The Vampire's Call

HAVEN

Grace was staring at me, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. It was the cutest thing I’d ever seen. I loved our playful banter, but I also appreciated her curiosity about me. I knew everything about her, but she didn’t need to know that just yet.

“Is it really that shocking?” I asked, a smile playing on my lips.

“Um...yeah. I mean, I knew you had a good job, but... Wow...I didn’t see that coming. I’ve always wanted to work there. I’m really interested in the different areas your company covers.”

“Is that so? I had no idea. Would you consider working for me after you graduate?”

I was aware that she had my company in mind, but I wanted her to tell me why. I wanted to understand what drew her to it. I could research all I wanted, but I would never truly know what was going on in her mind. This was my opportunity.

“I’d love to. The salary would help me afford night classes. I want to major in marketing, and your company would provide the perfect platform.”

Marketing was a significant part of my company. I could easily see her working in that department, but I wanted her closer to me.

“What if I offered you a position once you graduate? I’m in need of a PA, so you’d have the time and the money for night classes,” I suggested.

“But...wouldn’t that be favoritism? I mean...I wouldn’t be qualified, and since we’re...,” she trailed off, her cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink.

“Since we’re what?” I asked, a smirk on my face.

I wanted her to say it. I needed her to say it. I didn’t want to be the one to push this on her, especially since she was human. She couldn’t comprehend how much she meant to me, and I wanted to hear her thoughts about us.

“Um...involved?” she finally said, avoiding my gaze.

She was so endearing. In my mind, we were more than just involved. She was mine, forever. But I couldn’t tell her that just yet. She needed to be eased into that kind of commitment.

“We are, sweetheart,” I confirmed, gently lifting her chin to meet my gaze.

Her honey-colored eyes sparkled with happiness at my words, so I leaned in to give her a soft kiss. Her lips were the sweetest, and I was eager to deepen the kiss, but I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to control myself if I did.

I pulled away gently, and I could see a mix of desire and frustration in her eyes.

Soon, I promised myself.

“I have a birthday gift for you,” I said, brushing my lips against hers.

“Oh... How did you know?” she asked, surprised.

“Didn’t you tell me in a dream?” I teased.

She blushed and looked away. She believed this was our first meeting, after all.

I had been waiting to meet her in her dreams since her sixteenth birthday. She had been so surprised and shy. We had shared a few kisses, but nothing compared to the real thing.

I pulled out a small, elegantly wrapped box, and her eyes widened at the sight of it. I handed it to her and encouraged her to open it.

Inside was a necklace made of white gold, with a small heart pendant encrusted with rubies. The rubies held some of my magic, a sign to other supernatural beings that Grace was taken. I would mark her more permanently when the time was right, but for now, this would suffice.

“This is beautiful,” she said, admiring the necklace. “Thank you, Haven.”

“You’re welcome, princess. Here, let me help you put it on.”

She turned her back to me and swept her hair to one side while I fastened the necklace around her neck. I planted a small kiss there, and she squealed, not expecting the gesture.

“Haven...” She pouted.

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” I chuckled. “You looked too adorable.”

She gave me a small smile before leaning in to steal a kiss. I let her, even though I could have easily avoided it. But I would never do that to her. I wanted her to kiss me more, if that was even possible.

“Would you like dessert?” I asked, noticing she had finished her meal.

“I would, but not the kind they serve here,” she said, batting her eyelashes at me.

Damn. I felt my cock harden in my pants, and I had to adjust my position to be comfortable again. How was she so good at flirting when she was a virgin? Fuck. I suppressed a growl as I pulled her closer to me until she was sitting on my lap.

“Not today, my pretty, mischievous princess. I promise, in due time, I’ll give you everything and more. Trust me,” I said, my voice husky with desire.

I was too affected by her and the blood I could feel pulsing in her veins. I wanted to taste her so badly, but the day I did, she would be mine forever because I wouldn’t be able to stop. She wasn’t ready yet, and I wanted her to make her decision after giving us some thought.

She looked at me, her eyes filled with desire, and I knew I couldn’t take it. I would give in if she kept looking at me like that. I needed to be strong if I wanted her to be fully mine. I had been patient for so long. I couldn’t ruin it now.

“Let me take you home,” I said, trying to keep my voice neutral, but I could hear the hint of a growl in it.

She nodded as I helped her out of the booth. I paid for our dinner and led her back to my car. I then drove her home, and she seemed surprised that I knew the way, but I would tell her everything another day. I just hoped that she would agree to meet me at my house next time.

I parked the car in front of her grandmother’s house, and she looked torn. I could see that she didn’t want to leave me, and I felt the same. It was harder now that she had seen me, knew that I was real, and that we had shared a kiss.

“Here you go, princess.”

Every fiber of my being screamed no, but I had to. It wasn’t the right time to make her mine because I needed her to be independent.

The moment she finally left her grandmother's house, she'd be all mine. Sure, I'd have to wait until graduation, but it would be worth it. I'd make sure of that.

She looked at me with those sad eyes and nodded. Good. She was finally getting it.

“When will I see you again?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Soon. I promise,” I replied, my voice just as soft. “Let me see your phone.”

I punched my number into her phone and dialed it so I'd have her number too.

“I’ll text you until we can meet again,” I told her, handing her phone back. “I might be tied up with work, but you can call or text me anytime, okay?”

She nodded and kissed me with a hunger that took my breath away. She chased my tongue with hers and I couldn’t help but groan. I wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into my lap. She moaned as soon as she felt my cock press against her. Damn it.

“Grace...,” I growled, my voice rough with desire.

“I want you, baby,” she whispered, her voice breathy and full of need.

Fuck me. I growled louder, the urge to mark her as mine coursing through me. But I held back. I cupped her face in my hands and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

“Not tonight, baby girl,” I murmured.

“You’re not going to give in.” She sighed, sounding disappointed.

“Believe me... I want to. So much. But tonight isn’t the right time.”

“Why not? If we...if we’re together, then you should want to have sex with me, right?”

Her voice was small, hurt. Like I'd wounded her by saying I wanted to wait. Damn it. I leaned in, pressing my forehead against hers in reassurance.

“I want you so much, Grace, it’s like my skin is on fire. But I respect you. We just got back together, and I want you to know that you mean more to me than just sex. When I see you again, I’ll make you scream so loud you’ll pass out. I just need you to be patient and trust me on this.”

“You promise?”

“I do, baby. I promise you won’t regret waiting. Now, go to bed and dream of me.”

“Will I see you in my dreams?” She asked, her eyes shining.

“Of course.” I chuckled.

We kissed again, and then she was out of the car and walking back into the house. I watched her until the door closed behind her and then let out a sigh.

Damn it, I was so hard. What was I supposed to do now? I'd have to take care of it when I got home.

I wished Grace could have done it, but I wouldn’t back down. I'd make her mine on graduation day, and then she'd come to work with me. That way, nothing could ever tear us apart again.