Page 33 of Blood Bond

Seth's lips part slightly, revealing the tips of his elongated fangs—a subtle reminder of his vampire nature beneath the facade of humanity. He breathes in a slow, rhythmic pattern, imitating human respiration, though vampires don't typically require breath. His chest rises and falls gently, existing in a delicate balance between the human and vampire worlds.

I stand beside him, close enough to touch, yet I hesitate to disturb his rest. A logical part of me suggests returning to my own bed, but something holds me back.

As I begin to turn away, he stirs and reaches out, capturing my hand with his long, slender fingers, sending my pulse racing.

"I'm sorry," I stammer, my voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to wake you." My voice trails off as our eyes meet. His intense gaze, a piercing window to his soul, speaks volumes more than words ever could. It delves into the depths of my being, igniting an undeniable sensation within me.

For a moment, we communicate in silence, our eyes locked. His grip is gentle yet firm, and I find myself unable to pull away from his touch. Instead, I stay, lost in the intensity of his gaze.

Finally, he speaks, his voice low and filled with a gravitas that sends shivers down my spine. "You need not apologise. I welcome your company."

A multitude of thoughts, questions, and emotions whirl within me, creating a turbulent storm. Despite this, I'm rendered mute under his penetrating stare.

Lowering my head, I pull back slightly from the intensity of our connection. He allows the distance but not enough to break our bond.

"You are overthinking again," he says. But now, the fear and uncertainty that once clouded my feelings around him have faded, replaced by an enigmatic allure.

"I have so many questions," I murmur softly. "But it's not my place."

His sigh could have been a reprimand, but it isn't. Still, I flinch, bracing for the worst. "When will you understand? I have granted you freedom. It is yours to keep."

Our gazes meet, and my heart races. "If you can give freedom, then you can take it away."

He rises to a sitting position, turning so his legs dangle from the bed's edge.

I try to withdraw my hand, but he holds it firmly. His grip is unyielding, and his positioning leaves me standing between his knees. "Yes, I can," he admits.

Those words send a tremor through my heart. "You can make me do anything you want," I state, more a realisation than a question.

"What if Idemanded you in my bed tonight?"

ChapterTwenty-Five

My heart pounds in my chest, and despite my best efforts, my mouth goes dry, rendering me speechless. The heat radiates from my cheeks, and in frustration, I bite my lip.

He laughs softly at my shocked expression, causing colour to flood my cheeks even more. Struggling for words, I'm lost in a whirl of emotions. He takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. "I would not make such a request of you," he says gently but firmly. "Your freedom is yours to keep. I gifted it to you."

My eyes widen as his words sink in. He smiles and brushes his knuckles against my cheek, sending warm tingles down my spine.

Sensing my hesitation, his gaze softens and becomes inviting. Gently, he tilts my chin up to meet his eyes. "You are safe with me," he whispers, so low only I can hear.

My heart flutters at his words.

"Why are you awake?" he asks. "If Elena were to find us, she wouldn't hesitate to punish us both."

I blurt out before I can stop myself, "You let her command you." It's a test of the boundaries of the freedom he's given me. "She's neither a vampire nor your superior."

His laugh this time is devoid of mockery. "You tell her that." He pauses, his expression turning serious. "I owe her my life, and with that comes trust and respect."

I can't help but marvel at him.

"Speak your thoughts," he encourages.

"You are unlike any vampire I've ever known," I confess. "You possess immense power, yet you wield it with an uncommon kindness."

"Just because one has power doesn't mean they need to be cruel. I could choose that path, but what would it achieve?" he muses.

"The power lies in the choice?"

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