Page 8 of Hunting for Redemption

“So you don’t have to look at it. Hopefully that helps a little bit. You can just close your eyes and imagine it’s a cold night in a cabin somewhere, enjoying a steaming cup of hot cocoa.”

Jeff snorts. “Doubt it but it’s worth a shot I guess.” I watch as he brings his cup to his lips, taking a deep sip. A lot of baby vampires would get one hint of blood and begin guzzling the entire cup. But Jeff takes his time. I can see he wants to chug it, but he holds himself back. Pride wells up inside of me. He’s doing so well.

“Do you like it?”

Jeff looks at me, his eyes narrowing. “I can still taste the blood. But it’s sweet and chocolatey. I like it.” He takes another sip. “Can you do the same thing with coffee?”

I think for a moment. “I’ve never tried but I don’t see why not. We’ll try that next.”

Being this close has my body reacting. I want to be closer. I want to bury my face against the underside of his throat. I want to bite him and kiss him and lick the blood from his lips. Fuck, I want so much.

But I hold myself back the same way Jeff holds himself back from chugging his blood. Even though everything inside of me is begging me to lean forward and kiss him, that’s the last thing he needs right now.

Jeff clears his throat and I look over at him, not even realizing I’d zoned out. He looks almost sheepish as he hands the thermos back. “Thank you.”

“No worries. Adding the chocolate is something I learned years ago to help ease people into drinking.”

“Not that. Well, yes that but not just that.” Jeff runs his fingers over his throat, picking some dried blood away. I grab his wrist, gently pulling his hand away. Sparks run down my spine at the simple touch and I can’t help but wonder if he’s feeling the same thing. Our eyes meet. “Thank you for taking care of me. You certainly don’t have to, but I appreciate more than you know. I could have hurt a lot of people if I’d been outside when I woke up.”

“I won’t let that happen,” I tell him softly, needing him to know I’ll be here to keep him safe, even if that means keeping him safe from himself. “You’re safe here.”

He gives me a small nod. “I feel safe here. I don’t really understand it, but I do.”

“That makes me happy to hear,” I say, standing up. I can’t tell him he feels safe because I’m his true mate, the one destined to help him through thick and thin by Lady Fate herself. Gods, this poor guy just had everything he’s ever known change in the blink of an eye. I have to do everything in my power to make this transition as easy as possible and not add to complications.

I nod over towards the other door in my room. “You can have a shower if you’re feeling up to it. Might do you some good to get the last of that blood washed away.”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea.” Jeff slowly stands up, not unlike a newly born fawn getting used to their legs. He turns to look at me, opening his mouth like he wants to say something before he’s shaking his head and turning towards the bathroom. I watch him as he goes.

Do I already have it bad for this guy? I can’t, right? I’ve only just met him.

And yet, not only do I wanna follow him into the bathroom so I can see what his dick looks like, but I also want to hold him and stroke his hair as he falls asleep. Is this what it’s like when you find your true mate? Just an overwhelming bombardment of feelings washing over you? Fuck. I’m so screwed.

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