I swallowed, and my heart rate jumped. Christopher turned, his face unsmiling. I sensed his tension. I think a part of him worried I wouldn’t like his blood anymore. “Are you sure this is necessary?”
“It is. We must test the theory.”
I gulped down on my fear, ignoring the feverish dancing of butterflies in my stomach.
Christopher lifted his wrist to my mouth. He caught my gaze and held it. I extended my fangs, and sank them into the tender, inner part of his wrist. I sucked slowly at first, but his blood was like liquid pleasure. Magic blended within his blood. I wanted more, and sucked harder. I couldn’t get enough. I didn’t want to.
Finally Kenmei said, “Shiryo-san, stop.”
I withdrew. It took great effort not to attack Christopher. I wanted more. His silvery-violet eyes raked over me. He didn’t want to be done either, not by a long shot. And my insides quivered with the knowledge.
“I take it from your furious drinking his blood is pleasing?”
I blinked several times, trying to focus. “It tastes better than any blood. Ever.” I wiped my mouth, and cleared my throat. “Also, I feel…” What was a word I could use without it sounding sexual? “Incredible,” I said.
Kenmei clapped his hands, and sat back in his chair.
Professor Pops leaned forward, a grim line on his lips. “What does this mean?” As he spoke, he waved a hand in my direction.
I watched Christopher absently stroke his wrist. The holes had already vanished, but the feel of his skin against my mouth lingered. Leaning forward, I sipped some tea, desperate to be rid of Christopher’s blood in my mouth. Hoping that doing so would calm my desires for my Hunter. After I couple more drinks, I placed my teacup on the saucer.
“Yes, what does it mean?” I prodded. I knew what it meant for Christopher and I. Private time, exchanging blood, kisses, and more. But what did it mean where everyone else was concerned?
Chapter 4
Kenmei took a turn glancing at each of us, and I couldn’t help but shudder at what I saw in his eyes… endless horizons, stars, the Universe. They were as vast as eternity.
He said, “I believe it means we have a shot at destroying the Vampire Queen.”
“Really?” Professor Pops asked.
“How?” Christopher asked.
“Well, it’s simple really. When the Vampire Queen tries to take over Snow’s body, the magic of the Seal will destroy her. Burn her, as it did Christopher. And I’m guessing Snow’s blood would kill any one of us, except of course, Christopher.”
“Why, exactly?” I was happy about it. I didn’t want to kill my Hunter.
“The magical combination within the Seal, along with the dying essence of Silindra has sealed Sharra’s fate. When you healed Christopher, you gave him some of the Seal’s power. We agree on that?”
I nodded, but was still confused. “But if the Queen enters my body, won’t I be giving her the Seal’s power?”
Kenmei smiled. “The secret to my theory has to do with transference.”
“Huh.” I picked up my cup again.
“The way the power is used by you, dear Shiryo-san.”
I stared at him blankly.
“Let me ask you this. Right before you healed Christopher, what were you thinking?”
“I don’t know,” I said quickly.
“Take your time. Think about it,” Kenmei said, sipping his tea.
Christopher watched me, an amused smirk on his lips.
I sat back, crossing my arms.
What was I thinking about?
I’d been upset, angry. Then Professor Pops said Christopher was going be all right, and my anger turned to relief, happiness… love.
Relief. That he would survive.
Happiness. That he wasn’t going to die.
And, love.
Like the summer blossom of a scented rose, my mind bloomed with understanding.
I loved Christopher. Not the kind I felt for my dad, Cindy, the brother’s, or even Gabe. It was a heart smashing, tear jerking, and soul crushing kind of love. I gulped more tea, buying myself some time. The cup trembled against the saucer when I set it down.
Kenmei seemed to understand whatever was happening on my face because he said, “Go on, and tell us.”
I swallowed. “I was happy Christopher wasn’t dying. I-I… do I have to say it?” I glanced at Christopher. His face was serious. The smirk gone. I wanted to tell him I loved him, but I wanted to say it when we were alone.
“This piece of information is significant,” Kenmei said softly.
I nodded. “I realized, I love Christopher,” I whispered, and shrugged. Tears stung the edges of my eyes.
Christopher turned, grabbing my hand. Kissing my knuckles. Turning my hand over and kissing my palm.