[Catherine's POV]
"Charles," I muttered without thinking.
The air in my lungs was stuck at the seriousness on his face. He was angry, and I couldn't blame him. But even so, I never felt relieved to see him again.
I was really useless . . . I was angry at him but also glad that he came to save me.
"Come here, Catherine."
His voice was enough for me to lose control of my body, and I pulled my hand from Vein. But the latter seemed not to mind Charles's status and oppressive aura when he didn't let go of my hand.
"Hello Charles," greeted Vein with a taunting smirk on his face. "How long has it been?"
"Hello, Vein. If you don't mind. I want to bring Catherine back home now. The sun is beginning to rise."
"Is that so?" Vein looked over at me, and I shivered. "It seemed to me that Lady Catherine was running away. And if the lady wants, my castle is open for you to take respite. I promised to take good care of you."
I went still as a corpse when Vein rubbed his fingers against my hand, and I swear that Charles was going to chop off his hand if not that I forcefully retracted it from his grip.
Luckily he let go.
"I'm sorry, my lord," I said and stepped back, putting distance between us. "I was just lost and got enticed with the smell of human blood. I want to go back with Master Charles. But thank you for the offer."
It was regrettable about my attempted escape, but my instinct told me to go with Charles rather than this kid. At least, I knew that Charles wouldn't hurt me. Physically that is.
Charles placed an arm around my shoulder. His grip was so tight it was beginning to hurt.
"Let's go," he said, and everything went blurry when he moved. I could still hear Vein's laughter even from a distance, like the whole forest was echoing his voice.
"I'm having a party tonight, Charles. Do come and please bring Lady Catherine with you."
". . ."
". . ."
I knew that Charles was mad. I didn't have to look at his face to know. The grip on his arms around my shoulder as he carried me princess style was enough indication. His breathing was ragged, and his jaws were tight. Gone was the kind, amiable man he always portrayed.
Yes. He was definitely angry.
The sun was almost upon the horizon, and Charles hastened his speed. And before the light could take its first peeked from the dark, I was back in the castle.
But instead of my room, I found myself inside a small bedroom high in a tower.
What's this?
Before I could ask, Charles's angry voice stunned me in place.
"What were you thinking, Catherine?! Do you know who that vampire is?! He could kill you in a snap of his fingers."
". . ."
At his anger, I was reminded with my own and lashed out, "And who do you think is at fault? Why didn't you tell me that I wasn't your mate?! That your true mate is already dead!"
". . ." Charles caught his tongue, and for a moment, I thought he forgot to breathe when I heard his heart cease.
"Who told you?" he asked after a short while, voice laced in threat.
". . . Does it matter?"
"Is that why you ran away?"
I looked to the side, and he captured my chin. "Look at me when I'm talking to you, Catherine."
I bit my lip and welled my tears in place. "It's true, isn't it? Am I just a replacement? A tool. Is that why you didn't tell me? Because I'm just a doll for you to keep in comfort?"
"Damn those idiots who couldn't get their lips shut," he snapped.
I would be surprised, for it was out of character for him to curse and lose his calm. But right now . . . I just didn't care.
"I didn't tell you because it doesn't matter. You're my mate, whether reincarnated or not. Don't you feel the same way, too, Catherine?"
I don't know . . . I really didn't know what to feel. He turned me, so I associated my feelings, my desire for him as part of it. But a mate? I don't even know what it was nor what it felt like.
"I don't know . . . ," I croaked.
Pain registered on Charles's face, and my heart squeezed.
"It's fine," he said and composed himself. "You'll feel it once we complete the mating ritual. You're once human, so you don't know how it felt like."
Was that how it works? I was a vampire now.
Yes, I like him. Attracted to him. I desire him . . . But I was afraid those feelings were born because he turned me.
"I don't want . . ." I gulped and hardened my voice, "I don't want to mate with you."
. . .
. . .
There was silence before Charles let go of me and took a step back. His face was severe, while his eyes were an ocean pool of coldness forming into dots.
"Why Catherine? Is it because you believe everyone and not me?"
"Because you lied to me. You already have a mate, and she's dead, and you didn't tell me. Vampire's soul–!"
"Enough!"
I jerked, and my mouth pressed in a hard thin line.
"I don't care about what others said or whatever long old twisted belief it is." He grabbed both of my shoulders, his fingers digging against my skin. "Our feeling is what's important. I know that you're my mate Catherine and no one could ever say otherwise what I felt about you."
The problem was . . . were they genuine? Or was he only portraying his feeling for Emelia to me?
I could never know the answer.
I opened my lips and was surprised by the words that came out of my mouth. "Then burned her corpse and set her free."
". . ."
Charles's face paled, and he let go of me. Instead of feeling triumphant for seeing him so weak and helpless, all I felt was numb.
"H-how . . . how did you know that her corpse is still here? No one was supposed to know."
". . ." I smiled bitterly at myself. It was the dream, but I never thought that I was right.
"You can't, can you?" I whispered more to myself.
He couldn't. From the way he looked at me with grieving eyes and down curved lips, I knew.
"Until you burned her corpse, I won't mate with you."
My heart felt like it was twisting so hard I was afraid it would be ripped to shreds. My lungs were collapsing, and I couldn't breathe as I waited for the longest second of my life for his answer.
Charles's helpless state only lasted for a minute before he wore his confidence back on.
"Then . . . you will remain here locked in this tower until you change our mind."
It was my face that turned pale next. "Y-you . . . you can't do this."
"Apparently, I can." Charles brushed his fingers against my lips. "You're forcing me to be cruel, Catherine."
Before I could escape, Charles was already outside the door, and the loud bang was enough to send my tears rolling on my cheek.
"I don't want to do this, but you leave me no choice."
"C-Charles . . . ," I wanted to shout, my strength left me, and I fell on my knees.
Does this mean that I wouldn't be able to see Benjamin and father until I agree to be his mate?
"Charles . . . you can't do this . . ."
----
A/N
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