Page 105 of The Firebrand
Not only did his all-consuming thirst for Braelyn risk the onset of the frenzy, but a new urge clawed to get free. An equally dangerous desire, driven by ancient breed compulsions. The rare call to bond. If she was the one true female for him, tasting her, a natural act during sex, would awaken his mating instincts. If so, he might initiate the Bludhunt, the vampire bonding ritual where the strong had been known to kill the weak. He would never risk her life to satisfy his selfish needs to feed or mate.
I will leash my hungers, master the ancient, all-consuming mandate of a vampire who has found his mate. I will see to it Brae lives as long as possible.
No feeding from her ever. No blood exchange.
He looked down at Brae’s innocent sleeping figure. Since he was an expert at control, he’d use every ounce of willpower to keep her safe.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Reinmultitasked. He tapped his wrist to take the call while he admired the shapely, now healed female in his bed. Despite having enjoyed her five times last night—once in the kitchen, once on the couch, once on the way to the bedroom, twice in the bed—he still hungered for her body.
Berserkers are tramping through Aerilon. Three bands. Get your ass in gear. I’m sending the coordinates.
Rein did a quick calculation. Nine to a band. Thirty-six.
A good fight.
Braelyn curled into him, her short puffs of breath tickling his chest. He removed a reluctant arm from underneath her as he disconnected from Chay’s call.
Awakening with his movement, she rose onto an elbow, a seductive breast peeking over the sheet. She wiped a finger across her eyes, her voice groggy, sexy as hell. “What’s going on?”
“Stay in the condo. Fix something to eat. I have to go out on Firebrand business. Don’t let anybody in. Even though the house is warded, someone can enter if you open the door to invite them in.”
Before he got out of bed, he leaned forward, his tongue tracing a wet circle around Brae’s exposed nipple. He drew the hardened nub into his mouth, nipping, sucking until he smelled her arousal. Rein groaned.
Braelyn cupped him tighter to her breast. “You are not leaving me after that.”
He withdrew after one slow lick. “Gotta.”
“Is there a problem?”
“Yeah. I’ve got a raging hard-on, but I have to leave.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I’d be happy to help with that obstacle.”
“You’ve helped enough.”
Her lips slid into a grin but then relaxed. “I’m serious. What’s happening?”
He kissed the top of her head, threading his fingers through her hair. “I’ll be fine. Some berserkers are acting up. Nothing new. I’ll be back later.” When she flipped onto her stomach, he swatted her ass.
An image invaded Rein’s consciousness. He was sitting in a chair, naked, with his thighs wide. His hands gripped Braelyn’s temples as she kneeled between his knees, fisting his swollen length. Her mouth slid up and down his arousal, taking him deep.
“Whoa, Brae. Not fair. Get out. You can’t send an incubus-vampire mix out to battle like this. It’s cruel.” The already sizable erection in his pants got larger, stiffer.
“Just practicing my new skills. I thought you should know what’s waiting for you here in case you decide to join your buddies at the Blood Shed after kicking bad ass and saving the realms.”
“Not gonna happen. I’ll be back as soon as possible for my reward. I’m holding you to it.”
Damn. Holding her to it while I fuck her mouth.
“You better eat a big breakfast to keep up your energy. Long night ahead for us.”
“Just be sure you stay in one piece.” Her lips quivered.
“Hey. None of that. Remember, I have magical superpowers.”
“Funny. I’m in charge of smart-ass answers. You’re in charge of snarling. Division of labor.”
