Love Bites (gxg)

Chapter 6

I approached the imposing gates of Dracula's castle, my heart heavy with the burden I carried. The cold, stone walls loomed above me, and I couldn't help but feel a shiver of trepidation despite my immortal nature. Dracula, the formidable vampire lord and Maeve's father, was not someone to be taken lightly.

I took a deep breath, my resolve firm, and rapped my knuckles against the massive wooden door. It creaked open slowly, revealing the grandeur of the castle's interior. Dracula stood in the dimly lit entrance hall, his crimson eyes narrowing as they locked onto me.

"Alexandria," he greeted in a voice like thunder, his tone laced with suspicion. "What brings you to my domain, uninvited?"

I met his gaze with a cold and indifferent stare. "I come with a matter of grave importance, Dracula, concerning your daughter, Princess Maeve."

Dracula's brows furrowed, his fangs glinting in the low light. "Speak."

I cleared my throat, choosing my words carefully. "Princess Maeve has been in grave danger, my lord. She was taken captive by one of our own, John, who posed a serious threat to her well-being."

His eyes flared with a dangerous intensity, and I could see the rage building within him. "John dared to harm my daughter?" he growled.

I nodded solemnly. "Yes, my lord. He subjected her to physical and emotional torment. It was only through my intervention that I was able to rescue her from his clutches."

Dracula clenched his fists, his fangs elongating in anger. "Where is my daughter now?"

I hesitated before answering, knowing that my next words would not sit well with him. "She is safe, Lord Dracula, but she chose to remain with me. We have... formed a deep connection, a mate bond."

His eyes widened with disbelief and fury. "You took my daughter away from me? You formed a mate bond with her?"

I nodded, my voice steady but filled with indifference. "Yes, my lord. I understand that this may be difficult to accept, but it was the only way to keep her safe. John's actions were fueled by his obsession with her, and I couldn't let him harm her further."

Dracula's anger simmered, replaced by a dangerous calm. "You've made a grave mistake, Alexandria. My daughter should have returned to me. You will pay for this."

I met his threat with a steely resolve. "I only acted to protect Maeve, Lord Dracula."

Dracula's eyes bore into mine, his voice low and menacing. "You have taken my daughter from me, formed a bond without my consent, and now, you will assist me in imprisoning John for his crimes against my bloodline."

I remained unyielding, my indifference a shield against his anger. "I cannot assist you in that matter, my lord. Maeve's safety comes first, and I will not jeopardize that."

Dracula's crimson eyes burned with a rage I had never witnessed before. "Very well, Alexandria. You have made your choice. Leave my castle, and do not return."

I nodded, turning to depart from the castle, knowing that my actions had set into motion a conflict that would have far-reaching consequences.

-----

I returned to our sanctuary, the weight of my confrontation with Dracula still heavy on my shoulders. Maeve was waiting for me, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"Alexandria, what happened?" she asked, stepping closer as I entered the room.

I met her gaze, my own emotions concealed beneath a veneer of calm. "I spoke with your father, Maeve, and it did not go well. He is furious that you chose to stay with me and that we have formed a mate bond."