Page 66 of The Vampire's Receptionist
“I’m your mate, aren’t I?”
His lips parted in surprise and even in the limited lighting from his magic, he could see the slight blush in Dorian’s cheeks. He stammered, and his fists clenched in the blankets on his lap, almost panicked at the idea of Kian knowing the truth. That was Kian’s fault. His walls were so high, Dorian was afraid to be honest with him. Setting the cloth on the table next to Dorian’s bed, he drew in a deep breath and turned to face him. But they were still so damn far apart.
Being very careful not to even jostle the poor vampire, Kian moved up the bed until he was looming over Dorian, his hands planted on either side of his head. He got close enough to rest his forehead against Dorian’s, close enough to kiss him if he wanted to. He felt Dorian’s unsteady breathing across his lips, and he wanted to lean down and kiss him until he relaxed and the panic went away. But he couldn’t do that until Dorian understood him.
“I’m not sure I’d make a good mate. Honestly, I pretty much guarantee I’ll suck at it. My one real relationship was a disaster, and I’ve spent the rest of my life avoiding getting anywhere near real feelings because of it. But the idea of leaving you all alone and brokenhearted kills me. It hurts way worse than the betrayal that I felt the day I realized my ex wasn’t who he said he was. So if you’re willing to let me, I want to try to do right by you. Try to make this work. Let me try.”
It was all he could really offer. He didn’t make promises he couldn’t keep, and he had no idea how to even start having a relationship, much less how to have a good one. But he wanted to try. Dorian was worth the effort.
Dorian’s eyes searched Kian’s, a tinge of hope hiding in those dark brown depths. “I don’t want to force you–”
Kian silenced him with a kiss, slow and full of all the emotions Kian didn’t feel comfortable saying out loud. When the tension slipped away, and Dorian sank into it, Kian felt a little like he could conquer the world. Or put in the effort to make this man happy.
“You’re not forcing me,” he whispered against Dorian’s lips. “I want this. I want you. I’m sorry I didn’t realize it sooner.”
Dorian leaned his forehead against Kian’s, letting out a slow breath. “I don’t blame you for being cautious. You have every right to be after what you experienced. If I start to overwhelm you again, please tell me. I want you to be happy, dearheart. If we need to take things slow, I’m more than happy to do that.”
Kian didn’t realize he needed to hear that until Dorian said it. Relief hit him like a tidal wave, and he let his eyes slip shut with the force of it. He could do slow. Jumping into the whole mating thing sounded terrifying, but taking things slow he could handle.
“Slow sounds good,” Kian murmured, stealing another one of those deep, emotional kisses that made him feel warm all over.
“Then slow is what we’ll do,” Dorian agreed, lifting his good hand to cup Kian’s face. “Let’s start simple. May I take you on a date?”
Huffing out a laugh, Kian shook his head. Dorian’s smile faltered, but Kian was quick to reassure him with a kiss. “No, you silly man. You’re injured. You need to rest.” He ran his nose along Dorian’s, just soaking him in. “And when you’re better, I’m going to be the one to take you on the date. It’ll make me feel like less of an asshole for using you for sex for so long.”
Dorian barked out a laugh, wincing for his effort. His shoulders still shook, even while he hugged his middle to ease the pain.
Snickering, Kian kissed his forehead and slipped off the bed. “I’m getting a nurse. You need a pain potion. And I’m surethat annoying doctor will want to check on you now that you’re awake. He’s kind of a psycho, I hope you know.”
At Dorian’s startled expression, Kian snorted. “I’ll tell you later. I don’t want you going all ragey vampire while you’re injured. Sit tight.”
After stepping into the hall and closing the door softly behind him, Kian let out a slow breath. He could do this. As long as he had Dorian, he could figure things out.
His gaze shifted to the group of Dorian’s friends still camped out in the waiting room.
It wouldn’t hurt to ask for some advice, though.
Dorian’s heart still felt light and filled with joy when he woke up the second time. Kian was gone long enough to fetch the nurse and Doctor Chapman and stayed by his side while he was given potions for his pain and his bandages were checked and changed. He’d protested when they asked Kian to do a direct blood transfusion, but Kian ignored him and from the way they were all talking, it wasn’t the first one he’d given since Dorian got hurt. Dorian hated being a burden on Kian, but he could admit he was parched. And it wasn’t like he could ingest blood the normal way right now. That would be embarrassing for his mate, and he didn’t want that.
Mate.
It still shocked him to hear that word. He knew he was falling for Kian, and that he’d do anything to make the man happy, but he hadn’t considered just how deeply his feelings went. It was only when Kian asked that it sank in. The way he felt about Kian went far deeper than just the beginnings of love. He wanted to bind them together in every way he could. He wanted to spendhis life at Kian’s side. He was right when he felt a piece of him was missing when they were apart. He only felt complete with Kian in his arms.
Right now, his mate was asleep with his head pillowed on Dorian’s bed, sitting in the chair beside him. It didn't look like the most comfortable position, but he’d refused to use the couch a few feet away, citing a need to keep an eye on Dorian. Dorian couldn’t complain since he wanted Kian close as well. He asked to have Kian lay beside him, but that got him dirty looks from both Kian and Doctor Chapman. Neither were willing to risk injury just so he could cuddle his mate.
A gentle knock on the door drew his focus, and a new face poked their head in a moment later. The room was lighter now thanks to the sun streaming in through the window, and his eyes were adjusted, so he could see her features easily. He tipped his head ever so slightly, careful of his injuries. Why did she look so familiar?
“You’re awake,” she murmured, keeping her voice low as she crept into the room. Her gaze skimmed over Kian’s sleeping form, and she smiled softly at him. “I figured he had a rough night so I brought some coffee.”
She set a drink carrier with four cups in it on the table at the foot of his bed. He drew in a deep breath and nearly groaned at the smell of coffee that filled the air. He hoped one of those cups was for him.
Offering her hand, the woman introduced herself. “My name is Tara Rosewood. I’m Kian’s mother.”
He sucked in a sharp breath of surprise, resulting in pain shooting up his side as he spluttered and coughed. His foolish reaction woke Kian instantly, and he sat up, his hands glowing as he muttered a spell. He couldn’t ease pain, he wasn’t a healer, but he could help settle him, and once the coughing stopped, the pain died down a little.
Tara winced, her smile apologetic. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you alright?”
Kian did a double take, frowning at his mother. “Mom? What are you doing here?”
