Bloodbound Desires (Vampire Romance)

forbidden, not

Two days after Neo James had to leave for another case, he is urgently summoned by the Council.

The grand hall where the Council convenes is vast and imposing, its high vaulted ceilings and ornate decorations adding to the gravity of the moment. The air is thick with tension, and Neo feels his heart race as he steps into the room.

His eyes immediately fall on Elena, the love of his life, who stands shackled between two imposing bodyguards. Her red hair falls in disarray around her face, her eyes wide with fear and exhaustion. The sight of her in chains sends a surge of anger and protectiveness through Neo.

"What is this?" Neo's voice echoes through the large room, bouncing off the marble walls and columns. The Council members, seated in a semicircle at the front, appear unperturbed by his outburst. But a closer look reveals their clenched fists, betraying the impact of Neo's powerful words.

One of them, Lou, speaks up, his tone cold and detached. "She is a Michaels, Mr. James."

"So, Lou? She's also mine," Neo retorts, his eyes narrowing with defiance.

"You can't claim someone with her bloodline. Any vampire but you can. Her bloodline's blood power belongs to the king" Lou counters, his gaze unwavering.

Neo's jaw tightens. "I am the brother of the king, or have you forgotten?"

Lou nods slightly. "You are, yes. But today you have to break the blood bond between the two of you."

"Oh, so I am the problem. Are you afraid I'll rebel against my own brother and take the throne?" Neo's voice drips with sarcasm.

All five Council members nod in unison, their expressions grave. Another vampire, Eon, speaks up, his eyes fixed on Elena. "She can't be involved with you. You've got royal blood flowing through you."

"Her blood can't do what her father's did," Neo argues, his frustration mounting.

Eon lifts an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. "That is not what we saw, Mr. James."

Neo's eyes narrow with suspicion. "You saw something?"

Eon stands up and walks towards Elena, pointing towards her stomach. "It's her blood and your seed that could bring chaos to our world, Mr. James. And because we are loyal to the throne, we can't let you two be together."

Neo's heart skips a beat as he processes the words. Elena is pregnant. Determination hardens his resolve to protect her. He notices the fear and exhaustion on Elena's face, too overwhelmed to grasp what Eon just revealed.

Elena's thoughts race as she takes in the scene before her. Seeing Neo enter the room brings a flicker of hope, but it is quickly overshadowed by fear. She remembers the moment they captured her, tearing her away from the safety of the new apartment Neo had gotten for her. Elena had been listing all the things she needed, feeling a sense of normalcy she hadn't experienced in years. The apartment was a sanctuary, filled with the comfort and security that Neo had promised her. But that peace was shattered when the Council's agents stormed in. They overpowered her quickly, their strength and speed overwhelming her. She had struggled, her heart pounding with fear, but it was no use. They shackled her and brought her here, to this cold, imposing room where her fate now hung in the balance.

Eon's creepy smile brings her back to the present, his eyes gleaming with a sinister satisfaction. "She can have anyone except you."

"If you dare touch her," Neo threatens, his voice low and dangerous, "I'll kill you all, Eon."

Eon chuckles, not unfazed by Neo's royal bloodline power. "Sure you will. And you can. You are stronger than anyone in this room because you are a royal." He moves closer to Neo, his tone shifting to one of warning. "But we both know that even you don't want to see Darres turn into a rebellion of vampires who do whatever they want. I'm not sure if you'll still remember your duty as Prince if you have to choose between her and what's best for all of us." Eon calls for someone, "Lynne." To Neo, he says, "You remember my daughter Lynne, don't you?"

Neo remains silent, his eyes following the movements of the newcomer warily. Eon steps aside, and Lynne, a tall and graceful vampire, approaches Elena. With her back turned towards Neo, Lynne stretches out a hand and places it on Elena's forehead. The room is silent, the tension palpable as the seconds stretch into minutes.

Elena feels a strange sensation as Lynne's hand touches her forehead, a mix of warmth and unease spreading through her. She closes her eyes, her thoughts a jumbled mess of fear and confusion. She tries to focus on Neo, his presence a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

Finally, Lynne lowers her hand and turns to her father. "She indeed has the blood," she confirms, her voice calm and certain. Eon nods at her before she leaves the room, the heavy doors closing behind her with a resounding thud.

Neo's mind races, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He knows he must find a way to protect Elena and their unborn child, no matter the cost.

As Eon returns to his seat, Neo takes a deep breath, his determination unwavering. He locks eyes with Elena, silently conveying his love and promise to protect her. The Council's decision may be final, but Neo knows that his love for Elena is stronger than any decree. Elena's eyes meet Neo's, and for a brief moment, her fear is overshadowed by the depth of his love and commitment. She holds onto that feeling, drawing strength from it as she prepares to face whatever comes next. Together, they will fight for their future, no matter the odds.

The ornate decorations and high vaulted ceilings of the room only add to the gravity of the situation. Just as Neo braces himself for whatever comes next, the heavy wooden doors swing open, and King Elijah James strides in.

"Why wasn't I informed of this?" King Elijah's voice echoes through the hall, a powerful command that demands attention.

The authority in his words is undeniable. Everyone in the room, except for Neo and Elena, bows in submission. It is clear that King Elijah's words are directed at everyone but them.

Eon, the vampire who had been leading the proceedings, slowly straightens up, his face pale. "She is a Michaels, your Majesty."

"I know, Eon. Do you think anything happens without me knowing about it?" King Elijah's voice is steady and unyielding. His gaze shifts to the guard holding Elena. "Set her free. Now.''

The guard responds immediately, moving with vampire speed to unlock the shackles binding Elena. The metallic clinks of the chains falling to the floor reverberate through the room.

Neo rushes to Elena's side, his heart pounding with a mix of relief and determination. Without hesitation, he scoops her up into his arms, cradling her protectively. Her body trembles slightly, and she clings to him, drawing strength from his presence.

King Elijah's eyes sweep over the Council members, his expression stern. "They are free to be together. If anyone hurts either of them, they will have to explain to me. Is that understood? And, disrespect against your Prince is showing disrespect against me, your king."

The Council members respond in unison, their voices respectful and subdued. "Yes, your Majesty."

With that, King Elijah turns on his heel and exits the room, his regal presence leaving a profound silence in his wake. Neo follows, carrying Elena gently but firmly, his resolve to protect her stronger than ever.

As they step out of the grand hall, the air feels different-lighter, freer. Elena looks up at Neo, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and love. "Neo, I was so scared..."

Neo's gaze softens, and he kisses her forehead tenderly. "I know, Elena. But you're safe now.."

As they make their way through the corridors of the castle, Neo can't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards his brother, the king. The weight of the world seems a little lighter now that they have his blessing. Elena clings to Neo, her fear slowly ebbing away, replaced by a growing sense of hope.