GOLDEN BLOOD

His smile, like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, lit up her face and sent her heart racing. His touch, gentle yet electric, ignited a fire within her that she couldn't resist. And his kisses, each one sweeter than the last, filled her with a longing she had never known before.

Her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue at the mere thought of him. Every morning, she woke up with butterflies in her stomach and a smile on her lips. She goes to work smiling and goes to bed smiling.

Though Alexander's point of view about love and relationships, bothered her, she couldn't shake off the small flame of hope burning in her heart.

~*~

"He's so attractive."

Three girls were peeking through the window of the kitchen swing door. Paris wanted to pass through, but the girls were blocking her path. She attempted to squeeze past them and made her way to the open front kitchen amidst their giggling and gasping.

The girls were fawning over the new guy, a bartender named Michael whom Paris had heard about from them. Despite her reluctance, her eyes were drawn to him as she passed through the doors. And in that moment, their eyes met.

He seemed to take an instant liking to her, and who could blame him? She radiated effortless beauty with simplicity. He smiled at her warmly, but Paris couldn't quite decipher her feelings towards him. All she could manage was a polite smile in return.

He took this as his cue, and with a desire to strike up a conversation, he confidently strode towards her across the room.

"Hi, I'm Michael," he said, leaning on the counter.

She looked up at him. "Hello, I'm Paris."

"So, what do you do?" he asked. She raised an eyebrow in response.

He quickly noticed her white chef coat and stumbled over his words.

“T-that was a dumb question.” He scratched the back of his neck nervously.

"Well, I should probably get going," Paris said.

"Wait, Paris, when do you take your breaks?" Michael asked eagerly.

Paris sighed; she knew that if she answered his question, she would never have a moment to herself at work again.

"I prefer to be alone during my breaks," she replied hesitantly.

"Oh. Okay, no problem. I understand," Michael said with a hint of disappointment in his tone. Though he had looks and charm, Paris's heart was already set on Alexander.

The new bartender couldn't take his eyes off Paris. He openly flirted with her, showing off his impressive bartending skills-- sending his unique creation mix of naughty Shirley Temple her way.

Her coworkers at the restaurant were envious of the attention she was getting from him.

But despite his efforts, Paris remained patient and politely declined his advances. As she turned around, Michael's face suddenly appeared right in front of hers. She jumped back in surprise and quickly moved away. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I wanted to ask you something?" he asked.

“I’m busy, Michael.”

“I can see that.”

“What do you want?” she asked, slightly annoyed by his interruption.

“Would you like to go on a date with me?” Michael asked confidently.

“Michael, I'm flatter, but I kind of like someone else.” She declined politely.

“You said ‘kind of,' that means its one-sided,” he assumed, and she silently agreed though she didn't confirm it to him.

Though Alexander shows his undeniable affection by kissing her every time they meet and spend time together, she is wise enough to know that the link between them is as fragile as a string of spider webs—easily breakable.

Lost in her own thoughts, she stood quietly contemplating.

"I'm right, aren't I?" Michael had hit the nail on the head. Paris despised how accurate he'd guessed.

"You don't know anything, Michael."

"Maybe not, but I know you..." He leaned in closer to her ear and whispered. "I know that you're more than just human."

Paris gasped in surprise. "W-what do you mean?"

"Give me a chance, Angel. Maybe we'll get along." His persuasive words planted an idea in her mind. She couldn't deny that she was intrigued.

“H-How... How did you know?” she stammered.

“Well, how about this? You find out if this Mr. X. has any interest in you. And if he doesn't, then you agree to go on a date with me?” he offered.

Her exhaustion weighed heavy on her and she couldn't muster the energy to argue any longer. Plus, she had no compelling reason or excuse to turn him down, so she reluctantly agreed.

~*~

Terence stood outside, waiting for Paris to emerge so he could take her to the mansion. Alexander invited her to spend the weekend at the mansion with him. Paris hesitated at first, before she even answered she could feel Alexander's disappointment.

Curiosity and a desire to get to know him better Paris agreed, and now she was on her way to his lavish home. She wondered how Alexander would behave in the privacy of his own space.

’Is he normal like everyone else? Does he watch TV? What does he like to read? What does he think of Batman?′ If Alexander was Batman that would make Terence Robin. She giggled at the last thought, blending the irony with humor.

Terence glanced at Paris through the rearview mirror, "Are you enjoying yourself back there?"

Paris blushed, her cheeks turning red with embarrassment.

Looking out the window she wondered what Alexander had planned for their weekend together.

Without a doubt, Alexander desired her lips and enjoyed kissing her. But what would come after the kiss? Her mind was now consumed with erotic thoughts as she imagined his lips trailing over every inch of her body. A wave of heat rushed over her causing her thighs to press together instinctively. She could feel her skin start to glisten with sweat.

Her breath became labored as a steamy daydream of them naked together flooded her mind. She could feel her toes curling in her shoes and her fingers gripping the car's leather seat tightly in excitement.

The car pulled into the driveway and came to a stop, but her heart continued to race. Before Terence could even offer his help, she flung open the car door and rushed inside, trying to hide her heightened state from him. But she knew he wasn't oblivious to her flushed face and heavy breathing.

Alexander's keen eyes caught the flush that crept up her neck, and he knew exactly what was causing it - her intense sexual arousal. Without hesitation, he pulled her close to his body, feeling her melt into his embrace. Paris sighed in relief as she rested her forehead against his chest, grateful for his strong arms holding her. At that moment, she felt safe and wanted, her senses overwhelmed by the scent of his cologne and the warmth of his touch.

"Paris, are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine, just feeling..."

"Hot," Alexander finished for her.

He ran his hands over her back, she couldn't help but feel the desire burning within her.

"Paris..." The way Alexander said her name made her heart skip a beat. He could hear her heart racing, and feel the blood pulsing through her veins. He knew he was making her weak with longing, but he couldn't resist the vulnerable look on her face, flushed with arousal. His mind raced with thoughts of all the things he wanted to do with her, driving him crazy.

"You look irresistible, Paris," he whispered huskily.

His words melted something deep inside her, causing her to stay close and not pull away. He kept his arms wrapped around her as the sexual tension between them grew, making her more aware of the effect he was having on her.

“I...I want you, Alex.” Paris admitted, suddenly she realized what she said out loud. She gasped as hot shame rushed through her.

“Excuse me.” She quickly left his arms and locked herself in a nearby vanity room, too embarrassed by her bold confession.

Alexander tapped gently on the door and called out, "Paris, there's no need to feel ashamed. What you're experiencing is completely natural. I feel it too," he said quietly.

"Really?" Paris exclaimed.

"Yes, a hundred times stronger than you."

"That's awful," she frowned.

"Why do our bodies long for this?" she wondered aloud.

“Like a moth to a flame," he replied as if he could see her nodding behind the closed door.

“How do you cope with it... Wait, never mind.” Her face turned red.

“If that’s what you want, Paris. I can give you that. But remember, it's just physical, nothing more.”

Paris felt a surge of discomfort. She didn't want meaningless sex. She wanted her first time to be special and meaningful, not just for comfort. The disdain in his tone made her stomach churn. Paris took a few deep breaths before speaking up.

"Alex, I don't think staying here tonight is a good idea. I should probably go home."

"No." He pleaded, reaching out to catch the door as if he wanted to stop her. "Please stay, I have a surprise planned for you.”

"A surprise?" she asked eagerly.

"Yes, but you'll have to stick around to find out," he replied with a mischievous smile.

"Alright, I'll stay," she agreed, curious about what the surprise could be.

~*~

They strolled through the royal garden, and she couldn't help but exclaim when she spotted a blazing barbeque pit in the backyard. "You're cooking?"

He had ventured into the woods, determined to catch something for dinner. After hours of tracking and waiting, he finally caught a plump hare. With a sense of pride, he wanted to cook a meal for Paris.

"Of course, my dear," he replied, gesturing for her to take a seat. He then reached for the wine bottle and poured a glass for her.

“Why are you so shocked? You always feed me," he said. "Now I'm not the best at following a recipe, but cooking a piece of meat over an open fire is something I can manage," he says confidently, twirling the tongs between his fingers.

"So this was a surprised you'd planned?" she asked.

He shook his head. "No, there's more," he said, adding a sense of mystery to the situation.

Alexander started to put on an apron, causing Paris to burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"What's so funny?" Alexander asked as he tied the apron around his waist.

"You just look adorable in that apron, my chef."

"Do I now?"

"Yes, you always appear so polished in your suit, but in an apron...you look hot."

"Hot?"

"Absolutely."

They were thoroughly enjoying themselves, their laughter and conversation filling the air. The evening he had arranged was truly special - a delicious barbeque and a cozy movie projected onto a screen. They sat intimately close, his arms securely around her. It’s been like she has been swept away all evening.

‘Could this be a date?’ she thought.

“You surely know how to treat a woman. Maybe years of experience?”

“Would you believe it if I told you, you’re the first girl I’ve hunted flesh and cooked?”

’Why? She wanted to ask. ‘Was it because he cared or was he being romantic?’

“This evening has been amazing, thank you for making it so special.”

“You mean a lot to me, Paris.” He inches closer. “You deserve to be treated well and have wonderful things.” He leans in even further.

“That's very kind of you to say.” And just like that, she was drawn in. Her hands gravitated towards his chest as he leaned in for a kiss.

The chilly evening air seemed to ignite a small flame between them as they kissed, their closeness creating a sense of comfort. The gentle rustling of the trees and the chirping of crickets filled the background, while Alexander's attention was solely on Paris, his ears attuned to her heartbeat and his eyes captivated by her beauty.

"I loved all my surprises," she said.

"No, this wasn't it..." he said.

The discovery of more than two surprises in one evening left Paris stunned.

“Are you ready for it?” he asked. Paris eagerly nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

He gently took her hand and helped her to her feet. “Watch me now,” he said with a smile.

And in an instant, Alexander ran at incredible speed, his strides powerful and unwavering.

“Amazing!” exclaimed Paris.

When he returned to her, he carried the sweet fragrance of jasmine with him.

With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Alexander placed his hands gently on her face and pressed his lips against hers in a frenzy of passion. The suddenness of the kiss added to her surprise and made it all the more thrilling.

He pulled away just long enough to speak, "I had lost all my abilities, but you gave them back to me. It's because of you, Paris. Because of you, I have my speed again."

“Tell me, what do you want, Paris?” he asked eagerly. "I'm feeling incredibly generous today, so don't hold back. Ask for anything your heart desires and I will give it to you."

He leaned in closer, planting gentle kisses along the side of her neck. She could feel the warmth of his lips against her tender skin, and her heart raced with excitement.

"May I?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

"Of course," she replied breathlessly.

This was her moment. After spending so much time together and meeting frequently, she finally had the opportunity.

With each tender kiss and passionate embrace, she couldn't help but wonder: does he love me? Does he feel the same way I do? She hesitated, knowing that Alexander had never loved anyone before, and there was a chance he may never feel that way for her. But she couldn't help but wonder. Should she take the risk and ask him directly? How else would she know the truth?

These thoughts raced through her mind as his fangs sank into her flesh, causing her to wince not from pain but from uncertainty.

As he drank from her, Paris ran her fingers through his hair. "I'm happy to see you getting stronger every day," she said with a smile, and he let out a contented hum. She knew he was enjoying her blood, and it brought her joy to give him such pleasure.

“What I want, you can’t afford it, Alex.” Paris stated with a hint of longing in her voice.

“I can afford anything you desire, Paris. So go ahead, name it. I might just surprise you.” He replied confidently pausing from sucking at her neck.

Taking a deep breath, she asked the one thing she truly wanted.

“Then I want you, Alex. I want your love; I want your heart.”

Her words spilled out uncontrollably, propelled by the intense feelings she had been holding back for so long.

~X~