Page 80 of A Debt of Darkness

“Relax,” I say, massaging her shoulder. “I didn’t want those things to happen, lea. One day, you’ll be ready. For that and more, but not right now, and that’s okay. I’m so proud of you, Ivy. You were perfect. Fucking perfect.”

Her emerald eyes sparkle a little and her sobbing quietens.

“I am sorry, lea. It wasn’t my choice and I didn’t want it. I’m sorry you had to do something you weren’t ready for. Something that frightened you. I don’t want you to fear this, lea. Don’t fear what we are or what we’ll do.”

Ivy nods and her sobbing stops.

Thank fuck.

“You’re perfect. You’re mine—and I won’t let anyone take you from me. I won’t let us be parted.”

She bursts into tears and I’m lost. I don’t understand why she’s upset and a wave of confusion hits me, leaving me scrambling as I try to figure out how to bring her back.

Her arms wrap around my neck and she throws herself onto me, hard enough that she’d knock me backward if I werehuman. Her face presses into my shoulder and her fingers dig in, as she clings to me like I’m her salvation.

She’s home and when my arms wrap around her, I come home too.

We fit together perfectly.

She’s accepted me for who and what I am.

I’ve accepted her for who and what she is.

For all our flaws and faults, our strengths and talents.

“Tell me what’s wrong next time.” I’m whispering as her sobs quieten again. “Don’t push for a reaction. Talk to me, lea. I promise to listen. I can’t give you want you want or need if I don’t know what it is.”

Her head nods against me and I calm, reassured we’re not facing another fight. Ivy’s mine and we’re learning how to do this.

Together.

She stops crying and I pull her head off my shoulder. I sweep her hair back and tuck a few loose strands behind her ears. She watches me and I settle as her distress and anxiety eases.

“Promise me, lea.”

She nods.

“I need your words.” I pause. “Properly.”

Ivy raises her hand and runs it down my face. She traces my lips with her index finger and pulls my bottom lip down. I’m surprised she wants this now, but there’s not a fucking chance I’m going to let this opportunity pass by—and my fangs extend, taking care not to damage her delicate skin.

“Does it hurt if I touch them?”

“No,” I say. “Your words, Ivy.”

“I promise, Master,” she sighs as bites her lips again. Her eyes widen and she stares at my teeth, transfixed. “Can I?” She waits. “Master?”

She looks at me, trying to work out what I want. It’s adorable. It’s cute. It’s more than enough to make me want to fuck her senseless. Her eyes widen as she realizes I’m making her specify exactly what she wants.

“Please may I touch them, Master?”

I smile, pleased we’re both learning. “Always, lea.”

Her fingers shake as they touch my teeth, and it sends a bolt of pleasure through my core. The excitement runs straight to my cock and it hardens instantly, pressing against her as her weight rides it.

Ivy’s touches become more confident and she relaxes, exploring my fangs for the first time. Finally, she understands my bite will never harm her and her pupils widen as she draws closer. This is her, accepting me—and her racing heart and soaring pheromones tell me she’s aroused.

She sighs and crashes her lips onto mine. It’s bold, sudden and fucking heaven. We haven’t kissed like this since I told her I’m a vampire and she’s been wary, afraid I might steal more than her breath.

---