Page 55 of The Vampire’s Prey

"Damn," she whispers.

"Damn indeed.”

I wait a moment until her eyelids flutter back closed before pricking my finger with my fang. Pulling the sheet away from her inner thigh, I watch the sluggish trickle of blood with fascination. I lean back down to lick the lifeforce away before smearing my blood against the wound. Within moments, a thin line remains. The only thing to give evidence to our wild abandon.

“Now, you lay right there and bask. I will draw up a bath.” I pull out, immediately missing the warmth of her body. For the first time since I have been turned, things finally feel like they are beginning to be at peace. Like I can finally breathe. I steal one more glance at my prize before slipping into the adjoining bathroom. The sunrise is getting even closer, and though we both share a deepening affection for each other, I still don’t know her well enough to keep her in my room while I slumber. That and I would never bore a mortal by watching me sleep. Better she bug Marion than sit and stew in my room.

The steam from the hot water fills the room. I really have done a poor job preparing for my guest. I shake my head and turn around to gather my woman when I spot a large bag of soaking salts and a jar of bubble bath. Good old Maria. At least one of us has enough sense to make sure the human is well cared for. I scoop a generous handful of both into the tub and watch for a few moments to make sure nothing actually bubbles over. Satisfied that my bathroom is not about to turn into a comedy sketch, I stride back into the room.

Evangeline is right where I left her, but her inquisitive stare is flying all across my room. Clearing my throat, I chuckle as her eyes fly to mine. She blushes slightly before pointing out my suit of samurai armor in the corner.

"Did this belong to someone important?" My gaze softens as I lean over and gather her into my arms.

"Well, if you consider me to be important, then yes."

I laugh as her jaw drops in surprise.

"But, but you're—."

"Not a samurai? No. I wasn’t born into the life, but I was adopted into it.” Before she can ask more questions, I lean down and kiss her. "Another tale for a much later time. For now, I am more interested in getting you bathed and into bed."

"With you?" Her eyes lower for a moment and the blush returns.

"Would that be so bad?"

"Oh, no. That's not what I meant. I just haven't actually slept with a guy before."

Laughing, I turn her, so we can slide through the door and into the bathroom.

"Then what do you call what we just did?"

Her blush deepened even further. "That was carnal relations. Not the same."

"Ah. I see. Unfortunately, no. I seal myself in every sunrise. You would be most terribly bored sitting here all day."

She turns her head, deep in thought.

"Whatever you are thinking so hard about, don’t. We are still getting to know each other. I’m sure you would feel uncomfortable waking up to me being unresponsive."

"That would be weird actually. But, could you sleep with me a little?"

Setting her down, I climb into the tub, keeping her gaze as I sink below the warm water.

"I will stay with you until you are asleep. How does that sound?"

She nods and lifts up her leg to step in. Reaching out my hand, I help her ease over and join me in the tub. The moment a cut hits the salty water, she winces and whimpers. Devil that I am, I start twitching at those pitiful sounds.

"I know it stings sweetheart, but it will feel better in a moment."

I get her settled into the water and hold her close. The heat from the tub warms up my skin, and I feel almost cozy with my human snuggled up in my arms. Letting my mind drift, I try to remember the last time I was ever so at peace. The only memories I can conjure up are from when I was still a mortal. Being a vampire has a lot of perks but the same, if not more, number of drawbacks.

"Do you kill people?"

I pause and look down at my human. How to answer a question like this.

"In what way? I have been alive for a very long time. Through wars even."

"Okay, then, do you kill for sport or fun?"