Bloodbound Hearts: A Tale of Eternal Love

Chapter 15: A Respite and Reflection

After the battle and the long, exhausting run, the Ashford family brought Alexis to their house to properly treat his wound. The tension of the hunt had faded into a quiet, comforting atmosphere within their home.

In Laura's room, Alexis sat on a small couch, and Laura sat beside him, her concern evident. "Show me your hand," Laura said softly.

Alexis extended his hand, and Laura carefully removed the bandage. She could see the fresh cut, still slightly bleeding, and the intoxicating scent of his blood filled the air.

"You can taste it if you want," Alexis said with a teasing smile.

Laura grunted, shaking her head. "No." She disinfected his wound with alcohol, trying to focus on her task and resist the powerful draw of his blood. She then skillfully wrapped a clean bandage around his palm.

As she worked, Alexis watched her silently, his gaze tender. Noticing his stare, Laura looked up and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Alexis smiled warmly. "Nothing. Just... thinking about how lucky I am to have you."

Laura blushed slightly, her resolve momentarily faltering. "You're incorrigible," she muttered, but her lips curved into a smile.

With his hand properly bandaged, Alexis followed Laura downstairs to the kitchen. The aroma of cooking filled the air, and Alexis saw Vicky at the stove. "Do vampires eat human food?" he asked curiously.

Vicky turned and smiled. "No, we don't. But this food is for you, Alexis."

Laura guided him to a dining chair, and Vicky served him a hearty meal. "Eat a lot, okay?" Vicky said, patting his shoulder before leaving them alone.

As Alexis began eating, Laura sat across from him, watching. Alexis, feeling playful, asked, "Do you ever make blood salad or soup made from blood?" He laughed at his own joke.

Laura raised an eyebrow, then joined in his laughter. "We can try it," she said, her eyes twinkling.

Vlad entered the kitchen, grabbed a blood bag from the refrigerator, and punctured it with a straw. "This is how we feed ourselves," he said curtly, before leaving with a grumpy expression.

Laura sighed. "Ignore Vlad. He likes you as a brother, in his own way."

Alexis's expression turned serious. "I want to become like you. I want to help more, be stronger."

Laura's reaction was immediate. "No. I won't allow it." Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Richard, who had overheard the conversation, stepped into the room. "Laura's right, Alexis. You wouldn't be able to control your thirst for human blood. Your life would be in constant danger. Humans would hunt you if they knew what you were."

Richard grabbed a blood bag from the refrigerator, his eyes stern. "That's why we will not allow you to become like us," he said, before leaving the room.

Brigette and Selina entered, their presence lightening the mood. "We're making a bonfire outside," Brigette said. "Cristoff and Vlad will join too. Want to come?"

Alexis looked at Laura, his eyes questioning. Laura smiled and nodded. "A bonfire sounds great."

Outside, the Ashford siblings had set up a cozy bonfire. The flames crackled, casting a warm glow that contrasted with the cool night air. Vlad, Cristoff, Brigette, and Selina sat around the fire, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames.

Alexis and Laura joined them, sitting close together. The atmosphere was relaxed, a stark contrast to the tension of earlier.

Cristoff poked at the fire with a stick. "It's been a while since we had a night like this."

Vlad nodded, sipping from another blood bag. "True. It's... nice."

Alexis looked around, feeling a sense of belonging. "Thank you for letting me be part of this."

Brigette smiled. "You're part of the family now, Alexis."

Selina added, "And family takes care of each other."

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the crackling of the fire and the chirping of crickets the only sounds. Alexis felt a deep sense of peace, surrounded by his new family. Despite the dangers that lay ahead, he knew they would face them together, as a united front.

As the night grew later, they shared stories and laughter, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. The Ashfords, despite their supernatural nature, showed Alexis the true meaning of family and loyalty.

When the fire began to die down, Laura turned to Alexis, her eyes reflecting the firelight. "Promise me you won't do anything reckless again."

Alexis met her gaze, his expression sincere. "I promise."

And with that promise, under the stars and beside the dying embers of the bonfire, they knew they could face whatever challenges came their way. Together.