A vampire lord challenged Adrian's authority as Coordinator.
Lord Dmitri believed Adrian was too young, too inexperienced, too influenced by his bond with Kieran. He called for a vote of no confidence in front of the entire Congress.
"You've been Coordinator for barely two years," Dmitri said. "You're a child in vampire terms. This position requires someone with centuries of experience."
"I have ten lifetimes of experience," Adrian countered. "My soul is ancient, even if this body is young."
"Your soul, perhaps. But your understanding of vampire politics is limited."
The debate continued for hours. Some supported Adrian, others agreed with Dmitri. It was exhausting, frustrating, and made Adrian question his abilities.
That night, Kieran found him on their balcony, staring at the ocean.
"Don't let Dmitri get to you," Kieran said.
"What if he's right? What if I'm not qualified?"
"You've coordinated the defeat of the entity, managed coalition forces, built this sanctuary. You're more qualified than anyone." Kieran turned Adrian to face him. "And I won't let you doubt yourself."
He kissed Adrian fiercely, possessively. His hands moved over Adrian's body with claiming intensity.
"You're powerful," Kieran said against Adrian's lips. "You're capable. You're perfect. And you're mine."
He pressed Adrian against the balcony railing, his hands working Adrian's pants open. "Let me remind you how incredible you are."
Adrian gasped as Kieran's hand wrapped around him, stroking firmly. "Kieran, someone could see—"
"Let them. Let everyone see that you're mine, that you're powerful enough to make an ancient vampire desperate for you."
Kieran spun Adrian to face the railing, entering him from behind with practiced ease. The position was exposed, vulnerable, incredibly hot.
"You're a Coordinator who stops ancient entities," Kieran said, his pace steady. "A healer who fixes broken bloodlines. A leader who unites species. You're everything."
"Don't stop," Adrian begged. "Please don't stop."
"Never stopping. Never letting you forget how incredible you are."
They came together intensely, Adrian biting his lip to stay quiet despite the pleasure overwhelming him.
After, Kieran held him close. "Better?"
"Much better. Thank you."
The vote the next day upheld Adrian's position as Coordinator—Dmitri's challenge failed. But more importantly, Adrian no longer doubted himself.