The Vampire King's Hidden Mate

Safe

(Juriel)

I feel the softness of the bed underneath me and really soft sheets. I really didn't want to open my eyes because it felt so good. As I think about what happened, I realized I don’t remember going back to the pack and the beds there are not this soft. I slowly opened my eyes, feeling a little disoriented. I see I’m in a beautiful gothic style room made for a king. The Gothic room is a breathtaking sanctuary of darkness, elegance, and power. The room is a reflection of a regal nature and the mystique of nocturnal existence. The atmosphere is thick with an intoxicating blend of opulence and shadow, designed to both captivate and intimidate all who dare to enter.

The room is dominated by deep, rich colors - sapphire blues, velvety blacks, and deep crimson hues mingle seamlessly with hints of silver and gold. The walls, clad in intricately patterned damask fabric, create a luxurious yet foreboding environment. Dark wood paneling adds a touch of old world grandeur, while the sporadic flicker of candlelight brings the space to life, casting dancing shadows that seem to hold secrets of their own.

The ceiling of the chamber is an architectural marvel, vaulted and adorned with ornate plasterwork resembling swirling vines and celestial motifs. Intricately carved gargoyles peek from the corners, their stone faces frozen in time, watching over the chamber as guardians of the night. Above, a grand chandelier made of wrought iron and cut glass hangs like a dark star, catching the flicker of candle flames and casting an ethereal glow throughout the room. At the heart of the chamber, an imposing four poster bed dominates the space, which I'm also lying on. Draped in heavy, black silk curtains that cascade like shadows, the bed is adorned with plush pillows in shades of crimson and midnight blue. The intricate bedspread features embroidered designs that tell the story.

A large, intricately - carved mahogany armoire stands against one wall, its doors adorned with silver filigree. A delicate silver mirror hangs on the opposite wall, framed in dark, ornate metalwork, reflecting the haunting beauty of the room. The air is filled with the scent of rich, aged wood, mingling with the subtle aromas of incense burning in ornate holders - sandalwood and patchouli, reminiscent of ancient rituals and long-forgotten mysteries. The gentle sound of a distant waterfall can be heard, a calming backdrop to the otherwise silent chamber, enhancing the atmosphere of solitude and introspection. The walls are adorned with haunting portraits of past monarchs, their eyes seemingly following every movement, reminding those who enter of the weight of a legacy. Dark, romantic landscapes and gothic architecture grace the walls, capturing the essence of the night and the beauty of danger intertwined.

Additionally, intricate stained glass windows, framed in polished black iron, filter the moonlight, casting colored patterns across the room. These windows depict scenes of battles fought under the night sky, the intricate glasswork telling stories of sorrow and triumph. I take a deep breath and I slowly sit up.

“You should still rest. Your body is still weak from the rejection”, I hear a deep husky voice say. My head snaps to where the voice came from and from the shadows the man I saw under the willow tree steps out. He’s more handsome than I remembered. My eyes rake over his body before they go back to his.

“Who are you?” I asked. His eyes flashed red, and instantly I knew he was a vampire, but I wasn't afraid. No, for some reason, I felt protected here with him.

“My name is Malik. What is yours?” he asks.

“Juriel” I replied. He grabs a bottle of water and opens it before handing it to me.

“Thank you.” I drank half of the bottle in one go.

“You were at my school. Why were you there?” I asked, still looking at him.

"Your scent called out to me” he said.

“My scent?” I asked, confused.

“Yes. Your scent. You have no wolf, right?” he asked and I nodded.

“Why?” he asked.

“My mom was human, and my dad was an Omega” I said truthfully.

“You said was” he said, sitting on the bed.

“They are dead” I said.

“I’m sorry for your loss” he said, and I nodded.

“Thank you” I said.

“But you’re tough for a wolfless girl. I’ve never seen anyone stand after a rejection, accept it and walk away” he said, making me blush.

“I passed out after” I mumbled.

“Yes, but you proved you’re stronger than you look. I admire that” I blushed again making him chuckle.

“Are you hungry?” he asked. I went to shake my head when my stomach growled loudly and I blushed in embarrassment.

“Sorry” I squeaked.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll bring you something to eat”, he said, and went to stand up but I grabbed his hand.

“Can I come with you?” I asked. He looks at me for a few seconds before picking me up. I gasp, and my arms go around his neck.

“I- I can walk” I stammered.

“No. You need to rest. As soon as you finish eating, I’m bringing you back” he said. He walks out of the room and I see other vampires. They turn and look at me and I tighten my grip on Malik.

“Don’t worry about them. They are harmless unless we’re provoked” he says, and I nod. He walks to the kitchen and gently sets me down on a chair.

“What would you like?” he asks.

“Anything” I said. He took out some break and began to make some sandwiches, then warming it up on the frying pan. He placed two sandwiches on a plate and set it in front of me, the grabbed a glass and filled it with lemonade.

“Thank you” I smiled. From the corner of my eye I could see other vampires looking at Malik with wide eyes and murmuring to each other. I grab one of the sandwiches and took a bite, moaning because of how good it was.

“This is really good. You want a bite?” I asked, offering him some. He leaned down, not breaking eye contact, and took a bite. Some vampires gasped, and my eyes go to his lips as he licks them. I felt my heart beat faster and I gulped.

“It is good” Malik smirked. I swallow again and nod before taking another bite. I was feeling butterflies in my stomach. I offered him another bite and he took it. I finished eating my food and drink. He then places the dishes in the sink before picking me up again. My arms go around his neck, and he takes me back to the room and lays me down.

“Whose room is this, Malik?” I asked. He looks down at me as he covers me.

“Mine” he says, my eyes widening. I go to stand, but he stops me by placing a gentle hand on my shoulder.

“Stay” he says, and I feel his command wash over me. It's weird, Jake's command did nothing to me, but Malik's command is... different. I want to do as he says.

“You need to rest. I’ll sleep on the sofa” he said, and I shook my head.

“This is your bed… your room. I can sleep on the sofa” I said.

“No princess, you’re sleeping on the bed” he said, leaving no room for arguments. He moved back, but I grabbed his hand.

“The bed is big enough for the both of us” I said lowly. What’s gotten into me? I have no idea but… I feel safe with him. I want him close to me all the time.

“Are you sure?” he asks.

“Yes” I said, moving over. He starts to undress and my eyes rake over his body. The guy is made to perfection. Tall, broad shoulders, sharp jawline, the perfect amount of muscles, and I feel safe with him. He lays down and I close my eyes. It didn’t take me long to fall asleep.

***