He should check on her.
Alek dematerialized to where she rested. Slipping into bed beside her, he wondered if she’d feel his presence. He kept his t-shirt and slacks on just in case.
Lying on his side, he gently pushed the wild platinum hair from her face and enjoyed the silky feel of her cool brown skin. She’d been too weak to redo the plait she loved. He decided against using magic. He could do it. Shifting her slightly, he began to braid Viv’s hair. Done, it looked loose and crooked but at least she wouldn’t wake up with hair in her face.
He sat against the headboard and considered his predicament.
If she was what he was, she could be with him now, running in the sun, frolicking in the lake—
That’s it!
At some point in her life she’d been alive. Viv must miss the sun. He’d show her all the wonderful things she could do in daylight and still be a vampyre. Seeing the sky light up in the morning, watching the sunset—it made up for the fear of transgressing.
Shit, as a vamp she could turn rogue. They both had their demons to fight, one no worse than the other, right? Wrong. For every rogue, ten transgressors roamed. The beasts hadn’t learned yet to fight the bloodlust as well as vamps had.
She wouldn’t have to fear the hunters like the cats did until they mastered behaving like men and could blend in. Vampyres already had that part down to a science.
Sure she wouldn’t wake up, he lifted her onto his lap. Drawing her tight in his arms, he sniffed at the sweet scent that was pure Viviana.
Closing his eyes, he dozed off holding her next to his heart.
Alek woke with his arm cramped around her. When she moved slightly he realized hours had passed. The sun would be sliding toward the western horizon.
He glanced down, waiting for her eyes to open, and for the first time he noticed the pink streaks dried on her cheeks. He’d cleansed every trace of blood after he fed her. She had cried before she fell asleep. Why? Did she dislike his species that much?
She moved again and murmured something. He lowered his ear to her mouth.
“Don’t go.”
She had not wanted his blood, didn’t want to be a cat—who the fuck was she thinking about? Alek’s thoughts crashed around his mind. He locked his shields tight, careful to keep her out. He’d find out sooner or later who she thought about. Better later.
“Wake up, Viv.” He eased from under her. “You need to feed.”
She stretched, flinching in pain when she raised the wounded shoulder. “Damn that hurt.”
“You’ll be fine.” He opened his wrist and placed it in front of her.
“I could have done it myself.” She moved her lips to cover the tiny holes and started to drink. This time he didn’t have to stop her, she had more strength and, taking only what she needed to heal, Viv stopped herself.
“I thought you’d trust me now.” He stood from the bed. “I have no designs on changing you to something you find objectionable.” Not wanting to remember where her mouth had been, Alek fabricated a long-sleeved shirt. His cock jerked against his pants at the idea of places he’d like to feel her lips. Get a grip.
Viv made it very plain she didn’t want him or anyone like him.
He grated the words out, “Dress, I need to feed too. We’re going to have dinner with Case and his mate tonight.”
“Not sure I want to try another piece of steak.”
“Whatever you want, the Looking Glass serves it. I’ll leave you to get ready. I have to check on a few things.” Grabbing the doorknob, he stopped. “Do you want to do this? We can stay here.”
“I’m fine, give me time to think.” She glared at him, angry color dotting her cheeks. “I’ll let you know.”
Great, she’s mad.
“Don’t take too long. I’m hungry.” Good job, asshole. Piss her off more. She definitely wasn’t the type to take any shit from him. Not quietly anyway.
“The sooner you get out, the faster I’m ready.”
Yanking the door behind him, Alek jumped when it slammed in the frame.
“Should have just vanished, dickhead,” he said aloud, cursing himself and his stupid temper as he stomped down the hall.
Bastard. What bug crawled up his ass and died? Wish it had bit the hell out of him. “No you don’t,” she said. Stretching the kinks out, Viv touched her wound and it ached a little. “Strong blood,” she murmured. Great, now I’m talking to myself.
Walking to the table, she spied the bottle of Dom 1998. Couldn’t get any better. That’s what Alek had gone back to get. Champagne. She’d been distracted, missed the transgressor because she’d thought he went back to talk to the manager.