Bloodbound Desires (Vampire Romance)

everything

"You're awake." A man's voice is incredibly close to my ear, pulling me from the depths of my slumber. As I slowly blink my eyes open, I can still feel the remnants of a good night's sleep lingering in my mind. But then reality crashes in—why am I not alone in this bed? My gaze shifts cautiously, and all I see is a bare, muscular chest beneath my head, the warmth radiating from him sends a shiver down my spine. A familiar scent envelops me, raising alarms in my mind. I lift my head slowly to see his handsome face, a mix of happiness and dread washing over me in equal measure. Did I make the biggest mistake of my life? His lovely brown eyes are studying me intently, searching for any sign of my reaction. As I attempt to move, I realize I'm held firmly in place by a strong arm wrapped possessively around my waist. Memories flood back—drinking too much, the thrill of kissing Neo, and the sudden realization of what happened between us fully awakens my senses. I squirm out of his embrace, only able to do so because he allows me to, and I hastily grab his button-up shirt to cover myself, feeling exposed and vulnerable. I get off the bed in a hurry, my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I catch Neo smirking at me. This was my first time, and the mortification I feel is overwhelming.

"Are you okay?" he asks casually from the bed, now sitting up. His perfectly sculpted abs are on full display, and his voice carries a hint of stress that contrasts with the relaxed demeanour he tries to project. "I asked if you were ready, and you said yes."

I realize my eyes have become teary, and I quickly wipe them with the back of my hand, turning away from him to hide my emotions. "I... I have to go. Yes, I have something important to do. Just act like nothing happened." But where are my clothes? Panic rises in my chest as I scan the room for my belongings.

He walks around the bed, now dressed in fitted pants that accentuate his physique, and stands beside me with an expectant look. "Can I have my shirt back?" he asks, his tone light but with an underlying seriousness.

Goosebumps spread across my body, contrasting sharply with the heat I feel inside at his reminder that I'm wearing his shirt—the very same one he looked so good in last night. "Can I at least change in there first?" I plead, desperate for a moment of privacy.

"I've seen all of you," he replies with a teasing grin.

"Can you just be human for a second?" I whisper, feeling awkward and exposed at the thought of removing the only piece of clothing I have.

"I'm sorry. Yes, you can change in there," he says, his voice softening with understanding. "Of course, that's what I meant."

"Thanks." My heart sinks when I finally notice my clothes ripped and scattered across the floor like remnants of a battle. What am I going to wear? My mind races with anxiety.

He walks over to his cell phone, tapping the screen with purpose. "I'll ask Tracey to bring you a new set of clothes," he says, his tone reassuring.

I rush into the luxurious ensuite bathroom, my heart pounding. "I'll take a shower," I say, wanting to avoid facing Tracey in just Neo's shirt, which feels like a reminder of my reckless night.

I hear him by the door as I prepare to step into the shower. "She'll be here in a few minutes. I'll give her your room key and tell her to leave it for you," he assures me.

I pull off his shirt and crack the door open slightly to return it, now wrapped in a towel, feeling both vulnerable and exposed. He takes the shirt from me with a gentle smile. "I'll take a shower in my own room next door," he says, his eyes lingering on me for a moment longer.

As the door closes behind him, I speak to myself in the mirror, trying to gather my thoughts. "I should stay away from alcohol," I mutter, feeling the weight of my choices. Deep down, I know it wasn't entirely the alcohol's fault. From the very first moment I saw him, I felt an undeniable connection, as if we were meant to be together.

After a quick shower, I pick up the ripped clothes and toss them into the trash, a small act of closure for the chaos of the night before.

Just then, I hear a knock on the door. "It's Tracey," comes her voice.

I open the door wearing a bathrobe, trying to appear composed. She hands me a parcel and my room key, her expression revealing nothing about her knowledge of my night with Neo. "Mr. James invites you to breakfast downstairs in fifteen minutes," she informs me, her tone professional.

I nod, closing the door behind her with a sense of relief. I probably am not the first woman she's encountered in this kind of situation, and that thought does little to soothe my embarrassment.

When I finally make my way downstairs, I find Neo dressed in a dark blue t-shirt and black jeans, casually looking at the menu. He glances up and smiles at me, and I can't help but wonder why he's even interested in me. "I've already ordered. I hope you like it," he says, gesturing for me to sit down opposite him.

"Where is this leading to?" I ask, crossing my arms defensively. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

"I guess it's time to tell you the truth," he replies, his expression shifting to something more serious.

Truth? My heart races at the thought of what he might reveal.

"Elena, you're my mate. We're destined to meet and fall in love. But there's a downside," he says, his voice heavy with meaning.

"Your family won't accept me?" I ask, fear creeping into my voice.

"You're a pureblood. Your blood is like a drug to vampires. Centuries ago, my father, who was king at the time, ordered the hunt and kill of all purebloods after rippers appeared. An investigation revealed that purebloods were the cause of the chaos, threatening our peaceful existence and leading to many vampire deaths," he explains, his words sending chills down my spine.

"Then why didn't you tell me earlier?" I demand, feeling unsafe with the implications of what he just revealed. "You brought me to a town full of vampires."

"That's why you wore the ring," he responds, his eyes filled with urgency.

"Oh. I could have died. I'm still not safe, am I?" I ask, panic rising within me.

"That's why you're with me. It's to keep you safe," he insists, his tone firm and protective.

"So what? I'll be your secret pureblood?" I ask, frustration bubbling to the surface.

"You are not a secret," he replies, his voice steady.

"Just what I am is a secret," I retort, feeling the weight of my hidden identity.

He takes both my hands in his, his grip warm and reassuring. "We'll figure out a way. The ring hides the secret of your blood," he promises, his gaze unwavering.

"What if I lose it?" I ask, my heart racing at the thought of what could happen.

He pulls me into a hug, but I'm too upset to appreciate the gesture. "Let me go, Neo," I plead, feeling overwhelmed.

"I won't," he states firmly, holding me close.

"Neo, have you ever thought that this could be a sign for you to stay away from me?" I ask, searching his eyes for understanding.

He looks at me, holding my arms at a distance, his expression softening. "I'd rather have you close. I'm a royal prince; I can protect you," he assures me, his words both comforting and terrifying.