Fated To Not Just One, But Three

Chapter 397: Concerned?

Chapter 397: Concerned?

Olivia’s POV

I stood frozen, watching as Frederick bent and lifted Selene off the ground. For one terrifying second, she let herself lean into him, trembling like a wounded bird.

Then, well played, she pulled back, stumbling as though realizing whose arms she had fallen into. Her wide eyes darted to his face, faked terror making her look small and vulnerable.

I rolled my eyes. Well played, Selene. Well played.

"Don’t touch me," she whispered, clutching her injured hand tighter against her chest. "You’re... you’re a vampire..."

Frederick straightened, his face carved in something unreadable, anger, yes, but not at her. At the ones who had touched her. And underneath it all... there was something else. Hunger. Possession.

"You’re bleeding," he said, his voice low, almost filled with concern. "You shouldn’t be out here alone."

Then, to my surprise, he added, "Let me take you home."

Selene’s eyes widened, her acting flawless. She stumbled back another step, clutching her hand tighter. "No... I can’t. You’re just like them." Her voice trembled, soft and broken, painting him as the monster she wanted him to be.

Frederick didn’t frown; his eyes softened. "I am not like them," he said firmly, his tone calm, almost soothing. "I don’t force. I don’t feed unless I’m given permission."

Selene shook her head quickly, her breath hitching. "I... I can’t. I’m staying at the Royal Crescent Hotel for a month. I came here for study." Her words came rushed, shaky, and I smirked inwardly. All lies, yet believable enough to make her look desperate to escape him.

Too many eyes. Too many dangers." His voice lowered, possessive and

immediately, her performance so good that I could see the way her pulse flickered, her

I smiled to

The motion was working.

was sinking into her role, and

began walking away, but, shockingly, Frederick went after her

at my home tonight... for

seem so desperate for Selene to come to his home? Was this to lure her

So you can

am three hundred years old. I’ve seen your kind, I’ve smelled blood stronger than yours, and I didn’t touch. I don’t feed forcefully. That’s not who I

her wide eyes studied him, as if weighing his words. Then,

softly, tilting her head toward me as though she truly cared. "Will she be okay with it... if

in

was good. Too

glance when he answered. "She won’t... you don’t have to worry about

mouth. "Oh." And then she acted as if she were in deep thought. Her lashes fluttered, weighing impossible choices. I already knew

drew a shaky breath, straightening her shoulders as though

she said softly, her voice

something dangerously close to relief. "Good." His hand twitched, as if he wanted

wounded hand like a shield. "But only tonight," she