On The Inside

Lord Ivanov

"S-soulmate?" I stutter.

He continues to hold me close as if I'd disappear at any second. I return his embrace, my pale arms wrapping tightly around his muscular torso. His calmness returns and he releases me from his warmth.

"I know that was forward for me, but I guess I got excited" he admits and then chuckles lightly. In the pale moonlight, I notice his face is adorned with high cheekbones and sweet dimples appear with his smile. I barely know this man and I'm already falling hard. He lets one of his large hand runs through his light hair.

"Oh no, don't apologize. I was hoping I'd meet you tonight." I return his charming smile, trying to replicate Cordelia's admirable grace.

"You should probably introduce me to your parents then, I assume they've accompanied you? You're quite young" He notes eyeing my appearance. I'm young? He doesn't look any older than me.

"Yes, they're in the ballroom, they'll be ecstatic to meet you." I grab his hand and lead him back inside. I can feel him staring at the back of my head, his eyes never leaving. I see them still chatting with nobility, but as soon as we're close my mother notices.

"Lyra, you've met Lord Ivanov?" she inquires and my father goes to shake hands with a very shocked Jack.

"My soulmate is that Lyra? You're daughter? I would've never expected, fate is interesting"

"How wonderful! I couldn't have picked a better person for you Lyra. I grew up with Jack, he'll make the perfect King." Their handshaking turns to a quick hug.

"How old are you!" I am a bit horrified, and yet I know his age wouldn't change a thing. He could be older than Jesus and I'd still be wanting to jump him.

"Settle down Lyra, I am only a couple of centuries. It is completely normal in our culture for there to be differences in age. I, however, am very happy to learn you're eighteen" He winks at the end, sending me into overdrive. I already know I'm red as I hear my parents chuckle.

"We'll leave you two to talk, Jack you are more than welcome to stay the night" My father suggests and leads my mother to the dance floor.

I don't know what to say, is it normal for vampires to sleep with their soulmates after the first meeting? I'm not completely against it, though I am nervous. Jack returns me from my thoughts by holding out his arm,

"Don't worry Lyra, we'll take it slow. First off, let me dance with the woman I've always been waiting for"

I join him eagerly, as we drift to the middle of the floor. A sweet melody begins to be played from the grand orchestra and we move slowly and in rhythm. His dark eyes looking into my own, as we stare into each other's souls. I'm not sure how much time passes, perhaps minutes, perhaps hours, but as we twirl, and step, and hold each other close the room begins to empty. Everything else fades away and I am intoxicated by the man in front of me. I can't help but sense the danger in allowing a man I barely know own my heart. I can already hear Mama Jo and Mama Tessa lecturing me about the irresponsibility of it all. But... My real parents seem to trust him so he must be a good man.

 He leans down slowly, and I feel my eyes close. His soft lips meet mine, gently kissing them before my hungry mouth opens and envelops his. I taste mint and chocolate, as he further deepens the kiss, his hands find their way into my hair. The room is silent and I feel like I'm standing in my own universe. Unfortunately, we run out of oxygen and he steps away leaving me panting. The room comes back to life with dancing guests and a loud tune rings in my ears.

"I- uh. Wow." is all I can say and he laughs.

"Wow indeed"

We continue dancing for an hour or two but my feet begin to hurt. I'm not used to all this ballroom dancing. I lose steam at the appropriate time, however, as the guest seem to also be finishing their night.

"I would say it is a good time for you to head to bed. I'm sure there is a lot of training for you tomorrow as the future Queen." He reminds me gently.

"Yeah, I am getting pretty tired."

Jack walks me to my room like a perfect date and I can't help but wonder what happened to the arrogant guy in the garden. In front of my door, I start to involuntarily shake. Does he want to...?

"I'll be in the room right next to yours if you need anything," he says and kisses me on the cheek.

"Goodnight my love"

I then go into my room and plop onto the bed.

So I guess I'm not getting laid, at least he's a gentleman. I think with a smile.

For the first time in a while, I feel like things might actually be okay.

A//N: I have midterms this week and wasn't going to update but what the hell. I figure I'll do a shortie since I'm trying to stay consistent. You might see edits in previous chapters in the future as I'm trying to do better. I'll admit this story isn't how I originally planned it out in my head, so I'm tweaking as I go alone. 

Thanks to anyone reading!

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