He's not lying.
Those four little words stole the breath out of her lungs. Addison wanted to yell, to cry, to run … anything but stand there like an idiot. To be honest, she was on the edge of a meltdown. She closed her eyes to breathe and try to compose herself, but something else happened. Right there, behind her closed eyelids, a familiar scene was playing. Zed against his door, keeping her away from him while she was on her knees for him.
Would you hurt me?
She remembered asking him. She'd asked only two days ago. It felt like a lifetime had unfolded since then. His answer had been so definitive, it had stolen her breath away. She had trusted him.
No.
She trusted him. He was telling the truth then. She knew it. Something was not right. She was missing something. A warm hand settled on her shoulder. She flinched and her eyes flew open.
Warner was the one touching her, standing in front of her. He was looking self-satisfied, like shattering her world was exactly what he'd been after.
"Don't touch me." She said in a clipped tone, shrugging off his touch.
"But, Addison, baby."
"Don't. You really thought throwing this in my face would make me choose you?"
"Addison! Come on, you can't be serious. He's —"
"Leave, Warner."
"This is not over," he hissed.
Addison thanked the stars that he left without making more of a scene. He had wanted to save face, she knew it. It just wouldn't do for people to know that Addison chose a zombie over him. She finally turned back to Zed. He was looking at his shoes. She didn't know what to tell him.
"I think I'll just go."
"Zed, wait."
Her words surprised him; because when he looked at her, there was nothing but confusion on his face.
"You said he wasn't lying. But we've both been 'not lying' to our families for the past few weeks."
"Why does it matter?" he asked dejectedly.
"Would you hurt me?" she pushed back stubbornly.
"NO!" He yelled. "Of course not! Damnit Addison, I thought I made that clear."
Zed could barely breathe. He sniffled and looked up to the ceiling, trying to keep the tears at bay. At the forefront of his mind, his zombie was wailing in despair, crying out for his mate. His focus on soothing that part of himself, he didn't notice Addison move.
"You did." She whispered, nothing but trust shining in her eyes.
She was standing right in front of Zed. She wasn't touching him, but if either of them moved in the slightest, she would. Zed didn't dare twitch.
"I asked you that before."
"I remember."
"I've never believed anything like I believe you wouldn't hurt me."
"Addison…"
"Warner is great at twisting the truth around."
"I've told you before. It's a biology thing. But we're not … we're not animals… But look … it's not easy."
"The thing is, Zed, I trust you. But you're going to have to trust me too."
"People have been telling me that lately."
"Then why don't you?"
Silence. It was a loaded question.
"Because if I give in … it doesn't matter if you change your mind, my heart will always be yours."
Addison almost choked on a sob. Why did she always have to be crying during their big conversations?
"Zed." She gasped, a tear rolling down her cheek.
"Hey, don't cry." Zed's hand came up to wipe the tear, but he aborted the movement at the last second. "I can't think of anyone better to give it to."
Stray teardrops were rolling down her cheeks. Happy tears. She managed a smile. This time, Zed didn't stop himself and he wiped them away. Addison raised herself to her tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss to Zed's lips. It tasted salty, a leftover from the tears she just cried. Zed melted into the kiss, a proof that maybe he still had a chance with her. Zed vowed to himself that he'd to everything in his power to never be the reason she cried. Once he had freed Addison's lips, she giggled softly.
"What is it?"
"We're very silly, that's all. Also you got something…"
Addison placed a hand around his neck, gently pulling his head down to wipe away the lipstick staining his mouth. Once she was done, he brought her closer, pulling her body to his until not a single sheet of paper would have fitted between them.
"I'm sorry." He said, resting his forehead against hers.
"I know. I'm sorry too."
"Want to head out? I owe you an explanation."
"Actually…"
Zed never got to hear what came next because a voice called them.
"Hey, lovebirds! Everything okay?"
Still firmly ensconced in Zed's arms, Addison smiled.
"You know what, Celia? We're better than okay."
AZAZAZ
They rejoined the rest of the guests in the ballroom. Addison had fixed her makeup and no one would be able to know they had been so close to breaking up. Except that they both did. And if Addison snuggled closer to Zed's side and if Zed's arm around Addison's waist was tighter than strictly proper, well it was their business and nobody else's. Warner seemed to have disappeared and while she knew it wasn't the end of him, Addison couldn't help but to be relieved.
When most guests had gone home, long after they'd sent off Leonard and Celia and gotten their own coats, Addison called it a night. In the hotel lobby, Zed started for the exit, but she pulled him towards the elevators.
"Addie?"
"We always get rooms. It wouldn't do for my parents to drink and drive now, wouldn't it?"
"What are you saying?"
"That I requested a room as far as possible from my parent's." Addison revealed, pulling a magnetic card from her clutch.
The elevator's doors opened with a chime. Always the perfect gentleman, Zed let Addison go in first. The second the doors were closed, he twisted them around, rearranging her until her back hit the wall softly.
"Are you propositioning to me, Miss Wells?" He asked in a sultry tone.
"Well, you did play your cards right, Mr. Necrodopolis."
"Did I?"
"Yes. However, following tonight's debacle, I believe we need to have another conversation."
Zed groaned and let his head thump against the wall, right next to Addison's. He hated to admit it, but she was right. They needed to talk, and he needed to trust her. To trust her like she trusted him. To trust her to listen to him until the end and not leave him behind.
"No, you're right."
He pushed himself off the wall and helped Addison do the same. He laced their fingers together, bringing their joined hands up to place a soft kiss on her knuckles. She smiled and stood on her tiptoes to kiss the corner of his mouth. The elevator continued to travel up as they both basked in the peaceful quietness of being together.
Too soon for either of their taste, the elevator's door opened. Zed followed Addison to the room. She swiped the card and let them in. The room was lavish and clearly expensive which Zed figured it was one of the perks of being the mayor's daughter.
As soon as the door closed behind Zed, Addison was kicking off her shoes, groaning with pleasure as her sore feet hit the plush carpet of the room. Wiggling her toes to get feeling back into them, she started pulling hair pins from where they'd been discreetly holding her hairdo.
Zed watched her as she got comfortable, appreciating the way she was so at ease around him. He hung her cloak and his coat before making it to Addison. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, and she leaned on his chest. Zed easily balanced the added weight. She smelled so good, loose and relaxed in his arms, but they really did need to talk.
"Come on, let's sit on the couch, alright?"
They settled on either side of the couch. Addison sat with her legs under her while Zed sat more conventionally. His back was ramrod straight with apprehensiveness. As much as she wanted him to look at her, she knew this wasn't an easy subject for him. She didn't say a word. They both knew what they needed to talk about, and she felt it wasn't her space to begin the conversation. Finally, Zed drew a long breath and launched into his explanation. He had to trust that Addison wouldn't run away, that she would stick by him.
"Before Z-bands, zombies weren't rational. We couldn't think straight. And while we could reproduce, let's just say it wasn't as interesting as the promise of brains. Our biology helped with that issue. Made it so to have the urge to make babies, if you will. Someone biologically perfect and enthralling for each specific individual. Following so far?"
"Yes. I'm with you."
"Zombies have what we call potentials. It means someone we are potentially compatible with. There are usually a few possibilities. It's not necessarily a perfect match, but it could. But we kind of have ways to know."
"Like what?"
In a rare display, Zed blushed several shades darker than his usual complexion.
"Sex."
Addison blushed bright at his answer.
"Oh!"
"But like mostly because it leads to scenting?"
"Which is?"
"Pheromones basically. When two potentials … well you know, when they do it. It carries a specific type of scent … well a different than the one that usually comes with sex."Zed stumbled on his words.
Addison gasped, coming to a horrifying realization. She choked on a strangled whimper.
"At the mash, did people knew we'd had sex that night?"
Zed rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. She was so close, yet she seemed to be missing the important clues.
"Yeah…"
"And when you said people couldn't smell…" Addison gestured at her crotch area, her face burning darker with the new wave of embarrassment.
"Hey! They can't, it's not like that. I promise. I'm the only one who can."
Zed spoke softly and grabbed her hand, squeezing it gently to try and comfort her.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why are you the only one who can smell it?"
"I…" Zed wiggled on the couch. "Look, let me finish and if it's still unclear, we can get back to it, alright?"
She wanted to argue, she really did, but she was getting more information out of him than she thought possible. So she wanted to, but she didn't.
Once Addison had nodded, Zed continued. So far so good, he thought, but the worst part was yet to come.
"So a potential scenting sends a message to other zombies. It's kind of our biology letting everyone know that we're courting each other. Especially to unmated zombies of age. To them, it's just pretty much very stinky."
"Oh my God! Everyone just knows about it. You have no privacy?"
Addison tried to hide her face in her hands, but Zed carefully took hold of her wrists and pulled her arms down.
"Look, it's not that big of a deal for zombies. Not really, we just ignore it. Potentials meet every once in a while. Yes, people will know and yes, they might gossip about it, but not more than if two people started dating."
"What happens next?"
"There's two ways to resolve this: mating or staying away from one another."
Zed sighed and braced himself for whatever reaction Addison was about to have.
"Mating is what your ex was going on about. Not all zombies mate with their potentials. Potentials are just that, the potential for something more. They say you know this kind of thing, not just by scents, but like … on the inside.
"The zombie part of you just knows that this person is meant for you; that this isn't just the possibility of something, it is everything. Mating is not something that's done impulsively. Zombie culture reveres mating."
"Can I ask why?"
"We get a lot of shit for being zombies, Addison. For having a part of us that's wild and uncontrollable. It's not like we want to eat brains. But without our Z-Bands, our zombie part is harder to control. Maybe he was right and that zombied out we are feral animals. You have to understand Addison, when the zombie part of us has complete control, it's like we're on survival mode; everything is instinctual, there is not thinking. But a mate! That's something that will always sway your zombie."
"So, you don't get a say at all?" Addison got up from the couch and started pacing in front of it. "It's biological. Does it mean that whoever the universe, fate or whatever chose for you, that's it? That's not fair."
As Addison walked in front of him, Zed grasped her wrist. The sudden touch stopped her in her tracks. He pulled her back to the couch, and she went willingly. When she sat down, she settled right by his side, close enough for him to brush hair away from her face.
"Alright, a few clarifications are needed.
'One. No one has to mate. Two. That's why they're potentials. You might be compatible, and the universe might think you'll match well, but no one's forcing anyone. You still get to choose. Some people will never mate because they fell for someone else. Eliza's parents both rejected several potentials through the years. They're one of the happiest couples I know."
Addison's shoulders sagged in defeat. She wanted to believe him; she really did. She also knew a bigger part of her annoyance went hand in hand with the thought that there was someone out there that belonged with Zed.
People confused envy and jealousy all the time. You envied people for what they had but what you lacked. Addison had envied people before for their accepting families, for their confidence or self-esteem. Hell, more recently Beatriz had been the source of her envy because she'd had Zed. However, it was the first time she had really felt the cool fury of jealousy.
Someone out there in Zombietown was made for Zed. If he was telling the truth, more than one person were. How was she supposed to measure up? Did she even want to try? Could she keep Zed from something for which he clearly was hopeful?
Addison sighed. She knew she couldn't begrudge him the opportunity. At the end of the day, Zed made him sound like it was down to free will. Yet, she still couldn't help the little voice at the back of her mind whispering that she wished she had been the one. Like a sign from the universe that Zed Necrodopolis and Addison Wells were meant to be.
"I'm sorry."
"Addie…"
"Have you? Met a potential?"
Zed gaped at her. Addison bit down on her lips. There was a long stretch of silence where Addison started to doubt he'd answer her. He wasn't convinced he was going to either, but he did promise to be honest.
"Yes. One."
Addison's heart sunk and she immediately regretted asking the question.
"Ok. So, when people meet the right potential, they mate?"
Zed startled at the sudden change in subject. He had thought for sure she would press for details. Instead, he kept going.
"Mating requires three things. Warner was right on the first two. People are zombied out and yes they bite each other."
Addison's hand flew to the love bites Zed had left on her thighs. He couldn't help but chuckle. She furrowed her brows at her.
"It's not that kind of bite," he clarified, amused despite himself.
Addison huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, feeling silly. Zed smiled and reached trembling fingers to caress the skin at the junction of her neck and shoulder.
"There." He breathed out reverently. "That's where zombies exchange mating bites. Those bites scar for life."
Addison brought her fingers up to rest over his own, the pressure of her touch barely discernible.
"A mating bite is reciprocated. Both partners will bite each other; one after the other. It's not that deep of a bite, yet it scars anyway. We don't know why. Zombie containment doesn't know why. It's just something zombies do."
Zed pulled his fingers away and Addison couldn't help but deeply miss the touch.
"The third thing is the most important. Mating is all about consent. You can't accidentally mate with someone. Both parties must agree to it, or it just doesn't take. Nobody knows why. So you need two of-age zombies that not only want to mate but also intend to do so. So I guess that makes four things: zombied out, biting, consent, and intent."
Addison nodded thoughtfully. When she didn't say anything, Zed kept quiet, interlocking his fingers, and staring at them. He had been truthful so far and he wanted to keep doing so, but he didn't want to overwhelm her either. He guessed he was lucky that she hadn't run away or kicked him out yet.
In Addison's brain, it was like a hamster running in its wheel. All that information kept cycling around and she kept turning it over and over. Her chest tightened painfully when she finally connected the dots.
"Mates are a zombie only thing."
"Yeah, well unless you know of some humans that suddenly started to zombie out." Zed tried to lighten the mood.
Addison wanted to rip something apart with her bare hands. She knew he had possibilities, but to know she wasn't even in the running? That hurt. She thought they would at least be compatible. Nevertheless, she refused to squash down the hopeful part of her and asked the question burning her lips.
"Has there ever been a zombie that mated with a human?"
Zed's heart sped up wildly. Why was she asking? Was she worried about it? Or were his wildest dreams coming to life?
"No," he answered, still looking at his hands.
"Oh." Addison sounded dejected. "Is that even possible? I mean could a zombie have a human as a potential? Has it ever happened?"
"Once."
"Who was it?"
Zed finally looked up and locked his eyes with Addison. Her eyes went round with how solemn his expression was. He inhaled deeply before he revealed his deepest secret to the one person that mattered the most.
"Me."
He could see the gears turning in her brain, trying to make sense of everything. She covered her mouth with a hand when she finally caught on. Tears welled up at the corner of her eyes.
"I'm so sorry Addison! It's not like I can control it. I never wanted to put you in that situation… You… I… We… Look, you don't have to do anything. In fact, I can walk out and never contact you again. Or I can hold up our deal tomorrow. It doesn't have to mean anything."
"How can it not mean anything?"
"Addison, I…"
She scooted closer to him and brought a hand to rest on his chest.
"No. It's my turn now. This entire conversation, I kept thinking about how unfair it was that there was someone out there that was made for you. Someone that wasn't me."
"Addie…" Zed breathed out.
She cupped his face in the palm of her hand.
"At the same time, I couldn't be mad if it meant you had a shot at happiness."
"Even if you weren't, I —"
"It doesn't matter."
"Yes, it does. Because it's the truth. Even if you weren't the only one, I'd still choose you."
"What do you mean if I weren't the only one?"
"Every once in a while, a zombie won't have potentials. They'll just have a mate. I'm pretty sure that's me. Addison, the zombie part of me bows down to you. For Z's sake, I've zombied out for you and somehow still remained in perfect control!"
"Is that why you said that if I changed my mind, your heart would always be mine?"
"Yes," Zed paused thoughtfully, 'Addie… You deserve someone who can give you the world and I'm just me. One day, you might find that person and give them your heart."
Addison shook her head fondly. She caressed his face with the thumb still on his cheek.
"Zed, I've already given my heart to someone. I gave it to you."
He looked in her eyes and only found earnest honesty. A deep growl escaped from his throat as he smashed his lips
against hers. A soft moan answered him. Her fingers curled in the short hair behind his ear as she pushed back against his bruising kiss. The fight for dominance lit a fire in Zed's stomach. He growled again and pulled the girl into his lap. It wasn't as smooth as he had hoped.
In fact, it was very awkward; Addison legs got tangled in the tulle of her skirt. The same skirt that caught in the couch's cushions. She fell forward, breaking their passionate kiss and hitting her forehead against Zed's nose. He held Addison's waist, helping to steady her. They sat frozen, staring into each other's round eyes until they both dissolved in a fit of giggles. When their laughter subsided, Zed helped her to her feet. Addison hiked up the layers of tulle and climbed back on the couch, straddling his lap. She rested her forehead on his own.
"As much as I want to keep doing this, you still owe me answers about scents."
Zed groaned and closed his eyes in disbelief.
"Really? Addie…" Zed threw his best puppy eyes at her.
"'Fess up!" She raised an eyebrow at him, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
"It's nothing —" he began, trailing his fingers against the bare skin at the small of her back.
Addison shivered under his touch and felt her body all but melt into Zed's. She was getting addicted to the guy. She wanted to let go and tumble into bed with the handsome zombie, but she knew she needed answers the most. She started backing off his lap, but he snaked an arm around her waist.
"Come on, Zed."
He sighed.
"The boys freaked at the mash because even though we weren't actually courting, I might have been secreting a ridiculous amount of pheromones. It's why I think I don't have any other potentials, because I've been scenting you like crazy. Not that it matters because you're the only one that I want. And the only reason I can smell it when you're aroused is because you're my potential."
"Thank you for telling me."
"Yeah, yeah. Can we go back to making out?" He asked, already leaning in to capture Addison's lips.
"One last question, alright."
"Sure." Zed gave up, pulling away from his mate.
"Where do we go from here? I mean… Now that we know, do we mate right away?" She nibbled on her bottom lip with worry.
Feeling the change in her demeanour, Zed brought her closer with the arm still around her. This time, he was the one to touch his forehead with hers.
"Hey … hey … hey… There's no need to panic. We'll still follow your pace. I won't force you into anything."
"But … what about you?"
"We're dating and that will be enough for me until it's not enough for you."
"Don't you need to mate?"
Zed chuckled softly.
"It's not a mate or die situation. Even if we never get to that step, I'll be happy as long as I'm with you."
Zed's zombie was roaring and pacing in the back of his mind; but both sides of him knew that while not ideal, it was better than losing Addison forever. Not that they wouldn't be thrilled to mate with the white-haired beauty and to mark her as theirs for all to see… Zed pushed back the wave of possessiveness flowing through his veins. It was not about him; it was all about her.
Addison brushed her fingers through Zed's hair, awestruck. Zed always seemed surreal. How could someone so kind and thoughtful be real? And she knew he meant it too. He would never push if she told him no. She had a feeling she could make it wait for the rest of their lives and while he would be disappointed, he would accept it without bringing it once. How did she get so lucky?
Not that she was completely against the idea of mating with Zed. Addison closed her eyes. She could picture it easily. Being Zed's mate, marked for all Zombietown to see … the thought caused a shiver up to run all the way to the top of her spine. To her surprise, it wasn't disgust or fear, but lust and need. Until that very moment, she never knew she was into that kind of possessiveness. Maybe it was because she knew it was a two-way street. She would be his, but he would be hers as well.
Another thing Addison had to admit was that zombie-Zed was one hell of a turn-on. A second shiver ran up her back. Something was coiling inside of her. This time, she recognized the molten lava pooling in her lower stomach as the lust it was. The fact that she was straddling Zed, alone in a luxurious hotel room with no interruption in sight was suddenly at the front of her mind. She felt the rush of wetness in her underwear. Addison blushed as she realized that Zed could certainly smell her arousal. Her eyes flew open.
Her forehead was still pressed to Zed and Addison noticed the darkened skin around his eyes right away. She pulled back her head a little to take him in properly. His nostrils were flaring from her dampening panties. Veins had started to crawl up his neck. However, the most noticeable change was hidden from her sight. His erection was straining against his dress pants and pressing right against her warm centre.
Well, she did promise to end the night with her dress on the floor if he played his cards right. And boy had Zed understood the assignment. He'd been so open and honest as well. She sent him a flirty smirk and grinded down on his lap.
Addison wanted to kill him, that was the only thing he could think of. She was so close; her smell was intoxicating. She'd been looking at him with such happiness and wonder that it soothed his very soul. She'd closed her eyes, and he had felt the shiver racing through her body. Worried the natural coolness of his skin was the reason for it, Zed made to pull away. A second shiver shook her lithe frame. He was about to say something when the scent hit him.
Addison wasn't cold; she was turned on. The luscious scent was overwhelming. So much so that he felt the changes come over him before he could blink. His senses were on high alert, and he knew his veins were blackening fast. His zombie was salivating, they knew exactly how delectable that wetness tasted. Zed's pants were almost too snug against his swelling member. Taking in a laboured breath, he attempted to regain control of his body, his vision blurry and unfocused. It cleared out for a heartbeat, Addison's sensuous smile barely registering as she bucked against him in a smooth yet firm motion. His world gave out.
Addison couldn't help the smugness that came over her when Zed's eyes rolled to the back of his head. She never got the chance to enjoy the moment before her zombie lunged at her neck with a growl. It was an apt descriptive. There was something feral about the way Zed moved, something that told her that his zombie was undeniably the one in control. The realization drew a whimper from her lips and a rush of moisture between her legs. Zed's reaction was almost instantaneous.
An impossibly strong arm wrapped around her hips, locking her in place. Once he made sure she couldn't move, Zed thrust up once, his clothed erection rubbing deliciously at her core. The movement was teasing, causing Addison to whimper again. As quick as it had come, the contact disappeared.
Addison didn't bother to conceal her whines as she tried to follow his hips. To no avail. No matter how much she strained, Zed wasn't budging, and he held her secure. Unmoved by her whining, he continued his assault on her neck, lavishing the skin in kisses and licks. When she stopped fidgeting, a pout on her lips, Zed finally deigned to thrust back against her. Even through the layers of fabric, he could make out her damp and scorching need. He jabbed against her again, letting his teeth graze her pulse point. Addison's head fell forward, escaping from Zed's lips to rest in the crook of his neck. Zed burrowed his nose in her hair, inhaling her scent deeply. He thrust a few more times, frowning when Addison's nose were muffled against his jacket. Even prompted by his touch, she wouldn't look up, stubbornly looking over his shoulder. Her face was beet red.
"Z … Zed…" Her plea came out between two harsh breaths.
"Addiska." As always, her name was spoken reverently.
"Please … I… I need…"
Zed didn't know if it was the embarrassment in her voice or the way she wouldn't meet his eye, but suddenly everything snapped back into place as his zombie gave the control back to him. On the outside, he was still purely zombies, but his eyes and voice were soft as he spoke.
"It's okay, Addie. We can stop."
"No!" Her voice was confident and the grip around his neck was tight.
"Okay." Zed soothed her. "Tell me what you need."
Addison whined again and her nails sunk into the fragile skin at the back of his neck. The next words were whispered directly in her ear.
"Whatever you need, Addie. Anything you want."
"You. I need you inside of me."
The words were weak and uncertain, but this time, Addison looked at him as she said them. Her blush had spread all the way to the swell of her breasts. Zed's heart was pumping erratically. He'd thought these words were nothing more than a pick-up line, something straight out of badly written porn. Yet, the unconfident but earnest way Addison had told them to make his blood boil.
"Anything you want," he repeated.
He leaned in to capture her lips in a delicate kiss. She answered in turn. Their kiss was slow and languid; two lovers unhurried by the world outside. They had all night. Zed's zombie was content to enjoy the ride, revelling into the way Addison's soft pliable body melted at their touch.
As Zed raked his fingers into her hair, he couldn't help but to remember how ashamed Addison had been of its pure white colour. He didn't understand it. To him, it made her unique and beautiful. It suited her much better than the blond had ever done or at least he thought so. All of Addison was beautiful.
The girl in question nibbled at his bottom lip, snapping him back to reality. He granted her access, humming in pleasure as she took control of the kiss. He brought his hand down to her chest. His fingers skimmed over the swell of her breast. She leaned in. She needed more. So much more. His fingers waltzed on her skin, along her sternum and dipping into her cleavage, somehow avoiding contact with the firm globes. The slow dance was tantalizing.
Zed finally breached the neckline of her dress, palming a first tit and squeezing it softly. Addison sighed in pleasure, the action breaking the kiss. About to whine and complain, her body went lax as he flicked the aching nipple. Between her legs, wetness continued to build up. Zed placed a trail of kisses from Addison's shoulder to the pulse point of her jaw before recapturing her lips eagerly. He needed more. So much more. He would gladly take whatever she offered.
Trying to access her second breast, Zed was denied by the tight dress. The annoyed growl only turned Addison on some more. With the use of both hands, Zed took little time to find the zipper of the offending garment. He had slid it open about two inches when she pushed his hands away. Confused, he loosened his grip on Addison when she made to get up.
Stepping around the couch, Zed's eyes fixed on her, Addison walked closer to the bed. With deliberate and slow movements, Addison reached behind her back to undo the rest of her dress. Her heart was thumping in her chest, her blood rushing in her ears. This little routine of hers was as exhilarating as it was nerve-wracking. She felt foolish and awkward and sexy all at the same time. One look at Zed's awe-stricken face restored her confidence, eliciting a nervous giggle from her. Emboldened by his reaction, she pushed the thin straps off one shoulder. He followed its movement intently. Once his eyes were back on her, she pushed the straps off the other shoulder. Her dress fell to the floor.
Zed swallowed with difficulty. She wasn't gorgeous, she was enchanting. His eyes roamed over her body, cataloguing every detail in case he had missed one previously. Addison was clad in a single pair of silvery lace panties. He had known she hadn't been wearing a bra, it would have been impossible in that dress; but the sight of her was still unbelievable.
Addison looked at him, leering at her. He still hadn't moved or said anything. Her awkwardness was back. She ducked her head and started to play with her fingers.
Noticing it instantly, Zed almost facepalmed himself. While normally, he would have just jumped over the couch, the tightness in his pants kept him from doing so. Instead, he walked around the couch, just as Addison had. His gaze was fixed on her. He looked every bit the predator zombies could be, homing in on his prey.
Hearing the ruffle of fabrics, Addison looked up. Her mouth went dry. Zed was dark and imposing; a tiny voice—her fight or flight instinct, maybe—in her head was sending an alarm signal. She should be running to safety. Addison's body wasn't having any of it. It knew exactly what it wanted, and it was the zombie marching towards her. Once he'd made it to the other side of the couch, Zed had taken off his jacket in one smooth motion, dropping it carelessly on the back of it. By the time he finally reached her, he had also unbuttoned his cuffs and somehow managed to roll up his sleeves. When he started to lean in, Addison closed her eyes. She could feel him, right over her, but the press of his lips never came. She opened her eyes to look at him quizzically.
"You say the word and we'll stop. I promise." He was all zombies, but the softness of his eyes was all Zed.
"I know." She said with the shadow of a smile gracing her lips. "I trust you, remember?"
Zed finally captured her lips with his and she sighed.
AZAZAZ
Being with Zed was novel for her. To have a partner think about her comfort and her pleasure, to put it before his own… Warner had never cared enough to do that. She was finally realizing it. He'd been good at faking it, but in the end, he hadn't given a damn. Their first time, she had given him her virginity. She had expected it to hurt a little, but not the way it had.
When she had asked him if maybe they should slow things down, tears rolling down her face, he'd insisted it was normal that she'd be better off to just let him get it over with. She hadn't known how to tell him know—in hindsight, it probably would not have changed anything—and he'd just pushed in. He had jabbed at her insides, moaning and groaning before cumming. She hadn't. It hadn't looked to bother him, so she had thought that maybe it was ordinary for her first time.
She had turned to at least cuddle with him after he'd taken the condom off, but he received a phone call and left, citing an emergency. She didn't remember how long she stayed in bed, crying. When she finally got up to shower, there'd been smears of dried blood on her thighs and sheet. She cried some more in the shower but had chalked it up to her first time.
Sex with Warner never became great. Though often stretching her enough to make her uncomfortable, it had never hurt like that again. Like she'd said before, she had always thought it was her fault…
AZAZAZ
But Zed! Zed was Warner's polar opposite. He always put her needs first and made sure she was comfortable. With trembling hands, she reached for him and got to work. Her mission was hindered by their making out, but she wouldn't have wanted it any other way. First, she took care of his tie, tugging and pulling until the knot came undone and she could throw it away, her lips never leaving Zed's. Next, she went for his shirt, clumsily unbuttoning one after the other.
Outwardly controlled, a battle was raging inside of Zed. He wanted nothing more than to take matters back into his own hands, to take her right there and then; but she deserved better. The other side of him was enjoying her being in charge, taking the lead and going for what she wanted. Addison finally got his shirt open. One of her hands came to rest on his abs, the other on his chest. The contrast of her hot skin on his cooler one caused him to hiss, unwilling breaking the kiss.
The sound Zed made went straight to Addison's panties. It seemed he was enjoying their temperature difference as much as she did. Her hands explored his body, taking in the well-defined muscles of his shoulders, chest and abdomen, but never pushing his shirt off. She peppered any grey skin she could reach with kisses, proudly noticing how his eyes shut close and he groaned. She travelled up and down for a while until she settled on his belt. She paused for a second, before she undid the buckle and popped open the button. Addison bit her bottom lip and reached in. It was hard—pun intended—to palm at his erection. The fancy fabric of his suit not stretching to accommodate her hand. It might have been her imagination, but he seemed bigger than before. She squeezed him once. She could feel him grow in her palm. Addison gasped.
Zed's eyes flew wide open and openly stared at Addison. Her mouth was open. Zed's brain conjured the memory of Addison's blowjob. She looked so damn fine with his cock stretching her pretty little mouth. She'd been enthusiastic and had seemed disappointed when she'd choked on his girth. Maybe they could work on that again tonight? Both parts of Zed dismissed the idea. Not tonight. No, tonight, Zed's cock would stretch open different lips. The thought went straight down.
"Z… Ze… Zed…" Addison called out, breathless.
He could hear the question in her voice and groaned. Fuck his zombie instinct.
"Sorry. It shouldn't… I think it's over." He admitted.
"But … it's … bigger…"
He wanted to deny it, but he promised to tell her the truth. And maybe he was a little proud…
"Zombie anatomy… It's meant for mates." Zed blushed darker than she had ever seen before. "Preening like a peacock." Zed swore, bad choice of words. "We get bigger for our mate … prove we can satisfy and breed."
"Oh" Addison breathed out, eyes wide open.
His skin was almost charcoal with blush. Addison wasn't a zombie, he had to remind himself. She wouldn't produce more wetness like a zombie woman. Would she take him? Fuck, if only he had lube.
"We can stop," he suggested. "Female zombies produce more natural lubricant. It doesn't have to be that. I can eat you out. I just… My body … my zombie … you're my mate…"
He knew he was making a fool of himself. But she was still holding his dick and he needed to touch her so bad. He could use his right hand on himself later, but please, oh please, let Addison still allow him to make her cum.
"Please, Addie. Let me taste you again," he begged.
"No." She pulled her hand out of his pants.
Zed felt as if he'd been slapped. Even though he'd been expecting a rejection from the start, it still stung. He wasn't going to make her feel bad about it though. He took a step back and was surprised when Addison grabbed the wrist with his Z-band. She pulled him closer and brought his fingers to the centre of her panties. Zed whimpered. They were completely soaked. If he tried to wring them, they were sure to drip. He didn't dare to move, but Addison had no such qualms. She laced their fingers together and rubbed them up and down the damped fabric. She shivered at their touch and mewled. Locking her eyes with him, she breached the fabric barrier. Taking her fingers from his, she positioned his own directly over her opening, almost inside of her. Zed was completely still, holding his breath. Still staring at each other, she brought her hand back inside his pants and his underwear. A strangled noise escaped Zed's throat as he realized the wetness he felt over his cock was her own.
"Tell me again?"
"Huh?" Zed's brain couldn't catch up.
"Tell me why you're so big." Her voice was pleading.
Zed finally connected the dots. He brought their foreheads together.
"You. You're the only one. My mate."
Just like before his words at an instant effect on Addison. He felt her core pulse and long rush of wetness on his fingers. Her hand squeezed his cock and she moaned. She was cumming, Zed realized. His fingers moved on their own volition, finding her clitoris and rubbing her through her orgasm.
When her hips moved away from him, he removed his fingers and pulled her body close to him. She was shaking against him, her arms were wrapped around his waist. When her knees gave out, he gathered her in his arms and, in a few strides, was laying her down on the bed.
Addison whine at the loss of him, but didn't actually complain when she realized he was undressing. She took in his naked body, the gentle grin that was only hers and thought once more that she was the luckiest girl in the world. He covered her frame with his larger one, tickling her sides teasingly before he pressed their lips together in a loving kiss. When they separated for air, the words tumbled out of her lips.
"I want the mating bite."
Hello there! Took me a bit, but it was still faster than the previous chapter. I'm still not sure about how this flows, but I think it's the best version of it.
Please let me know what you thought of this chapter!