The Forbidden Shadows of Love

Today should be a happy day. A celebration, I thought, staring into the mirror. Instead, I saw only what I'd always seen-a plus-size witch being sacrificed to a loveless marriage for political gain. My fiancé Calous might be handsome and powerful, but he's also a first-class asshole who won't even pretend to be faithful. The kind of man who collects mistresses like trophies.

He doesn't hide his disgust for me-I'm just a signature on a magical contract to him. I begged my father to call it off. Told him Calous was a cheater, that I loved someone else, asked if my happiness meant anything at all. His answer was painfully simple: as his only heir, my duty to the Coven comes first. We need their alliance-though they need ours just as badly.

"Evelyn, are you ready?"

I turned to see Jules with her perfect blonde hair and blue eyes that turned heads wherever she went. My only real friend in the Coven. While others mocked my size, Jules stood by me, her beauty running soul-deep. Her worried expression said everything.

I sighed, "No, not even close. I rather be down in the basement chained and beaten with him, than marrying a power-hungry witch, hell bent on never being faithful to me." I began to feel the tears well up in my eyes. I didn't want this, but if I don't, a lot of people will suffer because of it.

"Evie, what if there was another way?" Jules suggested, her voice gentle. I looked up, hope flickering dangerously. "Do something for yourself for once. Stop worrying about people who've only ever been cruel to you."

"Jules, it's true most of them have been awful, but not everyone. And you-you've always been there for me. I can't do that to you," I said, surrendering to fate. "Come on, let's go while I still have the nerve. Maybe it won't be complete hell..."

One month prior

The afternoon sun streamed through my windows, birds twittering outside. I was bursting with excitement-soon I would see my fiancé, Calous. I'd only met him once before, back when I didn't yet know we were to marry. Handsome, charismatic, and powerful, he was the son of a neighboring Coven's leader. My father led our Coven, and this union would merge the two, strengthening us all.

The first time I saw him, I was thirteen and he fifteen. Two boys had shoved me to the ground, making fun of me with a cruel song about my weight, Calous intervened. He sent them packing, then offered me his hand with a smile. "You should learn to get smarter and stand up for yourself," he'd recommended. That moment lit a fire in me-I devoured every book I could find, honing both my mind and my magic. I couldn't wait to show him how far I'd come.

Over the years, I rose to the top of my class, academically and magically. The others still whispered behind my back, "blob," "whale," "teacher's pet"-but their jabs rolled off me. Though I carried extra weight, I learned to love my emerald eyes ringed with gold, my long wavy red hair, and my clear, smooth skin. My best friend Jules always reminded me I was talented and beautiful. "Just wait," she'd say. "They'll regret underestimating you when you take over after my father." I'd laugh and reply, "Only send out what you want to get back-karma fixes the rest." As I mastered healing and herbs, Coven members began seeking me out for help, fulfilling my duty as the leader's daughter. Now, at twenty, I stood ready to strengthen our coven even more by marrying Calous.

A knock sounded at my door pulling me from my thoughts, before I could answer. My father, Vincent-tall and lean, with golden eyes, dark hair, and a neatly trimmed goatee-stepped inside. "Why aren't you ready yet?" he demanded. "They'll be here soon. Put on the dress I bought you. I'll send Luna for your hair and makeup. You must look your best for your husband."

""Of course, Father, I'll be ready soon-I promise," I called after him as he strode away. I retrieved the pale green corset dress he'd bought, eyeing it with trepidation; the fitted bodice looked alarmingly small. No sooner had I draped it over the screen then Jules burst in, grinning.

"Evie, I've come to help. I overheard your father speaking with Luna, but don't worry I won't let her do your make-up, she'll screw it up on purpose," she huffed. She eyed up the dress in my hand. "That's a pretty color, that will defiantly bring out your eyes. Put that on first, then I'll do your hair and make-up."

I went to change behind the screen, "Jules, I may need your help." The corset barely made its way around my waist.

"Evie, why does your father do this? Okay, suck in, and I'll get it tied for you. Hopefully you won't have to stay in it too long," Jules shook her head annoyed, coming over and pulling on the strings as I sucked as much as possible. "They do make bigger sizes than this. Sometimes your father is as bad as the rest..."

"It's fine, Jules, I'll make it work." She finally got it tied, and I felt like I could barely breath... It push up my breast a bit. They were already large as it was, this enhanced it even more. "Umm, Jules... mind helping me get the dress over my head." Jules pulled the dress down and proceeded to tie the back. I could feel it straining on my chest.

"You look beautiful in that Evie, but you also look like your boobs are going to burst through," she smiled, and stood back. "We'll put your hair up in a half bun, then add in smoky purple eyes, and a bold red on your lips. Your complexion is so perfect, you don't even need any foundation or rouge. I'm so envious."

"You're envious? Look at you, all the guys like you here," I smiled softly.

"Please, Evie. If they can't see how beautiful you are, they're not worth my time. Size means nothing, you just have more to love, and you carry it well." Jules worked with my hair, then added makeup. By the time she was done, she did a magnificent job, I barely recognized myself.

"You're amazing Jules," I breathed... barely.

"I had the perfect canvas. Okay, ready to meet your future husband?" beamed Jules, "and if you need an out, just give the word."

"Thanks," I smiled as we left the room, headed to the conference area where we would be introduced. Later, at the grand room a small ball will be given, allowing both the Covens a chance to get to know one another, through food, drinks, and music.

When we arrived at the door, my father was already there waiting, "Evelyn, it's about time you got here. You're keeping them waiting."

Jules was about to speak, but I squeezed her hand to silence her, "Sorry father."

"Jules you may go, help Stella with the last-minute preparations," dismissed my father. Jules listened and left me at the door. Vincent looked me up and down, "Hmm, that will have to do. You should have tightened the corset a little more."

"I can barely breath as it is now father," I confessed. He grunted, then opened the door. As we walked in, my eyes instantly went to Calous, he was as perfect as the last time I saw him, deep set hazel eyes, wavy light brown hair, and a great smile. I was so lucky to be marrying him. His father Shaun, was sitting next to him, same eyes, but blonde hair, clean shaven, and was watching me closely.

"Shaun, Calous, let me introduce my daughter Evelyn," Vincent gestured towards me, I bowed my head.

Calous rose and walked over to me, taking my hand, smiling at me, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Evelyn, your beauty is beyond compare." He kissed my hand, as I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. He was perfect, my weight didn't seem to bother him. He led me over to a chair, pulling it out for me.

"My dear," Shaun bowed his head at me. "You two will make a fine couple, and both Covens will flourish under your leaderships. Your father has mentioned you do well with healing magic?"

"Yes, I wanted to be able to help my people. Is it true that some of your Coven is suffering from Heva?"

"Sadly, my dear, yes. But your father has mentioned you would be able to help?"

"Yes, I've been studying that disease along with similar ones. I almost have it perfected. But for now, it's just a treatment, I know I'm close to the full..."

"Evelyn, don't bore them with your antics," interrupted my father, looking at me disapprovingly.

"Nonsense, Vincent, it is commendable that a witch of her talent is finding solutions to some of the deadliest disease among us," praised Shaun, I beamed at his praise. "Come Vincent, let's give these young people time to get acquainted before the dance. You and I will worry about the formalities of the wedding agreement."

As soon as the door closed behind them, I turned to Calous, "Evelyn, I see you have grown stronger since last me met."

"Yes, I read everything I could get my hands on, and practiced late into the night, and early morning. You inspired me to do so." The words were out of my mouth before I knew what I was saying. I could feel the heat rise to my face. "I'm... I shouldn't...sorry."

Calous touched my face with a kind smile, "Please, don't. I am happy that you are honest with me. We should head to the ball."

"You do not wish to talk more?" I asked, I had so many questions for him.

"We will have plenty of time when we are married," replied Calous rising from his seat, offering a hand to me.

I nodded, accepting his hand, "Oh...okay."

"Plus, I wish to show my Coven how beautiful you are." Calous led us out of the room. Did he really think I was beautiful? I never had a boy say that to me, much less a man.

I felt on a high as I entered the ballroom, being on Calous's arm, even as I entered, everyone seemed to be whispering, but not in the bad way. There were many of his Coven in present, many beautiful women, but he seemed to only have eyes for me.

"My future bride," Calous raised our hands together, then he swept me into a dance, as there was polite applause from everyone. So, this was what it felt like to have someone love you.

After we finished dancing, Calous led me off to the side, "If you'll excuse me, Evelyn. I wish to speak with someone from my Coven, I will be back momentarily." He kissed my hand once more before bowing and walking away.

"Oh, my gods and goddesses, Evie!" Jules sided up next to me. "He is so smitten with you. That'll show all them," she gestured behind us.

I laughed, "Jules, be kind. They're not as mean as they once were."

"Pfft, only because you're good at what you do, and they need you. And once you marry, you're taking over the Coven."

"Jules, I need your help," Stella called over to us. "Evie, you look lovely, by the way."

"Thanks, Stella." She'd never made fun of me, but she'd never defended me either. When Jules walked away, I decided I needed fresh air-my corset was killing me. I slipped onto the balcony and nearly collided with a stunning woman: long dark hair, pale blue eyes, full of contempt.

"So you're marrying Calous?" she drawled, circling me. "I pity him. If our Coven didn't need your antidote, he'd never be forced into this."

I frowned. "I'll share the antidote gladly-"

She laughed. "The main herb only grows in your lands, and your father won't give it to us until you marry Calous. Once you two rule the Covens, Calous plans to cast you aside."

"I...don't understand." Why was this woman being so mean, and why would my father stop us from helping others? She can't be serious about Calous, he really seemed to like me.

"Of course you wouldn't understand, you're barely holding it together as it is," she scoffed, brushing the side of my dress. I felt a surge of energy, suddenly, my corset's strings broke, and the side of my dress ripped open. The fabric slipped around my bosoms, revealing more cleavage than proper.

Hugging my chest, I dashed down the balcony stairs, desperate to avoid humiliation. I planned to reach my room via the back way. Her laughter echoed behind me as I hurried down, and though I longed to retaliate with a curse I knew well, I reminded myself, 'only send out what you wish to get back.'

As I rounded the corner of the building, voices by the entrance made me stop. "Are you sure you have to marry her?" a woman's voice asked. Peeking around, I saw a petite woman with porcelain skin and blonde hair, resembling a doll, speaking to Calous.

"Sadly yes, father isn't letting me out of the deal. He says we need this, Coven. She knows how to heal our people. She's magically strong, and this will build our Covens. I had hoped the last time I saw her that she would have listened to my advice and lost weight. If anything, she has gotten fatter. I can't believe I have to marry a disgusting pig..."

I couldn't bear to listen to it anymore, my stomach twisted, and I felt humiliated over everything that has happened tonight. I took off to the woods seeking solace.

"Damien, are you even listening?" Vlad pulled me from my thoughts. I glanced over at the elders of the vampire council. They were discussing how to bridge the gap between the Rose Coven and us. "This division was your doing, Damien."

"It has been nearly four hundred years since the incident, they should be over it by now," I drawled, it was all new blood as it was. I had incidentally killed the son of the Coven leader. I was a new vampire at the time, and he had assaulted my mortal mother. He needed to die, there was no two ways about it. I didn't understand why we needed the witches. We were doing fine.

"If we do not have the witches help, we will perish. The human hunters are creating waves in our world, the witches will need us too. You much bridge the gap, Damien."

"We have lived for hundreds of years, why would we need them?" I wondered, bored of all of this. Truthfully, I was tempted to leave the council altogether.

"We need protection spells, blood magic," argued Sebastien, glaring at me.

"They have band all their people from having interactions with us. It is forbidden for them to speak with a vampires." I pointed out looking at my nails.

"We're not asking you to start a relationship with one of them Damien. Offer them protection, witches believe what they send out comes back ten folds. Hunter will go after them too. If they give us the protection charms, we will protect them, as it had once been before," spoke Vlad.

"Why must I do it? I could care less." I brushed off their request.

Sebastien was in my face, his eyes blazing red, "This was your doing, you must amend it. Just because you do not care whether you live or die, does not mean we don't. Your actions, must be fixed."

"And if I don't?" I glared back at him, not backing down.

"I will gladly bestow the consequences on you Damien for going against the rule of the Council," threatened Sebastian

"Fine, when I bridge this, I want out," I bargained.

"You will no longer have our protection or backing, Damien," advised Vlad.

"I'm okay with that." I honestly had enough, if a hunter killed me, so be it. Life has become a bore lately, it might even be fun trying to take a few out with me.

"So be it, at dusk, you will head out to the Rose Coven, Damien," commanded Vlad.

I stood from my chair, and bowed mockingly, "As you wish." I only received glares from the others. I didn't mind, I walked out of the council room.

It would be good to leave, I have felt couped up way too long. The way the hunters have been with killing vampires, witches, werewolves, ect... It shouldn't take much to bridge the gap between them. They valued their lives just as much as everything, and their fear of karma. It should only take a night to get an agreement.

As I was waiting in my room for dusk, I glanced around the small room covered from ceiling to floor in books. I will miss these when I leave. They have kept me much company in the long days.

There was a knock at my door, "Enter."

Vlad walked in, "Damien, must you be like this? How many times now has it been since you've threatened to leave?"

"This time is for good, Vlad. Four hundred years is enough for me. I will take out what I can of the hunters, and if my life shall perish in that, so be it."

"Damien," sighed Vlad. "There is more to life than just eating blood, and betrothals. Try and make a connection with someone."

"All anyone cares about is power, lust, and money," I replied. I shrugged with a grin, "Although, I do still enjoy the lust, but the rest is meaningless."

"I will miss you my brother," spoke Vlad.

I ran my hands through my tousled black hair. "I appreciate the sentiment Vlad, but we are not meant to live forever, even if we were given that gift, it also came with a burden, draining others, just to sustain ourselves."

"I am not ready to give up that gift, and I hope you can find something again that will create that yearn in you to live." Vlad patted me on the shoulder. "Good luck, Damien." I scoffed as I walked out of the room, it was time for my last job for the vampire council.

The trees blurred, as I flew through them. The scent of night wrapping around me. As I got closer to the Coven's convent, I stopped short. There was a smell, both sweet, and despair. I then heard sniffles. Curiosity got the best of me, this kind of sweet smell was not normal. I silently made my way through the forest, trying to avoid stepping on anything that would make a sound. As I made my way around a bush, there I saw her, feet in a pool of water, tears running down her smooth face, red hair falling before her eyes, luscious breast nearly spilling out of the top of her dress, which was ripped on the side.

This creature looked as if she wanted to forget all about this world, and pain it causes. There was something magically about her, she radiated energy, power swirling in her, but she was miserable. She smelled so sweet though... then she began to wipe her eyes dry, taking a deep breath. She stood from her spot, the misery I had felt moments ago, began to dissipate, it was still there, but deep beneath the surface. This woman has gone through much of this, and tries to hide all.

Suddenly she turned to my direction, fire blazing at her fingertips, she should not have sensed me, even if she is a witch. I felt a tinge of fear from her, but it was mostly defiance. "Who's there?" she called out. "If you come to call me a pig, then come out and do so."

Pig? Has someone called this woman a pig? For some reason that irritated me. True, she was on the heavier side, but she was no pig, a goddess maybe. I decided to make my presence known. I chuckled as I walked out, "If you are a pig, I have been wooing the wrong creatures my whole life, and should therefore woo pigs."

Her eyes widened in fear as I walked forward, yet there was more anger and determination that radiated off her than anything. Her fire in her hands brightened. Her breathing hitched, causing her already noticeable bosoms to become more of a distraction, sending a thrill to my cock, which was already beginning to harden. Perhaps I will hit the brothels when I complete my mission, it has been some time. Unless this creature... I took in a deep breath of the sweet smell of hers, realizing she was still a virgin. That in itself was rather tempting...

"Who are you?" she demanded of me.

"I mean you no harm, little witch," I smiled, holding up my hands. I wondered, maybe she will be the opportunity I seek to bridge the gap. I took a few more steps near her.

"Stay back," she instantly commanded. I stopped walking, her eyes shined with intellect. "You're a vampire."

I bowed my head, "Ey', that I am love. My name is Damien. I promise I will not harm you, divine witch." If possible, her flames grew even higher in her hands. Oh, she was powerful. "I did not think witches used their powers to attack."

"It wouldn't be attacking, it would be defending," she justified.

I laughed softly at that, "Please, I really do mean you no harm. I know our kinds have been at odds for centuries, but I have come to build that bridge."

She looked at me for a long time, and finally she allowed the flames to go out. Yet the fire was still in her eyes, causing a twitch to my groin. "My name is Evelyn. We're not supposed to speak with vampires." For a moment, something passed over her features, I was unable to pinpoint what it was. Almost as if I did end her life it wouldn't matter. Then she added, "What do you mean by bridge the gap?"

I moved closer, she tensed. I gave a sly grin, and gave her a once over. I removed my cloak, "While I do enjoy the view, you do not strike me as an immodest witch." She looked down at herself and a deep red rose to her cheeks as she tried to pull her dress to cover her breast. I was at her side, within mere moments wrapping my cloak around her, because of my broad shoulders, it fit her just snuggly. Honestly, I rather liked her in my cloak, as if she belonged to me. That thought sent more tension down below.

She swallowed and took a step back, "Thank you, but... my question." She seemed flustered, causing me to grin widely.

"Very well my lady. I am here to fix what I have created centuries ago," I explained.

Her eyes widened once more, taking a step back, a flame in her right hand, and a fear radiated off her, not a fear that I desired from her. But her eyes blared, "You're that Damien."

I held my hands up once more in surrender. "Yes, I am that Damien, and if I had wanted you dead, you would have been dead by now."

Her flame vanished, "What is it that you want?"

"To make amends with the Rose Coven. I was on my way now to see the leader, when I caught your captivating scent. What brings you out here in such misery, so far from the convent?"

"That's none of your business," she remarked, and before I could say anything she continued. "You won't be able to enter the convent, there are wards up against vampires."

I nodded, I had a feeling, "Any chance you could get me an audience with the leader of the Coven?"

"I doubt my father would be so willing," she mused.

"Father? Maybe you are the one I need to speak with? You will be leading the Coven some day?" I broached the question, this may just be easier than I thought. While she distrusted me, there was still an openness to her about me.

"I doubt it," Evelyn looked to the ground.

"Oh, older sibling?"

"No, it's..." she took a shuddering breath, then she began to ramble, and for the life of me, I hung on to every word she spoke. I felt a great deal of anger at these people who spoke poorly of her, and treated her terribly. And this man that was to be her husband, says flowery words, only to speak rottenness behind her back. Once she had finished, embarrassment clouded her eyes, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"I could dispatch of him if you'd like," I offered interrupting her.

"Is that not the reason there is hatred among out kind?" Before I could answer, she continued, "No, I will do my duty."

"That is not a duty to be asked of you. Especially when this man cannot see what is truly before him. What a goddess you are," I praised, there was a small light in her eyes, which quickly diminished.

She gave a self-deprecating laugh, "I will see if my father will speak to you, you do not need to give false flattery to get what you want. I think I've had enough empty words for tonight."

"Empty words?" Does she think what I say I do not mean? I will show her empty words. Before she could react, I placed my hand behind her waist pulling her flesh to me. The cloak opening, allowing her breast to be pressed firmly against me, begging to be released from their confines. She felt so good, so soft... During her story I had become limp, but now my cock throbbed hard against her stomach. I looked deep into her eyes, "Does this feel like empty words to you?"

This time there was fear, but the fear that I craved, anticipation at what I would do next. Desire shone in her eyes, bright and needy. Damn, I could fuck her right here, right now. Just a small taste, I leaned down crushing her lips with mine, pulling her even closer to me, seeking entrance. At first, she responded in kind, then I felt her pushing on me. I released her and stopped back.

She wiped her mouth, lips swollen, her breathing fast. Oh, she wanted me, but years of veil words stopped her, made her hesitate, it made me want to kill those who had destroyed her self-esteem.

She cleared her throat, "I should go."

As she turned to leave, I called her back, "Evelyn, I want to see you again. Tomorrow night, same time, same place?"

She turned to look at me, worry lines etched on her face, "This isn't allowed, this is forbidden. Just come near the convent, someone will see you and speak to you. I need to go."

"Evelyn," I called once more, a small smile on my face. She looked at me again, "You will need to come. I would like my cloak back."

"Oh," she began to take it off, but I was at her side tugging it back on her.

"No, they do not deserve this sight of you. This vision of you is mine now, and no one but me, is allowed to look upon you," I declared. Her face grew red, and her heartbeat sped up. She stumbled back. I allowed her to go this time. It was not easy, especially when her scent called to me so sweetly.

I returned to the council, Vlad greeted me, "Back so soon?"

"They have a barrier in place against us, but there is a little witch that I think will help. It will take a little longer than I anticipated," I remarked. I have seen woman over time, been with many, but nothing with her scent, or her ability to resist me... a twitch...

"Damien, you seem off," commented Vlad with a knowing smile. It seems I have been letting my feelings sink through.

I turned to leave, "I will be back by dawn." With that, I left the council once more in search of a brothel.

As soon as I shut my door to my room, I leaned against it, breathing hard. The interaction with Damien had left me a little frazzled. A vampire! The vampire! The one that there are reasons why we do not interact with vampires. He had killed a Coven leader's son! I drew his cloak closer to me smelling it, it was woodsy pine and musk. Honestly, it smelled great, with those thoughts, I pulled it off and fling it on my chair beside my bed. What was I doing?

I looked back at it again, he didn't seem that bad. Am I just thinking that, because of that amazing kiss he gave me. Is he playing me like everyone else? He looked angry when I suggested that, even... the memory of his appendage pressed hard against me got me blushing, the mere thought, my pulse started quickening.

I learned my lesson though, he was as handsome and smooth talking as Calous, who I had original thought cared about me. Once, sweet words, show kindness, only to talk behind my back, like everyone else. Although... those deep blue eyes, the way he pulled me close with such hungry in them, and that kiss... Stop thinking about it...

There was knock on my door, nearly making me jump a foot in the air. "Evie?" I allowed my heart to get under control before I opened the door for Jules. She started talking before she had fully seen me, "Where hav... what happened to you? Oh dear, I was afraid this would happen, I hate your father. Why can't he just buy the right size for you? Here let me help you get that off. Have you been hiding out in the woods all this time? Your father has been looking everywhere for you. I told him your stomach was feeling queasy, it's that time of the month. He seemed to buy it, but I'm sure tomorrow, he'll berate you."

I allowed her to ramble as she helped me out of the dress and corset, leaving only my shift. I wasn't sure if I wanted to tell her how one of the women from the other Coven did this to me. Jules had a way of always wanting to defend me, and I didn't think we needed that right now when we're trying to align the Covens. Although, should I tell her about what Calous said. No, this was mine to bear.

As I changed in my night dress, Jules voice broke through my thoughts, "Oh my, who's cloak is this? Were you with Calous all this time? He disappeared too, shortly after you vanished. Although, I don't remember him wearing this... Evie Rose, have you consummated already with you betroth? Is that why your dress is torn? I knew someone..."

I looked out at her from behind the screen, her hands on her hips, "No, Jules!" I stated harsher than I meant too.

Jules stared at me in shock, I usually never raised my voice at her, "Sorry Jules, tonight has been a lot, I'm exhausted." I wanted to share my experience with her, but then I would also have to say why I was out there. She was my best friend, honestly my only friend... "Can we speak tomorrow, Jules? I swear, I'll explain all tomorrow."

Jules eyed me for a few minutes, finally she sighed, "Alright, I'm not letting you off the hook." She gave me a quick hug and slipped out of my room.

I lay down on my bed, as I closed my eyes, his deep blues haunted me. He had seemed to really listen to me, angry at those who were mean... called me a goddess... I glanced over at his cloak. I grabbed it off the chair next to the bed. I wrapped it around me smelling his scent. An image of him leaning down kissing me, this time I didn't scold myself for thinking it. I let the memory wash over me as I trailed my hand down to my throbbing nerves.

I began rubbing small circles as I thought of his words, calling me his, imagining him touching me. It didn't take long for me to get worked up, soon I was tipping over the edge, his name a silent whispered on my lips, "Damien."

When I came down from the pleasure, I had a moment of guilt. I was saying another man's name when I was engaged. Although, engaged to a man who thought I was a disgusting pig. And, Damien was not just any man, he was the man who caused the rules to avoid vampires.

I couldn't tell anyone about him, I would be thrown out of the Coven within seconds of others finding out I spoke with a vampire. This also meant, I would return the cloak before the appointed time. He will find it there. That was going to be the plan all along, I was never planning to meet him again.

Once satisfied with that idea, I curled up in my bed snuggling closer to his cloak, just for one night. Even if he smells me on this, we'll never see one another again. Nothing to be embarrassed about. I'll live a little longer in my fantasy world.

***

The next morning there was an urgent knock on my door. I got out of bed assuming it was Jules, she was never patient. I opened it, but instead of Jules it was Calous. I felt my face turn crimson, my nightdress barely covered much, it ended just above my knees and had very thin straps at the top. Damien's words came back to me, 'no one but me is allowed to look at you.'

I spun quickly to move to my screen, to grab my robe, but Calous grabbed my wrist tightly, moving into my room, shutting the door. He leered down at me, his grip tight, too tight. "You embarrassed me last night. Where did you run off to you..." he paused his eyes landing on the cloak in my bed. He released my hand and picked up the cloak. "Whose is this? This is a man's cloak."

"It's mine," I quickly lied, "it fits better than most women's do."

He looked at me, as if he was gauging whether or not I was telling the truth, finally he smirked, "Of course it would. You know, you don't look too bad this way." He moved closer to me, I took a step back. "We could always start things early." He pinned me against the wall. He leaned closer, "see what I'm getting in the bedroom."

"Please don't," I whispered, yesterday if he would have done this, I would have gone to him. But after hearing what he said, and Damien...

"You should feel grateful that I'm marrying you. You should show me how grateful you feel," demanded Calous, grabbing my chin and pulling me roughly to his mouth. I bit his lip and jerked back, hitting my head on the brick wall. It stung... "You bitc..."

At that moment Jules popped in, "Hey Evi... Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."

Calous looked over at her, "It's fine, I was just leaving." He leaned down to whisper in my ear, "I will break you, and you will be the duteous wife you are meant to be." He straightened, turned, bowed to Jules, even taking her hand to kiss, and walked out of my room.

My pulse felt fast, oh god and goddess how could you? Am I meant to be an object my entire life? Pawn in someone else's game, a means to an end? They needed me to heal their Coven, and my father needed me to marry to expand ours...

"Evie?" Jules looked at me concerned, as if waiting for me to answer some question she had asked. I felt a tear slid down my cheek. "Evie, what's wrong? Did Calous do something to you? Something that you weren't ready for? The first time usually does hurt, but I promise it gets better after that. He was probably just too eager and pushed in too quickly."

That pulled me out of my self-pity, "Jules, you've been someone already? Why have you not mentioned this to me before?"

Jules looked embarrassed, but quickly switched gears, "We're not talking about me, we're talking about you and what just happened now, and last night."

I sighed, "Jules, why did you not tell me you've been with someone?" I wasn't going to let it go. I had a feeling I knew why she never said anything. Because fat Evie could never be with a man, no one would ever want such a chubby bunny.

"It's personal, and we weren't telling anyone." Jules attempted a lame excuse.

"Not even your best friend, you know I wouldn't spread it around, I don't exactly talk to anyone besides you." I felt hurt about this. This also made me wonder if I should tell her about last night...

"I'm sorry Evie, I felt ashamed about this." I looked at her expectantly. "It's Calvin."

"He's like twenty years older than you Jules," I commented surprised.

"See." She made her point.

"Sorry, how long has this been going on?"

"If I tell you, can we go back to you?" I nodded my head yes, with a smile.

"Last year," she admitted. "Now, start wherever you think I need to be filled in at."

"No more keeping things from one another?" I rested my hands on my hips, her personality always had a way of centering me when I felt overwhelmed. She agreed. "Calous is an asshole, so is some of his Coven..." I quickly filled her in on what one of the girls did, Jules fist tightened angrily, then what I heard Calous stated, she barely controlled her impulse to run out the room, then I told her what happened right before she came in.

"We need to curse him Evie, he deserves it. I'm sure the goddess would forgive us." Jules pounded her fist into her other hand.

"Jules, we can't. Half of his Coven is sick, I can help them. Apparently, that's part of the agreement to the marriage. And this marriage will build up our Coven's strength."

"Evie that's not fair, you shouldn't have to go through this. You deserve to be with someone who appreciates you." Jules came over and hugged me.

"I mean, he was willing to do things with me a moment ago, maybe we could learn to love one another," I suggested.

Jules pulled back, her face a mask of annoyance, crossing her arms, "Evelyn Rose!"

"Jules, I'm the daughter of the Coven leader, it's my duty to help our Coven."

"Since when have they ever helped you?"

I sighed, "Jules, not all of them have been rotten to me, it's only ever been a handful?"

"And did any of the others stand up for you? No." She let her arms fall to her side, concern for me undeniable. But I didn't change my stance, "Fine, we'll come back to this at a later date, we have time yet." She looked to the bed, "Now, are you going to tell me where you got that cloak?"

Jules knew everything I owned, I couldn't lie to her like I did Calous. "When I went to my place in the woods. Someone was kind to me."

Jules eyes widened with interest, "Oh? Who? A traveler? Someone just passing through?"

"Sort of," I admitted, she gave me the look. "He was heading here on business. He needs to speak with my father."

"A leader from another Coven?"

"No, I um..." I swallowed. I wasn't sure how she would react to the news.

"Evie, I'm hanging onto a thread, spill it," demanded Jules.

"A vampire."

Her eyes grew round, hand flying to her mouth, then she ran over to me, looking closely at my neck, all around. "Oh, my god and goddess, Evie. Did he hurt you?"

"Do you think he would have lent me his cloak if he had?" I questioned, allowing her to look me over, otherwise she wouldn't rest.

"Yes, vampires are lairs and deceivers. They'll say and do anything to get what they want," stated Jules, backing up then, seemingly satisfied that I had no bite marks.

"He was kind Jules. He stated that he wanted to make peace between our kinds." My mind once more drifting to the part where he wrapped his cloak tighter around me.

"Evie..." began Jules, as a knock sounded at my door.

I grabbed my robe before answering the door this time. I cracked it open, "Father."

He pushed himself in, "What happened to you last night?"

"Time of the month father," I used Jules' excuse, he nodded once sternly.

"You should have mentioned something to someone." His eyes turned to Jules, "other than Jules. Are you feeling better? Shaun wishes to have a word with you, be in the sitting room in thirty minutes. You will not give him the ingredients to the antidote."

"Father?" I called back before he walked out. He looked at me, "Could I not just give him the antidote, they will still be indebted to us."

"I would rather wait until after the marriage, you have very few prospects my child. I know I am harsh on you, and you may think I do not love you, but I do wish for you to have a future with a good witch, a Coven leader." I nodded, that was the nicest thing he has ever said to me.

I decided to press forward, "What if I do not wish to marry Calous?"

His eyes flashed, "The agreement has already been made, to back out now would embarrass our Coven. As I said, you have very few suitors. You are duty bound to the Coven as is Calous." I swallowed and looked to the ground. Vincent cleared his throat and I looked back up at him, "I thought you were excited to be marrying Calous?"

"I was excited," I began, "I don't think he wants me."

"The contract has been signed. To break it, one would be thrown out of the Coven. He will grow to love you, as has most of our people here." With that said, he strolled out.

I felt as if I should be excited about having a husband, a least I wouldn't be alone...