ADRIAN’S P.O.V.
The night had settled into a comfortable rhythm. Lucian had successfully roped Teresa into his ridiculous plans, her reluctant groans of protest drowned out by his sheer determination to charm her into submission. I watched the scene unfold with the kind of amusent that cos from knowing the inevitable: she was going to give in. She always did when it ca to Lucian. Poor Teresa was fighting a losing battle.
Juliette, however, was an entirely different story. She stood beside , arms folded tightly across her chest, her piercing gaze sweeping over the clearing. The scene was alive—music pulsed through the air, glowing lights cast a dreamlike haze, and people swayed and laughed with unrestrained joy. Yet Juliette watched it all like a sentinel guarding her post, her posture radiating control and quiet authority.
I couldn’t help but smile as I glanced at her. Strong, fierce, and breathtakingly beautiful, she carried herself like nothing in the world could touch her—or so she thought.
"You know," I said, leaning closer to her, "if you keep glaring at the people like that, they might just apologize for existing."
She turned her head slowly, one perfectly arched brow rising in challenge. "And if you keep talking like that, Adrian, I might just apologize for knocking you flat."
I laughed, a rich sound that seed to surprise her. "Touché, my fierce Gamma. But I must warn you, I don’t fall easily."
She gave a once-over, her lips twitching as though she were fighting a smile. "Pity. It would have been fun to watch."
Gods, Thank you for this gift, I was going to thoroughly enjoy this.
***’*****
Lucian’s wolf had taken Teresa on another slow stroll through the woods, taking her away from the party he had literally pouted his way into getting her to attend, leaving Juliette and in the flickering glow of the lanterns scattered around the clearing a little bit away from the people and loud music. I decided it was the perfect opportunity to get to know the fiery woman who had captivated my every thought since the mont we t.
"So," I began, my tone light but purposeful, "tell about yourself, Juliette."
She snorted softly, not even looking at . "What is there to tell? I’m a Gamma slash enforcer, I follow orders, I keep people like you in line. End of story."
"People like ?" I asked, feigning offense. "I’m wounded. Truly. You wound ."
Her sharp sparkling brown eyes gaze flicked to mine. "Vampires," she said pointedly, though her tone held no malice. "You’re not exactly known for your... discipline."
"Ah, but I’m not just any vampire," I said smoothly. "I’m Adrian Daegon. Surely you’ve heard of ."
She smirked, and it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. "Oh, I’ve heard of you, alright. You’re the charming one, the one everyone loves and fears. The one who always gets what he wants."
"And do you find that intimidating?" I asked, stepping just a fraction closer.
"Not even a little," she said, tilting her head with a playful glint in her eyes. "You’re charming, Adrian, but I don’t scare easy."
I chuckled, genuinely impressed. "Good. Fear is such a waste of emotion. Besides, I’d rather have your respect than your fear."
She studied for a mont, her expression softening just a fraction. "You’re... different than I expected," she admitted.
"And you are exactly as I expected," I replied. "Strong, sharp, utterly irresistible."
She rolled her eyes, but I didn’t miss the faint blush that crept up her neck.
"Dance with ," I said suddenly.
She blinked, clearly caught off guard. "What?"
"Dance with ," I repeated, extending my hand to her. "The music is lovely, the night is young, and I can think of no better way to spend it than in your company."
She hesitated, her guard visibly going up. "I don’t dance."
"Liar," I said softly, my eyes locking onto hers. "You just don’t want to dance with ."
Her lips parted in protest, but she seed to think better of whatever retort she had prepared. Finally, with a huff, she placed her hand in mine. "Fine. One dance. But if you step on my toes, I’m leaving."
"I’ll do my best to spare your feet," I said, my voice low and teasing.
As I pulled her close, the world around us seed to fade. The music was soft, a gentle lody that matched the sway of our movents. Her body was tense at first, but as the minutes passed, she began to relax, her head tilting just slightly toward .
"You’re a mystery, Juliette," I said quietly. "One I’m very eager to solve."
"And you’re a flirt," she shot back, though there was no heat in her words. "One I’m not sure I should trust."
"Trust is earned," I said, spinning her gently. "And I plan to earn yours, no matter how long it takes."
When the song ended, I didn’t let go. Her beautiful eyes narrowed, but there was a softness there that hadn’t been before.
"Co with ," I said, my voice dropping to a near-whisper.
"Where?" she asked, her suspicion returning.
"Anywhere," I said with a grin. "Let’s ditch the party, the blind Alpha and his mate and have an adventure of our own."
Her jaw dropped. "Adrian! That’s my Alpha and best friend you’re talking about, and Teresa is also my friend."
"And they’ll survive without us. I don’t think they rember we even exist at this point," I said smoothly. "Besides, I have sothing I want to show you."
She crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "And what makes you think I’d abandon them for you?"
"Because," I said, stepping closer, "you’re curious, my gorgeous mate. And because you know I’d make it worth your while."
Her eyes searched mine, and for a mont, I thought she might refuse. But then, with a resigned sigh, she nodded. "Fine. But if this is so elaborate sche to get under my skin—"
"It’s not," I promised, my smile softening. "But I won’t lie, Juliette. You’re already under mine."
I turned to where Lucian and Teresa were still in the woods. "Lucian," I called, knowing his sensitive ears could hear clearly, "Juliette and I have sothing important to take care of. You two enjoy the rest of your evening."
Without waiting for a response, I took Juliette’s hand and led her away, my heart racing with anticipation. Whatever this night held, I knew one thing for certain: I was already hers completely. She just didn’t know it yet.
Excitedly, I lead Juliette to a secluded glade, the moonlight casting a silver glow over everything. I turned to her, my breath catching as I took in the way the light danced on her skin and golden brown hair. "Juliette," I said softly, "I need you to trust . What I’m about to show you... it’s a part of I’ve never shared with anyone before."
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