Page 6 of Beyond the Treaty
I couldn’t stop staring at him. Gods, what is happening to me? My body is screaming for him, and my mind is still torn between desire and duty. I couldn’t suppress the impulse.
He takes a breath, his voice husky. “If I touch you, I won’t stop.”
The words hit me like lightning. Raw. Honest. Dangerous. “I need you, Kaelen,” I whisper. “I want you.”
Before I knew it, Kaelen pressed me against the cold stone
wall, his body stiff and firm against mine. My breath caught in my throat at the sensation of the chill against my skin, but there was a fire burning inside me, uncontrollable, primal. His lips hovered near mine, his cool breath mingling with mine, and I couldn’t help but moan softly.
“Elara,” Kaelen whispered my name like a prayer, his fingers grazing my jaw. Every inch of his body screamed power, yet his touch was soft, tender. Like he was afraid I might break under the weight of his desire. But I didn’t want tenderness. I wanted... more.
His lips finally crash into mine, a collision of centuries of hunger, cold meeting cold in a passionate kiss that made my fangs ache. Gods, the taste of him , dark, intoxicating, the taste of centuries-old magic and blood that I burn with need. I respond, pulling him closer. Tangling my fingers in his silvery white hair, the world around us ceased to exist as my body pressed harder against his. The only thing that mattered was the raw, unfiltered connection between us.
His hand trailed up my throat, a predator’s touch that sent shivers down my spine. When he pulled back, his lips barely left mine, and his words came in a low, husky whisper.
“You’re mine, Elara.”
Those words, You’re mine, unleashed something deep within me. I was his, I would be his Queen, and he would be my King. The thought of it sent waves of heat through my body, but before I could respond, I gasped.
“Take me to your chambers, Kaelen,” I say, breathlessly, my voice thick with lust.
He steps back, severing the connection, shaking his head slightly. “Elara, I can’t. It’s not right.”
I stare at him, confused. “What? Why? Are you not enjoying yourself?”
He sighs, his expression darkening. “It’s not that...” he hesitates. I can’t let it happen without knowing how you truly feel.”
Oh no, not now.
He exhales, his voice soft but filled with emotion. “From the moment we met, I knew there was something extraordinary about you. Your laughter lights up my darkest days. You inspire me to be a better man. I’ve tried to deny it, but I can’t anymore. I’m in love with you, Elara. I need to know if you feel the same. Will you take this leap with me?”
My body ached for him. I place my hand upon his cheek, gently guiding his gaze to meet mine. “Kaelen, I need to be honest... I’m not in love with you. Not yet. But there’s something here, something I can’t ignore. I want to see where this could go, but it’s complicated. I’m still figuring things out.”
He nods slowly, his eyes shadowed with unspoken sorrow. “I understand. I will wait, Elara. I will wait as long as it takes.” I need to explain more, but the words won’t come. Instead,
my stomach growls loudly. “Ugh, I’m starving...”
“What would you like to eat? Blood? Meat? Veg?” Kaelen
asks, with a slight chuckle.
I hesitate, my cheeks flushing. “I’ve never had blood before.
Only supplements.” I lower my gaze, embarrassment sets in. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but... I’ve never thought about what it means to be a vampire until now.”
Kaelen lifts my chin gently, his gaze soft. “I’m not judging you, Elara. I would never.” His smile is warm and reassuring.
“Come with me.”
He leads me through the castle halls, his hand holding mine
as if we shared a secret. The light from the kitchen cast a soft glow on us. Kaelen scans through the many cupboards. He eventually took out a bottle, its contents glowing faintly in the dim light.
“This... is the best blood you’ll ever taste,” He says, almost reverent. “It’s the first blood I ever drank when I came of age. It’s pure.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Is it still OK to drink?”
He chuckles. “Of course. It’s preserved perfectly. Here, take asip.”
