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Body so broad, the chair strains under his weight each time he leans forward to grab a dish. His crisp white dress shirt is nearly bursting at the seams, trying to hold in his bulky muscles.

The one thing I did inherit from my father is my sense of style.

Except, where he chooses harsh, boring colors—blacks and grays—I prefer to use my style as a form of creativity, evident today with my eggplant slacks and vest. I tug at the brightly patterned blue tie around my neck and fiddle with the cuffs of my light-green dress shirt.

I chose it specifically because it reminded me of Maggie’s beautiful eyes.

“Viktor.” Even his voice is commanding. “Will we see you at the annual charity gala this year?” Father scrutinizes me over the rim of his wineglass, the blood inside sloshing as he brings it to his lips.

Like an ant under a magnifying glass, my skin flames beneath the laser focus of his dark eyes. “I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I’ll have to check with—”

“See that you’re there. It’s important for you to network now in preparation for when you join Bielski Investments after your birthday.

” The dreaded birthday that’s less than six months away.

“No son of mine will spend his life babysitting . It’s time to accept your rightful place.

” And there it is… the jab that I’ve been waiting for .

Holding back my retort, I bite my tongue. No matter how many times I protest, my words go in one ear and out the other.

“There will also be several beautiful females there. Any one of whom would make the perfect wife. When’s the last time you were with someone?

You—and your sister—need to start thinking about the future of our family.

” His eyes shoot across the table to Ness.

Her nose wrinkles, and she sticks her tongue out once Father turns to our mother.

Asshole .

I don’t know if my father believes in love.

It seems like all he cares about is a strong vampire bloodline and money.

Hell, I don’t even know why my mother is still with him.

Growing up, he was noticeably absent. If we weren’t at boarding school, Mother was the one taking care of us.

Tending to any scrapes and cuts. Tucking us in at night. Loving us like a parent should.

“Kas,” my mother coos, lacing her fingers with his on the table. “Can’t we enjoy one family dinner without fighting?”

“No, Evie. It’s time the boy faced the hard facts. Nannying is woman’s work.” His lip curls into a sneer. “It’s beneath him. I’ve held my tongue for the past half-century, letting him live in the clouds, but it’s time to face reality. After the gala, Viktor, I expect you to start working for me.”

“You know what?” I crumple my napkin into a ball and throw it on my plate, ready to flee.

Kasmir Bielski is a ruthless businessman. He has to be to get where he is—one of the top financial investment firms in New York City. His clients are A-listers with deep pockets.

But that’s not the life I want .

“The only reason I’m even here today is because of Mother and Ness.” The chair legs scrape against the floor as I stand. “If you can’t accept my career choice, then maybe I don’t need to be part of this family.” With those parting words, I make a beeline out of the room.

Stumbling into the kitchen, I brace my hands on the counter, harsh breaths sawing in and out of my chest.

I can’t believe I said all that. If he takes Mother and Ness from me, then he might as well drive a stake through my heart and end it all.

My legs buckle, forcing me to lean against the counter. I’ve never stood up to him before. Usually, I take his barbed words in silence.

“Viktor.” A cool hand brushes up my back. Soothing. Gentle.

Mother .

“Why is he like this?” I ask, turning to face her.

Sighing, she squeezes my hand. “Your father has been through a lot in his long life. He was raised with different beliefs. He came from nothing and, in his own way, he just wants you to have the same success as him. And to continue our family line.” She holds up a hand when I open my mouth.

“I know. That doesn’t excuse his hurtful words toward you or your sister.

Please don’t write him off yet, darling. For me?”

As much as I hate it, I nod. My mother is the soft one. The kind one. Without her, I wouldn’t be who I am.

She smiles, eyes sparkling. “If it’s any consolation, I’m proud of you, Viktor. You’re shaping the minds of the future, one child at a time. ”

“Thank you, Mother. That means a lot.”

“And I hope you’ll still come to the gala. I’d love to see you. Maybe you could bring Maggie. It sounds like she could use a night out in the city.”

Averting my gaze, I scratch the back of my neck. Throwing a human into the pits with my father seems like the worst idea ever. “I don’t know if that’s really appropriate. She’s my boss.”

“Just think about it. And don’t worry about your father. I’ll handle him.” There’s a glint of mischief in her eyes that I’ve never seen before. Maybe she does have the gall to stand up to him after all.

I chuckle, pulling her in for a hug and placing a kiss on the top of her head. Even though Mother is tall, I still stand at least a head taller than her. “I love you. Tell Ness I’ll see her at breakfast tomorrow.

“I will. Get home safe.”

The entire walk back to my apartment, I try to put my father’s comments out of my head. Instead, I focus on curly dark-blonde hair, enchanting green eyes, and a body built for sin.

My heart sinks when I open the door to my apartment and I’m met by silence.

It’s quiet. Too quiet.

Over the last week, I’ve gotten used to Lily’s constant chatter. She always has questions to ask or something to say. It’s amazing the random facts that come out of her little mouth.

Suddenly, the familiar cozy environment I’ve created for myself in the city feels wrong. I miss Lily’s giggles and Maggie’s warm smiles .

Once I've gone through the motions of my nighttime routine, I draw the curtains and put on some sweatpants before slipping into bed to read for a few hours.

Getting lost in the pages of a fantastical world seems like a good distraction.

But it doesn’t work. My eyes skim the same passage over and over for what must be an hour, not registering a single word.

Giving up, I sigh and set the book on my nightstand. A certain green-eyed beauty keeps stealing my attention.

I settle back against the pillows and close my eyes. Images of her lips wrapped around her fingers flash behind my lids. The way she moaned as she cleaned the chocolate from them. Fuck, that sound is seared into my brain for eternity.

Electricity buzzes under my skin as I let my mind wander.

Maggie doesn’t even know she’s the perfect mix of sexy and adorable—and it’s driving me crazy. There’s an innocence to her that I yearn to corrupt with my cock and fangs until she’s dripping my cum and her blood fills my mouth.

My hand trails beneath the covers and into the front of my sweatpants, where my cock is aching to be touched. To be licked and sucked. To be inside Maggie’s warm heat.

I bet her pussy is spectacular.

Groaning, I fist my cock and glide my hand up the piercings that line the underside. The cool metal of each one brushes across my skin as I stroke up to the tip.

Five in total; one for each time I found myself at the door of the local underground sex club in a haze of lust and hunger. Each time, I managed to drag myself away, chug some synthetic blood, and add a rung to the ladder .

For decades, I’ve been saving myself for the perfect partner. The one I’ll keep forever.

“Maggie,” I moan, hips bucking to meet my fist as pleasure spikes at the base of my spine. My balls tighten with each stroke, imagining it’s Maggie’s soaking wet cunt instead.

The icy skin of my hand on my hard cock kills the fantasy. Instead, I bring it to my mouth, sinking my fangs into my palm until the coppery tang of blood fills my mouth. Warm and wet.

Wrapping my bloodied hand around my throbbing shaft, I stroke faster, using the dripping crimson liquid as lube. My fingers squelch along the piercings, blood leaking between them like Maggie’s arousal would.

“Yes,” I growl, and stroke faster, tightening my grip until a pinch of pain has my balls drawing up to my body.

Her sultry moan echoes in my head, then her whispering voice flutters in my ear. “Come for me, Viktor.”

The soft command is my undoing, and my eyes slam shut as I explode.

Hot ropes of cum splatter across my lower stomach and fist, where it squeezes the tip of my cock.

There’s a piercing there, too, a single hoop bisecting the head.

They’re all for her pleasure, something I hope to be able to show her soon.

A fter jerking off before bed last night, I crashed hard, only to awake this morning with another raging boner. I took care of it in the shower before dressing and walking to meet my sister for breakfast. This constant thinking about Maggie thing is becoming a problem.

“I ordered you a blood coffee and cinnamon roll,” Ness says as I slide into the bright pink booth across from her.

The diner, Cream Me Up, is a hub for all things monster here in the city. Their menu has standard human dishes, along with more niche items, like blood coffee and shakes for vampire clientele.

“Thanks, Ness. How was dinner after I left?” Waiting for the worst, I curl my lips over my teeth. I shouldn’t have talked back to Father, and I certainly shouldn’t have left Ness there to deal with the aftermath.

She blows out a breath, cupping the sides of her mug.

Steam wafts up from the red-tinged liquid inside.

Probably a raspberry mocha with a shot of synthetic blood, her favorite.

“It wasn’t so bad. Dad got a business call, so he locked himself away in his office while Mom and I cleaned up.

I left after that. I don’t know why she stays with him. ”

I shrug. “He must have been different when they met.”

A heavy hand clamps down on my shoulder before I can dive deeper into my parents’ issues. Phil, the orc who owns the diner, stands next to our booth, tusks and teeth on display in a cordial grin. “Viktor, good to see you. It’s been a while.”

I nod as he slides a steaming mug of blood coffee in front of me, followed by one of his signature cinnamon rolls.

It’s the size of a dinner plate and covered in a thick smear of the best frosting I’ve ever tasted.

A family recipe that Phil guards with his life.

I’ve attempted to recreate it in my own kitchen countless times, failing miserably.

“Good to see you, too. I started a job out of the city, so this is the first time I’ve been back all week. ”

“Good for you. Hope the kids aren’t too monstrous.” His thick belly bounces with a deep chuckle.

“Trust me.” I wink. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

He laughs again, turning to help another customer. Waving over his shoulder, he shouts, “Enjoy your food. Don’t be a stranger.”

When I turn back to my sister, her narrowed eyes are scrutinizing my face. “What?”

“Mom’s right. There’s something different about you lately.” Oh, shit. “How is the new gig, anyway? You were kind of vague yesterday.” She’s pressing for more information.

Ness is my best friend, but usually, she’s the one bragging about her latest conquest, while I live vicariously through her.

Taking a sip of my coffee, I let the hint of blood soothe the ever-present ache in my fangs—and cock.

Over the past week, I’ve been trying to ignore this need to sink my fangs into something.

“The first week was amazing, Ness. Maggie is—” I groan.

“She’s beautiful. And smart. And so motivated.

She’s been running the orchard virtually on her own since her husband died. ”

Ness smirks over the lip of her mug. “You’re attracted to her, aren’t you? That’s why you seem different.”

Dropping my gaze to the table, I swallow. I don’t want to lie to my sister, and maybe she can help me work through the developing feelings for Maggie. Finally, I nod and look up. Her smile widens until her fangs are on full display.

“Yeah,” I croak.

“I knew it! Oh! I can’t wait to meet her! ”

“Ness, slow down . She doesn’t even know yet. It’s only been a week, and she’s still grieving her husband. Plus, all the stuff with Father. Could you imagine if I brought home a human woman? He’d lose his fucking mind.”

She reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Don’t let that old asshole dictate your life, Viki. You know he can’t keep us apart. And he damn well doesn’t get a say in who we date. Don’t give up on her. Okay?”

My eyes stay on my mug. “I’m not giving up. I-I think she might be the one.”

When I look up again, Ness’s burgundy eyes widen, and she coughs, choking on a sip of her coffee. “It’s serious, then?”

I nod. “But she doesn’t know any of this.”

“You’ve always been the patient one out of the two of us. Give her space to heal, and I’m sure she’ll love you back. But tell me about the little girl. What’s her name again?”

The mention of Lily has me smiling, her sweet little face popping into my head. “Lily. She’s so full of life and exuberant. And she has this hunger for knowledge.”

Ness leans her elbows on the table, smiling as I regale the past week I spent with Lily.

“You’re staring at me again, Ness.” I smooth a hand over my hair before fiddling with my cufflinks. “You’re making me nervous.”

“I just love the way you light up when you talk about the kids you take care of. You have such a passion for nurturing them.”

“Beats being stuck in an office with Father.” I chuckle when she scrunches her nose and grimaces .

Ness rolls her deep burgundy eyes. “Ugh. Don’t remind me. The only reason I got out of the family business is because I don’t have a dick and balls filling the space between my legs.”

I almost choke on a bite of cinnamon roll at her words. “Like you’d want to work in investment management anyway.”

She scoffs. “No, I much prefer my spa. Thank you very much!”

This is why I love spending time with Ness. We have this easy back-and-forth; plus, I can tell her anything without fear of being judged.

She fills me in on the nitty-gritty of the spa while we finish eating and order a second round of coffee.

By the time I leave the diner, I’m ready for a new week with Maggie and Lily.

I’m resolved to give Maggie the space she needs to heal, while still being there for her in a friend capacity.

Even if it means shoving this all-consuming attraction deep down inside me for the time being.