Page 9 of Her Immortal Protector

I stare at the woman, my emotions a tumultuous storm. The scent of her fear is intoxicating, but it's not just her blood that calls to me. There's something else, something I can't quite explain.

She's beautiful, even in her terror. Her long dark hair whips around her face in the sea breeze, and her hazel eyes, though wide with fright, hold a spark of defiance. It's that spark that captivates me, that draws me in despite every instinct screaming at me to flee.

I take a step towards her, and she flinches. The movement sends a pang through my chest. I don't want her to fear me, even though I know she should.

"I won't hurt you," I say, my voice hoarse. It's the first time I've spoken since my transformation, and the words feel strange in my mouth.

She doesn't respond, her eyes darting between me and the bodies on the ground. I can hear her heart racing, smell the adrenaline coursing through her veins. It's intoxicating, and I have to fight to keep control.

"Who... what are you?" she finally asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I hesitate. How can I explain what I am when I barely understand it myself? Not to mention I shouldn't give myself up…even if she knows I'm not human. "I just wanted to save you."

Her eyebrows furrow, confusion mixing with her fear. "But what are you?"

She shifts back as I turn to face her. But this time, I don't answer. I don't know how to.

She nods slowly, her gaze roaming over me. I feel exposed under her scrutiny, but I can't bring myself to move away. There's something about her, something that calls to me on a level I don't understand.

"You saved me," she says softly.

I look away, shame washing over me. "I killed them."

"They were going to kill me," she counters, her voice stronger now. "You saved my life."

I meet her eyes again, surprised by the lack of judgment I see there. Instead, there's a mix of gratitude and... something else. Something that makes a human emotion come tumbling forward — even after I feared I lost all humanity.

I stare at the woman, torn between conflicting instincts. Nyx's voice echoes in my mind, reminding me of the importance of secrecy, that we should be building an army of vrakken. I should kill her or Change her. Either way, she's seen too much.

But something holds me back.

"I... I can't let you go," I say, my voice rough. "You've seen too much."

She takes a shaky breath. "I understand. But I won't tell anyone. I swear."

I laugh bitterly. "And why should I believe you?"

"Because I'm a journalist," she says, her chin lifting slightly. "I know how to keep secrets when it matters."

Her bravery impresses me, even as it frustrates me. It would be easier if she begged or tried to run. But she stands her ground, facing me despite her fear.

I take a step closer, inhaling deeply. Her scent is intoxicating, a mix of adrenaline and something uniquely her. My fangs ache, and I have to fight the urge to sink them into her neck.

"You don't understand," I growl. "I can't trust you."

She swallows hard but doesn't back down. "Then don't trust me. Keep me with you if you have to. But please... don't kill me."

Her words surprise me. Keep her with me? The idea is both tempting and terrifying. I shouldn't even consider it. And yet...

"I…I can't."

"Please." Her body is starting to tremble, and I'm not sure if it's from fear or adrenaline. "Please just don't-"

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, her eyes roll back in her head. The stress and fear finally catch up with her, and she crumples to the ground in a dead faint.

I catch her before she hits the rocky ground, my enhanced reflexes kicking in. Her body is warm against mine, her heartbeat strong but erratic. I hold her, frozen in indecision.

What do I do now? I can't leave her here, unconscious and vulnerable. But taking her with me feels like crossing a line I can't uncross.

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