Sabien didn’t know what he was doing. He rarely made mistakes. His last mistake nearly cost him his sister’s life. He wouldn’t do that shit again, and yet here he was, testing fate by talking to Aubrey. 

Years had gone by. Ten years. A mere blip in Sabien’s centuries-long existence. It didn’t feel that way with Aubrey. Every passing second had been excruciating but he had to resist. He’d been drawn to Aubrey from the moment they met. The calling sounded like a siren’s song, luring him toward his doom. A powerful thump pounded his chest, and his silent heart made the first beat. All because of Aubrey. 

Sabien didn’t know what to think, let alone feel. He had grown accustomed to being alone and categorizing humans as an essential item rather than people. It was better that way. Made things less complicated. 

Except for the part that did make things complicated and explained why Sabien was so drawn to Aubrey in the first place. 

Sabien had known it. Aubrey might not understand it. Aubrey was so perfectly human and fragile that the idea was preposterous. Soulmates were merely metaphors for humans, as a way to bring more meaning to love. Fated mates were a step beyond for his ilk, or rather, the monsters who lurked and existed in plain sight. His sister had the luxury and the blessing of finding her destiny, here of all places. It was why she joined Wonted’s brood. For safety, protection, and a life. She was tired of running and moving. Here, she was promised a home.

Here, she had her mate. 

The difference was that she didn’t fight the pull. 

Sabien fought his aggressively. He outright refused the calling, regardless of the urge — the need — to be as close to Aubrey as possible. He’d gone through centuries of heaven and hell. He’d seen the best and the worst this world had to offer, only to meet a boy who’d shaken him up. A boy whose sole existence was to make Sabien happy. 

That concept was wrong on so many levels, and he couldn’t fathom how Vanille blithely accepted her destiny. Her mate was human and still did not know. 

Humans weren’t supposed to know about the supernatural. Both worlds existed on a precarious balance, policed by a secret order known as Aegis. 

She was dealing with a delicate situation. This party had mostly to do with celebrating her destiny and her fashion muse, Wesley. 

Sabien had long implemented and followed his personal belief: humans were meals. Wasn’t that the curse of vampirism? To feed on the life you once had? Hunt, feed, fuck, and even kill? The transition to the undead created the demon that stirred within vampires. Shifters had their beasts. Vampires had their demons. He was a primal, bloodthirsty monster, forced to play pretend so that he could exist unbothered. 

Did he want to bring Aubrey into his world? 

Their history had been nothing but brief yet sizzling encounters. Tonight was different. 

It began with Sabien watching from a distance as the old creep approached Aubrey.

The terrace had many hiding places among the specially curated potted plants and angelic sculptures. The night made the shadows plentiful, casting deep shades and haunting impressions. 

His sister had transformed the terrace into a pocket paradise, where anyone could feel an immeasurable peace and appreciation of the sculptures and landscape. 

Unfortunately, that walking pit stain of a man decided to encroach on Aubrey’s personal space, ruining the splendid view Sabien had. Aubrey looked just as ethereal as the stone angels themselves. The soft amber lighting from the terrace and the moonlight created an ambiance that brought fantasy and dreams to life. 

Aubrey was that dream for Sabien. Dressed in black like he was meant to. Sleek, fitted, sinuous. Aubrey had a lean and delicate build, black hair falling like a silk curtain to his narrow shoulders. Sabien knew the color of Aubrey’s eyes from memory. Their slanted shape was home to royal purple spheres, reminding Sabien of the plums he used to savor as a mortal man. They struck Sabien every time with a simple glance. 

During their conversation, Sabien was aware that he had fucked up. That somewhere and somehow, he had hurt Aubrey’s feelings. He might have done it intentionally, testing Aubrey. 

He certainly reaped the repercussions, but watching Aubrey walk away was an award he savored shamelessly. From the sway of his shoulders to his slender hips, Aubrey gave plenty for Sabien to admire. Tight black jeans accentuated his shifting globes. Sabien wanted to bite that ass like an apple. He had a feeling Aubrey was soft in areas that counted despite his slender stature. Areas like his navel, his ass, his… 

Sabien’s cock grew plump in his slacks. He groaned, cupping his bulge while the fingers of his free hand pushed through his hair in agitation. Aubrey walking away aroused his demon. He wanted to chase after him and grab him by his hair. It’d be even better if Aubrey ran. 

“Maybe I can help you with that,” purred a voice Sabien recognized anywhere. 

Zachary Abendroth was a fellow model and vampire. He appeared as if he had been beside Sabien the entire time. He must’ve floated as mist, watching like the voyeur he was. Zachary took an interest in the industry because of Sabien. One could call Zachary’s behaviors as obsessive, and such that Sabien unhealthily enabled now and then. 

Usually, Sabien’s demon perked up, eager for what would usually transpire between them. It was different this time since talking to Aubrey. His demon didn’t want Zachary. 

It wanted Aubrey. 

“No, I don’t need your help,” Sabien said brusquely. His cock softened enough for Sabien to remove his palm. “What did you see?”

“Enough,” Zachary replied slyly. The brunette was just as large and imposing. Broad-shouldered, muscular, and fair-skinned. His black-brown hair was coiffed and a touch wavy, emphasizing his high cheekbones and square jaw. Steel gray eyes were half-lidded and glinting with mischief. He wore a white suede suit with brown loafers. Zachary had an effortlessness to his sensuality, and a laziness just as fitting. “You let that boy get under your skin.” He added and cocked his head, “Why?” 

Sabien wanted to tell Zachary to mind his fucking business but knew better. In their long sordid history and companionship, Zachary ensured that everything that happened in Sabien’s life was his business. 

“Leave him alone, Zach. He’s not worth your time.” Sabien said, feeling restless. 

“Sure, whatever you say,” Zachary said casually, “my offer still stands. It’s been a while, Sabien dearest.”

Sabien rolled his eyes, “no.” 

Zachary slid closer. Their shoulders touching caused Sabien to tense. Zachary was slightly taller, by roughly half an inch. Sabien lifted his gaze, leveling his icy blue eyes with Zachary's steel gray hues. They created a storm together. Tempestuous, destructive, and downright hot.

“Sabien,” Zachary purred, “do you really not want to see me on my knees as you throat fuck me?” He leaned in, teasing the shell of Sabien’s ear with his lips. “I’ll even bite.”

“Zachary,” Sabien whispered, the warning sound feeble from the way his breath stuttered. His fangs almost sprang out as the conflict waged inside him — anger and lust. “I will not… I won’t do anything with you. Not tonight, and not… anymore.” 

Boundaries. He needed to set boundaries with Zachary. No more casual intimacy. No more risky behaviors. 

He told himself these boundaries had nothing to do with Aubrey, or with the fact that he had a vision of Aubrey on his knees, making the same filthy proposal as Zachary. 

“Not anymore…” Zachary’s large hand grabbed Sabien’s neck from behind and yanked him close. Their bodies aligned. Every hard line and muscle melded as Zachary wrapped his free arm around Sabien’s waist in an iron grip. Sabien’s eyes flashed as did Zachary’s, fangs extended. “I’m not a fan of this side of you, Sabien. We’re meant to have fun together and paint the town red.” Zachary hissed. 

Sabien narrowed his eyes, the adrenaline rushing through his veins. He huffed like an angry bull, his cock aching and flushed against the outline of Zachary’s bulge. 

“Oh, Sabien.” Zachary said in a saccharine tone, “You can’t resist this. You can’t resist me.” He bridged the distance until his lips were a hair’s breadth from Sabien’s mouth. 

Frozen, and conflicted, Sabien’s demon reacted. Sabien’s body dispersed into tiny particles, his mind floating with the forming mist and he rushed away from Zachary, seeking an escape.