Music of Souls

He found the caterer's boxes and set out collecting all the dishes, glasses and silverware. The music still played throughout the house, and the studio was far enough away from the living room so noise wasn't an issue. When the last box was filled with plates, he contemplated whether to wake Elisabeth or not. Deciding to leave her be and sneak out, he checked over the room one last time, and thought, Not bad. Then turned to leave. Elisabeth leaned in the doorway, arms crossed. Jackson gave a start. That was the second time this week someone had snuck up on him. "Hey, I was going to let you sleep."

"I can see that." She made her way to him and put both hands in his hair. "I think I'll keep you."

"That's my master plan, ma'am."

She traced his jaw line from temple to chin with her index finger. "You have the most beautiful bone structure. Will you sit for me one day?"

"Of course, whenever you like." He didn't quite understand why she needed that. It appeared she already had his likeness dead on. Jackson kissed her, gently at first then more intensely. She did not pull away tonight, but pressed her body to his and he felt her pulse quickening. Elisabeth gently grazed his earlobe just as she had that first night. His body responded exactly as it had then, unsettling him. His voice came out in a raspy whisper. "The last time you did that, I didn't much care for what came next." He thought of the redhead, but quickly pushed it away.

She brushed her lips up to his ear. "I think tonight's outcome will be much more to your liking."

Jackson's desire flamed so intensely, he had to force himself to think straight. This was more than mere passion, rather a visceral need that threatened to overwhelm him. It was imperative to maintain enough control to keep from hurting or biting her. Letting her learn his secret this way would be disastrous. He braced himself for the battle with his fangs and waited for the inevitable pain from fighting to keep them at bay. While kissing her neck, he realized the fangs had not waged their war. He felt no ache. How can that be? I have never wanted a woman this much. He touched his canine with his tongue. Nothing. He pulled away, dumfounded.

She noticed his shocked expression. "Are you all right?"

"I don't know." He kissed her again, this time with urgency and let go enough so his fangs should definitely start their descent. Still nothing! Panic set in, this was impossible. First he couldn't influence her, and now his fangs had failed him. His head started to pound. "I have to go, I'm sorry."