17. Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Hayden

Leander wasn’t joking. He can cook. The steak with herb mash and green salad he whips up because I won our impromptu race is divine. It’s the perfect end to my day after the guys on the team promised to love me forever when I handed them the video he acquired of the Havana Gators’ practice. Coach officially reinstated me on the team as well, so the charity game in about two months’ time is a definite go.

I can’t wait. There will be scouts from various teams, and I’m no longer in danger of spending what could be the life-changing moment of my life on a bench. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even get lucky and the Eagles will beg me to play for them because they are mind-blown by my skills. Or I’ll go to the drafts. Honestly, I don’t mind either.

My mood holds despite the still-present quips of Park, every day a mix of hockey, lectures and time spent with Leander. Aside from having dinners together—whether he cooks or we go out—we go for runs and chat hockey. He tells me more vampire lore too, and we even visit his redhead friend, Annabel, so she can formally apologize for spooking me that night at the catacombs. Like Vivian, she’s actually pretty cool.

By the time the end of the week rolls in, I feel like I’ve been living in a fairytale. Or dreaming the most pleasant dream I’ve ever experienced. Everything is going so well it’s scary. And Leander… he’s become more perfect despite the fact that we haven’t even really fucked since he came back from his trip.

“All right! Good game everyone!” Coach shouts, shooing us off the ice.

Flushed and panting, I race the rest to the lockers. A hot shower later and I’m heading out.

“I’ll see you on Monday, dude. Don’t party too hard,” Nick says, smacking me on the back.

My enthusiasm vanishes, nerves and anxiety replacing the pleasant buzz I’ve been living on. The ball. I’ve been so caught up with how impossibly perfect my life has been over the past week and a half that I forgot it’s about to end tonight.

“Yeah, I won’t,” I say lamely.

“Stop worrying, seriously. Just talk to your hot daddy or don’t. Either way, you’ll know where you stand after tonight. That’s a good thing.”

I know my friend is trying to reassure me, but it’s not really working. Leander’s been fucking amazing lately, and we haven’t even had sex. It’s confusing. I thought it was practice for tonight’s ball at first, but it’s not like he’d be cooking for me there. Or discussing hockey. Or helping me stretch. Or playing that anime song on the piano in-between giving me Guitar lessons so I can wow Mr. Rodrigez just because I was wondering if he could.

He most definitely can, yes. His piano skills are as good as his guitar ones.

“Why did you take the job at college when you are swimming in money?” I’d asked.

“Music is a hobby of mine and Rodrigez is an acquaintance. I thought I could help those who are passionate about music get better by passing on some of my knowledge in a more practical way. It took some effort, but I convinced Rodrigez to agree to the group projects instead of pushing more tests on you.”

“Oh. That was your idea?”

“Indeed. Though it would seem I have inadvertently given you and your group an unfair advantage.”

“C’mon, you know I was going to ace this anyway. Playing the guitar is only second to how good I am at hockey.”

I smile to myself as I bid Nick a pleasant weekend, and head to Leander’s beautiful mansion. Home… It has kind of started to feel like one, especially when we sit down in the lounge and watch hockey games over pizza or whatever gourmet chef stuff Leander has cooked. Obviously, we can’t do that tonight because of the ball, which is a little disappointing. I really enjoy his company and conversation.

“Welcome back, Hayden.”

I jump at the vampire’s voice, my hand shooting for my chest. He’s occupying the swing on the patio, a glass of wine or blood in one hand and a book in the other like he has no care in the world. Which, now that I think about it, isn’t that unlikely. I mean, he’s rich, has awesome friends, is technically immortal unless he’s being very stupid about it, and doesn’t have to worry about botching a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get on the right track for his future.

“Why are you here?” I blurt out, scowling at him.

We have early practice on Fridays, so I’m usually back before five. Leander’s not typically home until eight. It’s true that we have to be at the ball place for nine, but surely he doesn’t need more than an hour to get ready. That being said, I have no idea where the event is being held, other than the fact that it will be some huge mansion called the Veltz Veste. I searched online, but nothing came up, so I am betting my ass it’s some secret vampire resort.

“I finished early,” he says, placing the bookmark with the feather crest between the pages of his space mystery book. As elegantly as ever, he stands up and tilts his head toward the garden. “There is something I’d like to show you. Come.”

In the garden? My curiosity is piqued.

Dropping my bag on the table in front of the swing where his book now sits, I follow Leander. We circle the house and enter a small outbuilding that was most definitely not here this morning. There’s hay inside and it’s sectioned into decently-sized pens and—

“Oh my god!” I rush down to the last one as a black horse pops its head to see who the intruders are and lets out a loud neigh. It’s the most beautiful animal I’ve ever seen in my life, with a shiny black coat and braided black mane that makes it look like it’s come straight out of a fairytale. “You seriously went and got a horse?!”

Leander ambles over, a subtle but obviously smug smile tugging at his lips. “You seemed charmed by Vivian’s. I thought it was as good a time as any to get one myself. I’ve been meaning to, for a while.” He stands next to me, and the horse nudges its head into his hand like a dog. “He’s a Friesian. Very calm and friendly.”

“He’s beautiful.” I drag my fingers down the horse’s forehead, his mouth and nose scrunching as if he’s smiling at me.

Leander lets me pet it, stepping back and leaning against the wall. I can’t believe this. He actually got a horse, just like that. He’s one crazy vampire.

“He’s also dying to go for a run. I almost took him for one but thought I should wait for you since…” Leander trails off.

The pause snatches my attention from the majestic animal. “Since?”

He straight out grins at me, showcasing those white fangs as his eyes glow in their mesmerizing emerald green. “His friend would also like to join us.”

“His friend ?” I twist back with my entire body, gaping as my unbelievable vampire leads a second horse out of the pen behind us. This one is just as gorgeous, its coat the same shiny black.

“Yes. This is Areos.” He nudges the horse toward me and I get booped on my shoulder. “And he seems pleased to meet you.”

I laugh, caressing the horse’s snout. “You are crazy, Leander. Seriously.”

“Perhaps. But we can discuss that later. Let’s go for a run. We’ve got only about two hours before we need to get ready and leave.”

“I’ve never ridden a horse,” I point out as he guides them both outside the stables via the door on this end. The saddles are already in place, but not the reins. “And what do you mean we have to leave in two hours. I thought we don’t need to be at the ball until nine?”

“Here. Step on the mounting block. Hold the reins and the pommel and put your foot in the stirrup,” Leander explains as he puts the reins on mine.

I follow his instructions and wait. “Like this?”

“Yes.” He gives my horse a pat on the head. “Now pull yourself up and swing your other leg over.” Carefully and slowly, I do as I’m told and get settled into the saddle. “That’s it. Good boy.”

I snort as I watch him mount Areos without needing a mounting block. “Me or the horse?”

Leander’s flirty smile is potent. “Both?”

I shake my head. “So, the ball? Where is it being held anyway, and why are we leaving so early?” I caress the animal’s neck, not quite sure what to do or how to get him to move. “Also, what’s this one’s name?”

“He has no name yet. I left that for you to pick since he’s yours.” Leander walks his horse over and grabs my hands, fixing my grip. “Veltz Veste is in Germany.”

My jaw drops and my heart lurches madly. “He’s mine ? And we are going to Germany?”

He inclines his head to the side, confusion washing over his head. “Yes to both, why? I thought the castle name made it obvious we need to fly out of the States.”

Yeah, no. I’m not very good with names. Or geography. And, oh my god, he bought me a horse. Who does that for a fake boyfriend? “I don’t have a passport,” I blurt out, just now remembering that very important fact.

He waves my concern off. “I took the liberty to sort that out for you. It’s on my desk, next to mine.”

Yep, my hot vampire Daddy is certifiably crazy. But I love it.

I pull out my phone and stare at the time, a sudden realization just how far Germany is from here shooting a bolt of worry through me. I’m pretty sure it takes more than the five hours we have until nine to get to Europe. Are we even gonna make it on time?

I let Leander give me a crash course on how to handle the horse, then once we are on the way toward the woods and I am confident I won’t fall off, I ask, “Um, how exactly are we getting to Germany? And why haven’t we left, like, yesterday? I’m pretty sure we are most definitely going to be late.”

“The ball itself is tomorrow. I intended to go there a day earlier so we could enjoy the extra day of festivities, but Vivian called about the horses, so I decided we could skip that part.”

Ooh. Yeah, okay. This here definitely sounds more fun than trying not to embarrass myself in front of a bunch of high-society vampires. Not that I dread it or anything, it’s just nervousness. This is all still new to me, and besides, I want to impress Leander with how amazing I am at posing as his partner. So amazing in fact, that he’d have no choice but to beg me to be his boyfriend for real.

I look at my vampire and find his gaze already transfixed on me. It carries that shivers-inducing intensity, the one that I’ve grown addicted to without even knowing when. It’s like he sees something irresistible in me, like he just can’t help himself but drink me in. Like he wants to devour me and claim me and make me his. It’s world-spinning, in the best and worst ways, because no one has ever looked at me like this.

Is it because we haven’t fucked lately? Is he just horny? Or am I imagining it altogether? Reading more into it just because I want there to be more?

“Hayden. What’s bothering you?” Leander says, his inquiring eyes clouding a little. “You can talk to me if you wish. About anything.”

I chew on my bottom lip. Why, nothing’s bothering me, Leander. I just want to real date you . Please, yes, okay, thank you .

“Just nerves… I guess? I didn’t even know vampires existed and now I’ll be meeting even more of you.”

He nods. “It is understandable to feel a little anxious. But you are under my care and I will not let anything unpleasant happen to you. Besides, there will be other humans as well. Servants, thralls… lovers.”

My heart does a weird flippy jumpy thing, quickening my pulse. Lovers. Yes, I’d very much love to be Leander Adetu’s official lover for more than a single night. This Cinderella ‘you are special only until midnight’ stuff was never really my thing.

I choose to change the topic as thinking about it only irritates me. I’m yet to decide how to approach my little dilemma, whether to confess how I feel and risk my heart being broken. Because it will be, I’ve realized these past few days, if he says no. He’s just too impossible not to like, not to wish to monopolize when he’s shown me such a kind and caring side. So, perhaps, it’s best that I just quietly move on after tonight. We live in vastly different worlds, figuratively and literally. He can do better than me, way way better.

An hour later, we are back. Montgomery helps Leander with Areos and Onyx—as my horse is now called—while I take a shower and change into the clothes that have been prepared for me. They are the ones we picked when we went shopping, though there is an addition of a burgundy red jockstrap.

As I finish getting dressed, my cock gives an approving twitch that threatens to grow into more when Leander waltzes in decked out in his mouth-watering outfit.

He’s wearing a frilly chiffon shirt like me, though our colors are mirrored. His is black like my form-hugging dress pants, while mine is a deep brown like his slacks. Our accessories comprise a Venetian Mask each—because a ball wouldn’t be authentic without masks—and a brooch with his Clan’s crest. It resembles a mansion in the woods on a misty night.

“Do you need help with that?” Leander asks, chin tipped at my head which I am drying with a fluffy towel. “Let me do it for you.”

I open my mouth to tell him I am perfectly capable of drying my own hair, but he’s already snatched the soft towel from me thanks to his vampiric abilities. Plopping into the cushioned chair in front of my mirror, I sigh and let him take care of my hair.

He’s thorough. And he’s great at giving head massages, rubbing my scalp and sides at all the right places in all the right ways. By the time he’s done with me, there is a pleasant zing across the surface of my skin. I’m still nervous, but some of the tension has left my shoulders. When I look at my reflection, the resting frown has tapered down to a slight slanting of my eyebrows.

“You’ve got magic hands,” I breathe out, hanging my head back so I can meet his eyes.

They smile from above me, preceding the fond uptilt of his full lips. “It is not the only magic body part I possess, I can assure you of that.”

Giddiness floods my chest, sending off heat to my belly. “Oh, I know. Trust me.” I swipe my tongue along my bottom lip, loving the way those green depths glow a little darker.

I want him, and I’ve been wanting him every day, but pretending to be overly tired and busy was the only way to preserve my own sanity while I try to figure out my feelings. I thought putting some physical distance between us would help me knock myself out of my infatuation for him, but honestly, it’s done nothing. I really have it bad for him.

“It is unfortunate we were both so busy lately. I do look forward to the show we are putting on at the ball. If you would still like that, of course. If you do, I will make it so good for you, Hayden, you won’t ever forget it.”

I make a growly sound, grab him by the neck and crash his mouth into mine. Ah fuck it , a kiss won’t kill me. His huge cock might, though. Tomorrow. I’ve got so much pent-up sexual frustration, I don’t think I will be satisfied with just that. Especially if it’s likely my last time with him, you bet I’m making the most of it.

Leander opens for me, letting me take charge. His tongue follows the lead of mine, flicking it and chasing it as I taste every corner of his mouth. His hands roam my neck, then my chest, lingering where my hard nipples poke through the flimsy fabric of my luxurious shirt. I moan, and he takes the opportunity to plunge his tongue into my mouth. It’s as if his switch flips as the kiss deepens and we battle for control over it. He wins, a shock of desire racking me as he shoves his hand inside my pants and gives my straining dick a firm stroke.

“Be patient, Hayden. Don’t instigate anything and you’ll be rewarded.” His fingers secure the cock ring he’s holding around the base of my shaft. It’s a new one to add to my growing collection.

As soon as his hands are gone and my aching erection is left alone, I consider begging him to fuck me here and now. My body is on fire. My hole clenches, needing the fullness only he can give me. He senses my desperation, those sinful lips arching up in dark satisfaction.

“You are truly beautiful when you are desperate for me like this. But I mean what I said. I promise the wait will be worth it,” he whispers, his breath crashing against my ear and unleashing titillating shivers across my entire body. “I will stretch and breed your pretty hole, making you feel oh so good every guest will be jealous of you.”

I groan, adjusting myself. “Yeah, keep saying stuff like that and expect me to behave.”

“I know you can. For me,” he praises, making my head spin. He pulls back and circles the chair until he’s standing in front of me. He produces a golden-black earring and holds it up. It’s cross-shaped, with a moon hanging off the tip, just like the one he’s wearing. “You’ve been so good, so perfect.”

His words hit me in the chest. Hope erupts, but also fear, because he doesn’t mean them in the way that I need. He’s referring to our arrangement, maybe the sex. I will make the ball a success; I will save him from an arranged marriage he doesn’t need. I know that he knows that.

“I know. I deserve the biggest reward yet, don’t I, vampy?”

He purrs, kissing my neck and letting me feel his fangs. “Indeed. So I am letting you have part of it early.” A sudden sting and a click, then the weight of the earring hangs off my newly pierced lobe. “It suits you so well, the gold matching the flecks you carry in your eyes. It’s like it was made for you to wear.”

Oh shit, I’m gonna combust. It’s like he knows the exact words I need to hear. He reads me so well. I know he doesn’t mean any harm behind it, I know he’s not aware of just how desperate the yearning in me is. For him. For there to be a real us.

Pushing him away, I clear my throat. “You need to stop talking. Like right now.”

He pecks me on the lips. It’s so easy and casual, so… domestic, my heart threatens to burst out. God have mercy on me, I’m a goner if he keeps this up. The small gestures that I think he doesn’t even realize he’s doing will be the end of me and my flayed nerves.

“Very well. I will abstain from teasing you until we arrive. Though, know that it is as torturous for me as it is for you.”

I roll my eyes, but feel giddy all the same as I push him away and stand up. “Uh-huh. I bet you can’t wait to tap this piece of ass.”

“Your ass is not your only good trait, Hayden. It is but one of many. I adore your energy and the passion you carry inside you, the way your smile brightens up your face. But shall we go now? Montgomery is already waiting with the car,” he says and saunters his way out of my room, leaving me staring after him with my eyes slightly wide and my heart pounding in my ears.

And one of those ears? It’s now adorned with something of his that I don’t think I will be able to return when he inevitably asks me to.