Page 46 of Fangs and Family
‘No, I… I only regret that I put you in such a difficult position. I enjoyed being in your arms… erm, maybe we can do it again sometime? Lorelai would certainly approve,’ I joked, at a loss for words and stunned by the intensity of Adam’s voice. I was deflecting, but I had to dispel the tension.
‘Fuck Lorelai. Only you matter.’ Adam’s lip descended on mine like a starving man. His kiss was a black fire, an all-consuming darkness as he devoured me, and I lost myself in the pleasure of his touch.
Suddenly, the sound of the toast being ejected made me jump, and Adam cursed loudly, looking at the appliance as if it were his mortal enemy. His exaggerated reaction made me laugh, and I reached out, placing a hand on his cheek.
‘Hey, we have plenty of time for this. Let’s take it slow, so give the poor toaster a break; otherwise, your stare will melt the metal,’ I said, and Adam cuddled to my hand before releasing me, pushing the toasted bagels in my direction.
‘I wish I could stay. I would show you how slow I could take… you.’ His voice was practically a purr, the hesitation purposeful and sexy as hell, as if my acceptance had released a caged animal, and all he wanted was me. I had to admit it thrilled me to be desired like this. Pressure built in my belly, and I stepped closer, my body yearning for his touch, but Adam moved away, shaking his head.
‘I have to go, Nina. I just didn’t want to leave before I saw you and made sure there was something for your breakfast. I wouldn’t want you to think I ran away. If I’d caused any more misunderstandings between us, I would lose my mind. Unfortunately, I have to go now, sweetheart. Eat something, and help yourself to the painkillers in the drawer,’ he instructed, pointing to the cupboard.
Adam still hadn’t explained the combat gear, and I wasn’t happy with him avoiding the subject.
‘All right, but I want to know where you’re going and who’s going to die.’ My tone was questioning, but the look I gave my evasive vampire was one of command, demanding an answer.
With a sigh, Adam sat beside me, reaching for my hand.
‘We should have talked earlier, but I was waiting for a better time to tell you. Now is as good a time as any, I guess. Nina, your brother, he’s in bigger trouble than I expected. I’m trying to find out more about the vampire who attacked you and why he is so obsessed with his family heirloom. I need leverage because he is not just a man with significant power. He is of old noble blood with a commanding presence, not only within the Elder Races but also in the human world. We may need to strike a bargain for Pawel’s life, and I need to know what this item is worth.’
I put my half-eaten bagel back on the plate, suddenly losing my interest in food or any physical activity other than listening to Adam’s explanation.
‘You’re going after him? But we have nothing to bargain with. Do you know where Pawel is hiding or if he still has the necklace?’
‘Not yet, but I’m working on it. This morning, I got a message from a small Seethe in the south of Poland. They have information about the artefact your brother took, but they insist on meeting in person. I will be back tomorrow,’ he said, but I didn’t like it. Something inside me protested the idea, and I always trusted my gut instincts.
‘Don’t go. What if it’s the same people who tried to take me? Maybe they’re trying to lure you away. What if they want revenge? Take Leszek with you, or we can ask Sara for a prediction,’ I said, but Adam shook his head.
‘Leszek is still tied to this land despite his growing power, but don’t worry, everything will be fine, sweetheart. I’m not a defenceless kitten. This is what I do. I hunt people down and enforce Leszek’s orders. Before I drag Pawel into the light, I want to make sure the threat that hangs above his head is dealt with or that we at least have a plan,’ he said, giving me a reassuring smile.
I don’t know what got into me, but in a panic, I pulled my oversized jumper down, exposing my neck.
‘Fine, but don’t take any chances. When did you last feed? Do it before you go. You need your strength, and I… please feed on me. I need to do something to help,’ I insisted, shivering slightly when Adam’s eyes were drowned in a crimson wave.
He bent to my neck, and the memory of the other vampire forcing himself on me and feeding on my blood overwhelmed my senses, but I fought it, pushing the terror and helplessness away to hold my position.
I closed my eyes when his lips touched my neck, fangs grazing lightly over the sensitive skin, but Adam didn’t bite. Instead, he kissed me just above my artery, sucking it gently.
‘Our relationship is changing, Nina. I want more than this. I want you. Not just your blood or your body. You. The entire package. I won’t take your blood as payment. I won’t taste you until your brother is safe and you are free to refuse me, but I want a promise. Promise that you will wait for me here, safe and protected. The penthouse is warded, and nobody can come in without an invitation. As long as I know you are safe, it is enough for me… for now.’
I opened my eyes to look at him. My offer triggered his transformation, and the person I saw now was no longer a dangerous man, ready to fight. Adam was now a lethal, avenging spirit, deadly to anyone he encountered.
‘Promise me, Nina, because if something happens to you, it will be the end of me. The beast you saw when I lost control of the hunger will be nothing compared to what I will become if I lose you. Anyone who has ever caused you pain, their families, their friends… they will die, and even that won’t satisfy my fury.’
There was a certainty in his voice that reminded me he wasn’t a man; he was a vampire that thrived on blood and violence, and now he acted as if my existence was the sole source of light in his life. It was alluring and terrifying at the same time. Looking at the crimson death swirling in his eyes, I could say only one thing.
‘I promise.’
1.Lichoradka – In Slavic folklore, thedemonof fever.
Chapter 16
Nothing was making sense this morning. After Nina’s drunken escapade last night, I was expecting an embarrassed, defensive attitude, but seeing her happy and confident had me reeling, unsure how to react. When Nina kissed me tenderly, I’d been unable to control myself, transforming as I swept her up into my arms and only stopping myself from burying my teeth into her flesh by the thinnest thread of self-restraint.
Whatever caused Nina’s change of heart, I wanted more of it, but my analytic mind refused to stop wondering why the cold, reserved woman suddenly opened herself to the possibility of my love.
I studied the situation, my brain hard-wired to replay every detail, afraid to spoil this delicate truce between us. I was going to take this chance, hold it tight because if last night proved anything, it was the fact she was perfect for me and holding her in her sleep made me feel at peace. Even my thirst for blood eased in her company as if her mere presence was enough to sustain my life.
If not for the trouble of rescheduling this meeting and my need for answers, I wouldn’t leave at all. Nina’s scent was all over me, my body reacting in the most primal way. I had to keep it together because we were at a delicate stage in this complicated dance, and rushing into sex was the quickest way to reinforce her poor opinion of me.
