VICTORIA

That man welcomed everyone like he owned the place, and out of nowhere, proposed a toast to the Lord.

The spotlights shifted back to us.

Dracomir was clearly tense, stepping right in front of me to completely shield me from view.

Applause and even loud cheers rang out in his name.

Some idiot even congratulated him for slaughtering the rebel vampires on the borders.

The crowd’s excitement grew, but the rigid tension in his back told me he was uncomfortable, probably thinking I’d be upset.

I reached out and gently stroked his side where no one could see.

Felt the shiver run beneath my fingers.

"It’s okay, baby… I’m not mad about that," I whispered through the temporary bond we had formed.

His love and mental caresses reached me seconds later.

That was all I needed to not regret accepting him.

*****

Between Dracomir rejecting dance invitations and nearly snapping at every man who walked near me, we arrived at the next event of the night.

Apparently, there was going to b