BiteBound *completed*

Chapter 33.2

Mary Holloway

Days have passed since the charity ball and I was desperate to see Miss Mary Holloway again. While it wasn't unusual to for royal families to engage in mundane activities and surprise visits, apparently it was unusual for Arthur Knight to be seen out and about.

The host, William Gold, didn't seem to mind my sudden visits to his estate. Though, it wasn't until a few visits in when he finally asked the most curious question.

"Not to be so blunt, but why are you visiting so much?"

He swings at the golf ball with elegance, sending the ball flying into the air and straight into the hole in one.

"What? I can't simply come over and play golf with our closest friends?"

He obviously knew I was being sarcastic. It's not to say I didn't like him or find him annoying the other royal family members, but he knew damn well I wasn't known to be the "engaging" kind of vampire.

"As much as I would love to be naive and see you as a new friend, I know you want something." He hands me the club. "Property, money, a loan? What is it?"

I set the ball onto the tee, finding the right words to ask for a day with Mary when I hear footsteps running in the distance.

We both turned our heads towards the sound, I stifling a chuckle when I see Mary chasing down the family St. Bernard Barnaby.

"Get back here you Jerk!" She clutches onto her dress. "You can't skip your bath this time!"

The dog barks in protest, suddenly turning back to chase her.

"H-Hey! Wait!" She panics. "Barnaby no!"

The beast leaps, knocking her down onto the ground and running away to make his escape.

"Damn dog." William snorts. "Can you believe— oooh. I see now."

My eyes now turn to him, now realizing the stupid smile that grew on my face.

"Why am I not surprised?" He chuckles. "Mr. Knight fancies the forbidden fruit."

I wasn't sure what to say to that.

I wasn't ashamed for falling for Mary, but the fact that William now knew of my secret felt like I was instantly powerless.

I hated that feeling.

"You know how wrong this is right?" William says. "The council won't be pleased to hear that a royal member is in love with a mortal."

"and the council doesn't have to know." I said. "I trust that you will keep this information to yourself?"

"But of course." He grins mischievously. "That is, for a price."

Of course...

"So what do you want then?" I said. "You have all the money you can ask for. You have land, islands, expensive cars and all the women you can have. What is it that I have that you want?"

"Well that's the question now isn't it?" He playfully taps his chin. "What does the richest man in England want when he has everything he could ever ask for?"

I roll my eyes, ready to take a swing with my club when his request altered my hit.

"I want to go on an outing with your older brother."

I nearly lost my club when those words entered my ears.

That was it?

"That's all you want?" I blink. "I don't understand. Why don't you ask him yourself?"

"Hah!" He snorts. "Me? England's Casanova asking your stoic brother out on a date?"

"... yes?" I answer in confusion. "What's so difficult about that?"

"Well for one, I don't know if your brother plays for the same team, if you know what I mean."

"I do." I said.

"Two, I don't know if he likes... well, me."

"So what you're asking from me is to find out if he's gay."

"And to find out his type and to go out with me."

"Uh-huh."

"I also expect you to keep my sexual preferences a secret as I will keep yours?"

"Seems fair to me." I said. "If that's all you want, then I can figure that out for you."

"But I really do want to go on that date with him." He says firmly. "No date, no Mary."

I'm sure my older brother owes me a favor somehow; shouldn't be impossible to ask for a request like that.

"Fine." I said, holding out my hand to confirm the deal. "One date; and I'm not responsible for any outcome that may happen."

"As I am not responsible for Mary and her choices." He shakes my hand firmly. "Now, What is it I can do for you and your sweet Mary?"