Crimson Desires: The Alpha’s Forbidden Blood

Lurking in the Shadows

Seraphine’s POV

As the moon casts its pale glow upon the mystical landscape, I find myself standing on the threshold of Mr. Moonshadow’s sprawling domain, a boundary between two worlds. The declaration to remain a humble student dissipates into the cool night air, replaced by an intoxicating allure that beckons me forward. Concealed behind the sentinel strength of an ancient oak, I gaze out towards the border where three guardians of the pack diligently patrol, their sinewy forms blending seamlessly with the shadows.

A whisper of tension courses through the air as one of the wolves breaks the silence, his voice laced with curiosity. “Did you guys catch that scent?” one of the wolves queries, his senses attuned to a world beyond my reach.

“What scent? What on earth are you talking about?” retorts another, his voice laced with skepticism.

“Are you telling me you didn’t smell it? I swear I caught a faint trace of a vampire,” the first wolf persists, his voice tinged with intrigue.

“You must be hallucinating,” scoffs the second wolf, dismissing his comrade’s claim without hesitation.

“He’s clearly delusional from being away from his mate for so long. He just found her yesterday,” adds the third wolf, a hint of amusement seeping into his words.

With their doubts momentarily assuaged, the trio resolves to retreat, their laughter mingling with the fading echo of their footsteps. Seizing the opportunity, I emerge from the sheltering tree, leaning against its sturdy trunk. My ears remain attuned to their conversation, keenly aware of their gradual departure as they make their way back to the pack, jesting at the expense of the middle wolf and his newfound mate.

Clearly, their training was sorely lacking. I couldn’t fathom how they had failed to detect my presence, especially considering I was a vampire. I possessed the power to effortlessly drain each of them of their life-sustaining blood, extinguishing their existence in an instant. Yet, against all expectations, I restrained myself.

A phantom memory taunted me—an ethereal whisper of the taste of the alpha’s blood on the tip of my tongue—a sensation that existed solely within the recesses of my mind.

As the phantom memory began to fade, my senses heightened, alerting me to the presence of an undeniable force behind me. Swift as lightning, I spun around, finding myself face to face with none other than the alpha himself.

Every inch of him captured my attention, from head to toe. It was evident that he had undergone a transformation, shedding his usual attire to reveal a new, captivating look that accentuated his features. In particular, the sight of him in shorts stirred a mixture of amusement and intrigue within me, resulting in a subtle smirk dancing upon my lips.

However, the sound of his throat clearing pulled my focus back to his piercing gaze. He folded his hands against his chest, and as he did so, his arm muscles flexed in a seductive manner, drawing my gaze to that alluring display. A swirl of conflicting emotions enveloped me, both appreciating the aesthetic appeal and finding myself drawn into an internal struggle.

“Seraphine, my eyes are up here, and besides, this is inappropriate,” he reprimanded, his voice holding a touch of sternness. “A student should not be lurking around where I live like a creep.”

His words hit me like a tidal wave, crashing against the fragile image I held of myself. Did he truly see me as a creep? Was that how he perceived my presence in his domain? A pang of self-doubt coursed through me, intertwining with a fervent hope that he didn’t truly hold such an opinion of me.

My entire demeanor shifted in response, the once smug expression fading into a vulnerable state. “I am not a creep,” I retorted, my voice laced with a mix of defensiveness and a hint of hurt, hoping to convey the depth of my wounded pride.

The defensiveness and hurt that swelled within me, accompanied by a wounded pride, gradually dissolved into oblivion as a vivid memory resurfaced: the sound of him speaking my name. The syllables flowed effortlessly, resonating in my mind like a sweet invitation, beckoning me to indulge. A surge of sensation coursed through me, transforming my eyes into a fiery crimson hue, akin to a predator honing in on its prey.

With measured steps, I closed the distance between us, an unspoken challenge hanging in the air. To my surprise, he stood his ground, unwavering in the face of my intense gaze. Our eyes engaged in an intense contest of determination, my vivid scarlet irises seemingly urging him to yield to my commanding presence. Feeling confident, I smiled knowingly and moved forward, prepared to execute my well-thought-out plan.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he queried, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly, suspicion lingering within them. “I’m well aware of your vampiric nature, but let me remind you that I am the protector of this town and the people. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t dare to engage in any foolish acts.”

Once more, my wounded pride merged with the sting of his words, intensifying my emotional turmoil. First, I was labeled a creep, and now I was branded as stupid. The torrent of insults hurled my way within such a short span of time left me reeling. Yes, I may be a vampire, inherently possessing the capacity to inflict harm, but I had no intention of causing any more pain than my vampiric nature demanded.

It was a complex contradiction, being both a creature of darkness and yearning for understanding, aching to bridge the gap between my identity as a vampire and the desire to belong.

I couldn’t resist the opportunity to respond with a hint of sarcasm. “Who? Little old me? Oh, I simply wouldn’t dare to dream of doing anything that might land me on your esteemed bad side.” My lips curved into a smile, though its warmth failed to reach my eyes. Without giving him a chance to retort, I vanished with the swiftness known only to my kind, my vampire speed carrying me back to my secluded home nestled deep within the enchanted forest, a world apart from his bustling pack.

My dwelling, reminiscent of a quaint cottage, exuded an undeniable air of majesty. As I crossed the threshold, a sensory feast unfolded before me. The walls of the room were adorned with masterpieces that transcended time, each stroke of paint a testament to the brilliance of renowned artists, such as Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Gustav Klimt, and numerous others. The captivating display of art immersed me in a world of creativity and profound artistic expression. Every stroke and brushstroke told a story, their collective presence infusing the space with an ethereal allure. Even the floors were not spared, meticulously embellished with exquisite artwork, creating a harmonious symphony of creativity.

As my gaze traversed the room, it caught snippets of wisdom adorning the walls. Quotes from literary giants like William Shakespeare and Ezra Fitzgerald hung elegantly, their profound words whispering through the air. Each line evoked emotions and provoked thoughts, blending seamlessly with the visual tapestry that surrounded me.

With a graceful movement, I opened the door to my wine fridge, the cool air embracing me like a whispered secret. From its depths, I selected a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, a liquid gem that promised unrivaled decadence. Pouring its crimson essence into a delicate crystal glass, I relished in the knowledge that being a half-human and half-vampire bestowed upon me the unique ability to indulge in the pleasures of human sustenance. It was a privilege denied to my purebred counterparts, a small but significant advantage that set me apart.

Savoring the exquisite blend of aromas that danced tantalizingly from the wine glass, I took a sip, allowing the velvety liquid to coat my palate. Each note, a symphony of flavors, unfolded like a cherished memory. The delicate tannins whispered against my tongue, carrying hints of berries and earthiness, a testament to the craftsmanship that went into its creation. It was a moment of indulgence, a fleeting respite in a world where desires were both a blessing and a curse.

The events of tonight unfolded in a manner far removed from my expectations. Nevertheless, I found solace in the brief encounter I had with Lucian, though an unshakable feeling gnawed at the depths of my being, warning of an impending storm. It was as if the unseen forces of fate whispered in my ear, painting vivid pictures of what was yet to come.

In a moment of disquiet, my delicate champagne glass slipped through my fingers, its fragile form succumbing to gravity’s cruel pull. The resounding crash against the marble floor sent tremors of sound reverberating through the room, accompanied by a symphony of shattered dreams. As the glass shattered, so too did the clarity in my eyes, clouded by a deluge of fragmented memories. Raindrops fell with a melodic rhythm, their cool touch awakening long-forgotten sensations. The echo of footsteps, a distant echo from a forgotten path, resonated through the corridors of my mind. And then, Lucian’s piercing gaze, filled with secrets and unspoken desires, materialized within my consciousness.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips, a cathartic release of the tension that gripped my soul. Though the images faded, their ethereal presence lingered like phantom whispers, etching themselves into the recesses of my thoughts. I shifted my gaze downwards, fixating on the shattered remains of my favorite champagne glass, scattered like fragments of lost hope upon the floor.

With a roll of my eyes, I gathered my resolve and reached for another glass, identical to the one that met its demise moments ago. Gratitude flooded my heart for the foresight that had driven me to procure multiples of the same exquisite vessel. The familiarity of its shape, the way it felt against my fingertips, brought a semblance of comfort in a world teetering on the precipice of uncertainty.

The following day arrived, signaling the continuation of my academic journey. As the morning sun cast its gentle rays through the classroom windows, I settled into my familiar spot at the back of the room, mirroring the previous day’s choice.

My books were safely stowed away in my bag, and my restless fingers absentmindedly twirled a pen, eager to delve into the world of numbers or more like the delve in the sight of Lucian. My gaze roamed the room, diligently observing each student, as if seeking a deeper understanding of their unique personalities.

However, this day diverged from the routine that had taken shape. When the resonant toll of the bell reverberated through the air, rather than promptly finding their seats, the students remained in a state of animated restlessness. Among them, a football player caught my attention. Engaged in an inexplicable display of bounces and swag-filled strides, he purposefully made his way towards me. His head jerked upward, a self-assured smile playing upon his lips as he greeted me with a casual “hey.”

Caught off guard by his unexpected approach, my eyebrow arched in a mix of curiosity and skepticism. The pen in my hand stilled, its previously rhythmic movement arrested. Yet, before I could formulate a response, the sky outside unleashed its fury, transforming the serene ambiance into a tempestuous symphony of raindrops, their forceful descent drowning out all other sounds. Simultaneously, the echoes of the previous night’s vision reverberated within me, causing a shiver to ripple down my spine.

Carried by the damp breeze, a distinctive scent wafted towards me, igniting a cascade of bittersweet memories I had fervently hoped to evade. And there, standing before me, was the embodiment of that past—a person I never wished to encounter again. He had appeared, like a haunting specter, intent on exacerbating an already fraught situation. His voice, velvet-smooth and tantalizing, pierced the air as he addressed the football player, his words laden with possessiveness and accusation, “What are you doing talking to my fiancé?”

In that charged moment, my gaze collided with Lucian’s penetrating eyes. Behind his desk, he stood as a silent sentinel, observing the unfolding drama with a blend of concern and curiosity etched upon his features. His presence, a pillar of quiet authority, intensified the emotions swirling within me, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the day that had only just begun.