Fated To A Vampire

Chapter 18: Love, and Juice.

Running my finger in circles on James' chest, my mind has never felt more at ease. I had never been with a man the way James and I were just together, but then again, he was no ordinary man. My legs shook slightly as my sore muscles ached for relief, but I lay naked next to him. Our legs were tangled together, the hair from his rubbing and tickling mine. Stretched next to him, this man still towered over me, my small frame was held by his strong muscular arms. His hand gently traced from my ribs down the curve of my body to my hips and back up. The silence between us has stretched for a while now, but I couldn't fathom words. It was not a smart choice, but damn was it good.

"Are you alright?" his voice was soft and gentle, a switch in mood compared to before.

"Mhmm," I hummed as I continued playing with the strands of hair that peppered his chest.

"You know you definitely can't leave me now,"he said as I looked up at his smiling smug face.

"Fine, but that means you can't leave me then..." I had to admit I did hate being alone, and if my last endeavor taught me anything, I was better off at his side. The world is a dangerous place, human or vampire. I should embrace this new life, try to start fresh. My last escape only proved there are still people out to get me. James doesn't know everything, and I have run with the not-so-greatest groups.

"Deal," he said happily, wrapping his arm around my waist and rolling me onto my back with him on top. His hair slightly hanging as he peppered kisses across my jaw line and down my neck. Laughter erupted from my throat as he kissed his way down to my collar bone, pausing. He stared. Running his thumb gently against the tender skin across my neck.

"I'm okay," I looked at his scrunched brows and red eyes. I knew what he was looking at, and I knew he was angry.

"I can heal you..." His voice trailed as he sat up, adjusting the covers, and I pulled the blanket more around myself. Looking at the floor, I saw the tray on its side and the leftovers had spilled on the floor. It had been tossed aside and forgotten.

"I feel like there's a 'but' in there..." I said slowly, not sure where he was going with this.

"You have to have a few drops of vampire blood." His face looked at me unchanging, and I will admit I hurt...and if it could heal me.. "It could also further our connection too though..." I knew he was saying I had a choice.

"Doesn't that turn someone? That is what the lore in the library had said..." I asked after quick thought, but I got a laugh in return.

"No," his chuckle was deep, "I would have to snap your neck too." He wiggled his brows and I felt the blood drain from my face. The joke was dark and rang of truth. Quickly he tried to recover himself, "but I wouldn't do that." He said more seriously.

"Would it be..safe?" I looked at his face and I could tell he was being more serious now.

"Of course," He reached forward and cupped my face, "I would never harm you, nor could I ever." His thumb ran along my jawline and gently pinched my chin in his fingers. "You may not feel the same, Athena, but I do love you. I vow my life to yours, for eternity, my dear." His kind words warmed my heart. Looking at his steel eyes, they met mine with nothing but love. I had been given reason to have hesitation, but I know that when he spoke to me, he was telling the truth.

"Okay..." My mind spun like a broken fair ride, endlessly turning around and around. "What happens when I do? How long does it take?" I could feel my anxiety fluttering off so many questions I could barely keep up. Looking at my lap, I fidgeted with my fingers.

"It's really simple," I looked up to meet his soft expression, "I just put a few drops in a drink, you drink it and within the hour the bruises will fade away." He reached up gently stroking a strand of hair out of my face and tucking it behind my ear. "Even if you said no, I wouldn't mind... You are breathtakingly stunning, my fiery fox." I could feel the heat rising up my neck from his compliment. Looking at his eyes, I could see he meant every word.

"Okay," I smiled at him. "I trust you." I could feel the confidence he seemed to give me radiating from my body. James leaned forward and kissed my forehead gently.

"I will be right back, okay? Just a minute." He stood and slid on his boxers. Watching his muscles flex and harden as they moved, I was given very vivid images from before, the thought of it making my core drip. Looking at me, his handsome strong face held a gentle smile. He wagged his thick black brows twice, winked, and in a blink he was gone. Looking around, I waited for just a moment. A minute went by, and he wasn't back. Deciding to use this moment, I stood and wrapped the thick fluffy blanket around myself. My muscles screamed in pain with tension, but I carried on. My father had beaten me worse. Walking slowly, my feet ached with every step after running barefoot for a few hours. Men's cats called me, and some even dared to try and follow. The first met with a swift and hard kick to his tender zone. Walking into James's bathroom, I was blown away by its elegance. I had not been in his bathroom yet, and it was beautiful. The white and black tones made of marble and accented wood were perfectly matched with the white and black towels that hung from a rack. The massive black tub was sunk into the floor, making it easy to access. The massive pool could fit at least six people. Closing the door behind me, I unraveled the blanket from myself before relieving my bladder, and replacing the blanket around myself once again. Tucking the blanket corner under my pit, I washed my hands and dried them, as I was going to walk out a knock sounded from the other side.

"Hey, I have clothes for you to take a bath.." His voice trailed from the other side. So that is what took so long. Then, smiling to myself, I opened the door, and I was met by his smiling face. He was wearing black basketball shorts now, and no shirt. His toned muscles were shining. One hand holding a small pile of clothes, and the other a cup of orange juice.

"Thank you," I smiled at him and took the glass.

"I hope orange is okay." His voice sounded unsure, "I wasn't sure what to mix my blood with...and I thought maybe it would be less noti-"

"It's perfect, James." I took a small sip and the bitter-sweet and tangy taste filled my taste buds. Walking by me, James set my clothes on the bathroom counter, opening the cabinet underneath. He set out a few salts.

"You go ahead and pick which one you want, I will run you a bath." He smiled as he walked to me and planted a kiss on my cheek. He strutted towards the tub, turning it on. I watched as I finished my glass of juice. Barely time has passed, but he treats me with respect. He treats me like an adult and a strong, confident woman who can choose. I'm starting to fall for this man, even if deep down I want to run.