Spellbound by Fate

First Kiss

She loaded up the book carts and took the one that belonged on the floor they were on to put the books back where they belonged.

“Miss,” a patron came up to her.

“There is a fellow by the computers who keeps cursing. He’s not being really loud, but it is disruptive if you could get him to quiet down. I know you helped him before, and I didn’t want to start anything,” the gentleman said.

She followed him back to the computers, where Lyric had his head in his hands.

“Is something wrong? Are you having trouble with the database?” she asked him. He took a deep breath, and her presence seemed to calm him.

“Yes, nothing I need is coming up. I’ve tried every keyword I can think of and nothing.” He replied calmly, the scent of honeysuckle soothing him. He had to restrain himself from pulling her closer. But he knew he couldn’t have a mate right now, and it was better for her to never know.

She sat down in the chair next to him. She didn’t know why she cared so much about his research. She told herself she was just doing her job, but it was pretty obvious to her that she was drawn to him. She’d barely taken her eyes off him all day.

“Well, we can try a different database. There are three or four of them that might work. But you are writing a book, so why do you need to know what other people say about killing vampires? Can’t you just make it up as you go? You aren’t bound by earthly limitations when it comes to writing a novel.”

“No. This is different. It is very important,” he said rather intensely.

“Well, it's time for me to leave. Linda just walked in to take my place if you would like her to help you. Or, if you would rather, I will be back in the morning. Don't worry so much,” she said, putting her hand on his shoulder. They both startled a little at the jolt of energy that ran through them at the touch.

Janice looked at him, confused, but cleared her throat and continued, “We'll find something. This place is full of so much information that it's impossible not to find something. It just takes time.”

He sighed. “Thank you. Can I walk you to your car?” He asked before he could stop himself.

“Sure.” She said their eyes locked more intensely than should have been appropriate.

Janice clocked out and grabbed her coat while Lyric waited outside the employee lounge.

They walked silently out to the parking garage with hands in pockets, intensely aware of the other’s presence. Lyric was contemplating what to do about his vampire problem. He knew where they were, but that didn’t do him much good if he couldn’t kill them.

Janice, on the other hand, was wondering what the deal was with the handsome man with the almost golden eyes walking with her. What was he so upset for? Vampires weren't real, and he was taking it way too seriously.

She stopped at a silver sedan and turned to him. “Thank you, Lyric, and I assume I will see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, and thank you for your help.”

That should have been the end of the conversation, but the moment lingered. Lyric leaned in a little, and without thinking, Janice met him halfway. Their lips met, and a jolt went through Janice. She pulled back and gasped a little before he pulled her back in. He backed her against the car as the kiss deepened. Janice let out a slight moan as Lyric's tongue touched hers. She couldn't think. Then suddenly, lyric pulled back, breath ragged. He mumbled an apology and quickly turned.

Janice stared at his back as he left, the taste of him lingering on her lips. Logic crashed through her senses, and she chastised herself. What the hell was I thinking?! I’ve never thrown myself at someone like that. She numbly opened the car door.

Lyric left the parking garage quickly, thoughts a jumbled mess. Get a hold of yourself. You have work to do, and a human can’t be included in it even if she is your mate.