"If I was married, I don't think my wife would like me bringing home a beautiful woman from another world and sleeping with her in our bed.” He laughed. “I have no kids that I know of either. It's very hard to have a child as a vampire. Not unheard of but not the most common thing. And in the past, forbidden. Most vampires stick to our own kind and those we feed off for sources of pleasure. So, generally, even if we did impregnate a human, they wouldn’t be around long enough to know.” He touched my tummy.
I looked down at his hand. “You mean that it’s possible?” My breath stuttered. It wasn’t possible where I was from. Humans impregnated by vampires died very early, taking the fetuses with them. And that was the extremely rare instance that conception even happened. “Have you ever been married in the past?”
I found myself wondering about his past as well as a bit concerned about the chance that he could impregnate me. This thought both scared me as well as was oddly inviting, the later reaction entirely unsettling. What is it about this man?
“Yes. It is possible. But unlikely I am sure.” He pulled his hand away. "And no. I was supposed to be married many, many years ago, but I was turned into a vampire instead. I have not considered it since,” he explained, kissing me softly, "I would not worry.”
I loved the feel of his lips on mine, but I was saddened by his story and even a little by the fact that he advised me of the unlikelihood of ever bearing his child. Not that I’d considered it, just only having met him. But non-the-less, my heart felt heavy. I stifled back showing a reaction the best I could, not wanting to address it. “I’m so sorry.” I wasn’t sure which I was saying sorry for, really.
I wanted to pry more and ask why turning kept him from marrying the woman he loved, but I was afraid to ask. Was he afraid she would reject him? Had she been killed? But seeing the memories cloud his eyes already gave me such a lump in my throat. I wasn’t ready to cry in front of him, so I just kissed his cheek and avoided it. “I’ve never wanted kids. Not after what I went through. But from what people say, many feel differently when it’s their own.”
His hand went to my knee. "Did you want my child?” He looked shocked at his own question. “That's a bit forward isn't it? And a lot too soon."
I jumped, startled as well. “I hardly know you! A child? Me? A mother? I can’t ... I just ... I mean why would I want that already or ever? I’ve never wanted kids before. So, why would I want one now?”
He smiled, squeezing my leg. "Believe me, I am just as confused as to why I am asking you."
I blinked. “Explain.” My eyebrows pull in. “What do you mean that you’re confused?”
Kane lifted me as he stood, turning and placing me softly in the chair he just vacated. He paced a moment before returning to my side and sitting on the floor in front of me. His head bowed, and he laid his hands in his lap. "I just mean, I didn't exactly pull out of you earlier. Nor have I drained you. I assume we are equally as confused over this pull to the other. I do not presume that you do not feel this."
“Oh... That...” I diverted my eyes, fidgeting with a stray thread in the chair. “Yeah. I didn’t even think anything of it when we were… you know. It just felt…”
“Natural,” he finished my sentence.
“Yes.” More than natural. It felt magnetic, pulling… perfect.
“Yes.” The usual growl in his deep voice was gone, replaced with a soft, gentle tone. He reached out to me again but pulled back. “I am different with you.”
“But we barely know each other.” The light of the fire bounced off my eyes as I looked into it, trying not to look at him. Part of me still wanted to fight my emotions—to run. “How different are you with me? Surely not entirely different. I can imagine you being gentle with the women you’ve cared for.”
He lifted my hand and kissed it. "Different. I have not cared for someone in a very long time.” He took in a sharp breath. “But I wouldn't worry about all that. No wife, no kids. We are here, and I don’t want you to go. Not right now at least. Please, tell me you will stay."
I knew he was right. I didn’t see him as being this gentle, this giving to his partners. But then again, I hadn’t been acting like myself either. It wasn’t like me to want a man to stick around. And the rare occasions I had, I certainly hadn’t wanted to think of a future with them or have babies with them. That was too dangerous. Too many roots. Too much to vulnerability and possible avenues for hurt.
“Yes. Right. No wife. No kids. No problem.” I leaned forward and rested my forehead on his, cradling his face in my hands. “How is it you’re so comfortable to me? Shouldn’t I fear you or be scrambling to get home? Yet, all I want is to be around you.”
He reached up and rubbed my back. "And I you. You are my lover now."
My head came up “Just...” I stopped. Looking at him I bit my lip. “No wife. No kids. Your lover. Got it.” I laid my head back against his.
Slowly, his hands moved to my hips, but he just sat there with me for a long moment, taking in a deep breath and clearing his throat. "You are very soothing."
“Me? Soothing?” I allowed myself
