“I’m Solan,” he said without waiting for Raul to introduce them. “It’s nice to have another human in the group. You’d think one of these vampires would bring another blood pet to our family meet ups but they never do.”
That was interesting. Ji-Su knew Raul went out in public with his blood pets because he’d seen them the night they met. So why didn’t he bring them to outings with his Sanguis Syndicate members? And why had he brought him tonight?
The tall vampire at Solan’s side smoothly cut in to introduce himself.
“Hello, Ji-Su. I’m Everett. It’s lovely to meet you.”
“You as well.”
“You’ve had our Raul quite distracted lately.”
“Me?” He looked up at Raul in time to see him throw Everett an annoyed glare before he looked down at Ji-Su with his usual smile.
“Pay him no mind. His brain was scrambled when he met Solan and sadly he never recovered.”
Everett laughed at that while Solan bit his lip to hold back a smile. They continued to talk until the theater lights flashed, signaling that the performance was about to begin. Their group split up to go into the two large private boxes. Ji-Su went with Raul into the first box. It was as nice as the rest of the theater, with gold velvet seating and black marble railing.
A few minutes later, the lights went down, the crowd quieted, and the ballet began. As the dancers took the stage, Ji-Su watched, amazed at the strength and grace of their bodies. Somehow every leap and turn looked both easy and like something no normal human being could do at the same time. This was his first time experiencing a story without some form of narration, and he’d half-expected to be bored or lost as a result. However, it wasn’t long before he was not only following the story but was completely sucked into it.
He didn’t know how much time had passed when he felt eyes on him and turned slightly to see that Raul was watching him. At first, he only meant to give him a small smile and nod to show he was enjoying the performance. However, something in Raul’s gaze made him go still. His eyes weren’t glowing, but they watched him with a strange intensity.
When Ji-Su’s heart began to pound, Raul’s gaze dropped to his throat. It wasn’t Wednesday. But... maybe Raul would want to drink from him tonight. Ji-Su would let him if he did. But he didn’t want it to be at the kitchen table. He wanted something more comfortable. More intimate. What would Raul say if he were to suggest it?
There were many things he wanted to say to Raul. Wanted to ask.
I want you to drink from me.
Why don’t you want me?
Why am I here with you tonight?
Why don’t you want me?
As the thoughts tumbled around Ji-Su’s head, the house lights went up and the theater broke into applause. Surprised at the sudden noise, Ji-Su jerked his gaze away from Raul’s and back to the stage. It was time for intermission.
Chapter 21
Their group left the private boxes and congregated in a small sitting room. Servers circulated with trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Raul stayed close to Ji-Su’s side. He appreciated that since he tended to be shy around new people. Especially when they all already knew each other.
Watching the conversations taking place between the vampires, he tried to imagine the good looking, well-dressed group as criminal heads. He was sure they were ruthless when they needed to be, but right now they were relaxed and laughing like any other group of friends during a night out.
Ji-Su had just finished his glass of champagne when Solan came over and smiled brightly at him.
“I’m glad there’s finally another human around for me to talk to.” He looped an arm through Ji-Su’s and pulled him away from Raul’s side. “Sorry, Raul,” he said with a grin. “I want to get to know him.”
Ji-Su allowed himself to be led off to a quiet corner by the outgoing young man.
“I heard how you came to be with Raul. I thought the story was very romantic. Well, except for the part where you were terrorized by that asshole vampire. Have you recovered from that okay?”
“Yes. Honestly, I rarely think about Cedric now unless it’s to compare him to Raul.”
“And who comes out the winner between the two of them?”
Solan smugly raised an eyebrow—he clearly already knew the answer to his question. And truly there was only one answer Ji-Su could give.
Ji-Su bashfully ducked his head in an attempt to hide his smile. Raul might not have any romantic interest in him, but he’d been wonderful to him from that very first night he’d brought him to the ranch. “It’s always Raul.”
“Good,” Solan said with a satisfied nod. “So, what’s it like being Raul’s blood pet?”