Selene stood at the window for a long time after Viktor left, the cool morning air raising goosebumps across her naked skin.
Below, the estate gardens stretched out in perfect symmetry, manicured hedges, ancient fountains, and blood-red roses that seemed to bloom even in autumn.
Everything about Draven Estate screamed old money and darker secrets.
She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling the faint ache between her thighs and the lingering coolness of Viktor’s release still inside her.
A soft knock pulled her from her thoughts.
A young woman in a crisp black uniform entered, carrying a silver tray.
Good morning, Miss Voss.
I’m Lena, your personal attendant.
Master Draven asked me to bring breakfast and prepare your bath.
Selene blushed, suddenly aware of her nudity, and grabbed the nearest silk sheet to cover herself.
I… thank you.
Lena’s eyes held no judgment, only quiet professionalism.
She set the tray on a mahogany table, fresh croissants, exotic fruits, strong coffee, and a crystal glass of deep red liquid that looked too thick to be wine.
Blood-wine, lightly diluted, Lena explained with a small smile.
It will help with any… aftereffects of the bonding.
Selene’s cheeks burned hotter.
She sipped the coffee instead, letting the bitterness ground her.
While Lena drew a bath in the enormous marble en-suite, Selene explored the wardrobe.
True to Viktor’s word, it was stocked with designer clothes in her exact size, silk blouses, tailored trousers, lingerie that made her mouth go dry, and several elegant evening gowns that cost more than her entire apartment.
She chose a simple cream cashmere sweater and black pants, then sank into the steaming bath scented with jasmine and something darker.
The hot water soothed her sore muscles, but every brush of the sponge between her legs made her clit throb with fresh need.
Viktor’s touch was branded into her body now.
She hated how much she already missed it.
An hour later, dressed and composed, Selene ventured out of the suite.
The east wing was quiet, but she could hear distant voices echoing through the grand halls.
Curiosity won over caution.
She descended the marble staircase and followed the sound toward a set of heavy oak doors left slightly ajar.
Inside was a lavish meeting room dominated by a long obsidian table.
Viktor sat at the head, radiating power in a tailored black suit that hugged his broad shoulders.
Darius Vale stood at his right, arms crossed.
Several other figures, pale, elegant, with the same predatory grace, occupied the seats.
Vampire council, she realized with a jolt.
One woman with crimson hair and sharp features was speaking.
The Volkov clan is testing the borders again, my king.
They claim your sudden… distraction with a human mate weakens your rule.
They want a formal challenge.
Viktor’s expression remained calm, but Selene saw the dangerous glint in his eyes.
Let them challenge.
I have claimed my mate. This story is hosted at g.com.
Her blood strengthens me more than any alliance they could offer.
If they want war, they will bleed for it.
The red-haired woman, Lady Irina smirked.
“A human virgin turned overnight?
How quaint.
Does she even know what it means to stand beside a king?
Selene’s stomach twisted.
She pushed the door open fully and stepped inside.
All eyes turned to her.
Viktor rose instantly, a slow, possessive smile curving his lips.
Selene.
Come here.
She walked to him on legs that felt unsteady.
He pulled her onto his lap right there at the head of the table, one arm banded around her waist, the other resting possessively on her thigh.
The council members watched with varying degrees of curiosity and disdain.
This is Selene Voss, Viktor announced, voice carrying absolute authority.
My mate.
My queen.
Anyone who questions her place questions me.
Lady Irina’s eyes narrowed.
She smells like fresh blood and fear.
Can she even handle our world?.
Selene lifted her chin, meeting the vampire’s gaze.
I handled your king last night.
Twice.
I think I can manage politics.
A few council members chuckled.
Viktor’s hand squeezed her thigh approvingly, sliding higher until his fingers brushed the seam of her pants, pressing lightly against her core.
Selene bit back a gasp, iheat flooding her cheeks.
The meeting continued, but Viktor’s attention was divided.
Under the table, his fingers worked open the button of her pants and slipped inside, finding her already damp panties.
He rubbed slow circles over her clit through the silk while discussing border security and rival threats in the same velvet tone he used when fucking her.
Selene gripped the edge of the table, trying to keep her breathing even.
Pleasure built quickly, her sore pussy clenching around nothing as his fingers teased her mercilessly.
When the meeting finally adjourned, she was trembling on the edge.
The moment the doors closed, he stood, bent her over the obsidian table, and yanked her pants and panties down in one motion.
Such a brave little mate, he growled, freeing his cock.
Interrupting a council meeting and getting wet while I touched you.
You need to be rewarded… and punished.
He thrust into her from behind in one deep stroke.
Selene cried out, the stretch intense on her still-tender walls.
Viktor fucked her hard and fast, one hand fisting her hair, the other reaching around to rub her clit.
The sound of skin slapping skin echoed off the walls.
Come for your king, he commanded.
She shattered almost instantly, walls pulsing around him as she moaned his name.
Viktor followed with a low roar, filling her once again with hot pulses of his release.
He pulled out gently, turned her around, and kissed her deeply.
Good girl.
Now you understand, there is no part of my world you cannot touch.
Including this.
He straightened her clothes with surprising tenderness, then led her out of the meeting room and toward the gardens.
As they walked among the blood-red roses, Viktor spoke quietly.
The Volkovs are old enemies.
They see your presence as weakness.
I see it as strength.
Stay with me, Selene.
Let me turn you when you’re ready.
Eternity at my side, with all the power and pleasure that comes with it.
Selene looked up at him, the afternoon sun catching the sharp lines of his face.
Her heart raced with a mixture of fear and something far more dangerous, longing.
I’m still processing all of this, she admitted.
But… I don’t want to run anymore.
Viktor pulled her close, kissing her until she was breathless.
Then don’t.
Tonight, after the council dinner, I’ll take you again, slowly, in the moonlight.
I’ll show you pleasures that will make last night feel like a whisper.
Selene’s body heated at the promise.
She was no longer the heartbroken virgin who had walked into that nightclub.
She was becoming the mate of the billionaire vampire king.
And the thought no longer terrified her.
It thrilled her.