Chapter 1

Completely done with my secret bloodmate, I handed in my resignation to his biotech company. It was time to leave for good.

"Dr. Mercer, please reconsider."

Mr. Hanson stared at the letter I slid across his desk. "You’re Evernight Biotech’s best blood chemist. Losing you would be a massive hit for us."

I kept my professional smile. "I’m sorry, Mr. Hanson. But I’m transferring to the Supernatural Academy at our European headquarters next month."

"Transferring?" He frowned.

"Yes. My husband is stationed there, and I can’t keep raising Liam like a single mom." My voice was dead calm. "A six-year-old needs a real family."

No one knew my real "husband" was Bastian anyway.

Mr. Hanson’s face instantly softened. "I understand, Dr. Mercer. Being a single mom is hard. You’re our top blood chemist, but I won’t keep you from your family."

He signed the paper. "Wishing you and your family the best."

"Thank you."

I turned and walked out, clutching the paper that would change everything.

Six years of a secret blood pact. I was finally ending this pathetic one-woman show.

Right outside the office, I ran into Bastian Thorne.

The real CEO pulling the strings. Lord of the Thorne vampire clan. And the father of my child.

Ophelia was right beside him.

The stunning pureblood vampire was clinging tightly to his arm.

In the human world, I was his perfect cover. To the public, I was Evernight's top blood chemist. But in the shadows, I was nothing more than his personal blood thrall.

I had loved him in secret for five years, fully aware of the massive gap between our species and status.

Until the chaos of the Blood Moon seven years ago. A rival clan dosed him with a poison that sent him into a blood-fueled frenzy.

He pinned me down, and I lost myself in his desperate, frantic kisses.

His fangs pierced my neck, sealing the ancient blood pact.

That night gave me Liam.

But for the six years since Liam was born, he never allowed the boy to call him "Dad." To him, Liam was just "that accident."

As we brushed past each other, I couldn't help but gently tug at our blood bond.

Bastian stopped and turned around.

Those deep eyes looked at me. Ice cold.

"Can I help you, Dr. Mercer?"

Dr. Mercer.

He used that title to keep me in my place. His subordinate. His employee. His dirty little secret blood bag. Nothing more.

"Nothing." I gave a bitter smile and shook my head. "Sorry to bother you."

Bastian gave a stiff nod and kept walking, like I was a total stranger.

A bitter laugh died in my throat. I swallowed the words about my resignation.

He wouldn't care anyway.

A second later, my phone buzzed. A text from Liam.

"Mom, is Dad coming home for my birthday today?"

I looked up just in time to see Bastian gently holding Ophelia’s waist. They were laughing, heading toward his private blood vault.

His entire focus was on her.

I gripped my phone and texted him: "Bastian, it’s Liam’s birthday tonight. Are you free?"

Down the hall, I saw him check his phone. Less than three seconds later, his expression went blank, and he locked his screen.

Looking at the unanswered text, I just laughed at myself.

Wake up, Aveline, I thought.

You should’ve known there’s no place for you in his immortal life. What were you even hoping for?

I shoved the phone in my pocket, took a deep breath, and walked away.

You’ll be free soon, Bastian.

Three hours later, I picked Liam up from school.

"Mom! Is Dad coming home tonight?" He threw himself into my arms, eyes full of hope.

My nose stung. I was on the verge of tears.

I steadied my voice, trying to make an excuse. "Your dad is..."

Before I could finish, my phone buzzed again.

A short, cold text from Bastian: "Free. Will be home."

My heart skipped a beat.

"He's coming." I hugged my boy tight. "Dad said he’ll be home for your birthday!"

Liam’s smile outshone the stars. "Really? He’s really coming?"

"Yes." I nodded firmly. "Mom promises."

I started prepping the second we got home.

Liam’s favorite fried chicken and cake. And for Bastian, a rare delicacy: "living blood," magically infused with pure life force.

I even put on the dark blue dress he once complimented.

"Mom, do you think Dad will like my gift?" Liam carefully placed a drawing on the table.

It was a family portrait of the three of us.

Bastian holding my hand, me holding Liam’s. All of us smiling.

"He’ll love it." I stroked my son’s hair. "It’s the most beautiful gift in the world."

But we waited all night.

The food on the table got cold. The blood delicacy lost its fresh warmth. The birthday cake started melting.

Liam sat in his chair, his tiny hands gripping the drawing, staring at the door.

"Mom," his voice shook. "Does Dad have something more important to do?"

It felt like my heart was being ripped apart, but I tried to comfort him.

"Maybe it’s a clan emergency. He’ll be here soon."

"Okay." Liam nodded, forcing a brave smile. "I’ll wait a little longer."

At ten o'clock, I finally decided to light the candles.

"Come here, baby. Make a wish."

Just as I reached out, my phone pinged with a social media notification.

Ophelia had just posted an update.

"A wonderful date. Our shared full moon night."