Midnight Moon (Love and Blood Series Book 1) Read online

  “I’ll fix this.” He insists confidently.

  “You better, Loki,” Tinsley growls out.

  After a few moments, Loki sighs before knocking on the door. “Ava, let me in please.”

  Without thought, I move over to the door before unlocking it.

  I step back and wipe my face as Loki opens the door. He steps inside before sighing softly again while closing his eyes.

  “I’m sorry, Sweetheart.” He apologizes.

  I whimper in response, and he opens his eyes before pulling me into his arms. “I should have known better.”

  Another whimper falls from my lips as I lay my head against his bare chest. “I’m a monster.”

  “No, you’re not.” He argues.

  “Look at me, Loki. I’m covered head to toe with blood. What if we had killed someone?” I stress.

  “We didn’t kill anyone.” He reassures. “We were enjoying ourselves. It’s all part of being a vampire. Sometimes blood makes sex a little wilder.”

  “I don’t remember what happened last night,” I whisper.

  “That’s because your vampire side took completely over. You’re going to have to learn how to control that side or at least figure out how to coexist with it.” Loki replies before pushing me back slightly. “I’ll help you remember what we did, okay? That’s the first step we need to take.”

  I nod and then bite my lip.

  “Right now let’s get a shower and wash this blood away. Once that’s done we can sit down and talk some more.” Loki pushes.

  I nod again and then allow him to pull away so that he could turn on the water for the shower.

  After a few moments, he drops the sheet that had been wrapped around his waist before holding his hand out towards me. I take it and then move towards him while still holding tightly to the blanket wrapped around my body.

  Yes, we had slept together, but that didn’t mean that I wasn’t still going to be shy around him.

  Pulling me close, Loki smiles before he takes the blanket from my hands he pulls it away while gazing into my eyes.

  He doesn’t look away as he pulls back the shower curtain.

  I step into the tub first before he follows me.

  The warm water washes over my body, washing away the blood dried on my skin. I glance down and whimper at the red water swirling around our feet.

  “Don’t look at it.” Loki instructs as he lifts my chin up with his hand.

  I bite my lip as I stare into his eyes.

  “Do you want to remember what we did last night?” Loki asks gently.

  I nod. “Yes, but minus the bloody parts.”

  He snorts and then smirks. “I’ll leave out all of those parts.”

  Without saying another word, he threads his hand through my hair before pressing his lips against mine.

  Moments later he lifts me into his arms before pushing my back against the wall as he connects us as one once again.

  “This time don’t bite, okay.” He stresses as he leans back to look into my eyes.

  I nod. “Okay.”

  He doesn’t hesitate to make love to me again, this time without ever taking his eyes away from mine. Even with every move and every sound that falls from my lips he doesn’t break that connection.

  As he brings me to the edge of pure bliss, I grasp him tightly while leaning my head back and closing my eyes.

  Seconds later I fall over the edge.

  I ride the waves of ecstasy while images of our night together fill my mind.

  Every touch scorches my skin as if he was touching me all over again. Seeing what had happened now didn’t seem so bad. We had been caught up in each other, and the blood had just been a way for us to get even closer.

  “Do you see it now?” Loki whispers into my ear.

  “Yes…” I breathe out.

  “You’re not a monster.” He presses as he brings me to the edge again. “You’re mine. You’re a beautiful creature, and you’re all mine.”

  I moan in response before pressing my lips to his as he brings me over the edge with him.

  Once we’re finished, Loki places me on my feet before he begins scrubbing every inch of my body with a soft cloth.

  After we’re both clean, we stand quietly under the water until it runs cold.

  8-Don’t Push Me

  For an entire week, Loki and I had barricaded ourselves inside my room. We had shared every part of ourselves with each other.

  I had stripped myself bare, mind, body, and soul.

  With Loki’s help, I had gained control. It had been difficult, but he had shown me what it was like to be what we were. He taught me the new set of laws that I would have to follow along with everything else that went along with being a vampire.

  He had agreed to my decision of not wanting to be monogamous with just him. He was open to me having more than one relationship.

  I had a feeling that it would be a little more complicated once it actually happened though. Loki didn’t seem like he really wanted to share me at all.

  The nice thing was the fact that he had made me forget all about Jake.

  In fact, nothing Jake had ever done for me compared to how Loki had taken care of me in just a week. I had never felt so close to someone before. I had never felt so loved.

  “Are you ready?” Tinsley questions as she walks into my room without knocking.

  She had been really supportive for the past week. Between her and Matt they had kept us stocked with enough blood to keep Loki and I fed.

  “I just have to slip on my shoes and I’ll be ready,” I reply as I sit down on the edge of the bed.

  “Where’s Loki?” She asks.

  “He had some business to take care of today,” I answer while slipping my shoes on.

  “Is he coming to classes?” She presses.

  “No. He promised to meet us at the club once he’s done.” I reply.

  She nods and then raises her brow in question. “Are you ready for that?”

  “Yes. I’m ready.” I insist confidently.

  A smile spreads across her lips. “Good, because I have my eyes set on a new guy and I’m going to need your help to snatch him up.”

  I snort. “You’re terrible.”

  “Maybe, but you still love me.” She laughs.

  “Yeah, I do.” I chuckle while standing.

  “So, did you and Loki get everything sorted out?” Tinsley asks as we exit my room.

  “I think so.” I sigh.

  “That doesn’t sound like you’re sure,” Tinsley replies.

  “We talked a lot but we…well, we had sex more than we talked,” I reply bashfully.

  Tinsley snorts and stops in the hallway. “That’s what it’s like to be in a new relationship. It’s nothing but sex for the first few months. Don’t you remember what it was like when you and Jake first decided to date each other?”

  “Honestly, I don’t. I don’t think we were ever like this with each other.” I reply.

  “Then it wasn’t meant to be.” Tinsley insists.

  I nod in agreement. The more I thought about it, the more I had come to realize that Jake and I shouldn’t have been together. We were total opposites. The only reason I believe we stayed together for so long was because it had been convenient. We had lost ourselves in a comfortable pattern.

  “Do you like Loki?” Tinsley asks after we begin walking again.

  “I do.” I answer easily.

  “Good, but I swear if he hurts you I’m going to rip his head off.” She warns.

  “I know you would but I doubt he’ll ever hurt me.” I insist.

  “I doubt he would too.” She agrees before bumping her shoulder into mine playfully. “I do think that man has already fallen head over heels for you.”

  She was right. I had seen it in Loki’s eyes.

  He hadn’t said it out loud yet but it was only a matter of time before he proclaimed his love.

  “Have you figured out what you want yet?” Tinsley asks, cha
nging the subject slightly.

  “Yes, I’ve decided that I want what you have,” I answer.

  “…And Loki is alright with that?” She pushes.

  “He said that he was,” I reply.

  “Oh, I didn’t exactly take Loki for being open to sharing with other guys. He doesn’t seem like the type that would want to share.” She replies.

  I shrug. “I guess we’ll see if I ever find someone else.”

  Not another word is said as we walk down the stairs and then towards the gym.

  The second we walk inside Tinsley bounces on her feet as she releases an excited squeal. “I was hoping this would happen one day. The Academy guys are here.”

  I roll my eyes and shake my head in amusement as Matt joins us.

  He groans dramatically as Tinsley squeals once more while clapping her hands together.

  I watch as he kisses her sweetly before pushing her in the direction where all of the Academy guys were standing in a group.

  “Go, before I change my mind.” He laughs.

  Without hesitating Tinsley rushes off, leaving me behind with Matt.

  He studies me for a few moments before speaking. “How are you holding up?”

  “I’m doing really well,” I answer. “Loki has helped me a lot.”

  “That’s good,” Matt replies before raising his brow. “Has Loki explained everything to you?”

  I nod. “Yes, he has.”

  “So, he’s told you that he doesn’t share with other guys?” Matt pushes.

  “No. He told me that he was fine with my choice to be with someone else.” I reply.

  “I hate to be the one to tell you this but he’s lying. Loki has never been one to share. I’ve never seen him with anyone other than girls. The last relationship he had he shared with two females.” Matt explains.

  “Maybe he’s changed.” I breathe out.

  “That’s unlikely. We don’t exactly change from one day to the next. Once we’re set in what we want vampires stick with it.” Matt insists.

  I curse softly while pinching the bridge of my nose. If what Matt was saying was the truth then it was going to severely complicate things with Loki.

  After everything we had shared, I didn’t want to lose him.

  “Either way I wouldn’t let it bother you too much. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe he has changed.” Matt sighs.

  “I hope you're wrong.” I breathe out.

  Our conversation comes to an end as Mr. Blake claps his hands together to gather everyone’s attention. Even after a week, it was still weird to see Tobias in a teaching position.

  The room quiets down as all eyes turn to him.

  “Alright, tonight we’re going to do something a little different. The Academy has sent over a few of its best guys to teach us how to defend ourselves in case our town is attacked.” Tobias announces. “While our town may seem safe we don’t want to be vulnerable. It’s always best to be prepared.”

  He claps his hands together before nodding towards one of the men dressed in all black. “This is Nix and he will be leading our class tonight.”

  Nix stands next to Toby. “Thanks. Like Toby said it’s always good to be prepared. Whether you’re in town or out you must always watch your backs.”

  “Now, for starters, we’re going to pair everyone off with one of my guys,” Nix states before motioning towards the guys.

  The men begin to pair off while Toby whispers something into Nix’s ear as they glance in my direction.

  “Is that good or bad?” I laugh lightly at Matt.

  He shrugs. “It could be a good thing.”

  “You’re no help at all.” I snort.

  Our conversation ends as one of the men motions for Matt to join him. They walk away, leaving me all alone.

  Everyone finds someone to pair off with except for me.

  I bow my head wishing to become invisible until a deep voice speaks. “You’re new that’s why no one chose you. You’re kind of a wildcard when it comes to this stuff. After your little incident in the club, my guys are reluctant to work with you.”

  “Oh…” I whisper softly. “Should I just go?”

  “No. You’re in luck.” He replies while placing his hand under my chin. “I don’t care that you’re a wildcard. I’m confident enough that I can handle you.”

  “I’ve been learning how to control myself.” I insist.

  He nods. “That’s good but this is going to push you to your limits.”

  After a moment he drops his hand before a smirk crosses his lips. “Now, show me what you’ve got.”

  I snort and shake my head. “I’ve never had to defend myself which is probably why I ended up like this in the first place.”

  He nods. “Okay, let’s just see how you react when you have no other choice.”

  Without warning, he rushes towards me. Instead of letting him tackle me like he intended I turn and run as fast as my feet could carry me.

  I weave between everyone else fighting around the gym.

  A bark of laughter falls from Nix’s lips as he chases me.

  I glance back once which turns out to be my biggest mistake. Somehow, someway, I end up running directly into Nix as I turn my attention back to running.

  We fall to the floor with my momentum.

  With one swift move, Nix flips us so that my back was on the floor and he was above me.

  “You are crazy.” He chuckles. “I never expected you to run.”

  “I didn’t expect you to end up in front of me.” I laugh.

  “You were predictable.” He replies, becoming serious. “It was only a matter of time before you looked back and all it took was a quick calculation of where you’d go.”

  “Now, that I caught you I want you to fight to get free again.” He instructs.

  He grabs my wrists and then holds them above my head while raising his brow.

  When I remain frozen in place, he sighs. “You’re never going to learn if you don’t try.”

  “I don’t know what to do.” I whisper.

  “Hit me, kick me, do whatever it takes to get away.” He commands.

  “I can’t.” I whimper.

  He groans before closing his eyes. “What would it take for you to fight against me?”

  After a few moments, he gives up and then pushes off of me to stand. I remain on the floor as he watches me.

  He sighs and then reaches his hand towards me to help me up. I take his hand reluctantly before allowing him to lift me to my feet.

  The second I’m up he spins me around and then wraps his hand around my throat. He cuts off my air supply. In a panic, I begin to scratch at his hand uselessly.

  “Fight me, damn it.” He bites out.

  When I don’t do what he wants he releases me with a huff of frustration. “You’ll be lucky if you don’t die within a year. More than likely you’ll end up getting someone you care about killed in the process.”

  Before I can say a word, he walks away.

  I turn and then begin walking towards the door. I wasn’t going to stick around if it was useless to teach me anything. I wasn’t going to waste his time any longer.

  Just as I reach the door, a loud scream pierces the air.

  I turn to see Nix with Tinsley held in his grasp. She was fighting against him and both Nick and Matt were being held back by two other Academy guys.

  “What are you going to do?” Nix shouts as he places a stake against Tinsley’s chest.

  Her eyes go wide with fear.

  “Are you going to watch me kill her or are you going to fight me?” Nix pushes as he presses the stake into her skin causing her to whimper.

  I had no idea if he was seriously going to hurt my best friend but I wasn’t about to wait and see.

  Without thinking twice about it, I rush forward. I slam my fist into Nix’s jaw as he grins triumphantly.

  He releases Tinsley before grabbing hold of me. He pins my back against his chest as he laughs out loudly while placing the sa
me stake against my chest.

  This time I don’t hesitate to fight against him.

  When he ends up on the floor beneath me with the stake held against his chest his eyes grow dark as he stares up at me proudly.

  “That’s what I was looking for.” He states. “I knew there was a fire in there somewhere.”

  I drop the stake and then stand. “That was cruel.”

  “That’s what could happen out there,” Nix argues as he jumps up to his feet. “Out there anything and anyone can be used against you.”

  “You should be proud. You did well.” Nix then states. “I was wrong before. You won’t get someone killed but you’re still going to be vulnerable.”

  Instead of listening to another word he had to say I turn and walk away.

  I move towards Tinsley who was securely in Matt’s arms along with Nick.

  “Are you alright?” I ask as I raise my hand to touch her cheek.

  She nods. “I’m fine.”

  It was a lie. She was far from fine.

  Turning back around I march back towards Nix as he laughs with a group of Academy guys. He doesn’t even have a chance to defend himself as my hand hits his cheek.

  I move to do it again but he stops me with a low growl as his eyes turn a deep emerald green.

  “I wouldn’t test him, Sweetheart.” Someone warns.

  Not caring one bit I bring up my other hand. It hits its mark and Nix growls again as he grabs my other hand rendering both of my hands useless.

  “Enough…” He snaps.

  “No. I’m not letting you get away with hurting my friend. She didn’t ask to be used like that.” I growl back as I allow my fangs to descend.

  Before anyone can say another word, arms wrap around my waist. Nix releases my wrists as I’m pulled back.

  “You do not want to push him any more than you already have,” Loki stresses from behind me. “Nix is dangerous if provoked.”

  “Well, he should have thought about that before he attacked Tinsley,” I growl just before I pull out of Loki’s grasp.

  I get one more solid hit on Nix before all hell breaks loose.

  Before my eyes, he changes from a man to a large panther.

  “Shit…” Loki curses as Nix focuses his attention directly on me.

  This time I curse.