I Hope Chapter 3

"Unlimited power. That's what unleashing your vampire nature has to offer, my dear. Power your own family never could have achieved. That is why I want to help you. This spell…it's a wonder. A thing of beauty. I've never seen such sophisticated magic. And from someone so young…Hope, you are truly a prodigy."

Five months have passed since that day. I knew he was right. Embracing this part of me was my very own spring awakening. I owe him so much, especially since he let me drink his blood so regularly when my spell succeeded. And he still does. Every time I drink from him I am reminded that I was able to perform high magic valiantly and with perfect confidence that day because of him...Professor Vardemus.

He's definitely my favorite professor, with one exception of course.

Vardemus hadn't been here long before he discovered potential in me that he couldn't ignore. His guidance, his trustworthiness, his wisdom…invaluable. Though I was already skilled in the artistry of spell creation, being taught by Vardemus made me into a master. A virtuoso of spellwork who represents a new generation of witches who can see so far beyond their ancestors' closed-minded "traditions."

Ric and Vardemus have helped me come such a long way in my education, but the one who really makes it possible for me to realize my potential in spellwork is Josie. She's my biggest fan, always coming up with new ideas for everyday spells. She assists me in research for more advanced work. She understands the motivations behind what I do. She is a true friend with formidable powers of her own. And, oh, the sweetest blood. My candy girl.

My muse.

And she does exactly what I tell her to do.

The power, the blood, the devotion…all mine to take. She surrenders so willingly and fulfills my every desire like it's her life's mission.

She's such a good girl.

"All right, time's up. Put your papers up here on the desk on the way out. Professor Santiago should be feeling better by Monday." Ric announced to the class as a collective sigh rippled through the room. Lots of stress about this test today seems to have afflicted my classmates. Josie catches my eye and gives me a brief smile. She looks relieved—I helped her study for this one and I know she's grateful. She takes a step toward me but is intercepted by Rosie and Aiden. They talk excitedly to her about some party tonight. Apparently Rosie has gotten her hands on a few cases of wine and she's in the mood to share. It sounds interesting. It might be nice for Josie to unwind after this test. I hope she's done well today. I already know I have. I never worry about grades, honestly. It's just not worth my time. I do well automatically, so I seek out challenges elsewhere. Plus, it's not like Ric would let anything bad happen to me anyway. He would never allow it.

I stand up from my seat in the back row once most of the other students have already left the room. I take my time stretching out after this hour-long exam in that fucking uncomfortable desk seat. I should try a spell to make it a little more comfortable. Now that would be a practical spell.

I'm now the last student in the room, so I can finally acknowledge Ric. He's picking up his leather-bound book and an antique set of keys on a huge ring. They look heavy. Perhaps I should create a master key that opens all the locks in the school, but only if it's him using it. He'll like that.

He gives me a knowing look as he turns around to head out the door. I walk past him out into the hallway without a word, eyes downcast, and start immediately in the direction of his office. He locks the door swiftly behind him and trails me. He maintains a pace several yards behind me and checks his phone absentmindedly so it doesn't seem like we're both going to the same place. No one is really paying attention anyway. I say hi to a few people on the way but no one tries to stop me to chat. Good. I don't want to be distracted.

I turn the corner into the corridor that leads to Ric's office and pull out my phone. Ric hasn't caught up to me yet, so I have a moment to send a quick text before I reach the door.

Go straight to my room. Be ready for me when I get there, little one. If you pull any shit like you did last time, you know what will happen.

I'm sure she hasn't forgotten. I bet her ass is still a lovely shade of pink, and that was two nights ago. She responds in seconds.

Yes, babe. I'll be ready. 3

Good girl.

Ric and I are the only ones in the corridor. Everyone has gone to their next classes or wherever else they need to be. Josie has a free period right now, and so does Lizzie. They usually spend this time together. I technically have a class this hour, but Professor Monroe lets me skip her class whenever I want, as long as I show up for the exams. Sometimes I just go to my room and chill or to the library to study, which is usually where Lizzie wants to go these days. But, other times, I have somewhere very important to be.

Like when Ric doesn't have any meetings.

He's behind me, unlocking the door to his office and skimming his hand up the side of my thigh, hitching up my skirt. His touch sends a sharp thrill through me. He's so bold, touching me like this out here before we're behind a closed and soundproofed door. He pushes the door open softly. I walk straight to his desk as he locks the door behind him. I sling my bag off my shoulder and toss it aside, turn around to face him and pull myself up to sit right in the middle of his already cleared desk. I undo a few of my shirt's buttons, exposing my tits, and spread my legs wide. I must look so inviting to him, so open and ready to take it all.

His eyes widen and the corner of his mouth twitches up into a wicked smirk. He hurries to me and captures me straight into a deep, fervent kiss, bringing out a low sigh of pleasure from me. I've been looking forward to this, and everything should go according to plan.

I don't know how he'll react when I tell him what I will have done after this. We'll see.

He suddenly breaks the kiss to speak. "I know I said I have the whole hour, but something's come up. One of the really old trees on the property got hit by some lightning in the last storm and I have to meet with the arborist about it. She thinks we can save it, but she told me it might require some kind of specialty magic. So…we've only got twenty minutes." Oh, how disappointed he sounds. He seems really irritated about the tree situation.

He returns his lips to mine, picking up the tempo now. He's clearly trying to get as much out of our limited time as we can.

All according to plan.

Deepening the kiss, I wrap my legs around him and he pushes into me. Fuck, he's hard for me. Tasting my desire, his hands explore my waist, my thighs, my hair. They slide with urgency over my tits as I undo his belt and pants. No time to take anything fully off. He wraps his hand gently around my throat, relishing its softness, its vulnerability.

"I saw you staring at me while you were supposed to be focused on your test. Am I distracting to you, baby?" He's teasing me; I can tell by the smile in his voice. I open my eyes so I can look into his and show him a little charm.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Daddy." I widen my eyes, feigning innocence, waiting for his response.

"Oh, come on, Hope. You couldn't wait to get in here with me. I know that look of yours. You were wet for me and you know it." He touches a finger to my lips playfully. He's not wrong…

Laughing darkly, he drags his hands sensually down my body, caressing every curve, making my breath catch and my head tilt back in pleasure.

"Well, this is going to get in my way." He says as he pushes my already soaked thong to the side so he can stroke my clit. His middle three fingers tease me with the skill of a gifted artist brushing paint on a canvas, coaxing my submission out of me. I gasp softly at the movement of his skilled fingers as he slips two of them into me, his thumb brushing circles on my clit with every push of his hand. Fuck. The way he works me…it's beguiling. He's captivated me so completely with his touch that I can feel nothing else. He knows I'm ready for him…so ready. My arms wrap around his shoulders tighter and I tangle my hands in his hair. The sounds of our pleasure are all I can hear, his low and breathy and mine increasingly desperate. I'm so overtaken by his passionate kiss and intoxicating touch that I flinch as he withdraws his fingers and immediately pushes his firm daddy cock into me.

"Fuck, baby. You're so tight." He growls in my ear, moving his hand up my back to clutch my hair from underneath. He told me to grow it out, so he has plenty to hold on to now. He brings up his other hand, the one that was just inside me, and jams the two slick fingers deep into my mouth, just enough to stifle my continued moans with a soft gag.

"Suck." He commands. My lips wrap tighter, my tongue goes to work…and the hiss that escapes his lips reveals his absolute revelry in this moment. He wraps his arm around my waist and holds me to him, strong and reassuring. He's got me so close to him that we're locked in a tight embrace as he mercilessly fucks my willing pussy.

I'm gasping and swooning. He's tantalizing me with the loveliest moans and gruff choruses of "yes, yes, yes" as he busies himself with kissing my neck, my face, my lips. I'm aware now, with him plunging his cock into me again and again, that my ass is still sore from where he spanked me last night. Ric's handprint is still a raging red hue, I'm sure. I am constantly reminded of it every time I sit. I know he was watching me earlier as I sat down at my desk. I wonder if he noticed the little wince as I plopped down into my seat without thinking. But that was nothing compared to how it feels now, with him slamming my ass into his dark wood desk with every thrust. I love that little micro-dose of pain that handprint delivers every time his cock slams into me.

Exquisite.

It's not long before he's about to come, and I'm right there with him, following his lead. He places both of his hands on the sides of my face, cradling it adoringly.

"Want to come for me, baby?" He asks sweetly.

"Oh, yes, Daddy." My voice is strained and breathless. "Please."

He smirks and brings his right hand back down to my now throbbing clit. Fuck, yes. He picks up his pace as his thumb circles around and around, every revolution eliciting thunder and lightning from deep inside me. His cock fills me to the brim, releasing into me so lovingly, so greedily. Yes…My legs start to shake as I finally give in, letting his love rip through me, again and again, stopping for nothing.

His words come out roughly as he gives me everything, making sure every drop spills deep inside the tight little hole that he owns.

"That's right, baby. Come for me. Come all over this. Yes, baby. Fuck!"

All according to plan.

"Look at me."

Josie obeys immediately. My expression stays cool and in control as I take in the sight of her, assessing her position, drinking in her loveliness. How can eyes as black as night have so much light in them? Their depth, endless, inviting, elegant. Laying before me, I can sense her palpable excitement. Her smile is serene. I think she's ready, so I get up on the bed so my hands can graze the inner part of her thighs. I open my mouth to compliment her, but she speaks first.

"I've been waiting for you, you know." she says with a wry expression, one eyebrow arched and lips pushed out into a pout. Oh, I see. It's going to be like that. She's going to be a total brat and mouth off to me. And I will not tolerate that shit.

"Be. Quiet." My voice is stern and clear, underscored by my raised eyebrows.

Her lips purse slightly. "What if I'm not?"

Oh, that is enough. I didn't come in here with the intention to punish her, but I warned her what would happen if she pulled any of this shit tonight.

I'm going to show that little whore who's really in charge.

At least she got her first position right, and maintained it. I like her to be laying down on her back with her arms at her sides, palms up. Her legs hitched up and spread wide, completely exposing herself to me. No bra. No panties. Eyes closed. Mouth open.

Lovely.

I move back to stand on the floor directly in front of her at the foot of the bed. She cranes her head up to maintain her gaze, which she wouldn't dare break now. I catch a flash of fear in her eyes and her smile remains. So cute…she really thinks she's going to get away with it. I grab her ankles and yank her down the bed toward me, forceful and swift. She gasps at the sudden movement. I waste no time and give her no warning, delivering an agile, ruthless swat directly onto her clit. Her knees buckle, her startled whimper telling me I've got her where I want her. I climb over her so that we're face to face, bringing her hands above her head along the way so I can hold them firmly in place. My shins push down hard onto her thighs, pinning her underneath me and spreading her slim little slut legs wide. Helpless. Her breath quickens when I lean down to brush my lips onto hers as I speak.

"Are you gonna behave, little one?" I manage to make the question playful yet softly threatening. It's certainly effective.

Her response slips out instinctually.

"Yes, babe."

In one quick motion, I lean back and flip her over so she's lying on her front and smack her ass hard. Her entire body jerks and she cries out. I grasp a fistful of her hair and hold her head firmly.

"Don't move." I order. "Do you understand me?"

Silence. I cannot allow that.

I tug her hair harder and softly stroke her ass where I spanked her. The contrasting sensations must feel exhilarating.

"Answer me!"

"Yes, babe!" She nearly shouts as she braces herself for what's about to come, gripping the pillow she's holding onto.

"Good girl."

My hand picks up a steady stream of swatting her adorable, blushing ass. With every impact her anguished cries morph deliciously into appreciative squeals of delight. Spanking her like this deepens our bond of friendship and trust…being able to show each other this part of ourselves and feel totally safe, loved, and respected…It's how I feel with Ric too.

Ric…I can't help but wonder about his reaction when I tell him about tonight.

I know Josie will love it.

Once she's had enough, I push her onto her side, facing toward me, so I can lay down next to her and catch her in a tight embrace.

"Good girl." I say with a satisfied smile. She giggles softly. The sound attracts my gaze to her lips, so soft and inviting…

My legs tangle with hers, pulling her closer to me. My hands wander, more urgently now, touching her everywhere. Our lips meet, parted and breathless, eliciting an unmistakable excitement in my chest. She grasps the collar of my shirt and the buttons come undone all at once. She loves using my spells, even the mundane and underwhelming ones for everyday inconveniences. She's so encouraging, so supportive of my creativity and curiosity…I yank my skirt down and toss it behind me. Now she and I are totally exposed to one another. Our kiss deepens, eliciting moans and sighs of delight and desire from us both. Our nipples brush against each other's, sending blissful delight straight to my clit. All I can taste is her delicate lips, her incredibly skilled tongue in my open mouth. The frenzied flow of it captivates me so much that I have to know how wet she's becoming. She moans adoringly at my touch, the lush sound of it filling me with desire, mirroring hers.

I break the kiss reluctantly so I can tell her my plan. I need to know she wants to do what I'm about to ask right now so I can be sure it's okay. I must be clear and direct, and not distract her. My hand moves up to hold her by the waist. I darken my gaze.

"Josie, you told me before that you want me to be with you like this after your daddy fucks me."

A flash of understanding lights up her face. She nods and her eyes widen slightly.

"Is that what you want, babe?" I ask, catching a stray tendril of her hair and tucking it back behind her ear.

She answers with a kiss, the urgency and lust flowing from her into me. "Yes, fuck, yes, I do! I want this, please, please…"

"That's right. Beg for it, baby." I whisper. She's ready now.

I flip onto my back, pulling her on top of me. I catch a glimpse of her face, bright with a splitting smile, before she scurries down so her face rests right between my legs. I look down at her with supreme authority, lifting my legs up and spreading them, and she whispers, almost imperceptibly, "Daddy."

Her tongue overtakes me then, sliding over my insatiable, dripping pussy. Her muffled moans send soft vibrations over me, coaxing the pleasure out of me with every brush of her sweet, smart mouth. I bring my legs up slightly, spreading them and holding them in place by the thighs with my hands. My hips pick up a persistent rhythm, rising and falling as she revels in my obvious enjoyment of her work. She's so motivated by encouragement, so seeing me like this fuels her confidence.

"Fuck, Josie," I exclaim, grabbing a fistful of her hair for support, and to ensure she stays right there where she belongs. My words embolden her and she picks up speed, her sweet, soft tongue lapping against my increasingly throbbing pussy. I let myself go now, allowing my back to arch and thrust gently against her needy mouth. She is in utter bliss along with me. The loveliest moan spills from her mouth, sending a delicious vibration where she continues her noble pursuit of satisfying me. Another goal is on her mind, I'm absolutely sure…She's consumed with the thought of Ric taking her, filling her, giving her everything…Oh, yes.

It's not enough that she's pleasuring me endlessly. Despite her brief instance of mouthing off like a pouty little brat earlier, she has been a very good girl tonight, and she hasn't even been given any release yet. She deserves some reassurance.

The steady, tireless lapping of her tongue working my clit brings that familiar, building sensation to my core…glorious heat wraps around me…she has me totally entranced, enraptured, entrenched in the ceaseless pleasure she instills in me. I want to show her, yes, make her bear witness to this most gratifyingly joyous moment.

"Taste him, baby. Oh, fuck, yes. Yes, yes…" My words give way to the motion of her tongue. She teases my clit, sucking softly, and I feel my muscles flex. Another wave of warmth flows through me. Yes, baby. Get ready. I tighten my grip on her hair and my breathing quickens into desperate panting. The tightening heat inside me swells and I let go, finding my release. She never ceases her deliberate, enticing admiration of my pussy. My legs shake with the pleasure of it all, and my awareness returns when she moves her tongue down to collect all of her daddy's cum into her mouth. She sucks gently, leaving none behind, moaning softly at the heady taste of Ric and myself mingling on her tongue. I bring my gaze down so I can look upon her beauty, her loveliness…she looks up, mouth closed, her eyes meeting mine expectantly. I raise my eyebrows. What is she up to now?

My mouth opens with surprise when she sticks her tongue out as far as it will go and her lips spread into a sweet, wicked smile. Ric's cum, right there on her tongue. The intensity of my orgasm released it all into her mouth, and she's collected it there for me to see. Quickly, she brings her legs up to straddle me and takes the opportunity to brush her cum-covered tongue over my lips. Oh, yes, baby. Share him with me…

She withdraws her tongue back in and swallows hard before sticking it back out again, this time with nothing on it. The ensuing sound she makes is one of appreciation and indulgence, as if she's tasting the finest wine. She licks her lips dramatically before diving into an intense, enduring kiss. My hands skim up her thighs and around to her taut, round ass. Here she is, on top of me, thinking she can try and top me…yeah, right. I don't think so. She deserves to be smacked, hard. Without hesitation, I give her what she deserves, directly to the face. Her uninhibited yelp is one of delight and acquiescence. I assert my authority in our unbroken kiss now, overtaking her mouth with mine and coaxing the submission from her eager lips. I pull away to see if she got the fucking message. Her expression turns grateful.

"Thank you." The words come out breathlessly. I hold her face in my hands and look deeply into her eyes.

"You're such a good girl."

I turn her laugh into an adorable squeal when I flip her over. She's on her back again, knees raised in first position. I let my hands wander all over her, stroking her dainty little tits. They harden in response, making Josie squirm under me. Oh, they're just begging for more. I bring my attention there, skimming my lips and running my tongue across each of them. Her back arches and her sweet sounds of delight ring out around us. I make my way further down, tempting and teasing her with every inch. My lips brush her clit softly and I hear her breath catch.

"I want you to put your hands above your head. Do it now." I say in a clear, steady voice. I'm in complete control. I'm sure she can feel my breath on her skin when I speak so close to her like this.

Her compliance pleases me. My tongue finds her lovely little clit and I press down on it, sucking and dampening her. I'm amazed at the unforgettable taste of her, so sweet…My candy girl.

She's coming undone as I work her over and over, coaxing out release after release. I let my senses overtake me now, hyperaware of the intensity of this moment.

I hear her lovely sounds of ecstasy escaping her parted lips.

I feel her body, the smooth skin of her legs, her inner thighs grazing my cheeks gently.

I see her hips writhing, grinding herself against my mouth as I slide my tongue again and again over her swollen clit.

The lovely fragrance of her makes me want her more.

And the taste…fuck, yes, the taste of her. Utterly intoxicating.

When she cannot take anymore, she tugs at my hair gently and fights to catch her breath. We lay together in my bed, cheeks flushed, eyes alight, recovering from the intensity of it all. I hold her with gentle care, brushing my hand softly over her reddened ass, soothing and calming. Reassuring. Devoted.

She kisses me softly, once, twice, again…letting her gifted tongue swipe over each of my parted lips.

I break the silence. "You were so good for me, baby. So, so good." My mind is all fuzzy, drunk with the overwhelming pleasure we just shared. There's not much else I can say at the moment.

"Thank you." She says with a smile, winking at me. Cheeky.

She dozes off after a couple minutes of me running my fingers softly through her hair. I glance at the clock. It's only 5:30. Still early…early…yes…I drift off and join Josie in the slow, even breaths of sleep.

Comforting darkness. "Hope." She's here, her voice…

"Hope, hey, wake up babe." My eyes flutter open. Josie sits cross-legged next to me on my bed. I look around and notice the light has disappeared…the sun has set.

"What time is it?" I ask.

"Seven-thirty." She answers.

"Okay." I sit up, running my hands through my tangled hair. I need to brush this…and get some water. Fuck, I'm thirsty.

I idly hear Rosie outside the door, chatting to someone about her newly acquired wine collection. Oh, yeah…tonight's social offering. Typical party in the woods. Mystic Falls High kids mingling with us, wondering what we get up to at our school. If only they knew.

"Want to go to that party tonight? Out by the old Lockwood property?" I ask Josie, climbing out of bed and stretching my muscles, still stiff from sleep.

She stands up with me. "Yeah, definitely. We should get ready." A look of excitement livens her expression, waking her up.

Each of us take a break to clean up and I get dressed. I grab my makeup bag and my stash and we head down to the second floor to Josie's room. Lizzie's not here. She most likely went to dinner, but we'll probably see her later. She never misses out on a party.

Josie, still completely undressed, knows she's drawing my eyes to her and distracting me from digging in my bag for my mascara. She paces around and puzzles over a couple of outfits before choosing one.

"You liked that." I say flatly.

"Liked what?" Her focus is still on her clothes, pulling up her jeans and closing the buttons before turning toward her dresser to find socks.

"You know what." I say accusingly, but with a strong tinge of playfulness.

She spins around comically fast, making me giggle. A shy smile crosses her face.

"Yeah, I liked it. I loved it." She walks toward me and sits on her bed with me, mirroring my folded-legs pose. We twine our hands together. She's so soft and delicate. Her smile becomes a a smirk and she lowers her eyes. So sweet, so demure, impossible to resist…I lean in and brush my lips across hers. We spend a moment in sweet silence, reflecting on what we've done and how much we've enjoyed each other. I swear our thoughts match up completely in the hope that we get to realize our greatest fantasies together. Before we started all this, before I was ever with Ric, I didn't think it would even be possible. But now…it seems like we'll be able to get whatever we want.

I hope…

Deep in the woods, we are far from silence. Sounds surround us accompanied by all sorts of sensory delight. Whispered incantations that trigger bright fireworks, cups refilling themselves with wine, so much wine…all right under the noses of the innocent human students of Mystic Falls High. They couldn't be more unobservant…but I suppose that is what happens when they mix weed and alcohol. By now, the lightweights should know to stay far away from me and my circle unless they want to get so high they can hardly stand. These humans just don't have supernatural tolerance for such things.

"Where do you get this, anyway?" Kaleb's question takes me by surprise. I take the joint he's passing me while throwing him an inquisitive look.

"I grow it. I thought everyone knew." My answer surprises and confuses him. I bring the joint to my lips and pull hard, grinning at Josie as I pass it along to her.

"But where? In the garden? Wouldn't Headmaster Saltzman find it?" Kaleb wonders. Smoke billows from my mouth as giggle bursts out of me, triggering Josie to laugh as well. She coughs slightly, mid-hit when Kaleb's comment hits us both. Our amusement only confuses him more.

"Oh, no. Definitely not out there. That would be impossible to hide. No, I grow it in my room. I have a terrarium that I spelled. It's the size of a marble when it's shrunk down."

It's always funny when non-witches hear about the spells I create. There's that moment where their confusion turns to being…impressed? Then they try to rationalize how I do it, which leads them to feeling nothing but awe for me and my skills. I've got to admit, it does feel good sometimes.

Kaleb shakes his head, taking another hit. "Now you know what to get me for my birthday!" he says, laughing and lightly punching my arm.

"I'll make you a whole bag of them."

His eyes widen and he shakes his head slowly. "Damn. Can't wait."

The joint is done after I hit it one last time. I throw it down and stomp on it and we all return to the bonfire. As we emerge from the trees, I wrap my arm around Josie's waist, sliding my hand into the back pocket of her jeans. She does the same to me.

Rosie and Lizzie haven't moved from their spot by the beer keg since they got here. They're both heavily engaged in conversation with two MF guys. Rosie's friend is wearing a varsity jacket and is probably the tallest teenager I've ever seen. Rosie's hand toys with the collar of his jacket and his hand is resting on her waist. The one talking to Lizzie is tall too, with floppy dark brown hair and what looks like designer jeans. I've seen him before, at another party at the swimming hole last August. He's looking deeply into her eyes and absentmindedly twists a tendril of her hair between his fingers. He looks down and briefly touches the pendant of her necklace. I recognize it as a rose quartz crystal. Oh, she knows what she's doing. Lizzie and her love spells…she's incorrigible. She knows these guys already like her. She just likes to play games. And she always wins. She catches my eye and gives me a quick wink. I nod to her with my approval.

I don't really see anyone I'd like to talk to besides Josie. Lizzie and Rosie are obviously busy, and Kaleb has already joined MG and Landon in another smoke circle. I suddenly find myself undeniably thirsty.

"Come with me." I whisper into Josie's ear. She follows me back into the cover of the woods. Just in case…

"Invisique."

Now I know we won't be seen. I lead her over to a tall oak tree, pinning her against it. She reaches her hand into my hair, twisting me into a deep, excited kiss. Does she think she's going to overpower me?

I grab her wrists and wrench them above her head with one hand. I press them hard against the tree. Completely powerless, she lets out a sharp huff and her lips turn pouty. I gaze at her, making her look directly into my eyes. Her pout fades as she tries to catch her breath.

All it takes is for me to raise my eyebrows slightly and she tilts her head, lowering her eyes in submission. I release her wrists and her arms drop. She wraps them loosely around my waist.

It's always this moment of anticipation that fills me with such joy. Knowing that she willingly gives herself to me…knowing that I do the same with Ric. Knowing that she knows that too, that she wants to share that with me. So much trust…

My lips find their intended path, grazing her neck in all its exquisite glory. Piercing her skin with my teeth brings that familiar moan to her lips, signaling her pleasure to me.

And I drink.

The finest wine. The sweetest confection. The most rich, savory flavors from all the experts in gastronomy to ever grace the plate with their creations…absolutely could not compare. Is it love that makes blood taste like this? Is it devotion that I detect in the profile of her pulsing, red, generous gift flowing from her lithe, yielding neck? Josie, Ric, Vardemus…is it love that compels them to invite me to drink from them? Love me tender…

I'm no stranger to trials of self-control, so the ability to stop comes naturally. It is never my intention to drain the ones I love completely. I take just enough to satisfy us both, really.

Returning to the party suddenly seems like a chore. Still invisible to the others, we maintain our embrace for several minutes before speaking again.

"Good girl." My compliment encourages her. It gives her strength, but she still seems a little unsteady.

Josie sighs deeply next to my ear as she leans her head on my shoulder.

"Tired?" I ask her softly, stroking her hair.

"Yeah. Can't imagine why." She's so cute when she talks like that. Such a little tease. Her soft giggle makes me smile.

"Want to go home? I'm pretty tired too, actually."

Can't imagine why.