Orion didn’t believe in gods, destiny, or demons in charge of his choices. But Kaia could order him about however she wanted. She meant something to him. How to show her how he felt? And so what if a spell had brought them together?
He paused as something inside him struggled, a feeling of anger that didn’t belong near Kaia, so he forced it back down.
He felt good with Kaia in his life. Like he felt when he’d met Kraft, when he’d rescued Smoky, when Varu had finally become his patriarch. The pieces of the grand puzzle were coming together. Kaia belonged to him. He’d just have to find a way to make her see that.
Kaia woke plastered over the vryko. She yawned, relieved to see it still dark outside. How terrible would it be for Orion to burn to death because he didn’t want to disturb Kaia’s beauty sleep?
She lifted her head to see him watching her. “Hi.” She felt shy.
“Hi.” He was so much bigger than her, but in his arms she felt nothing but cared for and safe. In the arms of a vampire.
It seemed only natural that when he lowered his head, she lift hers to meet his kiss. Nothing overwhelming, a soft press of lips, yet the the feel of him sent her heartbeat into overdrive and her entire body on alert.
Need, pure and true, sizzled in her veins, and she moaned into his mouth, wanting to feel him everywhere.
He pulled back, his eyes bright red, a fang peeking out when he smiled. “Girl, you know how to kiss.”
She blushed. “So do you.” She looked at him, seeing a handsome predator, one many women would be hard-pressed to deny. “I bet you’ve had a lot of practice kissing.”
He stroked her cheeks. “Some. But none of those kisses ever got me as hot as you make me.”
“That’s nice.”
He groaned when she shifted in his lap. “It’s not nice. It’s painful.”
“Really?” Kaia knew a lot about sex. She read books, watched movies, and studied articles about the biology behind carnal desire. But nothing matched feeling it for someone who mattered. “What does it feel like for you?”
“My balls ache. My skin is sensitive everywhere, and when you touch me, you make my dick spike. I see you and imagine doing a whole hell of a lot to you that would make you blush an even prettier pink than what you’re wearing now.” He sighed. “I can’t stop remembering what it felt like when I had my finger inside you, or how good you taste.”
His words fanned the flames of desire. “You’re good at all the sex talk.”
His intensity faded a little, and he chuckled. “I’m better at the sex act.” He shifted under her. “But I’m not trying to force you into anything. You asked the question; I gave the answer.”
“Yes, thank you.” Even to her own ears she sounded prim. “What time is it?”
“A quarter to seven in the morning, I think.”
“I slept too long.” She sighed. “It’s almost time for you to turn in, and I’m awake.”
“Hmm. What should we do?”
She had several answers, but her sister’s warning to steer clear of anything that might complicate the spell already over Orion had her shying from sex. To her surprise, she wanted to experience it. With him.
“Can we talk?”
“Sure.” He didn’t complain or try to change her mind, which she found refreshing.
“Do you think it’s bad that I’m a virgin?” She hadn’t meant to ask that, but she needed a man’s perspective on her status, and no way did she want to talk to her dad or Cho about it. And her male roommates, while sweet, were too much like brothers to contemplate such an intimate conversation.
He blinked. “Really?”
“It’s been off-putting for some of my dates. Sorry. I probably shouldn’t have asked.”
“I can tell you what I think, and that’s that you’ve been dating the wrong guys.” He studied her. “What kind of men have you dated? Humans? Magir?” He smirked. “Vampires?”
“Ha. Vampires. No, just you.” He looked way too satisfied by that. “I dated a few guys in high school, but they were gropey and immature. I dated a nice mage a few years ago, but I felt weird about how proud he was to be dating a sea nymph. He had to let everyone know when we went out, and I felt more like a trophy than a person.”
“He was an ass.”
“I came to that conclusion when we broke up. There were a few other guys, though not many. Human or magir, it always ends the same. With both of us being disappointed in a lack of chemistry.”
“Hmm. Now, don’t take this the wrong way, but sea nymphs are known for liking sex. They indulge, a lot. But you don’t. Why is that?”
“I guess it’s because I don’t want to be like my mom.” She frowned. “She’s never been too discriminating with lovers, which is why she and my dad didn’t last. And she’s never been shy about sharing her exploits with me. Ever since I was little. I found it embarrassing, then weird and kind of gross. I mean, she’s my mom.”
“True, but sex isn’t a bad thing.”
“I know that.”
“Except you equate sex with your mom, and that’s turned you off to being intimate with anyone.”
“I—yes.” She blinked up at him. “That was very insightful of you.”
“Told you. I’m more than a pretty face.”
They grinned at each other.
“It’s easy to talk to you,” she said. “I feel like I can tell you anything and you won’t judge me for it.”
“I won’t. I’m not perfect, so who am I to judge? And Kaia, I’ve known a lot of sea nymphs. Even slept with a few.” He didn’t seem embarrassed or bragging about it, just stating a fact. “I know what sea nymphs are like, and they’re lovely ladies, inside and out. But not like you. You’re... more. I can’t explain it.” He shook his head. “I’m not embarrassed about my past. And you shouldn’t be embarrassed about yours, either. Besides, your sexual history is no one’s business but ours.”
“Ours?” She raised a brow.
He nodded. “Yep. Since I’m going to be the guy you end up giving your V-card to, I have a say in your history. I’m going to be your history.” He chuckled at the piqued look she shot him. “Have I told you I get a kick out of you when you’re feisty? I love a chick with smarts and sass.”
She gave him a large grin. “I’m not a chick, you big goof. I’m a nymph.”
“A sexy one who owes me a kiss.” He turned his head and pointed at his cheek. “Come on. I’ve been a good boy, haven’t I?”
She leaned up to give him a peck on the cheek.
He sighed and looked down at her. “Why does that feel so good, Kaia? Holding you in my arms, seeing you smile, it’s everything.”
She didn’t know. But she put her head back down on his chest and breathed him in, the clean scent of affection and vampire stealing into her heart.
CHAPTER
ELEVEN
The next evening, after Orion had patrolled the grounds and learned no one was actually staying in the cabin across the lake, they decided on a swim.