BITE ME ONCE, KISS ME TWICE

-Caden's POV-

The port of Firebend, nestled atop a mountain, thrived with thousands of families under my leadership as Mayor Lockwood. It was no accident that a bustling port had developed in such an elevated location; the mountain was rich with valuable metal ores essential for the survival and growth of both Firebend and Stonewick.

The harbor itself was a sight to behold, an enchanting resort adorned with bamboo-roofed buildings, walls, and a waterfall staircase. Firebend's economy thrived, primarily driven by wood crafting, armor smithing, and carpentry, but their sustainable hunting practices remained their most prized asset.

At the foot of the mountain, the true architectural heart of the trade hub flourished. The lush, green fields surrounding it added to its allure and played a significant role in the city's design. Most structures imitated the tall, slender form of the grasses that enveloped them. Alongside the elegant buildings that graced the skyline, there was no other place on Earth quite like it. Stonewick's parks and gardens flourished, drawing attention and admiration from all corners.

The city's history was a tapestry woven by countless civilizations, each leaving its mark. From a city with few defining traits, Stonewick had evolved into a vibrant mosaic of diversity, continually bringing its residents together. If there was one thing that concerned me as the Mayor, it was the awakening of Sebastian Kensington.

Staring into the mirror, I groaned with frustration, my silver hair cascading over my weathered face. My once alluring brown eyes now held worry, and I wondered if anyone could find me attractive in my current state. In my younger years, I had been a hopeless romantic, and the thick beard that accentuated my cheekbones served as a reminder of those times.

I had made a promise to someone that I would maintain it for life, and so I did, despite the multiple opportunities to shave it off. As I took a deep breath, my hand absentmindedly caressed the beard, reminiscing about elegant memories from my time with that woman. Lost in my daydreams, I was abruptly interrupted by a persistent knocking on the door.

Agitated, I made my way to the door and opened it, only to be disappointed by the sight of Camille Barnett's face. She had been part of my family's service for over a decade, but her attempted seduction of me in the past was a severe transgression. As punishment, I had sentenced her to confinement in the Kensington estate.

"I urge you to return to your duties as swiftly as possible," I instructed her, my disappointment evident. Although Camille spoke calmly, I could sense her internal turmoil and her plea for forgiveness.

"He's awake," she murmured softly, tears welling up in her eyes. Working in the mansion had been an unpleasant experience for her, and sleeping in a place where vampires had once resided only added to her discomfort. However, in her eyes, I seemed scarier than those immortals.

I looked at Camille, my brows furrowed in confusion. "Excuse me?" I inquired, seeking clarification.

"Sebastian Kensington is awake," she responded to my question.

I stood there, staring at Camille for a moment, then paced back and forth in my office with hands in my pockets. I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to express my thoughts. The awakening of Sebastian Kensington bewildered me. Why had he chosen this particular time?

"Why in the world did he wake up now?" I wondered aloud, frustration seeping into my voice as I raised it, causing the words to reverberate through the office.

Camille shook her head, unable to provide an answer. It was clear

that those residing in the mansion, including Sebastian's descendants and relatives, shared equal concern about the return of their true leader. After the Great War between humans and vampires, they had tried to sustain themselves on animal blood for centuries. But Sebastian Kensington was known for his particular dietary preferences.

"Can you tell me his whereabouts?" I asked Camille, noticing the loss of composure in her trembling hands. I felt a pang of guilt for the woman; the awakening of the true vampire leader must have left her feeling threatened. "Have you had anything to eat yet?"

Once again, Camille shook her head. "I-I don't think I can continue working there," she confessed, finally revealing her true feelings.

I let out a deep sigh, my gaze fixed upon Camille's face once more. She had once been radiant, but the years spent dealing with Kensington had taken their toll. I regretted the impulsive decision to subject a woman of such grace to such circumstances. "Join me for breakfast," I offered, prompting Camille to rise promptly and join me at the table.

As we sat across from each other, Camille's mouth watered at the sight of the delicious food before her. In the confines of the mansion, even the finest chef couldn't provide her with such a satisfying meal. "Thank you, Caden," she mumbled gratefully before eagerly indulging in her favorite dishes.

My smile warmed her heart, but my next words immediately dashed her excitement. "After breakfast, let's go together," I announced, mentioning Sebastian Kensington's name.

Panic coursed through her veins, and she protested, "Why? Why would you want to go there? It's dangerous!"

"Because I need to speak to him, Miss Barnett," I responded, my voice steady as I took a deep breath. The shock on her face didn't deter me. I couldn't allow that despicable individual to harm anyone in Stonewick. "And I hope this information remains confined within Stonewick's borders."

"I don't know how you plan to handle this, Mr. Mayor," she admitted, her voice filled with concern.

"Neither do I," I confessed, acknowledging the uncertainty of our situation. "For now, I need you to keep this matter strictly confidential for the well-being of everyone. Can you do that?"

Camille nodded, her determination clear as she replied, "Yes, I understand."

Finishing our breakfast in silence, I contemplated the path ahead. Sebastian Kensington's awakening was a grave threat to our town, and as the Mayor, it was my responsibility to protect its residents. It was a daunting task, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of the unknown that lay before us.

Leaving the table, I prepared myself for the journey ahead. The road to confront Sebastian Kensington would be treacherous, but I couldn't afford to back down. I had to face the true leader of the vampire clan and find a way to ensure the safety of Stonewick.

As I walked towards the door, I turned to Camille and said, "Gather your things, Miss Barnett. It's time to face our fears and confront the awakening."

Camille's expression shifted from fear to determination. She nodded and began preparing for the journey. We would face the dangers together, united in our mission to protect Stonewick from the impending threat.

Stepping out into the sunlight, I couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. The fate of the town rested on our actions, and I was determined to face Sebastian Kensington head-on, whatever the cost.

Regardless if I was trembling in fear!

"Aren't you scared?" Camille inquired.

"No," I lied.

-Caden's POV-

The entry to the dungeon was marked by a spectacular pair of stone doors that stood next to the large door of the library. As I approached the doors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation. Behind those granite doors lay a small, decaying room that opened onto a corridor. The ground was covered with a grimy layer of dead insects, puddles of water, and rat droppings, creating a repulsive atmosphere. The sound emanating from below ground was disturbing, and the musky fragrance of dried blood added to the eerie ambiance of the place.

Sasha Kensington and I ventured deeper into the dungeon, where Sebastian Kensington, the enigmatic leader of our clan, had chosen to sleep for over a century. We were the first ones to enter the deepest area of the dungeon, and our presence surprised the people living in the house. Sebastian had been in hiding ever since he was accused of causing the Great War, and his sudden emergence puzzled everyone.

To be fair, it was his wife who had instigated the conflict, but Sebastian took the blame and went into hiding. He was in a state of shock when he learned about the accusation. Despite the devastation caused, our clan, Carpe Noctem, stood by each other, including Sebastian Kensington. We rallied together and rose to glory once again. Though our members were scattered around the world, I knew that as soon as the news of Sebastian's awakening reached their ears, they would converge on Stonewick and make it their home.

However, it was too dangerous for me as the Mayor of Stonewick. While Sebastian's followers had managed to survive by drinking animal blood, he had never consumed a drop of it throughout his long existence. He was accustomed to human blood, a habit he had maintained before isolating himself from the rest of the world.

"Do you think there's a specific reason why he chose to wake up now?" I asked Sasha as I turned on the lights, illuminating the remnants of the past. According to old photographs passed down by my ancestors, the house had undergone significant transformations over the years. But the underground portion, where Sebastian Kensington lay, had remained untouched.

"We're just as puzzled, Mr. Lockwood, but perhaps he simply had enough sleep," Sasha replied, seemingly unaware of the implications of her statement.

Her response frustrated me to the point where I wanted to smack her on the back of her head for being so oblivious. I couldn't help but wonder how she had become the current clan chief of Carpe Noctem. "He might have slept forever," I muttered under my breath, barely audible. Sasha heard me, though, and stopped me in my tracks by placing her arm in front of me. Her eyes turned crimson as she glared, but I responded with a snort. I wasn't afraid of their kind, even though I was just a regular human being.

My lack of fear seemed to irritate Sasha. Over the years, as we worked together to maintain peace in Stonewick, she realized that only I dared to stand up to her and her kind. Previous mayors had been different, and she wondered where I found the courage to defy them.

"Before you lies the only path," she said as we walked side by side toward Sebastian Kensington's resting place, informing me about the treacherous journey ahead. "The path is tortuous, passing by desecrated and plundered tombs."

We continued deeper into the darkness of the dungeon, navigating through several more corridors similar to the ones we had just passed. Eventually, we encountered a massive metal door blocking our way. Elaborate carvings adorned its surface, seemingly untouched by time or the elements.

As I took another step forward, I became aware of faint footsteps following behind me. I tried to warn Sasha, but she seemed completely oblivious. I turned around and was startled to find Sebastian Kensington standing before me, prompting a loud scream of astonishment from my lips. Well, I couldn't help but be startled!

"My lord," I greeted him, staring at his familiar face, which resembled the portrait I had in my office. His long, silver hair was elegantly combed back, revealing a gaunt yet captivating face. Despite his dull green eyes, he exuded a certain charm. Sebastian Kensington's silver hair and green eyes were distinctive features that set him apart from any other person I had encountered. He was undeniably beautiful, with an intense aura that justified the numerous legends surrounding this vampire.

"If he's my meal for today, I'd rather bask in the sunshine and die," Sebastian remarked, his velvety voice echoing through the dungeon. Despite his words, I wasn't afraid in the slightest.

I couldn't help but groan at the insult thrown my way by an ancient vampire, but as I scowled at him, Sebastian quickly averted his gaze. His eyes were unnerving, and I worried that if I didn't look away, he might end my life, leaving no trace. However, I refused to cower in the face of their kind. "My lord, my name is Caden Lockwood, and I am the current Mayor of this town," I introduced myself, but he simply sneered and walked away without saying a word.

Trying to mask my discomfort caused by Sebastian Kensington, I followed him until we reached a golden coffin. My pupils dilated as I fixated on the opulent casket, and when I glanced up, I noticed the Kensington siblings staring at me.

"You can take it home if you like," Sebastian announced.

The vampire's challenge to carry the coffin home made my nostrils flare. As if I could do such a thing in broad daylight! If he only knew what I was about to do to an immortal with my bare hands. I struggled to find a suitable phrase to describe his arrogance.

"What made you wake up now, my lord?" I attempted to inquire, hoping that he would refrain from further insults.

"Did you want me to sleep forever?" Sebastian thundered, his eyes suddenly filled with a menacing intensity.

"No, of course not, my lord!" I quickly responded to Sebastian's question as fear gripped me.

In response to my initial query, Sebastian explained, "I'm thirsty," and I blinked in confusion. Sebastian chuckled at my obliviousness, but when he looked at me, his eyes were filled with both amusement and a hint of danger. It was clear that he sensed my fear, even though I tried to hide it. Brilliant!

Sebastian continued, "After sleeping for many years, it's only natural to become thirsty."

"Is that all there is to it? Did you have a specific reason for waking up now?" I pressed for more information.

"Hmm, like Sleeping Beauty? I apologize for disappointing you, Lockwood, but that's not the case. My sister, Sasha, has informed me of the events that transpired while I slumbered, and I want to express my gratitude for allowing them to coexist with you. However..." Sebastian paused, swallowing a dry throat, before locking eyes with me. "I can't stand by and let them continue subsisting on animal blood, Lockwood. Yes, they can survive, but it's detrimental to their health in the long run," he explained.

Sebastian's explanation left me utterly stunned. "Don't you see how selfish you're being, my lord? If you have any intention of harming my people, it will be over my dead body!" I declared with unwavering conviction.

"Granted," Sebastian murmured, and with a slight turn of his head, he signaled to Sasha that the man's fate was in her hands. Of course, it was all a joke! Sasha merely frightened the man, but he was an entirely different breed. He didn't even tremble with fear. "You possess quite the courage, Lockwood. Are you truly doing this for the benefit of your people?" Sebastian commended my bravery as a leader, but he refused to compromise on his dietary needs.

"Yes, and I believe we can find a solution that benefits both of our races. Just so you know, it is we who go out and hunt for the food your people consume. Surely, that warrants some consideration for a compromise?" I insisted, urging both of us to make concessions for the well-being of our respective communities.

"I appreciate your willingness to coexist. However, feeding on animal blood is not a sustainable practice, as I've mentioned before," Sebastian insisted, raising his voice slightly, causing me to tremble.

So he had sensed my fear, even though I tried to conceal it! Brilliant!

-Scarlet's POV-

I was adjusting my brassiere in front of the full-body mirror when my hand unintentionally brushed against the scar on my chest. The past few years had been challenging, and I knew I wouldn't have survived if it weren't for Sister Theresa, the missionary nun who rescued me from the brink of death years ago. It had been over a decade since I first arrived at the monastery, and during my time here, I had always felt loved, appreciated, and cared for under Sister Theresa's guidance.

But unfortunately, some beautiful things couldn't last forever. Sister Theresa fell ill and needed financial assistance for her medical treatment. It took a lot of courage for her to leave the convent for the first time since she arrived. I could sense her apprehension, but there was no other choice. Delaying her treatment was simply not an option-it was a matter of life and death.

Just as I was about to step out the door, I opened the rose gold locket pendant and raised an eyebrow at the image of a man beside my mother's. He had a peculiar look, and I often wondered how my mother had been attracted to him in the first place. Yet, I couldn't ignore the pull to reach out to him and do whatever I could to support Sister Theresa's cause. Among other things, I found the necklace in one of my mother's old pouches. It held not only the rose gold jewelry but also their final love letter, written the day before she married Brodie Hanson, the clan chief of Black Shadow.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way to Sister Theresa's room to check on her before I set off. I knew I had to see her before I could proceed, even though I was well aware she would oppose my plans. Desperation for money had driven me to this point.

"Oh my God!" I exclaimed when I spotted Sister Jade waiting outside her room. She had been quite peculiar when she first arrived at the monastery, but she wasn't a bad person by any means.

"I heard you're heading to Stonewick today," she stated.

I narrowed my eyes at her momentarily, as the decision to leave the convent had been kept between Sister Theresa and me. "Did you get a chance to speak with Sister Theresa?" I inquired, taking the initiative.

"Yes, I was there just a few minutes ago, and she asked me to accompany you before I departed," she replied, matching my tone.

I bowed my head and expressed gratitude to Sister Jade for her willingness to assist me. "How have you been, Sister Jade?" I asked, noticing that she seemed to be struggling for air. "I didn't want to disturb you since you seemed to enjoy being alone."

She let out a sigh of relief and confessed, "I was a bit nervous about approaching you. Your mother would have been thrilled to see you today, my dear. You are so beautiful and you resemble her."

I came to a sudden stop, the smile fading from my face as soon as I heard her mention my mother. My mother had no connections to the Black Shadow community for as long as I could remember. "Do you happen to know her?" I inquired, my voice filled with curiosity and caution.

Sister Jade nodded and said, "Yes! Can we have a private conversation? There's something I believe you should know before you step outside. My dear, it's quite dangerous out there," she warned, her words laced with concern.

Sister Theresa had been telling me the same thing for years, and I nodded in agreement. "I understand, Sister Jade. I'm sorry, but I have to do this! Sister Theresa needs financial assistance for her surgery, and the convent is struggling to make ends meet these days."

In truth, we had been surviving solely on our harvests for the past three months. Stonewick used to provide us with significant contributions, but something must have happened there. The villagers had stopped donating money to the monastery, and the Mayor was frequently absent from his office. The silver lining was that the person I was searching for happened to reside in Stonewick, so I could kill two birds with one stone.

"Your strength of character is truly remarkable, my dear. Would it be alright if we went to my room? I have something to give you for your safety," she offered.

I envisioned receiving a scapular or a small crucifix, items that Sister Jade used to give me for protection. I already had those items in my bag, but I didn't want to disregard her sentiments, so I decided to accompany her instead.

Sister Jade's bedroom was just two rooms away from Sister Theresa's, so it didn't make much of a difference whether she was in the other room. "Thank you so much for considering my well-being," I expressed my gratitude to her.

"Of course, sweetie! I may have failed to protect your mother, but this time I will do everything in my power to keep you safe," Sister Jade assured me.

I furrowed my brows in disbelief, as the nun was saying something I couldn't comprehend at the moment. Nonetheless, I shrugged my shoulders and followed her lead until we reached her room. Like everyone else's in the monastery, Sister Jade's room was simple and had just the bare necessities. However, something caught my eye on the desk beside her bed. My gaze was drawn to it, and I walked up to the desk and picked it up.

"What is this? It's stunning!" I exclaimed, looking at the bracelet that dazzled with vibrant colors in front of my eyes.

"Oh, it's just an ordinary bracelet, my dear. Do you like it?" Sister Jade replied casually.

"Ordinary? I don't see how you can call something ordinary when it shines with so many colors!" I confronted Sister Jade about the bracelet she claimed was nothing special. But as I glanced at her, I noticed a sudden paleness on her face. "Are you alright, Sister Jade?"

Letting out a sigh of relief, Sister Jade looked into my eyes for a moment. "I'm relieved that you're still alive, my dear. I am overwhelmed with gratitude right now," she added, stepping closer to me and smiling. She asked if she could put the bracelet on me, and I nodded in agreement. Sister Jade closed her eyes and began reciting a prayer, casting a spell on me.

"Was it a prayer?" I asked after Sister Jade finished reciting something unfamiliar to my ears. She nodded, confirming it was a prayer. Was it in Latin or Spanish? I couldn't distinguish between the two!

"Yes, it's a prayer for your protection," she explained, retrieving a small purse containing a few bills. "You can use this to buy meals for yourself," she said.

"Thank you, Sister Jade!" I expressed my gratitude for the gift, as I only had a few dollars in my wallet at the time. "Let's go to Sister Theresa right away!"

A few moments later, I struggled to explain to Sister Theresa why I had to leave the convent temporarily. Sister Theresa was insistent and concerned about my well-being. However, with Sister Jade's support, I managed to persuade her to accept my request despite her reservations.

"I understand your concerns, Sister Theresa," I replied, my voice filled with determination. "But I can't stay confined within the monastery forever. Sister Jade will accompany me, and I promise to be cautious. I won't let anything awful happen to me."

Sister Theresa's eyes were filled with worry, and she clasped her hands together. "What if Black Shadow recognizes you, my darling Scarlet? They have caused you so much pain in the past."

A surge of anger and resentment rushed through me as soon as the clan's name was mentioned. Even after all these years, I could never forget the horrors they inflicted upon me, how they attempted to consume my heart. My mother lost her life while trying to save me from them. But I had grown stronger since then, and I wouldn't let fear paralyze me.

"I won't let them harm me again, Sister Theresa," I said through clenched teeth. "I've spent years preparing myself for this moment, and I won't back down. I will protect myself, and I have Sister Jade by my side. Please trust me."

Sister Theresa's expression softened, and she reached out to touch my cheek gently. "My dear Scarlet, you've become so strong and resilient. I believe in you. Just promise me you'll come back safely."

I nodded, feeling a mixture of determination and gratitude. "I promise, Sister Theresa. I will return safely. And I will do everything I can to ensure that the monastery's financial struggles are resolved. Sister Jade and I will find a way."

With those words, I kissed Sister Theresa's cheek, conveying my love and gratitude. Then I turned towards the door, ready to face the outside world after ten long years of confinement.

"I will be cautious, Sister Theresa," I reassured her once more, my voice filled with determination. And with that, I stepped out of the monastery, ready to confront the challenges that awaited me.