MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

The sound of trees ruffling as squirrels shuffled their way through the early morning wasn't the only thing that breezed past Blake's ears. Each rustle of leaves, each chirp of a bird, seemed amplified in the tranquil forest, creating a symphony of nature that enveloped him.

In the distance, a river meandered its way through the forest, its gentle flow adding to the serene ambiance. The air was crisp and fresh, tinged with the earthy scent of pine and damp moss.

Surrounded by towering trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, Blake found himself immersed in the beauty of a wilderness. It was a stark contrast to the chaos and danger he had faced just hours earlier at Damien's mansion.

He glanced back at the cabin where the rest of the group was taking refuge. The sturdy wooden structure seemed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, offering a haven of peace and safety amidst the wilderness.

Blake and the knights had rendezvoused not far from Damien's mansion, where they had regrouped and planned their next move. The journey to the cabin had been arduous, navigating through dense foliage and treacherous terrain, but they had finally reached their sanctuary.

Inside the cabin, the rest of the group had settled in for some much-needed rest. The events of the day had taken their toll on everyone, and the quietude of the forest offered a welcome respite from the turmoil they had endured.

Doctor Martina was tending to Rose. Her injuries weren't severe just that being trapped in Damien's ice for only who knows how long took a toll on her.Martina's expertise and care were a comforting presence, providing hope amid the uncertainty.

As Blake stood outside the cabin, he couldn't help but reflect on the events that had led them here. The daring rescue mission, the fierce battle with Damien, the desperate struggle to save Rose and the baby—it had all happened in a whirlwind of action and adrenaline.

But amidst the chaos, there was also a sense of camaraderie and unity among the group. They had faced danger together, fought side by side, and emerged victorious against all odds. It was a bond forged in fire, one that would endure whatever challenges lay ahead.

The road ahead would be difficult, fraught with peril and uncertainty, but they would face it together, as a team.

Lost in thought, Blake was startled when a hand gently touched his shoulder, causing him to flinch instinctively. Whirling around with shoulders squared, he found himself face to face with Martina, her expression sympathetic yet cautious.

Martina, ever perceptive in her role as a healer, took a subtle step backward, giving both herself and Blake some space. She could sense the lingering tension in his frame, the aftermath of their harrowing ordeal with Damien.

A thought flickered through her mind 'Anyone who faced Damien would have a similar reaction,'

She could sense the lingering tension in Blake's frame, the aftermath of their harrowing ordeal with the formidable foe.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you," Martina said softly, her voice gentle as she regarded Blake with understanding.

Realizing it was Martina, Blake let out a soft sigh, his shoulders sagging in relief. The familiar presence of the doctor offered a semblance of comfort in the midst of his turmoil.

"What's the matter?" Blake asked, his voice betraying a hint of weariness.

Martina met his gaze with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and reassurance. "Rose is up and she wants to see you," she replied softly, her voice tinged with understanding.

Without a moment's hesitation, Blake brushed past Martina, his footsteps echoing against the wooden floor as he hurried into the cabin. His heart raced with anticipation, eager to see Rose and ensure her well-being after their tumultuous ordeal.

Inside the cabin, Rose lay propped up against a stack of pillows, her eyes bright with relief at the sight of Blake. Despite the lingering traces of exhaustion, her smile radiated warmth and gratitude.

Blake crossed the room in quick strides, his expression softening as he approached Rose's bedside. Taking her hand in his, he felt a surge of emotion wash over him, a profound sense of gratitude and relief flooding his senses.

"Hey," he murmured, his voice choked with emotion. "How are you feeling?"

Blake rubbed his thumb against her palm, the warmth of his touch soothing her nerves. "Rose," he began softly, his voice filled with sincerity, "I've missed you so much. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me."

Rose's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her heart aching at Blake's words. "You don't have to apologize," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "I should have been the one there for you, especially through all the change."

Blake's gaze softened as he listened to her words. He could see her scanning his appearance, taking in the changes that had occurred since they last saw each other. His hair, once all black, now streaked with white, and his larger frame.

In a heartbeat, Rose seemed to finish her assessment, her eyes meeting Blake's with a hint of amusement. "Are you done?" Blake asked with a playful grin, his heart lighter at the sight of her smile.

Rose chuckled softly, her laughter echoing in the quiet room. "Your hair's not bad," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. And in that moment, as their laughter mingled in the air, Blake felt a sense of warmth and belonging wash over him, grateful to have Rose by his side once more.

Blake took a moment to study Rose, his eyes tracing the contours of her face with a fondness that hadn't faded despite their time apart. "You're not looking bad yourself," he remarked with a grin, his tone affectionate. "Just need to bulk up a little. I'm sure that bastard wasn't feeding you well."

Rose chuckled in agreement, a playful glint in her eyes. "You have no idea," she replied, shaking her head. "But I managed."

As their laughter subsided, they fell into a comfortable silence, their gazes locked in an unspoken exchange of emotions. It had been so long since they had been together like this, and yet it felt as though no time had passed at all. Times had come when he felt they would never meet again and be together and yet, now they were staring into each other's eyes in silence.

Blake however broke the silence, his voice tinged with urgency. "There's something I need to know," he began, his expression earnest.

Rose nodded, a smile gracing her lips as she held his gaze unwaveringly. She seemed almost afraid that he would vanish before her eyes if she blinked. Too long, it had been too long she hadn't set eyes on Blake, she wanted to spend every second of her life looking at the face of the man that had captured her heart, nothing was going to come in between her and doing that now, not even blinking.

Taking a deep breath, Blake continued, his words careful and measured. "All of this," he gestured to himself, "it happened out of necessity. The knights might have briefed you, but I feel I owe you an explanation."

Before he could say more, Rose interrupted, her voice firm and unwavering. "If they had even considered letting you die, I would have used their heads to play bowling," she declared, a hint of danger underlying her words.