Chapter 25: Unleashed Desires

Lucien stormed out of the ballroom, his heart pounding with jealousy. He couldn't bear the thought of Blaise being in the arms of someone else.

The gardens stretched before him, dimly lit by the moonlight, as he embarked on his quest to find Blaise.

He scoured the gardens, his eyes darting from one shadowy corner to another. Finally, his gaze settled on the gazebo, where a couple stood locked in an embrace. Lucien's heart skipped a beat. Could it be Blaise?

Determined to confront them, Lucien approached the gazebo, his footsteps cautious. As he drew closer, his view was partially obscured by some bushes, but he caught glimpses of intertwined figures engaged in a kiss. The larger man's back faced Lucien, and a small white hand was on his neck, pulling him into the kiss. A surge of possessiveness and anger surged within him. It had to be Blaise.

"Blaise!" Lucien's voice cut through the night. The couple turned toward him, their faces illuminated by a sliver of moonlight. Lucien's breath caught in his throat as he realized his mistake. It wasn't Blaise in the arms of the man; it was a woman.

Lucien's cheeks burned with humiliation. "I... I'm sorry," he stammered, his voice full of regret. "I thought you were someone else. Please, continue."

Without waiting for a response, Lucien swiftly retreated from the gazebo, his head bowed with shame. He couldn't bear to face the scornful gazes of the couple he had interrupted.

But at least it hadn't been Blaise!

Lucien's heart raced as he caught sight of a solitary figure in the distance, his hope reigniting with newfound intensity. He darted through the labyrinthine paths of the garden, pushing deeper into the shadows, desperate to reach the mysterious figure.

As Lucien drew nearer, his breath heavy and his pulse thundering in his ears, he could make out the unmistakable silhouette of Blaise. Relief flooded his body, but it quickly dissipated as he approached Blaise, who stood with arms crossed, an icy glare in his eyes.

"Blaise," Lucien panted, both relieved and worried. "I... I thought I saw you walk off with someone. I had to find you."

Blaise's lips curved into a bitter smile. "Oh, did you now?" he retorted, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I thought you were too busy dancing the night away with that woman. Perhaps you were planning to take her home too?"

Lucien felt a wave of unease at Blaise's apparent anger. He hesitated, uncertain of how to respond. Was Blaise jealous? Lucien gathered his thoughts, determined to explain himself.

"No, Blaise, it's not like that," Lucien began. "My father... he's becoming suspicious of us. I needed to create a diversion, to convince him that there's nothing between us."

Blaise scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "Suspicious? What is there for him to be suspicious of, Lucien? Other than the fact that I drink your blood, of course."

"I swear, Blaise, there was no interest, no attraction," Lucien insisted. "Not with that woman, or any woman for that matter."

Blaise shrugged. "Why does it matter, Lucien? You're free to do as you please."

As Lucien observed Blaise's change in demeanor, he couldn't help but wonder what game his companion was playing.

"Why did you leave the ballroom, Blaise? Were you... jealous?"

Blaise burst into laughter, a sound that carried a touch of bitterness. "Jealous? No, Lucien," he replied. "You know me better than that."

Lucien did know Blaise well enough at this point, to know that his pride was flaring up. He was jealous!

But he would humour Blaise. "Why did you leave the ballroom, then, Blaise?" Lucien asked again. "If you weren't angry at me, then..."

Blaise's eyes flickered momentarily, his gaze shifting towards the darkness beyond. "I was thirsty," he admitted, a slight edge in his voice. "Thought I might find a small animal or something out here."

A flicker of realization crossed Lucien's features as he connected the dots. "Thirsty... because you haven't fed in a few days," he murmured, his voice trailing off.

Lucien's gaze drifted, and in the distance, he caught sight of a quaint greenhouse nestled amidst the foliage.

"There's a greenhouse nearby," Lucien offered, his words punctuated by a pause. "Follow me. You can drink my blood in there."

The moonlight bathed the elegant glass structure of the greenhouse, casting a silvery glow on its ornate iron framework. Vines and blooming flowers spilled from the windows, their delicate petals adorned with shimmering droplets of dew. The air inside was filled with the heady scent of earth and greenery, the atmosphere infused with a tranquil ambiance. Soft beams of moonlight filtered through the translucent panes, painting patterns on the lush foliage that thrived within.

This was good. No one could see them in here. Its dimly lit interior would shield them from prying eyes. The darkened surroundings, filled with lush foliage, granted them a veil of secrecy.

Blaise extended his hand towards Lucien, a silent invitation. Lucien's eyes met Blaise's, and he took his outstretched hand without hesitation. Blaise led him through the verdant garden, their footsteps muffled by the soft earth beneath their feet. They arrived at a secluded corner, bathed in moonlight

A small stone bench, nestled among blooming flowers, beckoned them to sit. Blaise guided Lucien to the bench, their bodies close but not quite touching.

Lucien's fingers deftly unbuttoned his waistcoat and shirt, revealing his muscular physique adorned with scars, remnants of their previous blood exchanges.

Blaise looked him up and down with hungry eyes. He leaned in, their bodies inches apart.

Blaise pressed his lips against the exposed skin of Lucien's neck. Lucien felt a slight prick, followed by a warm sensation spreading through his veins. The rhythmic suction of Blaise's mouth on his skin sent shivers down his spine, a mix of pleasure and raw desire coursing through him.

In that moment, Lucien's focus narrowed to the physicality of the experience. The touch of Blaise's lips against his skin, the warmth of his breath, the subtle movements of his mouth.

His breathing quickened, his heart racing in tandem with the intoxicating sensations.

Lucien's heart was pounding . He could feel Blaise's bloodthirst, could see it written all over his face, yet as he held Blaise's body in his arms, he sensed another thirst as well, one that Lucien shared. He knew Blaise would not go much longer without finding someone to satiate this other thirst. Blaise needs someone who truly understood him, someone who could fulfill his desires and keep him safe, Lucien mused. He didn't know why Blaise was so promiscuous, although he had behaved himself well for the past few weeks. Maybe it was his own way to get back at Raphael, who'd abandoned him. But Blaise would certainly end up in the arms of a stranger at this rate, and the thought made Lucien burn with jealousy.

No, Lucien wanted to be that person, the one who could give Blaise the love and pleasure he longed for. It had to be him.

Lucien reached out and gently took hold of Blaise's face, guiding it upward. Blaise's eyes were round with surprise.

Lucien pressed his lips against Blaise's, their mouths melding together in a passionate kiss.