Justin’s POV A hot, intense burn spread through my limbs when his bite broke the skin, pushing deeper and deeper until he could sink no further. I gripped his arms, instinctively trying to push him away, but his hold was considerably stronger, dragging my body tightly against his. I closed my eyes and tried to focus, feeling the motion of his lips and his tongue against my neck as he drew the blood from my body. “Brian,” I tried to speak, but I’m not sure sound actually found its way from my lips. But then I heard him, an answering hum that almost brought me to my knees. A low deep rumble vibrating against my skin, exciting every nerve in my body. Slowly, I gave in to him and let the warmth flow through me, embracing the all-encompassing feeling of being taken. Brian had me, gripping so tightly, pulling me lower and lower until we were both on the ground, his body pressing me into the wood of the floor. Enveloped in dizziness, the room fading slowly in and out, all I could think about was the coolness of Brian’s mouth, the way his body was flexing and moving against mine and the shameful fact that my arousal was prominent and noticeable between us. I only barely realized I was lifting my legs, rutting against him, moaning for more friction, pleading for something… anything. Begging for him not to let this end. Without warning, his head shot up and I was released from the grasp of his fangs. The growl that emanated from deep within his body echoed throughout the room and I probably should have feared the horrifying sound. Should have, but didn’t because he chose that precise moment to find the bare skin of my need. I arched against him as he stroked me, long firm movements until he brought me to completion, giving me the relief I’d been greedily asking for. The last thing I remembered before surrendering to the overwhelming darkness was Brian’s whispered apology. ~*~ I had no idea what time it was when I awoke. My body was stiff, my back and shoulders sore from being pushed into the hard floor and my neck… it throbbed like nothing I’d felt before. I reached up, letting my fingers trace the wound in the place he’d bitten. I closed my eyes as a shiver of excitement coursed through me, even though I cursed myself for inviting these feelings I should have been trying to suppress. I slowly pushed the blanket down, taking in my surroundings and realizing I was in the room I’d occupied the night before and not in Brian’s bed. It was still dark outside and I could scarcely guess the sun would be rising in the next couple of hours. I wondered why I was left alone and suddenly felt a deep seeded need to find Brian. I lit the table lamp beside me and decided to go in search. It took me a moment; I was still weak on my feet, but I made my way from the room, padding down the narrow hall until I reached the common area, disappointed to find it empty. I listened for sounds, but the house was silent, giving nothing away. After thoroughly inspecting each area, I determined he was not in his bedroom, the kitchen or the pantry and I toyed with the idea he may be out in the woods. Defeated, I turned around to return to my room, noticing for the first time another entrance off the main foyer. Pushing the door open slowly, I shined the candle in front of me before stepping inside. The light reflected and I saw him sitting there alone in the dark. “Go back to bed, Justin.” He spoke serenely from his seat in the corner, not even bothering to look at me. I glanced around briefly and saw shelves. Empty shelves that adorned two of the large walls in the room. When I moved closer, I discovered the floor was littered with books. Books that should have been on the shelves, but were purposely strewn from their place. “Why are you sitting here alone?” He shrugged and looked up at me, but didn’t answer. Stepping forward, careful not to stumble on the mess, I stared at him as he stared back. Finally he looked away, resting his head in his hand, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. He was clearly agitated and I wasn’t sure what to say, so I chose to say nothing, hoping he would eventually tell me what was wrong. I’d almost given up when he asked, “Who is Ethan?” I thought about it for a moment, and then placed the lamp on a table nearby. “He is… was someone I knew.” His eyebrow lifted in a knowing gesture and he crossed his arms in front of him. He wasn’t letting it go that easily. I sighed. “He was my lover.” He nodded, though I’m sure he’d already assumed as much. “I’d made it clear I no longer wished to be with him, so he took it upon himself to begin pursuing me, hounding me to give him another chance.” “Well it seems he never quite accepted your refusal.” I shook my head. “He did seem rather delusional.” It was still hard to absorb what had happened. That Ethan could be so self-seeking as to want this. “So you hunt because vampires killed your family?” “Killed?” I couldn’t help but scoff at that. “They were slaughtered, Brian. My parents… my sister. It appeared as if they… enjoyed themselves as they tore my family’s home to shreds.” I couldn’t hide the harsh undertones in my voice. “That is the nightmare I carry with me.” “Unfortunately, Justin, that’s the nature of vampires. Though most are content to not call attention to themselves, others do enjoy wreaking havoc where they are able. It is but a game to them.” I moved even closer, kneeling down in front of his chair. “And what of you? Why are you not as they are?” He pulled back, almost as if he were afraid of me. I tried to appear unconcerned, but it made me ache to feel him putting distance between us. “I am not as different as you presume and you should never fool yourself into thinking otherwise.” “You’re wrong.” I reached for his hand, but he refused it. “You should not have offered yourself. I could have taken your life, Justin. Easily. And now… your very presence intoxicates me more than I can stand. It is a struggle not to finish what was started and I fear I am not strong enough.” I stood up again, backing away, raising my arms and gesturing down my body. “You are within arm’s reach, yet here I am, still breathing. If it is your strength you doubt… ” He jumped up quickly, his vampire speed bringing him to stand in front of me before I could blink. He gripped my arms and stared intently, his eyes dark and angry. “You are dangerous. You make me feel things… want things that are unattainable.” I looked at him incredulously. “And you don’t think I feel these things, Brian? That I don’t yearn for you or crave your touch? That I don’t curse myself for allowing these desires? I am wise enough to know I’m playing with fire each time I’m near you, but I am willing to take that chance!” Brian closed his eyes, trembling as he laid his forehead against mine, locking his hands behind my neck. After a moment of silence between us, he tilted his head and let his cheek brush against my temple. He moved slowly, almost cautiously, touching the skin near my ear and inhaling the scent of my hair before descending down the curve of my neck, stopping at the base of my shoulder when he found the place where he’d marked me. He was motionless, his entire body completely still against mine. I would have followed suit, the intense moment filling the air about us, but unlike his, the rise and fall of my chest was inevitable. He held me for a moment, just resting his lips lightly against my skin and then he kissed me, letting his tongue glide over the mark. His mark. A rush of chills overtook me, my entire body quivering with anticipation and excitement at that simple touch. My hand slid around his waist and I tried to pull him tighter against me. It seemed there was nothing that mattered more than being next to him. The desire to be closer, to have him inside me was overshadowing every other thought in a way that was almost frightening in its intensity. His lips found mine, kissing me deeply… urgent and hungry kisses that left me panting and writhing against him. His voice broke the spell, just briefly when he whispered, “I should not be doing this.” “There is no denying what is between us, Brian. I feel I could not breathe without you near me.” He tensed and I suddenly had an eerie feeling that I had said something wrong. “I hope that is not true, for you are leaving as soon as the sun rises.” My breath caught and I stepped back, pulling out of his arms, bewildered and angry. “What?! Why?!” “It is for your own good, Justin.” Did I mean nothing to him? Did it not matter what I wanted? “You’d send me away so quickly rather than face your feelings?” “What I may or may not feel bares no impact on what must be done.” “What must be done? I don’t understand.” “You think a vampire will give up his quest for you just because you tell him to go away? You trust that he will leave you safe?” It dawned on me then. “Ethan.” He nodded. “He will not give up and I cannot protect you here.” “I’ve no place to go that he would not follow.” “He cannot travel in the daylight. It would give you a head start and I will see to it that he doesn’t follow when the sun sets.” “How can you be sure…” “I’ll take care of him.” The coldness in his voice was unsettling, but the meaning was more than clear. “You’d kill him?” He seemed surprised that I’d asked. “I would. To protect you.” I stared at him, dumbfounded. I wanted to shower him with kisses for being the man I knew he was, but another part of me was insulted, knowing he thought I was weak and unable to take care of myself. He must have sensed the warring emotions because after a moment, he moved closer, taking me into his arms. “He knows you too well, Justin. He’d use that to get to you and knowing what he wants… I think it’d be better not to take any chances.” I closed my eyes, sinking into his chest. “I don’t want to leave.” “You don’t have a choice.” I felt his lips on the top of my head and heard the regret in his voice. “If there were any other way...” “Where will I go?” “I know of a place, only an hour’s ride. When you get there, ask for Debbie, tell her I sent you and there won’t be any questions.” I lifted my head, looking up at him. “And when will I see you again?” With a shake of his head, he said, “Justin…” “No, Brian. If you have no intention of coming for me, then I won’t go. I’ll stay here and take my chances.” I could see the pain in his eyes. “You know this is impossible. You deserve more than I will ever be able to give you.” “Promise you’ll come for me.” I wouldn’t let him go so easy. Not when I’d just found him. “Or rest assured I will be back here within a week.” His expression turned to one of defeat and he nodded, giving in. Something tells me he wasn’t sold on the idea of being apart either. I let a small smile escape and then I reached up to kiss him, pleased when he didn’t object. If these were our last hours together before he sent me away, I’d make sure to spend them in his bed. TBC