Page 62 of Fated for Flames
He looked up from his book, his blue eyes meeting mine. “Yes, little phoenix?”
I took a deep breath. It was now or never. “Can you tell me more about yourself?”
Alister closed the book in front of him, his expression thoughtful. “Where should I begin?” he murmured more to himself than to me.
After a moment, he seemed to come to a decision and leaned back in his chair, studying me with his intense blue eyes.
“I was turned into a vampire centuries ago,” he began, his voice low and melodic. “It was a different time, a time of wars and upheaval. I was seeking revenge for the loss of someone dear to me when I crossed paths with the vampire who made me what I am.” His gaze drifted to the ornate ceiling above us as if he lost in memories. “Becoming a vampire changes you in ways you can’t imagine. It grants you immortality but at a price.”
“Have you ever been in love?” I blurted out.
He nodded. “Yes, once. She was a witch.”
I gasped like an idiot—a witch. I was suddenly jealous. I wasn’t the only witch in his life.
“What happened?” I asked.
I could see a mixture of emotions flickering across his features, hesitation, wariness, but also a glimmer of something softer, more vulnerable. For a moment, it seemed as if he was about to speak, about to open up and share a part of himself.
As quickly as it had appeared, the vulnerability vanished, replaced by a mask of calm composure.
Alister leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m afraid there are certain parts of my past that are better left undisturbed and some memories are best left forgotten.”
I felt a pang of disappointment at his response, but I also understood. Alister was a mystery, and I couldn’t expect him to reveal all his secrets to me just because I asked.
“Of course.” I nodded, even though a part of me was desperate to know more about the vampire who had once been in love with a witch.
As if sensing my internal turmoil, Alister reached across the table and placed a cool hand over mine. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through me as I met his gaze.
“There are many things about me that may be difficult for you to understand,” he said softly. “But know this, little phoenix: despite everything, I would never do anything to harm you.”
I found myself believing him. “I trust you.”
Alister’s hand tightened around mine, and my heart swelled. His gaze softened, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. At that moment, it felt like the world around us faded away.
“I’m glad to hear that,” he said. “Your trust means more to me than you know.”
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the intensity of his gaze pulling me in like a magnet.
Then, because I’m an idiot and because the heat of his eyes on me had me squirming, I blurted, “I’ve heard that when a vampire bites you, it can be euphoric.”
Alister’s gaze held mine, his expression unreadable.
“That is true,” he finally murmured. “Our venom is strong. The older you are, the stronger it is.”
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. The temptation was there, lingering just beneath the surface, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.
Alister leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin. His hand cupped my cheek gently, his thumb tracing small circles on my jawline. I closed my eyes, feeling the heat of his touch sear through me.
“But I would never bite you.”
I opened my eyes.
Alister’s words hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken implications. I could sense a shift in the energy of the room, a subtle undercurrent of desire mixed with apprehension.
“Why wouldn’t you bite me?” I asked, my voice unable to conceal disappointment.
I was actually disappointed that a vampire didn’t want to bite me. Something was seriously wrong with me.
