Page 23 of Relic
What a year it’s been.
What started out as a desperate need to get away from a toxic ex ended in me embracing supernatural powers I never knew I had and eradicating the city of New Orleans from a dangerous problem. Not only that, but I found the love of my life. All because of a quirky little store named Relic.
I drag my hand through the warm liquid I float in, my handsome lover right beside me. “This is pretty cool, don’t you think?”
“Very, my sweet beignet,” Horatio says.
I roll over, the blood tinged water sliding over my skin. Did I ever think I would enjoy blood baths? Uh, not so much, but it’s so rejuvenating and no humans were hurt in the process.
“Why do the baths make me so horny?”
Horatio laughs softly. “Because the blood is our life force. It’s our strength, our energy. It keeps us well and nurtures our spirit.”
“That’s very poetic but I think it’s because there’s a hot vampire with a big dick next to me.”
He snorts a laugh. “You’re delightful.”
Sliding on top of him, I straddle his body, both of us buoyant in the warm pool. “I love you, Tio.”
“And I love you, my precious.”
I guide him inside of me, exhaling with pleasure as he fills me. Our bodies rock together, splashing the water over us as we seek mutual pleasure. Horatio sits up, finding my lips, claiming me as his own over and over again.
My hands slide through his hair as I nuzzle his neck before biting. His warm, thick blood pours down my throat, seeping through every part of me, ensuring my continued bond and life with this man.
Before long, he bites me back, and we drink from each other, bathing in each other’s blood until we fall together over the edge of ecstasy. I cry out his name as his cock swells and pulses deep within me, his blood dripping down my chin.
“You are beautiful like this, Emery. I can’t take my eyes off you.”
“For eternity?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“And eternity after that.”
“Good.” Shivers run through me as I bring up the surprise I’ve been keeping for weeks. “I have something for you. It’s in the safe room.”
He arches an eyebrow. “Do you? Ooh, I love your surprises.”
In a flash, he’s out of the bath and rushing down the hallway, completely naked. Laughing, I hurry after him, just in time to see his expression as he opens the door to the safe room. Before him is a massive canvas, nearly eight feet tall and six feet wide, and on it, a life-size portrait of the most beautiful man in New Orleans.
“Emery,” he says, his voice breathless. “Gods.”
“Do you like it? I tried to capture what it felt like the first time I saw you. You were mysterious, regal, and stunningly handsome, surrounded by a hint of danger. How did I do?”
“Your talent astounds me. It seems unfair to keep it to myself.”
“Good segue.” I brush up against him from behind, kissing his shoulder blade. “I spoke with the mayor, and just in time for Mardi Gras, he’s going to present you in your rightful capacity.”
“What are you saying?”
“You’ve unofficially been in charge of the supernatural in the city. You’re going to be named the official vampire of New Orleans, and your portrait will be on display at the Capitol building before moving to its permanent home in the Historic New Orleans Supernatural Council building.”
“You’re… Gods, Emery. You’re serious?”
Nodding, I wrap my arms around his waist. “I approached the mayor because, frankly, you deserve the recognition for what you did when the IDV outbreak happened. Because of you, I became what I am. Everyone looks up to you and the mayor knows what you did to keep the city safe. It adds to the lore of the city, and creates a tourist opportunity. Win, win.”
With a beaming smile on his face, Horatio twists around and scoops me into his arms. He swings us around, and joyful laughter bubbles out of him.
“By the gods, you have made a jaded soul new again. I am beyond honored to receive such recognition publicly, but what immense joy flows through me knowing I have your recognition. Thank you for trusting me and letting me in. You have changed my world for the better.”
Cupping his face, I lean in and kiss him. “We have an amazing future ahead of us. I can feel it.”
“And we’re only just getting started.”
“Our friends are coming over to enjoy a fine meal and to see the portrait first.”
“And then?”
“And then we join the revelers of the city. Tonight, we feast.”
Nuzzling our noses together, he says, “Being a vampire suits you, my sexy little beignet.”
“Being your vampire suits me just fine. Now come along. I wasn’t quite done with you in the bedroom.”
Smiling, he sets me down. “Lead the way, my love. I will always follow.”