Page 18 of Rescued By the Vampire Rogue

"I have to drink your blood?" I wasn't sure why that simultaneously excited and freaked me out. Anyone who watched a fraction of the vampire movies out there would expect the demand of being turned, eventually. It was something he hadn't mentioned yet, but I'd resolved myself to accept it over the last week. Even if I hadn't, I knew there was only one choice I could make… Not just for myself, but for the child growing inside me.

"Alright, I'll do it, Kael. I'll be your mate and share your blood." I whispered, my determination steeling itself within me. "I'll agree to this, but only if you promise to never change your mind about me."

A growl rumbled deep within Kael's chest as he charged forward, closing the distance between us in an instant. I stumbled back, tripping over my own feet as I tried to evade him, but it was futile. His arms snaked around me, pulling me flush against his hard body.

"Never," he snarled, his eyes blazing with determination. "I will never feel less for you than I do now."

Kael's hands moved deftly, stripping away the clothes that I had only worn for a few hours after my shower during his last-minute planning. I couldn't help but protest. "Kael, I just got done cleaning up! What are you?—"

"Mine!" he barked, cutting me off. "I don't fucking care. If we're going to use you as bait for Lucien, then I'm going to make damn sure my scent and marks are all over you. Let him know exactly who you belong to."

His words sent shivers down my spine, but I couldn't deny the thrill that coursed through me at the thought of being so thoroughly claimed by him. I was his, and he was mine. For eternity.

CHAPTER 10

KAEL

The warehouse loomed before me, a carcass of rust and shadows, its hollow insides echoing with the distant scuttle of vermin. Displeasure curdled in my gut like sour blood. This plan reeked of desperation. I'd reached out to Brayden earlier as I sought an alternative, but even he, with his penchant for finding loopholes, had conceded. No workaround existed; Ivy was essential.

I cast a sidelong glance at her, irritation etched on her delicate features. The marks I'd left on her neck stood out. A vampire's brutal love bites and mark of ownership. They were an intended beacon for Lucien's eyes, a broadcast of possession and protection. Ivy caught me looking and her frown deepened.

"Are you proud of yourself?" Her voice was a blade wrapped in velvet, sharpness hidden beneath softness.

"Not in the slightest," I replied, the word clipped, final. "If I had my way, you'd be back in the safety of my estate while I deal with this nuisance."

Ivy grumbled at me as she rolled her eyes.

The rumors had gone out through my line, hopefully filtering into the ears of the spies Lucien had turned from vampires I'd created. Ivy had escaped my containment of her and was on the run, currently hiding in this warehouse. Only time would tell if it was enough bait for Lucien, but I had to ensure she was ready before I left her mostly alone to play her part.

Inside, my certainty wavered like a flame in the wind. I had to find solace in one undeniable truth. Ivy had taken my blood. She was as prepared for this task as she could be. Then she glared at me again as she tugged on her jeans. The dried remnants of our earlier encounter. She'd insisted on washing off my mark, but I'd refused and threatened to do it over and over again if she dared wash my essence from her body.

Ivy was mine. I wanted Lucien and any other creature close enough to scent her to know it as well.

"Let's get this over with," she muttered, breaking the silence as she stepped through a doorway.

The plan unfolded in my head for the umpteenth time, the details sharp and clear as the edges of a silver stake. "You know what to do when he arrives," I stated, more a command than a question.

"Got it, got it. How many times will you go over it? My ears are about to bleed," she shot back, her tone dripping with irritation.

"Once more won't hurt," I insisted, before her hand flew up.

"Save it. 'The L Guy' will be here any minute." She spat out the nickname, an attempt to avoid stirring the beast within me at the mention of his true name. The mere sound of it on her lips was enough to boil my blood.

"Fine," I conceded through gritted teeth. I turned, intent on putting distance between us, knowing well that my presence was gasoline to the fire about to burn.

"Actually, I don't mind helping you make your exit," interrupted a voice so smooth and cold it could freeze hell over.

My body tensed, every muscle coiled like a spring. I spun around, my hiss slicing through the air. "Traitor."

Laughter echoed from the shadows, mocking, cruel. He emerged from the shadows with a vicious smile. "Oh, Kael. You were always so predictable."

Ivy gasped.

My instincts roared to life at the threat to my mate and unborn child. I lunged at Lucien, rage fueling every muscle, but he was already moving toward Ivy.

In the midst of my fury-fueled assault, another betrayal struck. A firm grip like iron manacles snatched me and wrenched me back. A silver dagger pierced my chest with a white-hot brand of agony. Not deep enough to end me, yet sufficient to paralyze my strength. Breath hissed through my teeth as I turned to see who had betrayed me.

"Explain yourself!" My voice, though weakened from the searing pain, was a lethal whisper.

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