Chapter 26 – Vale
WHAT ARE YOU?
VALE
It’s late, but Oliver has been holding me for a long time, stroking my skin and placing little kisses against my spine.
He’s unable to stop touching me, and I’m unable to move away from his attention.
We haven’t spoken since he said he wasn’t human.
That should worry me, but it doesn’t. I wish he would tell me what he’s thinking, but he remains quiet.
“Are you a vampire?” I ask, breaking the silence while he rubs his hand down my spine. I arch into his palm like a cat. He lies back on the bed, and I turn to my side to watch him. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
He turns his head slightly, those bright green eyes focusing on me. “You would accept it, if I had secrets? I don’t think so. I think you want it all. You want every secret, every touch. It’s all or nothing with us.”
My cheeks heat because I know he’s speaking the truth.
He sees through me so easily. I want it all.
I want all his secrets, the way I gave him so many of mine.
I want every touch. They belong to me, just like mine belong to him.
But I also know how hard it is to offer up your secrets to someone.
This feels like a test. If I love him, then I should be patient with him.
I can hold him close in my heart until he trusts me.
“If you don’t want to tell me, that’s okay. We haven’t known each other long, and trust is hard won. I’ll be there when you’re ready.”
Oliver offers me an understanding smile and caresses my cheek.
“You’re so sweet. I want to tell you, but this isn’t something I normally talk to mortals about.
I’m worried you’ll never look at me the same way.
” Oliver looks up at the ceiling, deep in thought.
I don’t want him to be afraid of telling me.
“There’s nothing you could say to make me look at you any differently, Oliver. I like you, and I accept that you’re otherworldly. I knew that from the night we met.”
“Vale, when I tell you I’m not human, I mean that. I wasn’t turned into this by some magical force. I was born this way. This is who I am.”
“Are you okay?”
His eyes connect with mine, his brows knitting together. “I should be asking you that,” he says as if he’s failed me somehow.
I give him an excited smile. “I’m great.
I’ve had the most amazing experience of my life.
I don’t know how to express my awe of you.
I’ve never done anything like this. You’re the only one, and every touch is perfect.
” My words make his fists clench and his jaw tick.
Why? I press my palm to his chest, over his heart where the red dragon rests.
“I’m so grateful for having these experiences with you.
Thank you.” I want him to take all my firsts.
“Do you feel strange?” he suddenly asks.
“No, I don’t, but I can see you’re worried about something. Tell me what’s going on. If I’ve done something wrong, tell me what I can do to fix it.” I don’t want to lose this afterglow. I don’t want him to pull away again, but it feels like he’s about to.