he replied earnestly, his eyes practically glittering.
I rubbed my arm, hesitating a moment before I spoke, “Pamphrock once mentioned that no one knew how much True Power blood it took to strengthen a vampire. It’s believed that too much might cause you to decline.”
Ethan’s features turned thoughtful. “I don’t believe I drank too much. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and other vampires sense my power, but I don’t anticipate any decline,” he said and relief filled me.
“You have no idea how good it is to hear that. I’d been so worried…”
“Do not worry for me. I’ve never felt better. Vampires have been queuing up down the street waiting to speak with me, to pledge their allegiance, but I haven’t opened my doors to any of them. They left at daybreak, and I went outside in the sun, something I have not been able to do in my entire life. The beauty …” he trailed off, emitting a long sigh. “It’s devastating. This is an unimaginable gift, Tegan. I can hardly describe it.” There was a pause as he took me in. “You look pale. I want you to take some of my blood. It will restore your strength.”
My mouth watered at the prospect, but I shook my head. “I shouldn’t.”
He moved across the bed with warp-like speed, hovering over me. The air thickened, and my breathing grew laboured as my eyes roamed his chiselled torso. He wore nothing but a pair of light denim jeans.
“Your accent sounds thicker,” I commented to distract myself from his perfect body. “Why is that?”
“I’ve changed the way I speak over the years to acclimate to the times I live in. Now that I am transformed, I no longer feel the need to disguise my true self.”
“Oh.”
“You once told me you couldn’t resist my Romanian accent,” he said in a low voice, bringing his hand up to run his knuckles along my jaw.
“I can’t. It’s very, um, nice,” I replied as he leaned closer.
“Where would you like to drink from this time?”
“I really shouldn’t.”
“Yes, you should. I took from you, and now I want to return the favour. Choose a spot, Tegan.”
My eyes flickered to the masculine line of his throat. I really should try to resist, but I was too weak. I wanted the high too much. Besides, this could be the very last time. I’d go cold turkey after this. “Your neck,” I answered quietly, feeling a little shy.
He smiled in approval. “Good choice.”
My attention was drawn to the thumbnail of his right hand, which had grown to a sharp, blade-like point. “Is that one of the changes of your transformation?” I asked curiously.
“Yes. I’ve been experimenting a little, and seemingly, this nail is the only thing that can cut through my skin.”
My eyes widened at that.
Using the nail, he sliced a thin line across the hollow of his neck. I could practically smell his blood as a trickle seeped out. It was no longer its usual colour; instead, it was now a silvery red. I licked my lips and brought my hands up to clasp his shoulders. He picked me up effortlessly and sat me astride his lap, fully naked.
Moments later my lips were on his skin, and I was gulping down the sweet nectar that ran through his veins. I practically orgasmed just from the taste of it.
Ethan groaned loudly, and his hands moved down my spine with delicious pressure. I continued sucking his blood into my mouth, my body coming alive with it. It slid down my throat like liquid magic, igniting everything it touched.
I moaned softly, clutching him to me. He felt powerful, addictive, alive.
Ethan slipped his hand between my legs, fingers plunging inside me. My sharp cry was muffled as I continued to drink.
“You are exquisite,” he whispered to me. “You are my queen. Always.”
His fingers pumped in and out of me fast, faster than I would have thought possible. The pleasure was too much, and I released his neck, falling back into the pillows and writhing against him. His eyes consumed me, taking in every part of me, my every reaction. With his other hand, he smeared his blood across my lips, and his eyes glittered at the sight.
“Oh, God, come closer,” I mumbled, reaching for the waistband of his jeans.
He did as I asked, allowing me to lower his pants. His erection sprang free, and he positioned himself at my entrance. Foreign words tumbled from his lips. I closed my eyes, letting their deep vibrations