The Year 3000

Chapter 24: Gardens

Scarlett's POV

Previously:

"Don't let me fall asleep," I begged, furiously trying to keep my eyes open. Harry looked down at me, before biting his wrist and holding it to my mouth.

I felt the warm liquid slither down my throat, making me feel more and more alert by the second. After several minutes, Harry pulled his arm away, licking it better. I stared up at him, confusion clouding my features.

"Thank you," I said, shocked.

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I didn't have a clue what to say after that. I still loathed him, of course, but I was trying to figure out why he hadn't let me fall asleep. I thought for sure that he would've jumped at the chance to take advantage of me while I was unconscious. I guess I was wrong, for the moment at least. Another thing I couldn't understand was how I wasn't dead. I had just drank vampire blood—Harry's blood. He had obviously consumed human blood, so it should've made his blood poisonous. Before I could voice my alarm, though, Harry spoke up.

"Go get changed and then get something to eat, it will make you feel better, I promise," he said, and though the words themselves were phrased like a suggestion, his tone made it clear they were a command. I nodded quickly, averting my eyes as I made my way into the closet. I threw on the first dress I saw, something soft and silver, and slipped on a small pair of heels. When I walked out, I was startled to find Harry still there. I figured he had plenty of Kingly things to attend to in light of the recent attack. Blinking, I just whipped around and made a beeline for the door.

Before I could make it out, however, Harry grabbed my arm and then, somehow, his lips were connected to mine. I froze in shock, my lips not responding as I held my arms by my side. After several seconds, Harry pulled away, his breathing unsteady. I stared up at him incredulously, anger boiling up inside of me—he had just threatened and bitten me!—but I quickly pushed it down. I needed to pretend. I needed to abide by our agreement. Hand shaking, I cautiously raised it to the back of Harry's neck, gently grasping onto his dark waves. I swallowed down my revulsion as I tilted my head and willingly pressed my lips to his once more. For a second, Harry was frozen beneath my touch. Before he could come to his senses, I pulled away. Maybe I could earn myself some brownie points.

"What was that for?" Harry breathed.

"I'm just trying to prove to you that I am abiding by our agreement," I stated, raising my eyebrows. Harry chuckled.

"Feel free to prove yourself more often."

I shook my head as I turned and walked out without another word, closing the door securely behind me. I forced myself to breathe, trying to steady my hands as I shakily walked in the direction of the dining hall.

"Scarlett!" a familiar voice shouted from behind me, causing me to whirl around. I just about fainted in relief once I saw Michael's figure running towards me.

"Michael," I breathed, wrapping my arms around his tiny torso. He buried his face into my neck, holding onto me so tightly I could barely breathe.

"I was so worried about you, but Niall wouldn't let me come up and check on you." He pulled back suddenly, his eyes scanning every part of me for any sign of an injury. "Did he hurt you? Are you okay?"

"I-I'm fine actually. He just bit me, and I actually enjoyed it," I admitted, heat coating my cheeks. Michael blinked.

"But you're a vampire?"

"I've only ever had animal blood," I explained. Well, mostly. But I didn't feel like going into it. Michael nodded in understanding. "Would you like to come get some food with me?" I asked, smiling fondly up at him.