Page 63 of Fated to the Vampire Prince
“That’s bullshit. None of them would hurt me. Especially when you’re always looming at the door.”
Both of us were breathing heavily, and the tension between us seemed to double when her gaze shifted down to where my bloodstone was glowing through my shirt. Pulsing in time to her heart. She’d been chosen for me, and I for her. I didn’t know why, but it had happened all the same. We were fated. When Claire glanced back up at me, her lips were parted, and her eyes were wide. For the first time, I wondered if she’d guessed my secret. If she knew that I was tied to her and she to me.
I’d never felt the bond between us as strongly as I did right now, and it was getting harder and harder to control my instincts. Because the truth was… I didn’t just need her. I wanted her. All of her. Her sharp mind and her vulnerability and her bravery. Somewhere along the way, I didn’t just need to protect her—I’d come to enjoy her company. Even now. Even angry. And, against all odds, I’d started questioning if I could give everything up just to be with her.
Which was why it hurt so bad when I saw her pressed against Alec. Her lips nearly touching his. I’d been stabbed many times before, but this was a pain I’d never forget. Releasing her wrists, holding all that hurt and anger and fury inside, I asked, “How did you expect that game to end?”
“In afunway,” she replied.
“What would’ve been fun?” I asked. Each question fueled my jealousy. “Did you want him tofuckyou?”
Say no. Tell me the thought disgusts you.
But she didn’t. Instead, she laughed again and refused to meet my eye. “So what if I did?”
How? How could she even consider another man when she was mated to me? If she felt an ounce of what I felt, the idea of getting close to anyone would beimpossible.
I told myself to leave it alone. To walk away and let her do whatever she wanted. If she didn’t care, then why try? But Icouldn’t make myself leave. “You spent thirty minutes in his company, and, in that time, decided Alec was the first person you wanted to take to bed?”
She set her hands on her hips, and as she did, the folds of my jacket that was draped around her shoulders parted, exposing the curve of her breasts. My jaw ached with the effort of restraint. “Why are you concerned with who I take to bed, Your Grace?”
The thought of another man between her legs, taking his pleasure with her, had me ready to put my fists through the stone wall. I couldn’t stand it. “Your first time should be with someone who knows more about you than your name.”
Claire took a step closer, her eyes narrowed. One finger accusatorially pointed at my chest like she might poke me again. “And why does that concern you?”
I couldn’t tell her the truth. I couldn’t. No matter how badly I wanted to. No matter how much easier it would be to explain my actions.
I’d done what no vampire was allowed to do—what no vampire should be able to do—drink from their mate. Claire wasn’t just the heartbeat inside my bloodstone. She ran inside my veins. She was everything.Everywhere. Consuming me from the inside out.
When she realized I wasn’t going to answer, she came a step closer until her nail sank into my muscle. “I’ll tell you why,” she said, unflinching. Her eyes glassy with unshed tears. “This is payback. Youhateme for making you choose me as your sanguine partner. You’re punishing me.”
If only I could hate her. If only I could forget about our bond. But I wasn’t about to summon a god or break the Blood Treaty on the chance it would work, so I was cursed with my wanting. Slowly, I lifted a hand to her face and traced my thumb along her cheekbone. “I do not hate you.”
I hate myself for hurting you.
I hoped this declaration would soften her. Hoped she’d see the torment on my face at being torn apart on the inside. But it didn’t.
“If you don’t hate me, then why are you being like this? Making up rules for me? Pushing me away only to act like this. I don’t understand.”
I withdrew my hand from her face and clenched it into a fist. Frustrated. Annoyed. Why was I trying to be vulnerable with her? It was foolish. But I’d done many foolish things since meeting Claire, including letting the next words out of my mouth. “If you want to continue this conversation, allow me to remove the alcohol from your veins.”
Her pretty lips fell open. Anger melting into shock. “You can do that?”
I nodded, desperate to get close to her in the only way I could. To do something for her.
“Won’t it make you drunk?”
A half-smile rounded my lips. “Not as drunk as you.”
She considered me for a moment, swaying slightly, then said, “Fine.”
“You should lay down,” I said, gesturing to the settee beside the fire. “Maybe on the?—”
“I know what to do,” she replied, full of drunken confidence. “This isn’t my first time.” I watched her with a bemused expression on my face as she staggered toward a settee, nearly rolling an ankle when she tripped on the gauzy hem of her petticoat and stumbled forward.“Stupid skirt!”
I thought to help her, but knew she’d just rebuff me. Besides, I was enjoying watching her too much.
Letting out an exasperated huff, Claire undid the buttons on the front and let the slip of fabric fall to the ground, revealing every curve I’d been dreaming of, then collapsed onthe couch, naked save for my jacket, which had fallen open, a scrap of black lace covering her sex, garters holding up black thigh-high stockings, and high-heeled leather boots.
