Page 45 of Ashvale: The Vampire's Thrall

For the first time, Rowan seemed to notice Cal and his hands fell from my face like he'd been burned. "What ishedoing here?"

"Helping," Hayes said, his face like thunder.

"Right," Rowan said, shaking his head as he stormed back towards the door. "Glad you're okay,” he muttered and Novalie and I shared a look as they left that made me hide a laugh behind a cough.

Tension fell heavy in the air and Cal looked between Hayes and me before clearing his throat. "I'll just—"

"Get out," Hayes and I said at the same time, our eyes not leaving each other as Cal left the room too. "What was that?" he demanded and I raised my eyebrows.

"I think, correct me if I'm wrong, it was a kiss?"

Hayes scowled and his face looked more severe than usual with his hair slicked back after the shower. "Are you with him?"

"I'm standing here. With you."

He didn't know what to make of that and neither did I, if I was being honest.

I made my way back to the bed and patted the spot next to me. "Fine. Let's have it out. You and Rowan, was it serious?"

He shook his head as he sat down beside me. "No. It was casual, but we've always been on good terms."

I nodded. "That's the first time he's kissed me. Though we did come close a little while ago."

It didn't look like that thought sat well with Hayes.

"So, what. Are you jealous?" I had no idea if he wanted me, or if he was just satiating demands from the bond. Or maybe it was only about the blood.

"No," he said, answering my thoughts aloud, "it's more than the blood." He turned to me and his blue eyes were serious, darkening the longer he looked at me. "You've crawled under my skin and I don't think I could get you out with the sharpest knife in the world. "

"I like you too," I said, rolling my eyes but he shook his head.

"Idolike you, love. You drive me wild and I'm not sure at what point I went from wanting to kill you to shut you up and instead wanting to fuck you." I knew the feeling. Hayes smirked, clearly having heard. "Eternity is a long time, and vampires like to have fun. I'm not saying you can't pursue something with Rowan," he said with a frown, "but there's a difference between fun and love."

"And you love me?"

He shrugged. "I could."

"If you don't mind just sex, then why do you keep frowning every time we talk about Rowan?"

"There's something... I don't know. Off, with him lately."

Well, Hayes would know better than me, I didn't exactly have a reference point to compare. "We'll figure it out as we go then?"

Hayes nodded. "Together."

I nodded and we clasped hands, the deal struck.

"Do I really have to train with Cal?" I pouted as we fell back against the bed and Hayes laughed.

"You should give him a chance. I've known him since I was young, he's a good guy."

My smile faded. "Yeah, I don't know. I guess it's like you and Rowan, there's just something about him that doesn't feel right to me."

"Do you want me to come to training with you?"

I considered his offer, surprised. "It's going to take a while to get used to you being nice to me."

"I'll keep you on your toes, " he promised. "SO, training?"

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