Page 52 of Undying
I snort and roll my eyes, then mutter under my breath, “That’s not all it does.”
A bark of laughter escapes him, and I moan when his cock jumps. I wiggle at the sensation, then force myself to still when I notice the wound on my arm isn’t healing. “Is a wolf bite different than a vampire bite? I’m not healing.”
Emotions drain from his face, a grave expression taking over, and a hint of vulnerability gives him an almost boyish charm. “Normally, you would heal just as fast, but my bite is different. Same with yours.” He turns his head to the side, revealing my mark on his neck.
Maybe I should feel concern, but my chest fills with satisfaction.
“Your mark means I belong to you, just as my mark means you belong to me.” His gravelly voice is low and rough, full of possessiveness and a touch of yearning. He’s so still beneath me that I don’t even think he’s breathing, his green eyes scanning me closely, as if he’s afraid of my reaction.
Before I can study how I feel and formulate a response, the door to the bathroom slams open with a bang. My head snaps up, my brain registering the presence of a vampire, and the darkness unfurls from inside me and surges awake.
Primal instincts have me shooting to my feet even as Castle grabs for me. With his blood flowing in my veins, I’m faster than ever, evading his reach as I launch myself at the threat.
The only thing that matters is removing the danger and protecting what’s mine.
I plow into the vampire, taking him to the ground. My fangs are at his throat, ready to rip him apart, when the scent of crisp apples freezes me on the spot. I jerk my head up, a large knot in my throat when I see a wide-eyed Milo sprawled out beneath me.
He has his hands raised, not even bothering to defend himself, and I’m both gutted and furious.
My lack of control almost got him killed.
It doesn’t matter that I was triggered.
Horrified by my actions, I rear back, suddenly very conscious that I’m naked. Before I can stand, Castle wraps the towel around me and drags me to my feet.
I flinch and instantly pull away, worried that something else might set me off. I’m terrified that I might actually hurt one of them. Unless I can learn control, someone will eventually get hurt, or even killed, and something inside me shrivels at that idea.
I’ll give myself a week.
If I don’t show improvement by then, I’ll leave.
If they try to follow me, I’ll take more drastic measures and remove myself from the equation completely.
* * *
MILO
Istep into the mansion an hour before sunrise, the dawn already sapping my strength, my movements turning sluggish. Thanks to my relatively young age as a vampire, I can only stay awake an hour after sunrise. The longer I fight it, the weaker I get before I just lose consciousness.
I sped through work, eager to get back to Jolie as soon as possible. I don’t like that she is out of my sight, and the longer I’m gone, the more anxious I get.
Being near her is like a compulsion.
An addiction.
And I am hooked.
Dozens of boxes and bags fill my arms from the impromptu shopping trip on the way home—just some supplies that Jolie might need. I might have gone a little overboard, most of the packages scheduled to be delivered over the next few days.
I drop the armload by the door, rubbing the back of my neck when the small pile ends up covering half the floor. I didn’t realize all the shit women need until the girl at the shop gave me a list. No wonder it took them over an hour to get ready.
To my surprise, I enjoyed picking out her clothes and bathroom supplies.
I like the idea that she will be wearing what I provide—my own little claim of ownership.
I’m not big and flashy like the others. I’m not a lady’s man, feeling more comfortable behind a computer screen. While I might be a catch for a human, I’m barely adequate in the supernatural world.
I’m weak.
