THE VAMPIRE CEO MATE

CHAPTER SEVEN

All Ryan could do was stare at Claire as she presented her work to him and the Board of Trustees. Her outfit was perfect. He would never cease to be amazed by her style and grace. Today, she wore a nicely pressed butter coloured long sleeved shirt, a black skirt and some black heels. She also had on a golden necklace, earrings and an elegant wrist watch. Her hair was packed up to a ponytail. Needless to say, Claire looked fantastic.

And she was giving the presentation perfectly and effortlessly. Truly, she was his perfect match and he loved the way she expressed herself. Pride swelled up in his chest as he recalled the day he had first saw her.

He had just arrived at the recently opened branch in New York and was greeted by Mr. James. They had both gone into Mr James office to speak and there she was searching for something on his desk. Since, Mr James was such a responsible and gentle man,the employees were free with him and they referred to him as their office father. She was shy and a very timid young lady back then. He was curious about her and it wasn't until when he got back to London that he figured out that she might be the lady he was foretold to fall in love with. He had waited eight years for everything to fall into place.

He would happily admit to anyone that Claire Willow was the woman he would without doubt give everything up for.

"Is there anything you would want to add, Mr Dragonoff?".

His name being called pulled Ryan back to the present. He blinked repeatedly in confusion. "I'm sorry?". He muttered. Ryan noted the look of irritation from Claire face. She had not failed to notice where his attention had been on throughout the meeting and her presentation.

"Was there anything you wanted to add to this presentation?" She repeated her question. Her voice more sterner than before.

He had to admit, she looked sexy whenever she was being authoritative.

Ryan had to force his thoughts to something more appropriate.

"No, Miss Willow". Clasping his hands in front of him on the table. "You've explained it all". His voice becoming low and sexy giving her a smile.

She had to resist rolling her eyes, She couldn't believe he would dare to flirt with her here. Claire was beginning to think that maybe he took her for a complete joke and she didn't like it at all.

When Ryan heard those thoughts crossing Claire's mind, he straightened up a bit. The last thing he needed was to has his love angry at him. She had given him a chance to prove himself, and that's what he definitely was going to do. He cleared his throat."Thank you, Claire for the presentation, you have done a wonderful job today". The Board agreed with him and gave Claire a round of applause. The smile on her face made him feel butterflies in his stomach.

Don't be too comfortable...... His conscience was starting to act up again.

Getting her to forgive you was all fake.....you won't last longer than the first date.........

Ryan frowned, he had to be stupid to actually believe he could win Claire's love and affection. From her look few minutes ago, it was clear that she didn't want him and now he had already ruined his chances.

"Thank you all for listening today, I hope whatever decision you all make will lead the company down the road of prosperity". She closed her presentation on her laptop and took her seat next to Ryan. He then stood up to address the Board.

"Alright then, you've heard what you needed to. We will take votes at a later date. Make certain to consider all angles when voting". He pointed towards the door. "I know the inward question you're all asking and the answer is Yes, you can all leave now, Goodbye". He said while pointing at the door. And with that everyone filed out of the room except Claire.

When the room was empty, save for Ryan and Claire. Claire stood up and started to collect her things together.

"Is that how you speak to your Board of Trustees? You know they can have you removed right?. She said while smiling gathering all her things in her hand.

Ryan's eyebrows jumped at the statement. "Who? Them?". Ryan said while laughing. "I'm not too worried at all, let's just say the Board and I have a mutual understanding". He said smiling revealing his pointed fangs. He noticed Claire go stiff and her face turned pale.

Ryan closed his mouth immediately, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you".

They fell into an awkward silence, Claire wanted to leave but for some reason she found herself rooted to her position. This time, it was on her own accord. Ryan paused his lips in thought, not knowing what to do or say. Claire was like any other woman in basic biology. But this woman was unique in a strange way.

She made him speechless, she made him reckless, she made him...... Well she made him not quite like himself. And no woman has ever made him feel this way before.

"I'm gonna leave now". Claire said walking up to the door. Which pulled Ryan back to the present.

"Wait.." he called out to her, not sure why he did so but... "I just wanted to apologise again for last week, in person this time".

"It's fine Ryan, I already agreed to give you a chance".

"I know, I just wanted to say it to you personally".

"Huh, I see".

They fell silent again, Ryan shifting on his feet and putting his hands into his trousers pockets.

"Allow me to treat you lunch. A little birdie told me the Asian restaurant you like is not too far from here".

"What birdie was that?".

He gave her a slight smile and tapped his temple with his index finger.

"That would be you".He noticed her smile at his words. And she wondered what else had he heard from reading her thoughts. He thought maybe he would hold off on reading her thoughts,he didn't want to overwhelm or scare her again.

"Oh"

"Yes"

Again, they stood there in silence all that could be heard was the ticking of the clock hung on the wall. Claire noticed that he was not quite like his usual self today. He was acting completely different! Was this really the same man she had meet last week? she was amazed!!.

"So, would you like too or....."

"Oh!!!" she exclaimed, "Let me put my stuff away in my office and grab my purse".

Ryan smiled at her acceptance. He felt this was a good sign and that maybe he could win her heart by showering her with good food and the right attitude.

______________________________________

Well,this was a pleasant surprise as Claire munched into her fried crispy chicken with stir fried veggies and rice. Ryan sat across from her, sipping his wine. To Claire this was a new change, she was already used to eating lunch with Madeline and now she was eating lunch with Ryan. She never thought that something like this could ever be possible. But today Ryan.... seemed different.

For one, he made sure to apologise to her repeatedly. She was sure she must have heard him say "I'm sorry" over a hundred times within the course of one hour. it was obvious to her that he was not used to accommodating people except himself. He was restrained and tailored in his manners today. His posture was rigid and overly composed. His signature smile was missing too.

Did he maybe sense my annoyance with him and decided to hold himself.

"And, how is the food?". Ryan asked staring at Claire.

She smiled at him and answered, "Oh, the food is awesome!! you want to try some?" she raised a piece of her chicken offering it to him.

"Oh, no thank you, I'm fine with just my wine". he replied back.

Claire frowned, "Are you sure?, it's very delicious!!".

"I'm sure" Ryan said chuckling.

Claire shrugged, "Alright,Suit yourself".

She then popped the piece of chicken into her mouth. A thought crossed into her mind pausing her to stop.

"Do vampires eat food?".

Ryan laughed, finding her question adorable. "Yes we do, but we don't need to. Their are some who do it as a hobby but blood is our main sustenance. Just like how you see it in horror movies and read in books. Without it, we would wither away".

Claire nodded, "So.... is that why you drank my blood? for sustenance. Wasn't there someone else you could have gotten your blood from?".

He pursed his lips, "Actually, drinking from you was something entirely different". He didn't know how to explain it and he wasn't sure Claire was ready to enter into the world of Vampires and the supernatural. The last thing he wanted was to overwhelm her and push her away.

"Well, what was the purpose of you drinking from me if it wasn't because you were hungry?". Claire questioned.

Ryan raised his eyebrows, "Are you sure you really want to know, because once we go down this road their is no turning back".

Claire shrugged, "Is not like I can ignore the fact that you're not human, and if you're going to be in my life, whether is working together, dating or whatever. I feel I need to know what or whoever you are. i feel it's only fair". she took a sip of her water. Claire knew she was still terrified deep down but she was still curious about him. But she needed to be mentally prepared if she wanted Ryan in her life.

He nodded in affirmation, "Well, there are many who believe that blood holds a spiritual significance. it's the life force that drives many of us on Earth. Blood to a vampire is not only a means of existing but also a force that connects us. The exchanging of blood completes the bonding of mates. If I drink from you for the third time you will be bonded to me".

Claire gasped in shock, "So... You were planning on doing that against my will".

He nodded somberly not knowing what to say.

"I see...." She began again to resume the rest of her food in front of her. Ryan was about to apologise once more. But before he could speak. She spoke up ,"So I have a few questions for you".

Relieved that she was changing the topic. he answered, "Sure, ask away".

She chewed for a few seconds, sorting out her thoughts. There were so many questions she wanted to ask but she knew she wouldn't be able to ask everything at the moment. First, she would ask him the question that has been on her mind for a long time.

"Why do you wear your hair like that?".

Suddenly becoming self-conscious of his hair, he reached up to touch a few strings of his hair. "Well, when I was younger I use to wear my hair like this but curly because that was the fashion for gentleman at that time. I had a short haired phase for a few decades. So, I just grew out my hair and it's been like this for about seven years or more now".

Claire nodded, "I just found it strange because businessmen are often to wear their hair short".

Ryan nodded in affirmation. "Are you taken seriously with your hair like this?".

Ryan smiled at her, "I'm one of the owners of a multi billion corporation across two countries. How seriously do you think I'm taken".

Claire had to agree he did have a point there. There was no one in the business world who didn't know about the Dragonoff corporation.

Claire chuckled at him, "Ok , Mr CEO one more question for now, it's almost 2pm".

"Shoot"

"So you're a vampire right? how old are you and how did you become a vampire?".

"I was born a vampire that is I've been a vampire my entire life and for my age I stopped counting when I turned Two hundred years old".

Claire raised her eyebrows in surprise, "Really?".

Ryan nodded, "Indeed, born and raised. Descended from the true blooded vampires".

"So, you can be born a vampire? I thought you guys were extinct or something?". At that point she finished her meal and had begun getting ready to leave.

Ryan paused in thought, "Well, it's dreadfully complicated and you would get very confused if I begun to explain".

He reached inside his jacket pocket to get out his wallet.

"Just know that vampires can either be born or converted, we age very little and unless we are slain, we can live for an enternity". He then stood up and Claire followed him.

"Do you have any more questions you would like to ask or you're just curious for now". He walked up to the cash register to pay for their meal.

"I think I'm good for now".

"Good, so I have a question of my own".They had already walked out of the restaurant and were now standing on the sidewalk. Ryan stopped and turned to face Claire. Claire was observing him under her eyelashes. He really wanted to kiss her but he needed to restrain himself for now. His hands found hers, intertwining their fingers together just like the first time they stood together in her new office. "Would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a date tomorrow evening?".

Claire shrugged with a smile, "Yeah, sure". She felt a light squeeze on her hand and she knew her answer had made him happy.

"Wonderful, I will pick you up by 8pm tomorrow".