Page 47 of Taken By the Blood God

Her powers as a Conduit would allow her to have the lifespan of the god or goddess she channeled. Unless she gave up her power as Cassia had done. Then, her life would continue as expected until she passed from old age.

I refused to consider it. Minerva would accept her Conduit powers and use them. If for no other reason than the fact that her beloved niece would likely ascend to godhood. Especially since Ally’s mate was a gargoyle, and that species was all but impossible to kill.

“All right.”

It took me a moment to realize that Minerva was agreeing to take my blood. Without further argument. It was so unexpected I wasn’t sure what to say. Then, I recognized her words and knew I needed to do this as soon as possible because it was likely she could change her mind.

I allowed my fangs to drop and pressed my thumb to the sharp tip of one before I held it out before her face.

The little witch scowled at me. “I hope you at least washed your hands if you expect me to?—”

I didn’t wait for her to finish her sentence, merely shoved my thumb between her lips.

Like the witch she was, she sank her teeth into the base of my thumb—hard. I grunted and tried to ignore the way the sensation went straight to my dick. I focused on keeping the wound open for a few seconds, waiting until she swallowed around my thumb before I removed it.

I wasn’t going to think about how that made my cock twitch. This was for her health and her protection. When I pulled my hand away from her mouth, a drop of blood rested on her bottom lip. I couldn’t look away when her tongue came out to lick it away.

By the gods, she was killing me.

Her stare was murderous as she looked up at me.

“What in the hell was that?” she hissed.

“You only needed a few drops,” I stated. “I wasn’t about to stand there and argue with you when this was the most expedient way to handle?—”

It was her turn to interrupt me. A blast of icy power swept me off my feet and pinned me to the wall.

Clasping the front of her robe together with one hand, Minerva swept the blanket off her body and got to her feet. She stalked over to me, staring up at my face with scathing eyes.

“Do not EVER take a choice from me. God or not, I will end you.”

I tried to push back against the force of her power, but rage had allowed her to access the full depth of her magic. She held me in place with no more than a grunt.

“Am I understood?” she asked, her voice low and dangerous.

The sight of her in the dark blue silk robe, her fiery hair lying in a tangle over her shoulder and her golden eyes full of a chill so cold that it burned like fire made my heart pound in my chest.

She was everything Cassia had never been. Everything that I needed in this long, lonely existence.

Because of that, I would give her anything she asked for.

“Yes, little witch,” I murmured.

Her head cocked to the side as she continued to study me. “I can’t tell if you’re planning to set me on fire or kiss me if I release you.”

“I would never hurt you.”

Her hand lifted to the now-healed skin of her chest. My eyes dropped to the movement, and I winced.

“Never intentionally,” I amended.

Minerva took a step back, staring down at the flesh of her chest. The red mark was gone, leaving only smooth, pale skin behind. She turned her back to me, likely to pull the robe open wider. After a moment of looking down at herself, she wrapped the garment around her body and tied the belt.

Then, she faced me. She no longer looked angry, but her expression was intense.

“What are you doing, Tal?” she asked.

I shrugged, not quite sure what she was asking.

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