Page 45 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver
The kissing intensifies—deeper and with a ravenous hunger we’ve not mutually expressed up to this point. I think we’ve been careful and polite, but in this moment… something between us changes.
His grip loosens on my hips and he pulls away from the smoldering kiss. Leaning his head back against the edge of the mattress, he looks up at the ceiling and sighs. “I promise you that when I decided to come up here, I only wanted to make sure that you were alright. My intentions were altruistic.”
“It’s fine if they weren’t.” Since I can feel him aroused underneath me, I take a chance and gently rock my hips into him. Just to encourage this heat and friction because it feels really good.
Breathing and feeling him like this, my nature pulses heavily inside. It flows up my spine and makes my eyes alight. I don’t fight it as they glow to life.
Aries inhales through his nose. His chest rises as he watches me, but then he grips my hips to stop my movement. When he swallows, I see his Adam’s apple bob in his throat. “I should go.”
“Are you sure?” I ask quietly. “You don’t have to… I would control myself if you wanted to stay. I wouldn’t expose you to my aura—”
“I know, Oliver. I know that your intentions are earnest, but I…” He shakes his head and swallows again. Concerned, I uncoil myself from atop his lap. Even though it pains me and my nature is throwing a tantrum.
“I understand,” I say, settling on my knees at his side. “I’m sor—”
“Don’t, please.” He cups my face with his palm. “No apologizing. I kissed you first… two out of three times.”
I chuckle. “Are we keeping score?”
“Mm. Because I’m undoubtedly the architect of my own ruin. I keep starting fires, but I’m afraid of being burned.”
Sighing, comprehending, I lean forward and kiss him once more. Softly and just a touch. He closes his eyes, exhaling.
“Now the score is even?” I say, smiling. “Goodnight, Aries. Thank you for dancing with me tonight, and for making sure that I’m alright.”
Slowly, he opens his deep-blue irises and meets my burning gaze. “You’re welcome, my alluring and sweet young master. Very welcome indeed.”
ChapterFifteen
After spending so much time with Aries the night before—our stolen kisses in the study and then again in my bedroom, coupled with our lively dance in the ballroom—I ride on a lofty and untouchable emotional high throughout the next day.
Well, nearly untouchable.
My mood is being challenged, because today, I’m forced to be in the presence of Alexander’s extended family. There are no outside dignitaries or aristocracy members, because this is our time to sit and connect as a new unit—the combined Blakeley and Kendrick Clans of South and Central Eden. Finally, after centuries of complaining, moaning and much gnashing of our fangs, we’ll become a royal family.
Everyone is kind enough, except for one of Alexander’s uncles, who keeps making subtle but spiteful remarks about me. I honestly have no idea why, but sure. Let’s haveone morevampire who pressures and disapproves of me.
In the evening, dinner is served in a room that’s been recently renovated. Lord Blakeley had it updated for the specific purpose of this occasion so that we don’t come across as complete paupers, I guess? The banquet table is long and rectangular, set formally with beautiful creamy-beige tablecloths and shining silverware that gleams against the dim light overhead. All around, thick candles are strategically placed in sconces, their flames softly dancing in the reflection of the floor-to-ceiling west-facing windows beside us.
It’s twilight, so the glass serves as a showcase for the rolling hills and sunset like a portrait—a bright rust-golden ball of fire dipping below the deepening green. It turns the sky just about every subtle color within the reddish-orange spectrum.
I’m focused on these elements, because they’re much nicer than this rigid dinner.
“Your grace, you allowed Oliver to attend a semester at Carrington Elm University, is that correct?” Alexander’s needle-nosed uncle addresses Lord Blakeley. For the second son in a situation that has little to do with him, he talks a lot. As if he needs to insert himself into the conversation to make himself relevant.
“Not a full semester, but yes,” Lord Blakeley says patiently. “I thought it would help to diversify his learning experience—to allow him access to different environments in preparation for this wonderful arrangement.”
That single week at Carrington Elm was incredible. Without question, it is the most art-centered and international school within Eden. It’s one of the few schools that allow vampires from all stations—purebred, ranked and even lower-ranked—to attend classes and study freely. I received my bachelor’s degree in economics from a different school in the southwestern realm, and my education was largely remote.
I begged and pleaded with the viscount to let me experience on-campus life at Carrington Elm—just as a trial, because it was truly my dream school. To my great shock, he convinced Lord Blakeley to approve.
Every moment of every day, I was guarded by someone from the estate. I was never left to my own devices. Having this constant shadow made me an interloper among my peers. A social outsider bound by stiff rules and pageantry.
Still, being around vampires who were allowed to think, exist and discover, the way the air hummed with autonomy, promise and higher learning… I could feel that energy against my skin.
I made a mistake, though, by sneaking away from my guard one evening to attend a study group. Just once, I wanted to feel approachable and normal. A little bit free to participate in an academic discussion, or maybe make a friend.
I was only gone for an hour, but when my guard couldn’t account for me, Lord Blakeley pulled the plug on my academic adventure. Ended. Because I snuck out to take part in a study group.
