Tong whistled happily all the way to the old barn, the excitement of the festival still buzzing in his head.
Lanterns, laughter, and too much cotton candyâit had been a beautiful night. But now it was time for reality. Specifically, the reality of living with his moody vampire roommate.
When he reached the old barn door, he pulled out his key. He was already thinking about the experiments he had planned with Joe and the others. The lock clicked, and he swung the door open, exclaiming happily.
"Hey, Mark! I'm back. Time toâ"
Before he could finish his sentence, Mark suddenly appeared and slammed into him, knocking his breath away.
Tong stepped back, his back hitting the doorframe as Mark's lips pressed against his with a passion that felt inhuman.
"Mmph!" Tong's silent protests were lost in strength. Mark's hands gripped his arms tightly, keeping him still.
The kiss was fiery, frantic, and too close to primitive. Tong could feel the sharp fangs graze his lips, sending a jolt of fearâand something electrifyingâthrough his body.
"Mark, what the hell?!" he tried to say, but the vampire wasn't listening. Mark's fingers gripped his shoulders, his breath hot and ragged as he pressed Tong further against the door.
The kiss deepened, sucking what little air was left from Tong. His heart pounded in his chest as adrenaline fought to keep him upright while his strength waned.
"Stopâoh, you're reallyâsucking the life out of me!" Tong gasped between gasps, his voice barely more than a hoarse whisper.
Mark growled low and viciously, his bright eyes boring into Tong's in a way that stilled his movements. "You taste too good," he whispered, his voice soft but dangerous.
He leaned in closer, his teeth grazing Tong's skin, his lips exploring greedily.
Tong's anger finally boiled over. He summoned all his strength and pushed Mark's chest. "Damn it, Mark! Let me breathe!" he shouted.
Finally, Mark pulled back, his tongue licking the faint trail of blood from his lips in slow, deliberate motions.
His eyes were burning, a mixture of satisfaction and hunger that had yet to fully subside. "You're intoxicating," he whispered, both teasing and reverent. "I couldn't help myself."
"Okay, try harder!" Tong replied, swaying slightly as the room tilted around him.
He braced his hands on the door for balance, glaring daggers at his roommate. "Warn someone else next time! You almost turned me into a useless person."
Mark chuckled, soft and dark, his voice curling around Tong like smoke. "Maybe you shouldn't stay out for so long. I get impatient when I'm left alone."
"Impatient? You're like a starving leech with attachment issues," Tong grumbled, wiping at his sore lips and clearing away the lingering fog.
"Next time, keep your fangs to yourself until I've had my coffee." Mark's grin softened, just a little, his predatory edge giving way to something almost tender.
"Sorry," he said, his words uncharacteristically slurred. "But your bloodâit's not like everyone else's. It's irresistible."
"Yeah, yeah. Save the flattery for someone who hasn't nearly fainted from it," Tong grumbled, straightening up.
"We should get back soon. Joe's going to go crazy if we don't show up soon."
Mark nodded, stepping back to give him space.
"Lead the way," he said, the mischievous glint returning to his eyes. "But don't think I'll let you leave me alone for that long again."
Tong rolled his eyes, shaking his head as they left the warehouse. "Right, because getting chewed out is the highlight of my day."
But as they walked, Tong couldn't shake the strange warmth that settled in his chest. As annoying as Mark was, there was something about their bondâcomplicated, annoying, dangerousâthat was thrilling.
And maybe, just maybe, he didn't mind as much as he pretended.