Lethal Beauty

IX - Coldblooded

A deep gaze. Abel stared closely at those elliptical slit-shaped pupils with a light-reflecting membrane.

Just like a cat...

Iris stared back at him with obvious wonder, amusement marred his face at what he discovered. Abel pushed him with all his might and he staggered back, obviously with him, Iris' strength wasn't guarded. He didn't need to.

Not deterred by the action, Iris walked closer once more, his steps were unhurried and lazy. He was taking his sweet time and enjoying this game.

"Stop!"

Abel wasn't certain whether his tone was strong enough to warn this man or if it was shaking to express his fear. Nevertheless, neither of his actions seemed to dissuade Iris from approaching. Those gazes were certainly lingering on his slightly parted lips...

"If you plan to mark me again, then let's have a contract. Shall we?"

Although afraid, Abel managed to let go of those words. The person was even more entertained and smiled brazenly. Clearly, Abel was a few inches taller than Iris but the vampire could easily crush him. It hurts his pride a little but the difference in their strength was vast. Abel had found that out quickly when he suddenly pulled him to his chest earlier and stole another unexpected kiss.

Yet even with the intimidating face, Abel couldn't help noticing how youthful Iris was with a hint of mischief. Like a teenage boy.

"I don't like contracts," Iris said. "In fact, I despise rules. But for you, my love, I am willing to make an exemption."

Abel shivered at the way he phrased it. "Would you cut it out? I am not your toy."

Iris' expression turned serious. "I never said you were."

The blush spread all over Abel's face but he refused to be charmed. "I only need you to protect me. No more of this..."

"Kissing?"

"Fuck you!"

"I would love that."

Abel groaned. "Are you even taking me seriously?"

"I am very serious about you."

"Yeah, serious about murdering me!"

"I've no desire to have you murdered. That's why I'm here, offering my service, my prince."

"And you're so concerned about me," Abel narrowed his gaze and his tone was skeptical. "Bull."

"What makes you say that?"

"You're an Elder. I know what you're after. You're keeping an eye on me because I was sent here by the human government. Who knows what you or the others want? I'd be a fool not to realize that you're willing to use me to expose my kind by whatever means possible. You consider me expendable, don't you?"

He didn't answer him directly. "You're quite astonishing, aren't you?"

"Just because I'm weaker than you doesn't mean I'm stupid. Stop conning me with your good looks and charming appeal. It won't work."

"Oh? I remember licking you on the balcony of your room a few days ago and you didn't even stop me."

Abel's face went scarlet. "That's because I thought you were really a cat!"

"A snow leopard, but that's fine. What about the kiss at the orientation party?"

"You hoodwinked me!"

"Hoodwinked you?" Iris laughed. "I'm a vampire, not a magician."

"You must've used some kind of spell or whatever! That's never happening again."