Chapter 62: Chapter 62
“We’ll arrive soon,” he announced when he turned left at an intersection, leaving the main street and following a smaller one into a secluded area of the forest.
“I can’t wait,” she grinned and craned her neck, hoping to get a glimpse of the cottage through the trees. He chuckled and accelerated. The trees passed by quickly, and they reached their destination within another minute. He pulled into the driveway of a small house with a wooden façade. It looked dreamy, like it had been made for a green witch like her. Moss covered the roof, and wildflowers grew in its vicinity. It had a patio with a seating area and a fireplace. Elena already imagined how cozy it would be to spend the evenings there.
She hopped out of the car and took a closer look at the cottage. Ryder followed her at a distance, studying the play of emotions on her face. He could have afforded an expensive hotel room instead, but he had been convinced she would appreciate this much more. And he had been right.
“Can we go inside?” she asked, already standing at the door and peering through a window. “Ryder, please?”
“I’m coming,” he said, opening the trunk of the car and unloading two small suitcases. She couldn’t even blink, so fast did he appear next to her. The door was locked with a code, and he opened it, letting her enter first.
Elena twirled in a circle, her eyes darting around. The scent of wood reached her nose, reminding her of nature. A fluffy white carpet lay on the wooden floorboards, a sofa standing next to it. The fireplace was decorated with rough stones and black metal, giving the room a comfortable atmosphere. Next to several bookshelves, she spotted a small kitchen area in the corner. White cabinets lined the walls, and the counter was decorated with a welcome gift: a bouquet and a bottle of wine.
A steep stair led up to the next floor, where she found a bathroom and a bedroom. The latter had a large window at the foot of the bed, allowing the inhabitants to see the tree crowns swaying in the soft wind. She laid her hand on the glass and watched the scenery, not hearing Ryder’s soundless footsteps coming up behind her.
“Caught you,” he whispered in her ear as his arms snatched her waist, pushing her into his body. She squealed and giggled when he lifted her. Playfully hitting his chest, her eyes sparkled with mirth.
“Ryder. What are you doing?”
He merely gave a dangerous smirk, not answering her. Within seconds, she was dumped on the bed, her body bouncing on the soft mattress. She had no chance to get away from him before he pounced on her and tickled her mercilessly.
Her laughter filled the bedroom. She squeaked and pushed Ryder’s hands away. “I surrender,” she gasped. “Haha, stop.”
“Say please,” he grinned, tickling her sides.
“Eeeep, please,” she giggled.
He stopped, sitting on his knees and staring at her. She was dangerous, and she didn’t even know it. The sight in front of him made his fangs grow, his eyes shimmer red. Pink cheeks and burgundy lips, tousled hair and crumpled bedsheets. His precious soulmate was delectable. Ryder’s eyes got stuck on her exposed legs. Her dress had hiked up, nearly exposing her underwear and showing her milky thighs that begged to be touched. He swallowed. His throat burned, and his desire roused the beast within him. It sensed easy prey, smelling her sweet fragrance and wishing to taste it.
“Ryder?” she whispered breathlessly, pulling her legs closer as she sat up.
He raised his arm, touching her chin with his thumb. Her heartbeat quickened, wildly thundering in her chest. His digit wandered higher, brushing her bottom lip in slow motion, watching as its softness cushioned his finger. Something in his eyes changed. She was sure they darkened, losing their crystal-clear color.
“Are you thirsty?”
“No,” he groaned. His mouth clamped shut as he hid his elongated canines. Sighing, letting go of her with reluctance. He looked pained, glancing at his hand for a moment.
“What’s wrong?” she worried, engulfing his hand with hers. Their bond’s tingly magic surrounded them.
“Nothing, I just…” he muttered, trailing off.
“If you want my blood, you may take it.”
“When you act like this, it’s even harder to hold back,” he growled, and she realized what the issue was.
“Don’t hold back,” she smiled. “Don’t put yourself through that. Take my blood if you need it.”
“But it’s… It’s our vacation, and you…”
“We have two more days, Ryder. It’s okay. I can handle it.”
He didn’t deserve her kindness, and he didn’t want to use her like this. Not when he had promised her a relaxing vacation. The burn in his throat increased after she foolishly bared her neck for him. He couldn’t keep the hungry beast inside of him under control. It took over, splattering his eyes with a bloody color.
Before he knew what he was doing, he was on top of her, pinning her on the mattress and roughly shoving his knee in between her thighs. His mouth was on her delicious neck, nipping at her skin while he searched for the perfect spot. He found it. Sharp canines stabbed her, making her gasp. The first drops of warm blood entered his waiting mouth and eased the burn in his throat. He moaned, loving the taste.
Elena was shocked by his fervor. He had never drunk her blood so ravenously. Had she overstepped a boundary with her offer?
It didn’t matter. She loved the sensation of his sinful lips on her neck as he stole more and more of her blood. His hands held her wrists, pinning them down. She was at his mercy. It was a completely new experience, but it felt exhilarating and made her core throb with desire. When he sucked harder, she arched her back, a mewl falling from her lips. She gazed at the ceiling, feeling hazy, trapped in a fever dream. Her surroundings lost their focus.