Page 28 of Blood Bonds
“True, but he can be incapacitated. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve seen it done to others of your kind.” Another reminder that seeking out Sethios’s father was not the brightest of ideas. “I say we learn more about the prophecy and go from there. In the interim, I will require more of your blood.”
“And if I do not wish to give it?” she countered, an eyebrow raised.
He grinned, loving her defiance. “We both know that wasn’t a request.” He stepped closer, backing her into the wall. “Just as we both know you won’t mind.”
She glared up at him. “I do mind.”
“Do you?” He grabbed her hips to hold her in place when she tried to move to the side. “Because your moans earlier suggested otherwise.”
“That…” She trailed off as his lips brushed her throat.
His leg moved just in time to block her intended knee to his groin.
He chuckled darkly against her neck. “Tease.”
She tried again to kick him. He lifted her off the ground and used his thighs to pin hers to the wall, then caught her hands before she could hit him.
“This foreplay is turning me on, angel.” He placed her wrists against the hard surface on either side of her head and fully aligned his torso with hers. “I really hope you’re right about your blood, because I’m about to waste a hell of a lot of time convincing you to work with me.”
He circled her pulse with his tongue and smiled at her soft gasp.
Compelling her would be easier, but he fancied challenge over ease.
Besides, his time on Earth might be limited. Might as well enjoy himself a little.
He pressed an open-mouthed kiss below her ear before nibbling her earlobe. “You’re trembling, Caro.” And it certainly wasn’t in rage. “Tell me why.”
Her hands fisted in his as her thighs flexed. Not the reaction of a woman trying to fight him, but one seeking friction. Whether she realized it or not, her body enjoyed his attentions.
“You want my blood and my compliance,” she surmised, tone admirably flat. “What do I gain?”
“Opportunity,” he replied softly. “You hate that your council hasn’t stopped Osiris yet, and together, we might be able to take him down.”
“What else?” she demanded.
“Experience.” He drew his teeth along her sensitive skin, creating a wake of goose bumps down her neck. “Because I’ve awakened a craving inside of you that requires more.” Not arrogance, but the truth. She could deny it all she wanted, but her body conceded his point, especially as she attempted to arch into him.
“You’re… this…” She cleared her throat. “I still wish to kill you.”
“That’s part of what makes this so fun,” he whispered darkly. “Lust mingled with potential threat is intoxicating.” He nuzzled her pulse. “Work with me, Caro. Help me destroy Osiris. With your ability to mask our presence and my knowledge of his true power, we could be a formidable pair.”
He’d considered removing his maker several times, but never to the point of plotting. Now that Skye had envisioned the possibility, however, he saw no reason to hold back.
Which begged the question—was the prophecy self-fulfilling?
Sethios had only been pushed to this point because his father showed up on his doorstep, prepared to harm. Had he not reacted at all, Sethios would have likely finished toying with Caro and sent her on her merry way.
Did Skye know she would set the ball in motion by telling Osiris about her vision?
So many possibilities.
“Agree, angel.” His lips skimmed her cheek to hover above her mouth. “Please.”
The word tasted bitter in his mouth, but he desired her cooperation. If anything, to grant him full access to his abilities. Forcing an unwilling Seraphim to comply with his every wish would exhaust him.
And yeah, maybe a small part of him hoped she would agree. Just so they could have a little more fun together. It wasn’t every day he found a woman who could survive his inclinations in bed.
“We need the precise words of the prophecy to decipher the true meaning.” Her practical nature drowned in the breathless quality of her voice, causing him to grin. He’d already won. “Then we can decide our course.”
