Page 39 of Into The Light

“Mortals are fragile, slow, clumsy, defenseless, and most importantly... killable. No thank you. I’ll stick to my immortality.”

My mouth twisted and my eyes narrowed. Despite my lack of superpowers, I liked being human. “So, you’re saying that my existence is worthless?”

“That’s not what I meant.” His tone softened.

“It’s what you implied,” I growled.

“Isobel chose to stay human. She died. I chose to be immortal. I’m still alive. I’ll let you come to your own conclusions.”

“She may have passed away, but who lived the better life? You or her?”

He didn’t answer.

“What do you say we go for a gallop? These two haven’t been out for a run together.” He changed the subject.

“I haven’t ridden since I was sixteen. I’m afraid my skills aren’t quite up to a full-speed gallop. In the dark.”

“You’ll be fine, trust me.”

“I think you’re forgetting my fragile mortal status means that if I fall off, I could break my neck and end up dead or paralyzed. I think I’ll stick to walking today. Maybe another time,” I said back, only half joking.

“Lucky for you my immortal status means I’m fast enough to get off my horse and catch you if you start to come off. Your pretty little head won’t have a chance to hit the ground. I will never let you fall.”

His words, while said in jest, resonated deep within me.

I will never let you fall. There I was, feeling safe again because of a vampire’s arms.

“Well? What do you say, human? You want to take advantage of my immortal gifts?”

“I say... you’re on!”

Belmira felt my energy shift and danced for a step before Alfonso leapt into a powerful gallop. I grabbed her mane and smiled wide when she surged after him. The wind whipped through my hair and tore at my skin as we raced across the field. I had never ridden at speeds like this because of my fear of falling. Tonight I felt safe knowing Aiden would never allow harm to come to me. I kissed to Belmira and smiled as she pushed on.

We pulled up when the horses were puffing. Aiden smiled wide, his perfectly coiffed hair blown into a haphazard heap that looked surprisingly modern.

“Well?” he asked as Alfonso danced beneath him.

“You didn’t need to save me, so I’ll call that a win.”

“Did you enjoy it?”

“Every second.” My smile had already given it away.

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. I certainly appreciate a good run, as does Alfonso.”

Alfonso yanked the reins and snatched a bite of grass. “Manners, Alfonso. You can eat when you get back to the stable.”

Eat!

During the exhilaration of the ride, I had forgotten my whole reason for being here. And I hadn’t fed Aiden since he woke up.

“Aiden. I just realized you haven’t eaten yet tonight. You must be starving.”

“No need to worry. Just enjoy the ride.”

“I’ll enjoy it much more if I know I’m holding up my end of the bargain.” With a cluck I urged Belmira to Alfonso’s side. She stood obediently hip to hip while I slid my hair from my neck and looked up into Aiden’s eyes. Just moments before he fed, they took on a certain glow. Those eyes made my pulse quicken every time I looked into them.

The now familiar click of his fangs caused my heart to flutter in anticipation. His hand, smooth and muscular, slid behind my head, grasping me tight as he leaned down. The coolness of his skin was a stark contrast to the heat I radiated from the run and from the desire he evoked in me. His breath caressed my neck as he leaned down, pausing for a moment while I begged his fangs to enter me. My skin tingled in anticipation.