Chapter 3 #2
My castle is cold and quiet and doesn’t hold any of the charming appeal that the cozy cottages scattered across the rest of the island have.
I don’t even have electricity. This didn’t seem to bother Audrey the last time she was here, but if it’s an extended stay, it could hold some sway over her decision.
Cheeks heating, I think back to that night, and my biggest obstacle to having the beautiful woman living with me.
The moans slipping from Audrey’s bedroom as she pleasured herself, the pulses of desire seeping through the very stones of the castle, it called to a feral part of me that has been dormant for a very long time.
The moment I realized what she was up to, I left the castle and took another lap around the island, draining a bag of fresh blood in the hope that it would distract me.
Only when I was sure she was gone the next morning did I enter Audrey’s empty room. The rich scent of her arousal washed over me in a palpable wave, almost making me come under my kilt like some inexperienced young lad.
I allowed myself to savor the complex, velvety scent for only a few seconds before I opened the windows and let the breeze carry most of it away, but not before the rosy notes of her pleasure were imprinted in my memory.
For nearly two weeks I tried to avoid that wing of the castle until the lingering traces of her arousal were finally gone.
I checked daily, just to be sure.
What if she pleasures herself again? Would I have to leave my castle each time?
Or… what if I could be the one to pleasure her?
My fangs elongate at the thought of sinking into her neck, bringing her ecstasy while my cock is buried deep inside of her tight—
No, Arran, those kinds of thoughts shouldn’t even enter your mind. It’s been more than fifty years since you drank directly from a human. You’re not succumbing to the temptation now. No matter how enticing Audrey is.
Calla raises a brow as she waits for me to respond, and unable to sit still a second longer, I get up to pace behind the couch.
When I’m sure no one is looking, I subtly adjust my half-hard cock and will my fangs to shorten while I focus on my steps thudding methodically across the floor.
Even if it would require more self-control from me than I’ve needed in an eon, I can’t fathom having Audrey stay with either Aurelius or Pierre. But the choice would remain up to her.
Once I have control of myself again, I brace my hands on the back of my armchair. “I will offer a spare bedroom in my unoccupied wing to Audrey, along with the options of Aurelius’s home, and Pierre’s attic. The decision of where she wants to stay will remain Audrey’s.”
I fight against the smile threatening to make an appearance at the thought of Audrey picking me over the other males. My home is much bigger than Aurelius’s, never mind Pierre’s tiny attic.
Surely size has to matter in this case?
The committee, and Katie, agree that this is the best course of action and that Audrey’s choice should be prioritized.
While the conversation drifts into the upcoming craft night at The Dancing Daisy, Calla shoots me a curious glance and leans a little closer to me. “I’m not going to ask you any questions about that spark in your eye, but I am going to suggest you keep your wits about you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply neutrally, clasping my hands together in an effort not to fidget.
A soft laugh puffs out of Calla. “Sure you don’t. I’ll order extra sunscreen just in case the need for more daily walks suddenly arises. And blood bags.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Why?”
“In case you find your hunger levels suddenly increased,” Calla says with a knowing grin.
“I—”
There are only two reasons for vampires to have heightened levels of hunger—violence or sex.
I have no need for violence on this peaceful island, but sex…
Pierre and Katie fly off while the ladies bid me farewell and thank me for my willingness to open my home. Then, they walk arm in arm into the early afternoon light while I remain safely indoors.
Annamae pauses on a bend in the road and winks, then conjures up a big shrub bursting with scarlet roses.
I’m choosing not to analyze this, or the bouquet in my parlor, too much and to simply accept it as a generous gift from a dryad as a way to adorn an otherwise monotone palette.
After sunset, I find myself walking past the fragrant blooms, their scent scratching a part of me that doesn’t need itching, before I hurry my steps down the cobbled path leading to town.
Where the road forks, I take a deep breath as I contemplate my choices. I can either follow my usual routine and head directly into town to get my blood bags, or I can take the longer way and perhaps stroll past Bodin and Tilly’s home.
What I’m going to do there, I’m not sure.
It’s not like I can simply march up to the door, see if Audrey is already there, and then offer her my home.
Though, if she happened to be outside and we happened to coincidentally bump into each other, and the topic of her living situation came up in conversation, it would be only natural for me to offer it to her then.
Aye, that seems like a pretty good plan.
My steps feel light as I near the Terrals’ home and feminine laughter bubbles through the air, dancing over the hill before the quaint cottage with the yellow door comes into view.
In my plan, I had falsely assumed that Audrey would be alone with the Terrals, but it sounds like half the town’s females are gathered here.
My steps halt on the edge of the garden as Audrey’s voice spears through the dark.
“Look, it’s not like my life is literally in danger.
I’m just on a nice little holiday until it all blows over.
It’ll be days, two weeks tops, then I’m out of your hair again.
And until then, I have the privilege of getting to hang out with some of my favorite creatures in the world. ”
There’s a reprimand in Tilly’s voice as she counters, “Audrey, there’s an actual crime ring out there who’s pissed off at you. You’re practically in a witness protection program right now. Excuse us if we don’t make light of the matter. We’re allowed to be concerned for you.”