Page 29 of Stolen By Dragons

Ossian didn’t say a word, just continued to watch me, that damn uniform doing little to hide all the lean muscle that made my single little heart far too happy.

“Okay. I’ll stay, but only because I don’t want others to wind up hurt. I’m still a little disappointed about how we first met properly and the true intentions there…” I muttered.

“Do you regret the kiss?” he asked, causing my heart to skip a beat as I inhaled sharply.

Did I?

I pursed my lips as I watched him, trying to figure that out myself.

“I didn’t, if that means anything to you. I’m glad it happened,” he said as he folded his arms. God, why did that stance look so damn appealing? His biceps bulging and head cocked as he watched me.

My stomach tightened, and I shook my head, unable to focus on anything now that he’d said that, so I grasped at the first barely related thought that snuck through my head.

“I was thinking about this whole sunlight thing. Is it really as dangerous for vampires as the stories say?"

He chuckled softly, sitting beside me. The bed dipped slightly under his weight, and I was acutely aware of how close he was. "It's actually a myth. Sunlight is uncomfortable for us, but it won't kill us. We just prefer the night - it's quieter, and better suited to our eyesight. Most vampires are solitary creatures, so the night suits us well."

“Oh, right.”

“Do I make you nervous?” He leaned closer, and my breath caught as I stared at him, studying his face. In the dim light, his features seemed softer, more human, save for those dark eyes threatening to swallow me whole.

His sharp cheekbones, the angular jawline without a hint of stubble, making him appear younger than the centuries old vampire he was, and lips that had been so soft and cool…

“Yes,” I breathed, knowing it was pointless to lie. He could probably hear my frantic heart giving away how I felt right now.

Was this nervousness at his closeness because of how fine he was, or because I knew how easily he could tear my throat out?

“You said vampires tend to be solitary creatures, that must get lonely,” I blurted, and his lip quirked as he pulled back slightly, amusement dancing in those dark eyes.

"It is what it is. I'm used to it by now." But I could’ve sworn an oddly wistful look crossed his features before he banished it away.

I nodded, processing this information as I tried to get a handle on my unnecessary feelings right now. It was hard to imagine living for centuries, mostly alone. No wonder vampires had a reputation for being cold and distant.

And right now, I had no right feeling the way I felt, all tied up in his presence.

“What about people walking around with bite marks? I mean, if vampires feed regularly, wouldn't someone notice?"

"Ah, that's a good question," Ossian said, his mouth curving into a wicked smile. “Most vampires heal the bite marks with their blood afterward."

"With your blood? But Zephyr told me vampire blood can turn humans."

Ossian shook his head. "Only in large amounts, and only when a human is nearly drained. A small amount for healing won't do anything to you except make you feel recharged and refreshed."

I absorbed this information with a mix of fascination and nervousness. There was so much about this world – about all these supernatural beings – that I still didn't understand. Ossian reached up, gently touching my arm. His skin was cool, but not unpleasantly so. I wasn’t sure what the intent was behind it, but it made a nervous ripple course through me once more.

"Aria, are you sure about this? I don't want you to feel pressured."

I met his gaze, seeing the hunger there, but also genuine concern, and something else that made my stomach knot even more. It touched me that even in his state of need, he was still worried about my comfort, but what else was it I could see? Was I just imagining something more?

"I'm sure. You need this, and I want to help. Just... be gentle, okay?"

Ossian nodded, his expression softening. "Of course. Try to relax. It might feel strange at first, but I promise it won't hurt."

He leaned in slowly, giving me time to prepare or pull out, I wasn’t sure, but I was seeing it through.

I tilted my head slightly, exposing my neck, positive the vein there was pulsing with my frantic heart beat. His cool breath washed over my throat, causing the skin to prickle, and then his lips grazed it. I quivered, a tingle coursing through me and right to my core at the oddly intimate gesture, but then the sharp prick of his fangs chased it away. For a moment, there was discomfort, but it quickly gave way to an unexpected sensation of pleasure that amped up the spark that had flickered to life.

As Ossian fed, I relaxed into his embrace, a warm, euphoric feeling spreading through my body and blooming in my lower region. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before, and I had to fight the urge to let out a contented sigh. My mind felt hazy, filled with a pleasant fog that pushed away all my worries and fears.

---