Page 55 of Royal Bite
Hegna was dressed in her dark fighting leathers with only a few blades on her. The sight of her had left Stormey tongue-tied. Her dark hair had been pulled back. Her sharp blue eyes had watched Stormey as if she were prey.
Stormey had been beyond shocked when Hegna had not only approved her outing but decided she would come along, too.
If visiting orphans is something that is a passion for you, then maybe I should become involved as well.
Was this a sign she was coming around to the notion they belonged together? Stormey could only hope. She glanced over at Hegna who was silent in her seat. She stared out at the scenery as it passed. Stormey wondered what she was thinking. Had she put off something important so she may come with her?
Their caravan made its way through the town. Stormey had only expected she would need two guards to escort her to the orphanage, but Hegna was insistent that they needed a full team of guards to accompany them. Stormey felt like royalty with as many people it took to secure her and Hegna’s trip to the orphanage. They were in the back of an armored sedan which, according to Desmond, was impenetrable by bullets. Two large SUVs, with one in front and the other behind their car.
She smiled softly. Deep in her heart, she felt Hegna was trying in her own way. If she wasn’t, then why was she there?
Stormey reached out her hand and took Hegna’s in hers. Hegna’s head flew around, her surprised gaze meeting Stormey’s. She entwined their fingers together and slid across the backseat and closed the small gap between them.
“Thank you,” Stormey said softly. Hegna joining her meant a lot to her. This was something she could share with the vampire princess and maybe, just maybe, Hegna would share something personal with her. Stormey was willing to take things slowly if it meant she got her vampire.
“For what?” Hegna blinked.
“For coming with me. This means a lot,” she said. She glanced down at their hands, and her heart skipped a beat. Those hands could not only give her the best pleasure she had ever experienced in her life, but yet were deadly.
Stormey wasn’t sure why, but the thought of Hegna defending her and taking someone down in her honor sent a thrill through her. She had never been a person who liked violence, but it was comforting knowing the person she was to spend all eternity with was a lethal vampire.
“Why would going to visit children with no home mean so much to you?” Hegna arched an eyebrow at her.
It didn’t escape Stormey she hadn’t pulled her hand away. She tucked that away as a win.
“I’m sure you know I was raised in an orphanage. My parents were taken from me at such a young age, and with the war going on, there wasn’t anyone who could take me in, so I was sent to an orphanage. I know how it feels to not feel wanted or loved. Sometimes all a child needs is a smile or a hug to brighten their day,” Stormey said. She leaned her head on Hegna’s shoulder.
Her entire childhood hadn’t been horrible, and she did have fond memories of some of the volunteers throughout the years. A small twinge of sadness went through her that she hadn’t been able to say goodbye to the children back in Wichita. Good volunteers were always hard to find. In the world they lived in now, not many had much to give. Stormey certainly hadn’t, but her time was more valuable than any money she could have given the orphanage.
“Tell me, Stormey. When you left the orphanage, what happened then?” Hegna asked.
Stormey sighed, her thoughts circling to Lori. She made herself a note to send word of her move to her former foster mother. Stormey began telling Hegna how Lori had taken her in. Lori didn’t have much and was lonely after her husband died, so she went through the process of taking in foster children. It gave her a purpose in life.
“She sounds like a good woman,” Hegna murmured. She reached up and brushed Stormey’s hair away from her face. The tips of her fingers lingered on Stormey’s cheek.
“She is. Even though I don’t live in Alabama any longer, I still send her letters to update her on my whereabouts and to let her know I’m okay.” Stormey felt the words tumble from her lips. She was growing entranced by Hegna. Her vampire’s fangs were noticeable from underneath her top lip. Stormey’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of the sharp teeth. Her body was already reacting to their closeness. She squeezed her legs shut and tried to will her body to calm down.
“We must thank her,” Hegna said softly. She lowered her head slightly.
Stormey closed the gap, impatiently pressing her lips to Hegna’s. Their lips molded together in a gentle kiss. Hegna’s tongue slipped through Stormey’s. She opened her mouth wider, welcoming Hegna’s invasion. Their tongues stroked each other in a slow, sensual duel. Stormey turned toward Hegna, sliding her arms around her vampire.
Stormey groaned, hating they were in the backseat of a car and had on too many clothes. Hegna released Stormey, her hand cupping Stormey’s cheek. Her lips curled up slightly in a small smile.
“I can scent your arousal.” Hegna’s voice was husky and tantalizing.
Stormey leaned into her hand, almost dissolving into a puddle on the seat. She loved the sound of Hegna’s voice when it deepened.
“I promise you later I will take care of you.”
“Promise?” Stormey asked.
Hegna nodded and released Stormey. She tucked her into her side and peered out of the window. It was then Stormey realized their vehicle was slowing down. Snow had covered the town, but it looked as if the streets were clear. She stared out her window and didn’t see many people out which wasn’t a surprise to her since it was after dark. It was early evening, and wintertime meant longer nights and shorter days.
“It would appear we are here.”
“It is quite an honor for us to have you visit,” Miss Emily Washington, the head of the orphanage, greeted them. She held out her hand to Hegna and Stormey. Her grip was firm, and her smile was wide. She stepped back away from them and motioned to the building. “This is Fountain of Hope.”
Stormey glanced around and took in the decor. It was out of date and was an older mansion that appeared to have been built back in the twentieth century. There was a staircase that led to the second floor. The entryway was once grand, with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The paint and the wood had seen better days. It was clean but showed off the wear and tear from over the years.
