Page 23 of Fated to the Vampire Prince
I cleared my throat. My fingers seeking out the telareyon root in my pocket. “I’d like to do our feeding before I bathe,” I said. Maintaining my calm despite the light-headedness threatening to consume me. I had to be strong. “Should we get started?” I asked, glancing around for a good spot.
Bastien rose from the seat, barefoot, and slowly padded over to me. He stood out among the darkness of the bathhouse, with his white shirt and straw-colored hair, and at the exact same time, blended in. Like he belonged in dimly lit places. Cast in shadows. Removing the tie that had held back his blond hair, he let the chin-length strands fall loose around his face.
My throat ran dry as I watched his thick muscles flexing through his shirt.
“I already explained that a feeding won’t be necessary,” the vampire said.
I forced calm into my voice even though I was mentally screaming. It had to be now. “Aren’t you hungry? You haven’t eaten in days.”
Something that could’ve been mistaken for humor lifted one corner of his mouth. “Worried about me now, are you?”
My mouth opened, but no words came out.
He canted his head to one side, contemplating me. “Take your bath. Soak in the bubbles.” I opened my mouth to argue, but Bastien raised a hand. “You’ve chosen to trust me with your well-being for the next year, and now, while I won’t go so far as to say I trust you, I understand your motivations for being here. So, let’s not ruin the moment with debate.”
Had my defiance earned me his respect? Perhaps the Duke didn’t just want a soft and sweet pincushion to sink his teeth in. Perhaps he wanted a woman with a spine. Maybe that’s what had changed.
“I’m going to the steam room,” he said, grabbing a towel and tossing it over his shoulder. “I’ll be back soon.”
It looked like the vampire wanted to say something more, but instead, he ran his long fingers through his hair and stalked away. I watched him leave with a mix of emotion tumbling inside me.
Who knew how long he’d be gone. And he didn’t intend to eat. ByDiana, I was failing, and I couldn’t keep doing that. My family was trusting me. I had to get him to feed from me. Maybe if I tempted him, he wouldn’t be able to resist. So, as much as I hated begging a vampire to do anything, it was my last resort. “This room has plenty of steam, Your Grace. Please,” I said, desperation bleeding into my voice. “I don’t want to be alone.”
It seemed to work. He turned to face me, concern etched into the corners of his eyes. “You’re nervous.”
Trying to sell my fear, I said, “A little.”
“What are you nervous about?”
I rounded my shoulders and made myself smaller like I sometimes did when I was in trouble at home. “That I’m failing you,” I said quietly. “A sanguine partner is supposed tokeep her vampire strong, isn’t she? If something happens tonight because you’re weak…” I let the words trail off.
My gaze skated down his body. The steam had saturated his clothes, causing them to stick to his muscular torso. I swallowed hard, and told myself I didn’t want him here for any other reason than practicality.
“You are truly worried that I won’t be able to protect you?”
Our eyes connected, and a warm pulse of heat traveled from the tips of my ears down to the base of my spine. My breath shallow. My thighs drawing closer together. I nodded once.
Chapter 12
Dénouer
CLAIRE
Idragged my hair off my sweat-slick neck, baring myself to him like an offering. “If you would only eat, Your Grace.”
Bastien’s jaw flexed, and his fangs glinted white in the dim light, sharp enough to make my pulse stutter. He closed the space between us with one slow, predatory step. “You don’t know what you’re asking for, Miss Donadieu.”
I tipped my head back. “Yes, I do.”
One hand fitted around my waist; the other cradled the side of my neck, his thumb grazing the frantic beat of my pulse. “Your blood makes me?—”
His breath hitched.
“Please,” I whispered.
“It’s so tempting. Especially when you beg.”
I swallowed hard, clutching my robe, my body caught between terror and something far worse—want.
