The vampire pauses in his stride, taken aback by her words. "You're very wise," he says quietly, surprising himself as much as her. "I never thought of it like that... but you're right." He looks at her with newfound respect, wondering what other insights she might have about the world they find themselves in.

They continue walking through the garden, each lost in their own thoughts for a while. The sun dips lower in the sky, bathing everything in a warm golden light.

The vampire hesitates for a moment before answering. "I... I cannot lie to you," he says slowly. "Your blood does smell very enticing." He pauses, searching her face for any sign of fear or anger. "But I promise that I will not hurt you. You have my word."

He holds out his hand, hoping she'll accept this reassurance. The truth is, he has been struggling against the hunger ever since they left the bedchamber; being near her like this only makes it worse.

"You know," he murmured into her ear as he ran a hand through her hair, "I don't want to hurt you." His thumb traced circles on the sensitive skin behind her ear. "But I will... if I have to." His voice dropped to almost a whisper, sending shivers down her spine. "Do you understand?"

She nodded numbly against his chest. "I understand."

"Good," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Then, without warning, he thrust upward, forcing her body against him as he came hard inside of her again. Her sobs were muffled by his chest as she clung desperately to him, trying in vain not to writhe away from the invasion of her unwilling flesh.

As his orgasm subsided, Cain held her close for a moment before gently pushing her off his lap and onto the floor beside him.

The cold, calculating gaze that met Alex's expression left no doubt as to what she truly meant by those words. Cain smiled, a cruel and heartless smile that sent shivers down her spine. "Ah, yes," he purred, "I'm sure you do." And with that, he turned away, leaving Alex to wonder how long it would take before she could truly escape the monster who held her captive. But for now, she remained his loyal servant, bound to him by fear and the promise of freedom.

Fuck... when is Alex finally done with work?

"I will make you carry my child," he growled, "and I will enjoy every moment of it." He leaned down, his lips parting as he lowered his head towards hers. "Or..." His free hand moved between them again, sliding up her stomach and cupping her breast roughly. "You can do whatever I say... and be mine forever."

His tongue flicked out, tracing the shell of her ear before continuing down to tease at the soft skin beneath. "The choice is yours, Celia,"

She moaned softly as he continued to tease her with his tongue and fingers. Her body felt weak and sore from the rough treatment, but she could feel herself growing aroused once more beneath him. The thought of being free... or serving him for eternity weighed heavily on her mind.

"You're not going to let me choose," she whispered hoarsely after a moment. "You'll make me do what you want anyway." His hands stilled for a moment, and then he smiled.

"Perhaps,"