Aiden's first hours as a vampire were overwhelming.
Everything was amplified—sounds, smells, sensations. He could hear heartbeats from floors below, smell blood pumping through veins, feel the texture of air against his skin.
"It's too much," he gasped, clutching Kieran.
"I know. It gets easier. Your brain will learn to filter." Kieran held him steady. "Focus on my voice. Just my voice."
Slowly, the sensory overload became manageable. Aiden opened his eyes—crimson now, like Kieran's—and really looked at his mate for the first time with vampire vision.
"You're beautiful," Aiden whispered. "I mean, I knew you were beautiful, but now... I can see everything. Every detail."
"As can I." Kieran traced Aiden's face reverently. "You look different. Same soul, same essence, but the vampirism has sharpened your features. Made you even more stunning."
"Flatterer." But Aiden smiled, feeling his fangs with his tongue. "This is so strange. I have memories of being human yesterday and being vampire in 1624. Both feel equally real."
"That's the soul memory integrating with your current consciousness. Give it time to settle."
Marcus appeared in the doorway. "How's our newborn vampire?"
"Overwhelmed but managing." Aiden stood on shaky legs. "I need to feed, don't I? I can feel it—the hunger."
"Yes. We have synthetic blood, or—"
"I want to try real blood. From a willing donor." Aiden looked at Kieran. "You've been doing synthetic for centuries to be ethical. But I want to understand the full vampire experience first, then I can choose."
Marcus nodded approvingly. "Smart. I know someone who donates regularly. Let me make a call."
An hour later, a young woman arrived—Sarah, a human who knew about vampires and voluntarily donated blood in exchange for payment and the thrill.
"First time?" she asked Aiden, noting his nervousness.
"That obvious?"
"You're vibrating with barely contained hunger. Don't worry, I've done this hundreds of times." She tilted her head, exposing her neck. "Just be gentle."
Aiden looked at Kieran, who nodded encouragingly.
Then he bit down.
The taste exploded across his tongue—rich, warm, life itself flowing into him. Not just blood, but memories, emotions, the essence of Sarah's existence. He could taste her joy, her fears, her hopes.
It was intoxicating.
Kieran's hand on his shoulder brought him back. "Easy. Not too much."
Aiden pulled back, licking his lips. Sarah swooned slightly, and Marcus steadied her.
"Good?" Kieran asked.
"Incredible. I understand now why vampires struggle with ethics. That was..." Aiden couldn't find words. "Addictive."
"Which is why control is essential." Kieran paid Sarah generously, and Marcus escorted her out. "You did well. Many newborn vampires drain their first donor completely."
"I felt you through our bond. Felt your restraint, your control. It helped."
"The bond works both ways now. We can feel each other's emotions, share strength, communicate without words." Kieran pulled him close. "We're truly connected now. Forever."
Aiden kissed him deeply, tasting blood and promise and eternity. "Forever. I like the sound of that."