painful kisses chapter 9

I blinked and tried to adjust my vision to the bright light. 1

"Sela! Tre didn't tell me you were both in here, i'm sorry..." Calla stammered akwardly. "Damien, I have the papers that you wanted- from Vylle... sorry for bursting in..." 2

"Just put the papers by the door," Damien said. She nodded and left hurriedly. There was a moment of akward silence.3

"Well, that kind of spoiled the mood," I said, dissapointed.4

"Nothing could spoil this," he whispered, and pushed my hair back behind my ear. I closed my eyes and tried to relax as he worked his way down, kissing me tenderly. We both jumped as the clock began to strike midnight.5

"Damn it," growled Damien- and I agreed.6

We quickly redressed and hurried downstairs. Tre gave us a very exagerrated smile as we passed, and Damien rolled his eyes. Some of the older guests had already taken their pick of the mortals and begun to feed. I caught a glimse of Rayne standing off to the side, looking very unsure of what to do.7

I walked over to a group of excited-looking humans and introduced myself to a tall, thin boy with dark curly hair. 8

"My name is Sela," I said cooly. "and you?"9

"Aidan," he said softly. I stood there for a moment. I wasn't used to my victims being willing... normally I took them by surprise. I opened my mouth as if to say something, then thought better of it. I grabbed his shoulders to pull him closer and sank my fangs into his neck. He gasped at the sudden pain.10

I closed my eyes and drank. I hadn't realized my hunger until then. The rich, salty taste of blood filled my mouth and I relished it's warmth. After what seemed like an eternity I pulled away, afraid of draining the poor frightened kid dry. 11

Aidan walked away, mouth agape, and I licked the tips of my teeth. I wondered if Chelsea was having fun being a first-time bloodletter and I smirked. I turned to see her in Calla's arms, baring her throat. She looked like she was enjoying Calla's touch very thouroughly. I watched as Calla gently kissed her neck before biting her, and I suspected they were more than friends. Just then I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Rayne.12

"How do you do it? You know, take a bloodletter?" he asked.13

"Just go up and introduce yourself to someone," I advised him.14

"But what do you say? Hi, my name is Rayne, and i'm about to sink my teeth into your flesh and drain your blood?" I burst out laughing and he smiled. I saw something flicker in his perfect blue eyes.15

"I doubt you have to go that far," I said. "ask them their name or something."16

"I will. Thanks," he said. As he walked away, I noticed the snake tattoo curling around his upper left arm. I had never seen him without a leather jacket on before. 17

'He looks better in white,' I thought to myself. The cotton t-shirt he was wearing did a good job of highlighting his muscles. I jumped at another hand on my shoulder. What was it with these people?18

"Ready to go?" Damien asked me.19

I looked at Rayne one more time before I nodded.20