Page 7 of Risen
“No.”He cut me off again and I felt him shudder beneath my hand.
“That was… over the top, yes.But don’t be too hard on her.I’m… much more durable now.And again, the alternatives would have been worse than some awful, but short-lived, pain.”He put his hand over mine, where it now rested on his arm.“Ruya, the only language that bitch Acacia understands is brutality.I thought I knew how evil and messed up she was, until I felt her in my mind.”His voice dropped to a near-whisper.“It’s worse than you could imagine.She’s the walking definition of psychotic.”He shuddered again.“I didn’t exactly enjoy being a dragon’s chew toy.It will definitely feature in my nightmares now, alongside being turned into a vampire.”He drew in a deep breath and continued more evenly.“But… it was either that, or Robin would have had to kill me.There really wasn’t another readily available solution.”
Sadavir touched my shoulder.“She couldn’t show weakness.”
I huffed.“Weakness?You’re both just as insane as our crazy dragon princess!”
Silence fell between us as I tried to catch my breath and get my temper under control.I’d never felt so angry in my life.So hair-trigger, such on-the-edge, burning levels of rage.
And yet, I had called Robin our alpha.As if she meant anything to these two men.As if I wasn’t already tied to Sadavir with a bond much deeper than the one between Robin and me would ever be.Still wanted to punch her, though.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” I whispered, removing my hand from Josh’s arm so I could wrap my arms around myself.“I’m sorry.”
Sadavir kissed the top of my head.“Omega,” he said, as if that explained anything.
Josh huffed and levered himself up out of his cushioned nest to sit on the floor beside me.His hip and shoulder brushed mine and his cool, alluring new aura seemed to call to me, even with the new layers of darkness I was pretty sure indicated trauma.
“I’m pretty sure being bonded to Sadavir has amped up your nature—including the part of you that can’t stand to see anyone under your care suffer,” he said softly.“You’re almost like an alpha now, in that sense.Protective.”He patted my knee.“I’m honored that I fall under your protection, Ruya.I know I’m hardly worth the fuss.Especially as I am now.”
As a vampire, he meant.I only then registered that he still wasn’t completely healed from his depletion.And the lingering strain he was feeling couldn’t be entirely erased by my healing magic.“You’re hungry,” I said, feeling like an idiot.Of course he was.And here I was, making him talk about all his recent trauma while he likely wanted to sink his teeth into me.
“I’m fine,” he replied immediately, pulling away so our hips and shoulders no longer touched.
I rolled my eyes, and I heard Sadavir heave an impatient sigh that echoed my own feelings on the matter.“Josh,” I said, scooting toward him so we were touching again, not letting him run away.“Sadavir is here to keep me safe while I heal you.Yukio is right outside the door ready to burst in and freeze you solid if the stress of the last couple days proves too much for you.Will you just admit that you need to feed?We’re safe here.”
His throat made a dry clicking sound as he swallowed.“Acacia—”
I cut him off, tired of people hiding behind their fears all the damned time.Surging to my knees, I awkwardly climbed onto his lap before he could stop me.He was too much of a gentleman and a beta to let me fall or dump me on the floor, so he caught me and held me close, helping me steady myself.
“Bite me already,” I groused.
He pressed his forehead to mine.“I’m new to all this, Ru.And I’m so hungry.I’m afraid I won’t be able to be gentle.To pay attention to the energy between us and how you’re feeling.I’m… afraid I won’t be able to stop.”
Sadavir squeezed the back of my neck with one big, warm hand, and I knew he was probably doing the same to Josh.His alpha aura expanded, blanketing us in solid strength and comfort.“I’m here.”
And we both knew that no matter how much he cared for Josh, there was no way the alpha would let anyone harm his fully bonded omega mate.
Josh was right.His bite was painful, and he wasn’t exactly smooth or artful about it.But there was still that little bit of lingering allure—a hint of the pleasure he could give me.When I sensed my blood volume had started to approach critical levels, I pushed a hand against his chest.He stopped pulling at my neck, but didn’t remove his teeth.Sadavir gently pried Joah’s fangs from my flesh when he couldn’t do it himself, and transferred the hungry vampire to his own wrist.
When he had finally had his fill, Josh was able to stop all on his own, pulling back from Sadavir without being told.His hand was warmer than it had been, as it slipped behind my neck to draw me near again.I tensed, then sighed when his tongue darted out to lick my wound, and his soft lips brushed a kiss to my throat.
Warmth was spreading through me, but I managed to hold in the little moan of pleasure that wanted to escape me.Now probably wasn’t the time for the conversation that would lead to.Regretfully, I let him pull away.
After a dose of banshee-witch blood and the blood of a powerful naga alpha, Josh’s aura was blindingly bright to my second sight, his entire being brimming with health and power.I knew his mind was probably still haunted, but his body, at least, was in perfect shape.
The door to the suite creaked open, and Yukio spoke with his usual cool indifference, but I think we all saw through it.“You two still alive in there, or is it open season on vampire?”
Josh stood and deposited me on Sadavir’s lap, and I sensed him moving away, putting distance between us.“Sorry to disappoint you,” he said flatly.“But they’re fine.This time.No need to steak and behead me just yet.”
“Shame,” Yukio said, his voice laced with mock disappointment as he paced closer, until his aura brushed mine, and his cool fingers traced over my neck, where Josh had bitten me then magicked away all traces of the wound.Apparently satisfied that I was okay, Yukio pressed a cool kiss to my forehead, and moved away.“Ruya isn’t damaged.Snake… you seem as slithery as usual.Come on, Fangy, and I’ll show you where the ridiculously tiny bathroom is.You could use a wash.”
I smiled softly to myself.Oh, Yukio.Looking out for me and Sadavir both, checking on Josh and helping make sure he was comfortable and cared for.All while sounding like he hated everyone and everything, as usual.
“He is a kind man,” Sadavir voiced, and I was sure it was so Yukio could overhear him as the pixie-cross walked away.He took my hand and pressed signs slowly into my palm.“Love.Care.Beauty.”
I huffed a laugh as he complimented my other lover.“Don’t give him too much credit.He still needs to work on not stuffing everything away where we can’t see it, and stating his feelings in his outside voice instead.”I knew Yukio could hear me as the door clicked shut, but he didn’t comment.
Sadavir touched my face, then helped me to my feet.I sighed, feeling suddenly heavy and tired.I had taken a quick shower earlier, then got a much needed nap.Healing and feeding Josh was really no burden.I should be perfectly functional.But the thought of what was to come made me want to drag my feet.Any excitement or curiosity was easily overcome by nerves.
