The Blood Moon Festival was an ancient vampire tradition—a celebration of their species, their power, their nature.
It was also, Adrian discovered, essentially a massive supernatural orgy.
"You didn't mention this part," Adrian hissed to Kieran as they entered the festival grounds.
Vampires were everywhere, many in various states of undress, feeding from each other, having sex openly. It was hedonistic, primal, completely uninhibited.
"It's tradition," Kieran said. "Blood Moon brings out our base nature. Most vampires participate."
"Are we expected to...?" Adrian gestured at the activities around them.
"Only with each other. Bonded mates don't share." Kieran pulled Adrian close. "But yes, tradition dictates we celebrate our nature. Publicly."
Adrian's body responded to the atmosphere—the scent of blood and sex and vampire pheromones in the air. Around them, vampires fed and fucked without shame.
"I want you," Adrian said, the festival's energy making him bold.
"Here?"
"Here. Now. Let everyone see I'm yours."
Kieran's eyes flashed red. "You're sure?"
"Completely."
Kieran found them a relatively private alcove—visible to anyone who looked, but not the center of attention. He pressed Adrian against the stone wall and claimed his mouth hungrily.
Adrian was already hard, already desperate. The atmosphere, the permission to be completely uninhibited, was intoxicating.
Kieran prepared him quickly, his fingers working efficiently. Then he entered Adrian in one smooth thrust, both of them groaning.
"Everyone can see," Kieran said against Adrian's ear. "Everyone knows I'm claiming you right now."
"Good," Adrian gasped. "Want them to know."
They moved together without restraint, the sounds of their pleasure mixing with dozens of others. Adrian didn't care who watched, who heard. All that mattered was Kieran inside him, Kieran's fangs in his throat, their bond singing between them.
When they came, it was intense and public and perfect. Adrian screamed Kieran's name, his fangs finding Kieran's shoulder as his body clenched impossibly tight.
Afterward, they stayed pressed together, both breathing hard.
"That was..." Adrian couldn't find words.
"The festival's power. Making us uninhibited, primal." Kieran kissed him. "Want to stay? Or is this too much?"
"Stay. I want to experience all of it."
They spent the night at the festival, feeding from each other, making love multiple times in different locations, completely uninhibited. By dawn, they were exhausted and covered in each other's blood and bite marks.
"Best festival ever," Adrian declared.
"Wait until next year. It gets more intense."
"More intense than this?"
"Much more."
Adrian couldn't wait.