Chapter 28

Chapter 28

After Hayley finished showing me the lake in the forest, she left me with a guard who stood with his back facing me.

I slowly took off my clothes, my mind wandering back to the dream I had about the three women. Until now, I still haven't remembered everything. The water stretched out extensively, surrounded by tall trees. The only sound I could hear was the chirping of birds and the rustling of wind between the trees. The forest was utterly beautiful with its dark beauty.

To think that there were vampires lurking in this forest. How many people had died at their hands?

Lowering myself, I slowly removed my boots, taking off the rest of my clothes. Pulling myself up, I took off the band from my hair, running my fingers through the thick curls.

Moving forward, I dipped my foot into the water, feeling the shock of the freezing temperature. I slowly made my way into the water, stopping when it reached my waist. My breath caught when the cold water seeped into my skin, sending jolts of shock down my spine.

Taking a deep breath, I let myself fall into the water. Cool water rushed over my face, reaching my hair. I stayed underneath, keeping my eyes squeezed shut. Only when I was short of air did I rise from the water. I gently swept the curls from my face, before I crept forward to grab the soap.

Though I wanted to explore more of the water to see how deep it was, I couldn't swim. I poured some body wash into my hand, forming a lather, and thoroughly washed my hair. I closed my eyes as I continued to wash, staying calm as the water washed away my worries. Right now, I didn't think about the vampires that could be lurking around or the dream I had last night. I didn't think about how close I had become with Tristan in such a short time. Instead, I let my mind stay calm.

Water splashed on my eyelash, and my eyes snapped open. My gaze widened to see Tristan standing in front of me. I held my breath as my eyes trailed over his hard, bare chest with scars that looked like a map on his skin. He didn't look real at all. He stood at a small distance, with the water reaching his waist. Goosebumps lined my flesh as I stared at him in surprise. I didn't expect him to be here. How had he entered the water without me noticing?

"What are you doing here?"

"Why do you think I'm here?" he asked.

"Shouldn't you have waited for me in the tent?" I asked.

He lifted an eyebrow, and a strand of his dark hair slipped over his forehead. "I couldn't wait. Why do you even think I should have waited in the tent?"

"Because I'm naked," I said, turning my head to find the guard gone.

"The guard," I said. "Where did he go?"

"I sent him away," he said, inching closer.

Ignoring his presence, I sank underwater, bubbles dancing over my face as I washed the lather from my hair. Why did I suddenly want him near? I wanted his hands on me, touching me like he did last night. I wanted to feel his flesh against mine. I wanted his mouth on mine, kissing me deeply. I wanted to be completely devoured by him. I wanted everything about Tristan.

I stayed underwater for a long time, rinsing my hair with the water. When I broke the surface, expecting the feeling to die down, it only intensified when I found him closer. My hands trembled as I began to wash my skin with the soap.

He was so much taller than me, looking like a demigod. His eyes gazed upon me with such intensity that I wondered if he could read my mind right now.

 "Do you know Lycans feed too?" he asked.

"So I've heard."

"But unlike the vampires, we don't kill, and we can feed from our kind," he said.

"Interesting," I replied, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. I didn't know what I was supposed to say because talking to him right now was only increasing the pleasure. Good gods, it wasn't a full moon yet, and I was already feeling this way. What would happen when it was a full moon? I would undoubtedly go mad from the intense feelings that night.

I focused on his lips, imagining how it would feel to have them on mine.

"Are you even listening to me?" he asked. "Or are you interested in something else?"

"Yes."

"Yes what?" He raised a brow.

I took a bold step forward. "Feed from me."

His eyes slightly widened. "As much as I would want to taste your blood, I don't think I can let that happen here."

"Why?"

"There would be no holding back, little mouse."

"You can control yourself."

"I don't know if that would work with you."

"Take my blood," I urged him. 

He leaned closer, drawing his tongue along the nape of my neck. My back arched, my breasts pressing against his hard chest.

"Fuck!" I groaned when I felt his sharp canines sink into my flesh. I moaned as he continued drawing blood from my veins, the pain shifting into pleasure.

"Your blood is so rich," he whispered. "Like fine wine, intoxicating me."

He slid his hands down to my thighs, and a low moan escaped my lips when his fingers found my core. He shoved two fingers inside me, and my body jerked, feeling my insides stretch.

I moaned, tilting my head back, my eyes locking with the morning sky. I tightened my grasp around his neck, pulling him closer. His fingers moved so deeply inside me that I could feel nothing but him.

My moans grew louder, my hips grinding against his fingers when I heard loud footsteps. I quickly pulled back, shocked to see the guard who had been watching me earlier standing there. His pale skin turned red, and he quickly turned around, bowing his head.

"Apologies for intruding, but I fear this news is urgent," the guard said.

Despite my anger at the sudden intrusion, I remained still, curious to know why he was here.

"What news?"

"The camp is under attack from vampires."