A Shade of Vampire 81 A Bringer of Night - Bella Forrest Page 0,40

to heed Kalla’s request for secrecy.

As the hours went by, she told us more about the village and how the others gathered and joined the commune. They were all survivors of sorts, some having fled other villages raided by Darklings. With no better options available, they’d sought refuge in the most dangerous forest. They’d wound up running for their lives from sabre tigers and other predators, only to slip past the iron stone fence and seek sanctuary in Orvis. One by one, the people had gathered—lost on the road, victims of the night and of the Darklings—and they’d found a home here.

After Kalla left, we said goodbye to Ember and Pavlos for the night. They settled on the porch, their bows and arrows ready in case they had to protect the inn. I left the empty pitcher on the counter of the small bar, stopping to admire its wooden shelves. There were various kinds of mead and liquor kept in smoky bottles, likely for Rimian or Nalorean guests.

“This place is pretty neat, even though few people stay here throughout the year,” Kalon said, running a finger across one of the small square dinner tables nearby. The entire ground floor served as a dining area, complete with a corner reception desk. Old paper files were stacked on a shelf, along with a brass bell.

“They probably dust the place off once in a while.” I moved away from the bar and found Kalon standing right in front of me, though I hadn’t heard him move. My breath hitched at his body being so close to mine. I could hear his heartbeat drumming in my ears, and I knew that I wouldn’t be able to address his dishonesty. My blood was already rushing.

Kalon’s effect on me was undeniable… and probably a little dangerous.

“You’re on edge,” he whispered, as though sensing the angst brewing inside me. Why had my courage abandoned me? What the hell was so hard about calling him out on his lies? I was afraid, I realized. Afraid that this thing between us might vanish in a puff of black smoke, and all that remained would amount to nothing more than bitterness and a ravaging emptiness. We’d gotten too close to break apart without any repercussions. “What’s wrong, Esme?”

“Nothing. It’s… It’s been a long day, Kalon. A pretty intense and interesting day, if I’m honest. I think I just need to sleep. Besides, my wounds are not yet fully healed. I suppose I need more shuteye than usual to make a full recovery.”

I wasn’t lying. I did feel tired, but it wasn’t enough to justify my demeanor, over which I obviously had little to no control, since Kalon had been astute enough to notice. He cupped my face in his hands and pulled me into a kiss. My resolve—or whatever had been left of it—was obliterated in a matter of seconds. I softened against him, surrendering to his lips as he conquered me once more.

There was sweetness in his kiss, and a kind of tenderness I’d never experienced before. He tasted honest and kind, which once again contrasted with my knowledge of his deceit. Maybe a good sleep would help me regain some perspective and enough courage to talk to him about what I’d heard and what I remembered from that night in the palace basement.

“Whatever it is that troubles you,” he whispered over my lips, “you can talk to me. You know that, right?”

I nodded slowly, my stomach turning and twisting itself into a painful pretzel. “We don’t… I mean, we’re obviously getting close,” I said. “I’ve never been like this with anyone. I want you to know that, to understand that…”

He searched my face, but he didn’t say anything. He was telling me enough with his eyes, the blue piercing my very soul.

“I’m trusting you with myself, here. With my heart,” I continued, hoping the right words would eventually come to me. “Don’t… you know, don’t mess with it. With me.”

“I only have your best interests at heart, Esme. No matter how else it might seem at times,” Kalon replied. His hands moved slowly, traveling down my shoulders, my arms, and finally settling on my hips. His fingers dug through the leather, and he pulled me closer, our bodies fitting like matching pieces. “I never thought I’d end up in a place like this, but I’m glad I’m here, with you. It’s weird, yes. It’s nothing like what I’m used to. But I’m thrilled that we’ve discovered it together.