Mara's eyes widened slightly at his words, surprise briefly flickering across her face before she regained her composure.. "Oh, roomie? You flatter me," she said softly, as she moved closer to him. "But I am afraid that love is out of the question for us. You must know that, right?"
She brushed a lock of hair out of Jake's face, her fingers felt warm against his skin. "I do care about you though. As much as an amoral monster like me is capable of caring," she added with a wry smile. "And I'll make sure that you're well taken care of as long as you stay with me."
She leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his ear. "Who needs love when you have someone who'll cook for you, make sure you're healthy, and protect you from the dangers of the world?" she whispered. "You have everything you need right here, roomie. Stick with me and you'll never have to worry about a thing."
Jake turned his head to face her. He leaned in and kissed her gently. "Mara, I am here to take care of you too." With that he slid out of his seat and got on one knee, taking her hand into his as he gazed up into her eyes.
"I will be your shield from the sun. Your moonlight when the sky is hidden by clouds. Your guiding star when you feel lost."
Mara struggled to keep her expression neutral. There was such sincerity in his eyes that she almost forgot herself. She looked down at him, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You're sweet, roomie. And I appreciate the sentiment," she said softly, her eyes meeting his. "But you don't need to worry about me. I'm a vampire, remember? I can take care of myself."
She squeezed his hand gently, her fingers cool against his skin. "But if you want to be here for me, then I won't stop you, " she added, her voice low. "Just know that the risks are high. You're playing with fire, roomie. And I am not sure you understand how dangerous I can be."
Mara leaned closer, her eyes glinting in the candlelight. "But if you are willing to take that risk," she let out a soft sigh. "Then so am I.'' she murmured before bending down and capturing his lips with a deep, passionate kiss.
Jake stood and wrapped his arms around her, never breaking their kiss. Something in the way she felt against him changed. There was something behind her kiss that was less lust and more love. Her arms pulled him closer, wrapping around his neck as she deepened the kiss.
Her lips were cool against his, but her kiss was filled with an intense heat that kindled a fire inside him. Jake felt her fangs brush against his lips, sending a jolt of excitement through his body.
She pulled away after a moment, her eyes met his almost hesitantly. "I shouldn't do this, she she breathed, her voice low and husky. "I really shouldn't… but I can't help myself."
She leaned in to kiss him again, pouring all the hunger and passion she had been holding back into the kiss. As the desire between them grew, all thoughts of danger and caution slipped away, lost in the heat of the moment.
Jake pulled back from the kiss. "Shouldn't do what, my undead queen? Lose your heart to a lowly mortal?"
Mara's eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at him. "Lose my heart?" she repeated; a slow, wicked smile spreading across her lips. "Oh, roomie. You have no idea how much I would have to lose in order for that to happen."
She leaned in close, her breath hot against his ear. "But… I suppose we can have a little fun, can't we?" she murmured, her lips brushing against his neck. "After all, it's not like we have anything better to do."
She pulled back for a moment, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Come on," she said, taking his hand as she led him towards the kitchen. "Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into together."
Jake laughed lightheartedly. "I may shock you in the kitchen. I am a fair cook by mortal standards, but I am always willing to learn more." He paused in the hallway as he thought about her worlds. He spun her around to face him, cupping her face gently with his other hand as he gazed into her eyes.
"No danger can tear me from you. I am all in, regardless of what may come. We will face it together." he said gently.
Mara looked at him for a moment, her expression softening. "You really mean that, don't you?" she asked quietly, her fingers tightening around his. She took a deep breath, her eyes seemed to look far away. "It's not going to be easy, roomie. This life that we lead… it can be harsh, and unforgiving. And I…" she faltered for a moment, her eyes flicking away. "I'm not the easiest person to be around."
Mara gazed back into his eyes. "But if you're willing to stick it out with me, if you're willing to face whatever comes our way… then you should know that I won't let you down." she said firmly, her eyes locking onto his. "I'll do my best to keep you safe. Maybe… maybe we can find some happiness together, amidst all the darkness."
She leaned in to kiss him again, her lips soft and warm against his. Jake moved his head, offering her his neck. "I got to eat, it's only fair that you should too."
Her eyes lit up with hunger as she looked at him, a pleased smile spreading across her lips. "You really are too good to me, roomie." she purred as she leaned in to kiss the pulse point on his neck.
She took a deep breath, savoring the scent of his blood as it flowed beneath his skin. With one swift motion, she sank her fangs into his flesh, drinking deeply from his veins.
Despite the pain, he could feel a rush of pleasure as Mara fed from him, the intimacy of the moment was overwhelming. Mara's arms wrapped around him holding him close as she took what she needed.
After a few moments, she pulled back, licking her lips as she looked at him with satisfaction. "Mmm," she said, a pleased smile spreading across her lips. "That was delicious. You really do have the most delectable blood, roomie. I don't know what I would do without you."
Jake leaned in and kissed her deeply, his blood mingling on their lips and tongues. Mara responded eagerly to his kiss, her tongue exploring his mouth as she tasted the mingled flavor of his blood. It was a heady, intoxicating sensation, and she could feel her hunger stirring once again.
After a long moment, she pulled back, her eyes heavy lidded with desire. "You're too good to me, roomie," she murmured, her fingertips brushing against his cheek. "But I suppose it's only fair, given how good I am to you."
She leaned in to taste his skin once more, taking another sweet sip of his blood. It was a reminder of the bond the two of them shared, a reminder of why he was willing to stand by her side despite all the danger and darkness that surrounded him.
Jake scooped her into his arms as she licked the wound on his neck closed, and carried her to the bed. He laid her down gently and crawled in next to her as she sprawled out languidly. Jake wrapped his arms around her and pulled Mara close to him.
She snuggled against his chest, her fingers tracing idle circles through his chest hair. She let out a soft sigh of contentment as she snuggled closer to him. They laid there, enjoying the closeness of one another as they drifted off to sleep, enjoying the feeling of being together.