Mara's POV
The world came to a standstill and I had so many emotions ravaging inside me. This was not how I had thought this date would go.
But as our lips met, my instincts took over, and I pulled away abruptly, my heart pounding against my chest.
Confusion clouded my expression as I looked into his eyes, searching for answers. "I'm sorry," I stammered, my voice filled with a mix of regret and uncertainty. "I... I just can't."
He was supposed to be my enemy. None of this was supposed to be possible.
What was going on?
He nodded, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. "I understand," he replied softly, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "Emotions can be complicated, especially after everything we've been through."
Everything we've been through?!
It took everything to not zip into him and rip out his throat anytime I thought of my powers, but I knew I was powerless and all I would appear to him would be an enraged human girl without powers.
I sighed, my gaze dropping to the table, unable to meet his eyes. "I never expected to feel this way," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "You were someone I should be keeping a distance from, yet I find myself drawn to you, torn between what I believe is right and what my heart desires."
"You mean torn between believing that I killed my sister and believing what I tell you."
He reached across the table, gently resting a hand on my, his touch offering a sense of comfort amidst the confusion. "Love and forgiveness can be intertwined, Mara," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "We have both changed, and sometimes the lines between enemies and something more can blur."
I almost laughed at the sound of that. Was this a prank?
This man had caused me harm. He was not being serious right now.
"I need time to sort through my feelings, to understand myself and grieve if I have to. I lost my powers and my sister. It's still too soon to start any romantic relationship with her… you know. And I don't even want to have anything with you, I told you before."
He smiled, a gentle and understanding expression. "Take all the time you need," he reassured, his voice filled with warmth. "I'll be here, ready to support you, no matter the outcome."
That was better than I had thought it would go. Either way, I was ready to enjoy the night even when he had made it awkward with that kiss.
And so, amidst the flickering candles and the remnants of our unfinished meal, we both sat in a fragile yet hopeful silence.
The path ahead may be uncertain, but with the foundation of forgiveness and friendship we were still working on building something.
I didn't know if it would be worthwhile but I was willing to see where this would go.
An unspoken truce was made between us. We would never mention of this day and this kiss ever. It was too embarrassing to bring up for the both of us.
***
Klaus's POV
After dinner, we found ourselves seated comfortably in the back of my extravagant limousine which I had ordered while eating since I needed to focus on her.
Surely my head could not get out of the fact that I had embarrassed myself while being with her. I had leaned in for that kiss which would change my life and now I had seriously hurt my ego.
Either way, I was going to make up for that.
The air was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as we embarked on another journey into town.
This night was a very special night seeing as the town would be having a moonlight parade and I wanted her to see it. I couldn't help but steal glances at her, her presence casting a spell on me. It was not long ago that we were fierce enemies, but now, we had forged an unlikely friendship.
At least we were not on each other's throat so that was good news at least.
The limousine glided smoothly through the cobblestone streets, the sound of the horses' hooves echoing in the evening air.
My kingdom was renowned for its beauty and grandeur, and I was determined to showcase it to her.
The streets were lined with quaint shops and bustling market stalls, their vibrant colors enhanced by the fading light.
She turned to me, a playful smile on her face. "I must admit, Klaus, I never thought I would find myself in your company, let alone riding in a lavish limousine during midnight." Her voice held a hint of admiration, tinged with a lingering skepticism. "I was thinking after the dinner, you'd take me home and never speak to me after what happened."
I chuckled, my eyes meeting hers. "I thought we were to never speak of it. Besides, our past may have been filled with animosity, but now we have the chance to forge a new path together and become… friends. And what better way to start than by showing you the wonders of my kingdom during every parade."
Saying that we should become friends was something my body itched to not have. I wanted something more than that, plus time was not on my side.
I needed her to be my mate so I would have to go forth and get the post as the lord of all vampires in every kingdom.
As we continued our conversation, a sudden commotion interrupted the peaceful atmosphere.
I could smell them and I sighed at the thought of this romantic evening being disrupted.
She looked at me with a smile as I knew she was still oblivious to the fact that danger lurked close by.
The guards would not know about these guys and it would be up to me to defend both my city and my people.
A group of hooded figures emerged from the shadows, surrounding the limousine with their menacing presence.