Gasping for breath, Rory rounded the corner of an alley only to be met with a brick wall.

Leaning forward with his hands on his thighs, he tried to calm his breathing. Whatever was going on, he knew it would be a bad idea to go back home...or continue working for Nix.

"Damn," Rory huffed.

"I'll say," a hard voice issued right behind Rory who let out a gasp before turning around and tripping over his feet.

With a narrowed gaze, Rory took in the stranger's harsh yet gentle gaze. The man looked to be a few years older than himself—with ink black hair, eyes the color of ice, and such a pale complexion; he seemed to tower over Rory.

"Who are you?" Rory demanded while carefully picking himself back up.

Yep.

He was definitely shorter.

Shit.

The man didn't bother answering. Instead, he closed the distance between them and pushed Rory against the wall, his body flush with his. Without warning, the stranger captured Rory's mouth in a demanding kiss, causing an icy, yet pleasant, chill to travel along Rory's back.

He didn't even think to push the man away.

With a passion that was unbeknownst to Rory, he found his hands wrapped in the stranger's hair as he opened his mouth to give him better access.

He felt the man's chill breath whisper against his mouth as they broke apart.

Rory was struggling to control his breathing, not even bothering to note the fact he had just kissed a guy for the first time. He fucking loved it and would gladly do so again.

"I am called Death but I prefer Ice. It has such a pleasant ring compared to Death." Ice stated in an irresistible voice causing Rory's insides to turn to mush. "I couldn't help but notice you have an irritating immortal at your neck. We have a rival of sorts between us, human.

"I have given you Death's Kiss which marks you as mine. It can only be removed by me. But don't worry; unlike the immortals, I do not view you as an object. Consider this a second chance at life, human, because when you die, you will die as my immortal companion." Ice took a breath before continuing. "You may be human, but allowing that immortal to have you would just be irritating for us all. Something about breaking a dozen laws put in place to protect your kind doesn't sit well with my brother. He asked me to take on a companion and, considering the current state of affairs, I agreed. Besides," Ice smirked as he leaned closer to Rory, "you're quite addicting, human."

He captured Rory in another icy kiss. Despite the confusion rolling through his head, Rory couldn't help but mold himself to the man called Ice. He felt the man's hands wander and did nothing to stop it. Icy hands gripped his waist and he let out a moan of pleasure before they parted once more.

"Rory," Rory gasped as he felt cold lips on his throat. "My name is Rory."

"Hmm," icy breath traveled down Rory's neck. "I'm not sure I can be patient enough to wait for your death, Rory."

A surprised laugh left Rory as he felt Ice's lips part and start nipping along his collarbone. "I don't understand what's happening."

After a rather hard bite, Ice pulled away to stare into deep hazel eyes. "The immortal that's after you will go on a killing spree if he tastes human blood of your caliber. He is very powerful and very influential in my...now your...world. My brother saw fit to have me intervene. And no one touches what has been marked by Death."

Rory felt the first chill of fear sink into his body and it had nothing to do with the fact he had kissed a stranger. Twice. And rather willingly to be honest.

"What's an immortal?" Rory asked, feeling Ice's hands travel up and down his back.

"Some say vampire, others say demon. Witch, warlock, abomination." Ice replied with a smile that took Rory's breath away. "It all depends on who and what you're asking. Each immortal is unique."

"Are you immortal?" Rory asked as his body shivered in pleasure.

Ice leaned forward as he placed a soft kiss against Rory's parted lips. "No. I have always been, Rory. Such as you will become when it is time."

Rory's eyes narrowed in thought.

"It's okay to not understand," Ice whispered, pulling away.

Irrational panic flooded Rory. "Where are you going?"

Ice gave him a coy smile. "As my true name implies, I have a purpose that I cannot ignore."

"Will I see you again?" Rory didn't know where these strange emotions were coming from. He had just met the damn bastard and now he never wanted to let go.

"You are addicting. It'd be hard to stay away." Ice replied with a wink then disappeared without a trace.

Rory slowly sank to his knees as he brought a hand to his mouth, still feeling the chill Ice's touch had left on his body.