I nodded and smiled at him. “It smells delicious.”
He smiled back, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes this time. I focused on the food. It was absolutely delicious. I’m not sure I would want to eat it very often, as it was a bit heavy for me, but it was mouthwatering.
After finishing, I made sure to express my appreciation. “Mmmm, that was very delicious.”
“I am glad you enjoyed it.”
After dinner, Devareaux took me to an area that had a couple of couches, plush chairs, and a center table.
We sat side by side on one of the couches, turned towards each other as our knees touched.
He spoke first. “Tell me what you expect from me.”
I had not expected that at all.
I stuttered for a moment, “Oh,….ummmm…….I’m not…..not really…..ummmmm….sure. I guess I may have high expectations because of my parents.”
His face lit up. “Tell me about them.”
So I did. Mom met Dad when they were both 20 years old. So, fairly young when they found each other. They had a strong connection immediately, which I was surprised about. Most blood partners spent time getting to know each other and building their bond. Mom had once told me, “I believed in the blood. I believed it knew who was meant for me.”
Devareaux appeared surprised by my response. “You are close with your parents?”
I smiled softly. “I am.”
He smiled back at me. “Are you an only child?”
I nodded. “And you?”
He smiled widely at me, his eyes crinkling again. “A sister named Estella.”
I felt warmth through my chest. Sometimes I wished I had a sibling. Siblings were rare for vampyrs. Most vampyrs were either childless or had only one child. The fact that my blood husband had a siblings was a wonderful rarity. I felt even more special to be paired with him.
His face shifted a bit when he added, “but I don’t have the kind of relationship with my Maman and Father as you do.” He shrugged. “I love them of course, but maybe its different how we are raised among the stations.”
I was not offended by that remark because I was slowly learning there were so many differences among our kind.
We continued talking for about another hour, when we grew quiet. He stared at me in a way that made my whole body hum. Was it time?
A glassy looked came over his eyes as his hand reached for mine without losing eye contact. His large warm hand felt like such a comfort over my tiny one. He squeezed it lightly.
“Are you ready for the night?”
I felt my breath hitch, as I stared at him. Could you fall in love so quickly? Could I be like Mom and fall for my blood husband this fast?
I nodded as I couldn’t seem to get any words past the lump in my throat. I felt myself heat up from nervousness and anticipation.
He stood up, waiting for me, but still holding my hand. I stood, as we continued to stare at each other. He smiled at me, and for the first time, I could see his teeth had extended. He was wanting to take the blood.
He turned away, tugging my hand gently as he guided me out of the living area. We passed Renald who actually had a slight smile on his face and nodded ever so slightly.
I flushed because he likely knew what we were about to do.
Once we were in the master bedroom, I noticed my belongings had been put away.
“You have clothes in the closet, but you can always add more. And one of the maids put your other clothes in the dresser bureau with mine.”
I went to the dresser looking for my nightgown. It wasn’t anything fancy, but hopefully he would like me in it. I loved my nightgown because it was soft and went to just above my knees. I found it quickly and turned to Devareaux. “I’m just going to put my night clothes on.”