Page 55 of Love Bites

“You don’t want to be a part of that chat,” he grumbled, handing it back.

“Whatever you say, Big Daddy Hale.”

He swatted my ass, making me laugh in protest and take a few steps forward. My legs were still a little shaky, so I tripped a tiny bit as I did. He caught me with a growl and an arm around my waist.

“See why this is a bad idea?”

“If you hadn’t been starving yourself before, you wouldn’t have needed so much blood, and I would be perfectly fine,” I said.

“Stop listening to Lou.”

“I’m pretty sure talking to your sister is a normal part of being your mate.”

He grunted. “I wasn’t starving.”

“The way your skin is basically glowing right now proves that wrong. Kara says you should be feeding every day.”

“Kara is full of shit.”

“And scientific knowledge.”

“No one needs to feed every day.”

“Normal rules don’t apply to you, and you know it.”

We finally reached the staircase. Instead of letting me walk up it in front of him like I’d been planning, he scooped me up andthrew me over his shoulder, holding my thighs so I didn’t tumble off.

He took the stairs two at a time, and wasn’t breathing hard when he reached our living space, a few stories up.

After tossing me onto the bed, he put the tray of food down next to me. “Eat, Blair. I’m not joking. If you leave this room without emptying that tray, I will assign you an around-the-clock guard. No more swimming naked. No more walking around hungry, with your magic drawing people to you. No more?—”

“I agreed to be your mate, not your prisoner,” I snapped.

“Mymateshould know better than to force me to drink more than I need, risking her life in the process. I’m done fucking around.”

“You aresuchan asshole.”

“In the flesh.” He gestured to himself sarcastically. “I have work to do.”

“Fine, starve yourself,” I called behind him, as he walked out. “Two can play that game, too.”

The door shut behind him, and I huffed as I grabbed the first plate of food with one hand, sending a text to Lou and Kara.

Me

He’s pissed about the feeding thing. Knows you two are involved. I’m sorry

Kara

He’s been pissed at us for bringing it up for ages. Don’t feel bad on our behalf

Lou

What happened?

Me

Long story, but basically, he threatened to assign me a guard if I keep pushing him. Convo ended when he stormed out. I may have threatened to starve myself if he refuses to eat enough

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