25. Yannis
“This means a lot to me.”
I brush my fingers over Hale’s cheek as we lie naked together in his bed. “I know. It means a lot to me too.”
“I have to ask you again. Are you positive this is what you want? You’re trembling.”
“I’m nervous because I don’t know what to expect, but I want this. I swear I’d tell you if I wasn’t ready.” I trace my finger over a pink scar on his chest. It looks months old rather than hours. “These will heal completely?”
He glances down at the scar. “By morning they’ll be gone.”
“And that will happen to me if I ever get hurt?”
“Yes. You can feel pain just like you can feel pleasure, but it’s much less severe than if you were mortal.”
“Is the pleasure less intense too?”
He smiles. “No. Pleasure is intensified in most cases. There are some mortal delights that have little effect on us, but anything that triggers lust, whether for blood or sex, has an impact.”
“What doesn’t?”
“Anything meant to be intoxicating. Alcohol, drugs, even food. Thorn can ingest enough drugs to kill an army of elephants and he’s barely buzzed. Most of us don’t bother with such pursuits.”
I nod, biting my lip. “So no more food?”
“In the beginning, you can usually ingest small amounts of mortal food and beverages, but you’ll find that over time your body tolerates it less and you don’t desire it.” He rubs his thumb over the vein in my neck. “All you’ll want at first is blood.”
A shiver runs through me. “How will I get it? At Lair?”
“You’ll get it from me initially, and then yes, Lair is a good option. In our modern era, it isn’t necessary to hunt as we used to. Rhett tells me we have three donors ready to start.”
“You’ll show me how to do it?”
He smiles. “Yes, but your instincts will guide you.”
“And most of the time I’ll just look like me?”
He nods. “Yes, but be aware that at first your beast will rule you, and little things will trigger you. Over time, you’ll learn how to control it.”
“Okay.”
“The good news is that living here and being at Lair are very helpful. You can be yourself there and not worry about exposure.”
“You want me to stay here with you, right?”
“Of course. Unless you’d prefer to live somewhere else. Whatever you need to be happy and comfortable, I’ll do.”
“It’s beautiful here, but we should decorate.”
Hale chuckles. “Yes, we should.” He cups my face. “I’ll take good care of you, Yannis. Whatever you desire is yours.”
“Just you. That’s more than enough.”
He presses a kiss to my lips. “Do you have more questions?”
I shake my head even though my stomach is twisted in knots. I know I’m ready though. I want this. “Let’s do it.”
“Look into my eyes, and as you do, breathe out and relax. You’re safe with me, Yannis.”
Holding his gaze, I exhale, smiling as his eyes brighten and begin to glow. I’ve noticed how soft the light behind them is when he’s looking at me versus when he’s angry. Because of him, I know what real love looks like.
As he rubs my arm, the tension I was holding melts away and warmth spreads through my body. He moves closer so that our bodies are touching while moving his hand behind my neck, pulling me to him until our lips meet.
I sink into his kiss, our tongues tangling, and little pricks of heat dot my skin. My cock swells, and I moan as Hale nibbles on my bottom lip. His kisses shift from my mouth to my chin, along my jaw and down the column of my neck, until he pierces my flesh with his fangs.
I gasp, clinging to him with my fingers digging into his back. I’m aware of the difference this time. The other times he fed were gentle and relaxing, but this feels desperate. I hear the blood leaving my body as my limbs tingle like they’re falling asleep.
None of it hurts though. It’s pleasant, like when you sink into a warm bath or get caught in summer rain. Soon enough, I feel sleepy, but I fight it. I don’t want to miss any of this.
Hale’s hand is moving in circles on my chest, offering comfort and encouraging more of that grogginess trying to take hold. But the more he drinks, the more the warmth is chased away and I grow cold.
I can’t feel my feet or hands anymore, but panic doesn’t set in. I know what’s happening. I’m literally dying right now.
“Hale?”
“You’re okay, love. This is supposed to happen.” He pulls completely off my neck and gazes down at me. He looks amazing with my blood on his lips. “It’s going to hurt a little, but I’ll be here.”
I nod but my eyesight blurs. This is it. The last thought that passes through my mind draws a smile to my face.
I love him.
I love this man.
“Hale… love…”
“What’s that?”
My breathing is shallow and harder to feel now. “Lo-ve.”
He kisses my forehead “Rest, darling. We can talk later.”
Squeezing my eyes closed, I fight the desire to go under. I have to tell him in case I don’t wake up.
“I… lo…” Through the tightness taking over my chest, I gasp for one last breath. “I love you.”
I finally give in, letting the darkness drag me under.