Page 16 of Rafe

“I know this sounds crazy, but I feel like I know you,” she confessed.

“It’s not crazy. It’s life. It’s fate. Sometimes we meet people by chance who become lifelong friends,” he offered without sharing he’d felt the same way. Something about her was familiar but he was certain they’d never met.

“I’m a firm believer that some people and situations come into our lives for a reason.” She wrapped her arms protectively around her waist and looked up to her door.

“Hey, if you ever need me. I’ll be there for you. Just give me a call. You’ve got my number now.” As the words left his lips, he regretted it. His beast hungered for the human, for her blood, and he struggled to reign back his thirst.

“Why is it I believe you?”

“Because I have a trusting kind of face?” he joked.

“Maybe it’s because we both like dogs.”

“I guess that’s it.” Rafe stilled as she reached for his hand and squeezed it. Her energy washed over him, his body reacted to her scent, teasing, tempting him. Rafe’s chest tightened with warring emotions. She was off-limits yet his wolf yearned for more: one kiss, one taste.

“Your wolf suits you,” she continued. “They have protective natures. Like you.”

Rafe’s cock stirred as he closed the distance between them and she brushed her fingertips to his chest. His mind raced with all the reasons why he shouldn’t fuck her. He had no business getting involved with anyone, let alone a human.

Just one taste, his wolf urged him to take her. One kiss.

As he leaned toward her, his hunger tore at him. Unable to resist, his lips crushed against hers. She tasted like honey, delicious and sweet. He deepened the kiss, his tongue brushing against hers.

The scent of her blood teased his nose as he kissed down the nape of her neck. His tongue grazed the soft skin behind her ear, and she moaned in response. Bite her, the beast called to him. The thirst for her beat like a drum in his ears. She moaned once again, driving his wolf wild with arousal. The vampire emerged, his fangs aching, descending in anticipation of his bite.

Rafe had played with fire. Too close to the flame, he couldn’t risk being burnt.

He forced restraint, retracting his fangs and pulling away, his head resting on hers. In the moment, he realized he’d unleashed a wild passion he might not be able to control.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—” He offered the lie but didn’t mean it. Confused by his own emotions, he took her hands in his.

“Hmm…that was amazing.” A shy smile crossed her face as she pulled away from him. She walked to her door and opened it, turning to him as she stepped inside her home. “Call me when you get to L.A.”

“Absolutely,” Rafe lied, his eyes on her as she shut the door.

He searched his soul for answers. His beast demanded for him to take her now, but he refused the visceral craving. He couldn’t have her. Not now. Not ever.

“Where’s the girl?” Greyson asked.

Rafe stared at the fire. His mind reeled with thoughts of Skylar. The kiss. Their only kiss. The most delicious kiss he’d ever had in his life.

But now she was gone.

“Hello.” Greyson stared at him from the kitchen and held up a large brown paper bag. “You want a bagel? I got sesame. Raisin cinnamon. Chive cream cheese. Hey. Wolf. You listening to me?”

Rafe released a low growl. Though he’d heard Greyson in the distance, his thoughts remained afar. He inhaled. Her scent lingered in the room reminding him of the last time he’d held her.

Rafe had walked her home knowing it might be the last time he saw her. Though he’d restrained his wolf, the thirst of his vampiric nature threatened to lose control. He’d allowed her to walk out of his life. One more stolen kiss would have resulted with his teeth and cock sunk deep inside the lovely human.

Though he’d fed, the yearning gnawed at him. The vampiric cravings were like a virus to his wolf. Nothing good ever came from dating humans or witches. It was a brutal lesson he’d watched others learn the hard way. It never ended well.

“Rafe. What is going on?” Greyson slid onto a leather chaise, half a bagel in his hand. “Onions and capers on sesame. This is the essence of life. Well, at least it is on this fine Saturday morning.”

Rafe shook his head. “You’re a vampire. I’m sure you’ve eaten better things than a bagel. Although they are pretty damn good.”

“I am not my brother. I don’t need caviar to be happy. And I don’t flaunt my wealth. Or my desires.”

Rafe stared at the fire, silent.