Chanyeol stands at the edge of his vast pillared private lounge, watching the slightly golden blackcurrant coloured liquid swirl around the glass much like his emotions swirl around his own body. He's never felt more conflicted in all his long years of life, he's fully aware his decision to not send away the mortal boy, could bring about his own and his coven's downfall. That the feelings he's feeling are not at all familiar or natural to him, yet he simple cant bring himself to bring more despair the already distressed human.

Shaking his head as he sips his wine he's not prepared to admit he feels a bit like a lovesick fool, and has only been in the presence of this human when conscious for less then an hour. Yet it's long enough for a thirst like no other to invade his senses, it's not the raw feral need to drain this boy of blood that has so often occurred when in the presence of a human with warm flowing blood.  Oh no, no, no, the thirst he feels is a different kind, one he was sure was just as much myth as the gods of old. Yet here he stands on the edge of his sanctuary, dreaming of the times he would be allowed to drown in an altogether different essence. The desperate yearn for blood is always there but tonight it's on a more raw primal intimate way. One that involves silk sheets, naked skin and a intimate sexual yearning for each other. Taking a deep breath to calm the rising tempest of his body, as his mind free falls into consuming and erotic vision of the blonde haired beauty gasping into his ear as they dance a dance only lovers do. It's so intense, so seductive, it could almost be real. So real he needs  do more then mediate clear his head. He's almost embarrassed that he's one of the strongest of his kind yet the mere imagination of sexual intercourse, makes him want to relieve himself.

He needs that fresh air and now, to do that he slinks away from the additional hedonistic smells he steps forward to the balcony, appreciating how he can be at one with nature out here. It's so calming to watch the silver wisps of clouds continue to roll over the mountains like a blanket of comfort, surrounding this mountain palace like an extra layer of security. A thick silver dense fog that keeps his palace out of sight of modern day Seoul. Not that he's trying to hide away, this special palace built by his family's coven has always been designed as a sanctuary. A place built with peace in mind, where many of his coven can be themselves and not have to hide their origins, he fears that may end all with the arrival of boy child still resting behind him. He fears for this rare bloom and the future he faces, now a handful of his kind know this young man carries golden blood. He knows realistically whilst the boundaries of the palace are the safest in the world, there's no treaty of sanctuary that will guarantee this boys safety.

Taking a sip of the wine in his glass he's savours the taste of the warming slightly spicy wine. His thoughts wondering to how surprised he is by the calmness enveloping him as he listens to that gently thumping heartbeat, the pulse of blood pumping through veins too. Not willing to admit that the sound of this tiny human's heartbeat filling his private space doesn't feel as out of place as it should.

The swift but quiet footsteps he hears coming towards his private apartment means whatever he's feeling, is something he will need to ignore for now. Turning just in time to see Jongdae enter with a silver tray, on that tray he can smell the ginseng and lavender tea, smell the freshness of the sesame seasoned spinach, spinach from the herb garden here. The hot cooked five grain rice has been expertly cooked, the salmon fillet that also fills the tray freshly caught from the river at the bottom of the library gardens. It's complete nourishing meal, one that costs more then an expensive dinner in the top downtown restaurants. A meal too packed with all the nutrients and vitamins that this rare bloom will need, a meal with protein for strength this poor child is completely deprived of. He can't really say thank you though instead he internally groans at the anger on Jongdae's face, the looks that brings his headache back full force. Chanyeol may be a true born vampire, but the less then amused face of his oldest confident does make him feel like a new born about to be reprimanded.

He's positive he knows exactly what Jongdae wants to say, neither of them acknowledging how he not so subtly blocks out the human still sleeping on his chase lounge. "I sent four of our best to Domenico's apartment to see what they can dig up there, there should be something to help us figure out how he sneaked through the mortal custom channels. I also thought it unwise that I go just in case The Italian royal family decided to pay a visit, I don't want to be the reason for them declaring war.

"I doubt they will come, especially when I tell them why I had to take his life. No one wants to be told a royal coven member has been put down because of blood rage. Now would they insinuate how you are trespassing, Seoul maybe a neutral city, it still a part of our territory.

"Yes but the bigger problem we have is that you have a allowed a living creature to bring in a highly addictive blood to our home. Blood rage that will infect these very walls if we do not act!"

"Jongdae I would never place our family in danger you know this! I have spent a century campaigning for peace between us and the mortals. I'm not about to loose it now it's not so easy to just let the boy loose, no before you say it, I haven't forgotten that it's my zodiac that stands as crest on these very walls and my forearms!"

"I'm sorry Chanyeol i just do not agree with the human staying here, yes of course it's tragic what has happened more so that's its by his own family, but the longer he stays here the more likely those who have scented him and know he carries that cursed blood group will come. Peace between us and the humans has been so long fought for, don't let it end by destroying our coven for the sake of preserving his blood type."

"Jongdae he can't leave this palace, I will be signing his death certificate if I allow that!"

"Chanyeol you are the highest ranking vampire in all the modern world, our king if you will. Your word is gospel you can compel us all to ignore his blood group."

Chanyeol can't help bout bare his fangs and let out the growl in his throat at the anger directed before him, he's not sorry that his anger has surprised his oldest friend friend. He's been left will little choice save for explaining why he's made such a decision, he wants to be doubly sure he's not imagined his own reactions. It's not unheard of for vampires and humans to be mates, just incredibly rare.

Chanyeol takes a second sip of his wine, he's well aware it's precarious having such a sought after blood type under his roof. Yet compelling his whole coven will leave him and his sharp instincts vulnerable, he can't allow any weakness. What choice does he has though, having Sehun and Yixing take this young Baekhyun back to his dorm would be a death sentence. This rare night bloom would be abducted at the very least, drained of his precious life's blood at the very worst. Turning his head away from the angry vampire, he comes face to face with this Angel on earth, skin as pale as the moon and as fragile as a new born fawn. It's truly remarkable how his own soul yearns to protect this delicate man at all costs, even if he barely knows him. Chanyeol is no fool neith are any of his advisors, they would know by his actions in time why he didn't send this human away.

He can also sense the mounting impatience of the vampire beside him, impatience he really doesn't want to command or compel into submission. No he has to tell Jongdae why he made the decision. Covens have never before fallen at the hands of a mortal and he certainly won't allow the Sagittarius Coven to be the first.

"I do understand your concern Jongdae I really do, but this young human will remain here!"

"Chanyeol I don't think it's a good idea."

"Jongdae, I have no choice, it's not just his blood type you saw his terror  and heard Sehun, where would he go!"

"Far from here, Chanyeol you are our King, I implore you to seriously think about the consequences."

"Consequences work both ways Jongdae, sending him away will cause his death, the mortals could uprise against us if they learn we willingly let a vulnerable boy leave our safe heaven."

"The boy can not stay here Chanyeol!"

"Jongdae enough! Do you hear yourself? Your talking about a man, a boy really who's had his whole life tuned up side down. I will not make this worse by succumbing to the monster I can be just to appease you! Nor will I end his life so that we can continue in this fragile peace we created. I will not let him go back to his dorm where the animals of humanity could get hold of him. After-all the rumours of what golden blood could do are not ignored by the mortals either, I'm sure it's won't be long before the Byun's realise their gamble hasn't worked so will turn to other means to elevate their wealth. Mortals do not have immortality like we do Jongdae, yet their constant innovation and evolution has made them just as lethal!"

"Do you not think his demise would be for the best, it would prevent the war that could arise should our kind know our king is willingly hiding golden blood!"

Chanyeol is so close to snapping at his oldest friend, his patience is wearing dangerously thin. He respects his friend he really does, and whilst he may be walking a metaphorical tight rope, one that is wobbling in the breeze with his decision. He knows the decision he has made is final, is it unique yes, is it dangerous? absolutely can he stop himself definitely not. He so wishes his own parents were still alive to guide him, his father would want him to follow their traditions, his mother would want him to be happy, they would guide him through the challenges of appeasing the coven, and the wider community. The extra strength needed to help protect the rare bloom behind him.

He may of been reluctant to keep this boy with in the confines of the palace at first, but that changed the moment this pure soul landed in his arms. It changed everything, the anger he had with their youngest brother for bringing him to the gates in the first place just melted away. Then the whole killing Domenico it's a headache he truly doesn't need, the Italian coven have always been the faction who have challenged his authority the most. The killing and dismembering of one it's members in his own territory could start a war all on its own. His thoughts on that interrupted when he hears Jongdae speak with a much softer tone.

"I see the fire in your eyes Chanyeol, you've not had a look like this for near millennia, you sound almost protective too!"

Chanyeol would take a deep inhale if his own heart still pumped, whilst he knew explaining his decision would be discovered quickly, he had hoped he would get to at least reveal the reason after a couple of days of it sinking in for himself. It's not impossible for vampires to mate with humans, eons ago it was a way to ensure offsprings as bitten victims have never been seen as true blood vampires. In the eyes of the old guard a half blood vampire was better to lead a coven then it was a new born. Blood rage could take a hold and wipe out covens as it's not just golden blood that's addictive, all blood is but controlling that first for a new born takes discipline. Discipline that was hard to come by, he's heard the rumours and seen what has happened to newly turned vampires.

It's not something he can think about now as he watches the realisation dance across his friends face. It's long been assumed by his coven that he'd find his mate within the harem, it's a constant conversation of their own private meetings that he should start considering something a little more permanent. No one will expect his mate to be a much much younger mortal who carries golden blood, he's still not sure how to process it himself.

"Oh My God!"

"Believe me when I first saw him I wanted to send him back to his home Jongdae, I truly did! Then I saw all that sadness and fear before he succumbed to his exhaustion in my arms. The way he so easily trusted me, there was something in his sadness that called to me, he's the most beautiful creature I've seen for many long years. I felt the colour of my eyes change and instincts I long thought dead implored me to keep this human safe. I had hoped to have more time to confirm how I feel, but the contentment I feel when he is close just can't be ignored! I'm not sure I want to ignore either, which is a surprise even to me!"

"Your response to this mortal makes so much more sense, I couldn't understand why at first but now I do, is this really true. Is this human truly your mate?"

"Yes, he is my mate!"

Now that he's heard  and said the words aloud he can't help, but turn his attention to the mortal boy still sleeping peacefully. He truly is a work of art, unblemished skin so delicately fair it's iridescent against the soft candlelight. Doll like feature, that has it not been for the tiny chocolate brown mole above those full pouty pink lips he truly think a doll had landed in his lap. He shouldn't but he can't help himself as he inhales allowing all the scents of the room to invade his senses, it's all home with the additional of a scent so alluring it can only be described as pure white light. Clean citrus with a undertone of milk and honey, is but a scent he would associate with this palace, it's always filled with the subtle richness of spicy red wine and the dangerous hedonistic yet subtle warmth of iron from the blood pumping through Baekhyun's veins.

All the vampires of his coven will be able to hear this uncommon heartbeat, and hear that precious blood pumping through veins after all they're all blessed with exceptional hearing. Thankfully his private quarters is watched over by the security faction loyal to his family, and only his most trusted advisers will from now on be granted access this private sanctuary of his own. For his protection until this young bloom is ready he will reside in the harem, it will be murder being separated but it's the best way to protect Baekhyun. He will be close enough to intervene should he need to but far enough for him to settle in to the harem with out his constant presence, it will give this young beauty chance to come to terms with a  vastly different future as his intended mate. A mate he woo slowly so as not to overwhelm and scare him, it will be torture but for the sake of Baekhyun's wellbeing he will do it!

"Are you sure you want him to stay in the harem Chanyeol?"

"You are quick to change your tune Jongdae, what happened to the advisor steadfast in kicking him out hmm! The Harem is best it's the safest place out side of this apartment in this entire palace complex. It would not be appropriate for him to stay here and the coven is not ready to have a human inside these walls!"

"The harem may be well protected, I would hardly call it the safest place though Chanyeol."

"What do you mean!"

"It's not what but who I mean, even you can not be so obtuse to not know who I speak of. Out of all of the people whom reside there, can you honestly tell me you do not know whom I speak of. There is one resident in  your harem who would not take to kindly to a competition for your affection! It's the same one Suho barges in to this very room at all hours of the day with a list of complaints as tall as he is!"

Chanyeol does know who Jongdae refers to, she's not just a thorn in the side of his Harem Manger, she grates on his last neves too. A red haired vixen who could pass as a sultana of the old ottoman dynasty, a vampire named Cassandra.  The balls of many of the coven seem to either shrink in her presence or they follow her round like bitches in heat. She would be beautiful if she didn't have such an ugly soul, flaming red hair the perfect hourglass figure. A descendant of Hurrem Sultana herself, from a noble ottoman vampire clan she is firm favourite to be his mate. A true beauty of old, that he was happy to have as part of his harem, yes they have succumbed to temptation and spent some nights together. Since then she has been a constant pain in the ass, her temper as fiery as her hair, had Suho been human, Chanyeol is positive he would be headless. Her attitude and treatment of others soon soured her classic beauty and any chance of being more then an occasional visitor to his bed chamber. Something she vehemently despises as knows she will never be more than a concubine.

"Chanyeol does Cassandra still reside in the favourites section!"

"Of course she does, she's defies every order to leave that space."

"Like I said it may be safest from outside interference, but it is Cassandra and her swarm of bees who will give Baekhyun the hardest time."

Chanyeol definitely feels the headache he's been fighting off returning full force, his idea to have Baekhyun stay in a individual favourites room will indeed be difficult if Cassandra is in that dormitory, but he has no choice. If there was one thing he could change in this world, it would be this rather ancient tradition of a harem. A tradition to ensure his clan's survival, by having multiple potential mates that can produce offsprings, the old fashioned way. Not freshly turned newborn vampires, but true blue blooded progeny from those vampires lucky enough to procreate as nature intended, somewhere in the depths of his library there will be tomes about those of his kind still possessing the reproductive systems needed to carry vampire babies.

His own mother was one of those able to bare children and  was a member of his father's harem. He can't remember exactly what happened but remembers his mother was noble vampire of a now extinct clan. The exact story of how his mother came to be with his father is now rather fuzzy, but it is widely whispered that the harems were created as a way to protect those who could carry children. His parents however found love, a love he remembers before they were cruelly taken from this world. Taken at time of all of nature's creatures deepest darkest moments, the height of the hatred between mortals and immortals alike. A time he is most grateful is over as are the majority of humans and vampires finally accept each other.

That's not what's important now, he can take a step down memory lane later, right now he has to think about the challenges faced within his own home. He's not going to deny that he's enjoyed many a night in the well trained arms of the Harem's inhabitants, both male and female. Now the thought of doing just that makes him feel unworthy, the rare bloom before him is far too innocent for him.  He can smell the innocence on his skin, there's no additional scent to his skin that he can pick up with his acute sense of smell, something a certain anatomy is incredibly pleased about. A rare bloom in deed has fallen in to his lap, one from the modern world where monogamy is important and sex is consensual not something bought or demanded of. Cassandra being in the favourites dormitory will make his attempts to woo this mortal a lot more challenging, she will no doubt boast of the nights they shared together.

Now he has to contend with that and the fact that their worlds are vastly different even if Baekhyun's family is of  a privileged position, aware of vampires and their place in the modern word. His position too is not just any, he's head of a coven, sits on the world forum as well, secretly controls several large conglomerates and is born from two powerful vampires, one an ancient royal king, the other of noble blood. A king in his own right  and has been bought up knowing there would always be coven full of loyal followers to serve him. Had his parents not been a part of the revolution, his life now would be vastly different it's a really why he's been so hesitant to accept Baekhyun as his mate in the first place. Now he's felt that petite body up close and personal and felt that beautiful heartbeat under his fingertips, his whole being is screaming internally at the very thought of sending Baekhyun back to his dorm.  Cassandra they can deal with, Baekhyun leaving he cannot.

"For now Jongdae, Baekhyun will stay I will figure out what to do with the she devil in time, for now i will keep my interactions with Baekhyun to the minimal. I will make Sehun take him to the harem, it will draw less attention altogether."

" I think that's a good idea Chanyeol, at least while the dust settles. I am sorry for jumping down your throat about sending him away, he would face more as much danger if anyone discovered he was your mate."

"Which is why I wished for him to stay in the first place, I wanted the chance for this rare bloom being my mate to sink in, then slowly get to know him."

"Agin I'm sorry I questioned you and your decision."

"Any longer and we would of been at loggerheads Jongdae! Thankfully it didn't get to a point of no return. That neither of our tempers flared as this whole conversation could of ended in quite the bloodbath. Don't be too hard on yourself I'm not angry, even if your barged in to my private chambers uninvited with said mate unable to defend himself."

"Not my finest moment I admit!"

Chanyeol goes to say to his friend that it really wasn't at all, but stops dead in his tracks when that soft comforting almost too slow heartbeat suddenly thunder claps to life. The gasp that follows has him instantly whirling around to find that beautiful rare bloom he's only been able to hold in his own arms for a few short moments finally awake. This young man is even more beautiful in the twinkling light of dusk wrapped up in a red velvet blanket with those piercing clear blue eyes.

"Please don't hurt me!"

That softly whispered plea is like a dagger to his heart, Chanyeol doesn't however miss the way this young man trembles in clear fear of him, it's an odd feeling to experience. To be in the presence of his intended mate and feel such fear, he's physically incapable of hurting him, yet all he can see when he looks in those gorgeous eyes is pain and despair.

To be continued......

Hello my lovelies

What an absolute age it has been for me to give you all an update, seeking a 1000 apologies for making you wait so long.

It's no secret my health has been a right state these last few weeks, it wasn't just a chest infection I had a nasty bout of bronchitis. Much better now though.

How did you all like this insight in too our Vampire Chanyeol, I've tried not to load everything in to this update but still wanted to make it detailed.

Let me know what you think ❤️❤️