I figured this is how I scored my vampire mind control powers. It actually makes a weird kind of sense—my brain's like Fort Knox when it comes to letting others take the driver's seat. So, naturally, my superpower came from that ironclad will of mine.
But here's the thing—I'm not some power-hungry douchebag who abuses this gift like a kid with a magnifying glass and an anthill. Nah, I'm more of a "use my powers for good" kind of guy. Well, mostly good. And if it happens to benefit me in the process, hey, that's just a bonus! I'm like a mind-controlling Robin Hood, exceptinstead of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, I'm ensuring everyone's on Team Lucian. It's a win-win situation, really.
Seraphina's eyes shimmer in the fading light as she gazes deeply into mine, her expression a mix of empathy and admiration. "Lucian..." she whispers my name, her voice as soft as the breeze. "You've been through so much, endured so much pain. But look at you now. You came out on top and refused to bend. That speaks volumes about your strength, your character."
I feel a lump form in my throat, my chest tightening with emotions I've kept buried for so long. How she looks at me like I'm something precious and worthy is almost too much to bear.
Swallowing hard, I reach out and tuck a stray strand of her golden hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering on the soft skin of her cheek. "That's my tragic backstory, Cupcake. Told you it was a doozy."
I try to keep my tone light, but my voice is rough, betraying the depth of my feelings.
"But you know what they say," I continue, smiling. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Or, in my case, what doesn't kill you makes you a wise-cracking, undead pain in the ass with a heart of gold buried somewhere beneath all the snark and innuendo."
Seraphina laughs softly, the sound mingling with the gentle crash of waves against the ship's hull. "And what a beautiful heart it is," she murmurs, her hand coming up to rest over my now beating heart—because of her—my mate."Buried or not, I see it. I see you, Lucian. And I think you're pretty damn amazing."
I cover her hand, marveling at how her smaller fingers fit perfectly against mine. "Careful there, angel face. Keep saying things like that, and I might start believing them."
She smiles, her eyes sparkling with mischief and affection. "Well, then. I guess I'll have to keep saying them until you do."
We sit here, lost in each other's gaze, as the ship rocks gently beneath us. The salty tang of the sea air mixes with her skin's sweet, intoxicating scent, creating a heady perfume that makes my head spin and my heart ache with longing.
"You know," I murmur, "if this were a movie, this would be the part where the dashing hero sweeps the beautiful maiden off her feet and kisses her senseless beneath the setting sun."
Seraphina's lips curve into a playful smirk. "Oh? And are you the dashing hero in this scenario?"
I grin, leaning in closer until our noses are almost touching. "Sweetheart, I'm the dashiest hero there ever was. And you, my Goddess of Giggles, are the most beautiful maiden ever to grace the Seven Realms."
She laughs, her breath mingling with mine. "Laying it on a bit thick there, aren't you?"
"Thickis my specialty," I quip. "But in all seriousness, Phina, baby... I may not be a hero but for you? I'd slay dragons, battle armies, and even sit through a Nicholas Sparks movie marathon."
Seraphina's laughter rings out, a melodic sound that seems to dance on the ocean breeze. It's a laugh that could make demons fall to their knees. And holy fuck; it's doing things to my body that would make a succubus blush.
I rein myself in, reminding my overexcited anatomy that all good things come to those who wait. And oh, the things I have in store for my halo honey. The things I want to do to her, with her... they'd make the devil himself clutch his pearls and fan his face.
I watch her laugh, the sound wrapping around me like a warm embrace. Her mouth is open, her head thrown back in abandon, and the world has slowed to a crawl. Every detail is magnified, from how her hair catches the fading sunlight to the delicate curve of her neck. She's a vision, a goddamn masterpiece, and I'm just a lowly admirer basking in her radiance.
"But enough about my sordid past," my voice low and intimate. "Let's focus on the present, shall we? Specifically, the present company. Because I gotta say, beautiful, you're a sight for these jaded, world-weary eyes."
I let my gaze travel over her, taking in every curve and dip of her body. From the swell of her breasts to the flare of her hips, she's a work of art—a masterpiece crafted by the gods themselves.
"And I'm not just saying that because I'm trying to get in your pants," I continue, my lips curving into a wicked grin. "Though let's be real, that's definitely a factor."
Seraphina's eyes widen, her cheeks flushing a delightful shade of pink. "Lucian!" she admonishes, swatting at my chest. "You can't just say things like that!"
"Why not?" Catching her hand and bringing it to my lips. I press a kiss to her knuckles, my eyes never leaving hers. "It's the truth. I want you, Seraphina. In every way possible. And I'm not ashamed to admit it."
She swallows hard, her pupils dilating as she stares up at me. "I... I… we need to take things slow. I'm not... I've never..."
"I know, sweetheart," I murmur, cupping her cheek with my free hand. "And I would never push you into something you're not ready for. But that doesn't mean I can't tell you how I feel. How much I desire you."
I lean in, my lips brushing the shell of her ear. "How much Iachefor you," I whisper in a low, seductive rumble. "How much I want to worship every inch of your body until you're crying out my name in ecstasy."
Seraphina shivers, a soft gasp escaping her lips. "Lucian..."
"Shh," I soothe, kissing gently to her temple. "We've got nothing but time, Cupcake. I'm not going anywhere. And when you're ready to ride on the Lucian Express, I'll be here. Waiting. Wanting. Panting after you like a dog in heat. Forever yours and all that sappy shit."
She giggles, her eyes glistening with emotion like she's about to cry tears of joy at my romantic prowess. "Okay... thank you," she breathes, her voice all breathy and sexy, like she's already imagining me rocking her world.
