Chapter Finare
Finare
Behind the wheel of his car, Finare’s mind drifted, and his body took care of the driving. Veldmoor shrunk in his rearview and the gates to the property swung open on his approach. He turned onto South-Central Boulevarde and drove into the heart of the city.
Ivy’s Ascension began four nights ago. She was past the halfway point. Voresta hadn’t moved from his post by her grave, and when Finare last looked at him, he noticed deep shadows beneath his eyes. He was hungry, but he refused to let anyone take over his post.
Finare didn’t believe that Ivy was at risk, though. It was an unspoken rule that Ascensions are not disturbed by Vampires within the same bloodline, and Leseldh’s only known enemy was Drachen Maurell. Finare was certain Killian wasn’t a threat, but he kept that piece of information to himself.
Finare hadn’t seen or scented Killian at all since their interaction at The Succ. Although the Hunter was skilled at remaining unseen, Finare knew Killian would have made his presence known if he was around. It seemed he was preoccupied with other things.
Finare killed the car’s engine and looked out the window, realising he’d made his way to Lunarian. He wasn’t in the mood for drinking or dancing, but he needed to feed. He entered the club and headed straight for the private feeding rooms.
“Who’s available tonight?” Finare asked the hostess, who turned the Ledger towards him.
Finare scanned the list of Humans, and one name made his heart beat a little faster.
Inias—full reserve.
It’d been a while since that name had featured on the Ledger, and ‘full reserve’ meant he could have Inias all to himself.
He advised the hostess of his choice, and she led him to one of the empty rooms adjoining the mezzanine.
Finare entered the room and took a seat on the couch.
He opened his case of Lacuna and popped one of the white pills on his tongue while he waited.
A strange feeling formed in the pit of his stomach, but he pushed it to the back of his mind.
After a short wait, Inias appeared in the doorway of the room. He paused once he realised who had requested him and he leaned against the doorframe.
“I was starting to think you’d forgotten where this place was.” Inias’s hand came up to play with the collar of his shirt.
As Finare took in the sight of the male before him, he realised just how long it’d been since they’d last seen each other, and it almost made him ache.
Inias wore black slacks that hung low on his hips, and a black silken shirt with gold suns and moons scattered over the fabric.
The shirt was unbuttoned to his sternum, and the tanned skin of his toned chest was on display.
His hair cascaded to his waist, and his chocolate-brown eyes were fixed upon Finare’s with interest.
Finare was surprised that he felt apologetic for his absence. “It’s been a tumultuous couple of months.”
Inias merely smiled in response, before pushing off the doorframe and entering the room, kicking the door shut behind him.
He maintained Finare’s gaze as he sauntered towards him, a small smile playing on his lips.
He tucked his leg beneath him as he fell into the seat beside Finare, leaning against the back of the couch and facing him.
“How’s your appetite tonight?” The words seemed to awaken a hunger within Finare that was stronger than he first thought.
Finare’s words were almost a purr. “I’m ravenous.”
“Sounds like you saved yourself for me.”
Inias raised his hand and wiggled a finger, beckoning him forth. Finare shifted closer and grasped his hand. But Inias tugged in his grip as though to stop him. Finare withdrew, his brow furrowing in confusion. Inias looked over his shoulder, before turning back to Finare.
“I had something a little more… special, in mind.” A playful smile spread across his lips, and Finare raised a brow at him.
Inias lifted his hand and swept the curtain of his light brown hair back, revealing his neck to Finare. Finare watched the movement, and as he realised what was being suggested, his eyes slammed back to Inias’s in alarm. Is this a trap?
Finare’s tone was immediately serious. “That’s not permitted here.”
Penalties were swift for those that violated the rules, and it usually resulted in a lifetime ban from the club, which was a significant penalty for Vampires.
Finare wasn’t willing to risk that at one of his favourite establishments, especially if it meant losing access to one of his favourite Humans.
“I won’t say anything if you won’t,” Inias purred, and the look in his eyes sent a rush of desire rippling through Finare’s body.
The offer was overwhelmingly tempting—feeding from the neck was far more intimate, and it enhanced the flavour of the blood.
For this to be offered by such an appealing creature was almost more than Finare’s willpower could withstand.
Inias seemed to sense Finare’s hesitation, and Finare was surprised when Inias grabbed him by the nape of the neck and pulled him into a kiss.
The press of his lips was soft, tentative, and utterly disarming. Finare leaned into him and deepened the kiss. Finare felt Inias’s fingers curling into the hair at the back of his head, and Finare rested his hand on Inias’s hip as the kiss consumed him.
Tongues began to roam, chipping away at Finare’s resolve. He was caught up in the moment and wanted more. He eventually broke the kiss and let out a shaky breath as he looked into Inias’s chocolatey gaze.
“Has anyone ever fed from your neck before?”
Inias’s response was a shake of his head, as he sucked his bottom lip into his mouth. Finare’s eyes dropped to watch the movement.
“It can be intense.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Finare searched Inias’s eyes for any signs of deception but found none.
“Yes.” The word was a whisper, but the look Inias gave him solidified the affirmation.
Finare breathed in heavily, scenting the air on his inhale.
He instantly detected Inias’s arousal. That, paired with his consent, dissolved the last vestiges of Finare’s resistance.
Finare reached up and brushed Inias’s hair back once more and looked for the pulse that was pounding beneath Inias’s flawless, golden skin.
He flicked his gaze up to Inias’s once more.
“You need to make sure I don’t take too much.” Finare fixed him with a serious expression. Even through the haze of desire, he wasn’t willing to put either of them at risk.
“I will.” Inias’s words were a mere whisper, but it was enough for Finare to press his lips to Inias’s neck. He placed a gentle kiss there before sinking his teeth into the flesh.
Inias let out the smallest of groans as Finare’s fangs penetrated the skin. The rush of blood was quick to follow the puncture, and Finare drank slowly despite his hunger. He needed to savour this moment. Inias’s blood usually tasted like warm rain, but now it tasted like a summer deluge.
It’d been a long time since Finare had fed this way.
He felt his cock hardening as he was inundated with the pleasure of the experience.
He felt Inias’s hand on his back, pinning him in place, and panic broke him out of his stupor when he considered that Inias may not stop him in time.
He pulled away and Inias’s eyes snapped open as he did so.
“What’s wrong?” There was concern in Inias’s voice, and his hand slid from Finare’s back to rest at his side.
“I… was worried I’d take too much.”
“You weren’t there yet.” Inias smiled at Finare, and he saw desire in his gaze. He enjoyed it.
Inias reached into his pocket and pulled out a kerchief, which he pressed to the wound on his neck.
“You need to give me a wound on my wrist, so they won’t suspect anything. That should let you get your fill.” Inias lifted his wrist to Finare, and he obliged.
Finare only took a few mouthfuls before Inias withdrew his wrist, moving the kerchief to the new bite. Finare’s eyes swept over Inias’s neck, and he felt a thrill of satisfaction at the mark he’d created.
“Do you want to get a drink or something?” Finare found his interest in alcohol suddenly renewed.
“Not here.” Inias’s response sounded like a rejection to Finare, so he was hit with a wave of excitement when Inias added, “Meet me out front in ten minutes.”