Chapter 66: Chapter 66

Elena’s eyes traveled to his black hair that was splayed over the pillow. His hand lay on the mattress between them. She placed hers on top of it and let her warmth merge with his slightly colder body temperature. A smile broke out on her face.

“Can I be with you forever?” she breathed.

Adoration lit up her expression as her gaze wandered to his face. A startled gasp escaped her once she realized that he was wide awake, studying her. His blue eyes gleamed with mischief.

“What makes you think I would ever let you go?” he answered and put his palm in between her shoulder blades, bringing her closer to him. His minty breath fanned over her face when he spoke.

“You weren’t asleep?” she stuttered. “You heard me?”

“I was just resting for a bit,” he answered. “I can’t protect you when I am asleep. We’re not at home; I’m not letting my guard down here.” His tone shifted, held a hint of possessiveness as it grew darker.

The secluded location of the cottage hadn’t bothered her, but he was right; they were in the middle of nowhere in a vast forest. Anyone could be hiding in the area. But why would she worry about that when her soulmate was a strong vampire? Ironically, this would have made her uneasy mere weeks ago.

“What creatures could be lurking in this forest?” she wondered.

“Gumihos or werewolves, for example. Just because you haven’t noticed them doesn’t mean they are not here.”

“But they would all shake in fear when laying eyes on you, Ryder,” she said, half-serious and half-joking. “You could growl menacingly and stare them down. They would run away without a doubt.”

“Silly,” he grumbled and rolled his eyes.

“I remember how you glowered at Chump when he brought up your height once,” she giggled. “Poor guy was shaking in his boots.”

“Serves him right,” Ryder smirked. “I’m tall enough.”

“I agree,” she smiled.

She fell quiet and watched him, admired the pretty shade of his eyes as a few sun rays fell through the curtains. His eyes were breathtaking, as she had noticed many times before, and from close up, they looked ethereal. Since she was distracted, she didn’t register his movement until she felt the tips of his fingers on her neck, brushing her black hair aside. He checked the bite mark from last night. It was violet but healing as it should be.

“Does it hurt?”

“No,” she answered.

He seemed satisfied and pushed himself up, leaning on his elbow to close the slim distance between them. Hot puffs of air caressed her neck before his lips ignited a pleasant warmth on her skin. He kissed the mark a few times, proving he couldn’t get enough of her. His hand gently nudged her shoulder, and she turned to lie on her back as he buried his face in the crook of her neck.

He put his hands on her shoulders, hovering above her. His eyes had changed. Dyed brilliant red like the sky during sunset, they reflected longing that needed to be quelled. She glanced up at him and reached out her arm to cup his cheek, tracing his pale skin, fingers coming dangerously close to his lush lips.

His red eyes flitted to her lips, ghosted over her black hair back up to her eyes. Her hand stayed on his cheek for another moment, thumb stroking it lightly.

“You’re mine, and I’m yours, right?”

Her words elicited a change in his demeanor—and she swore his eyes had never been of such a pure red color. As his gaze sharpened, he dove down and claimed her lips.

Elena’s surprise made her body stiffen for a second, but she melted into the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer. His piercing brushed her lips, cold and hard, contrasting with his softer skin. Her heartbeat exploded with excitement and joy—and once he heard its beautiful symphony, he deepened the kiss.

His tongue darted over her lips, slipping past them. She welcomed him in her mouth with a stifled moan of his name. Kissing him felt so much better than she had imagined it. The passion that was set off within her couldn’t compare to anything she had experienced with past lovers. This was different. More vivid and powerful. Something sharp grazed her lower lip when he sucked it in between his teeth. She opened her eyes, meeting his piercing gaze. Once again, she was under his spell. He was working magic with his lips, and she forgot everything around them. Her soulmate was all that mattered.

Their lips broke apart with a wet sound, allowing her to take a deep breath. Ryder cupped her rosy cheeks tenderly. “You really do taste the sweetest,” he murmured more to himself than to her, but she heard his quiet words and her blush darkened.

A little dazed from the heated kiss, she gazed at him with half-lidded eyes. Elena loved the sound of his voice when it was so alluringly deep—she couldn’t resist him. “Please kiss me again,” she begged breathlessly.

Ryder’s ruby eyes widened a fraction before a smirk stretched over his lips. “Of course, petal,” he purred and stole another kiss.

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Elena was on cloud nine for the remainder of the day. She couldn’t stop smiling, and her happiness was noticed by her soulmate.

When Ryder suggested another hike, she was eager to leave the cottage and explore the surrounding forest. She put on suitable shoes and brought her phone so she could take pictures of the scenery. They left at noon, and Ryder chuckled when she took his hand while they walked. He didn’t comment on it, but a crooked grin showed his amusement about her affectionate nature.

“Maybe we’ll see some animals if we go further into the woods,” Elena said, hopefully gazing around. The forest was quiet today; quieter than she was used to.

“Animals tend to stay away when they sense vampires,” Ryder explained and looked at her with an apologetic expression. “I don’t think we’ll see any today.”

“Really?” she wondered, cracking a grin. “But you’re a friendly vampire, and if they see how kind you are, they might come back.”

“You act as if we’re in a cheesy Disney movie or something,” he snorted and shook his head.

“Maybe we are. You would make a good prince.”