A Kiss For You

by Rachel Van Dyken

  "You look… nice."

  Nice. He said I looked nice. Not pretty, not even cute, or beautiful, just nice. Like a dog.

  Or a plant.

  "Thanks." I swallowed the lump in my throat.

  Ethan

  Every damn woman in that room paled in comparison, and that was the truth. It was like fighting a war with myself — not telling her how I really felt, like dragging her away from the watchful eyes of people who'd do her harm and kissing her senseless then promising her forever.

  It was instinctual.

  Nothing more.

  If I pushed her away, I wouldn't attach myself more emotionally — at least, that was what I told myself — then she'd gone and gotten cranky, which, frankly, was adorable.

  She crossed her arms.

  I half-expected her to stomp her foot or at least claw my eyes out. Damn, I would have been gone if she'd done any of those things.

  She still had control.

  I wondered if she noticed how her personality was slightly changing. Vampires weren't known for being calm and collected. Perhaps on the outside… but on the inside? Blood boiled; it always boiled. And I knew it was just a matter of time before she snapped.

  Because my blood flowed through her veins, and if that didn't make me want to shout at the top of my lungs.

  Her scent was covered up with perfume.

  I didn't like it.

  I sniffed her neck harder.

  She flinched.

  I licked.

  And she froze in my arms.

  I hadn't meant to actually lick her, or maybe I had, and I just hadn't fully thought through the ramifications of my actions.

  "Sorry…" Since when did I apologize? "I was… curious."

  "So you licked me?" Her body trembled in my arms.

  I held her tighter. "Yeah." That's all I had.

  The song was ending.

  "What do I taste like?"

  "Heaven," I said before I could lie. Being honest with her about her own taste was the least I could do, right?

  But just admitting it out loud made me want more.

  "What's heaven taste like?"

  "Genesis." My mouth curved into a small smile at her swift intake of breath. Her heart picked up speed, like a horse getting ready to race. Her palms began to sweat against mine.

  "Care to know how I taste?" I asked, dipping her low in my arms.

  She blinked up at me. "Yes."

  I almost dropped her on her ass. I'd been taunting her, teasing. I wasn't serious.

  Slowly, I brought her back up to standing position. "Then take a bite."

  "What?" she gasped.

  "Just a small one…" I teased. "It's perfectly natural."

  "But I'm a human."

  Her cheeks were completely flushed; her heart beat faster and faster. It was like a drug, listening to the physical effect I had on her body.

  I raised her hand and twirled her twice, fast, and bit into my wrist on the third twirl. Three drops of blood met her lower lip.

  She licked. Her eyes flashed green — my green.

  And I lost complete control.

  My mouth met hers in a frenzy; the perfect mixture of my blood and her taste was devastating to my senses.

  What was worse?

  Her hands had moved to my shoulders and were now fisting in my hair, tugging me closer, her body arching, trying to gain better access.

  Her lips suddenly turned cold.

  I pulled back and met Cassius's gaze across the room. He was smirking, the bastard.

  Genesis shivered, her eyes confused. "What just happened?"

  "I kissed you."

  "Yeah, got that part." Her cheeks were still flushed. "But then it was cold… like before."

  "A trick…" I turned her slowly.

  Cassius nodded from his spot across the room.

  Genesis leaned back against me, her knees buckling. "I want to go home now."

  "You can't."

  "What?" She turned in my arms, grabbing my jacket with her hands. "You mean we have to stay here all night?"

  "Wait, what?" I shook my head. "Home as in… back to your mother?"

  Her cheeks went bright red. "No, I mean… back to the house. Your house."

  Home. She'd called my house her home. Male pride roared in my chest. Barely keeping it together, I nodded my head and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

  "Yes, but first you must acknowledge Cassius."

  "Why?" She dug her heels into the floor.

  "Because he's as close to a king as we get, and every immortal, regardless of their feelings toward him, has to pay his respects."

  Genesis reached for my hand, squeezing the life out of it. "But he won't hurt me, right?"

  Pieces of her golden hair clung to her ruby red lipstick. I tugged them away and cupped her face. "He can't touch you — not with me here. I swear."

  Nodding, she kept her tight grip on my hand as I led her through the crowd. The closer we got to Cassius the quieter it became. By now, it was no secret that I'd stolen Genesis from him — marked her, claimed her, and then had had the nerve to show up with her at the Gathering.

  People knew our history.

  But that didn't make what I'd done acceptable.

  In fact, had I not been an Elder, I was pretty sure he would have ripped my heart from my chest and crushed it in his hand.

  Cassius leaned against one of the tables, his arms crossed. He wore a smile that would make anyone — mortal or immortal — sell his soul for just one more.

  I hated him in that moment, all over again, because I'd known an immortal once who'd been willing to do anything for one of Cassius's smiles or touches.

  Feeling sick, I held Genesis tighter. Not her. Please not her. Cassius had taken everything from me. Would he take her too? Was she weak like Ara had been?

  A lie.

  It had all been a lie.

  Just like my bond with Genesis was a lie.

  I bit into my lip, drawing blood as Cassius's grin grew with each step we took toward him.

  He was wearing a white button-up shirt, revealing half his chest. I rolled my eyes. Dark Ones were vain, nice to look at, but they knew it.

  At least vampires tried to appear humble.

  Cassius knew he commanded the world and lived for that power.

  "Genesis." Her name on his lips had me hissing aloud.

  He grinned wider.

  I imagined myself strangling him then removing his head from his body.

  "Cassius," Genesis whispered.

  The room was completely silent.

  Cassius held out his hand.

  Genesis looked at me, refusing to take his hand.

  "Ah, he's taught you well." Cassius drew his hand back. "Apparently, your mate doubts your ability to stay true. If you really loved him… if the bond has truly worked… you'd be able to touch me and feel nothing. Did he tell you that?"

  "Yes," she lied.

  I could kiss her. I hadn't told her the truth — was afraid to — because of my own insecurities.

  "I just don't want to disrespect Ethan."

  Cassius's eyes narrowed in on Genesis. "Interesting."

  Stephanie appeared by Cassius's side; he pulled her close to his body, his eyes going from blue to white then back again after releasing her. I didn't understand their special type of friendship, and a part of me didn't want to.

  Sirens could become just as addicted to Dark Ones, and I hated to think that Stephanie had fallen into his trap like so many others before her.

  Though her eyes stayed blue, and she didn't give off the normal chill a woman claimed would.

  "Tell me, is the party to your liking, Genesis?" Cassius asked.

  "It's beautiful." She wrapped her arm around my body, placing her head on my chest. "But Ethan promised me we'd spend some time alone tonight, so we're actually leaving."

  Brave girl.

  Cassius's eyebrows shot up.

  "And does Ethan speak for himself these days
, or do you do that for him?"

  "Cassius," I warned. "Perhaps I like hearing her voice. I've been alive so long I've tired of hearing my own."

  People around us laughed.

  Genesis looked up at me adoringly.

  So I did what any male would do in my position. I kissed her — hard. Our mouths fused together, our tongues tangled, and I forgot completely that I was in front of Cassius — or anyone. I lifted her against my body, my hands digging into her hair as she let out a little moan.

  "Enough!" Cassius grunted out. "This isn't a brothel."

  I released her, though it was hard, considering all I could focus on was the pulse of her heart through her swollen lips. I wanted to bite — again.

  "Control yourself, Ethan," Cassius sneered. "Her blood will still be there when you get home. Then again, you're probably not going to be taking her blood, will you?"

  Genesis hung her head.

  "You know…" Cassius shrugged. "I wonder if it would be considered fair or loyal to your old mate? Taking a new one and destroying her as well?"

  I released Genesis and pushed against Cassius's chest. "Take it back!"

  He grinned and held up his hands. "My mistake."

  Shaking my head, I stepped back and grabbed Genesis's hand. It killed me, absolutely killed me to bow my head to Cassius, to give him the respect he was due, when all I wanted to do was end his life. But I managed it, a slight bow.

  He returned the sentiment.

  And in a flash I was outside with Genesis.

  When the demon threw me my keys, I almost threw them back at his head, needing some sort of violent act to soothe me.

  "Sorry." Genesis voice was weak, afraid. "I hope I didn't make things worse, I was just—"

  "You," I turned and cupped her face, "did beautifully."

  I kissed her again.

  Because I could.

  Because she calmed me.

  Because I knew I couldn't claim her again in public, and I knew that once we got to the house, I'd have to leave her, lest I lose complete and utter control of myself.

  When her arms snaked around my neck, I let out a pitiful growl and took a taste… just a few drops… directly from her tongue.

  She gasped into my mouth, driving me into a frenzy to have her body closer.

  Without thinking of her being as fragile as she was, I pushed her against the waiting car.

  She let out a little grunt.

  "Shit." I stepped back and pinched the bridge of my nose. "I'm sorry. I forget how fragile you are."

  "Do I look broken?" Her eyes were shadowed, hazy, lustful. Damn, it was a beautiful look on her.

  "No." I smirked. "You don't."

  She reached for me.

  I stepped back again, my breath coming out in gasps. "We should go."

  The look on her face nearly brought me to my knees. I couldn't keep it up, kissing her and pushing her away, wanting her yet lying to myself about it.

  "Okay." Again I was struck by how small her voice sounded.

  I opened the door and ushered her in…

  Then contemplated lying down in front of the car and asking the demon to hit the accelerator.

  Genesis

  He kissed me like a man dying of thirst — and maybe he was, maybe it was my blood. Was it wrong to hope it was my smile? Maybe even my dress?

  I played with the beautiful silk fabric, waiting for Ethan to acknowledge the kissing — or at least part of what Cassius had alluded to.

  When the silence stretched the entire ride home, disappointment stabbed me in the chest.

  We reached the house.

  He pulled the car up to the massive gate; it opened.

  Still nothing.

  He turned off the car and reached for the door when I blurted, "Do you hate me?"

  His hand froze on the car door; in fact, his entire body froze. My heart picked up speed. I knew he could hear it, but there was nothing I could do about the effect he had on me.

  "No…" His voice was low, almost a growl. "I could never hate you."

  "I'm sorry…" Tears stung the back of my eyes. "…for whatever I did. I'm sorry you were forced to protect me when you didn't want to."

  "You're apologizing?" His voice rose. "To me?"

  My throat got tighter. "Yes."

  He looked over his shoulder at me, his green eyes glowing in the darkness of the car. "You're tired."

  "Yeah, but—

  "We can talk tomorrow. I'll show you to your room."

  So that was it.

  My fingers clenched the silk dress tighter. I didn't trust myself to speak. The warmth I'd felt in his presence was long gone, replaced with nothingness.

  He didn't even place his hand on my back as he led me into the dark house.

  I walked mindlessly through the kitchen and up the stairs, not sure if I was even going in the right direction. A slight tap on my back to the left had me turning the corner at the end of the massive hallway.

  Double doors.

  Huge double doors.

  They were at least twelve feet tall; two metal dragons twisted around the large doorknobs.

  Ethan reached around me and opened them.

  A roaring fireplace was the first thing I saw. It was see-through, and on the other side of the wall, I noted what looked like the bathroom. Extravagance dripped from every corner of the room — from the crystal chandelier suspended overhead to the sitting area with leather couches and fur throw pillows.

  A matching fur rug lay in front of the fireplace.

  The king-sized bed could fit at least five people. The down comforter was black and looked so plush that I was afraid I was going to get lost in it if I sunk too deep.

  "Bathroom," Ethan whispered over my shoulder, "is to your right. I'll have Stephanie take you shopping later this week after you've grown accustomed to your new environment."

  I nodded and turned to thank him, but he was already gone; the door shut in finality behind him.

  Tears filled my eyes.

  I wasn't sure why I was acting so emotional… other than being rejected. I'd been built for tougher situations, right? Hadn't I been prepared for the worst when I'd awakened — was it only twenty-four hours ago?

  At least I wasn't dead.

  There was that.

  But I wasn't accepted, and I think a small part of me had hoped that maybe I would fit in this world better than my own.

  I was smart enough to fit in.

  I'd studied hard enough to make it a possibility.

  But everything I'd studied had been a lie — or close enough.

  My own mother hadn't given me the attention I'd craved — too afraid that if by chance my number was called, the separation would destroy me.

  And now… I had the most beautiful man in the world kissing me — because he couldn't help himself.

  Like a chocolate addict.

  I was covered in his addiction; it flowed through my veins, but it wasn't me.

  Slowly, I made my way into the bathroom. Expensive soaps lined one side of the tub. I started the hot water and began peeling my clothes away.

  When the tub was full, I stepped in.

  I'd just closed my eyes when I heard the doors open to the bedroom.

  Ethan walked around the corner of the bathroom — like it was the most normal thing in the world — and held out a glass of wine.

  I was too stunned to do anything but stare at the glass in his hand; it shook slightly. "I figured this would help you relax."

  With a gulp, I reached out, and took the wine glass. Our fingers grazed each other, causing a jolt of awareness to wash over my body. I imagined he felt it too, if the elongating of his fangs was any indication. Quickly, he looked away and walked out of the bathroom.

  Slamming the door behind him.

  An hour later, and I was in bed, too exhausted to sleep. The door to the room opened again.

  I could make the outline of a body.

  Then the person moved into the firelight.r />
  "Ethan?"

  His eyes started to glow in the darkness as he removed his shirt, followed by his pants, and every other article of clothing on his body.

  Was he? Did he think something was going to happen?

  I tensed beneath the covers.

  "Relax…" His voice was both soothing and commanding. "…and try to sleep, Genesis."

  With him. Naked. Next to me?

  Right.

  I was lucky I was still breathing. The man's body was made for sin. Muscle packed around his midsection so tightly it didn't look real. I blinked, thinking it was some sort of trick, because men really shouldn't be that good-looking.

  Then again…

  His eyes continued to glow.

  He wasn't really a man, was he?

  The bed dipped.

  My erratic breathing increased. I closed my eyes and focused on calming down my own heart.

  "I'm going to lose every ounce of control I have if your heart keeps beating that wildly whenever I take off my shirt." Ethan's voice held amusement, but I couldn't see his face, so I wasn't sure if he was smiling.

  His warm hand touched my chest; his palm pressed against my skin. "Sleep, Genesis. Tonight… we sleep."

  His words were like a drug, his hand was warm, and soon my entire body calmed down, sinking further and further into darkness.

  "That's it…" His lips touched my ear. "Sleep."

  My body was still fighting the sleep even though it sounded like a good idea.

  Something warm trickled against my lips.

  "Sleep," he commanded more forcefully this time.

  My body immediately obeyed as I swallowed what I'd later discovered was his blood.

  "So we meet again." Cassius grinned, holding out his hand.

  I frowned. "Is this a dream?"

  "I love dreams." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "So vivid, colorful — tell me, do you like the rainbow?" He pointed to the sky where the band of colors arched over us. We were on a boat on some sort of lake. "I created it just for you."

  "Is this real?"

  "As real as you allow it." His massive shoulders seemed to broaden as he inhaled deeply and motioned around him "Wonderful, isn't it? You share his bed, yet I can share your dreams."

  "That seems incredibly invasive."