Page 12

VAN

T he sensation of Celeste sucking at my neck was unlike any experience I’d ever had. Sensual. Surreal.

My body was on fire, more sensitive than it had ever been, every touch a shockwave. A primal call sang in my veins, urging me to mark her, claim her.

The pressure built as she drank from me.

I bucked beneath her, feral with lust, as our slick bodies ground against each other.

I sensed her growing closer, and I was right on the edge with her.

When she shattered, pulsing around my cock with exquisite tightness, I lost control and surged into her with a feral growl.

“Mine.”

I held on to Celeste through the early afternoon, not wanting to leave, but I had to eventually get up and meet the band. I practically floated into the practice space.

“Someone’s got a shit-eating grin on his face this afternoon,” Damien teased.

Caleb grinned. “Must mean he got with the hot vampire last night.”

I raised a finger, wagging it. “A gentleman never tells.”

The three of them exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

“You are not, and have never been, a gentleman,” Caleb shot back.

“Well, perhaps I could be,” I countered. “You know, being around those who are more sophisticated, rather than the rough sort.”

Damien rolled his eyes. “One night with a rich vampire, and suddenly you’re sophisticated?”

I should strive to be because Celeste was and she was out of my league. And how soon would it be before she tired of me? If I wanted her to take a chance on me, I had to step it up.

That night, we played a ‘90s set—Stone Temple Pilots, Audioslave, Nirvana—and near the end, my dark-haired beauty, stepped into the lounge. She might as well have been a beam of moonlight. My entire body lit up at the sight of her.

She watched me with those keen, sharp eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. I saw a hint of awareness in them, as if remembering our night together. Was she having second thoughts? No. I would prove to her that we were right, that we were meant to be.

After the final song, I wrapped things up with the band, thanked the crowd, and practically sprinted over to her.

I kissed her on the lips and growled, “I missed you.”

“You were wonderful tonight,” she murmured, and her grin spread wider. “And last night as well.”

I chuckled. “And tonight, too, I hope.” I couldn’t stop touching her, stroking her arm.

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice low and raspy, and my entire body tightened with anticipation.

But I wanted more. More than just a fling for her while she was on vacation.

This was real to me, and I had to show her I was serious.

“How about we go dancing tonight?” That was what the older, more sophisticated set did.

They didn’t come to our shows to hear rock covers.

They went to the Celestial Lounge for piano and slow songs they could dance to, or to fancy restaurants or the theater or art auctions.

Her eyes sparkled. “Sounds magnificent.”

Minutes later, I had her just where I wanted—a pure moment wrapped in my arms under the moon and stars. Music drifted from the piano lounge nearby, and we swayed to it—a perfect moment.

“This is where I met you,” I murmured. “Celeste. In the Celestial Lounge. Must be fate.” I was only half-teasing.

“Must be,” she agreed with a gentle laugh.

We talked and laughed as we held each other. Then my senses heightened. I searched around, vigilant for her ex lurking in the shadows.

“Van? Everything okay?” Celeste’s voice pulled me back.

“Yes.” I wasn’t going to let that damn vampire ruin this otherwise magical night. She was mine.

Well, not yet—not technically. But she would be. If I could find a way to win her heart.