TO LIE WITH MIDNIGHT ROSES

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RENESSA

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Somewhere along the way, I must've fallen asleep in his arms because the soft sound of hushed voices and the pattering of rain against thick glass trickled through my ears as I woke.

I push myself up as my hands land upon a silky sheet. Blinking my eyes open I notice I'm on a four-poster bed covered in deep emerald sheets. Again, not mine.

The soft glow of an amber fire crackled in the fireplace off to my right, warming the room and I realized I was still wearing the jacket and it was damp and uncomfortable. The leather of Ryker's jacket squeaked as it rubbed together, sliding it down off my arms.

Pushing myself up against the headboard I let out a deep sigh. My life has been so abruptly interrupted and I've barely had a chance to properly understand everything that has been happening.

It was an agonizing thought and I had no time to process it. Everything felt surreal like a dream — no, a nightmare.

My stomach aches and burns as I lean forward, I grip my hands around either side of my waist trying to settle it as the burning sensation of hunger reappears in my throat when suddenly the door flies open and Ryker and Xavier enter the room; their presence was suffocating.

"Jaxon was right," Ryker said, "She's up."

He walks over, sitting on a chair on the other side of the room. Xavier walks towards me and my body tenses.

"I brought you food," He's holding a tray of what looks to be fruit and bread, handing me a glass he says, "And some water."

I take the cup from him, chugging it back in three swift gulps and shove it back into his hand just as I finish swallowing and quickly ask for more. Ryker stifles back a laugh and Xavier hands me the tray of food, then swiftly leaves to refill my glass without saying another word.

"You are something else, you know that?" Ryker chuckles as he leans back into the chair, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Well, I'm actually just dehydrated." I deadpan, taking a bite of bread. "And famished."

Ryker stands now, making his way slowly over to sit next to me on the edge of the bed. "I am sorry you passed out halfway there," He says, "Us Vampires, we aren't so good with humans."

"No kidding."

Xavier returns shortly, reappearing with another full glass of water as I finish eating a slice of orange. Xavier places the water on the night table next to me and not so subtly shoots Ryker a glare as he walks over, leaning against the wall near the door. I could feel his eyes burning into me — watching me.

I continued to eat the orange slices, the sweet tang of citrus nipped at my tongue and the juices that dripped down my lips slightly burned at the small dry cracks as it trickled down my chin.

Suddenly, I felt the cold touch of Ryker's thumb brushing against the skin below my lip, my breath catching in my throat. He wipes away the stray orange nectar. I look up to meet his eyes and feel a sudden knot form in my lower stomach.

"You just got something on your chin, darling," He smiles, revealing his sharp fangs. He brings his thumb up to his mouth, licking the juices off, "Blood orange."

I stare at him for a moment, my stomach tied in knots as I try to deter my eyes from his.

"Thanks," I say, looking down and picking at a piece of bread.

"Ryker... " Xavier's voice comes out low and rather intense, "Let's leave the girl to get changed."

Xavier walks over, taking the tray away from me before I could finish. He begins to make his way toward the door. As he leaves, he says, "Your things are in the washroom to your left." Then he exits the room.