(JO POV)Upon our return to his room, Dane playfully tossed me onto the bed. Flying through the air, covering what felt like an impossible distance before landing perfectly in the center of the bed, was terrifying and exhilarating. As the initial shock faded, replaced by a rush of excitement, I couldn't help but bounce on the mattress. "How did you do that?" I asked.With a smile, Dane showcased his vampiric speed again, pulling the table up to the bed and laying out all the food instantly. He even plucked a rose from the bushes outside his window so swiftly that I barely registered the movement, only feeling the gust of wind it created as he handed it to me. "Wow," I breathed out, genuinely impressed."I'm really old, Jo," he explained, his smile still in place. "I've had literal centuries of practice and mastery over just about every vampire trick you can think of."Curious, I took a fry and asked, "Then why don't you do that more often?" as I munched on the food."Don't talk with f
(DANE POV)The entire ordeal was tearing me apart inside. Every fiber of my being screamed to go to her, to wrap her in my arms and assure her that everything would be fine. Yet, I lay rooted, constrained by the necessity of the lesson at hand. While her rebellious spirit was one of the traits that drew me to her, it now posed a risk to our future within these walls. Her defiance and her unfiltered expressions of anger could jeopardize our chances of leaving this place behind. If any trait needed curbing to ensure our success and safety, it was her tendency to speak without restraint.As Jo's tears began, my resolve began to erode. I told myself that this harsh lesson was necessary, that it was for her own good in a world that wouldn't coddle her. But as the minutes ticked by, each second heavy with her quiet sobs, the consequence of my actions pressed down on me.For an hour, I listened to the sound of her crying, each sob a crack in my facade. I knew I had to maintain a pretense o
(DANE POV)Her next observation caught me off guard, sparking a burst of laughter that resonated through the silent expanse of our connection. "Well, it's far more empty in here than I thought it would be," she remarked, a playful jab at the vast, uncluttered landscape of my mind. Laughing together, we returned to the present, our eyes meeting in mutual amusement. I pierced my finger once more and extended it to her. "I didn't know you could do this," she said, a smile lighting up her face."Years of practice, kitten," I replied. "Now, like I said, take it slow, okay?"Once more, we retreated into the sanctuary of my mind, her curiosity undimmed. "Is it always just white?" she inquired, her gaze sweeping across the endless expanse."No, it's not always white. I'm just not showing you anything yet. I was hoping to see some of yours first," I admitted, the idea of exploring her memories, fears, and joys an intimate prospect."You can see in my mind, too?" Her surprise was evident, matc
(DANE POV)A chill enveloped me, as if the mere mention summoned the darkness of that night. Summoned him. "No," I said, more sternly than intended. "You will never see that one."Her face fell into a pout, but this was one area where my resolve was ironclad. "Jo," I started, struggling to keep my voice even, "my transformation into what I am was... violent. Revisiting that memory requires a strength I can't muster at the moment." The truth was, some scars ran too deep, their edges frayed with a violence that threatened to unravel at the slightest touch. "And besides, it awakens certain... impulses that are better left dormant."The warning in my voice was clear, a boundary drawn from years of wrestling with the beast that transformation had birthed within me.As our argument unfolded within the bounds of our shared dreamscape, I realized the intensity of our connection. My finger remained in her mouth, drawing upon the essence of my being long after the wound had sealed. The realiza
DANE POVJo's curiosity about the next day sparked an idea. "Well, you have two classes tomorrow, and since it's Friday, we'll have the entire weekend to ourselves. I thought we could visit the market and get you some new clothes," I proposed. The thought of spending time away from school with her filled me with a pleasant anticipation. Her reaction sent me over the moon. "The market? Away from the school? I can leave the school?" she asked.I chuckled at her astonishment. "Yes, with me now that we're official. But only if you promise to behave.""I promise, I promise, I promise." she chirped, bouncing excitedly. I sensed a perfect time to help her control her temper and, most importantly, that mouth. "Okay, if you do well in your classes, we will go to the market first thing Saturday morning," I said with a wink. We settled into bed. "Now, go to sleep, kitten," I whispered, feeling her relax further in my arms.The next day's class, focusing on feeding and aftercare, was compulsor
JO POVThe week flew past, a whirlwind of learning and adapting to the academy's pace. To my surprise, with Dane there constantly encouraging me and pushing me to do better, I wasn't just keeping up. I was excelling. The curious glances and nods of approval from teachers and fellow students were a testament to my hard work and dedication. I had never received this much acknowledgment for doing the right things instead of the wrong.Throughout the week, our most persistent argument revolved around those dreaded collars. The notion of being collared struck a chord in me, igniting a refusal that resonated through my being few other things in this created. Dane attempted to secure the collar around my neck each morning and after naps. Anytime he let me take it off, he had to know how hard it would be to get it back on. Our struggles peaked when, in a moment of extreme frustration, he clasped it so swiftly I had no chance to resist. The act led to a punishment after I tore it off in defi
(JO POV) As the limo pulled up to the academy, its arrival marked a distinct shift in the atmosphere. It was no ordinary vehicle but an opulent, brand-new stretch limo. The extravagance of the moment was not lost on me, reminding me of the world I was now entangled with. Deirk escorted us to the vehicle with a warmth uncharacteristic of the stoic persona I had come to associate him with. He wrapped me in a brief hug that felt surprisingly intimate. "Thank you," he murmured, "for allowing me to feed. I really needed it." The sincerity in his eyes was unmistakable. Dane couldn't resist a light-hearted jab. "Alright, don't go getting all sweet on my girl," he teased, his words carrying a playful edge that misrepresented the possessive undertone I clearly sensed. Though made in jest, his comment resonated with a sense of territorial claim that, oddly enough, didn't feel as suffocating as I might have expected. The sight of the limo elicited a laugh from Dane. He turned to Deirk in
(DANE POV)As we arrived, Magness awaited us, his youthful appearance and demeanor strikingly different from Jo's expectations. "Wow, I thought he would be... older. Well, turned older? I don't know. I didn't picture him so young," Jo remarked."Yeah, he was turned when he was barely 15," I replied, watching Magness closely. He was laying it on thick, his actions meticulously crafted to appear welcoming and kind. The smile plastered on his face, and his arm wrapped around Katerine as they waited for us at the courtyard gate was so fake it should have glowed. With his overly smooth, clearly rehearsed charm, Magness made every effort to enchant Jo with his graciousness. "Ah, my dearest Jo, my first princess, welcome to my home. Your sleeping chamber has been arranged with the utmost care, just for you. And do anticipate a dining experience tailored to delight your senses," Magness cooed, his tone saturated with an excessive sweetness that seemed to drip from each word like honey.Sick,