Arran’s had a taste of me, so if he wants more, he knows where to find me.
Prancing across the island with a bit more pep in my step than usual, I wonder what Arran is up to today. He’s said he’d like to take care of Anita while I’m out, something he’s been doing a lot lately, often playing with her when I’m at the castle too.
If I had heartstrings Arran could pull, this would certainly be one way to go about it—caring for my dog as if she’s his own.
Plus, the way he calls her baby girl just does something to me. That, and all the unabashed affection he showers Anita with. Arran has even handcrafted her some toys, like a braided cotton rope that they play tug-of-war with.
I hope those two don’t get too attached though, because there’s no way I’m going back to the city without Anita. Sure we’ll come visit Starry Hill sometimes—all our favorites live here, after all—but I’m not leaving Anita behind, no matter what.
As the island’s tallest hill comes into view, I pause in the shade of a big oak tree to take it all in. Starry Hill is such a damn pretty sight.
Charming stone buildings of gray, brown, and cream lay staggered against a hill overlooking Kraken Cove below. Each shop has its own personality reflected by the various types of flowers growing across their facades, their varied hues a delight for the eyes.
I’m aware that I’ve been complaining about being stuck here, but this sight in front of me is one I’d never tire of. In fact, this little vacation is turning out not to be so bad after all. I just need that one extra little thing that’ll push me into motion and give me some kind of purpose in this community. Even if it’s all temporary, I definitely want to make myself useful.
“Fancy seeing you here.”
A tiny scream escapes from me, my heart stuttering as I turn around to find Tilly strolling toward me.
I give her a quick once-over. “Right back at you. Everything okay? Where’s Rio and Lio?”
Dressed in a dark oversized shirt that might possibly belong to Bodin, Tilly looks exhausted. Dark circles ring her eyes and her hair is in a scraggly bun on top of her head, but she has this soft smile that tells me that despite being sleep-deprived, she’s truly happy and living the life she’s dreamed for herself.
“Everything’s fine. Bodin’s got them strapped to his chest while they sleep. He encouraged me to get out of the house a little for some fresh air.”
“Ten good daddy points to him. You coming to smut club?” I ask, thrilled to see my cousin and to discuss our latest book. This one about Santa and his knotty secret.
Tilly hooks her arm through mine, and together we slowly make our way up the hill toward The Dancing Daisy. “That’s the plan. I’ll see how long my boobs will allow me to stay before I start leaking, but I just needed to get out of the house for a little while and talk about anything not baby related. I love my Calliope and Orion, but I need to remind myself that I’m not just a mom. I’m a woman with interests and perhaps one day hobbies again too.”
As we pass The Winged Apple, and head up into Second Street, I quirk a brow. “If you want to talk about a different topic we can always talk about how good Arran is in bed.”
Tilly’s whole face lights up. “You two finally fucked?”
Before she can get too excited, I hold up a hand, tilting it noncommittally from side to side. “Not technically, but we’ve fooled around. That guy made me come harder and more times in one night than I have ever experienced.”
Halfway up the hill, Tilly pauses next to The Crowned Boot to take a much-needed breather. “Well done, Arran. I’m guessing he hasn’t bitten you, right?”
“How did you know?”
“Want a vampire physiology lesson?”
“I’m guessing I need one.”
“If you want to take things further and get him off more than once like he has generously done to you, then yes, I think you need a brief lesson.”
Shaking out my shoulders and cracking my neck like I’m getting ready for battle, I say, “Okay. Hit me.”
Tilly looks up and down the hill to check if we’re alone. Even though we don’t spot anyone else outside, she still lowers her voice. “Basically, vampires don’t produce their own blood. That’s why they need to feed from others. Certain activities require higher blood circulation, especially sex when so much is redirected to reproductive organs.”
If I understand this correctly then it means that when horny, a lot of Arran’s blood will be concentrated in his cock, leaving the rest of the veins in his body not as generously lubricated. Maybe this could even affect him being able to come multiple times and why he wouldn’t let me suck him off for a second time the other night.
I nod slowly. “That kind of makes sense.”
Looking at Tilly’s face, I can already tell that it’s a little more complicated than that, so I fist my hands on my hips to brace myself for more.
Tilly continues, “There’s also a psychological element attached to it. Feeding directly from someone requires a lot of trust and can get really intimate. If Arran doesn’t feel comfortable feeding from you, then just make sure there are enough blood bags available. As long as he can replenish his supply, then he can be ready to go again, and again, and… You get where I’m going with this.”
Feed and fuck in tandem? Now that sounds like a good deal to me. Sign me up right now.
