Page 9 of Twist of Fated Mates
Leaning against the wall for support, I savor the drop of blood that lingers on my tongue, eager to swallow but also wishing the taste could last forever. It’s like nothing I’ve ever had the pleasure to consume. Spicy and smooth, bursting with flavor, that metallic hint I’ve come to need, but better than that. As if it were meant only for me.
My throat burns for more. The thirst demands gluttony. I long to bite, to tear, to suck, to swallow until I’m so stuffed I couldn’t possibly take another sip.
“Nigel?” Charlie climbs to his feet, and the sheet slips off entirely. “I’m sorry. That was my fault, wasn’t it?”
I hold my hand out to stop him from coming any closer. “We share the blame.” I could have stopped him. Pushed him away. But I didn’t.
“Are you all right?” He doesn’t approach, but it looks like it’s killing him not to. “You’re shaking.”
I hadn’t realized. I make an effort to still the tremors. Take a calming breath. Bite the inside of my cheek to distract myself from the taste of him. As the seconds pass, I piece myself back together, reining in the desire to feed. “I’m all right.”
He lets out a breath of relief. “You did it, don’t you see? You fought the urge and won.”
“Perhaps.” It doesn’t feel that way. Like I’ve won. It feels precarious. Like the ground beneath us could shift and plummet at any moment.
“Would it be so bad if you drank from me?”
I blink. “What?”
“If you just drank a bit. You know. To take the edge off?”
I cannot be hearing him right. “You would trust me to bite you?”
“Of course. You’re my mate. I would be honored to feed you.”
“You’re crazy.”
“That may be true, but you’ll have to hang around to find out. Get to know me, as I would get to know you. Be crazy together.”
It sounds too good to be true. But his steady gaze holds a wealth of sincerity.
He doesn’t understand how terrible the hunger is. How dangerous.
“Other than that first time, when I was out of my mind with thirst, I’ve only ever had animal blood. What if I can’t control myself?”
“You can. You will. Believe in our bond. We cannot hurt each other, you and I. It’s against the very nature of mates.” Charliepresses in close, tilting his head to reveal a tantalizing view of his throat. “Go on. Drink.”
He’s gorgeous. Trusting. Generous. And very, very naked.
Again.
My resolve crackles.
I lean in and inhale. His scent overwhelms me. I lick a long strip up the delicate curve of his neck, press a kiss behind his ear, suck his earlobe into my mouth.
Charlie lets out a soft little sigh and tugs me in farther, pressing our bodies tight together. He stands on tiptoes. His body, small and precious, against me is warm and inviting. His cock hardens, nudging mine.
“Do it, Nigel,” he murmurs, breath soft on my cheek. “I want you to.”
I’m powerless to resist. I sink my fangs into his tender flesh and moan. Blood pumps to the surface and burns a fiery streak down my throat.
Charlie gasps, a sound I barely register as I swallow the gift he so fearlessly offers. Hot, thick, savory nectar pulses fresh life through my undead veins, warming my body and stiffening my cock.
Charlie writhes against me, and the motion tips us against the wall. My back hits the wood with a thud.
Stopping isn’t the impossible task I was so afraid of. Rather, it’s simple and easy to retract my fangs, lick his wounds closed, and travel my mouth up his jaw to his waiting lips. If he minds the taste of his own blood on my tongue, he doesn’t say. I’m flooded with relief. Not a danger to my intended after all.
I have to do something with all this energy coursing through me. Have to take. To give. To fuck. Maybe all three.
