Chapter 15
Arran
When we get to the top of the turret, I move behind Audrey and guide her toward the eastern side of the stone circle, keeping my arms loosely wrapped around her shoulders as we come to a stand behind a crenel.
“Arran,” she breathes, lifting a hand to brace against a merlon. “It’s…”
“I know.”
Audrey’s gaze slowly arcs across the sky as she takes it all in. “The sky is endless. And the stars. I’ve never seen so many in my life before. It’s like they’re alive and blinking down at us.”
“Welcome to Starry Hill,” I whisper against the top of her head, following the words with a barely there kiss.
Usually we reserve the welcoming words until we know the creature would like to make this town their home. I’m sure this is not what Audrey wants for herself, but I can’t resist giving her the invitation.
Even if she’s not technically calling our island her home, Audrey has been part of the fabric of the community for years. She’s been involved in so many lives, been impactful with her actions, cares deeply for our creatures, and she’s been a gift to me.
It’s been so long since I’ve felt enthusiastic about anything in my life, but Audrey has broken me out of my shell, awoken the desire to step outside of my comfort zone and become involved in the community again—the exact way she’s been serving them without being an official member.
I know I can’t keep her, but while Audrey’s here, I’m going to make every second worth her while. If she chooses to stay, that’s up to her.
“Do you trust me?” I whisper, holding my breath as I wait for her answer.
Audrey turns around in my arms, her big brown eyes open and honest as she looks up at me. “With my life.”
The words register slowly in my brain, working their way through my body, burrowing deep until they settle in the depths of my soul, etching themselves into my very being.
I gaze at Audrey for a good minute, unable to form the proper words of gratitude before I lean down and kiss her.
Positioning Audrey to one side, I grab onto the high merlons and hoist myself carefully into the wide crenel between them, seating myself securely on the bench-like gap between the raised walls like I’ve done on countless nights before.
Far below me, waves roll lazily into the side of the cliff, the peaceful refrain as familiar to me as time herself, while the expanse of the night sky stretches out around us.
Thousands of stars illuminate the velvet canopy from above, their likeness reflected in shimmering streaks across the glassy ocean surface.
When I’m settled comfortably, I hold a hand out to the most fascinating creature I have met in my entire existence. “Come here.”
Audrey hesitates but places her hand in mine regardless. “Where exactly?”
“Come sit with me,” I say, patting my lap.
“Uhm…”
“Audrey, I promise I won’t let you fall.” My words seem to have the right effect, because Audrey steps closer and I carefully help her up, maneuvering her sideways in my lap so her back is supported by the merlon and her slim legs are draped across my sturdy ones.
I hook one arm around Audrey’s waist, the other gripping her legs to keep her securely against me while she clings to me with her arms wrapped around my neck.
Audrey makes a point of not looking down. “It’s really high up here.”
“You’re safe with me,” I repeat, dipping my thumb underneath the hem of her shirt and rubbing soothing arcs against her soft skin.
In the tiniest of fragments, Audrey allows her body to relax, settling deeper into mine as she relinquishes control and allows me the honor of guarding her from the cliffs below.
Her grip loosens as mine remains firm, and as if done absentmindedly, Audrey scratches lightly on the back of my neck, dragging her fingernails up and down in an almost affectionate manner.
Tonight, the wind is absolutely still, the whole island quiet, as if the world itself is holding its breath, waiting to see what will happen.
“Tell me about your clan,” Audrey says quietly, reverently, as she takes in the view around us.
I press my lips to her temple as I deny her request. “I’ve talked too much about myself tonight. I want to know more about you.”
Audrey tilts her head back, her brows furrowing. “I’ve told you all the interesting things already.”
“What about your sickness?”
“Sickness?” Audrey asks sharply, her back straightening and brows rising high.
I wince, remembering Bodin’s warning. “That might’ve been the wrong word. I apologize. Your diabetes, I mean.” My desire to fidget is strong, but I don’t dare to loosen my hold on her for even a split second.
It’s as if all the defenses Audrey’s lowered around her heart over the past few weeks never happened. I can see her putting them back in place, one by one, her jaw firm, disappointment streaked across her face.
“Nothing much to note. I’ve got it handled,” Audrey says flatly.
I can kick myself for my verbal blunder. If I destroyed everything between us and offended Audrey beyond redemption, I won’t be able to forgive myself.
Ever so slowly, I lift one hand and cup Audrey’s jaw while I lay myself bare, letting her read every single feeling on my face.
“I am so sorry, darling. That came out completely wrong. I’m not good with words and I have no knowledge of diabetes, but that’s no excuse.
The reason I asked is because I care about you, Audrey.
I want to know how to help you if you ever need it. Let me take care of you, please.”
Audrey’s face softens a little. “I don’t need—”
“I know you’re capable of taking care of yourself,” I say quickly, cutting off what I’m sure was a very impressive speech with proof of everything she’s used to handling by herself.
“I only wish to gain any knowledge that, should the unfortunate situation arise, I have a better understanding of your condition and can help you then.”
Audrey leans into my hand and the corners of her mouth tug up a fraction. “Well, when you put it that way.”
“Thank you,” I breathe out, my relief evident as I skim my lips over hers.
My faux pas almost ended up being catastrophic for our relationship, whatever it may be defined as, but thankfully Audrey has a lot of forgiveness in her heart. Something I will be certain to thank her for—properly—when we’re in my room later.
After game night, I thought about what I can do to show Audrey my appreciation for her as well as my interest in being more than cohabitors of the castle.
I wanted to show her the castle’s charms, teach her about its history, and, most importantly, make her part of the story so she can feel just as at home here as I do.
I also wanted to show her this breathtaking view, show her how beautiful Starry Hill can be when she truly sees it.
I prepared myself for any eventualities—fed well enough to keep me sated in case I had the privilege of taking Audrey to bed again, stocked more blood bags in the icebox in case our activities evolve into more, made sure Anita had a full day of playing so she’d rest well while we were out, and covered my body with sunscreen in case we stay out late—but of course Audrey had to surprise me yet again, and in the best way.
My darling suggesting free use was not part of any kind of futures I could’ve predicted. And I can’t wait to get to that portion of the evening.
First though, I want to learn everything I can about how to take care of this beautiful creature in my arms.
Settling back into my embrace, Audrey looks out over the ocean as she talks.
“I’ll explain a little bit about type 1 diabetes, but I don’t want you treating me any differently.
I’m still Audrey. I’m still strong and capable of caring for myself.
This is only for an emergency situation that will hopefully never happen. ”
I rest my forehead against her temple. “Of course. I’d never undermine you. It’s purely to understand you better and care for you, should you need me.”
Audrey’s hand takes up its gentle caresses on the nape of my neck once again.
“I was diagnosed at the age of nineteen, so I’ve been dealing with this my whole adult life.
Basically, my pancreas is broken and doesn’t produce its own insulin.
I need injections to keep my blood sugar from getting too high, and I also need to make sure I eat enough so it doesn’t drop too low. ”
“What happens if it’s too high or too low?”
“I can usually handle the minor discomforts pretty well and dose myself accordingly. The biggest danger you could maybe keep an eye out for is diabetic ketoacidosis. I’ve never experienced it before, but it can occur when my body doesn’t have enough insulin.”
I repeat the word a couple of times in my head to store it accurately, then ask, “What are the symptoms to look out for?”
Audrey ticks them off like she’s reading out a grocery list. “Parched mouth, fruity breath, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. But this is only for a worst case scenario.”
It astounds me that she’s had to live with this burden for so long. That her dependence on insulin is more severe than my dependence on blood. I could go very long without feeding if I conserve my energy, but Audrey would get physically ill within much less time.
Suddenly being a vampire doesn’t seem like the worst hand fate could’ve dealt me.
I pull Audrey even more firmly against me, as if my embrace can protect her from her own body. “How do you know when to inject? And how much?”
Like she can read the direction of my thoughts, Audrey grins.
“You really don’t have to worry about all that.
It takes up a lot of mental space when you have to consider the carbs in each meal and timing insulin accordingly.
” Before I can ask another question, Audrey elaborates.
“I used to wear a port that I changed every three days. It has a little sensor inserted into my skin to take automatic readings of my blood sugar levels and sends the results to my phone. But that system isn’t really working on the island, so I just need to remember everything now and do some mental calculations each time. ”
“That sounds difficult. How can I help?”
“You don’t—”
“Audrey. Let me. Please,” I implore her, tilting her chin up. “Even if it is only to alert you when I detect a change in your scent.”
Reaching up with one hand, Audrey strokes a finger across my brow until my frown disappears.
“Keeping a couple of snacks in the castle could be convenient for low blood sugar,” she mumbles.
Fully relenting at my nudge for her to continue, Audrey adds, “Or if the kitchen could be available, then I can make a couple of simple meals for myself.”
I tuck Audrey’s hair behind her ear and reward her admission with a tender kiss.
“Okay. Tomorrow, first thing, I’ll give the kitchen a thorough clean and check that everything is in working order.
Unfortunately it’s very… rustic, consisting of only a big hearth, a table, and a few pots and pans. Mostly for decoration,” I add shyly.
I’ve never needed the use of a kitchen here, but building my castle without one wasn’t a conceivable notion.
Too many happy memories stem from Castle Stewart’s kitchen—hours visiting with the cooks, late nights filled with raiding the spence, and during feasts, hiding from suitable young lasses whose parents are ready to marry them off.
“I’ll clean,” Audrey offers. “I kind of like being in the kitchen. Not all the time, but I like cooking for others. Nothing fancy though, just simple, hearty meals.”
Smiling at the new spark in her eye, I say, “I’d like to taste your cooking.”
“Uhm…”
“If you can remember, there are different types of things I like to eat,” I say, skimming my hand down her waist until I’m cupping her cunt. “I don’t need food to sustain my body, but I enjoy tasting various things. I’m partial to a good ale. And your sweet cunt.”
“Who am I to deny you then?” Audrey replies, grinding up into my hand.
I rest my palm on Audrey’s mound as a little reminder of what we’d agreed to, of what’s to come. I don’t apply any pressure, wanting her to think about who she chose to submit to for her pleasure.
Bringing the conversation back to a safer topic, I say, “Let’s go to The Winged Apple later and stock up on all your favorite ingredients.
It would be nice to see the kitchen in action.
You can use the icebox too if your medicine needs to be kept cold.
” And if you don’t mind looking at the blood bags I have stored there too, I silently add.
“Thank you, Arran, but all that is really not necessary.”
“I know. But I really want to.”
“That means a lot to me.”
“You mean a lot to me.”
Audrey’s eyes widen, my simple confession perhaps a step too far. I won’t take it back though. I want Audrey to know that whatever this is between us is something special, and I’ll treasure her for as long as she’ll allow me to.
Not wanting to scare her off too quickly, I reach for a neutral topic. “Tell me about your family. What kinds of things did you do growing up?”
With a single arched brow, Audrey sees my diversion for what it is, but answers anyway.
We compare our youthful activities—Audrey’s much different from mine since I became laird at twenty-one.
Her youth was filled with camping, beach holidays with her family, tennis, dance lessons, and debate club, where I had to train in horsemanship and swordsmanship, as well as study languages, law, and philosophy.
Audrey tells me more stories about her parents, her international vacations, and how much she enjoys staying busy, especially with her mind.
She asks me about my favorite memories of Starry Hill, the types of feasts we had at Clan Stewart, and more about the outdoor activities I used to do.
We talk and talk all night.
When the moon disappears behind us and the first signs of dawn start to appear, I nestle Audrey more snugly in my embrace.
Flipping open the button of her pants, I push my hand down until I find her drenched core. “It’s time for another appetizer. You’re going to come on my fingers while we watch the sunrise. Does that sound good to you, darling?”
“Yes,” Audrey agrees quickly, widening her legs for me as I slip my finger inside her.
“That’s a good lass,” I praise, slowly pumping my finger in and out of her tight cunt. There’s no rush, wanting to build her climax slowly while we enjoy the sight of the sun making its way into the sky.
As the sky transitions from black to blue, the stars blinking out above us as the first hints of oranges, golds, and fiery reds tinge the horizon, I press my thumb to Audrey’s slick clit, rubbing it just the way she likes.
I hold Audrey tight when her climax washes over, a moan wrenched from her throat as wave after wave of ecstasy passes through her body.
Before she fully has her wits about her again, I help Audrey off the crenel.
“I’m going to fuck you now,” I whisper into her ear before throwing her over my shoulder and head down the spiral staircase, straight for my room.