Klevon's arms are around me as we watch the fading view of Stine Kingdom. He is warm, and as we spend more time together, I feel more and more familiar with his touches, as long as he won't go overboard.
"Miss Kaiya and Klevon."
I spin around to see General Brandon standing behind us. His gaze is stern and disapproving, especially at how Klevon's arms are draped on my shoulders.
"The two of you are being too close," he remarks. He has a look of displeasure on his face.
"Leader, we are just taking in the beauty of Stine Kingdom."
"There is no such thing as beauty when referring to my birthplace."
Klevon shrugs and asks, "More importantly, why do you need to come with us? Isn't your Kingdom destroyed? You should help rebuild it," Klevon says.
"My presence in the castle is unneeded. My cousins can be be royalties for all I care."
"Brrr," Klevon says, acting as if it's freezing. "You are so cold, leader. Your family members died, you know."
"They are my family by blood and name only." He crosses his arms on his chest and adds, "Besides, before we return to Pitchford, you will accompany me somewhere."
"Somewhere? Where is that?"
"We are visiting the Weiller's hunting park."
My eyes widen at the same time that Klevon groans. "Why?" I ask, obviously delighted by the news.
"Because I think you need to know what happened to it when you left," he says. He doesn't wait for my reaction and just walks away from us.
Thrilled, I can't help but look at Klevon. "I will meet my family again!" I exclaim.
Seeing my delight, the look of irritation on his face changed into a smile. "Ah, whatever, as long as you are happy with it," he says, amused by my joy over General Brandon's plan.
I hug him and laugh, adding, "Yes, I am!"

****************
After my bath, I walk to my quarters, only to be distracted by moans inside a room with open door. I groan. Before they do something this intimate, they should learn to lock the door.
I am about to close it when my eyes catch what's happening inside. Instead of making love, Ninus is feeding on Ruth's blood. His arms are around her as he sucks on the side of her neck.
I stare, transfixed at the scene. Rather than fear, the scene feels too intimate and sensual, as if the pair shares something much more than just blood.
I need to look away, but I can't. I can smell Ruth's blood which is dripping along her neck. Ninus licks it and continues sucking on her. And yet, there is something in the way Ninus looks at Ruth that holds my attention. There is also something in the way Ruth moans that draws me into the scene.
Suddenly, Ninus looks up and meets my gaze. He growls at me, fangs and all. I step back, but before leaving, I properly close the door.
Walking back to my room, I shake my head as if I am released from a spell. I touch my cheeks and realize that I am flushing.
"You saw Ninus' feeding."
I whirl around to come face to face with Gezer, who is leaning over the wall of the ship.
I nod, not knowing what to say next, so we stare at each other. Gezer steps closer, and I ask, "Ruth coming with us to Pitchford, it means something more, right?"
"I see her as my medicine, but Ninus sees her as a pet," he answers, a slight curl to his lips. "But as you can see, Ninus' attachment to her is getting deeper."
"Is that bad?" I manage to croak out.
Gezer smiles, revealing sharp fangs. "It depends."
"On what?"
"Until when he will allow me to drink on her."
"Do you still need it?"
"Yes, but only until we arrive at Pitchford. After that, well," he massages his chin. "I just need to be extra careful not to need her blood."
"And if you got another human to allow you to drink?"
"That would be nice, but few humans would like that." Changing the topic, he asks, "So, where are you going?"
"To sleep. It's nighttime."
"Stay for a while. Be a pleasant friend and play with me."
"What kind of play?" I ask him, and he just smirks.
"Okay, how about you make me forget about Ninus' feeding?"
"I can't do that," I answer. "If I do, I will lose a part of my memory. Unless you are Inanna, and you can welcome me into your mind?"
"Ah no, I don't have that much spiritual prowess." He winks at me. "How about we see what Klevon is doing right now?"
"Why would I do that?!"
"Because earlier, I've seen a couple of women giving him the eye. He's pretty popular, that guy."
I shake my head and answer him honestly. "I am sure Klevon is fine with his situation right now."
"I'm a bit jealous, though. If human women look at me like that, maybe one or two will allow me to drink from them. Unfortunately, most women run from my presence."
"So, basically, you want a convenient woman?"
Gezer laughs. "Yes."
I shrug my shoulders. "Vampires have mates, right?"
Gezer stops laughing and holds my hand. "We do, but come on, Kaiya. Let's go to Klevon's room."
"I don't know if–"
"Please," he cuts me off and gives me a gentle smile. "Just come. It might be fun, and I might forget about the feeding."
I sigh. "Okay," I agree and follow him through the ship's corridors until we reach Klevon's quarters.
Gezer knocks on the door, and Klevon answers after a minute. His eyes widen when he sees us standing there, but then he smirks, and his eyes twinkle in amusement.
"Why, good evening, Kaiya, missing me already?"
I roll my eyes at him. "Gezer wants to play something," I say.
Klevon opens the door wider, and we enter his room. It's dimly lit with candles that flicker with a gentle glow. The air smells like sandalwood incense, and it's warm.
Klevon sits on his bed. "Come, sit here, Kaiya," he says, tapping on the area next to him. "And you, Gezer, you can leave us here."
"Don't you have some games, Klevon?" Gezer asks.
"I don't, so you can leave now."
"It can be anything."
"Or maybe you can look outside. Take all the time you need and come back tomorrow at midday."
Gezer shifts his attention from Klevon to me and back again. He grins and asks, "Is that your limit? Making love until midday?"
"I can take it longer, but it depends on Kaiya on how long she can last."
I frown at that. "I don't know what you are talking about," I say and sit on a chair that is the furthest from Klevon.
Klevon chuckles and adds, "Don't worry, Kaiya. I will be very considerate of your stamina in bed."
I cringe at him. "Or maybe I should just leave."
I stand up and walk towards the door. However, while laughing, Klevon catches my wrist. "I am just kidding, Kaiya," he says. "Stay with us. We can get some drinks and food. And we can borrow some games from the ship's captain."
I sigh and sit back in my chair. "Okay. Who will get those things?"
"Gezer can manage it," Klevon answers.
I am about to stand up again when Klevon guffaws. "I am sorry. I just can't help but tease you. Gezer and I will get those things. You stay here," he winks at me. "Feel free to rummage through my things. In case you might want to know me better."
"That's it!" I scold. "The three of us will get those things!" I say and pull the two of them out of the room.