* * *
It was afternoon when Tink returned. This time there were two sets of footsteps on the porch.
"Is that a lion?" Jason said. "I didn't know you had them on the East Coast—oh. Did it help?"
"I think so, but we'll have to see."
"Then she's better today?"
Elizabeth joined them on the porch. I sniffed the air as the door opened and then closed. He was healthier, his scent stronger, more enticing.
"You have more color in your face." Elizabeth said. "I'm glad you are feeling better."
"Thank you."
"How is practice going?" Tink said.
"I don't know."
"What do you mean, aren't you getting ready for your big game?" Tink said.
"They are, but Coach won't let me practice, says it's too dangerous after loosing so much blood—it takes time. The trainer gave me an IV so I'm not as dehydrated, but it will take time for my blood count to get back to normal."
"I see," Elizabeth said, "it explains why your scent was not as strong."
"Was?" Jason said.
"You're not quiet yourself, but much closer today."
"Can Izzy tolerate me?"
"We'll have to see." Tink said.
The door opened.
Elizabeth spoke. "Slowly, Jason. She's better, but it has been a short time and we cannot expect too much from her. Just don't get your hopes up." Elizabeth entered the room. "Are you up to a visitor, dear?"
"Yes, yes of course." I could tell from Elizabeth's expression I was too eager.
She turned toward the open door. "Slowly."
Tink walked in first, and crossed the room to stand by Hayley. Everyone was staring at me—it was disconcerting.
"Hello." Jason stepped into the room, stopping just inside the door. Again, his eyes immediately focused on mine. "You look better. It won't be long before your my beautiful butterfly again."
"Oh, I replied, you disapprove of my cocoon?"
"Yes. I want to hold you, kiss you—sorry, I know you're not ready for that just yet." He took a step closer.
My deep inhale did not go unnoticed by my family. The fire was there, still raging in my throat. The question was could I control it, or maybe more accurately, did I want to.
Jason took another cautious step closer. I shook my head and he stopped. He forced a smile.
"Did you say Coach won't let you practice?"
"It's okay."
"Because of me."
"No, because of me—something I had to do for the one I love."
"But you'll get to play in the game, right?"
Jason shrugged. "Doesn't matter."
"Because of me." I repeated.
Jason inched forward until I shook my head again. He was so beautiful from his windswept hair—no doubted from his trip through the woods with Tink—to his deep, chocolate eyes that reflected such longing, to his sharp, whiskered jaw line, broad shoulders and tight hips. He was magnificent.
"Will you touch me again?"
Jason looked to my family for approval and then stepped forward and, never taking his eyes off mine, knelt down in front of me. As he touched me, he silently mouthed, 'I love you.'
The radiating, warm sensation was immediate, melting the tension, replacing it with desire, longing—longing for Jason, for his love. But just like the last time, the further it extended, the more intense the burning thirst grew. Jason seemed to sense my struggle and let go.
"Don't." I begged.
"Just for a minute." He waited.
"Are you alright, dear?" Elizabeth ventured.
I nodded, not taking my eyes off of Jason. "Again?" His touch was magical and spread quickly. This time it was more like I was drawing it in instead of hesitantly letting it in. It moved much faster and swept past my throat. I smiled, a mixed signal smile, predator and lover.
Jason smiled back. A tear formed at the outer edge of his eye and then trickled down his temple—his throbbing temple. His heart was pounding, louder and louder.
I knew what I was doing, but couldn't stop myself. Jason began to slowly stand. Jason's face registered shock when Nathan's hand came down firmly on his shoulder, halting his progress.
"No!" I yelled and struck at Jason again and again.
Nathan started to pull Jason away, but Jason slipped out from under his hand and stood there, right in front of me.
"I love you." he whispered.
"I want you." I snarled, fighting my restraints. The plastic bulged at the sides.
Nathan and Tink quickly moved in on either side of me.
"It's still too soon." Elizabeth said. "Please step away, Jason."
"No." Jason said, not taking his eyes off mine—tears were forming, welling up on his lower eye lids. "I mean no disrespect ma'am, but we can do this." He wiped his eyes.
I continued to struggle against my coffin of plastic. "I want you! I want you!"
"Could you give us a minute guys?" Jason said.
Tink gently rested his hand on Jason's shoulder. "She will kill you. I can't do that to either of you."
Jason looked at Tink with tears streaming down his face. They exchanged an awkward glance and then Jason's eyes were locked back on mine.
"Elizabeth, Melanie, Hayley, can you control her?" Tink said.
The girls changed places with Tink and Nathan, Elizabeth and Melanie on either side and Hayley a few steps behind Jason.
"Thanks, guys." Jason said.
Tink and Nathan withdrew to the opposite side of the room.
"I want to taste you." I said pushing with all my strength against the plastic.
"Your eyes are beautiful. I love that shade of gold." Jason's voice was thick with mucus as tears continued to stream down his face. "You're so beautiful."
I struggled again and began snapping at him, but he didn't move—not even a flinch. Jason didn't say another word, he just stood there in front of me, crying as I tried again and again to attack him.