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.

place isn’t safe. Not for you. Too many eyes. Too many dangers." His voice lowered, possessive and with concern. "You should come with me. Stay at my

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

smiled to

The motion was working.

her role, and Frederick was already caught in the

as she began walking away, but, shockingly, Frederick went after

my home tonight... for security reasons."

come to his home? Was this to lure her into his home so he could feed on her forcefully?

can forcefully feed on me?"

his hair in clear annoyance. "Stop it. I’m not some newborn vampire who can’t control himself. I am three hundred years old. I’ve

him, as if weighing his words. Then, slowly and deliberately,

softly, tilting her head toward me as though

in me went

she was good. Too

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

she acted as if she were in deep thought. Her lashes fluttered, weighing impossible choices. I already knew where this was going; she was

breath, straightening her shoulders

her voice trembling

face easing into something dangerously close to relief. "Good." His hand twitched, as if he wanted to touch her again, but he

only tonight," she added quickly, keeping up the pretense.