CHAPTER 246: DANGER OF BEING EXPOSED

Rymora was quieter than usual as she sat in the carriage. Her gaze lingered on the dark surroundings outside, her thoughts fixed on where she was going and how much she would rather not be heading there. Still, it wasn’t like she had a choice.

It didn’t help that the carriage driver was moving faster than usual, the wheels rattling hard against the road, and the butler seated across from her didn’t so much as spare her a glance. That silence, that complete lack of acknowledgment, only made her heart race faster. Her palms were damp with sweat, and she dragged them nervously against the gown she wore, trying to steady herself.

Relax, Rymora. Your heart is racing too fast! she told herself, but the words did little to help. The constant rumbling of the carriage swaying from side to side only deepened her sense of being out of control.

It didn’t take too long before the carriage came to a halt in front of Drehk’s Villa. The butler, who had been silently sitting in front of her, stepped out without a word, and Rymora had no choice but to follow after him.

Her heart was still pounding as she stepped inside. As had become usual in recent times, the butler stopped at the door, making no move to guide her further since she already knew her way. He only gestured for her to go upstairs, which she instantly did, her expression tense with apprehension that refused to leave her face.

Her steps carried her toward Drehk’s room, but when she finally reached the massive door, she froze. Instead of entering, she simply stood there, staring at the heavy wood, her eyes full of unease.

"Come in!"

The deep voice on the other side made her jerk back, startled at the unexpectedness of it. Foolish of her—Lord Drehk was a powerful vampire. He would have known the very moment she arrived at the door.

Slowly, she pushed it open, stepping inside and shutting it carefully behind her. Her gaze lifted, and she saw him—Lord Drehk, already half dressed, standing by the bed as he moved toward her with slow, steady steps.

"I’m glad you’re alright," he said in a deep, low voice as he drew closer. His gaze dropped instantly to the male clothes she wore.

"I noticed. I’m guessing your clothes got torn and drenched?"

Rymora nodded quickly, but the moment he stepped forward, she retreated. It didn’t matter. He reached her anyway, his large hands wrapping firmly around her neck as he lowered his head, bringing her lips close to his until they touched.

That familiar surge rushed through her veins—the unwanted sprinkle of desire she always felt when he kissed her. His lips pressed harder, deepening the kiss. But before it could go further, she pushed against him, shoving with all her strength until he stumbled back.

She quickly retreated, her back hitting the door behind her.

A confused expression flickered across Drehk’s face as he looked at her. Rymora dropped her gaze to the ground, shifting it anywhere but toward him.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, his hands still lingering near her before she wiggled out of his hold.

She moved quickly toward the table where ink and paper lay, snatching them up with trembling hands. Scribbling furiously, she glanced up at him again and again, but he remained where he was, waiting, impatience clear in his glowing eyes.

At last, she finished and lifted the paper for him to see.

I WANT THIS RELATIONSHIP TO END. I AM NO LONGER INTERESTED IN SLEEPING WITH YOU. I CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT ME TO BUT NOT SEX!

She didn’t dare meet his gaze as she held it up, which was why she was shocked when she suddenly heard a soft chuckle.

Her eyes lifted to see him leaning against the door, his red gaze fixed intently on her, a faint smile tugging at the edge of his lips.

"...and why is that?" he asked in a calm tone.

The ease in his voice unsettled her more than anger would have. She had thought—with the way they kissed, with the way they moved together—that feelings had to exist between them.

I should be happy he’s not invested. This is a good thing,

she told herself, though she knew she was lying.

Quickly, she bent over the table again, writing with precise strokes.

I HAVE A LOVER I’M PROMISED TO! I THINK IT’S BAD TO CONTINUE...

Her head was bent low, the words only half written when she suddenly felt it—a soft rush of air against her skin. Then, strong hands gripped her waist.

"Lies," he murmured into her ear, his voice low and dangerous. He hadn’t even looked at the parchment. Her heart pounded, terror and dread clashing as she prayed he couldn’t sense the truth—the smell of her newly awakened wolf.

"If you’re going to stop sleeping with me, you might as well tell me the truth," he said, spinning her around until they were face to face. He leaned his arms against the table, trapping her in place.

Silence stretched between them as he waited. Then he shoved the ink and paper back into her hands, his gaze commanding.

She hesitated, but then scribbled quickly once more.

I’M SERIOUS! I’M GETTING MARRIED AND SLEEPING WITH A VAMPIRE IS ONLY GOING TO COMPLICATE MY LIFE.

Turning it toward him, she forced herself to meet his eyes with all the determination she could gather.

Tossing the paper back onto the table, she pushed against him and started toward the door. Her steps were quick, almost frantic. If he didn’t allow her to leave, she knew escape was impossible.

It’s already surprising my wolf ears haven’t fully manifested yet, she thought. Most wolves can’t hide it for long. I can’t risk being here any longer.

She had just reached the door when her feet left the ground. In one swift motion, she was lifted and tossed onto the bed.

Her breath caught, her body frozen. She turned to see him looming over her, his expression deceptively calm. But the gleam of his fangs, bared at last, betrayed him. He was angry—angrier than she had ever seen him.