Love Bite Obey

Chapter 4: His Love

Author's Note: Two chapters were published today, so be sure to read the one before this.

The iron doorknob turns. I jump up from the bed and grip my short sword with both hands. It's been a few hours since Ella's assault, and now that it's dark, she may try again. I've taken precautions now that I know she's hostile. The room is well lit with candles, negating any advantage from her silent steps, and I'm dressed in my leather armor again. I stopped short of coating my blade in Queensblood, as vampire women have bodies as soft as mine. My blade will be enough of a threat, and I wouldn't want to kill Rahlan's mother.

The door opens, pushing the large wooden chest aside as if it's no heavier than a cushion. I relax my posture. Ella doesn't have that kind of strength, and there aren't any other vampires hunting me.

Rahlan steps into the room. His boots are dirty, his sword is still on his belt, and his cape hasn't left his shoulders. Usually he'd have placed them by the double doors when arriving. While his body may be back, his mind is still out there.

Satisfied that there's no threat, I place my sword on the bedside table. "Are you going to tell me where you went, or is it still a vampire matter?"

He closes the door and removes his cape. "You need not concern yourself." He reaches out and touches a lock of my blonde hair, rolling it in his fingers. The journey took a toll on him, and he's relieved to be home.

"Why wear such stiff attire?" he asks.

Now that I have access to a plethora of outfits, it's unusual that I'd be wearing my armor this late in the evening. In the same way, it's also out of the ordinary for a vampire to assault me in my own home.

"Your mother attacked me," I say.

His eyes widen. He kneels down and pushes the hem of my shirt up to check my abdomen. His fingers jut into my collar and pull it aside, looking for bite marks around my neck.

"I'm fine." I step back, breaking away from him. So now he's worried about me? "Why'd you allow her to stay after she told you to kill me?"

He stands again. "She has made no mention of harming you. If you had stayed in the bedroom, she would not have made an attempt to drink. Your disobedience is of benefit to no one."

I squeeze my fists and bite my mouth closed. Calling me disobedient sounds like I'm a child or a pet, someone with a little mind who should only do as their told. However, if I want this relationship to be pleasant, I have to remind myself that he speaks in a different dialect. His choice of words may have an underlying meaning to me that he did not intend.

"I want her gone," I say between grit teeth.

I don't plan on manipulating Rahlan away from his family, but I feel that as she is a guest in my home then I deserve a certain level of respect. Though Keld saved me, I will not be sharing that with Rahlan. As Keld's choking grip on my neck this morning will stay between me and him, so will his effort to protect me.

Rahlan places his sword on the table and runs his hands over his head. "She shall leave tomorrow."

I give a small nod in acknowledgement. He can't be expected to kick her out in the middle of the night, but as long as I don't have to see her again, I'll be satisfied.

He takes off his coat, revealing a creased shirt underneath. The mattress creaks as he sits down on the bed. His arm wraps around my waist and draws me closer to him.

Still not in a particularly good mood, I stay standing instead of sitting beside him. His eyes are in line with my chest, allowing me to see the top of his head – a view I rarely get.