The aftermath of the first battle left Draven Estate scarred but unbowed.
Dawn painted the grounds in pale gold, revealing trampled rose beds, bullet-pocked marble fountains, and patches of ash where Volkov vampires had met their final death.
Cleanup crews, loyal human staff and lower-ranking vampires, worked silently, removing bodies and reinforcing the outer wards with fresh blood sigils.
Selene stood on the eastern balcony overlooking the damage, still wearing her blood-stained combat suit.
Every muscle ached, but it was a good ache, the kind that came from proving herself.
The mate bond thrummed warmly in her veins, amplifying her strength and healing the minor cuts and bruises faster than any mortal should.
Yet the deepest soreness was between her thighs, where Viktor had claimed her so savagely in the shadowed alcove after the fighting ended.
She could still feel him there, thick, deep, flooding her with his cool release while the scent of blood and gunpowder lingered in the air.
Strong arms slid around her waist from behind.
Viktor pulled her back against his chest, freshly showered but still radiating the raw power of battle.
He wore only black trousers, his bare torso pressed to her back, the faint graze wound on his shoulder already closing.
You should be resting, he murmured, lips brushing the fresh bite mark on her neck.
You fought like a legend tonight.
Four kills.
The council is already whispering about the human queen who spilled Volkov blood.
Selene leaned into him, tilting her head to give him better access.
I don’t want rest.
I want you.
Again.
A low, approving growl rumbled in his chest.
He turned her in his arms and claimed her mouth in a deep, hungry kiss.
His hands roamed possessively, squeezing her ass, then sliding up to cup her breasts through the suit.
Even through the fabric, her nipples hardened instantly.
Come, he said, voice rough with need.
The war room can wait one hour.
He lifted her effortlessly and carried her back inside to the east wing master suite.
The moment the heavy doors closed, clothes were shed in a frantic rush.
Selene’s combat suit hit the floor, followed by Viktor’s trousers.
His cock sprang free, already rock-hard and leaking precum at the tip.
Viktor laid her on the massive bed and crawled over her, kissing every inch of newly exposed skin.
He lingered on the bruises and small cuts from battle, licking each one with his healing saliva until they faded.
When he reached the apex of her thighs, he spread her legs wide and dragged his tongue slowly through her folds.
“So wet,” he groaned.
Still full of my cum from the alcove.
You kept it inside you like a good queen.
He licked her thoroughly, long, broad strokes over her clit, then pushing his tongue inside her to taste their mixed essence.
Selene moaned, hips rocking against his face.
He added two fingers, pumping slowly while sucking her swollen clit until she shattered with a sharp cry, thighs trembling around his head.
Only then did he climb up her body and sink his thick cock into her in one smooth, deep thrust.
Viktor held still for a moment, buried to the hilt, forehead pressed to hers.
“Look at me,” he whispered.
This isn’t just fucking anymore.
This is a vow.
He began to move, slow, deliberate rolls of his hips that dragged every thick inch along her sensitive walls.
Their eyes stayed locked as he made love to her with a reverence that stole her breath.
Each thrust was deep and purposeful, grinding against her clit on every downward stroke.
I claim you as my eternal mate, he said, voice low and solemn.
Your blood, your body, your soul.
In war and in peace.
Until the stars burn out.
Selene’s heart swelled.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper.
And I claim you, Viktor Draven.
My king.
My lover.
My everything.
I will fight beside you.
Bleed beside you.
Love you for eternity.
Tears pricked her eyes as pleasure built in slow, devastating waves.
Viktor kissed them away, never breaking rhythm.
He reached between them to rub her clit in gentle circles, coaxing her higher.
When she came, it was soft and overwhelming, walls pulsing around him in long, rhythmic contractions as pure bliss washed through her.
Viktor followed moments later, groaning her name as he emptied himself deep inside her, pulse after pulse of cool seed filling her completely.
They stayed joined for long minutes, kissing lazily, hands stroking sweat-damp skin.
Later, as they lay tangled together, Viktor traced the silver bite marks on her body with reverent fingers.
The bond is strengthening.
Soon you’ll be able to sense me across distances.
Feel my hunger.
My rage.
My desire.
Selene smiled, pressing a kiss to his chest.
I already do.
A soft knock interrupted them.
Darius’s voice carried through the door.
My king.
Lady Irina brings news, Volkov reinforcements are massing at the border.
They’re planning a full assault within forty-eight hours.
And… there may be a traitor among us.
Viktor’s expression hardened, but he pressed one last lingering kiss to Selene’s lips before rising.
We’ll be there in ten minutes.
He helped her dress in fresh clothes, a sleek black tactical dress that was both elegant and practical.
Before they left the suite, he pulled her close again.
Whatever comes, he said quietly, you are my greatest strength.
Never doubt that.
In the war room, tension was thick.
Lady Irina paced, her crimson hair wild.
The Volkovs are throwing everything at us.
Silver weapons, turned mercenaries, even daylight bombs.
They want your head, my king… and your pretty mate’s heart on a spike.
Selene stepped forward, voice steady.
Then we hit them first.
Hard.
Use the bond to coordinate strikes.
I’m not staying behind.
Viktor’s eyes glowed with pride.
He took her hand in front of the entire council.
My queen speaks truth.
We strike at dusk tomorrow.
Prepare the forces.
As the meeting broke, Viktor pulled Selene into a shadowed corner of the hallway.
His hand slid under her dress, fingers finding her still-slick pussy.
One more taste before war planning, he growled, dropping to his knees and pushing the fabric aside.
He licked her slowly, savoring the taste of their earlier lovemaking, until she came quietly against his mouth, biting her fist to stay silent.
When he stood, lips glistening, he kissed her deeply.
Tonight, after we finalize the battle plan, I’m tying you to our bed again.
And I’m not letting you go until you’ve screamed my name so many times the entire estate hears who owns you.
Selene smiled, breathless and fierce.
Promise?
Viktor’s fangs flashed in a predatory grin.
I swear it on my blood.
The war was coming.
But so was the unbreakable bond between a billionaire vampire king and the mortal queen who had claimed his heart in blood, battle, and endless pleasure.