Page 43 of Those That Don’t Exist (Hidden Vampires #1)

It's warm. It's fresh. I swallow, immediately wanting more.

Reluctantly, I pull my fangs free. A few more drops of blood pearl on his skin which I lick away as I leave my saliva on the wounds.

I hear Ty apologise as his hands take a vice-like grip on my waist, helping me stand.

More words are exchanged but all I can feel is the buzzing in my body as the blood takes hold.

I’m pulled away and into the crowd. The whole thing is over in a few seconds.

My brain only comes fully back online when Ty places me on a stool at the bar, on the other side of the function room.

“Well done sweetheart. A bit dramatic but I should’ve guessed you’d fully lose your balance in those heels.” He grins before leaning down to kiss me. The taste of him mixed with the lingering taste of blood on my tongue makes heat rush through my belly. Holy gods.

He breaks the kiss, straightening to his full height. I beam up at him.

“I didn’t imagine… I didn’t think it would be such a rush.” My voice comes out breathy. My whole body feels alive, like a tiny current is running over my skin but without the painful shock.

“Fresh will always give you a bit of a high.” Ty chuckles at me and ducks to give me another quick kiss. He pulls away before flagging down the bartender. He gets a shot of something, holding it out to me.

“Drink this to cleanse your palette.”

I give him a confused look.

“It’ll help squash any instincts to go bite any more humans.”

I take a sip, my head becomes a little clearer. The high is still there but I can think straighter.

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me, Red. It was way passed time you had some fresh blood.”

“I’m not only talking about right now, I’m not sure I have ever thanked you. For all of it. I hate to think what would’ve happened if I’d gone through all this alone. If I’d had anyone other than you.”

“Trust me.” He brushes a lock of my hair behind my ear, grinning at me with his lopsided smile. “It's been entirely selfish. But you’re welcome.” His fingers trail down my arm, before coming to rest on my thigh.

“Now,” he says. “Can I trust you to sit here whilst I go grab myself a bite to eat?” He snaps his teeth at me playfully.

“Yes, go. Then shall we get out of here?” I give him a heated stare which makes him pause.

“If you’re offering me your body again, maybe I should skip the meal.” He steps closer once more, leaning in between my thighs.

“No, go. I want to see a master at work.” I give him a playful shove.

“Fine, if my lady demands, but I’m betting you won’t even notice when I take someone.” With the challenge set he heads back into the crowd.

I briefly scan the sea of people for Claire and Bree but can’t spot them.

I drink the rest of the shot Ty got for me before tracking my gaze to him.

He's amongst a tight throng of people, integrating himself into a large group. I want to see what he does, how he manages to get close enough to someone without the commotion he caused for me to literally land on that poor human’s lap. And neck.

“Want another?” I turn at the voice to see a different bartender from earlier in front of me. He’s already got the bottle of vodka in his hand gesturing to my empty glass. Why not?

“Sure,” I say as I glance back at Ty. He’s dancing close to a tall guy who I think he might be able to drink from but the bodies surrounding them make it difficult to see.

“Cheers,” The bartender behind me speaks again, catching my attention. He nods to the drink so I pick it up. He holds up the bottle for me to clink the cheers with, like he’s about to swig some straight from it. It's odd but I go along with it.

I drink the shot in one, mentally cutting myself off. No more alcohol tonight. I wanted to be sober when we got home, for when Ty and I are alone once more.

I have the sudden thought that we can’t leave alone. There are probably half a dozen vampires outside these walls looking for us.

We’ve not spoken about any of it since we arrived. Our fight earlier wasn’t something I wanted to repeat tonight. I’ve been shoving my head firmly in the sand, or into a bottle is probably more accurate.

I put the glass back on the bar before turning my focus back on Ty. I bet I’d missed watching him drink from the tall guy now.

A wave of dizziness hits me as I locate Ty in the crowd. I’ve gone from sober to blackout level drunk in an instant. This can’t be right.

I stand, wanting to get to Ty’s side, but I stumble on the first step. I have to catch myself on the bar stool I just vacated, my limbs feeling like jelly. I try again and this time the room tilts as I walk. What was in that last drink?

I hear myself calling out, although my voice feels distant.

I blink, trying to shake this nausea. Sudden hands gripping arms make me jolt backwards. I open my eyes, unsure of when I closed them, to find Ty in front of me.

“Aurora. What’s wrong?” His voice sounds panicked.

“I eel… I feel… drunk.” My words slur.

Ty grips my face, making me look up at him. His face whirls across my vision. Did I have more than the two shots?

Ty pulls me against him, as I sway once more. He’s rigid beneath my touch as my arms fold up and land on his chest. I close my eyes and turn my head into him as the lights from the strobes overhead start feeling like daggers to my eyeballs.

He smells so good. Like cinnamon and a hint of fog. But I swear I scent fear emanating from him too. My brain whirls like we’re moving and for a second there’s a blast of fresh air on my skin before I pass out entirely.