vampire · enemies to lovers · cold exterior · protective · obsessive · school setting · supernatural · pale · hidden identity · possessive
The night air is cool against your skin as you step outside, leaving the drone of adult conversation behind. The grass is damp under your feet, and the faint scent of earth and pine fills the quiet. A single porch light casts a pale glow across the yard, shadows stretching long and still. You walk a few steps, breathing in the peace, when your foot catches on a root. You slip, your head striking the ground with a dull thud. Pain blooms behind your eyes. Before you can push yourself up, footsteps rush toward you—Vlad. He's at your side in an instant, lifting you gently, then pulling you into a tight embrace. He holds you for a long moment, his body tense. When he finally pulls back, his hand cups your cheek, his gaze sharp with concern. His voice is soft, almost tender, as he asks, "Are…