Ivory's eyes fluttered open, her mind foggy from the remnants of sleep. She was met with the warm glow of sunlight streaming through the windows, casting a golden hue on the room. As she stirred, her body felt heavy, her senses still reeling from the events of the previous night. She turned her head, and her gaze fell upon Lucien's chest, where her head had been resting. His skin was flawless, unblemished, and inviting. Memories of their passionate night flooded her mind—the way Lucien's fangs had sunk into her neck, the rush of pleasure and pain, and the intoxicating sensation of his blood mingling with hers. Ivory's cheeks flushed as she recalled the intensity of their lovemaking. Lucien had been gentle yet fierce, his touch igniting a fire within her that still smoldered. She felt the tender spot on her neck where he had bitten her, and her fingers instinctively reached up to touch it. Lucien's arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as he sensed her stirrings. His lips brushed against her neck, sending shivers down her spine. He started licking the wound, his saliva working to heal the bite.
"Ah!" Lucien murmured, his voice husky, as he sucked deeper, his tongue dancing across her skin. "I will use my saliva to heal it, my lady. Don't worry, the pain will subside, but the scar will slowly fade away."
Ivory nodded, her head spinning from the sensation. She felt Lucien's heartbeat against her cheek, and his warmth enveloped her like a cocoon. As she drifted in the haze of his touch, Lucien whispered, "Sleep a little longer, my lady."
But Ivory's gaze drifted to the clock on the mantle, and she sat up with a start. "We should go for breakfast," she said worriedly, trying to extricate herself from Lucien's grasp. Lucien chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and pulled her back into his arms. "My lady, the head of the family is in your arms," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "No one will say anything. Here, the head makes the rules."
Ivory's cheeks flushed deeper as she realized the implication of Lucien's words. She was still learning the dynamics of their relationship and the world they inhabited. But as she looked up at Lucien, she saw the sincerity in his eyes, and her worries began to disperse. As they lay there, entwined in each other's arms, Ivory felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. Last night had changed everything – their bond had deepened, and their connection had grown stronger. She knew that she was his, and he was hers, bound together by blood, love, and desire. Lucien's fingers traced the curve of her neck, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
"You are mine now, my lady," he whispered, his voice filled with possessiveness. "Forever and always."
Ivory's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. She saw the love and adoration shining in his eyes, and her own heart swelled with emotion.
"I am yours, My lord,"
she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. In that moment, they both knew that nothing could ever break their bond. They were bound together, two souls entwined in a dance of love, blood, and eternity.
Ivory snuggled deeper into the blankets, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Can I ask you something?"
Lucien's fingers traced gentle patterns on her scalp, his touch soothing.
"Yes, ask."
Ivory's curiosity got the better of her.
"Your father is still alive, so how did you become the head of the family?"
Lucien's caress slowed, his expression thoughtful.
"In our world, power is everything," Lucien continued. "The strongest and most cunning vampires hold the highest ranks. We have a strict hierarchy, with the eldest and most powerful vampires ruling over the others."
"The Council of Elders, comprising the oldest and most powerful vampires, governs our kind. They dictate the laws and maintain order among our ranks. Beneath them are the Noble Houses, each with their own territory and influence."
"Within each House, there is a strict pecking order. The Head of the House holds absolute power, with their seconds-in-command and other high-ranking members vying for position and influence. It's a delicate balance of power, with alliances forged and broken like glass."
"Bloodlines also play a significant role in our hierarchy. The purer the bloodline, the higher the status. My family's bloodline is one of the oldest and most respected, which is why I hold the position I do. As my dear father leave the post after holding it for several decades."
"But make no mistake, Ivory," Lucien's eyes gleamed with intensity. "Our world is not for the faint of heart. Power struggles and betrayals are commonplace. Only the strongest survive, and even then, death can come at any moment."
Ivory listened, entranced, as Lucien's words painted a vivid picture of the complex and treacherous world of vampires. She realized that Lucien's position as Head of House was not just a title, but a constant struggle to maintain power and protect his family's interests. Ivory's eyes widened, her mind racing with the implications. She thought for a moment before asking,
"So am I also a vampire now? You drank my blood, right? I didn't even ask..." Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "How did you like it... my blood?"
Lucien's laughter filled the room, his charming voice sending shivers down Ivory's spine.
"No, my lady," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"If one could become a vampire by drinking blood like this, then the whole world would have become a vampire."
He paused, his expression turning serious. "There is a different process for this, where a person is made a vampire by donating blood on certain occasions." His gaze locked onto hers, his voice taking on a sensual tone.
"And as far as the taste of your blood is concerned..."Lucien's lips brushed against Ivory's, his kiss sending waves of desire through her. "It's like nectar," he whispered. "As if this is what I was waiting for in my barren life."
Ivory's face flushed deeper, her heart racing. She shyly hid her face in Lucien's chest, her emotions overwhelming her. As they basked in the warmth of their love, they remained oblivious to the pair of eyes watching them with deep-seated hatred. The observer's gaze burned with resentment, their presence hidden in the shadows.Lucien's arms wrapped tighter around Ivory, holding her close. They both drifted off to sleep, unaware of the danger lurking in the darkness.