Page 65 of The Hunger
I could hear the hesitation in his voice.
“Do I need to keep reminding you to give the same unconditional honesty that you’re demanding of me? What aren’t you saying?”
“Let’s wait until we’re in the room,” he said.
I glanced around the crowded halls and accidentally met Eras’s gaze. I didn’t know what came over me, but my vision sharpened suddenly, and I had the overwhelming urge to say nasty things to the incubus. He seemed to know it, too, because his eyes darkened in return. Only the irises, though.
“Weak,” I said softly.
“Hey, are you with me?” Fenris asked, giving my hand a gentle tug.
I realized I’d stopped walking.
“Sorry. I’m with you.”
Once we reached the red room and the door was closed, I repeated my question about what he was keeping from me.
“I know Dad won’t vote to give me my mark until I’m fully mated. Maybe they’ll give you yours, though, if you prove that you’re feeding consistently.”
I made a face.
“What good is a mark when I can’t take my happy meal with me?”
His grin was contagious, and I laughed when he wrapped me in his arms and gave me a spinning hug.
“That’s the right answer, chipmunk.”
“Am I keeping that pet name because you think I’m still going to run away or because you’re hoping I will?”
He stopped spinning us but didn’t let me go as he groaned and buried his nose in the crook of my neck.
“You tempt me enough with the way you smell. If you start teasing me with words, I’m not sure what I’ll do. We should find out.”
I laughed and tugged myself free of his hold.
“Or maybe not. What game do you want to play first?” As I spoke, I pulled in some of his lust. Casually feeding from him like this compared to how I snacked on popcorn while watching a movie. It was a little mindless, but oh so satisfying. Especially when his steps slowed, and he got that wistful, far-off look on his face.
“Any game you want,” he said. “But today, we make the betting more interesting.”
An hour later, I was down to my last card in the longest game ever of War.
“Start thinking about how you want me,” Fenris said. “Remember, a second kiss is just as important as a first one.”
“You were this confident fifteen minutes ago, and I didn’t lose then. Maybe you’ll be begging Mags for chocolate instead.”
“Doubt it. Come on. Show me what you have.”
I laid down my five of diamonds and groaned when I saw his seven.
He didn’t even waste any time gloating. He jumped up and strode to the bed.
“Naked? Partially naked? Lying down?”
“Uh, how about none of the above, and get away from that bed? You don’t know who’s been using it.”
He leaned in and gave the sheets and pillows a good sniff.
“No one. All I smell is Adira’s magic.”
