Blood Rose Read online

  “You really hate the sight of blood. So much that you find it difficult to even look at me. Your whole body gets tight and I have never seen someone look so uncomfortable unless it made them sick. That’s not it though, if it made you sick, you’d get that same nauseous look that other people get. Therefore, it’s not that. You almost look like you’re in pain.” It sucked having him look at me like that. To feel as if looking at me was so awful it physically hurt him.

  Deep breath.

  Damien’s brows lift slightly. His eyes penetrating into mine in such a way it felt like an invasion of my mind and body. “And?” His voice was thick with strain.

  “In the Jeep last night you held your breath until you rolled the window down. Last night you burned everything my blood touched. Of course, there was my loft too. It was very dark Damien… I only knew the blood was there because I’d left it there. Just now you knew I was bleeding when I was covered up with a blanket. Plus you’re not denying it and calling me crazy like everyone else does,” I spit it all out in a rush. My lips moving feebly I spoke barely above a whisper but he heard me, I knew he did.

  The arm holding him up slid under me behind my back, the other laying carefully to my neck turning my face to his. His lips touched as light as they could to mine. He didn’t want to hurt me, so he was exceedingly gentle.

  The breath he held swept against my cheek leaving a chill of cold on my skin. His lips placed once more to my cheek before gently though swiftly sliding away from me. “I would have regretted it for eternity if I hadn’t stolen one last kiss.”

  It took me a moment to come up with something to say that didn’t sound idiotic, “Uhm, why was it the last time? If you don’t mind my asking.” I’d known it was coming. I just hadn’t known when. Here was the moment he said get lost. Why the regret though?

  “Because you’re far too observant as you’ve pointed out. And it is better I tell you everything then to allow you to come to your own conclusion about myself. Especially now.” He observed me for a reaction but all I could do was wait for him to speak. I was confused.

  “I do not eat or drink at work because they don’t serve what my body needs and uses as sustenance. Then again for that, I would probably have to go to a hospital or a blood bank. Also, I knew you were bleeding because I can smell your blood better than a shark. It is not that I don’t like it, Anna… It is quite the opposite.”

  Damien observed my every motion. I took in a slow deep breath as my stomach twisted into a knot and heat rose up from the core of body. His eyes still locked on mine. I waited patiently while his lips couldn’t resist twisting into a smirk. “To be honest, lifting you really isn’t much different from lifting a cat as you put it either.”

  “I dreamed about you,” my voice came out in a whisper. Nothing made sense anymore. Maybe this was all a joke or some very strange hallucination. “What are you?”

  “What did the dream tell you?”

  “You had really long hair at one time.” You will never love me. “Who are you?”

  As if slapped, Damien flinched. “You won’t like it.”

  “I dream of witches, fairies and monsters, Damien. Demons that come out of the shadows and rip innocent people into shreds and I watch the shadows suck up their blood until there is nothing left. What are you?” We sat still as stone staring at one another. Neither of us spoke above a whisper.

  “A monster… Like the shadows… Like the demons.”

  My eyes were tight again. “I don’t believe that.” He wasn’t a monster. He wasn’t anything like the evil I had seen in those dreams.

  “But I am. You pay attention. You notice everything. You heard what I said. What do you think I am, Lianna?”

  “You’re not a monster. You’re not a demon.”

  “You’re wrong. I’m all of that and much more. You know what I am. I’m a Vampire, Lianna. You know that. Much like the monster at the docks that attacked you.” I flinched involuntarily.

  “See? You know what I say is true. Do you understand what I am saying, Lianna?”

  My eyes narrowed as I watched him. My body still as stone. Goose bumps rose on my flesh and a chill rushed up my spine painfully.

  “Are you making fun of me?” anger tainted my voice like venom. His expression faltered from calm seriousness to complete confusion. With one last glance at him, I braced my hand to the arm of the couch and stood. Limping, I staggered towards the door. “I’m going home.”

  Back to calm. “Not that I will stop you but I feel I should remind you however. You’re not only severely injured but you have no clue where we’re at and it’s nearly three in the morning. Not to mention all your wearing is my shirt. However, I think the look is quite becoming. Although if you do truly wish to leave then please allow me to drive you home. Tell me to stay away and you will never see me again. You have my word.”

  I couldn’t look at him. “I was wrong about you. You’re not an ass. You’re a complete bastard.” My hands came up to cover my face. As if hiding my eyes would hold back my tears and contain my sanity.

  “Do you have any idea how much I wish you weren’t lying? How much I wish you weren’t playing games with me. Sometimes I wonder why I bother with the whole human race,” I sounded angry and pathetic. It made the anger grow and spread through my veins like fire.

  Without a sound of movement, suddenly his hands slid around my waist holding me against him in a way that made me weak. “Then I would ask you sit back down and talk to me. Please?” a faint sound of desperation tainted his calm. “Just one night, Lianna. Give me this one night and I will tell you everything you could possibly want to know and more. You’ve given me so much but please just this one last thing,” he sounded desperate. How had I have given him anything?

  “I understand what you’re feeling but I am asking you please, Lianna, hear me out,” his words were calm and rational. His tone was pleading and desperate. The last three words enunciated as if each were a single sentence.

  I couldn’t speak. If I did, I would have screamed. “You’re the one who sees my differences so clearly. Do you really not believe me now?” My head hung forward in defeat. My trembling hands laid over his.

  With utter ease, he picked me up from the floor and scooped me up into both arms. “So should I call you kitten?” The word pinged off my id making me flinch away from him as he mocked my accusation without an ounce of emotion. He sat down holding me in his lap. Despite the pain, I pulled away and scooted into my own seat.

  Still angry over his stupid joke, I didn’t say anything. Of course he’d had no idea the man who attacked me had called me that. Not that I would ever tell him now.

  Damien’s eyes were narrow and his brow furrowed as he looked away from me muttering. His hand ran over his face as he let out a deep breath and turned back to me. “Alright, Lianna, I am going to ask you to be open minded and tolerant of me and above all else know that I will not hurt you. I swear it.”

  My eyes narrowed speculatively as I stayed quiet, allowing him his peace before I made him drive me home. He’d saved my life. I could give him a few tolerant hours. “I have not lied to you since you have been here, Lianna. I can prove that to you if you promise me that you will stay calm.” Still scowling, I nodded just once to make him proceed.

  His brow furrowed slightly as his eyes stayed locked with mine. After a moment, he sighed, parting his lips just enough for me to see. “For someone so observant it’s shocking you haven’t seen them already.”

  He spoke clearly, enunciating carefully. His top and bottom canines were double the length of most people’s teeth and were sharpened to incredible pearly white points. Fangs. Could it be possible?

  There was a long stretch of silence before I found my voice, “The opposite. You wanted it. It was hurting you?” He shrugged but nodded his agreement. I winced at the knowledge. Unconsciously my legs tucked underneath me. Only a few traces of blood were left but I hated the idea that I had caused him pain.

  “It w
as tolerable. Some pain can be quite pleasurable you know.” He grinned wickedly for just a second.

  I was forced to ignore that comment. “And those are real?” Doubt stained my voice. How could I help it?

  Disbelief flashed through his eyes as he laughed out darkly. “Yes, of course they’re real.”

  “But I’ve kissed you. I never-”

  His brow rose skeptically. “Think clearly, Lianna. Pull the emotion away from the memory and think back to each kiss. Not to be crude but you couldn’t have noticed.” My eyes widened. He was right- my tongue never went past his lips.

  Deep breath. “Are they retractable? How do I know they’re not implants?” After all I’d never noticed them before. My brows lift as I looked up at him curiously, staring at his mouth. “Can I touch one?”

  Damien’s brow lifted skeptically. “You’re not serious. No, they aren’t retractable. You really do watch too many bad movies.” There was the look I’ve been all too familiar with throughout my life: Someone coming to the realization of my lacking sanity.

  My face scrunched. It hurt. Relaxed. But I still looked grumpy. Sigh. “Please? I just want to look.” My eyes widened just faintly. I could be really good at the pleading when need be. Probably not too successful looking all beaten to hell. No sad puppy faces when your eyes are black and your lips are double their normal size.

  “Anna, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Really, you don’t understand how sharp they are.” His lips pressed to a hard line, concealing his teeth from me. He shook his head in disapproval.

  “I won’t touch the very tip.” Slowly I scooted closer. I wanted to be near him but I wouldn’t let myself be close enough to cause him pain.

  His brow creased deeply. Smirking slightly he crooked a finger at me. “You can come closer you know. It doesn’t bother me that badly any more. I’m getting used to it. Or are you afraid of me?” The smirk faded away.

  It seemed mean but I laughed. “Not hardly.”

  His brow arched skeptically. “Hmm. Prove it.” A mischievous glint caught in his eye as he spread his arms open expectantly. I love a good dare. Using my good leg and good hand, I maneuvered closer slowly. Our eyes locked. All the while, he seemed to be taunting me silently. It took a moment for me to manage but I crawled up into his lap.

  It wasn’t until I was in his lap of my own accord that his arms locked around me, twisting me gently to make me more comfortable. “Much better. You’re such a strange little thing. Can’t say I don’t love that about you though. You are brave though I’ll give you that one.”

  My eyes rolled. “Then why won’t you show me your fangs?”

  “You’re sure about this?” I nodded sternly. He chuckled. “Alright fine. Your funeral.” He laughed as my eyes widened. “I’m kidding. Or am I? Still brave enough to find out?” I glared. His mouth opened and he gave a playful menacing nip at the air in my direction. After a moment, he spread his lips to let me have a full view.

  I reached for him but paused after a second. “Okay, close your eyes. You’re looking at me funny.”

  “I’m sorry, it’s not every day someone asks to touch my fangs.” He shook his head at the dark humor. You could see the question roll over him again wondering if I really was nuts. Probably.

  “That and you did just accuse me of being one incredibly disturbed fraud. You know, that is just a bit insulting considering the evidence that you may I add, laid out before us just moments ago.”

  “Well people do it! How could I know? Maybe I do believe you and I want to see them now. So close your eyes Vampire!” My lips were stuck between a smirk and a grin as I tapped on his fuzzy chin with my index finger lightly. “Come on open up.”

  His laugh was a hard loud Hah! “So wait a second. You do indeed believe me then?”

  “Well, I don’t know. Maybe. I mean, you’re not normal and it would sort of explain some things. Then again you won’t even let me see your teeth so how do I know they’re real?” To that he rolled his eyes.

  “Okay! Fine, let’s say I believe you. I just have one question.” I rolled my eyes exaggeratedly, mocking him.

  Damien’s eyes seemed to glimmer with amusement as he grinned teasingly. “Just one. You’re sure?” He was making fun of me. Hard glare. Ow. Soft glare.

  “Aren’t there rules about you telling me all of this?” My hands were talking with my mouth again. “Or are you going to kill me now that you’ve told me all your secrets?” Sure, I looked like I was teasing. Kind of have to put up the protective wall when you talk about your impending doom and all.

  “Oh I haven’t told you even half of them, sweetheart. And as for the other part, maybe I’ll get to that a bit later. Not real hungry just yet.” He winked, leaning back into the couch casually as his fingers played with a strand of my hair.

  I gulped involuntarily, which made him laugh more openly. “So why are you telling me all of this?”

  “I told you. I’m not going to lie to you anymore. If you ask, so be it. If you run? Well I have ways of taking care of that too. However, I don’t think you will. Though you’re right, I am surprised. You go from storming out half naked because you think I am lying about being a Vampire-”

  My jaw dropped, eyes narrowing. “No no, do not interrupt. I want to get this straight. –then you accuse me of being one of those complete cult freaks you hear about on CNN. To taking a complete one-eighty, so suddenly you are in a moderately better mood- Don’t give me that look. And now and want to play… with my fangs.”

  My wrapped hand was resumed creeping up his collarbone and closer to his neck to work my way to his mouth. “I’ll let you in on a secret. I’ve seen stranger things than most people ever have dreamed of, for my entire life and things far more disbelieving than you. Things that destroyed more than the better half of my life.” He flinched.

  “Now finally something good is coming out of it.” His brow rose in a look of confusion. “You, Damien.” I sighed. He smiled faintly. “Anyways you said I was weird, now you know the full truth of it. Now shut your eyes and let me see them!”

  Damien laughed deeply now. Laying his head back and closing his eyes, he opened his mouth slightly. How had I not seen them before? “So if I did cut my finger by accident what would you do?” I couldn’t help but ask. Trying to mentally distract myself from the much scarier things I had seen in my days.

  “Eat you for dinner.” He smirked but kept his eyes closed.

  “You’re such a liar.” My fingers brushed his lip slowly tracing the flesh from one end to the other. He shivered visibly. That made me smile for all I was worth. Pain be damned. Gently I pulled his lower lip down. His teeth snapped suddenly, missing the flesh purposefully. I jumped. In retaliation, I thumped him hard in the chest with my good hand and then tapped his lips expectantly with the other.

  He chuckled, resuming for dental examination. My finger stroked carefully against the front of his bottom fang and ran up the length of it. “How’d you hide them before?”

  You know you’re really something when a Vampire thinks you’re the freak. It took a lot of restraint not to touch the tip. A whole lot, trust me. I hovered over it for just a second before he started, carefully pulling away.

  Finally I pulled back trailing my fingers down his lips and to his neck. “I learned to speak and hold my mouth in a manner that conceals them is all. Tell me something?” I waited with raised brows. “I just explained that you make me hungry. That doesn’t bother you? Your blood is what sustains my existence. I feed on blood like you eat chickens.”

  He gave me a minute as if waiting for this to absorb. More so, I tried to think of a way to explain. “I’m not avoiding the question but let me ask you this. Do you think of me as a chicken?” My brow arched, amazingly I sounded as serious as I had intended.

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “Does the idea of making out with a chicken appeal to you?” His eyes narrowed. He wasn’t sure how to respond. “There are many ways a person can be hungry,
Damien… Even humans don’t only eat when they’re hungry. Some eat to fill themselves in other ways. The blood sustains your existence as you put it, the way food sustains mine. Are people not hungry for so much more? You fill me in a way that no meal ever could.” I laughed lightly shaking my head. “That sounds silly, doesn’t it?”

  He smiled and lightly his lips brushed my jaw line. “No, I understand perfectly. You’re right. There is one thing that every creature hungers for no matter supernatural or otherwise. You do satiate that craving quite well.”

  He shook his head. “I’m sorry. This is just as difficult for me to tell you as it is for you to take in. The way you’ve taken it. I didn’t know what to expect but certainly not for you to be so calm. So understanding.”

  Gleaming peridot gems stared down at me with a curious sense of wonder. “I have seen the usual reactions. Usually it’s either intense fear or complete shock. Of course you did take some convincing.” His teasing smirk returned.

  My eyes rolled. “Well, if you were going to eat me for dinner as you put it, seems like you would have done so by now at least. And come on, I’m a bigger abnormality than you are. Look at my legs.” I motioned down to my bare ivory flesh that had completely healed.

  He didn’t respond other than gently running his hands up and down my shins soft as a stroking feather. It was my turn to shiver.

  “So you’ve told other people then?” Yeah I know it’s really stupid to be jealous over something so trivial but cut me some slack.

  Damien’s lips pulled into a smirk. “Just a few.” He glanced down at my legs and gently lift my good knee to raise up. Leaning down his lips lingered a kiss over a small scrape from my fall. “And yes they are abnormally beautiful.” Lowering my leg, he resumed stroking.

  My cheeks warmed so much I had to look down.

  “You’re sweet, considering ones swollen to double in size and black and blue. From my toes on up no less.”