A Hunger to Share ( Book Two )

Chapter 4

James      

"What were you and Jack talking about?" James asked, dropping the empty beer bottles in the trash.

"Just getting to know each other a bit." Artyom leaned against the kitchen counter.

James narrowed his eyes. "He was giving you the talk, wasn't he?"  

Artyom smirked. "Maybe."

"He's unbelivable." James shook his head.

"Don't be angry with Jack. He was just being a good brother."  

"Yeah, but he does this all the time. That's why I didn't tell him we were together and yet he figured it out somehow."

"We weren't exactly being subtle." Artyom caressed his face. 

James leaned into his touch. "I guess not."

"Let's put you to bed dorogoy. You need your rest."

"You're worse than Jack." James groaned.

"I could give you a little bit of my blood."

James drew away from him. "We've been over this..."

"Back then you didn't have broken ribs."

"Did Jack tell you?"

"No. You were twitching, and grimcing all night. I took an educated guess."

"Aren't you a smart fucker?" James snorted.

Artyom cupped his cheek. "You don't have to tell me what happened, or why. I just want you to let me be there for you." 

James was glad Artyom and Jack had given up questioning him. The answer would only piss them off and make them hate Ada more. Besides, Jack had it good with Nora. James didn't want that ruined because of him.

He knew he could have died, but for once Ada had chosen him and prevented that from happening. He was still pissed at her for getting him involved but she hadn't meant for him to get hurt.

James stared at Artyom's gray eyes. Maybe drinking his blood wouldn't be so awful. He nodded. "Ok I want to try your way."

"Thank you for trusting me." Artyom smiled and grabbed his hand, leading them out of the kitchen.

"Wait, shouldn't I bring a glass, or something?"

"You could, but it's better fresh from the vain."

"Right." James followed Artyom to his bedroom, stomach in knots.

"This is really awkward." James said as he sat beside Artyom on the bed.

"It's not. If anything, it's a turn on." He leaned against the pillows.

James did the same and chuckled. "Really? you get hard when people suck your blood?"

"Yes. It's common among vampires."

"Interesting" James mused. "How are we gonna do this? Should I suck on your neck?"

"Since you don't have fangs it's easier if you drink from my wrist." Artyom bit into it and held it in front of James's mouth. "You don't have to drink much, just enough to heal your injuries faster than the average human."

"I don't know how much that is."

"I will tell you."

James gaulped, and grabbed Artyom's wrist with hesitant fingers, pressing his lips against the punctured skin. His tongue darted out, licking the blood. It tasted of iron and salt.