by Vera Sparks
Maybe things weren’t so bad between us after what I’d done. Maybe he really wasn’t going to let it change things. I hoped not.
In only minutes we were outside his apartment door and he carefully set me down. I hadn’t even noticed we’d flitted up his staircase. How had reception taken him flitting through? They were probably used to it by now. Flitting was one of their usual ways of getting around; using cars was more just to make humanity feel more comfortable.
Alex didn’t say a word as he opened his door and allowed me in.
“Thanks,” I murmured as I brushed past him.
I’d never actually been to his apartment now that I thought about it. I’d driven by, dropped things off and such, but never came inside.
It was sparse and modern, a luxurious design. Full-length windows lined most of the walls giving him an astounding view of the city. The walls were painted in a gentle cream that gave the atmosphere a warm feel.
His kitchen and living room were joined, the black marble countertops glistening in the faint lighting. He’d only flicked on the overhead fixture in the living room, which revealed the white lavish rug and white leather couches. A black glass table sat between the two couches and off to my left was obviously the doorway to the bedroom. I could only assume there was an en-suite as there were no other doors or rooms.
“Nice place,” I breathed as I soaked up the luxury. I thought I’d done well, but this, this was even better.
“It does the job,” Alex shrugged as he moved off to the kitchen.
“Want anything? Coffee? Wine?” he offered.
“You actually have that? Vampires don’t eat or drink unless for show,” I arched an eyebrow as I made my way to the nearest couch.
“For guests. I keep it topped up. There’s cookies and sweets too,” he stated as he shot me a charming smile as I flopped onto one of his couches. I pulled one of the black plush cushions close to rest my head on it.
“What sort of sweets?” I queried, smiling at his soft chuckle.
“Chocolate mostly.”
“Mmm, I could go for some,” I moaned. Something sweet and delicious sounded good right now. I may not necessarily have to eat, but I did like it.
Alex returned with a plate of cookies along with a row of chocolate on the edge.
I plucked a few chocolate chip cookies off the plate and the chocolate as I rolled onto my stomach to eat them. I’d kicked my shoes off before falling on the couch, and Alex moved them aside to sit down on the same couch as me. I moved my legs to allow him some room, despite raising a questioning eyebrow at the vacant couch across from me, and the lone armchair.
“My house,” Alex shrugged with a side smile.
I rested my legs on him as I tried to pull myself into a more upright position.
“Do you think this will become my thing? That’s three vampires I’ve set on fire,” I muttered as I scoffed down the last cookie before eyeing the plate on the coffee table.
“No, you’ve only ever done it to protect those you care about,” Alex said after a moment of contemplation.
“I hope not, because I don’t really feel bad about it, which I know I should,” I murmured as the guilt gnawed at me. Not from killing them. But rather from not feeling guilty about taking a life. Typical. I grabbed another cookie in an attempt to ignore it.
“Why feel bad? They were bad vampires. Including Nathan, the one who grabbed Jeremy. He was always up to some shady shit. He was practically Philip’s right-hand man.”
“Oh.” I relaxed a little.
“Although, you did scorch them without blinking, you’re getting quite badass,” Alex snorted and I couldn’t contain my grin at the sound he made.
“It’s not a vengeful spirit kind of thing?” I asked, my mind wandering back to what my friend Maria had said. My friend, who I still needed to get a hold of. I hadn’t spoken to her in ages, and she was no longer replying to my messages. I’d assumed she was caught up in the distress about her mom’s losing battle with dementia, but I was starting to get worried.
“No, I don’t think so. A vengeful spirit would be vengeful and unpredictable all the time, you’re not,” Alex reassured me.
“Speaking of,” I groaned. “I’m so sorry for the other night.”
“Don’t be,” he averted his eyes. “But I guess you are unpredictable at times.”
“I am forgiving you, Alex. I mean it. I don’t hold this against you anymore. It’s certainly not fair to you,” I said gently.
“Still doesn’t make what I did hurt any less,” his voice was level and low as he avoided my gaze.
“And continuing to go on about it doesn’t change it either,” I shot back.
He turned to me, his bright blue eyes sad but… hopeful? Was that what I could see?
“Any word from Percy?” Alex suddenly asked, and I inwardly groaned. Of course he’d bring him up.
“No, nothing. I still don’t know what’s happening there,” I mumbled as I turned back to the cookies. I forced myself not to habitually grab another.
“Well, he’s an idiot for not seeing what he’d lose in you,” Alex stated and I turned back.
His eyes were soft and sweet as he smiled.
And yet, despite the gentle look, I felt my body spark.
He was devilishly handsome, that strong jawline and permanent stubble, the way his short hair was always well kept, and he always wore perfectly fitting suits. His eyes, they were what drew me in, along with his charming smile.
And I still wanted him. Even after my ‘death’, I was still attracted to him, but things were awkward and wrong. But now, maybe things could be different. Now that I was learning to forgive him and focusing on all the good he’d done for me.
“I should let you rest,” Alex cleared his throat, as if he could feel the heat rising. No, I knew he could feel it. But as he went to stand I latched onto his arm and tugged him back down.
“Stay, please.”
He stared at me as he slowly sat back down, his brow furrowed softly.
I moved to sit up properly beside him, facing him directly, our faces inches apart.
“Ivy… ,” he started, but I stopped him before he could continue.
My mouth captured his, and he closed his eyes, enjoying the moment.
I prodded gently to see if he’d allow me to deepen it, and he gave in.
I moaned, the sound heating my body up as his mouth moved against mine.
That was all the coaxing he needed as he pushed me back on the couch and kissed me, his hand cupping my face.
I felt his fangs protrude, but he was careful not to prick me with them. And for a change, the thought of his teeth didn’t bother me. Instead, knowing what they represented right now, they turned me on even more.
I hooked a leg over his hip and slipped my hands up under his shirt.
I’d never seen him naked come to think of it, but the chiseled abs I felt left little to wonder.
I trailed my hands up his cool, smooth chest as he ravaged my mouth.
I pulled back to suck in air, biting my lip as I caught his lustful eyes.
Obviously that was my mistake, as the move made my bottom lip pout and he dove back di to kiss me again.
I worked the buttons on his shirt, my fingers fumbling as I moaned and moved my body against him. The bulge that pushed against my thigh was driving me mad. I needed him. Now.
Alex somehow shimmied out of his jacket without breaking our kiss, and helped me finish removing his shirt.
I squeaked as he pulled back and dragged me onto his lap so that I straddled him.
“Damn,” he growled as he rested his head on my chest.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, breathless and aching.
“If we don’t stop now, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop,” he mumbled into my shirt. I tried not to smirk at how he was resting his head right on my breast.
“Good,” I said slyly as I pulled my top over my head.
Alex’s eyes caught
mine, and I could see the wall he’d built up crumble down. He’d wanted this for so long. And I would give it to him tonight. And he couldn’t control himself now.
He claimed my mouth as he undid my bra, and I shivered in delight as I pushed my naked torso against his, loving the sensation of his skin against mine.
His hands explored my body, every curve of my back and hips as he kissed me.
I returned the gesture, thrilled to touch his bare skin, to drag my fingers down his smooth biceps, tracing the muscles in his stomach.
I reached the waistband of his pants and danced my fingers along it teasingly.
He grunted as he broke the kiss and moved to trail light kisses down my neck.
I froze, the memory trying to force its way into my mind.
No. I wouldn’t let it ruin this. Not now.
Alex froze as he realized what had happened, but I ducked my head to catch his mouth. He was hesitant, but I pulled back to trail kisses down his cheek and neck.
“It’s okay, don’t stop,” I breathed.
I almost thought he wouldn’t continue, that the thought of my distress had ruined it for him, but instead he ran his fingers down my neck softly, as if trying to change my horrid memory and replace it with something new.
I liked that idea.
I played with his waistband some more as he moved forward to gently kiss my neck. I sighed, focusing on his soft, sweet lips against my skin. I wanted this to be the first thought I had from now on. Nothing else.
I brushed my hand against his bulge and he shuddered in anticipation.
I bit my lip as I decided to tease him more.
I stroked him, caressing the material against him as his breath hitched and he moaned.
“It’d be much easier if we took them off,” I suggested huskily.
Alex didn’t need any more urging as he obeyed.
In movements too fast for me to comprehend, he’d removed my jeans and underwear and I was now perched on his thighs, his length caressing my inner thigh.
“Is that better,” he growled as he trailed kisses down my chest.
Damn, he was driving me nuts with this.
“I want you,” I breathed as I tried to shift forward, intent to get this fully underway.
Alex flipped us on the couch despite my squeal in protest. He hovered over me, his eyes dark and hungry.
“Good,” he smirked. “Because I’m going to take my time enjoying this.”
I moaned as he dipped down to explore my body with his mouth and hands.
I guess being over a hundred years old gave you plenty of experience. Because the rest of our night was nothing but pure bliss for me.
9
I lay beside Alex in his bed, wondering why I’d never asked him about a coffin before.
“We don’t need coffins, many of us have them as they’re airtight and keep the sun out, and we store them in hidden places for us to sleep out the daylight hours. Mostly due to being so widely known now. There are those who hunt us, more-so now than before actually,” Alex explained as he caressed my bare arm as I snuggled into his side.
“So you sometimes forgo the hidey hole and just sleep in here?” I asked, glancing at the thick black curtains that he had.
“Yes. My hidey hole as you so eloquently put it, is a hidden place. Many vampires keep their sleeping places secret if they can. And most have a backup if the first is compromised. This building accommodates vampires though, and many residents are of the night kind. Our security is top notch, and I actually have a remote here that turns on a tinting over the windows. High-tech vampire stuff. The curtains are just a precaution,” he smiled as he kissed my forehead.
“You don’t actually have to sleep though, do you?” I asked as I traced his jawline. He sighed and closed his eyes at the touch.
“Yes, each day we need at least a few hours of sleep, otherwise we weaken,” he breathed.
“I wish I could sleep,” I pouted, and he rolled on his side to look at me. I bit my lip as I trailed my eyes down his bare chest. He’d been utterly amazing in bed.
“You are quite a wonder. Your abilities, the way only some of your senses work.” He watched me with a fascinated look, the way someone would look at a newly created or newly discovered creature. I guess that was what I was essentially.
“I wish someone could explain it all to me. Can I age? Will I die one day? What am I really?” I frowned at him, searching his eyes as if I’d find the answer there. I only found sympathy and distress instead.
“We’ll figure it out. Someone has to know something. I’m annoyed Evelyn didn’t know much, and this thing with your father bothers me,” he sighed as he rolled onto his back and pulled me into his side.
“Why would someone want to hide him? I hope he’s okay,” I murmured. I hadn’t wanted to think about the possibility of him being dead, but the thought had occurred to me over the years since he left.
“The magic to silence someone is a high-level spell, a powerful witch. I can reach out to my associates in the witch circle, see if anyone knows of someone who can do that. Maybe we’ll get lucky,” he gave me a reassuring smile. “But we’ll figure this out, I promise.”
“Thanks,” I sighed as I nuzzled into his chest.
“I could get used to this,” Alex murmured into my hair as he held me close.
I bit my lip as I wondered what this meant. I hadn’t really thought about anything but sex, but I did care about him. But was this something? Would I want to label this?
“But I know things are confusing right now, with your powers, your father, all that’s going on,” Alex quickly added when he sensed my unease.
“Yeah, let’s just enjoy it,” I mumbled. Trying to figure out what we were after everything would surely be the icing on the cake and fry my brain.
“We don’t have to label this or act like it’s anything until you’re ready. But I’m always here for you,” he said sweetly.
I knew he wanted more, but he was being careful. Perhaps he thought this was a lot considering what had happened between us originally. What had started our uneasy relationship. And pushing for more would ruin any chance.
I’d not confirm it for him, although this had nothing to do with my ‘death’. It was more the fact that until I knew what I was, committing to a vampire wasn’t something I was ready for. An eternity? That was a big deal.
I’d just enjoy the here and now, that’s all I could do.
“Dawn is almost here, I can feel it,” Alex nuzzled my head before reaching for the remote on his bedside table and switching on his windows.
They whirred to life and I could imagine the tinting blinds slowly lowering down his windows.
“Do you want me to go?” I asked, trying to keep the gentle hurt from my voice. I was quite content right here.
“No, stay as long as you want. But if I fall asleep and you get bored, I won’t hold it against you if you leave,” he chuckled.
“Good, cause I didn’t want to leave,” I smiled as I nestled happily into his side.
I could feel his tender gaze as I closed my eyes, as if I could magically fall asleep here with him.
If someone had told me over a month ago I’d be in his bed with feelings for him, I would’ve laughed and rejected the idea despite the battling feelings I already had. But now, now I was happy. For some reason, this felt right.
With Percy, things were always hot and heavy, and he was genuinely sweet, but Alex, it was so much more. He knew me deeply, all my little quirks that’d he’d picked up on over the years of working together, the things I liked and enjoyed.
And as much as Percy had been good in bed, exploring wasn’t something he did really. Alex, on the other hand, treated my body like I was a goddess, exploring every inch of me and using all he had to offer to bring me bliss.
And he certainly knew how to go down there.
I pushed the thoughts away as I felt the heat rise up in me. I was too exhausted to go another round, and I rolled ov
er to face away from him.
As if on cue, he rolled over to spoon me, and I relaxed under the weight of his arm on my waist.
I enjoyed the cuddle for as long as I possibly could before my restlessness drove me to abandon his sleeping form.
“Where were you?” Rose marched into the bathroom as I brushed my teeth after jumping home.
Her accusatory tone made my stomach flip. Telling her about Alex, so soon after Percy, would surely not be the smart thing to do.
“We kinda killed Philip,” I said through a mouthful of toothpaste.
“What?!” Rose’s eyes bulged.
“Give me a minute,” I managed to say around my toothbrush.
“Do not take long,” Rose said with emphasis and refused to leave until I gave her a firm nod.
I finished up and headed out to my living room to find the brother and sister pair waiting in anticipation on the couch. Why they were both awake at the brink of dawn was beyond me.
“Well, turns out Philip killed Alena to spite Jeremy and Alex both. Things went haywire and let’s just say he ended up on fire,” I gave them the quick rundown.
Shane’s eyes widened in disbelief as Rose’s jaw dropped.
“No, you are not getting away with that, sit, tell us everything!” she demanded.
I groaned, knowing full well I couldn’t escape this as I trudged to the couch across from them.
I slumped into it and began the long-winded story of talking to Jeremy and then going to see Philip. I told them how Philip wanted to kill Jeremy, and us. Hence the abrupt ignition by me.
“Damn, you’re badass,” Shane whistled.
“That must’ve been a bit scary,” Rose gave me a concerned look.
I shrugged. “Not really, they can’t hurt me. But I was scared for my friends a bit.”
“I bet,” Shane nodded.
“But, as epic as this all is and how we’ve solved this case, it doesn’t explain why you reek of vampire,” Rose held up a hand.
