Page 49 of The Sanguine Selection
Crate?
Jasper bows deeply. “Of course, King Marek. It shall be done.”
Marek… his eyes glow silver. Which means the king with the red eyes is—
“Mikhail,” Marek says, his voice smooth and silken. “Seems our Blood Slave needs a royal escort.”
Mikhail’s lips pull back and white fangs gleam, even in the dark. “Mmm,” Mikhail purrs. “Just in time for a morning snack.”
I squeal as they lunge for me but they don’t hurt me like I expect. Aside from the firm grips on my upper arms, the kings simply do as they said and escort me through the castle. I feel so small between them, like a child. Their scents invade my nose in a delicious sort of way. Worn leather and something sweet. Clove maybe. Cinnamon. It calms me somehow.
“Where are you taking me?” I find the courage to ask as we round a corner and trudge up a flight of stairs flanked on either side by black banisters. Everyone we pass pauses and bows to the kings, but I notice the hungry eyes lingering on my body all but exposed beneath the sheer, red fabric of my nightgown. I’m embarrassed, and shame heats my cheeks.
“You are not to speak unless spoken to,” Mikhail replies but doesn’t answer my question.
The rest of the journey is silent as we ascend to the top of the castle, across a covered bridge to the tallest tower. A pair of guards flank a set of massive golden doors, the way inside.
As the guards each grab a handle, and the doors creak open, it’s like my fate is being sealed, the lid of a coffin being closed and nailed shut. This is the point of no return and I know that regardless of what happens beyond this threshold…
I’ll never be the same again.
24
Marek
Fuck,the rebels are growing too bold.
The volatile rage coursing through my veins flares brighter when I link my mind with Mikhail, but I know I need to calm down before our rage overtakes the castle and reduces it to nothing but ashes. Next to me, my twin snorts, not giving a damn if we burn down the entire kingdom.
No one touches what’s ours,he hisses.
Our realm is consumed by shadows and secrets, but their dominion will soon crumble. Together, we traverse the dimly lit corridors of our ancient castle, our steps echoing like foreboding whispers. The scent of blood, heavy and tantalizing, lingers in the air, a reminder of what happens to those who oppose us.
We move swiftly, our powerful strides carrying us quickly to our chamber. Between my brother and me, the Blood Slave trembles. She fears us.Good.The sooner she remembers who’s in charge, the better. We are not her saviors—we’re her masters, and no one touches what belongs to the rightful kings.
At least, no one does and lives.
Renewed wrath erupts inside of me, warring with other emotions. It creates a tempest of primal urges that nearly has me pinning our pet against the wall so that I can bury both my cock and fangs inside her warmth. Mikhail snarls, hearing my thoughts, and with a supreme effort, I rein in my desires. He already teeters the edge of sanity, I mustn’t push him off the ledge.
The Blood Slave’s terror wafts in the air, and for a moment, she peeks up at me with wide, horrified eyes. An echo of guilt flits through me at all she’s suffered. The girl is nothing but a pawn to the rebels, a beautiful and delicious hostage they think to hold against my twin and me. What those fools underestimate is the bond we’ve already forged with the lovely, little slave.
Her blood flows within us, and in return, Mikhail and I can sense her emotions and thoughts. Poor thing doesn’t even comprehend how much she already belongs to us, even her body quivers in anticipated awareness. Her innocence is as much a beacon to those who lurk in the shadows as her blood, but we won’t let anyone taste what is ours.
We never should have let her out of our sight. Our mistake almost cost us.
Never again,Mikahil vows.
Smell,I order.
My twin inhales deeply.Her fear makes an intoxicating perfume.
Yes, but underneath it, do you scent it? She’s curious.
What are you suggesting, brother?
Is she not ours to do with as we please? A toy to play with at our leisure?
She is a pet, nothing more and nothing less.
