A TUTOR

Freda’s POV

*You haven't had sex before, have you?” My jaw hunged open when I heard Damien's question. My mind was reeling with panic and the air suddenly became hotter. Where did that question even come from? What prompted him to ask a question on such a private matter?

My cheeks began to burn even hotter than when I laid eyes on his sexy broad chest. I began to scream internally as my eyes darted across the room intentionally avoiding his eyes. Why did he even ask me that? Is this what vampires asked their mates? The question was so personal, so intrusive, a violation of my most private space.

He watched me, expecting an answer and I cursed him silently when I realized how much he was enjoying my discomfort. Should I answer him? Should I tell him to mind his business? These were the questions. Questions that were making me lose my mind.

“It's okay. I understand.” He nodded slowly. “There’s no shame in having sexual relations before. I still love you regardless.”

“What?” I muttered, my confusion replaced with slow fury. What did he mean by that? Did he take me for some kind of whore? What's wrong with these vampires?

“I'll have you know Mr vampire, that I am a virgin.” I gritted my teeth and forced myself to spit out the truth.

“I know. I was just messing with you.” He chuckled in amusement.

“What?” My face burned hotter than before in mortification. I lunged for a pillow and launched it at him with all my puny strength. I didn't know how he closed the distance, but in a blink of an eye he was in front of me with a devious smirk and his hand held my hand in place.

“Easy there, you feisty thing.” His deep voice rumbled and it made me realize just how close our proximity was. Our bodies were just mere inches apart and a jolt of electricity crackled as our skin touched. I took in a greedy whiff of his scent, an intoxicating mix of woodsmoke and something uniquely Damien. For a moment, our gaze was locked and I was enthralled by the desire in his crimson eyes.

I snapped back to my senses when I saw that Damien lip's were moving dangerously closer to mine. Before anything could happen, I broke contact and stepped back, staring at the floor with flushed cheeks. I felt something for him, no doubt about that but I just…wasn't ready for anything intimate.

Luckily, Damien didn't seem to mind my reaction as he cleared his throat and adjusted his robe.

“Right. Sorry about…that.” He apologize with a serious edge to his tone. “I've arranged something for you.”

“Huh?” I widened my eyes and looked up.

“I'm getting you a tutor.” Damien announced with a wide grin.

“For?” I questioned

“Well…you're going to be my queen. And I'm sure you don't know how the royal court function,” Damien explained. “You'll also be learning about the culture of we vampires. If you are going to be queen, then you'll need to have knowledge on your people.”

“They are not my people.” I retorted and rolled my eyes in defiance. “I'm just here because you so graciously forced me to be here. And I have no choice remember?”

“My stand still remains. I will protect you and you'll find that Valthrun isn't as bad as you think.” Damien lowered his tone, obviously trying to coax me.

“Your mind is already made up and I don't have a choice in this matter, stop trying to convince me.” I spat out angrily and gave even more distance between us.

“Alright, this decision will be entirely up to you.” Damien raised his hand in surrender. “whether you want a tutor or not, I'll leave you to decide.”
“It still doesn't make me feel better.” I retired again but I was having an inner monologue concerning this issue. If I weighted the pros and cons? The pros far outweighed the cons. I was stuck here and I was pretty sure I wouldn't be out any time soon. What Damien said made sense, it would be extremely beneficial to me if I learned the vampire culture.

“Fine. I'll go through with it.” I sighed.

A wide grin spread across Damien's face like he just won a lottery ticket.

“You won't regret. Well…you won't regret it completely.” Damien said with a thoughtful look on his face.

“What do you mean by ‘i won't regret it completely?’” I eyed him suspiciously. “Who Is my tutor anyway.”

“Well..the name of your tutor is Elara.” Damien's said as his eyes gleamed wickedly. “She's a powerful witch but…let me warn you. She's a non nonsense and her strictness is way over the top.”

“That's nice but a a witch teaching me about vampires?” I questioned. Don't get me wrong, I didn't want to get tutored by a vampire for good reasons but I just seemed…weird that a witch was supposed to tutor me on the ways of the vampires.

“Yeah. Her coven was destroyed by a rival vampire clan centuries ago. She's been living here in Valthrun every since, under a sort of….protective agreement. Needless to say, she knows more about vampire history and culture than most vampires themselves. So don't worry, you're in good hands.”

I mulled it over. A witch with a vendetta against vampires, forced to seek aid and shelter amongst them? This was indeed an intriguing tale and I felt a little eager to meet this..Elara person.

“Is she a nice person?” I turned back to Damien to inquire.

Damien sucked in a deep breath and my heart fell as I saw his reaction.

“I won't lie to you, she's no nonsense. Her strictness is legendary, bordering on…well, terrifying.” Damien said quietly as he tousled his hair.

“You're not helping Damien.” I smacked a palm on my forehead in frustration.

“I'd rather have you get lessons from her than vampires. I trust her.” Damien said in an assuring tone and I just nodded my head, reluctantly accepting to be tutored.

Suddenly, a sharp knocking sound echoed from the heavy oak doors through the room.