Suddenly, he grabbed her arm and pulled her up on the bed, right next to him.

She was shocked by his behavior. She didn't expect him to have this kind of reaction and she was at a loss of words.

Then, he spoke. His voice was strong, intense at the beginning, but it became softer and softer as he was he was realizing what he was saying.

"Yes, I do care. I care because the moment you got injured was one of the toughest moments I have ever experienced. I almost lost control of myself. And if I had, I don't know if I would have been able to stop myself before drinking all your blood. I wanted it from the moment I first saw you. I don't know why, but it smells so good that I can barely resist. In fact, I think that I'm about to give in to the temptation…"

His eyes got red as he was saying the final sentence. He was right, he was giving in, his instinct was getting the best of him.

Ariana didn't know what to do. She was scared – yes, she was. Given the fact that she was a pureblood, no one had drunk her blood before – it was forbidden. But now, this man in front of her wasn't even thinking about that. Still, she felt no need to stop him. She didn't push away his hands as they were sliding on her back, one up to her hair and the other down to her waist. He pulled her close to him. Very close. So close that she could feel his breath against her face. The grip he had on her hair got just a little tighter, enough to make her lean her head to the back. Her neck was now exposed to him – bare and fragile.

He started leaning his head forward. His red eyes were focused on her neck and lust was visible in his gaze.

Ariana closed her eyes. He noticed that. He knew she was afraid – it was all new to her, he could see it. He kissed her neck gently to assure her that everything was all right. Then, he licked a certain spot on her neck and sank his fangs into her flesh.

It wasn't as bad as she had expected it to be. It felt… normal, as if it was meant to be like this.

After a while, she felt that he should stop. She lifted one of her hands and touched the back of his neck, caressing it. Zero understood and pulled back slowly.

Then, they were both sitting on the bed, in a cheap hotel room, gazing into each other's eyes. They were calm and enjoying this moment, a moment which was as intimate and personal as a moment can be. Their eyes were saying everything there was to say and they didn't need anything else.

Ariana brushed her hand against his cheek. He turned his head a little and kissed it. Then, a sad smile appeared on his lips.

"I wish we could stay like this forever."

She was taken aback by his words. Both by the fact that he had spoken, when she felt like they should have remained silent, and by what he had said.

"Who says we can't?"

His gaze was unchanged. Calm, gentle… maybe a little sadder, though.

"Differences. I am a hunter, you are a vampire – a pureblood none the less. Things like this shouldn't happen. As much as I would want it, I shouldn't see you anymore."