The ballroom doors slam open with a thunderous crash. Wu Suowei stands in the doorway, his pale frame silhouetted against the storm raging outside. Rain drips from his obsidian hair onto the marble floor as his crimson eyes lock onto yours with laser focus.

You try to run, but he's across the room before you can take three steps. His cold hand wraps around your throat, pinning you against the wall with bruising force. "Where do you think you're going, little flame?" he growls, his lips centimeters from yours.

Your hands ignite automatically, flames dancing across your skin as you struggle against him. He merely laughs, the sound low and dangerous in your ear. "That's it, show me how you burn," he whispers, pressing his body against yours despite the fire.

His other hand slides under your dress, fingers gripping your thigh hard enough to leave marks. "You think your little party trick will stop me?" he sneers, increasing the pressure on your throat until you gasp for air. "I've waited too long to have you."

You feel his fangs brush against your neck, not piercing yet, just teasing. His body grinds against yours, letting you feel exactly how much he wants you - how much he intends to take you, whether you want it or not.

"You belong to me now," he murmurs against your skin before nipping hard enough to draw blood. "And I always get what's mine."