Fangs & Fire

Chapter 11: The Flight

The limo hummed smoothly along the road, its sleek black body cutting through the afternoon sunlight as it sped toward the airport. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with a mixture of anticipation and nervous energy. Dominic, Arthur, Amara, and Olivia sat in the back, the leather seats plush and comforting, but the tension between them remained palpable.

Amara sat across from Dominic, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, though she wasn’t sure if it was from the nerves of seeing her foster family again or from the chaos of everything that had happened in the past few days. Her mind kept circling back to what had happened with Arthur and Dominic—how much they had revealed about the dangers they were facing, and how much more she still didn’t know.

Arthur, sitting beside Dominic, appeared deep in thought, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by an unfamiliar stillness. His eyes were fixed out the window, lost in the distant view of the road rushing by, his mind clearly elsewhere. Dominic, as always, sat with a controlled air about him, seemingly unaffected by the weight of their journey, but Amara knew better than to believe he wasn’t thinking, too.

Olivia, seated beside Amara, kept the conversation light, her voice an attempt to break the silence that had settled in the vehicle. “So,” she said, flashing a grin at Amara, “What do you think your family is going to say about all of this?”

Amara shrugged slightly, trying to push the nerves down. “I don’t know... I don’t even know how much I’ll be able to explain.”

“They're not going to care about the details, though,” Olivia replied, her tone comforting. “They’ve always been there for us... mostly, and they’ll be there now.”

Amara offered a small, uncertain smile but didn’t respond. Instead, her gaze drifted toward the window, the view outside blurring past as the limo made its way to the airport. Her thoughts drifted back to the time they had spent with Dominic, Arthur, and the terrifying things they had already encountered. She was only just starting to understand the gravity of what they were all involved in.

Arthur glanced at her briefly before looking out the window again, but Amara caught the subtle shift in his posture—he was lost in thought, as usual. She couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in his mind, what thoughts weighed heavy on him that he didn’t share.

The limo pulled into the airport, its polished chrome wheels gliding smoothly to a stop in front of the terminal. Amara’s heart raced as she realized that soon, they would be on a plane, heading toward an uncertain future.

As the car came to a halt, the driver stepped out and opened the door for them. Amara hesitated for a moment, then followed Dominic and the others out, feeling a mix of unease and excitement.

"Let’s go," Dominic said, his voice calm and steady. "We’ll be waiting at the gate for the others."

The car hadn’t been waiting long when it pulled up next to the private jet. Amara, barely able to contain her excitement, practically jumped out of the vehicle and rushed to her foster parents. She threw her arms around Becky first, holding on tightly. “I missed you so much,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Becky squeezed her back, a tear threatening to slip from the corner of her eye. “We missed you too, sweetheart,” she said softly.

John, Becky’s husband standing behind her, pulled Amara into a hug as well. “Look at you,” he said, his voice full of warmth. “You’ve grown.”

Amara pulled back, looking at her brother, Caleb. His growth was unmistakable. A couple of years younger than her, but now much bulkier, a more solid build. She smiled at him. “Wow, you’ve grown! I hardly recognized you.”

Caleb smirked, showing a bit of his teenage sarcasm. “Yeah, I know, I’m basically a giant now.”

Amara laughed, her heart full. She had always been close to her foster family, but in the whirlwind of everything happening lately, she hadn’t fully realized how much she missed them.

Dominic and Arthur, standing to the side, gave polite greetings as Becky and John Campbell returned their introductions. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Amara climbed the stairs to the private jet, reeling with excitement. The cabin was luxurious, gleaming in the soft light as they settled in.

Dominic and Arthur took the seats closest to Amara, both of them scanning the cabin, making sure everything was set for their journey. Her foster parents, though a bit more reserved, settled in across from them. Olivia and Caleb, looking slightly overwhelmed by the lavish surroundings, took the remaining seats, their eyes wide with curiosity.

The jet began to taxi to the runway, and Amara felt her nerves settle into a comfortable excitement. They were about to take off, embarking on a trip to Mykonos, the world seemingly ahead of them.

As the jet lifted off, Amara couldn’t help but look out the window at the shrinking skyline of New York. It was both exhilarating and terrifying—leaving everything behind. With Dominic, Arthur, and her family by her side, Amara couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

As the plane started taxiing down the runway, the stewardess, a tall woman with a bright smile and a name tag reading "Candy," introduced herself to everyone. Amara noticed the way she repeatedly cast glances toward Arthur as she moved around the cabin. Arthur, of course, was oblivious, engrossed in a conversation with Dominic about the layout of the plane, but Candy’s furtive glances didn’t go unnoticed by Amara.

Once the plane reached cruising altitude, the seatbelt sign clicked off, and the cabin lights softened to a comfortable glow. Everyone was free to stretch their legs, and the space was vast. The plane was a private commercial airliner, fitted to Dominic’s specifications. It was nothing short of extravagant. Plush sofas lined the walls, soft armchairs were placed in strategic spots, and a sleek dining area with a polished mahogany table stood at the center.

Amara’s gaze drifted to the back of the cabin, where a large bedroom lay just next to a spacious bathroom. The bed, large enough for two, was covered in soft white linens, giving off a sense of quiet luxury. The entire cabin felt like a private sanctuary, a far cry from the cramped spaces she was used to.

Her eyes flicked back to Candy, who was walking toward them again. The stewardess flashed Arthur another smile, which he, of course, didn’t seem to notice. Amara couldn’t help but smile a little to herself, but she soon turned her attention back to the window, the expanse of sky outside offering her a moment of peace.

In an abruptly loud voice, John asked, "Which one of them is your boyfriend?"

Amara's face immediately flushed a deep shade of red, her hands instinctively raising in defense as she stammered, “It’s nothing like that, they aren’t—” She trailed off, her words faltering under the weight of her own embarrassment. She glanced at Dominic and Arthur, who were both looking at her with an unreadable expression, clearly amused by the sudden tension in the air.

John, ever the curious and blunt one, leaned back in his seat with a smirk. "Well, I had to ask," he said, raising an eyebrow at Amara. "Just wasn’t sure which one of them you were with."

The silence that followed was thick with awkwardness, and Amara could feel her anxiety creeping up her spine. Olivia and Caleb, sitting across from her, burst out laughing, their amusement echoing through the cabin. Amara sighed, feeling like she could sink into the plush seat and disappear.

"I'm just... helping out, alright?" Amara tried to explain, laughing nervously and glancing between Dominic and Arthur, who both had wide, teasing smiles on their faces. Dominic tilted his head slightly, raising a brow as if silently asking, Are we really doing this now?

"Sure, sure," Olivia teased, still grinning. "Helping out by going on a fancy trip to Mykonos. Right, Amara?"

Amara groaned inwardly, covering her face with one hand as she wished for the ground to swallow her whole. Dominic, sensing her discomfort, chuckled quietly but didn’t press the issue. Arthur, on the other hand, leaned forward with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You know," he began, his voice deep and playful, "I think the real question is, who would be lucky enough to be with Amara?" His smirk was a mixture of humor and something else—something hard to pin down.

Amara’s face burned even hotter, and she shot Arthur an exasperated look, her embarrassment only growing. “Please,” she mumbled, sinking lower into her seat.

Olivia, still laughing, glanced at Dominic, who was watching the exchange with a subtle smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Well, whoever it is,” she said with a teasing grin, “he's got his hands full, huh?”

Amara buried her face in her hands, wishing the conversation would end, though she couldn’t help but smile at how easily her family could make her laugh, even when she was mortified.

Candy approached their seats with a professional yet warm smile, her gaze flickering briefly to Arthur, who was already eyeing the drink menu with a familiar look of intent. With a knowing nod, Dominic gave a slight tilt of his head, acknowledging her presence as she stood poised to take their orders.

Arthur was the first to speak, not missing a beat. "I'll have a glass of Macallan 12, please," he said, his voice low and smooth as he leaned back comfortably in his seat. He exchanged a brief look with Amara, who was now laughing softly at the absurdity of it all.

Amara, still caught in the lighthearted atmosphere but with her usual penchant for comfort, smiled sheepishly. "I'll stick to the usual. Cookie and chips, please," she replied, feeling more relaxed now that the tension had dissipated.

Candy nodded, jotting down the orders on her tablet before turning to the others. She moved swiftly, noting the preferences of each person in turn. "And for you, sir?" she asked, turning to John.

He looked up at her with a grin. "I'll go with a glass of red wine. Something bold, if you've got it." He gestured toward his wife, Becky.

Becky smiled. "I'll have the same, thank you."

After taking everyone’s orders, Candy glanced up from her tablet and, with a faint smile, added, “There will be one meal served during the flight. It will be ready in a couple of hours.” She swiveled on her heel and walked toward the galley, her movements swift but graceful.

As she left, the quiet hum of the jet's engine filled the space again, and everyone settled back into their seats. Amara looked at Dominic, who was sitting next to her, his gaze still carrying that unreadable but contemplative air. She let herself relax, letting the excitement of the trip wash over her once more, the conversation from earlier slowly fading from her thoughts.

Amara stood up, stretching her legs as she moved over to join her siblings on the plush sofa. Caleb immediately started talking to her, excitedly sharing updates about his computer science degrees and the frustrations of working in IT. "It's like people think clicking a mouse is a magic fix to their problems," he grumbled, rolling his eyes dramatically. Amara laughed, appreciating his ability to vent about school despite the comfort of being on a private jet.

Meanwhile, John and Becky engaged in conversation with Dominic and Arthur, the adults discussing their work as the hum of the plane filled the cabin. The lively chatter continued as Candy returned with the drinks, carefully balancing the trays as she made her rounds. Amara's attention shifted for a moment as she noticed Dominic quietly stand and excuse himself. He murmured something about needing to catch up on work before disappearing into the back of the plane. Candy followed closely behind him, her footsteps quiet but purposeful, and she gently closed the door behind her.

Amara glanced at Arthur, who had noticed the same thing. He raised an eyebrow, then shrugged, as if it was all too familiar. Without saying a word, he downed the rest of his whiskey in one smooth motion. The air around him seemed to shift, the quiet intensity of the moment settling between them. Amara’s curiosity about what Dominic was up to—and why Candy followed him—buzzed in her mind, but for now, she let it go, choosing instead to focus on the family conversation and the comfort of her siblings.

About 30 minutes later, Candy emerged from the back of the plane, adjusting her collar and smoothing out her coat. She glanced around, checking that everything was in order before asking, "Is there anything else I can get for you all?" Her eyes briefly met Amara’s, but she quickly turned her attention elsewhere.

Arthur looked up, a smirk already playing on his lips as he raised his glass. "A double refill, please," he said smoothly.

Amara, eyeing him, sighed. "Arthur, slow down a little bit," she said, trying to sound casual but also a bit concerned.

Arthur gave her a wink, his smirk widening. "I am," he replied. "I have a fast metabolism." He leaned back in his seat, clearly unfazed by the earlier exchange.

Candy gave a quick nod before turning to walk toward the galley to prepare his drink. Amara couldn't help but glance at Dominic's door again, wondering just what had gone on behind it.

Amara’s curiosity got the best of her, and she couldn’t stop herself from getting up and quietly approaching the door to Dominic’s room. She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the handle, before she slowly slid it open just a crack.

Peering inside, she caught a glimpse of Dominic lying on the bed, his shirt off, a sheen of sweat on his chest. Her eyes widened as she noticed the blood smeared across his skin, some of it still glistening wet. He was panting, his breath quick and shallow, as though trying to recover from something intense.

Before she could process any more, the door swung open wider, and Dominic’s head snapped toward her, his eyes widening in shock. He quickly sat up, wiping the blood from his mouth, but it was too late. Amara saw it—saw the blood smeared around his lips, and the intense, hungry look in his eyes.

“Amara…” Dominic’s voice was hoarse, breathless, and dangerous.

He didn’t give her a chance to speak. In one swift motion, he was on his feet, shutting the door behind her and pressing her against the wall. His body was hard against hers, his breath heavier now, still panting. The weight of his presence was overwhelming, his hands gripping her shoulders, his gaze dark and unfocused.

“Don’t…” he growled, his voice trembling slightly, the hunger in it unmistakable.

Amara’s breath caught in her throat as an intoxicating scent filled the space between them. It was rich and earthy, yet somehow sharp, stirring something deep inside her. She couldn’t help but follow the contours of Dominic’s body with her gaze, tracing the firm lines of his muscles and the strength in his chest. Her eyes moved upward, locking with his, and she felt drawn in, the intensity of his presence pulling her closer.

Dominic, sensing her reaction, leaned down slowly, his breath brushing against her neck. She shivered, his proximity overwhelming her senses. He inhaled deeply, and she felt a warmth spread through her body. His breath, tinged with the metallic scent of blood, carried a sweetness that only seemed to heighten the effect on her. Her legs shook slightly, her body responding to him in ways she didn’t fully understand. The air around them seemed to pulse, thick with unspoken tension.

In a flash, the door slid open, and Arthur stormed into the room. With a swift, determined motion, he shoved Dominic to the side and pulled Amara away from the intensity of the moment.

“You shouldn’t be in here right after he fed,” Arthur warned, his voice low and firm. He quickly checked her over, his eyes scanning her face and body, making sure she wasn’t hurt. His hands were gentle but insistent as he looked her over, ensuring she was physically okay.

Amara stood frozen, still processing the whirlwind of emotions. Arthur’s protective instinct seemed to come naturally, but she couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by the closeness. As he pulled her out of the room, he glanced at her again, his gaze softer now, but still vigilant.

Once they were safely away from the door, Arthur let out a quiet sigh and shut it with a firm click.

A few hours passed, and Candy began serving dinner: chicken shawarma over rice with a side salad. Dominic still hadn’t left his room, leaving his meal untouched. Arthur eyed the untouched plate for a moment before helping himself. Vampires didn’t need to eat anyway, so he picked up Dominic’s serving and inhaled it in two seconds to John and Becky’s awe.

Meanwhile, Amara’s parents took the opportunity to talk about Amara’s past. They recounted the days when they were deep in their drug addiction, not the parents they wanted to be. But Amara, they said, had been the one to turn things around. “She was the one who showed us real love,” John said, his voice carrying a sense of gratitude. “When we were at our worst, she was the one who stayed by us, who helped us fight our demons.”

Becky nodded, a soft smile on her face. “We owe everything to her. She gave us the strength to get better, to be better for her and the other kids.”

Amara listened quietly, her heart heavy with the weight of their words. It was strange, hearing about herself like that. But she could feel their sincerity. They had changed, and she had helped them. Still, her mind wandered as she looked over at the closed door to Dominic’s room. His absence weighed on her, leaving an uncomfortable silence hanging in the air.

Amara stood in front of Dominic’s door, hesitant but filled with concern. Seven hours had passed, with three more to go, and while everyone else had fallen asleep, her mind was consumed with thoughts of him. She couldn’t shake the image of what she had witnessed earlier, the blood, the tension, and the overpowering pull that had been there between them.

She quietly knocked on the door, unsure of what to expect. When there was no response, she let out a soft breath and opened it. She stepped inside to find Dominic already dressed and cleaned up, sitting upright on the bed with a contemplative look on his face. His room was still dim, the soft hum of the plane’s engines making it feel like they were in a suspended, tranquil space.

Amara closed the door behind her, taking a tentative step inside. “I’m sorry, Dominic,” she began, her voice a bit unsteady.

He looked up at her, confusion flashing across his features. “You’re sorry?” he asked, incredulous. “I was the one who…” He stopped himself, eyes narrowing slightly as he seemed to think about it. “I’m sorry, Amara. I should’ve been more informative about my processes.”

His words hit her in a way she wasn’t prepared for. She didn’t know if he meant the feeding or something deeper, but she felt his sincerity, and it made her heart ache. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she said softly, her hands wringing in front of her. “I just… I don’t want to be a burden. I know I’m already involved in all of this more than I should be.”

Dominic shook his head, standing up from the bed and walking toward her with that same calm yet commanding presence. “You’re not a burden, Amara,” he said, his voice steady, reassuring her. “You’re part of something bigger now. And that’s why I’m here—to make sure you’re safe. To protect you, even from the consequences of things you don’t fully understand yet.”

Dominic took a deep breath, seeming to weigh how much he should reveal. He sat up straighter, looking at Amara with a serious expression. "Yes, one of the very few who knows what I am," he began, his tone steady but with a hint of something deeper beneath it. "Candy's been working with me for a long time. She understands the necessity of it. When I drink fresh blood, it's not just about feeding. It's about experiencing the person in a way most humans don't understand. Her kinks are very particular."

Amara frowned, trying to process what he was saying. "You mean like you can feel what they felt?"

Dominic nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if reliving something from the past. "Exactly. When I drink fresh, their life, their history—everything they've ever felt—becomes a part of me for a short time. It's like a flood of images, emotions, sensations. I see their most pivotal moments, their pain, their joy, their regrets. And sometimes... sometimes it’s overwhelming."

Amara’s heart raced as she tried to wrap her mind around it. "But... is it like you're taking over their life, or is it just like... a flash of their memories?"

He shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It’s not like I become them. But for a while, it’s like I am them. I feel what they feel, I see what they see, even experience the things they’ve been through. It’s like I’m walking through their shoes. It’s not something I do lightly, and I don’t do it with just anyone. But sometimes, it's the only way I can truly understand a person."

Amara’s mind spun with the implications of what he was saying. She had seen so many sides of Dominic—his cool, collected nature, the moments of tenderness, and now this raw vulnerability. She wasn’t sure if she was shocked, disturbed, or even more intrigued.

"So, that’s how you know so much about people," Amara said, the pieces falling into place. "You’ve seen their entire lives in a way no one else could."

Dominic nodded, his gaze steady on hers. "Exactly. But I have to be careful. I can’t just take anyone’s blood without considering the consequences. It’s... intimate. The process can be overwhelming, both for me and for the person. It’s not just about feeding. It’s a connection, a deep, shared experience that lingers." He paused, his voice softening. "And I only allow people I trust to be a part of that."

Amara paused, the weight of the conversation sinking in. She remembered how close Dominic had been earlier, how he had leaned in, breathing deeply, and her heart skipped a beat. The thought lingered in her mind, and she couldn't help but ask, "Did you... want to feed from me? Back there, when we were close?"

Dominic’s eyes flashed with a brief, unreadable expression, and then he sighed, leaning back slightly. “It’s not about wanting in the way you’re thinking,” he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. “It’s not something I desire from you like that. But... yes, when I’m that close to someone, when my senses are heightened during feeding, it’s... it’s instinctive. The pull is stronger. It’s like a shark frenzy after the first taste.”

Amara’s breath caught at the comparison, her thoughts swirling as she tried to process what he was saying. "So, once you taste... it’s hard to stop?"

Dominic nodded, his gaze intense. “It’s not about control. It’s about instinct. The first taste is like a trigger, and from there, it can spiral quickly. The hunger takes over, and you can’t focus on anything but the need for more.”

She felt a cold shiver run down her spine as she understood the depth of his words. It wasn’t just a simple drink of blood—it was a full-on, almost animalistic drive.

“But you didn’t...” she said quietly, the question lingering in the air.

“No,” he interrupted, his voice soft but firm. “I would never. Not with you.” His eyes softened as he looked at her. “I’ve controlled myself. I’ve always controlled myself. But it doesn’t mean the pull isn’t there.”

Amara swallowed, processing the weight of his words. There was something so raw and vulnerable in his admission, and yet, she couldn't shake the fear that gnawed at her. "And what happens if... if you lose control?"

Dominic’s jaw clenched, and he turned away for a moment, looking out the window. When he spoke again, his voice was laced with a tension that Amara hadn't heard before. "I’ve been doing this for centuries, Amara. I know what I can handle. And I’ve always been able to control it. But the temptation, it never really goes away. And if I ever lost control..." He trailed off, the unspoken words hanging in the air, heavy and ominous.

She nodded, understanding that this was not something to take lightly. The weight of what Dominic was sharing, the complexity of his existence, and the power he held—was something she wasn’t fully prepared for. But she also realized that the trust between them was fragile, and what had just happened—what could have happened—was another layer of that complexity.

“I don’t know what to say,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Dominic replied, his voice quieter now. “I just wanted you to understand what I’m up against, what it really means to live like this.” He met her gaze again, his expression softening. "And I would never force anything on you. Not like that."

Amara exhaled a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, relieved by his words. It didn’t erase the tension she felt, but it did allow her a moment to breathe, to reflect. "I get it," she said quietly, though she wasn’t sure she fully did. But for now, that was enough.

Arthur slid the door open again, stepping inside with his usual ease. Dominic took the cue, standing up from where he was seated and walking to the other end of the small room. He slid a desk out from a compartment in the wall, opening another hidden compartment that housed his laptop and phone, ready to dive into work.

Meanwhile, Arthur, with a grin that could only be described as mischievous, jumped onto the bed, settling in with a casual flop. “Can you do that thing you did that made me sleep so good?” he asked Amara, his voice light and teasing, almost like a puppy seeking attention.

Amara’s face immediately flushed a deep shade of red. She didn’t know whether to laugh or hide from the question, both embarrassed and confused by it. Her heart skipped a beat as she glanced at Dominic, who had just looked up from his setup. His brow furrowed in genuine curiosity. “What thing?” he asked, his tone light but edged with something more serious as his gaze shifted between her and Arthur.

Amara stammered slightly, trying to regain her composure. "I... I don’t know what he’s talking about," she managed to say, still not able to meet Dominic’s eyes. She felt the heat on her face intensify, her skin still burning with the awkwardness of the situation.

Arthur, lying back on the bed with his hands behind his head, looked utterly unbothered by the tension. He glanced at Amara and then at Dominic, his smile still wide. “You know, that thing you did when you... made me sleep so well.” He said it with such innocence that it made Amara’s discomfort grow.

Amara, still blushing and trying to avoid eye contact, nodded in relief when Dominic swiftly turned his attention back to his work, clearly dismissing the subject for now. She let out a quiet breath, grateful for the shift in focus.