33: 33 The Thrill Seeker (AVOT)

33 The Thrill Seeker (AVOT)

Rhain's lips grazed hers softly, a touch lighter than a whisper, yet profound in its intensity. It was quite the opposite of their previous kisses, where passion often superseded gentleness. This kiss was less of a demand and more of a tender offer, like the delicate touch of a painter on his masterpiece.1

His approach was gradual, his lips savoring the taste of hers with a patience that left Daisy restless. She had grown used to the fiery passion that marked their previous encounters. This newfound tenderness was a territory she had yet to navigate.

As his lips continued their slow, tantalizing dance with hers, Daisy found herself sinking into the kiss, welcoming the slow burn. 

His hands found their way into her hair, gently tugging at the strands, evoking a soft gasp from Daisy. That was all the invitation Rhain needed. He took control of the kiss, his lips pressing firmer against hers, his tongue delving deeper. Daisy could do nothing but surrender to the flurry of sensations.

His touch was intoxicating, sending her senses spiraling into a whirlpool of desire. Her hands gripped the fabric of his shirt, her fingers digging into the soft material as she sought something tangible to hold onto. Her mind was a blur, filled with nothing but Rhain, his touch, his taste, and his scent.

When they finally parted, Daisy was left panting, her heart pounding against her chest like a wild drum. She swallowed, her lips still tingling from the remnants of his touch. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze, which held an undeniable smolder.

Rhain's voice was a low purr when he finally spoke, "There... now that wasn't so bad, was it?"

She could barely speak and perhaps stand even, since his hands found her waist to steady her. 

"Shall I help you undress?" He asked. 

Undress?

She looked at him, her eyes wide. He smiled, seeing her panic. "The dress must be quite heavy. May I assist you?"

She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Yes."

Gently, he turned her around, his hands steady at her waist. Instantly, a familiar cascade of goosebumps erupted on her skin, an unsettling reaction that never failed to bewilder her. What was it about his presence, especially when he approached from behind, that stirred such a visceral response within her? She pondered the question briefly, recognizing that no one should have the power to elicit such sensations.

Even Philip had never managed to evoke the same physical reaction. He filled her with disgust rather than fear. 

Daisy's stomach fluttered as he delicately began to slide the dress down her shoulders, allowing it to gracefully fall to the floor. Each gentle touch sent a shiver through her body, awakening a mixture of unfamiliar sensations and dormant desires. Her breath caught as his fingers then moved to the straps of her corset, swiftly undoing the meticulously tied knots. It surprised her how effortlessly he unraveled the restrictive garment, granting her ribs the freedom to expand fully as if releasing a sigh of relief.

With each garment he removed, Daisy's vulnerability increased, her body now adorned solely in her delicate chemise. The weight of her own exposure settled upon her, as did the realization that she stood before him, stripped of external layers.

Rhain watched her, and her heightened state of alertness each time he was behind her was not lost on him. The element of the unknown, the unseen, was indeed a potent force of fear.

He deftly removed the pins from her hair, letting the soft brown tresses cascade down her back. The sight of the delicate curve of her neck, the scent of her - fear intertwined with a hint of desire - was intoxicating. It stirred a primal urge within him, testing his self-control. 

In one fluid motion, he lifted her, carrying her effortlessly towards the bed. 

Daisy's gasp of surprise was swiftly followed by the rapid fluttering of her heart, a melody he had grown to enjoy. "Relax. I promised to be patient," he said, his voice as smooth as silk.

Gently, he placed her on the bed. Her eyes met his, her vulnerability evident. A hint of a blush tainted her cheeks as she resisted the urge to cover herself. He leaned closer, his gaze locked with hers. "Sleep now," he commanded, his voice laced with a power that seeped into her consciousness.

Daisy's serene form lay sprawled across the bed, her eyes closed in peaceful slumber. Rhain's fangs had emerged, and he ran his tongue over them, trying to calm the pulsating desire. 

He had initially intended to initiate his marital chase tonight, but the fatigue that shadowed her features made him reconsider. The thrill of the hunt was more exciting when the prey was alert.

With a casual flick of his wrist, the candlelight in the room was extinguished. He left her to her dreams, stepping silently into the corridor. 

Thoughts of Daisy lingered in his mind as he traversed the dimly lit hallways. She was intriguing, to say the least. He never had the intention of consummating the marriage tonight, relishing the thrill of anticipation. Then he remembered the fleeting nature of their time together, and a sigh escaped him. A twinge of guilt nagged at him for putting his brother's resurrection on hold for his own amusement. Perhaps he truly had lost touch with humanity.

Reaching his own quarters, he sank into the comforting embrace of his couch. The day's social obligations had drained him, leaving him craving solitude.

"My Lord," his faithful servant materialized from the shadows, his voice filled with deference. "Is there anything I can arrange for you?"

Rhain shook his head, "No. Just ensure there is food available. We have a human residing with us now."

The old servant, Armand, nodded his understanding. "I have procured the additional help you requested," he announced, as two young women emerged from the darkness.

Rhain inspected them briefly. Their skin color was considerably closer to a human's, indicating their relative youth. "You must remain well-fed," he admonished them.

"We feed regularly, my Lord," they assured him in unison.

Armand looked at him uncertainly and asked, "Should we take any special measures now, given the presence of a human?"

Rhain considered this for a moment. "No, carry on as usual." He was intrigued by the idea of Daisy uncovering the truth. He wanted to see how long it would take for her to realize his true nature, and let her instincts guide her. That would make the chase more fun; when the prey became aware of the predator.

"But, my Lord, there may be certain aspects that could alarm..." Armand started, only to be cut off.

"No, leave everything as it is," Rhain insisted, his tone final. "If she asks questions, answer them as honestly as you can." A slow smile spread across his face. "Oh, and she may wish to visit her mother frequently. Ensure she travels safely."

With a shared nod, the servants left him to his solitude. After a moment of rest, Rhain decided to seek out Tiberius. His friend's sudden interest in Helena was peculiar. While Rhain trusted Tiberius's discretion, they were all bloodthirsty monsters in the end, able to lose themselves to hunger at any given moment. 

Outside Helena's residence, Rhain paused, attuning his senses to the sounds within. He could discern only the faint steps of a single person inside.

"Rhain!" A familiar voice startled him from his musings.

He turned to see Tiberius emerging from the enveloping darkness. A smirk played on his lips as he greeted Rhain, "Are you fretting that I might have drained your mother-in-law?"

"We all succumb to our impulses at times." Rhain shrugged.

"Ah," Tiberiys cocked his head to the side, a teasing glint in his eyes, "So you are concerned."

"Let's just say, the darkness hasn't entirely blackened my heart."

"Guilt, I perceive," Tiberius responded, his smirk broadening. "But what are your plans for Daisy? You seem... rather good together." He initiated a leisurely stroll down the dark, empty street.

Good together? Rhain pondered over the notion in silence. "Have you ever had a favorite?" He asked Tiberius, curious.

"A long time ago," Tiberius replied after a moment of contemplation.

"What happened?"

"Well, I didn't want to draw them into our world of darkness, so I let them go."

Rhain nodded in understanding. "Was it difficult? To let go…. what does it even feel like to have a favorite?"

With his hands nonchalantly tucked in his pockets, Tiberius mused over his response. "Hmm...I suppose it's like finding the ultimate prey, yet not solely in that sense. Every so often, you encounter individuals who intrigue you. They possess some quality that piques your curiosity. They entice you to pursue more than just their blood. They incite covetousness. Perhaps it's admiration, respect, or the challenge they pose. They may even frighten you." He chuckled at that last bit. "It varies for each of us, but you just know."

Rhain stayed silent, contemplating Tiberius's words. He tried to draw parallels with his feelings for Daisy but discarded the idea just as quickly. There was no need to delve into such depths. He wasn't going to give up his brother for a favorite. 

"You think Daisy might be your favorite?" Tiberius inquired, a trace of curiosity lacing his voice.

Rhain chose not to respond.

Tiberius chuckled. "I can't fault you. The girl and her mother are indeed intriguing."

"So you're interested in Helena?" Rhain probed, steering the conversation away from Daisy.

"She's beautiful. You can't deny that."

"And her taste?"

Tiberius smirked. "I haven't tasted her. Yet. But don't worry, Rhain. I have no intention of draining her."

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