I was stuck with the doctor for a couple of weeks. My wounds were deep and they would take a long time to heal. All required serious stitches. Although none would leave any serious trauma to affect my body, I was going to have some gnarly new scars when they finally healed. And my arm, leg and abdomen were going to feel very sore throughout the long process.

But after a short time where the doc wanted to make sure I wasn't suffering from any internal bleeding, I was finally going to be able to go home. I have no idea how those vampires managed to get me to the doctor without being seen and without giving him an extremely long explanation. I tried asking, but anytime I brought it up with the doc or tried to get him to tell me the story, he would simply respond with, 'Don't worry. They explained everything, and they made it worth my while.'

It was suspicious, but my wounds were being healed, and I left it at that. I wouldn't be surprised if vampires had some ancient treasury they drew from when necessary.

...

I was finally able to leave the doctor's place at the edge of town and was walking down the dirt road to my home, surveying the town around me. Everything was completely normal. None of the other residents had any idea that I had just taken part in a battle to save every single one of their lives. And they never would. It had to remain a secret that Amos had traded in their lives for his wife's. He was supplying the vampaneze with information and schedules of everyone's comings and goings, making it incredibly easy to stalk, kill and kidnap without ever being caught. Amos would point everyone in the wrong direction, keeping them off of the trail of the vampaneze. And in exchange they had turned Evalyn into a vampaneze, assuring him that it would keep her from dying. And it had. Evalyn had her life, but she had lost her mind. And the cost was much more than either of them had bargained for.

I walked past Amos's home, wondering if he and Lily made it back alive. I wanted to go and search his home, knock and see if he was there but...

I couldn't bring myself to do it. I was terrified of what I might find...

I would search for them when I was better. I didn't want to even look at Amos's face at the moment. As for Lilly, well, I told myself that for all that was wrong with Amos, he would never let that girl out of his sight again.

And besides...I want to see a certain friendly face first...

...

I don't know why I expected to see Larten when I walked in...the sun was up, and yet I had assumed he would have stayed up to welcome me back home.

My heart sank when I opened the door to my pelt room. Empty.

"Of course..." I sighed. I felt like such an idiot, thinking that he would still be around.

We had succeeded. We had defeated the vampaneze together, but now our partnership was over. We needed to return to our respective worlds. That was all he had promised me, anyway. There was no reason for him to stay after Calder was defeated. It made sense.

"Damn..." I cursed under my breath. I felt my heart ache, in a way I hadn't expected..

"I really have lost it..." I mumbled. Because...I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed.

I was- by some miracle- alive. And for the first time in many months, I felt safe. And yet, the first person I wanted to see...just wasn't here anymore. And all the good we had done wasn't enough to keep me from feeling so...deflated.

He had disappeared and...I really wish he had stayed. I would have liked to have seen his golden eyes, and strange orange hair, just once more. I wasn't used to having company, and his being here had made me realize the loneliness that comes with living on the outskirts for the first time.

I would probably never have the chance to see such an amazing creature ever again. He was something I had wanted to hold on to.

"Damn, I would have liked to have been properly introduced to that other vampire too." I ruminated. We never even got to exchange names...I'm sure we would have gotten along great.

I sighed longingly into the scratches on my kitchen some insane reason, I was feeling nostalgic over that terrifying night. Well, Larten was right yet again, I was going to miss the excitement.

...

Time passes and for days I expect a speeding, red, vampire to come bursting through my windowsill. But of course, he never does. I've decided to forget that world when suddenly- there's a knock at my door.

I open it, and am greeted by a warm smile. A stocky man in clothing from another era stands outside my door. I recognize him from the vampaneze caverns. He's Larten's friend. His pale skin and keen eyes clue me in, definitely a vampire.

I am happy to see him again, I remained curious since last I saw him. He tells me his name is Gavner (seems common for vampires to have strange names).

"We fought side by side, remember? It was quite a night." he laughs.

Of course I remember, he fought like a demon with those two swords.

"How could I forget a mug like that?" I joke. I invite him inside, and he asks me about my health.

"I'm doing ok now, recovery is difficult but- I'll live..."

I twiddled my thumbs...biting my lip nervously, "So...what happened after I passed out...?"

Gavner sighed, taking a seat at my table, "Well...after Calder...stabbed you, Larten...kind of lost it..." Gavner chuckled awkwardly, then his eyes flicked to his right, "...I guess I kind of did too. Anyway, you gave us an opening and I made the first move, driving my sword into his belly..." Gavner grinned with pride, shadowing the movements he made that night, his two arms spearing the sword through, "...then Larten moved in to finish him off... I ended up having to tear him away from Calder's corpse." he finished, chuckling awkwardly.

My brows furrowed, "I never wanted to end up causing more trouble..." but then I gave a sigh of relief, "...But it sounds like Calder really is dead."

"Yes. After that, the few vampaneze that remained scattered. We'll be keeping an eye them but- I doubt they'll be brave enough to try anything too outrageous without someone to hide behind. Thanks to your brave act, those vampaneze shouldn't be a problem to you anymore. You were more helpful than you know." Gavner's voice is sincere, and his eyes, even more so. They are warm and steady as he reaches out to place his hand on my arm.

"Thank you, Gavner. I'm glad that Calder aerating me served a higher purpose than just dramatics..." I joke, "...But I honestly don't know where I'd be without you and Larten. You both saved my life down in those caverns..."

My hand covered Gavner's, and I mustered up the most sincere smile I could manage.

Gavner smiles back, a gleam in his eye as he thinks to himself...'I see why Larten is so attached to this woman...'

I remove my hand, a worried expression nudging my smile out of the way, "So, where is Larten...?"

Gavner clears his throat, "He's...still back at our base of operations."

I eyed him suspiciously, but I could tell he was just wary about saying too much. We were friendly towards each other but I was still a human, and he was still supposed to be a secret. A being that did not exist.

I didn't want to push too hard, but...

"Alright...will I see him again?" I asked cautiously.

Gavner rubbed his neck, "He...did want to return immediately. But he wasn't sure if he should... Eventually he asked me to come see you in his stead. He-" Gavner looked at me with apologetic eyes, sighing, not able to find the right words, "...He wants to see you...- Look, I hope you don't find this too presumptuous but...humans and vampires don't normally form friendships, much less, relationships."

My eyes darted around the room, "Well...I wouldn't say that that's-"

Quickly noticing this Gavner attempted to keep me from feeling uncomfortable.

"Don't blush..." he chuckled warmly, "...I was lucky enough to see how he felt about you when you were injured... That vampire rarely shows so much emotion." Gavner laughed inwardly.

I spoke up, a weak smile tugging at my lips "He was worried was he? How embarrassing." I added quietly.

"It's dangerous for vampires to associate with humans. For more reasons than you think. And... that's why he needed to stay away. At least for now."

My heart jumped. "So, this isn't goodbye?" I asked with determination.

"Definitely, not. " Gavner chirped, "I don't give a damn about rules or regulations. I'm not letting you go that easy, and I've never seen Larten more flustered than when I teased him about you. I am definitely not going to stop holding that over him."

We both laughed heartily at that.

"I will try and convince him to come back sooner. I think he just-"

"No don't worry about it. I think I understand actually. I don't blame him." I replied solemnly. Why risk so much for a mere human?

"Well, don't worry yourself too much. You're both doing well, and that brings me peace. I'd also like to mention that I will keep surveillance on your town indefinitely. There will always be a friend nearby."

Gavner stands as I thank him, and he wraps me up in a suffocating embrace, before planting a friendly kiss on my cheek.

We exchange our last goodbyes as he walks out the doorway. I shut the door, grateful to have such an amazing ally.

That foreign sensation of loneliness crept in again. When before I enjoyed my isolation, happy to be among nothing but the trees and wildlife and thinking nothing of it. But now, it's distinct when the forest is silent.

I smiled bitterly, "I really let him make things complicated, didn't I."

...

Swinging the door open, I shook the snow off my coat as I walked in. Trudging snow through my house, placing my equipment on the kitchen table. I'm about to turn around to close the front door but- I hear it close on it's own before I get a chance.

I turn, stomach and back tensed, ready to take on whatever intruder had the bravery to step into my home.

A man stands at the doorway, shrouded in the warm orange light of the candles in my home, accentuating the red of his clothing. A distant worried look in his piercing eyes. I drop my fists, my jaw slowly dropping as I feel a shiver down my spine. I swallow. My face expressionless.

"You... "I breathe.

It's him. I never thought I would see him again. Several weeks later and I had tried my best to simply forget the events of the past and now- he decides to show up. I should probably be angry. I want to be angry. But instead I am filled with relief, and a smile forces it's way onto my face.

"Larten..." I say in disbelief. Shaking my head I stride across the room and without thinking I reach up and wrap my arms around him. I feel a tug at the wound on my stomach, it's taking the longest time to heal, but I ignore the pain. I hold him tightly and within an instant I shift quickly, my hand on his chin and I pull him into a badly planned kiss...

I immediately regret it. His lips are stiff against mine and I quickly pull away with an awkward pop.

His eyes are open in slight shock but he doesn't move. His lips slightly parted, breathing steadily.

He's just staring at me...

"I'm so sorry. Shit. I- I don't know why I did that." I blurt out, tripping over my words. My cheeks are hot and I tell myself he obviously didn't want anything even remotely intimate to do with me if he had taken so much time before forcing himself to come see me.

I suddenly can't stand to be in his eyesight. Embarrassed by my compulsive action I can only think to run away. I turn, running my hands through my hair. Moving away to give him some space, but Larten's hands react quickly, quickly catching my arm, and pulling me back to face him before I stray too far.

"Stop." he says sternly, before pulling me close. His grip weakens, his eyes search deep into my own. My body is rigid in his grip, I feel as though I've angered him.

He shakes his head disappointedly, "You idiot." he breathes, before his hands quickly tangle in my hair and he pulls me into heated kiss. His lips are cool against mine, they taste slightly of blood...

His lips massage my own, hungrily, until I have to come up for air. Surprised, I gasp against his mouth as he pulls away.

"I...I though he had killed you..." he sighs, resting his head at the crook of my neck, his strong nose nudging at my jaw, "I was sure you would not survive and it-"

His hands squeezed, tugging my hair, "You really mucked things up for me, you know? I was not supposed to care for you like this." he teases. But his voice cannot hide that tinge of sadness.

"Sorry, If I could have kept from being so charming, I would have..." I smirked, clutching his blood red cloak, "...but you didn't make it easy for me either. I guess we're even now."

Taking in his scent, my heart fluttered with fondness. He still smelled like the forest, like the pine trees and the rain itself. I had missed this smell of his. It was the smell of home.

I stepped back a bit so I could take in his features, I felt an irritating pang of affection for that cloak and suit; and his pale skin, that strange orange hair...

It didn't feel natural, this...newfound attachment I had for him. These sensations felt untrustworthy. Why feel such a kinship with a vampire? And likewise for him, caring for a human? Aren't I beneath him?

I reached up and traced the scar that tugged at the corner of his mouth with the pad of my thumb.

"This may just be residual adrenaline talking but...I really missed you." I admitted.

He took my hand from his face and kissed it. The coolness of his lips making me shiver.

"And I you." He replied.. His voice low, and his eyes piercing mine.

I felt something tug in the pit of my stomach and I couldn't stand another minute without my mouth on his. Wrapping my arms around his strong shoulders, I chose to pull him into another passionate kiss.

He responded eagerly, holding my waist as close to his solid frame as he could. His hand slid up the small of my back, to my shoulder blades. His slender fingers on my body coaxing a soft moan from my lips. He seemed so much taller when he was this close...

I felt his tongue flick at my bottom lip. Gasping, my lips parted ever so slightly and Larten took the opportunity to explore my mouth. I mewled sweetly against his lips, his slick tongue massaging my own, Larten hummed appreciatively as I wiggled in his arms.

Panting, I grabbed his deep crimson cloak and flung it from his shoulders. As soon as it hit the floor I started unbuttoning his vest and undershirt. Walking backwards, I had only a bit of Larten's pale chest exposed before he grabbed my waist and turned to push me onto the bed. He quickly followed and pinned me on the bed, gripping my wrists and bringing them above my head. Larten had his mouth on my neck when I felt a sharp pain at my stomach.

I winced, and hissed in pain. "Ah fuck."

Clearly not a cry of pleasure, Larten jumped back, startled. When he moved away he could see the blood seeping from my wound and slowly staining my shirt.

"Shit." He cursed quickly before running off to get a cloth to clean up the blood.

I sat up slowly, "Ow..." my stitches had torn just bad enough for my wound to bleed through my shirt. I pulled off my shirt to inspect the wound, leaving myself in just my small undergarment and trousers.

The wound was clean. The stitches had merely stretched against the still raw skin. If I stop the bleeding, it will be fine.

"Damn, that hurts." I grumbled, while Larten walked back with a towel in hand.

He was looking so disheveled. His jacket and cloak were gone, on the floor somewhere, and he had just flung his vest off. His button up shirt was hanging loosely on his slender frame, exposing his strong chest. His crop of orange hair looked more mussed than usual and his lips were slightly tinged pink from his rough kisses.

I whimpered, he never looked more dangerous to me than he did now. As uncharacteristic as this was for Larten, I loved seeing him this way.

He kneeled in front of me. Moving the hand I had on my wound.

"Let me see." he commanded.

"Ah, ah, ah. Ow." I whined.

"I have not touched you yet..." Larten shook his head, "You are a such child." he chided jokingly.

"Hey, I'm allowed to complain a little." I narrowed my eyes at him with a sly smile, "Looks like you got a little too carried away, Larten."

He sighed, his eyes dropping, a slight dusting of pink littering his cheekbones.

"Maybe we should ah...take it easy for now." he finished. Continuing to wipe away the blood that had run down my stomach, putting pressure on my wound.

I got a wicked idea in my head, he was so close to me, I could feel his hot breath on my stomach, his eyes on me made me tense. I didn't want him to have an excuse to leave.

Breathing heavily, I spoke.

"Larten..."

"Yes?"

"Can't you do something to help this heal faster?"

Larten's eyes flicked to mine, "You mean my saliva?"

I nodded.

"Ah- are you...- sure you want me to do that...?" he stuttered, brows knitting together.

"The blood, won't bother you, will it?"

Larten cleared his throat nervously, "N- no. I have no thirst at the moment. But, are you not afraid that I might not be able to control myself?"

"You didn't lose control even when you were starved. I trust you."

Larten swallowed, "Yes, but...this is..different. And-" Larten ran his thumb softly across my wound, coating his thumb in dark blood, "I would be lying if I said...I did not want to taste you again..."

My breath hitched, "You...?"

"Your blood was so sweet..." larten breathed, bringing his thumb to his lips, sucking lightly as he seriously considered my request.

He leaned forward with ragged breath as his tongue flicked against me, teasing me with small kitten licks at my stomach. He lapped up the blood that had ran down my abdomen, nearly staining the hem of my pants. His breath was surprisingly hot against my skin, and his tongue against my wound stung, making me writhe underneath him.

His lips pressed against my wound, drinking blood lightly at first, then more forcefully. Swallowing a mouthful of blood, he began drinking at a painful rate.

I cry out, my hand darting to tangle in Larten's hair, causing him to hiss, and bare his sharp canines at me.

"Larten..." I start breathlessly, "I'm going to...pass out again..."

He swallows one last mouthful of my hot blood...then pauses.

Producing a large glob of saliva, he lets run slickly down his tongue and onto my stomach. It's hot and works quickly to stop my bleeding and close up the wound.

Reluctantly, Larten claws his way back up my body, and plants a commanding kiss at my lips. He feeds me the taste of my own blood, which to me it is metallic and bitter. I grimace. Disliking the taste. I try to break the kiss but he persists, taking a fistful of my hair to keep me locked in his overbearing embrace.

"Keep kissing me, or I will drink you dry..." Larten warns. If I don't keep his lips occupied, he won't be able to keep them from drinking their fill.

"Mmph..." I whine, but ultimately following his orders, holding his face against mine. Larten groans, his hands squeezing at my thighs as he struggles to regain control of himself.

He finds something else to focus on, his hands find their way to the buttons on my trousers. Instantly beginning to fumble with buttons and unbuckle my belt. His fingers curl around the hem of my pants, tugging impatiently. The fabric rubs against the wound on my leg uncomfortably. Pain yet again...

I pull his hands away, breaking the kiss and pushing him back until I can stand. He shifts to sit on my bed as I pull them off myself, tugging my trousers down until I am left in only my underwear.

Larten's eyes travel down my body as I stand before him, from my head to my toes. He looks hungry, but for a moment something else flickers in his eyes. I see sorrow, and regret.

"You have so many scars on your body now...I cannot help but feel at fault." he starts, his eyes falling to his hands.

I scoff, resting my hands on my hips, "Hmph. Don't be be so depressive. They weren't all so recent. I got this one years ago when I snuck up on a stag who decided to fight instead of take flight." I say, as upbeat as I can manage, pointing at a deep gash below my collar bone.

Larten smiles weakly, as if remembering a fond memory. He reaches out to pull me back to him, and sits me on his lap with my legs straddling his waist. A foreign position to me, and I feel as if I am a small child in his arms.

I shift slightly, embarrassed at my position. Larten's head dips to kiss at the scar on my chest, tracing it with his lips. It tickles, and I try not to giggle. Larten suddenly looks up at me as if he wants to say something.

His eyes search mine for a long time and I am just about to try and force an answer out of him before he finally speaks.

"We should stop."

I sigh deeply, shaking my head with a bitter laugh, "Good luck with that."

I grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him to my lips. Sliding my body against his own, his eyes flutter shut as I press my body as tightly against him as I can. I try unbuttoning the last of the buttons on his shirt so I can run my hands along his strong stomach. I feel Larten's smile on my lips, before he takes my hands in his.

"We should wait..." he nags, "...Or you are going to open those stitches up for good."

I groaned. "I really don't see that being problem."

"Well I do." He pressed, adamant about ending our fun.

I tsked, crossing my arms, "How do you have such willpower?"

He laughed, a masculine sound resonating from his chest that I feel vibrating against my skin.

He gently nudges me off of his lap before standing, "I have lived for more than a thousand years, if there is one thing I understand best. It Is patience."

"Great. But that only makes one of us." I quipped.

Larten walked over to my table, resting his palms against it. My eyes traveled down his body. He cut such an attractive silhouette in his loosened shirt and form fitting trousers. I quite liked sitting on his lap...maybe I could get used to him making me feel like a scolded child.

He was cold, and not just literally. I could tell that...this was something neither of us found easy to do. This intimacy between us was uncharted territory.

I walked over to him. He had me almost completely undressed, this just wasn't fair.

Wrapping my arms around his torso, I leaned into his strong back, raking my fingers across his toned stomach and up his chest.

Larten sighed, his body buzzing underneath my touch.

"Of course..." he turned, escaping my teasing, "...everyone has their limits..."

"Hmmm...an interesting concept. I wonder just how far yours go..." I purr, poking his bare chest with my finger.

Larten swallows, "You do not want to test me, Hunter." he threatens. His eyes growing darker.

"Don't I?" I continue. Biting my lip, I drop my hand to his waist, palming him over his trousers.

"Please..." Larten forces out, and his tone is surprisingly severe. Even as his knees threaten to give out at my touch.

This worries me. He looks as if he's in actual physical pain. "Larten... Tell me what's really the issue here..."

His fingers curl around my wrists, holding them away from himself, "I lose track of myself when I am with you. I- I do not want to hurt you."

"Why? I don't mind if you hurt me."

Larten stuttered, his eyes squinting in disbelief, "What? Do you hear yourself right now?"

"Larten I don't care about these injuries. Our enemies are gone. We're safe. I don't want to have to worry anymore. I don't want to doubt and I don't want to be fearful ever again."

I try to unbuckle his pants again, and plant my lips at his neck again, "All I want to feel is you. And if all you can give me is pain...I'll take it."

Larten shuddered, my words making him feel the goosebumps on his skin, "You are using me, to punish yourself."

Slightly irritated, and impatient, I pushed Larten down on a nearby chair. He landed with a huff, and I quickly moved to straddle him.

"Aren't you doing the same? Why are you insistent on holding back?" I question.

"When you say you no longer care. When you say you wish for me to hurt you, do you realize what you are asking from me?"

"Yes I do, Larten. Now please." I begged, my voice pleading as I ground my body against his.

Larten's hands gripped my hips, his fingers digging painfully into my soft flesh. His teeth grinding as he could no longer fight his growing erection.

I felt his hardness underneath me. And his hands darted to grip at my back, pulling me against him, rocking me on top of his hips. Soft mewls escaping my lips.

He groaned, the scent of my arousal easily being picked up by his sophisticated sense of smell. It finally sent him over the edge.

"Then I will." Larten growled.

He stood quickly. So fast in fact that I didn't have time to balance myself, and so I stumbled to the floor.

With a shout, my backside collided with the wooden floor. I stared up at Larten. He stood tall before me, staring down with unfeeling eyes.

"You want punishment." In the blink of an eyes, Larten dropped to his knees, quickly crawling over my body to pin me to the floor. "Fine."

His voice was dangerous, but his eyes were glazed. He wished he could show me reason. Why are we both so stubborn? Refusing to admit we can't control everything.

His knees spread my legs apart, and his hands pinned my arms above my head. I hissed as all the movement pained my injuries yet again.

"Ugh, Larten." I moaned.

"Quiet." Larten commanded. Pulling my arm to look at one of the fresh scars that Calder gave me.

He pressed his thumb against it, making me kick my legs involuntarily in pain.

"Mmm- Ah! Larten!"

His free hand gripped my thigh, keeping me still. He kissed my arm, licking at the wound he had tortured.

"This is where Peloquin had you. Is it not?" He whispered hotly against my ear, "...he was going take you right here on this floor. Writhing in pain just like I have you now."

I felt my heart swell, I had felt so defeated that night, and tears began to sting my eyes.

"If you had just waited. If you had just been quicker. If I had just-!..." Larten growled, his fingers dug into my thigh, tracing the gashes that Peloquin had inflicted on me with his own fingers, "...you were nothing against him. Why did you go off on your own? If I had not gotten there in time..."

Larten bared his teeth, sinking them into my neck, biting hard enough to leave a angry red mark, and likely a bruise. I held back a lusty groan.

"He could have eaten you alive." Larten growled.

"He could have made your body his personal plaything..."

Larten began unbuckling his trousers, and pulling himself free. I looked down, the extent of his arousal instantly clear. Along with his blown pupils, saturated with want and anger.

"Fuck... Larten..." I moaned.

"Do you have any idea what those thoughts do to me?"

Larten didn't spare another moment, with a finger he tugged my underwear out of the way. Sinking fully into me he began thrusting at a measured pace.

His hips pushed forcefully, steadily, against me. I sucked in air, my mouth opening in a silent scream as my hands clutched desperately at his shirt.

Larten grunted with each thrust, "I...wanted to kill him...for touching you..."

Larten let go of my arms, moving them to pull my legs around his waist. Suddenly he was sharper in his thrusting, "Mm, yes-" I gasped.

"Why did you have to get in the way?" Larten breathed, "...Mmph, why did I let you out of my sight..?"

He took a fistful of my hair, pulling tight as his hips moved faster. My body instinctively clenching around him as he drove me closer to the edge.

"Oh fuck! Mmm... I- I'm sorry Larten." I cried. Breathing ragged, silently begging for more.

"Ugh... You fool. And then you get yourself kidnapped. Do you have any idea how worried I was?" Larten's teeth scraped against the shell of my ear as he growled.

"Get up. Turn around." he added.

Larten stood, the loss of his warmth making me want to cry out in protest. I moved to follow, but I stood too slowly. Larten pulled me up forcefully, his hand curling around my arm before shoving me against the table with my back against him.

"You are only human..." He whispered, "What did you think you were going to do..?"

He pressed his hips against me, leaning down to kiss my neck tenderly, "You inserted yourself where you should not have and now..."

Larten's nails dug into my underwear, and with a jolt he tore them away completely. I jumped with a small squeak, moaning as his hand slid down my stomach to press a finger against the most sensitive bundle of nerves on my body

"I was reckless." I breathed, my moans full of lust. I wiggled my hips, silently begging Larten to finish me off

"...you've made me as weak as you." Larten angled himself at my entrance, thrusting back into me forcefully.

His fists back in my hair, pulling roughly.

"Ah!" I yell as his teeth graze my neck

His hips pick up speed. His breathing ragged, clutching me as his groans sound increasingly needy.

I gasp for air as his aggression makes me hotter and as I clutch at his cloak, pulling him as close to me as I can, I can feel myself teetering over the edge, "Oh my- Larten, don't stop..." I moan.

"I feel- this heat- in my chest when I am near you-" he growls, his voice low, "Ugh- I cannot stand it."

Then he sounds so sweet, and sincere yet full of something I was not expecting to hear in his voice.

"At times...I wish I had never met you..."

He sounded so vulnerable.

I bit my lip. My hand covering his, urging his fingers to move faster...

"Larten...I'm so close..." I clutch at his hips, fingers digging into the fabric of his trousers, "...don't stop."

"Not even if I wanted to."

With a few more thrusts, his hips slam forcefully against me. His grasp has moved to my throat. He applies pressure. My eyes flutter closed as he hits this spot inside that makes me feel as if I'm going to faint. Again and again.

Larten teeth catch the shell of my ear as he pumps into me.

"You should never know the power you have over me..." he whispers.

I groan lustfully. An embarrassing guttural sound as I orgasm around him. My body spasms as it rides out it's pleasure.

He loses any sense of rhythm as he nears his limit, with a masculine grunt he finishes inside me.

His body shudders, "Ha-...mmm."

He kisses my neck, planting gentle pecks at my jaw and cheek before he slips out of me.

My legs quiver as I feel his orgasm running down the inside of my thighs. My body feels satisfyingly manhandled and I heave a sigh of relief. As if a heavy weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

Larten tucks himself back in his trousers a few steps away from me, running his black belt back through his trousers.

He clenches his fists for a moment. Then runs his hands over his face, and through his hair, sighing deeply as he attempts to steady himself.

I discard my underwear. Choosing to simply walk over to him with nothing hiding my body from him. I wrap my arms around his shoulders in an attempt to console him.

"You doing alright..?" I whisper.

Larten lifts me without an answer. His arms underneath my backside, supporting me. He holds me as if I am weightless.

"I should be the one asking you that."

His eyes stare deeply into my own. Golden pools of adoration. He kisses my cheek sweetly, cradling me close.

"I am sorry." he breathes.

Larten squeezed me. His lips tickling my ear.

"I meant nothing of what I said. I would never hurt you. I need you to know that I-"

"Larten it's ok." I chuckled softly. My arms tightening around his neck.

"I know what you really meant."

Larten buried his face in the crook of my neck, "Forgive me."

"I'm sorry too." I kissed his lips, running my fingers through his soft hair. I did egg him into it.

Larten hummed, carrying me over to the bed and laying me down. He laid down next to me. His fingers running through my hair.

"I do not want you to think that I- truly wanted to hurt you..." he ruminated, "...I- care for you so deeply..."

Larten pets me softly, planting gentle kisses at my cheek. Apologizing silently again and again, showing me affection I didn't even know I needed.

I shifted in his arms, drawing myself closer, "You're pretty soft for a cold blooded vampire." I joked half heartedly.

Larten pinched my side, making me squeal, "Stop it, I am trying to make up for being so rough with you."

I laughed, secretly grateful to simply be held for a moment. Somehow I felt light and floaty, at the simple prospect of being this close to each other. I was grateful to have him back.

"You don't have to be sorry. It was...cathartic. I think. This is just how we came to terms with how we were feeling."

Larten looked uncomfortable, "Some people talk, or write letters but we...?"

"Nothing wrong with that, right? Didn't you enjoy it? "

"I did. I enjoyed being with you very much. Although with all that biting and clawing..." Larten scratched his head, "I suppose it would not be wrong. Just as long as you let me shower you with affection and apologies afterwards."

His eyes sparkled with humor as he planted kisses on my eyelids and nipped playfully at my nose.

I giggled, "I think that should be obligatory. We both need that."

I shifted until I was on top of Larten, leaning down I kissed at his neck, "You know I really enjoyed your biting and clawing... The force in your voice..."

Larten groaned, his hands moving to my hips in an attempt to steady them.

"Good, I was worried I would be the soul guilty pervert."

I shook my head with a cheeky grin, "Nope. All the credit goes to me. My idea, remember."

"You do bring out the worst in me..." Larten joked.

Suddenly his golden eyes lost their playfulness, staring at me intently.

"Hunter..."

My eyes searched his, "What is it...?"

"I think I may have fallen in love with you."