Stirrings of Awareness

Never has he been more thankful for his enhanced senses. Each scent, taste, sound and touch is intensified to a breathtaking clarity.

His nostrils flare excitedly, encountering the musky combination of lavender and amber in her coffee colored strands. The scent mixes with the citrus of her mild perfume.

Fingertips, soft as a hummingbird's wing, drift to his collarbone, his jaw. The straps of her top glide farther down her arms, showering goosebumps everywhere. He can see the delicate hairs climb in response, hear her sigh of anticipation.

The brunette's dark eyes could rival fine European coffee, luxurious and warm. Her flushed lips form a small 'o' in surprise as his hand travels to the hem of her skirt. The fabric rustles. His fingers dart upward. A noisy gasp and he smirks.

Her skittering pulse, the frenzied thundering of blood beneath the surface brings out his fangs instinctively. It's with great reluctance he brings them back. It's made even more challenging when she offers a delectable view of her bare neck.

Awakening these sensations in her is a delicate art. He wants to stir an awareness, one she's rarely experienced. In the end, she'll relish it all the more.

She moves to straddle him and he quickly ushers her in, one hand at the small of her back, the other massaging a little above her knee. She absently flips her hair and he blinks slowly in response. An agitated moan and he indulges her with a few nipping kisses at her ear.

Her heels drop to the carpet. Newly freed feet wrap around his back and he moves forward. He growls low in his throat. She answers with a breathless fluttering sigh.

She rests her forehead on his, panting delicately. His palms envelope her face as she draws in much needed air. The fire crackles.

The glow of a dozen candles is shamed by the love and want in her eyes.

" I love you Damon."

He easily swings her up so she's hugging his hips. Less than a second later, she's being lowered onto his bed. "Love you princess."