Page 51 of The Hunger
“Okay.”
My vision sharpened again as his lust flooded the steam-filled air around us.
“Take what you need, chipmunk. For you, I have an endless supply.”
It didn’t seem like he was exaggerating. There was so much. Far more than I’d ever felt before. And my mouth watered for it all.
I swallowed hard and put my hands on his shoulders. His smile returned, playful and inviting.
“You never need permission for this,” he said softly. “If you’re hungry, eat. You decide when and how. I’ll follow your lead.”
He was inviting me to lose control, something I didn’t think I would ever be willing to do. But I could do what he’d originally asked. Feed on him while I was awake. And this time without being angry.
Lips parted, I inhaled his sweet essence and reveled in watching his response. His pupils dilated, and his hands gripped my waist, rubbing slow circles with his thumbs. I could feel that he wanted to do more. So much more. But he held back, letting me lead.
I ate until he was trembling with need and my upper lip started to sweat. When I stopped and attempted to pull away, he crushed me in a hug.
“Thank you for trusting me.”
Tentatively, I wrapped my arms around him in return and rested my head against his shoulder.
“Thank you for never giving up on me.”
He released me and quirked a mischievous grin my way.
“You might not be thanking me in a few minutes. I forgot your bag in the car when you tried to run. That means a cold, wet run back.”
I wrinkled my nose at him, and he licked me. It ignited my hunger again. Instead of pushing it down, I let myself consume just a little more of what he had to offer.
He sighed contentedly.
“That’s something I’ll never tire of. Ready to face the cold?”
He lifted me out of the pool and joined me. I didn’t read his intent quickly enough to take cover before he shook his head and sprayed me with more water. When he offered to wring out my shirt for me, I was much faster to ward him off.
“Behave, Fenris.”
He laughed. “That’s an unlikely way to have fun. Come on, chipmunk. We’re only putting off the inevitable. I want you in the car where it’s warm as soon as possible.”
I was up in his arms before I could protest. He moved quickly through the tunnels and emerged into the freezing mist. A shiver stole through me, but the cold didn’t feel as bad as I thought it would. My hair froze almost instantly, but it took a few minutes for my legs to get numb. When they did, my hunger stirred.
Turning my head toward Fenris’s bare chest, I breathed in his scent and fed again. He stumbled.
“Should I stop?” I asked, my lips brushing his warm skin.
“Only if you want to.”
“I don’t want to end up in the snow. I thought you were supposed to be agile.”
He chuckled.
“I am. You just surprised me. I kinda liked the sneak attack, though. It’s fun.”
I grinned and inhaled more, marveling at how feeding kept the cold away like Mom said it would. When we reached the car, nothing was cold, but my hair was still solid. Rather than going to the passenger door, Fenris delivered me to the driver’s seat.
“Text me as soon as you’re done talking to your parents. I want to have dinner together. Close your eyes.” He dipped in before I could answer and licked my nose.
I squeaked at the sound of his zipper and squeezed my eyes shut, even as I strained to hear him disrobe. However, after a long moment of silence, I peeked and saw the space beside me empty. Smiling to myself, I closed the door and started the car. At the touch of my barefoot to the pedal, I realized I’d lost Mom’s slippers in the hot springs.
