Vladimyr's POVEver since that encounter in the southern woods, I have not told anyone about her. Not even my little siblings, Sebastian and even Lucifer, my counterpart. The first time I saw her, she was still a little kid. Only saved her at the time because I feared starting yet another war as the western monarch's homunculus attacked her. But when I saw her perturbed face, I unconsciously made a promise to come and get her once she was at least old enough to make decisions for herself. A feeling of both pity and amusement. She was really brave for a five-year-old she-wolf."My Lord. I'm afraid I cannot let you pass. You are going to go see that wolf again." The castle's ever-loyal butler, Sebastian, blocked me from leaving my work office when he noticed that my desk was clean, signifying that I was getting ready to leave.Each time my body can sense that Sebastian's away, I sneak out to visit her just to see how she's doing. If she's finally okay, then maybe she can stay in her pack

Katie's POVWe heard the growls and screams of some wolves. Yelling the names of the soldier wolves, Alpha Fredrick and mama. The others are already in search of Alpha's party. They have been gone for quite some time now, so it is no surprise that the pack is looking for them. Vlad made me choose what to do through our mind-link. He can wipe out their memories of them seeing Vlad and fighting amongst each other, overwriting their memory that they successfully banished me. Just let it all be; they can remember all that happened today. He assured me that either way works for him, but he just wants me to be comfortable and not be anxious about anything. I know I have to think fast. Letting them know Vlad's kind really exists might lead to some adversaries, and they might try to invade, causing further conflict. But if we wipe out their memories, they will surely think I died and that I did not survive the prohibited forest. That is the best-case scenario for me, but Percy, Rose, Jessica,

Vladimyr's POVI scrunched my forehead as a bright ray of sunshine hit my face. Of course, I wouldn't die from it; it just annoys the hell out of me. Lucifer groans in pain when I try to sit up. Only then did I notice Katie beside me, sleeping peacefully with that stiff posture. I also observed that she wore my coat since she did not have anything else on her. It looks like a cute minidress when she's the one wearing it. She must have been sore with my head on her shoulders all night. I then suddenly remembered all that happened yesterday. What a crazy day to be with my future bride on her birthday nonetheless! Wait, it is still her birthday today. I can still make up for it. I tried to stand up, but it was an epic fail as I bumped my butt on the ground. Katie jerked up and growled. Great, now I already wake her up when she needs all the rest that she can get."You're already up?" I awkwardly asked and softly chuckled."Where on Goddess' name do you think you're going? You are still no

Katie's POV I ignored him all the way as we navigated through the woods. He is mind-linking me, trying to apologize. It was more like teasing, as he was smiling from ear to ear. I even stomped quietly a while ago when he wouldn't stop chuckling. When we finally got out through the woods, we saw some houses and a jolly group of vampires having fun as the moon lit up in the skies. I asked Vlad if we were already in what he called Center but he just shook his head no. He explained that we are still in the Southern terrain, and it will take us a month or more just to go to the Center regions. I want to ask him what if I wolfed out and carried him at my back, but that would be a bad idea. As we would surely be immediately caught.He asked me to stay and hide by the bushes, as he would try to ask for some blood so that he could replenish his strength. I pouted but still nodded. He can take my blood, though. My face was beet red as I recalled what transpired earlier. I swat the air, imaginin

Katie's POVVlad led me to what seemed like his room. I expected it to be big, but not like this! I think everyone in the castle can fit just in Vladimyr's room alone. He gently placed me in his bed and quickly flashed himself towards his overdramatically huge window, which oversees everything outside."Vlad?" I softly called his name. I saw him flinch and move further away from me. My heart dropped. Why is he acting like this? Is he already regretting his decision to come and get me? I hugged my whole body while my knees were scrunched up."Do my pheromones stink, Vlad?" I balled up my fist and closed my eyes shut, scared and anxious as I awaited his response.I felt his bloodlust again, this time much stronger than before. "Who dares to say that to you!? Is it Sebastian? I'll kill that motherfucker right this instant."Before he could vanish from my sight, I managed to throw myself at him. He was caught off guard as both of us fell to the floor. His bloodlust was now suppressed. I wa