Page 26 of Crossing Between
My boss chuckled softly. "Yes, you weren't very subtle about it." His fingertips brushed back some of my hair that had fallen into my eyes. "Try to get some sleep. We'll go over everything tomorrow."
"Ah." I found myself reaching for his hand as he turned, but I forced myself to stop. I didn't want him to leave my side. "Right. Goodnight."
Chapter 18: Varon
I stood on the balcony in my room, staring out over the city as the wind blew around me. The day had certainly taken a turn that I hadn't expected.
A Soulbinder and an Essencefeaster. A blessing and a curse given at the same time. I remembered the last dragon who'd been a soulbinder. I hadn't let on to Quilith that I knew what they talked about, because I wasn't sure what they wanted with this whole situation. They were friends with Zoey, but I'd never met a dragon who didn't have something they were hiding.
How could Zoey be a soulbinder? How could an Essencefeaster appear suddenly without any kind of warning from Hell? Most demons hated Earth, but we offered them a trade of things they couldn't be without. They would suffer just as much as Earth did if this Essencefeaster achieved its goal. Whatever it was.
I finished the glass of blood wine in my hand with a sigh. So many questions with few answers.
What was that strange reaction with Elias and Zoey? My monster wanted to slash his throat at the pain on her face when he reacted the way he did. Not to mention when Zoey admitted to kissing him. I'd almost transformed right there but had enough sense to reel in my impulse. I liked Elias and Kenji. Maybe too much at times. If Zoey wanted him, I wouldn't get in her way, but based on the way she reacted to me when I drank her blood, I might have a chance.
Fuck.
Her blood.
It had been ambrosia on my tongue. Sweet, salty, spicy.
All at once.
I'd never be able to drink from another again without thinking about her. My cock was still hard hours later.
Sighing, I stepped back into my room, leaving the door to the balcony open. No one would be stupid enough to break into my house, much less my room. I paused as I looked at my bed. Or at least, one person seemed to be stupid enough.
"Kenji." I set my empty glass on the dresser near the door and crossed my arms, looking at the oni lying in my bed. "What are you doing in here?"
He'd shed his human skin. He was breathtaking in a dangerous, seductive way. Kenji was massive in his oni form. His skin was darker in color, his fangs more pronounced, and his claws were deadlier. His blue eyes glowed against the dark.
"I thought you seemed stressed, boss." He stretched his body out, his white hair stark against my black pillowcases. "Figured you could do with an outlet."
I rubbed my eyes in frustration with my hand. "Kenji. We've had this talk. I can't be what you want me to be. That night, we were all together; it was out of necessity. You both saved my life by letting me drink from you, and in return, we fucked. That's all there was to it." I'd lost count of how many times I'd had this conversation with Kenji, but it hurt every single time.
My monster growled low. He may not crave Kenji's blood as much as he wanted Zoey's now, but the oni held a spot in his heart. So did the kraken, but I'd never been able to say anything. I was their boss, not to mention an ancient vampire of the old world. If I took a lover, they were in danger from my enemies. I couldn't justify putting anyone in that position just for my happiness.
"I'm not suggesting anything more than a fuck." Kenji sat up, removed his shirt, and tossed it to the ground. "We both could use an outlet after today and the past few weeks. Don't you think?"
I'd be a liar if I said I didn't stare. The oni was cut. Muscles upon muscles, but in such a way that he looked like a piece of artwork. My fangs ached with the need to pierce his skin, spill his blood onto my tongue, and to feel him inside of me at the same time.
Kenji stood from the bed and approached me slowly. "At least let me help you take care of that little problem." He pointed to my prominent cock that was pressing against my slacks. "I promise not to bite too hard."
My hands transformed into bigger talons with sharp claws at the end. My monster was pushing me hard to accept.
"What about Elias?" My teeth clenched hard as I closed my talons in a show of control.
"He's pouting. The idiot needs to apologize for being a dickwad again to Zoey." Kenji got on his knees in front of me. Even doing that, his head was at the middle of my chest. "Besides, he still hasn't admitted that he wants me."
My left eye twitched. "Why haven't you put the poor soul out of his misery yet? You know he's in love with you."
Kenji's fingers unbuckled my belt as I stared down at him. "It wasn't the right time. It will be soon. After he admits to himself that Zoey is his mate."
"His mate?" I stopped his hands as he started to pull down my slacks and boxers. "What the fuck do you mean by that?" I gripped his hair in my right hand, jerking his head back. "She's mine!" My eyes changed as my vision went red.
Kenji growled up at me. "She's all of ours. Get over yourself, vampire." His grip on my pants shifted and suddenly my cock was in his hand with a yank that made a small whimper of pleasure leave my lips. "Don't you think I would destroy you and Elias if that weren't true? I've been holding back on pursuing her because you two are such idiots when it comes to convincing you that someone likes you."
I huffed in amusement. "Fuck you, oni."
