Page 24
Story: The Royal Engagement
He continues like I didn’t even speak. “As for you saying they’re prettier than you, that is a downrightlie. Your cousins have nothing on you. You’re so beautiful, Maddie. They’re just jealous, that’s the only explanation for their behavior.”
The thought of my gorgeous succubi cousins being jealous of me is enough to almost make me laugh. But the way Damek looks at me…
Is he serious?
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “But I’m only—”
He cuts me off. “Half succubus, yes. But you’re far more charming and charismatic than your cousins.”
My breath gets caught in my throat.
He’s saying that after meeting them. And he doesn’t seem like he’s just trying to make me feel better. It’s almost like he genuinely means the words.
But… how? How could he possibly feel that way after meeting them? They’re so beautiful and perfect. I’m the one with flaws.
“You’re surprised.” Damek studies me and shakes his head slightly. “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.” He pauses. “Someday, you will.”
“I will?” I ask.
He nods. “Once we get married and we have a mate bond, I will be able to share my thoughts and feelings with you.”
Oh, right.
My cheeks grow warm at the thought ofthat.
“There is something I want to talk to you about,” Damek says.
I clear my throat as I look at him. “What is it?”
His heart rate slightly increases, which leads me to believe that he’s nervous. I sit up straighter as I wonder what he’s about to say.
“Next week, my family is going on vacation—it’s something we do every year around this time. And I was wondering if you would come with us.” Damek looks at me with hope in his eyes.
He wants me to come on vacation with his family?
My heart swells at the idea that he wants me there. But then I think of his mother. I’m certain she would be happier if I didn’t come.
“What about your mom?” I ask, not breaking eye contact.
He doesn’t flinch or react at all. “I want you to come. I think that once my mother spends a little time with you and gets to know you, she will adore you as much as I do.”
Headoresme?
Why does him saying that give me butterflies?
Still, I don’t want to give in just yet. I want to make sure he knows what he’s doing by inviting me.
“Damek, it’s your last vacation with your family before our wedding. Shouldn’t you enjoy your last time alone with them before you’re stuck with me?” I ask.
He grins. “You’re already part of my family. When I asked my dad to put in an alliance request with the Scott Clan, I knew exactly what that meant. I wanted to marry you and I’m sorry if I haven’t made my part in this very clear.”
He wants to marry me.
Some part of my gut loosens at his confession and I feel lighter.
“You didn’t know that I wanted to marry you?” Damek’s brows knit together.
I shrug. “I don’t know. I guess I thought you were kind of forced into this. You’re twenty-five, which I know is still young but most vampires are married by your age. I figured you were being pushed into making a decision and figured I was your best option.”
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24 (Reading here)
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53
- Page 54
- Page 55
- Page 56
- Page 57
- Page 58
- Page 59
- Page 60
- Page 61
- Page 62
- Page 63
- Page 64
- Page 65
- Page 66
- Page 67
- Page 68
- Page 69
- Page 70
- Page 71
- Page 72
- Page 73
- Page 74
- Page 75
- Page 76