Page 36 of Forever Desired
Chapter Ten
Sorin read the disappointment in Athena’s eyes. He held back a chuckle, sensing the beauty had wanted to continue what they had started on the veranda.
He’d had to rein in his passion and the desire for Athena. His gums ached from fighting his fangs to keep them from descending. Her scent drew him to her, and his hearing picked up the swoosh of her blood flowing through her veins.
Walking through the garden was his way of fighting the tempting need of pushing her up against the wall of the veranda and claiming her.
No, that was not how he wanted to do it.
Linkin would never let him live it down if he had acted on his first instinct. His friend was close by, following to ensure their safety. With the threat of the hunters, Sorin didn’t want to take any chances.
“Besides the gallery, this is my favorite part of the hotel,” he said.
They strolled along the pathway, admiring the flowers and shrubs. There were stone statues throughout the area that depicted the deities of Rome.
When he walked through this area, he could relax and take in the beauty of all the gardens had to offer. He didn’t have to think of war or defending his race. He could bask in the beauty of nature and the arts.
The statues gave him that special link to his mother that he’d buried deep down inside him. It was the one thing that reminded him that life was special and they could all find peace in the world.
“The Immortal Gardens,” Athena breathed.
She let go of his arm and rushed toward the first statue. Her dress flowed around her legs, giving him a glimpse of the flawless brown skin. Memories of those legs wrapped around his waist came forth.
Pushing those images from his mind, he sauntered behind her.
“Hera,” he murmured, coming to stand alongside her.
“She’s a beautiful sculpture.” Athena sighed. “Tell me about her.”
Sorin stared up at the stone goddess before focusing his attention on Athena. She faced him with her large brown eyes, waiting for him to respond. His gums burned from his canines demanding to break free. His gaze dropped down to the base of her neck.
He zeroed in on her rate of her heart. Her pulse quickened, and his did as well. Imagining sinking his fangs into her soft skin drove his cock to wake up. He blinked and focused back on the statue.
“Hera was the queen of the gods. She was the protector of Rome’s women.”
Sorin turned and paused.
He sensed something off in the distance. He looked around and didn’t see any of his men. They would be incognito to allow him to have privacy with Athena, but if danger was near, they’d show themselves.
Laughter filtered through the air, and he caught sight of a couple walking not too far ahead of them. He tried to relax, but the hairs on the back of his neck rose.
“What’s wrong?” A small hand rested on his biceps.
He found Athena standing next to him with worry lining her face.
He shook the feeling off.
Still no sign of Linkin.
“Nothing, let’s continue,” he murmured, taking her hand in his.
They moved to the next statue. Athena was again in awe of the stone artwork.
He was uneasy, feeling a threat.
Silence settled around them.
Something was off.
