Page 29 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver

Can he feel this frisson sparking between us? Is it just me?

Aries raises an eyebrow. “You’re a dangerous creature, Oliver James Blakeley.”

My eyes widen in surprise. “Me? Dangerous? No way. I’m the least threatening vampire you’ll probably ever encounter.”

He shakes his head, pulling his gaze from me as he walks toward the door. “On the contrary, you might be the most dangerous purebred that I’ve ever met.”

ChapterEleven

Sitting upright in bed, I stare at Alexander’s text messages and consider my response.

[Hello my love.]

[I can’t wait to see you later tonight.]

A simple “Me too” feels adequate without encouraging further conversation. It’s a bit cold, though, which might lead to some name-calling. I’d definitely like to avoid that. I type out my response and hit send.

[Hello. Me too.]

His next message pops up right away.

[Liar.]

I sigh, massaging the back of my neck as a barrage of texts funnel into our chat.

[We need to practice, sweet Prince Ollie.]

[Let me come to your room tonight after dinner?]

[You need to get more comfortable with sex.]

[You were too rigid that first time.]

[We have to be convincing.]

Dropping the phone, I groan loudly. Here’s the thing—even if we’re rigid and awkward,no oneis going to call off this arrangement.

First, actual contracts and business arrangements between my clan and his are already being made in anticipation of our union. Second, Sasha and Elaine still haven’t properly bonded, but they’re expected to stay together and keep trying—to maintain appearances for the sake of peace and civilization or whatever.

This pressure is unnecessary.

I type out a message, plain and simple.

[I don’t want you in my room.]

He replies instantly.

[You have to get more comfortable with intimacy.]

[And with me.]

I shake my head. Having conversations with him is like talking to a parrot that only says one phrase over and over again.

[Enjoy the hunt, Alexander.]

I shove the phone underneath my pillow and collapse back against the mattress. I don’t understand Alexander at all. He’s so keen to have sex with a vampire that he has zero compatibility with. Wasn’t our first bonding attempt dreadful enough?

I’ve known him since I was a child. We’ve met regularly for feedings since we were twelve, and still, we have no genuine chemistry. Our interactions have always been heavily supervised, which may have hindered any possibility for an authentic connection.