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.
Frederick studied her closely, his jaw tightening. Then he shook his head slowly. "That 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 estate. I'll keep you safe."
Selene shook her head immediately, her performance so good that I could see the way her pulse flickered, her shoulders trembling like prey.
And I smiled to myself.
The motion was working.
Selene was sinking into her role, and Frederick was already caught in the net.
"Thank you, but I can take care 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 flinch in fear.
"Fine… just stay at my home tonight… for security reasons." He pleaded.
Now I became confused. Why did he seem so desperate for Selene to come to his home? Was this to lure her into his home so he could feed on her forcefully? Or was it that he was really concerned about her?
Selene's frown deepened. "Why? So you can forcefully feed on me?" she spat.
Frederick groaned, dragging a hand through 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 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 am."
For a moment, her wide eyes studied him, as if weighing his words. Then, slowly and deliberately, she turned her gaze toward me.
Her lips parted. "What about your woman?" she asked softly, tilting her head toward me as though she truly cared. "Will she be okay with it… if I stay under your roof?" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✦𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✦𝙣𝙚𝙩
Every muscle in me went rigid.
Oh, she was good. Too good.
Frederick didn't even spare me a glance when he answered. "She won't… you don't have to worry about her."
Selene parted her mouth. "Oh." And 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 act… gods, she was dragging it out for Frederick's sake.
Then she drew a shaky breath, straightening her shoulders as though concluding some grave bargain.
"Fine," she said softly, her voice trembling just enough. "Just for tonight."
Frederick's jaw unclenched, the tight lines in his face easing into something dangerously close to relief. "Good." His hand twitched, as if he wanted to touch her again, but he held himself back. "You'll be safe with me."
Selene nodded, clutching her wounded hand like a shield. "But only tonight," she added quickly, keeping up the pretense. "After that, I leave."
Frederick's lips curved in the faintest smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. "Sure. Let's go,"
I frowned, letting my expression twist into one of jealous anger. He didn't even notice—or maybe he did and didn't care.
We walked in silence to the car. Frederick slid into one end of the back seat, his posture stiff. Selene slipped into the middle, her hand still wrapped in cloth, while I took the other end.
The air was thick. I kept my glare fixed out the window, my jaw clenched, and my arms crossed as if I were fuming. I wanted him to see it. Let him think I was angry, jealous, and possessive. Anything but suspicious.
The ride stretched long and heavy. Frederick didn't speak. He didn't even look at me. His gaze was fixed too often on Selene, lingering on her profile when he thought I wouldn't notice.
When we finally reached his mansion, Frederick flashed a warm smile at Selene. The great iron gates creaked open, and the car rolled smoothly inside.
The moment we stepped out, a human maid hurried forward. Frederick gestured sharply toward Selene, his voice calm but commanding.
"Tend to her wound," he ordered.
Then, to Selene, his tone softened. "You'll rest in one of the guest houses. I'll have everything prepared for you."
Selene dipped her head meekly, whispering a small, "Thank you," before following the maid. She didn't look back, but Frederick's eyes followed her until she disappeared inside.
Only then did he turn toward me.
"You like her, don't you?" I asked, sounding angry and jealous.
His brows lifted slightly, but he didn't answer right away.