Shadow Touched: A Paranormal Vampire Romance (A Touch of Vampire Book 1) by Becky Moynihan (great reads TXT) 📕

Now that I knew Lochlan lusted after me, even without the werewolf pheromones, distracting myself with English homework was fruitless. It didn’t help that he was torturing me by leaning against the fireplace, jotting notes in a black journal. The kitchen was still a wreck, so I’d opted for the living room couch. I should have gone upstairs to my room, but neither of us seemed capable of leaving each other’s presence.

Hours later, he finally made the first move, wordlessly heading upstairs to take a shower—probably a cold one.

While I waited for the bathroom to free up, I debated over a most vexing dilemma. Wear a t-shirt to bed that smelled of Lochlan, or subject myself to the scrap of satin I’d found in my overnight bag. I didn’t know whether to blame Isla or Kade for packing my sleep attire, but I had a bone to pick with them when I got my phone back.

Seriously though. A short red nightie?

Grumbling, I slipped it over my head and peeked at my reflection in the new dresser mirror. It was worse than I thought, barely covering my black underwear and showing cleavage for miles. “Curse you, Isla and Kade.”

I eyed the dresser, once again tempted to wear one of Lochlan’s t-shirts. I firmly shook my head and turned away. My hormones were already raging. No need to make things worse by enveloping myself in his scent.

Hearing the bathroom door open, I gathered my toiletries and paused to listen. When a second door down the hall clicked shut, I scampered across the hallway to brush my teeth and wash my face. Minutes later, I poked my head into the hall. All clear. I dashed across and slipped inside my bedroom, breathing a sigh of relief that he hadn’t seen me.

I tucked the toiletries back in my bag and promptly rammed my hip against the bed’s footboard. I hissed quietly, but that’s all it took. The door banged open, and Lochlan’s tall form filled the frame. I froze with one hand pressed to the insta-bruise on my hip, mouth opening to chew him out for barging in.

The words caught in my throat when, for the second time today, I saw shock stamped across his face. His eyes slid down my body, taking in every inch of exposed skin.

I felt his gaze like a caress, slowly trailing up my legs to my inner thighs where it stopped. My body flushed in response, growing embarrassingly wet. His nostrils flared as he no doubt scented my arousal. Freaking fates. I squeezed my thighs together against the growing ache.

I wanted him, and I knew he wanted me too. With a single word, I knew he’d have me on that bed, finding ways to pleasure me that didn’t involve skin contact. My knees weakened just thinking about it, but I wouldn’t go there again. Not if this was only lust for him.

So when he swallowed and roughly said, “You okay?” I straightened my shoulders and hardened my resolve.

“No, I’m not,” I replied tightly. “This isn’t okay.”

His brow furrowed. “You haven’t been sleeping,” he said, and slowly stepped into the room. “You’re exhausted. I can help you.”

I can help you.

My eyes rounded when I recalled the last time he’d said that. I scrambled over the bed in record time, clumsily landing on the other side. “Oh, no you don’t!” I said forcefully, swiping hair out of my face. “Just . . . just stay where you are.”

He frowned, clearly confused.

A guy like him probably isn’t used to being rejected, I reminded myself. And who in their right mind would? He’s panty-melting hot!

Muttering a curse, I dug my nails into my palms.

“What’s wrong?” he said, taking another step.

“No!” I yelled, pointing at him. “Stop right there.”

His brows dipped low, partially shadowing his red eyes. “What happened?”

I barked a laugh and threw my hands in the air. “Where do I start? Vampires and werewolves exist and I’m a freaking witch. I’m afraid to touch people now and a bunch of supernaturals want me dead. But that isn’t what’s bothering me, Lochlan. It’s you. For so long, I’ve craved connection. Like the deep, meaningful kind that is all-consuming. The kind you can feel in your very soul.

“Then you admit you’re attracted to me. Even lust after me. But you know what? I’m. Not. Okay. With. That. Why? Because I don’t just want a physical connection with you. No matter how much my body wants it, I need more. But I’m worried that you don’t. I’m worried that all you want from me is sex, and I’m not okay with that.”

Shocked that I’d revealed so much, I crossed my arms and hugged myself tightly, feeling vulnerable. I almost ordered Lochlan to leave so I could dive under the bed covers and never emerge. But I held my ground, knowing that I’d done the right thing by standing up for myself.

He hadn’t moved a muscle while I spoke, his face utterly impassive. I fought to hold still, to lock my jaw and accept however he reacted. If he walked out that door, I wouldn’t go after him. If he laughed at my words, I’d know he wasn’t good enough for me. I prepared myself for the worst, but wasn’t prepared in the least for his response.

“It’s not merely lust for me,” he said, conviction strong in his voice. “You’re not just a job, and death will never be preferable to being near you. What I feel for you is so much more than physical attraction. We have an undeniable connection. But . . .”

He raked a hand through his hair, his movements suddenly jerky and agitated. “An unexpected bond has formed between us. Such a thing rarely happens in the supernatural world, especially between a vampire and witch. On top of that, you’re a Syphon. This bond is impossible, yet our bodies want nothing more than to complete it.”

Joy at his