Blood Kiss

Blood Kiss: 8. Claiming

                 *WARNING: RATING REMINDER. THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SEXUAL CONTENT*

It had to have been really late at night or extremely early in the morning when I woke up sprawled across Ian’s chest and body. I was tucked up under his arm, my face buried in his neck breathing in his scent, my arm across his stomach, and our legs entwined as we lay on the couch in the living room of my house. Ian had an arm against my back and arm, with his other hand gripping my hip perilously close to grabbing a buttock. Nearly chuckling at the thought I glanced up at Ian’s sleeping face through my eyelashes not wanting to move and disturb him. The darkness of night offered very little for me to see the beautiful plains of his exquisitely strong features.

“I love you,” I whispered as softly as I could.

Sleep had almost reclaimed me before a low rumbling voice met my ears, “And I you, Ashlyn, always and forever.” But it may have been a dream.

I woke to a loud shout of, “Ashlyn.” Disoriented and startled I sat up quickly upending myself on the precarious ledge of the couch. Landing hard on my bum I glanced around to find Jared pummeling down the stairs to head straight for me. It was about then that I realized what his problem was. Ian and I had fallen asleep, and slept straight through the night Ian’s crystal gaze was studiously pointed at me. Meeting his eyes I gave him a small smile before focusing on the elephant stampeding and bellowing towards us.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Jared’s voice was growing louder in his agitation.

“Easy Dad, nothing happened. We fell asleep, that’s all,” I tried to explain.

“That’s all? That’s all?” he asked incredulous.

“Yeah.”

“Ian, get out. Get out and don’t come back. And stay the hell away from my sister,” Jared’s words came out as a growl. Ian sat up on the couch, giving Jared full eye contact while I stared open-mouthed still sprawled on the floor.

“I apologize. You’re right, this was inappropriate, and I beg your forgiveness. Ashlyn didn’t lie to you, nothing took place. Her virtue is still intact. She was merely worried for your sake, and in need of comfort that I provided without taking advantage. However, I refuse to let this mistake get in the way of our relationship. Only Ashlyn has that right.” Ian’s reasonably apologetic tone turned to steel with the last words spoken. Crap, he had to bring attention to what happened yesterday?

Jared blinked a couple of times obviously surprised. “What are your intentions with her?” My jaw returned to its previous locale on the ground. A little sound of indignation sprang from my throat that both men ignored.

“That is something best to be discussed at a later date.” If I hadn’t been watching I would’ve missed the quick glance Ian gave me. Jared’s expression changed to an assessing glare, almost a look of respect for the other man.

“What?” I tried to intervene, but nothing seemed to interfere with their guy moment.

“I’ll see you both at school.” Ian broke their staring contest to stand up, and reach a hand out to me. Placing a hand into his, Ian pulled me up close to his body. Sparing a quick glance at my brother, Ian pulled me closer by grabbing hold of the nape of my neck and kissed my forehead before giving me a gentle smile, disentangling himself, and walking out the front door. I frowned at my brother as the door clicked shut.

“Don’t start,” I warned.

“What?” Jared asked incredulously.

“Uh!” I grunted throwing my hands in the air before stomping upstairs to get ready for school.