Chapter 11: Meeting Arabella

Waking up next to Isaac felt much more natural than it should have. It felt somehow incredibly normal to wake up and shift slightly, moving closer to him under the covers. Looking at him in the early morning light, Lavinia could tell that he truly was asleep. She smiled slightly. So, there were some human needs left after all. Eating, sleeping, what else would he need?

Unbidden, the thought arose to Lavinia of herself as one of those needs. Of her being as necessary to Isaac as his instinct to feed. She quickly pushed the thought away, reminding herself that while Isaac seemed earnest, this could just be a whim. Her trust was not yet guaranteed. Though, the previous night had certainly garnered more of a bond.

It was hard to take his actions and care as a ploy, but Lavinia could not help but remain cautious. Surely, had Isaac only been playing with her he would have served only his own pleasure. He would not have given so much attention to Lavinia, waiting for her to respo