Vampire Dancing by J. K. Gray Read Free Book Online Page B

darling, Rinnae?”
    “An invitation to what?”
    “An invitation for me to envelop you.”
    Rinnae looked amused. “I have no need to hide my intention, Levagnion. If I want you close, I shall command.”
    Now it was Levagnion's turn to look amused. “You shall command?”
    “I shall command,” she said again, faltering in her attempt to keep composed.
    “Has anyone ever told you, woman, that you are such a tease?”
    “Ummm, let me think ...”
    Levagnion could contain himself no more. He reached forward and brought Rinnae's head close to his own. Her lips were warm and moist. He could feel a stirring in his loins.
    After some moments, Rinnae pulled back from Levagnion to catch her breath.
    “Your father,” Levagnion said. “Do you think he will give blessing for your hand?”
    Rinnae looked to the surrounding forest. The wind was getting stronger, and caused the treetops to sway. “Does it matter?”
    Levagnion placed a hand on Rinnae's cheek. He turned her gently to meet his gaze. “Of course it matters. It is everything.”
    Both fell silent, their eyes conveying so much more than mere words ever could.
    “I know how much you wish for father's blessing,” Rinnae eventually said. She ran her fingers through Levagnion's shoulder length hair. “But what he wants is irrelevant. I am yours, regardless.”
    Levagnion took hold of Rinnae's hand. It felt so delicate, like the petals of a rose.
    “What have I done to deserve you?” he said.
    “Everything,” she replied.
    Their lips met once more.
    Noticing movement from his peripheral vision, Levagnion brought an end to their interaction. He looked across the forest clearing. Three men came strolling from beyond the treeline.
    Rinnae, too, observed their approach. “Perhaps we should leave.”
    “It would be so obvious of us,” Levagnion said. “And besides, there is nothing to suggest they mean us harm.”
    Despite this, Levagnion raised himself.
    Rinnae followed his lead.
    Arriving before the couple, the man at the head of the group said, “No need to get up.”
    Levagnion and Rinnae said nothing, merely surveyed the men.
    The man who had just spoken was the smallest of the three (although he was of average height). He was wan of complexion and had close-cropped black hair. His attire consisted of a white shirt that was ruffled at the neck and cuffs, and tight-fitting breeches. A costly looking pair of brown boots were strapped tightly all the way up his calves. The man standing to his right was the complete opposite. He was built like a bear, had unkempt hair and boasted a shaggy beard. His otherwise bare torso was clad in a tan waistcoat which looked like it had been fashioned out of animal hide. Below the waist, he was clothed in loose-fitting pants and a regular pair of boots. Interestingly (or disturbingly), he had a curled whip clipped to one side of his belt. The third man (they assumed it was a man) made no sound whatsoever. He was an unnaturally tall person, and dressed from head to toe in black. He wore a long coat with its collar upturned, and a wide-brimmed hat. His face was completely hidden in shadow. He stood with his arms folded.
    All three men cast a considerable presence.
    “It is a beautiful night, is it not?” the smaller man said. “Perhaps a little warm.” He flapped the neck of his shirt to fan himself.
    His chest appeared to be completely hairless.
    Rinnae took hold of Levagnion's arm. Levagnion could feel the unease in her grip.
    The man laughed softly. “Where are my manners?” He extended a hand to Levagnion. “My name is Areon. Areon Fae.”
    This Areon Fae person had a voice like velvet, yet there was an undercurrent to his tone Levagnion found displeasing. Shaking Fae's hand, he couldn't help but notice the considerable length of the man's fingernails, and the fact he was as cold as death itself.
    Fae inquired: “And I am pleasured to be in the company of...?”
    “Levagnion.”
    Fae nodded courteously, then