Page 17 of Rescued By the Vampire Rogue

My heart clenched at his words, confusion and anger bubbling inside me. "What are you talking about? I need to be part of this plan to ensure its success. We've been over this a thousand times."

"Things have changed," he replied, his voice low and strained. "I can't risk your life."

"Since when?" I demanded, my fury rising with each syllable. "You're underestimating me, Kael. Treating me like I'm some fragile object that will break at the slightest touch."

His eyes flashed with frustration, and I saw the elegant mask of control he wore begin to crack. "It's not that simple, Ivy."

"Then explain it to me!" My hands balled into fists, nails digging into my palms. "Because I refuse to sit back and do nothing while everyone else risks their lives for this plan."

"Enough!" Kael's voice thundered through the room. "If you won't listen to reason, then I'll lock you in this panic room without me. Hell, I'll throw you in the dungeon if I have to!"

I stared at him, dumbfounded, my chest heaving with each breath. This uncharacteristic outburst left me reeling. My thoughts raced to understand the man before me. Was this the same Kael who had promised to protect me, who had claimed me as his mate?

"Kael," I whispered, my voice hoarse with emotion. "I don't understand why you're doing this."

"Because I care about you more than anything else in this world," he replied, his voice raw and vulnerable. "And I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, even if it means imprisoning you."

His words struck a chord deep within me, and I realized that beneath his anger and frustration lay a fierce love that would stop at nothing to protect me. This wasn't just obsession or a chance to give him what no other woman could. He was actually in love with me. Which made it even harder to reason with him. It actually made him quite unreasonable.

"I refuse to risk you or our child."

My heart pounded in my chest, threatening to burst as I stared at Kael, waiting for him to retract his words. But he didn't. Instead, he looked at me with a pained expression.

"Kael, are you serious?"

"Deadly serious, Ivy," he replied solemnly, his eyes meeting mine with unwavering intensity. "I sensed it earlier when I tasted your blood. You're carrying our child."

The room spun around me, as if the very ground beneath my feet had shifted. A torrent of conflicting emotions surged within me… joy, fear, and anger. This changed everything. Not only did it prove my theory true, that vampires could impregnate humans with a rare blood type, but it also meant that I was undeniably the key to the trap we had so carefully planned.

"Kael," I began, struggling to find the right words, "if this is true, then why would you go back on your deal? The entire trap depends on Lucien believing he would get access to me. This is exactly what we needed. Without me, there's no bait!"

His jaw clenched, and for a moment, I feared the anger from our previous argument would resurface. But his features softened as he exhaled slowly, his chest heaving with the effort.

"I'm trying to protect you and our unborn child, Ivy," he confessed, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't bear the thought of putting either of you in danger."

I couldn't help but feel torn. On one hand, I understood Kael's concern. He was a centuries old vampire who had seen more horrors than I could ever imagine, and he knew how wrong this could go. But on the other hand, the plan we'd meticulously crafted hinged on my involvement. Without me, all of our work would be for nothing.

"Kael," I said, my voice wavering as I looked into his eyes, searching for understanding, "I know you're scared, but we both knew the risks when we made this plan. We have to see it through."

His gaze never wavered, but I saw the battle raging within him. "Promise me something, Ivy," he finally said, his voice low and urgent. "Promise me that no matter what happens, no matter what violence you see, you'll stay by my side."

Swallowing hard, I nodded. "I promise, Kael."

He didn't move. It was moments like this, when he remained completely motionless that his monstrous nature stood out to me. Humans didn't ever stay this still. It was a bit eerie.

"Listen," I began, my voice soothing and yet firm. "I promise to be your willing mate, never attempting to escape you for as long as you want me."

Kael's eyes flashed dangerously as he snarled, "You will always belong to me, Ivy."

I swallowed hard, well aware of the possessiveness that laced his words. "But remember, I can make things difficult for you if I choose. I could try to flee whenever I get a chance." The truth was, I didn't want to run from him. Kael had been the only person who truly cared about my wellbeing since we first met, and I knew deep down that he wanted me just as much as I wanted him. "But I won't. Because I want you."

He hesitated before reluctantly nodding, no doubt considering my stubborn nature.

"Very well," he said, his voice a low growl. "Now let me tell you what it means to be a vampire's mate."

"I thought you said I was whether I wanted to be or not." The smirk on my lips disappeared as Kael glowered at me. Definitely not in the mood for a joke. Right.

He stepped closer, his eyes locked on mine as he spoke. "Not only does it bind us together in the eyes of the supernatural world, but eventually, you will be turned by me." A shiver ran down my spine at the thought, but I forced myself to remain composed. "Until then," he continued, "you will have to regularly consume my blood. It will give you superhuman strength, speed, and healing abilities. So you won't be as vulnerable as a human."

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