Page 66 of The Depraved Prince
“No, Millie, don’t fucking do this!” I snarl at her, but she looks at me like she’ll do anything for me. Her honey eyes gleam with mercy, and blood immediately starts dripping down her arm. She watches it as her face pales. Her skin glows with a thick layer of sweat.
She’s sacrificing herself. For me? I’m not fucking worth it, beautiful girl.
My fangs involuntarily protrude over my mouth, and I want a taste of her myself. But I’ve learned more self-control tactics from being around her so much this past year…while Davenport hasn’t. Her blood pains me, and her enigma of sweet strawberry odor blinds King Davenport like a stun grenade before he can finish his intentions with me. He spins her way, his long silver hair whooshes through the tension, and his blue eyes glow even harsher and vibrant. He growls like a madman with nothing to lose and lunges for her.
Well,Millie is my everything to lose. She’s it for me in every single fucking lifetime. He’s fast, but I’m faster. This time, he’s distracted, and I’m healed. I don’t plan on losing. She’s mine. She has always been mine.
23
MILLIE
There areseveral reasons why I decided to cut myself like bait on a hook. It was to lure in the shark that’s been after me. I’ve been treading their waters for far too long, and I’m ready for it to stop. I’m staring him down with pure, unwavering determination rooted in anger. Watching Hayden attempt to save me from King Davenport repeatedly but only resulting in failure…it’s breaking my heart. So I’ll do what I must. If I have to kill myself so that he can no longer spend his days in a constant state of mind of dreary over me, then so be it.
This Southern Vampire King is the reason why I can’t be home with my family. With Cole. My friends. My school.
My father.
It felt like Hayden was in trouble…and as much as I’m angry with him—as much as I despise what he’s done to me, I don’t want him getting hurt, especially over me. It’s an unfamiliar, weird emotion, but I don’t want my captor hurt.
I focus on the blood falling down my arm, and it drops onto the floor. I’m breathing heavily as the pain from the cut still hasn’t hit me yet. I tear my eyes from the vampires before me, realizing I may have cut myself too deep. The blood is overwhelming, so I shut down as I watch the one with brightblue, vibrant eyes launch himself forward like a bat, and I squeeze my eyes shut, preparing for my demise.
But it never comes. I wait and wait for it as my life flashes in my head—all the things I regret, all the good moments, and all the things I still want to accomplish.
I’m holding myself like I did at the concert when Hayden killed innocents and other vampires. Praying and wishing I was in my own snow globe again.
I close my eyes tight, and the pain in my arm no longer matters. What feels like hours lasts only minutes as I keep my eyes and ears closed.
“Baby…you’re safe. Millie, look at me.”
His dashing voice is muffled. I’m scared. I’m scared of the world we live in. I’m scared of hurting. I’m scared ofhim.
“Let me look at it,” Hayden begs.
I shake my head.
“Is he gone? Is he dead? Is it all over?” I cry out softly.
“You’re safe, baby. He’s gone. You will always be safe with me…andonly me.” He says it like it’s a promise.
“Let me take care of this for you.” He gently holds my profusely bleeding arm like I’m going to shatter.
I can’t look at him while he does it. I know what’s coming.
His icy tongue grazes the blood. He’s licking it away. After a few long strokes, a bandage coils over my wound. I bury my eyes in my other hand as he takes care of me. I try not to scream. I’m gritting my teeth so hard that soft whimpers follow.
“I’m so sorry. I’m so fucking sorry you’re hurt, baby.” He lifts me into his arms like I’m featherlight.
“My prince, we can take her to another room. It’s already prepared?—”
Hayden cuts off the Kingsguard. “No! She stays with me for the rest of her time.”
Hayden’s room is incredible.It’s dark, with bookshelves everywhere—vintage decor from a century ago. Candles lit everywhere. The same candles that never seem to die.
“Hayden. I should go back into my room. I?—”
“You belong with me,” he clips out. He closes and locks the door behind us with a skeleton key.
I close my mouth as I watch him. Everything feels like it’s going in slow motion. He’s different with me. He’s still aggressive as ever, but there’s devotion in his tone. In his movement. In his eyes.
