Page 41 of Feral
Yannis drifts off to sleep in my arms, and though I’m itchy with the dried remnants of our passion still clinging to my skin, nothing could make me let him go.
I have to keep him. There’s absolutely no way I can let him leave my life now that I know what it’s like between us. He gave himself to me so easily, so naturally, as if we were always meant for this. The only negative is that he doesn’t know what I am. He doesn’t know how difficult it was not to sink my teeth into his luscious skin. His scent is intoxicating, like no other I’ve experienced. He could be addictive if I ever get to taste his essence. If it’s even remotely as delicious as his cum, I’m in trouble.
He stirs, slowly blinking his eyes open. When he focuses on me, a sweet smile spreads across his face. “Hi.”
“Hi.”
“I fell asleep?”
“You did.”
“I must feel safe. I never drift off when I’m with someone new.”
I stroke his wavy hair. “That’s nice to hear.”
“I’ve only been with women, you know?”
I nod. “Yes.”
“I don’t know if it’s fucked up to compare, but I can’t help it.”
“It’s natural to compare.”
His brow creases as he nibbles at his bottom lip for a second. “I don’t know if it’s just how you make me feel, or if it’s because you’re a man…” He shakes his head. “Sorry. That came out wrong.”
“Take your time.”
“What I meant is that I don’t know if it’s specifically you and our vibe together, but I feel really good in your arms. Better than good. It’s comforting, safe, feelings I’ve never had with someone before. Since I met you, everything is new again. Like I just hit puberty.”
“Do you have concerns because I’m a man?”
“No, nothing like that. I’m not hung up on labels or sexuality. Not like some of my friends growing up.”
“What do you mean?”
“I grew up in a small farm town where boys were taught hyper-masculinity and constantly criticized for anything deemed feminine. Weird, because it’s totally fine for girls to drive a tractor or learn how to fix farm equipment, but god forbid a guy wants to paint his nails. It was stifling.”
“I can only imagine.”
“My stepdad was rough with us. Very focused on teaching us how to be men in his vision. My little brother is gay, and even though they accept him, on some level I know it bugs my folks.”
“That’s unfortunate. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I worry about Dimi though. I got enough shit from people and I mostly fit the mold. Strong, pretty masculine, dated girls. He’s… softer. Sweet. I don’t want him to go back there after he graduates. I’m hoping I can make something of myself by then and he can come live with me, or in any big city where he can be himself.”
“You’re good to him. Everyone deserves a safe place. You’re his.”
“I want to be. I want him to know I’m always there for him, you know?”
“Of course.”
“Do you have siblings?”
I shake my head. “No. My family is long dead, but I have a new family now. Found family can be just as real and strong.”
“Definitely. Thorn is interesting.”
I tense slightly. Damn jealous streak. “What do you mean?”