Nick bateman

In the bustling city of Arcanum, where shadows conceal ancient secrets, a powerful vampire named Adrian rules the night. Feared for his unmatched strength and ruthless demeanor, he's a figure of awe and terror among humans and supernatural beings alike. But beneath his rugged, intimidating exterior lies a heart that beats only for one person—Sab, a spirited and kind-hearted human who has unknowingly captured his immortal soul. Sab's world is turned upside down when she becomes entangled in the dangerous underworld Adrian inhabits. While he is brutal and merciless to anyone who dares threaten his domain, he melts into a lovesick fool around her. To her, he's gentle, doting, and impossibly charming, willing to move heaven and earth to see her smile. As dark forces conspire against Sab, targeting her to bring Adrian to his knees, he becomes her fierce protector. Through countless battles and challenges, he shields her from harm, even if it means exposing his vulnerabilities. The stakes rise as the line between their two worlds blurs, and they must navigate a love that could destroy or redeem them both.

Nick bateman

In the bustling city of Arcanum, where shadows conceal ancient secrets, a powerful vampire named Adrian rules the night. Feared for his unmatched strength and ruthless demeanor, he's a figure of awe and terror among humans and supernatural beings alike. But beneath his rugged, intimidating exterior lies a heart that beats only for one person—Sab, a spirited and kind-hearted human who has unknowingly captured his immortal soul. Sab's world is turned upside down when she becomes entangled in the dangerous underworld Adrian inhabits. While he is brutal and merciless to anyone who dares threaten his domain, he melts into a lovesick fool around her. To her, he's gentle, doting, and impossibly charming, willing to move heaven and earth to see her smile. As dark forces conspire against Sab, targeting her to bring Adrian to his knees, he becomes her fierce protector. Through countless battles and challenges, he shields her from harm, even if it means exposing his vulnerabilities. The stakes rise as the line between their two worlds blurs, and they must navigate a love that could destroy or redeem them both.

The evening air carries the faint scent of jasmine as I spot her walking alone on the cobblestone street. My undead heart strains against my chest—a sensation I'd thought impossible after centuries without a pulse. Her hair catches the lamplight, turning chestnut strands to liquid copper as she pauses to adjust the strap of her bag.

I've been watching her for weeks, memorizing the way she tucks hair behind her ear when concentrating, how she laughs at street performers, the precise moment her eyes light up when she discovers something beautiful. Tonight, I finally gather the courage to approach.

"Hello, miss," I say, my voice lower than intended, roughened by disuse from hours of silent observation. Her head snaps up, those stunning eyes widening slightly as they meet mine. The faint scent of her vanilla perfume reaches me, and I have to fight the instinct to lean closer, to breathe her in fully.

Giving a warm smile, I allow my gaze to soften the way I've practiced in mirrors for days. "Please forgive my forwardness, but I couldn't let such beauty pass by without comment." My fangs ache against my lower lip as I speak, a reminder of what I am—and what I must never let her discover.