Page 84 of To Crave Deeply
“I don’t think you’re going to get the chance, Mordecai.”
His responding smile was menacing, and I couldn’t help the fear that swirled in my gut. He might look beautiful, but I could sense the danger of this vampire lurking beneath the surface. Just like Selene, there was something wicked beneath his skin. Something more dangerous than I could possibly imagine beneath the veneer of beauty.
“We shall see about that, little one.”
I strolled up to him and jabbed my finger in his chest. “Keep dreaming, pal. Those fangs of yours aren’t getting anywhere near my neck.”
He leant closer, and I was hit with the heady scent of him. Man, he even smelt amazing. Like danger wrapped in leather and sandalwood.
“You have no idea who you are up against, little one. You’re only alive because I wish it so. If I wanted to, I could rip your pretty little throat out before you even took your next breath. Don’t underestimate me. It’s only you who’d regret that.”
His tongue darted across his bottom lip as if this whole threatening me thing was turning him on. Or maybe he was just dreaming of what I’d taste like. But why the fascination? What was so special about me? I wanted to ask, but I also wanted to get as far away from this guy as possible. There was something about him that was calling to me and I didn’t like it one bit.
My eyes flicked to Jasper, who was watching my exchange with the original vampire with a decided interest in those eerie red eyes. I wanted my Jasper back. My heart clenched with a stab of pain as I looked at the monster he’d become. I would save him. I had to.
“What’s the grand plan here, Mordecai? You’re going to what? Take over the world? Enslave humanity and dark creatures alike? What do you want?”
He laughed and that melodical sound caressed my skin again. “As if I’d tell you. For now, I’m content with having freedom.” He cocked his head to one side, his red eyes darkening as he disappeared into his thoughts. “I wonder…” He trailed off.
“Wonder what?”
He grinned and his fangs peeped through his smile. “That’s for me to know, but I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough.”
“Master, we need to leave.” Jasper’s curt voice cut through the fog that Mordecai seemed to be able to surround me in, and I realised that my team were closing in. There were less demons in the area, which meant that while I’d been hobnobbing with the enemy, my team had been sending demons back to Hell without me. Oops. Fenris was going to be pissed.
“One moment, Farrow.”
My eyes turned back to Mordecai, and it was like I was entranced by him all over again. He was powerful, and I was worried that one day, I just might succumb to his spell.
“This is goodbye for now, little one. But I will come back for you.” His finger traced the curve of my cheekbone, and I felt my eyes close as a shudder ran up my spine. Shit. Was that fear or something else?
Suddenly, a hand clamped around the back of my neck, and I lurched forwards. Lips slammed against mine harshly and the sweetest taste entered my mouth. It was rich and honeyed, deep and complex, the most beautiful thing I’d had on my tongue, and I wanted more.
Dizziness washed over me as whatever it was slipped down my throat. There was a sting against my bottom lip, and I felt something sinister swirl deep in my gut as the kiss deepened. My ability to think clearly had vanished as soon as those lips had touched mine but now, all I could think about was Mordecai. I was consumed by him, and it terrified me.
He pulled away with a groan. “Exquisite,” he murmured against my lips.
As soon as his lips left mine, reality hit me like a slap in the face.
“What did you do?” I yelled as I pushed him backwards, but he merely laughed his intoxicating laugh.
I felt dirty. Used. I spat out the taste of him and wiped his kiss away with the back of my hand.
His eyes flashed and a sneer curled his perfect mouth. My stomach churned at the anger and fury that momentarily cut across his handsome face. But as soon as it had happened, it was gone, and his pleasant demeanour was back in place.
He licked his lips again, savouring the single drop of blood he’d stolen from me. “Speak my name when you need me. I will find you, little one.”
“I willneverneed you.”
He merely smiled and turned to Jasper. “Send them all home. I’ve got what I needed.”
Wait. What?
Jasper turned away from Mordecai and started to order the demons and other tortured souls to retreat. This had all been a distraction? For what? So that Mordecai could get a single drop of my blood?
And I’d given it to him. Shit.
Dust started to swirl around Mordecai’s feet. Now that he had what he wanted, he was running away.
