Page 57 of Plug and Drain

Susie tracked Arken’s hand as he traced the contours of her loose, voluminous side-plait down to where it hung past her breasts. He lifted it out of the way, exposing her neck and the bite marks she’d attempted to hide.

A collective gasp travelled around the room—not at the marks, but at the implication that they were Arken’s.

The headmaster had fed on a student?

This would fuel hallway gossip for weeks as students debated whether it had been a one -time occurrence, or if Susie belonged to—

“She is mine,” Arken said possessively, his words as harsh as his touch on her neck was tender. “Nobody is to touch her except me.”

Susie’s heart pounded, and she glanced at the watching students on her left, shock etched into their faces.

The headmaster hadn’t taken a student in a long time, and she hadn’t intended to tell anyone that he’d come to her room, trusting that Molly would stay quiet. But now, everyone knew.

But knew what, exactly? What did he expect of her? Was she to be his pet? Because she could not stomach that notion.

Zott blinked furiously, scooting back in his chair, the scraping of the metal legs against the floor obscene as he nearly toppled backwards. “S-sir, my apologies. I didn’t know she was your pet—”

“Susanna will confirm it,” Arken said.

Her heart was a drum beat in her ears. Arken had called her his, like she was his pet. She turned and raised her eyebrows at Arken, a gesture that required her to lift her chin to meet his gaze.

“I’m not your pet,” she mouthed silently.

Arken tilted his head at her, his quiet whisper carrying a trace of amusement. “Do you want my protection or not?”

I’d prefer I didn’t need it.

Meanwhile, Zott was blubbering under his breath, his beady eyes glancing at the students for help. No one said anything in his favour. Arken dominated the room, and he did it so effortlessly. She truly knew nothing about the vampire who’d bedded her.

“And if I decline your protection?” she whispered, craning her neck up to meet his gaze.

Arken lowered his chin, bringing his face close to hers. “That is not something you can decline. Your safety has become a point of interest for me.”

His lips were so close. They were breathing the same air.

“B-but she’s not wearing a collar,” Zott complained.

Arken kept his gaze locked onto Susie’s and replied, “That can easily be rectified.”

She opened her mouth to object, but the stern look Arken gave her dissuaded her from arguing the point.

“Of c-course,” Zott said.

Arken broke his stare, lifting his head to look over the top of her head at Zott.

The professor had paled, and deciding that he was of no consequence, Arken turned his back on Zott altogether, pulling Susie around with him. He pointed to the curved wall and at a wooden chest. It was gilded with gold and sat on the floor beneath a row of chains and cord restraints.

“Go to the chest and bring me a plug.”

A wave of shock swept through her. “A plug?”

“Yes.”

An indignation she hadn’t ever bothered to feel with Zott shot to the surface. “You want me to fetch?”

“No. I want you to choose.”

She gave a low huff. “Some choice.”