowned, wondering what dreadful thoughts had troubled her. She intrigued him in every way possible. As his eyes traced down her frame, he realized his fascination ran deeper than mere curiosity. Now was not the right time to question her.

He folded his arms and stayed silent, observing her every move. When she walked toward his wardrobe, a low growl rumbled in his throat, which he forced himself to hold back. Nicholas hated others touching his belongings, but his annoyance faded instantly when he realized she was only searching for the bathroom.

This dhampir left him thoroughly confused — an emotion he rarely felt, let alone because of a single young woman. She was young, her human side far stronger than her vampire nature. They should never have been drawn to one another. And yet, the rapid beat of her heart and the rush of her blood stirred something within him, threatening his self-control for reasons he could not fathom.

He pushed those tangled thoughts aside and stepped toward her. He let his footsteps echo across the wooden floor to announce his presence, then halted the second he sensed her fear.

Frustrated with his own restlessness, he took her to meet Mateus. The leader of the Independent clan would decide her fate. Even so, Nicholas knew deep down that she would never leave his mind.

He told himself to keep his distance, even as the urge to protect her grew stronger. When her former master arrived to claim her, an overwhelming sense of possessiveness washed over him. He had been fully prepared to defend her with his life. Nicholas was unused to such turbulent feelings; he had always been calm and in complete control.

Everything clicked into place the moment their eyes met. Her lips trembled, and her eyes shifted to a deep grey.

Damn.

Something inside him had changed. She had broken through the walls around his heart, and now she stood just outside, poised to step inside.

"And since when do you two linger around here?" Nicholas tore his gaze away from Christine and looked toward his companions.

"The view here beats a room full of men any day," one of them replied with a grin.

"Besides, our dhampir needs protecting from troublemakers," the other added, feigning a look of innocence.

"And who’s going to protect her from the likes of you?" Nicholas let out a gruff sound.

Just then, a soft moan echoed through the room. He and his friends turned toward the sofa at the same time. Christine had rolled over in her sleep, and the neckline of her clothing slipped, nearly exposing her.

He fought back another growl and swallowed hard. She had slept long enough. It was time to wake her.

"Alright, boys." Nicholas stepped forward to block their line of sight, baring his fangs. "The show is over!"