Fated To Not Just One, But Three

Chapter 284: Drugged

Olivia’s POV

Sofia leaned close again. "You do know he’s coming over, right?"

I blinked. "Who?"

She tilted her head. "Lord Frederick."

And as if on cue, I felt the shift in the air. That slight silence, the hush of curious eyes... and then I smelled his scent—subtle but unmistakable.

I turned just in time to see him approach. The way he moved made it feel like the entire room adjusted around him.

"Olivia," he said with a soft smile, his voice rich and smooth as ever. "You look... radiant tonight."

I dipped my head politely. "Thank you, Lord Frederick."

He gently reached for my hand, and before I could even react, he raised it to his lips and kissed the back of it. His cool lips brushed my skin, and the gesture was so regal it felt straight out of a different century.

Then he turned to Sofia. "It’s good to see you again, Sofia."

She smiled warmly. "Happy birthday, Frederick."

"Thank you." He nodded, then looked between us both. "I hope you two will stay for a while tonight. I’d be honored to have you here."

"We were planning to," Sofia said smoothly.

Frederick’s gaze flicked back to me, and there was something in his eyes—admiration, maybe. Or something else I couldn’t quite name.

"I hope you’ll enjoy the celebration. There’s still more to come," he said. Then, with one last nod, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, already being pulled into conversation by another elder vampire.

Sofia raised a brow at me once he was gone. "Well. That was... princely."

I looked down at my hand, still slightly cold from his touch. "He’s very... dramatic."

"Old vampires usually are." She smirked. "But not all of them give you that much attention."

I ignored her teasing and sipped from my glass.

After a few moments of silence, Sofia’s eyes flicked past me, and her expression shifted.

"What?" I asked.

She gave a little smile. "There’s a man walking over. He’s cute."

I turned slightly, and sure enough, a tall, well-dressed man with dark hair and warm eyes was approaching. His posture was confident but respectful as he came up to Sofia.

"Forgive the interruption," he said with a charming smile. "Would you honor me with a dance?"

Sofia glanced at me, then back at him. "I’d love to."

She squeezed my hand briefly. "I won’t be long."

And just like that, she glided away with him onto the dance floor.

I stood there alone, holding my glass.

People had asked me to dance earlier—more than a few—but I’d declined each one with a fake smile. I wasn’t in the mood for strangers touching me, even politely. I wasn’t here for romance or attention.

I was here because I didn’t want Sofia to come alone.

loneliness

man I hadn’t seen before walked up beside me, his voice friendly and calm. "You look like you need a

a tight smile. "I’m alright,

"Let me guess—you don’t

where everyone’s watching me like I’m

laughed softly. "Fair

and took two glasses from the tray. One was a pale pink, the other clear

I hesitated—but took it.

he said, clinking our glasses together

deep, just surface-level chatter about music and how long the party might last. But as the minutes ticked

lights seemed a

My body... warmer.

Then hotter.

vision blurred slightly, and I blinked, trying

My throat felt dry.

rose and

not in

What’s wrong with me?

for my

voice was

"You’ve been drugged."

My heart dropped.

to get out of there,

hesitation, I focused every ounce of energy I had and

stumbling onto the floor. My

But it didn’t stop.

in my

My skin burned.

My mind clouded.

I couldn’t think straight.

to find our mates. Their scent might stabilize

didn’t think. I

I just acted.

teleported again, guided

suddenly—I was in a dimly lit room,

at his desk, scribbling

his eyes wide

"Olivia?"

rough, laced with concern. "What—what are you doing

But I couldn’t speak.

I couldn’t breathe.

I

His scent.

His presence.

undeniable pull that snapped something

I didn’t wait.

rushed forward, nearly tripping over my own feet. My body was burning, shaking, desperate.

his face, my lips on his before he could even say

he kissed me

Hard.

Hungry.

for a

breathless, gripping my arms as