Contract Bound [Rewriting]

Chapter Thirteen

She should have never left the safe confinement of Nico's home. 

Instead of getting some needed rest, she was on her knees, heart pounding in her ears, under the scrutiny of every vampire clan member. She inhaled to soothe her nerves to no avail. 

"Rise." At Fane's husky voice, some of the turmoil threatening to shatter her composure eased. "Rise."

Don't you use that tone with me.

His laughter echoed in her mind like a serene melody. Come on, love. Rise to your feet.

I'm afraid they'll turn against you... I can't.

Those truly loyal to me will follow me despite who I choose today.

Were you planning on choosing someone? She raised her head, scowling at him despite the veil shrouding her vision.

Of course not.

Then what was your plan? 

I was not going to make a choice.

Even if it infuriated the council? Even if it threatened your family's place on the throne? 

A hand on her arm surprised her, and he hauled her to her feet, pulling her closer. "The council will not force my hand. Whether they like it or not, you are my beloved." He pulled back her veil, and his flickering crimson eyes met hers. "You look lovely."

When he smiled, she couldn't help but mirror the gesture. "Thank you. You look handsome." The charcoal suit he donned, accented with golden embellishments reminded her of the princes from the fairytales her mother told her as a child. It suited him perfectly.

His smile broadened as he seized her hand and raised it to his lips, turning it to plant a kiss on her wrist. Her eyes widened when he bit down, and although she tried her best to hide the effects, they consumed her. Once again, the heat spiked up.

"Fane."

He withdrew his fangs, his eyes meeting hers. Her cheeks flamed when his hand encircled her waist and drew her closer. Say it. 

Say what? 

Their laughter mingled together in her mind as he grasped her chin. 

I am forever yours. Until my last breath.

"I am forever yours..."

He rested his other hand on the back of her neck, prompting her to tilt her head and bare her neck to him. As he brushed his fangs over the tender skin, a sweet shiver flowed through her. "Until my last breath." She almost moaned in bliss as he teased her with a faint bite.

"This is forbidden."

With an apparent struggle, Fane stepped back, his eyes a storm of silver and crimson.

"She is the offspring of a traitor," declared a tall woman, her pitch-black hair cascading in waves to her knees. As she approached, her large, round brown eyes glowered at her. "Have we all forgotten the turmoil her father wrought before his demise? Are we all to act as if those dreadful events never transpired?" The woman gestured toward her. "You dishonor us all by choosing her over the others. Her lineage is tainted, and nothing will ever change that."

Fane stepped forward, halting when Quinn's father grasped his forearm. "She is not to be damned by the crimes of her father."

The woman faced the crowd. "Twenty-three years ago, a seer predicted that the offspring of Jericho would lead to our ruin. How can we disregard her warnings? Allowing this union means condemning our families to a future filled with turmoil and bloodshed." She gestured to her belly. "Fane, you damned us all by dismissing the seer's words and bedding this woman." The woman paused, her crimson eyes swirling into a pool of obsidian. "But there is still time to save our race."