Chapter 15 – Rorik #2
She takes a step forward, getting in my personal bubble.
Lifting a clawed finger, she wags it in my face as she speaks.
“After the reveal, you and your mate should be prepared to go on national television to explain what was happening in that video. Even if it means revealing the notion of fated mates to the humans. And don’t think I didn’t hear about you knocking out Bellamore this morning.
That cost you an additional $500,000 in donations to the Supernatural Liberties Fund. ”
I shrug. “Worth it.”
She groans, turns on her heel, and stomps back over to Layla and Thorne where she dramatically vents to them, probably about me.
Is this what it’s like to have siblings?
Even though Ciara stole my memories when I was created, they eventually returned over the years.
I remember my human life before the turn.
I was an only child. My mother died when I was six, so the only family I grew up with was a strict father who worked fifteen-hour days just to put food on the table.
Who sent me off to work myself when I turned ten.
I never experienced the close-knit bickering of a brother or sister. Vara being so frustrated with me has me believing she actually cares. She’s not one to put much thought or time into someone who has no place in her life.
And that makes me smile as I leave the college campus.
Back to my apartment and my little lamb.
I arrive just as the gargoyle, his wife, and the elder witch are leaving.
Xander opting for a driver instead of flying them around the city.
I received a text from the king sometime during tonight’s class to let me know Peyton has officially been pulled off babysitting duty. Same with the daytime guard.
They really weren’t needed in the first place, though I allowed it because Aurora clearly felt safer with Peyton around. She must have told them she was okay to be alone with me.
It’s only been one night since Layla and the gargoyles busted me, but a lot has happened in the past twenty-four hours.
Aurora no longer hates me.
I hope.
When I enter the penthouse, the air is full of energy.
Magic.
“Aurora?” I say, walking past the kitchen and into the living room.
I hear a fast heartbeat and a giggle.
“Little Lamb,” I growl. Her excited scent engulfs me. She’s turned on. “Reveal yourself.”
“Boo!” Aurora says, appearing in front of me. She’s got the biggest, brightest smile as she bounces on her heels. “I can cast masking spells now! Mira was able to go in and lessen whatever block my mother cast on my magic. It’s still preventing me from doing anything major though.”
I want to bring her into my arms and hug her. Kiss her on the head and tell her how proud I am of her.
But I’ve been too needy with her. I don’t want to overdo it and scare her away.
“That’s wonderful. Any memories return?”
She frowns. “No. Mira said the spell that took my memories is stronger. She wants to work with me every week to try and chip away at it. She thinks I could start remembering things the more I use my magic, but I’m out of practice, so she suggested I attend spell-casting classes with Evangeline.
Did you know she’s also new to using magic?
Apparently her powers just recently emerged after mating with Xander. ”
I wag my brows at her. “So, you’re saying if you mate with me, your powers will unlock?”
She rolls her eyes. “I didn’t say that, but Mira agreed that it could help.”
“Well, I’m ready when you are.”
Actually, this week isn’t the best with the reveal happening, but I’d skip it all if Aurora says she’s ready to accept the bond.
She scrunches her nose. “I want to get used to using my magic first.”
I reach my hand up to cup her cheek. “Okay, my dear.”
She closes her eyes, leaning into my touch.
“So, tell me,” I begin. “What magic would you like to practice with first? What else did you learn?”
“They taught me how to build protection wards, like an extra layer of security for the apartment. But I mostly want to practice masking myself when out in public.”
I release her cheek and tap my chin, a thought coming to me. “I think I know the perfect place to do that.”
“Yeah?” she asks, her face lighting up.
“Central Park. It’s nearby. You could hide, mask yourself, and I will come find you.”
Her eyes widen. “Like… primal play?”
My fangs drop. I can’t help it. Too many indecent scenarios just popped into my head. “What do you know about primal play, Little Lamb?”
Her face blushes a beautiful red.
“Um… I know that I definitely want that.”
“You want me to chase you in the park?”
She nods.
I take hold of her by the nape and tug her to me. I rub my nose against hers and graze my lips over her mouth. “The things I will do when I catch you…”
Her breath hitches.
“But… not this week.”
I release her, and she whimpers.
“Why not?”
“Because the supernatural revealing plan is happening. And they want me to help prepare. I’ll be required to teach a course on the history of vampires.”
“Oh…”
“Aurora, trust me. I desperately want to smell your fear and excitement as I stalk you in the dark of night, but I want to make sure we have time. Plus, the first time I fuck you is going to be in a bed, not on the ground in a wooded area. Because when I catch you after chasing you… I will be fucking you.”
Aurora’s face reddens deeper.
“Now, it’s getting late. Are you hungry? Tired? I want to make sure you’re eating enough and getting plenty of sleep. That way you’re refreshed for when we do fuck.”
Her shyness about being chased and fucked in the woods fades, replaced with exasperation.
“So confident,” she says, scoffing. “No, I’m not hungry. But I’m burning up so I’m going to shower and go to bed. Alone.”
She turns and leaves. I watch her walk away, wearing a short cottagecore dress.
At least, that’s what she told me the style of dress was when I asked.
I bought it for her last week because I thought it matched her personality.
The pretty green and floral fabric looked magical against her pale skin and with red hair.
We still have a few boxes to go through in my office, including one I’ve kept hidden that has information on Aurora’s residence.
A lease for an apartment in the East Village, some bills, and other papers with a New Orleans address.
It’s where she used to live, I’m sure of it.
Then how did she end up here in New York?
I haven’t given her the box yet because I worry she’ll want to leave me.
That she’ll hop on a plane and never return.
She might hate me for not handing it over sooner. I know she wants to gather the rest of her belongings. But I just want to enjoy her for a little bit longer.
Though hating me might be for the better.
That way when I lose her, it won’t hurt as badly.