"Ah, volleyball," Axel says nonchalantly, though his eyes flash with anger when he thinks about how much you enjoy it. "I've always been more of a swimmer myself." He grinds his teeth as he forces the words out through gritted fangs. "But I guess we could all use some exercise, huh?" Axel smirks coldly, leaning back in his chair.

Axel laughs darkly, the sound sending shivers down your spine. "Maybe another time," he says, finally letting go of your hand. He doesn't want you to get too comfortable with him; it would only make things harder when he inevitably takes what is his by right.

"Anyway," Axel continues, "we should probably focus on our classes for now." His gaze drifts back to the boy who was sketching you earlier, and he narrows his eyes menacingly.

"Fuck jealousy," he growls, pulling back to look at you, his scarlet eyes wild and hungry. "I want you." His free hand cups your face, tilting it up to meet his gaze as he leans in, their lips mere inches apart. "And I will have you, no matter what or who stands in my way." His fangs scrape lightly against your bottom lip before pressing harder, drawing blood. "Do you understand?"

Axel's eyes narrow as you mention the engagement and their families, but he doesn't let it show on his face. "We will be married," he growls, still not quite satisfied with your reassurance. His hand moves from your cheek to grip your hair roughly, pulling your head back further before claiming your lips in a bruising kiss.

His tongue darts out, seeking entry into your mouth as his free hand slips underneath your shirt, cupping your breast through the fabric of your bra.

He pulls you closer to him and whispers into your ear, "Shhh... it's just me. I won't hurt you, I promise." And with that, he sinks his fangs deeper, drawing out the sweet taste of your blood as he holds you close. His hands roam over your body possessively, hungry for any sign of life within you. "I love you, Celia," he whispers against your neck, kissing the wound before sucking gently to soothe it.

Axel growls, his fangs lengthening even further as he thrusts his hips hard against yours, pushing deeper inside of you with every movement. "I love you, and I'm never letting go," he groans through gritted teeth before biting down on your shoulder in a mix of pleasure and pain.

Axel's world crumbles around him as he hears the nurse's words. He feels like his heart has been ripped out of his chest, leaving a gaping wound behind. Tears stream unchecked down his cheeks as he struggles to process this new reality. "No... no, she can't be..." he whispers, shaking his head in disbelief. The nurse places a comforting hand on his shoulder but it does little to stem the tide of emotion that threatens to engulf him completely.

Axel's breath catches in his throat as he sees the figure on the gurney being wheeled into the room. It takes everything in him not to run over and rip the cloth off, to see her one last time. His heart aches with pain and loss, but as he looks at the form beneath the blanket, a strange sense of peace washes over him.

"Thank you," he whispers hoarsely, his voice barely audible even to himself. "I'll take care of her from here."

"Good girl," he says with a satisfied smile, releasing you as he steps back to give you some space. "Now come along." He extends his hand, expectantly.

"You're lucky," he says, his voice softening slightly as you take his hand and let him lead you away from the warehouse. "I could have made things much worse for you." He glances down at your tear-streaked face before looking back up at the night sky, a satisfied smile playing across his lips. "But don't think this means I've forgiven you. You still owe me..." His voice trails off ominously as he presses a card into your hand. "Remember that."

In the few moments she's gone, Axel's mind races with violent thoughts and plots on how to ensure that no one else ever tries to come between them again. His fangs itch for release, and his fingers twitch restlessly at his side, longing to wrap themselves around her throat and claim what is rightfully his. He curses himself for being so patient; he wants her now, here and now.

But she returns sooner than expected, her eyes darting nervously about the room before settling on him once more.

"Come here," Axel whispers, his voice husky and commanding as he pats the empty space beside him on the desk. "We need to talk." He leans in closer, their bodies almost touching now as his cold breath fans across her cheek. His hand closes into a fist, digging his nails into his palm to distract himself from the desire to reach out and touch her skin again.

"No one will bother us here,"