Page 101 of Eternal Ruin
“Are you sure?”
His eyes narrowed. “What do you want to test?”
How much power I have over you.
The room darkened along with his disposition as if he could read her thoughts.
“Iniko talked to me,” she said. “Reminded me of my duties as your companion.”
He shot to his feet like a beast, making her drop the bag. It robbed her of her breath—the transformation of his face, violent and unforgiving.
“What did she say?” His words were a growl.
Kidan’s mouth dried up. This look… she hadn’t seen him this livid in so long. Like the night she had shown his fangs before the members of Uxlay.
“Kidan,” he barked, making her flinch. “What did Iniko say?”
Her voice was low, confused. “She said vampires prefer to drink from their companions. It tastes better. Is it true?”
He turned his jaw aside, the intensity of his rage ebbing but not entirely gone.
“Is that why you look so irritated? Because you prefer my blood?”
Her heart pounded in the silence.
“Is that why you can barely stand to be near me?” To prove her point, she dared a step closer. Raised a trembling hand and pressed it to his still chest. His spine went ramrod straight. “Why you don’t breathe around me?”
His red pupils contracted, fangs wide and visible. It was clear he was starving but his pride wouldn’t let him admit it.
Kidan reached for the plastic bag. Susenyos shook his head, strands bouncing against his sharp cheeks.
“Drink,” she urged. “Before you explode.”
The last word seemed to pull on his restraint. His gaze darted between the blood and her eyes, swinging back and forth for what felt like eternity, launching her heart to beat wildly.
He reached for the bag.
She held it out of reach, a slow smile coming to her. “Tell me why you’re talking with Arin first.”
His eyes flashed, fangs out now.“Kidan.”
“Yos.”
“I’m ravenous,” he growled, making the hairs rise at the back of her neck.
“I know. Tell me quickly.”
She couldn’t help herself. She would never have him this vulnerable again.
A sound between a disbelieving laugh and a curse left him. Torn, his gaze moved between the blood and her face for a few moments before he spoke tightly. “Arin can help me win my people back.”
Kidan’s smile faded. “The Nefrasi?”
“I’m getting them back,” he said with violent determination.
Hope spread through her chest, and everything became clearer, more vivid.
This was what he was doing? Going after his people?
