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.

safe. Not for you. Too many eyes. Too many

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

I smiled to

The motion was working.

was sinking into her role, and Frederick was already caught in the

of myself." She whispered and turned to leave as she began walking away, but, shockingly, Frederick went after her and grabbed her hand, making her

at my home tonight... for

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

deepened. "Why? So you can

vampire who can’t control himself. I am three hundred

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

"What about your woman?" she asked softly, tilting her head toward me as

muscle in me went

was good.

answered. "She won’t... you don’t

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

straightening her shoulders as

her voice trembling just enough.

the tight lines in his face easing into something dangerously close to relief. "Good." His hand twitched, as if

clutching her wounded hand like a shield. "But only tonight," she added quickly, keeping up