Page 74 of Alaska Lights

I slip down the side of Mustache Man, wrapping my arms around Alaska’s neck. Not that I need to. My feet are easily on the ground, but I can’t pass up an opportunity to be close to him.

“Wow.” There’s a lantern sitting on the blanket, giving us just enough light to see one another. “So we’re camping? Do you think I’m already going to spend the night with you?” I joke, hating that the smile drifts from his face.

“There’s no pressure. I⁠—”

“—I want to spend the night with you. I sleep better when you’re by my side, Alaska. No more sleeping on the couch. I’d love nothing more.”

His happiness returns, wrinkles showing on either side of his eyes. “Yeah?”

“I don’t want to be anywhere else with anyone else.”

He slips the halter off Mustache Man, then works on the saddle, placing it on the ground so he can roam free.

Alaska takes my hand, tugging me towards the blanket. “I hope this is alright. When we’re allowed to travel, I’d like to take you out.”

I sit down and lie back on my elbows, looking up at my tall, handsome vampire.

“I’d love that too,” I admit. “I’d love to show you off. I’m going to have all the men and women jealous of me.”

“I think they will be jealous of me because look at you.” He looks down at me, those eyes blazing as they drift from my head to my toes and back up again.

I do something out of my comfort zone, kicking off the boots and tugging off the sweatpants I didn’t want to wear in the first place.

The shirt rides up my thighs, showing more skin that he seems to like. A constant growl thunders from him, the shirt stopping just before I show a little too much of myself.

I throw the sweatpants at him, hitting him in the chest, and he catches them, shoving his face in the material to inhale while never taking his sanguine gaze from mine.

I’ve never felt sexy. I’ve never worn anything that gave me confidence as this shirt does. Tonight? I feel sexy enough to know I hold all the cards.

I pat the spot next to me, wanting him closer. The oranges and the reds from the fire sway, the light dancing on his right cheek. He takes off his hat and tosses it to me. Catching it, I plop it on my head, giving him a curt nod.

“Howdy, Sunshine.”

He laughs, smiling wide, and I’m just…in love with him. It’s the easiest way to put it. I like that I’m the one responsible for the change in his demeanor. Me. I still can’t believe it.

I can’t believe I’m here with him. It will always be surreal to me. I’m hoping tonight that we can learn more about each other. I want to know how he became a vampire and what that means for me? Will I be a vampire too? Is he still dying? Do I only have a certain amount of time with him left?

My mood shifts at that thought.

“Hey.” He comes around and settles behind me, spreading his legs so I can make myself at home between them.

I like this—no—I love this. I could spend every day out there with him, and it wouldn’t be enough. I lean against his chest, and he wraps his strong arms around me, pulling me closer somehow.

Fuck.

I’m a goner.

“What’s wrong? Your scent changed. I can feel it in the bond.”

I stare up at the sky, mesmerized by the millions of stars twinkling. “You can really feel all of that? You can scent my mood change?”

He kisses the top of my head, a sweet gesture that has me curling into him more. This man has turned me into a fucking puddle. Life didn’t make sense before. Not like this.

“I can, and the more we build our bond, the stronger it becomes. Once we complete the bond, you’ll be able to feel everything I feel.”

“And how do we do that if you’re dying?” I don’t mean to sound so damn sad, but I am. I’m looking forward to what the future brings as long as it’s with him.

Life before was dull. I didn’t understand what I was missing. I did everything I was supposed to do. Went to school, worked, got a job, met a nice girl, and fell in love-ish.