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Hunger was beginning to overtake him. She was so close, all he had to do was to lean down just a little and press his fangs into that soft neck of hers. She never shied away from offering her wrist to him, and it almost seemed like she was holding back when he drank from her. She always sat very stiffly in place and squeezed her eyes shut. But he saw the way that she watched his face when she was relaxed. Sometimes her eyes would drop to his mouth unbidden while he spoke, and then she’d catch herself. Her cheeks would turn a deeper pink, and she would avoid his gaze.
He was sure that if he could bite her neck, if he could kiss her, she would do so again. Perhaps she would finally let go, and make such pretty noises.
Many had uttered moans of pleasure when Ca-
No. Astarion wouldn’t think of him, not now. Not while he was here, with her wrapped in his arms.
He needed to clear his head. Yes, that would help. Leave the tent and track down something to eat. Tamp down the panic that started to rise at the thought of him with the satisfaction of a kill. Nothing quite settled the nerves like trekking through the woods and overtaking some animal. One that he had never had the chance to drink from before. One that was not a rat, but something large and fierce and that put up a fight. Would make it all worthwhile. Remind him that he was strong, he was powerful, he was a predator in his own right.
That’s what he would do. The sun was going to be up soon, but the group be damned. He knew Tav wouldn’t leave without him, and they all listened to her.
He began the process of moving her arms away from him, maneuvering himself free from her grasp. He managed to push his hips to the side and move her arms gently close to her chest. He moved the blanket under her chin.
And then Tav’s hands reached out for him in the dark, her eyes still closed. Why would she do that? She couldn’t possibly miss the feel of his cold, clammy skin against her.
And then the strangest thing. She whined. “Asty, nooooooooooo. Come back.”
He froze, mouth opening in shock. Which gave her enough time to wrap her arms back around him, blanket over the top and all, and wiggle herself over so that her body was flush against his again. His arms were stiff at his sides as she encircled him with her limbs, trapping him in place.
He lay still for a second. And then he couldn’t help himself. A smile broke across his face in the dark, and he shook a little with quiet laughter.
Oh, Darling, he thought. I’m going to give you hell for this.