Page 2 of Shifters' Fated Summer
“Yes, but I want to ensure you are ready,” he said, his voice dropping. “We must increase your donations, so on the blood moon, you will be ready to become my mate.”
A shiver worked down my spine. “More feedings?”
His hand stroked down my throat.
“I’m ready,” I said, my voice turning husky. “I would become your mate today if I could.”
His smirk widened as he stepped closer, looking down at me with such affection in his eyes, my heart flipped in my chest. The blush heating my cheeks must have smelled delicious, because he stooped, his nose nudging my temple. I tilted my head, enticing him.
“It’s no coincidence that your birthday falls two days before a blood moon,” he whispered.
“I’m the mate of the next vampire king.” My words were almost silent, careful to keep them between us and away from prying ears on the other side of the door.
He was the youngest of the queen’s sons, but with the blood moon’s blessing, clearly, he had the rightful claim. I knew my vampire was powerful. His brothers couldn’t compete.
Evrin brushed his thumb over my jaw, slowly stroking lower, over my pulse. Every cool touchsent icy sparks through my skin.
“My clever, delicious mate,” he crooned, stirring heat low in my belly. “You need more venom so you are ready to receive my blood.”
“Yes, my prince.” His hold on my throat tightened when I swallowed. “I want that. I want you.” I said the words I knew he loved, and he answered with a pleased growl that rumbled from his chest. It was almost a purr.
He guided me back until my calves bumped into his bed. With one hand at my neck and the other at my waist, he lowered me.
My pulse pounded and my skin sensitized, anticipating his touch and teeth. I couldn’t look away from his mesmerizing pupils even if I wanted to. He had me entirely in his thrall.
“I can’t wait to make you my mate forever.” Evrin loomed over me, head tilted like the predator he was. I was his willing, compliant prey.
His lips parted, revealing four extended teeth like needles. I wanted those fangs embedded in my skin, filling my blood with his sweet venom.
“Please,” I whispered, turning my head to bare my neck.
Pale pinprick scars covered my wrists, the crook of my elbow, even my thighs, but Evrin reserved my neck for special occasions. From the way he ran his tongue over his fangs, he considered this moment worthy.
Cool breath ghosted over my skin as he loweredhimself. His nose brushed my jaw, and his lips trailed over the skin, flushed with anticipation. He loved when I blushed, and my stomach curled in pleasure when I pleased him.
Finally, the familiar pain pierced the delicate skin of my neck. Hot blood seeped from my vein to his suctioning lips.
Tension coiled in my muscles, waiting for him to release his venom and wash away the sting. It was a long moment as he let me earn my reward.
My pain was sweet to him, and I was happy to give him everything, but he was a benevolent patron. Just as the pain made my eyes roll back in my head and my lungs seize up, he released his venom.
Pure bliss pumped into my bloodstream. Every muscle relaxed as I was wrapped in a glowing cloud.
It was more venom than I was used to. It flooded my veins, sending me soaring. I’d never been this high before, and I felt like I was tumbling end over end.
Faintly, I was aware of Evrin’s body pressing into mine, grinding his hips into my parted thighs. He could do anything he wanted to me, and I wouldn’t care for at least a few hours. I was his to use.
His lips released me, replaced with his tongue, now warm with the heat of my body. Each touch was ecstasy.
“You are so delicious, my heart. So precious to me,” Evrin said between sensuous licks. I moaned, sinking deeper into the softness of his feather bed, the strength ofhis touch. His hands slid my ratty dress up my thighs, his nails scratching into my skin.
A distant banging edged my consciousness. Maybe one of Evrin’s brothers was enjoying his mate against the wall. Shouts joined the noise.
Vaguely, I realized the shouts were not ones of passion, but ones of anger. It didn’t matter; Evrin would protect me. I belonged to him.
My vampire prince lifted off me, and I weakly raised a hand in protest. I didn’t want him to leave. I wanted more.
The door smashed against the wall, and Evrin shouted words that blurred in my mind.
