Elisabeta appeared in front of Katerina so fast that she could not even see it but the sudden appearance made her stumble backwards.

Ezra calmly caught her with one arm and pushed her back up to stand still. Astrid tilted her head when she noticed the gentle handling he did with her.

She has never seen Ezra be so bold as to be kind to a mere human. Ezra was a courageous Prince but he was also feared by many vampires because he would kill without remorse or an explanation. It is partly why she was so fond of him herself. He challenged her and she loved it. She loved the way his hands would caress and grope her body in bed. Just the thought of it sent an electric current through her body.

But somehow, he was kind to this girl and Astrid was curious as to find out why.

"She seems to be a bit unsteady, my dear son." Her eyes lowered to the crystal collar around her neck, realizing the type it was. She shot a quick glance at Ezra but left it alone for now.

Ezra continued to keep his emotions calm. "She will be fine within a month or two." He rea.s.sured her.

"Good. You will want to place this one in the rankings when the time comes. I think they are being held in a few months or so." She smiled at her son then stepped away.

"Shall we continue with our gathering today? The tea has been set up outside in the garden." Elisabeta lifted her gown to head towards the door and let the maids know they were moving to the garden.

The twins and Lilith ran out of the study to race each other to the garden while Astrid and his mother left the room with their arms linked with each others. Victoria walked out of the study with Parris which then left Katerina alone with Ezra.

"You need to get control over that heart of yours." He stated coldly. "It is annoying enough to hear the blood pumping through your veins that I now have to deal with others wanting to drink from you too." He sighed.

"I'm sorry.." She answered, looking down at the floor.

Ezra suddenly swept himself across the room in a blur, shutting the doors and pulling the curtains closed at the windows. He then appeared in front of her, giving her yet another fright. She stumbled back again but this time he caught her with both of his arms wrapping around the curvature of her body. His fingers ran themselves over the bones of her spine.

"Stop being so afraid, Katerina." His voice was lowered, almost a whisper. Her named continuing to roll over his tongue with his thick accent. His face was inches away from her when he caught her but her heart rate increasing only made him tighten his grip.

"I said stop it." He growled, intensifying his crimson eyes in front of her.

She was genuinely scared and the moment of him so close to her made her shudder in more fear. His arms could crush her small body in a split second if she continued to anger him. After a moment, she slowed her breathing and her heart rate decreased.

"Better." He breathed out, becoming a statue in the position they are in. "I won't allow them to hurt you." He stated with a stern expression.