Page 23 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver

The hot, fizzy sensation inside blooms, leaving me breathless as it rushes full force to my face. Aries’s remarkable eyes widen in surprise as he stares at me.

My irises tingle and warm in a way that they never have. Before I know it, there’s a feeling like fire there. All-consuming. I shut my eyes tightly and step away from him.

I can’t believe this is happening.

Just when I didn’t think this situation could get any worse, here we are.

ChapterNine

The woods are motionless and heavy. But then, a cool breeze ruffles my hair and the surrounding leaves. It does nothing to quell the heat radiating in my cheeks and down my neck. The unrelenting burn of light behind my irises.

My eyes have alighted. God.

Someone, please help me.

“Ah, c-could you—just go on ahead, back to the castle, I mean. Please? I’m so sorry for—Shit.” I stand with my back toward Aries, wholly and completely ashamed. Every inch of my flesh is pulled taut with humiliation, stress and arousal. I take a deep breath and try again. “I’m going to stay out here for a little while longer.”

Aries has clearly stated that he’s not interested in my awkward purebred affections. And yet, here I am with my eyes alighted. The most obvious outward sign of affection possible for a vampire aside from radiating my aura. At least I’ve managed to keep that under control, for whatever it’s worth.

He’s silent, so I’m hoping that he’ll have the decency to walk away and act like this never happened. I’m praying for it.

To my fear and disgrace, he takes a step closer.

“Forgive me if I’m being presumptuous,” he says. His voice is low against the backdrop of the night wind rustling the foliage. “But is this the first time that your eyes have alighted, your grace?”

What a disaster. I can’t even speak as I rub my palms against my face. The heat is unyielding and bright. My skin is coated in goosebumps.

“Oliver?”

The sound of my name on his lips sends a flash of lightning down my spine. “Y-yes?”

“Will you face me?”

Steeling myself, I turn my head to the side slightly, only to glance at him. “I… I really don’t mean to make you uncomfortable—”

“I know. Just turn around, please?”

This is humiliating, but… he isn’t leaving. Us standing here in the dark with me trying to hide isn’t helping. So, I take a deep breath, then turn, looking off and avoiding direct eye contact.

He takes another step forward and speaks softly. “Is this the first time?”

“Yes. But I’m alright. I promise that I’m in control—you have nothing to worry about.” I’m inclined to apologize again, but since he’s brought this apparently excessive habit to my attention, I hesitate.

He steps even closer. His smooth, comforting voice is like a serenade. “The first time our eyes alight for someone is an important moment in our lives.” Aries stands directly in front of me. Over me. I’m still avoiding his gaze—that is, until he reaches down and takes hold of both my wrists in his palms. The move surprises me, so I lift my head. His smile is patient. Truly compassionate.

“The way we feel, and the response that we receive when it happens, sets the tone for how we perceive intimacy, and our deeper sense of trust in romantic situations. You are not making me uncomfortable… Oliver. Your eyes are beautiful. I am honored.”

A new type of heat rushes up my neck and face. Not derived of shame, like usual. But of pleasure. Wanting.

The part of me that’s always humiliated is still there. Lurking like a spiteful entity in the shadows. It tells me that I’m being stupid—that I don’t deserve this kindness. That I am worthless beyond my obligations.

But I don’t want to listen to that part of myself. Not right now. I look into his eyes. “Thank you, Aries.”

“You don’t need to thank me. You’re stunning.”

I nod, taking a breath. Am I having another out-of-body experience? Aries and I are standing on a path in the woods under the starry sky. My eyes have alighted and he’s called me stunning. I’m going to wake up from this dream at any moment.

“What color are they?” I think I know, but I want to confirm.