Thunder and the Vampire (Royal Series Spin Off Book 2)

Chapter 3

-Raeden's POV-

My body felt strangely calm, the static constantly under my skin gone. It was more than a little jarring as I finally took notice of where I was. The satin sheets that nestled comfortably under my body and the heavy quilt that had me feeling all warm inside. My breathing even as I took in the scents of the room. It smelt cosy as I snuggled further into the covers a dull ache from my nose as I accidently brushed the covers against my face. I could even smell food cooking somewhere in the house, making it seem even more homely. Sighing I slowly pushed myself up my heart rate spiking as I finally realised I was in an unfamiliar room. 

My eyes darted from one corner to the other as I took in all the details. The bed I was on had deep purple covers that were patterned with lighting bolts. I sniggered at that discovery, a bit on the nose no? Two dressers at either side one of which had a glass of water on it. Picking up the glass I gave it a cautionary sniff before bringing it to my lips and taking a drink. 

"He didn't poison it" Zap huffed, yawning in my minds eye as I continued to assess the room. 

Nodding at my wolf I drank the entire glass, sighing happily when my stomach settled. Stretching I got out of bed. Stilling as I remembered running into that vampire. gooseflesh prickling my skin at the thought I was in his home. Fear and hatred a powerful mix as my hand shot to my neck in search of a bite mark or marred flesh. Relaxing when I didn't feel anything. My wolf whined at my distrust of this vampire which I didn't understand. 

Finding the chair in the corner of the room I picked up the clothes folded on it. Pulling on the garments a reluctant smile pulled on my lips as I found out the clothes fit. Quickly shaking my head with a short growl. Padding softly out of the room I kept my ears alert for any sight of the vampire. The inviting smell of whatever was cooking nearly leading me to the kitchen before I shook myself. 

The bedroom I was sleeping in must have been on the ground floor I realised after I passed some stairs to go up. I passed by a few rooms after that, living room, den, bathroom, library before finding stairs leading down. The vampire's scent was strongest down here as well as scents I usually associated with the hospital wing in the firestone castle. 

"Go! Knock" My wolf urged. 

She was being oddly curious about this vampire. Steeling my nerves I walked forward, knocking on the door. 

"Hello" I called. 

I waited for several beats as several noises happened all at once. A pen dropping on the floor with several papers, a hiss of pain and a curse before the door opened. A low growl rumbled through my chest as I jumped back. A sting in my palms as I clenched my hands, claws digging into my skin. His scent washing over me that put me on edge. He wasn't hostile but my innate hatred of vampires causing my aggression. I wouldn't let myself get hurt by the hands of a vampire like my dad. 

"Hello Princess, I'm glad to see you up" he smiled brightly looking at my nose and smiling wider. 

He was Pale, had a thin build, his white shirt had his bare arms showing where I saw several tattoos of wolf silhouettes. Settling on his face even I had to admit he was beautiful. Red hair quaffed to perfection atop his head. Green eyes that swirled with flecks of red in the light. A dusting red hair on his jaw. The start of a beard seemingly. I didn't know Vampires could have beards.

Had he reset the break? 

"Hi, err..." I tried, blushing as I realised I didn't even know his name. 

"Artair, Prince Artair, but feel free to call me Art"

My heart thundered in my chest at his reveal a low whine slipping from my lips as I recognised I could have started a war. My wolf flattening her ears in my minds eye. 

"I'm so sorry!" I whimpered bowing to the vampire prince. 

I was sweating in fear, I had saw the way the vampire king had reacted when his mate was disrespected, how would he react knowing I attacked his son. Bowing deeply in respect. 

"Now now, we both lived. No harm done, right Raeden?" Art reasoned, trying to reach out a hand but a growl from me had him jerking back. 

"If you're sure you can leave it at that" I murmured, straightening back up so that I could look Art in the eyes. 

"Of course, I made dinner won't you eat with me?" Art shrugged nonchalantly brushing past me as he took the stairs up. 

I kept myself in check as he passed and followed him up the stairs. The hairs on the back of my neck on end the closer I got to him. I still didn't have enough of my energy back so my body still felt off. Electricity pulsed weakly in response a static twitch in my fingertips which was too weak to attack with in case Art decided to turn on me. 

When we entered the kitchen the scent of the meal that had been taunting me caused drool to flood my mouth. I took a seat in the modern kitchen when Art directed me to. I watched as he opened his slow cooker and portioned out two meals before settling them on the table. 

"Smells so good" I all but moaned, my wolf adding a impatient whine to my words. 

"There's seconds if you want some more" Art chuckled as he sat opposite me. 

He waited until I sniffed at the food, my wolf chastising me again for suspecting that Art had tampered with it. When I deemed it was safe I waited for him to eat first before digging in myself. A rule we observed in the royal pack that the higher ranking being had to eat first before the rest of us. The pork and the vegetables the perfect compliments of each other. A truly enjoyable meal that scratched all the right itches in my brain, chewy meat and refreshing veggies. When we finished, I flinched as Art stood and collected the plates. He felt safe in an odd way I still didn't understand. But no way I was trusting a vampire even if my wolf was completely okay with him in our space.