Chapter 20: Protected.

I took my time getting ready as Viktor had allowed me to do, though I did less preparation then normal. I felt I still managed to look good despite the lack of glamour I put into my appearance. I walked down the hallway and quietly entered the council room. Coloman was standing in the center of the room across from a rather bored-looking Viktor.

"How nice of you to grace us with your presence, Miss Amelia." Coloman said sarcastically. I was about to speak but Viktor's voice came out first.

"I pardon Amelia because she nearly gave her life for mine when I had been attacked in the woods." He hissed out in an unhappy tone. I smiled gracefully and took my seat next to Viktor.

"It seems you allow her to do anything she wishes." It was a comment under his breath. Though everyone still heard it.

"I believe you are ranting, not providing any ideas on the topic at hand." Viktor grinned. Coloman ground his teeth together angrily. He really wished to bring Viktor down.

"It is relevant seeing as Amelia was up for discussion just a day ago." He was not backing down. It angered me and I was sure Viktor was just as furious.

"Let him make charges against me." I stood from my chair, moving to the center of the room. Waiting for Coloman to own up to his misplaced accusations. He looked shocked I would approach him.

"Well, you are showing such reckless behavior." He said firmly. I smiled.

"If you consider saving the coven's Elder, how did you put it, reckless, then yes I am reckless." I continued to smile watching Coloman become nervous. He had not expected me to say anything about his comments. "Is that my only charge?" I asked folding my arms. Coloman glared slightly at me, and I stole a glance to Viktor. He was enjoying this.

"We have more important matters to discuss, like the Lycans." Coloman changed the subject. I smiled and took my seat knowing I had won the verbal debate.

"Wise of you to change the subject." Viktor said leaning back in his seat. "Now proceed with our original conversation." He said with a lack of care. I knew no matter what Coloman said it would not matter to Viktor, they had clashed too many times for him to care.

"What do you plan to do to keep them at bay? Now that they have overrun this coven because of your methods." Viktor glared at Coloman, adjusting in his seat a second time.

"It is being handled." He hissed.

"How?" Coloman demanded. Viktor held back his growl.

"The Lycans will attack again. Lucian wishes to overthrow me for killing his mother." Viktor paused. "I should have crushed his skull under my heel when I had the chance." I did not hear Coloman's response, I was certain it was witty to some extent but I was lost in my own thoughts. All of the sudden I felt a tinge of pain for Lucian. I mean Viktor had killed his mother…it was like the beast that had killed mine. I shook my head finding the whole idea of Lucian and I have a common bond, sickening.

"Would you not agree Amelia?" Coloman asked looking to me. I lifted my head. I had not heard a word spoken in the last few minutes. I swallowed.

"No." I half answered in a questioning tone. I saw Viktor grin, and knew I had chosen correctly. Coloman made a gruff sound and took his seat in silence.

"If that is all, then I shall take things into consideration, and this meeting is over." He said softly. No one spoke up, things were settled and all in attendance left aside from Viktor and I. "I already have someone set to fix your room up." Viktor said in a tired tone. I nodded my head with a smile, standing.

"Dawn is approaching." I said able to feel where exactly the sun was right now. Viktor nodded and stood.

"Let us go to bed." He said taking my hand in his. We went through the same passageway and ended up in his room. The moment the secret door was closed, Viktor began to pull the majority of his clothes off. I saw the three slash marks, a tanned red color from his still healing skin.

"It got you deep." I mumbled as I pulled my dress off, still having my nightgown underneath. Viktor looked down and gently ran his fingertips over the scar.

"Lucian did it." He explained. "It will be gone by tomorrow night though, don't worry." He smiled pulling back the covers getting into the bed. I stared down at the bed for a moment before awkwardly getting in beside him. Viktor chuckled. "Amelia, I do not have the strength to bite, there is nothing to be alarmed about." He explained to me. I couldn't help but laugh. I nodded my head agreeing and moved closer to Viktor.

"I almost forgot." I mumbled sarcastically. Viktor reached over and pulled me against him, wrapping his arms around my body. I laid my head against the unharmed part of his chest and shut my eyes. "Night Viktor." I mumbled against his skin, kissing the edge of his neck. Viktor gave a small nod.

"Goodnight." He whispered to me. I snuggled deeper against Viktor's body, knowing I was the only one to have joined him in his bed, for centuries atleast. And the fact that Viktor had invited me to his bed, without other arranged agreements let me know it was not just my body desired. He genuinely cared for me, and he trusted me enough to lay beside him

I could not wait to see my father tomorrow, of course, only if he would allow me to stay here. One thing I knew for sure is that he would be proud of the changes I had made. Perhaps that would sway his mind into allowing me to stay. I hoped so, I really did. No matter what my father thought I knew I'd stay here, I was old enough to make my own choices, and no one disagreed with Viktor's wants, ever.

I smiled nuzzling more into Viktor's embrace. He was perfect, yes odd and cold in many ways but perfect for me. I closed my eyes gently, and began to fall asleep entangled in my secret lover's arms.


A/N:

-Just a short update for now.

-I know it's a bit of a tease again, don't mean for it to be, just want to really develope Viktor/Amelia's relationship. No need to rush into anything.

-I promise Amelia's father will show up in the next chapter, and it will finally put to rest all the speculations. Lol.

-Hope you atleast enjoyed the lovey/dovey-ness of this chapter.