MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

As Damien strode away from Dravena's castle, he couldn't help but shake his head and murmur under his breath. "Females of this species are utterly impossible."

His mind inevitably drifted to the two most vexing women who seemed determined to make his immortal existence a never-ending headache - Dravena and Rose. Though radically different in many ways, they shared one crucial similarity - an apparent deep-seated hatred for him.

Dravena's loathing was born of his refusal to entertain her incessant romantic delusions. For centuries, she had harbored an unhealthy obsession with him, constantly scheming and manipulating in hopes of claiming him as her mate. Her recent tantrum over his relationship with Rose was just the latest in a long line of unhinged outbursts.

As for Rose...well, her animosity was a bit more perplexing.

Damien snorted derisively. Females. So irrational and emotional, governed by potent feelings rather than cold logic. He supposed he should be grateful for small mercies - at least Rose despised him in a relatively quiet, contained way compared to Dravena's outright frenzied antics.

Still, he couldn't resist the nagging curiosity over her current whereabouts and situation. Perhaps a stop by the Shelly estate was in order before returning to his own holdings...

His path soon led him through the hushed, elegant halls of the Shelly clan's central palace. Rounding a corner, Damien nearly collided with a regally dressed woman sweeping down the corridor. Her sharp features and haughty countenance were unmistakable.

"Lady Gladys," Damien said respectfully, inclining his head. "My humble apologies. I did not expect to encounter you so directly."

Gladys's eyes raked over him disdainfully for a moment before she replied in clipped tones.

"Lord Damien. To what do we owe this...unexpected visit?" Her tone made it abundantly clear his presence was far from welcomed. Much like everyone else, Damien knew Gladys was one of those many people that could scarcely tolerate him.

Damien opted to get directly to the point. "I am attempting to locate your daughter, the Rose. She seems to have...misplaced herself as of late. I was hoping you could enlighten me as to her current whereabouts?"

A muscle twitched along Gladys's jaw, her lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line. After a calculated pause, she responded with exaggerated nonchalance.

"And how should I be aware of that treacherous girl's comings and goings? She has been but a fleeting specter within these halls for quite some time now."

Damien arched an eyebrow at her deflection. "Come now, my lady. Surely you must have some inkling as to where your own daughter resides currently? I merely wish to..."

"To wish is often far removed from reality, my lord," Gladys interrupted archly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have matters of actual importance requiring my attention."

With that, she executed a curt nod and brushed past Damien, her skirts whispering against the stone floor. Scowling at her retreating back, he shook his head in frustration.

Clearly, he wouldn't be getting any assistance from that prickly old crone. No matter - he knew Rose well enough to have a solid idea of where she might be holed up. Following his intuition, Damien soon found himself outside the entrance to the knights' quarters in the eastern wing of the castle.

As he started down the dimly lit corridor, the sound of shuffling footsteps and a faint, melodic humming reached his ears. Rounding the corner, he spied Rose emerging from one of the small private chambers, the door clicking shut behind her.

"You," Damien called out gruffly, startling her. "Where in the seven hells have you been?"

Rose whirled to face him, surprised quickly melting into a scowl as she registered who had addressed her.

"Damien," she said flatly. "To what do I owe this..." Her eyes raked over him disparagingly. "...untimely visitation?"

"Quit stalling and answer my question," he retorted, closing the distance between them with a few long strides. "I've had search parties combing the entire territory for any sign of you,"

Rose lifted her chin defiantly. "Is that so? Well I certainly didn't ask for any such thing. In fact, I specifically recall making my desire to be left alone abundantly clear."

Damien scowled at her, irritation prickling along his skin. "Your wants are irrelevant. You are my...my..."

The word 'wife' stuck in his throat like a sour lump. He knew how Rose despised that title, constantly insisting she had been coerced into their union. Perhaps it was best not to fan those flames just yet.

"You are mine," he settled on instead. "Your well being and safety are my responsibility, like it or not."

Rose's eyes flashed with anger at his possessive declaration. "I am no one's possession or obligation but my own, you arrogant leech," she bit out hotly. "I owe you no explanations or reassurances. I go as I please."

Despite her bravado, Damien could not ignore how haggard and pallid Rose appeared. Dark circles shadowed the skin beneath her eyes, and her cheeks seemed sunken, sallow. His sharp vision also picked up on the slightest swell of her belly.

"Have you lost your mind, wandering about in your...delicate state?" he demanded, unable to keep the edge from his voice. "Do you have any idea the sorts of depravities happening in the outer city right now? How easily you could be missed, abducted, and drained within an inch of your life?"

Rose's defiant glare faltered briefly at his words before the fire returned to her gaze. "I can take care of myself, Damien. I don't need your concern or chastisement."

He studied her drawn, weary features and suddenly felt a pang of something adjacent to sympathy. As obnoxious and infuriating as she could be, Rose was still his mate or at least would be as soon as the child was out of his way, for better or certain worse. Leaving her to fend for herself seemed...unwise at best, downright reckless at worst.

"Very well," he said at length. "If you're determined to be as bullheaded as a riled stag, so be it. But you clearly haven't been taking proper care of yourself."

As if to emphasize his point, Rose's stomach chose that moment to issue a loud, unmistakable growl of hunger. A flush of embarrassment colored her pallid cheeks as she shot him a withering glare.

"Is this your pathetic attempt to insult me?" she demanded hotly. "Casting dispersions upon my condition and calling me sickly?"

Damien rolled his eyes skyward. "For once, could you stop viewing every bloody statement as a personal attack? You look unwell, frail...underfed. That's an observation, not an admonishment."

Rose opened her mouth to protest, but Damien pushed on before she could continue their bickering.

"And I'll be damned if my...if you continue on in this unhealthy state any longer," he declared firmly. "You're coming with me, and you're going to have a decent meal for once. No arguments."