Olivia's POV
I stood frozen, watching as Frederick bent and lifted Selene off the ground. For one terrifying second, she let herself lean into him, trembling like a wounded bird.
Then, well played, she pulled back, stumbling as though realizing whose arms she had fallen into. Her wide eyes darted to his face, faked terror making her look small and vulnerable.
I rolled my eyes. Well played, Selene. Well played.
"Don't touch me," she whispered, clutching her injured hand tighter against her chest. "You're… you're a vampire…"
Frederick straightened, his face carved in something unreadable, anger, yes, but not at her. At the ones who had touched her. And underneath it all… there was something else. Hunger. Possession.
"You're bleeding," he said, his voice low, almost filled with concern. "You shouldn't be out here alone."
Then, to my surprise, he added, "Let me take you home."
