Bound and Bitten (The Year of Suns Book 2) Page 3

  Vane looked at his hand and then accepted it. When they were face to face, Vane said, “May we start over? Come back to my castle as my guest. I won’t tell anyone that you’re my mate. Perhaps once you get to know me, you won’t be so reluctant.”

  “I’ll see you to safety, but I don’t know. It seems pointless. And cruel to lead you on and take advantage of you.”

  Vane blinked. “Take advantage?” He squeezed Arion’s hand. “Arion, that’s not even possible. I’d do anything for you. I’d die for you.”

  Arion gently withdrew his hand. “But you know nothing about me. That all sounds insane to me.”

  “I’m sure it does, but … there’s no way to describe it to anyone who isn’t a vampire. As upset as I am that you’re rejecting me, I feel joy just being near you. If compromise will keep you with me, I’ll agree to anything.”

  Arion had no idea what to say to that, so he stepped aside and gestured to Lily. “Let me help you up. You seem to be healing already, but you need rest and more blood. I should get you home so others can attend to you, my lord.”

  “Don’t call me that. Say my name, please.” Vane came closer but didn’t touch Arion again. “Stay one night. You should rest as well after the way you fought. I won’t touch you. I’ll accept any condition if you’ll stay one night in my castle and just come to know me a little.”

  Arion gripped Lily’s reins, nervous energy surging through him. Vane was practically begging him, and he didn’t know how to handle it. “All right. I’ll come back to the castle. I’m tired and could use a hot meal and a warm bed.” He met Vane’s gaze. “If you’ll do as you said and not tell anyone. I’ve seen the way people react. I can’t handle that.”

  Vane nodded. “I promise. I won’t tell a soul. They won’t think twice about anything I do once I tell them how you saved me.”

  “Don’t make a big deal about it. Anyone would’ve helped.”

  Vane’s eyebrows rose. “How old are you? You seem so young, though your impressive physique tells me you’re no boy.”

  “Twenty a few days ago.” Arion didn’t see what his age had to do with what he’d said. Was the vampire saying he was naïve?

  “Oh. You’re only a few years younger than I am.” Vane searched his face. “Honestly, I have to disagree with you. Most people are selfish cowards and would’ve run away. You’re very brave, and I’m so grateful. There were too many of them. They thought a vampire would be carrying something valuable, and they weren’t very happy when they found I had nothing they could steal. I probably would’ve died.”

  “And that’s why I had to do something. Even after I saw that you were a vampire, I couldn’t give up.” He shuffled his feet in the dirt on the road. “I guess you’re right, though. Lots of people would’ve run to protect themselves.”

  “Which only makes me admire you all the more.”

  A noise sounded behind them, and Arion turned and took a defensive stance. It was the horse he’d seen earlier.

  “Well, Tiger, you didn’t live up to your name at all,” Vane said to the chestnut stallion.

  “Tiger?” Arion asked.

  “Yes, one of the children named him.” Vane patted Tiger and smiled. “I love children and let them run a bit wild at the castle. But I like it that way. I love to hear children playing. Tiger was probably heading back home to beg for a carrot, not at all concerned about me.” He mounted the horse. “Let’s set off. It’s not that far. I could use a bath and a generous glass of wine.”

  “I might join you in that. Sounds wonderful,” Arion said as he mounted.

  “I certainly won’t say no.” Vane smiled and arched one brow.

  “That’s n-not what I m-meant,” Arion said, fumbling over the words.

  Vane laughed. “Sorry. I know you didn’t mean it that way, but I couldn’t resist. I promise to be a gentleman from now on.” He sighed, his expression turning wistful again. “Or until you change your mind.”

  Arion swallowed and said, “I’ll accept your kindness graciously, but please.” He paused as they set out and pressed his lips together. “I don’t wish to lead you on, Vane. I’ll accept your friendship but can’t offer more now. Or perhaps ever.”

  Vane looked ahead of them, his expression going very still. After a seemingly endless moment, he said, “And I don’t wish to force you. Have patience with me. I’d rather have your friendship than nothing.”

  “You have that. We fought together. For a lycan, that’s a bond that lasts for life.”

  Vane managed a slight smile. “Friends then.”

  Arion nodded and looked away. Something in Vane’s eyes seemed to add the words for now, and Arion genuinely had no idea how he felt about that.

  He’d wanted excitement and adventure, and he’d gotten his wish beyond any doubt.

  ****

  Vane rose from the warm water and dried himself. His muscles still ached, but he didn’t wish to linger in the bath any longer. He downed another glass of wine in an effort to calm himself. His fated mate was here in his castle, and he wanted to pull the man into his arms and never let him go. But he couldn’t do that because his mate didn’t want him.

  Not yet anyway.

  As Vane dressed, he tried to think of what they might talk about. He wanted to know everything about Arion, and he wanted more than one night to learn it. It seemed logical then to focus on trying to make Arion stay longer, but what if his efforts made Arion pull away? Vane ran a towel over his hair one more time and then combed through it with his fingers. If Arion wasn’t attracted to men, what did it matter how he looked? Vane walked down the hallway to the room Arion had been given and knocked on the door.

  “Come in,” Arion said.

  Vane entered and looked around for Arion. A tray of food sat ready on the table along with two glasses, a bottle of wine, and a bottle of blood for Vane. He would’ve preferred drinking from his mate, of course, but he didn’t know if Arion would allow that again. The sweet taste of Arion’s blood still lingered on his tongue, and he longed for a way bring Arion around sooner rather than later. Arion finally emerged from the bathing chamber, his scent filling the room. Vane wondered if his scent was just as strong to Arion because he was a lycan. Vane hadn’t told anyone about that, as he wasn’t sure if he was supposed to keep that a secret or not. His body reacted to Arion’s scent and nearness, his cock stirring and butterflies fumbling around in his stomach. His mouth felt dry as he closed the door and stepped forward.

  “Do you feel better?” Vane asked as Arion pushed his damp hair behind his ears.

  Arion nodded. “Yes. Soaking in that huge tub made it hit home how much time I’ve been spending in the saddle.”

  “Where are you headed?” Vane asked.

  “I didn’t really have a destination.” He approached the table and poured himself a glass of wine. He eyed the other glass and then looked at the bottle of blood. “Would you like wine? Or…”

  “I’ll have some wine, thank you.” Vane sat and pushed the other glass over. “Please sit down. You must be hungry.”

  Arion sipped his wine and then sat down and pulled the cover off the tray. He picked up the fork and knife but hesitated.

  “Please go ahead. I’m used to just drinking while others eat.” Vane smoothed the tablecloth. “When no one else is around, don’t worry about any kind of etiquette. I don’t care about it much, especially when it’s just us.”

  “So vampires don’t eat at all?” Arion asked as he began cutting into the juicy steak before him.

  “Only for pleasure. But we dehydrate much faster than humans. We need lots of water in addition to blood. Animal blood will do in a crisis, but we begin to weaken within a few days.” He tapped his chest to indicate the second heart, a small gland that regenerated a vampire’s blood and gave it longer life. “The second heart is miraculous, but even it needs nourishment to function.”

  “Humans have it, too, but it just doesn’t work? My mother explained some of it to me.”

>   “Yes. If you were turned, you might not live to be a thousand or anything, but it would add centuries to your life. Especially since you’re a shifter. You’re naturally stronger and heartier than other humans.”

  Arion nodded before taking a bite of his steak. He actually closed his eyes as he chewed. “Wow.”

  “Good?”

  “Definitely the best I’ve ever had.”

  Vane settled back in his chair. “You said you didn’t have a destination. You’re just traveling to explore?”

  “Yes.” Arion put the knife and fork down and reached for his wine, his expression troubled. “My mother passed away recently. I never knew my father, and I just had to get away for a time. I’ve never left my village for more than a brief visit.”

  Vane wanted to comfort him, to hold him and say all kinds of things Arion probably wouldn’t want to hear from him. He fell back on formality to keep his words in check. “I’m so sorry to hear that. Let me offer my condolences.”

  “Thank you. She’d been sick nearly a year, and in a way it was a blessing. I knew she was hurting, and it angered me that I could do nothing.” His grief seemed to have curbed his appetite.

  Vane didn’t want to cause him more pain, but it seemed callous to dismiss the subject. “A fever? Or a tumor?”

  “A tumor. She thought it was just an ache that came from age. She was forty-two when I was born, and I was quite the surprise. Our shaman could do nothing but ease her pain.”

  “I’m very sorry. Seeing the world might do you some good. Help you come to terms with everything.” The words sounded trite even to him, but he was trying to keep himself from begging Arion to stay here. It was so tempting given Arion’s present circumstances, but taking advantage of his vulnerability didn’t seem the best way to win Arion. Vane’s chest felt heavy. Thinking of his mate’s suffering bothered him and made him want to take action.

  “I think it will. I’ve lived my whole life in one village. There’s so much to see and explore.” Arion started eating again, and silence fell between them.

  Vane finished his wine and then poured some blood. Arion watched him do this. “What would a vampire do if it drank some blood and discovered it had come from its mate? How do you find the person?”

  “All donated blood is managed by the steward. Meticulous records are kept. Some vampires drink from humans directly, but it can become very complicated, which is why so many drink donated blood until they find their mates. Drinking from a lover who isn’t your mate can lead to lots of heartache for everyone involved. It can be addicting for the human, and feeding directly from the vein is very intimate for a vampire.”

  “But some vampires are promiscuous?”

  “Yes, in feeding and fucking alike. I’d say vampires have libidos comparable to humans, but the feeding does increase that somewhat.” He folded his hands in his lap. “Bloodlust and ordinary lust do have a lot in common, but it’s better to guard one’s heart.” He considered not saying the next words on his lips, but then he decided to see Arion’s reaction. “And some vampires are romantics. Waiting to find their mates.”

  Arion stared at him a moment. “You mean they avoid biting others unless they need to? Or they stay virgins? Surely not. Some vampires live whole human lifetimes before finding mates, don’t they?”

  “Yes, they do. Feeding directly is what I meant. For the most part. Vampires live so long it’s hard to wait for some of them. Understandably so.” He cleared his throat and decided to get his own history out there. “I’m twenty-five, and I’ve had two lovers. Both men. I cared for them, but I didn’t feel anything deeper than desire and a kind of close friendship.”

  “But what if your mate is dead? What if you never find your mate?”

  “Are humans guaranteed love and a life partner? Nothing’s really certain in life. But there’s always the chance of finding happiness when things don’t work out, though it’s not quite the same.” Vane shook his head. “Sometimes a vampire never finds its mate. That’s why … well, why vampires are so happy when they do.”

  Arion nodded but said nothing.

  “I didn’t mean to take us down this path. I’m sorry,” Vane said. “We can talk about other things.”

  “I was just thinking. I’m the one who asked, remember? I only know the vampires in the dominion where my village is. And of course I don’t really know them. I’d like to learn more about vampires. Lycans tend to be, I don’t know, introverted? That’s not really the word. We keep to ourselves and focus on our own traditions and beliefs.”

  “I didn’t want you to think I was being pushy.” Vane smiled. “I’m nervous, I suppose. I worry about scaring you off. I’m sorry.”

  “Nothing to be sorry for. Or nervous about.”

  Vane relaxed a bit at Arion’s graciousness. “What else would you like to know?”

  Arion speared a couple of the snap peas on his plate and then a small potato. “I’m an only child. Do you have siblings?”

  “Yes. I have two younger brothers. Byron is fifteen, and Ash is almost two.”

  “Does any of your family live here with you?”

  “No. I was given this dominion recently by the king. I lived with my family before then.”

  Arion looked sad. “So you’re here alone?”

  “Alone?” Vane laughed and crossed his arms over his chest. “Over a hundred people live and work in this castle. I usually have to give exact orders if I want privacy or solitude.”

  Arion shook his head slowly and then sat forward, putting his utensils down and leaning on the table. “But you’re separated from your family.”

  “I’m a grown man. It’s natural.”

  “But you must miss them.”

  “Yes, I do, but they visit. And I can go and see them whenever I wish, within reason.”

  Arion licked his lips. “What about friends? How do you make friends with no other vampires around?”

  Vane didn’t really have any friends here, but he didn’t want to say that. “I don’t act as if I’m better than everyone else. I talk to my people and listen to them. Everyone is treated well here.”

  “I wasn’t criticizing. I just meant, well, you’re surrounded by servants. It’s not that you can’t be friends with them, but it’s not that same. Is it?”

  “No, I guess not.”

  “You’re very kind, so I’m sure you’re good to your people. But it’s like with our elders. I know the elders care about me and would make time for me, but I don’t just go and spend the day with them. I don’t think of them as friends, even though we know each other and would help each other.”

  “Yes, I see what you’re saying.”

  Arion shifted in his seat a bit. “Perhaps I could stay a bit longer. A few days maybe.”

  “Stay as long as you wish. You won’t hear me objecting.” Vane took a fortifying breath. “But don’t do it out of pity. I do have friends, but I don’t really see them. They have their own lives elsewhere. It’s part of having your own dominion. You give up your freedom.”

  “It’s not pity to care about your loneliness.”

  Vane was lonely, though he didn’t want to look vulnerable in front of Arion, even if it would make him stay. Yet how could he reject any form of kindness from his mate? “No. It’s very generous of you to offer to stay, and I’d love for you to do so.” The gesture touched Vane, even as he tried to fight the hope building in his heart.

  “I left home to explore the world. It’s my first time inside a castle. I’ve only been in the courtyard back home for celebrations. I’d love a tour. And I’m sure there are lots of other things in your dominion you could show me. The gardens we passed looked…” He trailed off as his expression grew concerned. “Are you all right?”

  Vane shook himself. “Yes. Why?”

  “You were just looking at me in a funny way.”

  Vane forced himself to smile. “I think you’re overwhelming me. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone so kind, so ready to think of others
.”

  “Me overwhelming you?” Arion laughed low in his throat. “If you say so. You’re the one spiriting me away and dropping all this matehood stuff on me.”

  “Well, you are overwhelming me a bit. You’re almost too perfect.”

  “You think a lot of me.” Arion swallowed. “Is that just because I’m your mate?”

  Vane shook his head right away. “Oh no. It has nothing to do with your blood. It’s just very refreshing to be around someone without an agenda.”

  “An agenda?”

  “Yes. You fought those men off to help me, not to be rewarded. And you’re offering to stay because you recognize that I’m lonely, not to gain anything. Sometimes vampires do get taken advantage of by their mates. It’s still two people being thrown together, and some humans can’t resist the power and wealth that comes with their new status.”

  “Thrown together?” Arion chuckled, the sound more lighthearted this time. “That certainly describes us.”

  “I would’ve picked something a bit less dramatic.”

  Arion cut up the rest of his steak. “Like what?”

  Vane stalled for time, not sure any of his fantasies about finding his mate were appropriate to share. He wished he could take the words back. “You really want to know?”

  “Yeah. You said you want me to get to know you.”

  Vane thought as Arion poured a bit more wine and returned to his meal. He tried to come up with something but couldn’t.

  “Are they embarrassing? Do they involve sex or something?” Arion asked, a smile tugging at his lips.

  “Some do.”

  Arion nodded his understanding. “You don’t have to tell me. That is pretty personal.”

  “No, I’m simply trying to think.” He toyed with the end of the tablecloth and said, “I like to people watch at celebrations. I guess I always pictured something that lots of humans picture. I’d see someone and want to talk to him. There’d be a spark. One thing would lead to another, and then we’d end up having sex and I’d find out by biting him.”