Marked by the Vampire Prince: I’m His Mate, Not His Baby Maker!

Lyra's POV 

My body jolted forward with a painful thud as the barrel slammed against the floor. I barely bit back a curse, my body ached from the impact. 

"Leave it there, kid. Let's just go." 

Looking from the peephole, I could see their retreating backs. They figured they couldn't stall any longer than necessary.

'Guess we've arrived.'

I waited in tense silence, straining to hear any signs of any potential threat around the area.

When I was sure I was alone, I lifted the lid—just a crack. Then a little more.

A cold, dimly lit room greeted me. There, lined with more crates, barrels, and the scent of alcohol and berries, I knew I was now alone in the storage room. 

Perfect.

But as I looked around, I remembered the earlier conversation. What was up with this huge stock of berries, anyway?

I shrugged then I climbed out stiffly, stretching my cramping legs, and quietly tiptoed across the room. My head peeked through the half-open door.

Across the hall was a laundry room—clean, empty, jackpot.

Looking at my battered worn clothes, stained with berries, I had to avoid being suspicious here.

Time to improvise.

A dark blue dress hung on the drying rack, simple but elegant. Close enough to blend in. I stripped off my old clothes, shoved them into the incinerator, and slipped into the dress like I'd done it a hundred times before. A pair of leather shoes sat waiting by the door like fate had left me a costume.

I ran my fingers through my messy red hair and practiced a small, dignified smile on the metal surface of the washing machine.

Just another role. Just another lie.

And this time, I wasn't playing for applause—I was playing to survive.

========

I later realized the wolves unknowingly brought me to Diamond Hotel—the fanciest hotel which was the border between Slumber Hound City and the city amongst creatures. 

Fortunately, they were too distracted by the music, the loud chatters, and the food they consumed that once again, I was lucky enough to roam around casually.

The place I was in now was the function room of the hotel. I recognized familiar faces of affluent families from the human side. These were the same ones who sold their souls to our enemies just so they could remain wealthy.

'Fucking traitors,' I thought as I looked away.

Yet, this was the first time I was seeing different creatures in one place—wolves, vampires, faeries, ogres, elves. All in one place, enjoying without a sound of prejudice.

No, I didn't have time to dawdle, I needed to leave quietly. 

However, when I passed by the buffet table, I stopped as my eyes wandered at the sight of fancy food. And when the amazing food wafted through my nostrils, my stomach grumbled. 

And next to it, as I couldn't help my lips curved into a smile, were filled with more berries. Was today a berry festival for these monsters?

"Excuse me," one of the staff of the hotel approached me with a clear skeptical look in his eyes. "Do you mind showing us your ID as your proof of identification?"

Oh, crap. I spoke too soon that I would be safe from their suspicions.

I turned to them— two young dwarves, as I gave my most dazzling smile, changing my demeanor instantly. 

"Do you ask this to every human in the vicinity, young gents?"

The two exchanged looks. "Err…we are asking because we haven't seen you before."

"Oh my," I said with exaggeration as I gave a dramatic gasp. Then gave them a haughty glare. "How could you not know that I, Audrey Hepburn, a world-renowned thespian of stage plays, huh?"

"Ma'am, your name isn't on the list."

"Then, shall I ask the Alpha, Noah Bates, to come here for confirmation, hm?" I smirked. "I happen to know him personally and I'm well acquainted with the Alpha. I am sure he wouldn't mind meeting you and having a "private" talk."

They both flinched at the mention of the notorious wolf. He was one of my mother's clients, after all. 

"I'm s-sorry, ma'am. W-we thought—'' his face turned red with embarrassment. "If you excuse us."

And the staff members scurried away, leaving me alone as I continued acting haughty and entitled and gave a loud harumph. 

Not going to lie, it was a whim that I pulled through this act and I was proud of my performance. 

Now, I couldn't go out until I was completely off the radar of the guests here. I sighed as my eyes wandered back to the buffet table and pondered.

M-maybe I should stay here a bit and sneak some food down to my bag. I was sure they wouldn't notice a thing. 

As I slowly gathered my food and gave those who were staring at me with my smile, I was thinking everything would be fine. 

I would be back home safe before I knew it.

"This party would be different from the rest," said the wolf next to me. He was chatting with his female wolf companion. "We rarely had mixed parties like this, huh?"

"What makes this different?" His date asked.

"Oh, didn't you know? The Ancient High Vampire Julian Czarnel hosted it for the first time."

I froze. 

Julian Czarnel? He was here? 

"For real? I've always wanted to see him in person!"

"He will show up soon. It's the Red Moon Party," he smirked while placing his hand possessively on the she-wolf's hip. "He is bound to come here."

'Nope, nope, fucking nope,' I thought. 

I had to get out of here, fast.

I was about to leave but when I caught a glimpse of that delicious buffet once more, my stomach growled. 

My fight and flight instinct came to a full halt as my eyes scanned each and every food there until it landed to that delicious meatball pasta. 

Now that I think about it, I had never eaten pasta before, I thought while licking my lips.

Screw running! I wouldn't run until I got those meatballs…and the rest of the food.