“Did you bring a vein?” He narrowed his eyes, glancing down at her wrist.
She narrowed her eyes back at him. “What do you think?”
“I’m starving.” His gaze was still locked on her wrist.
“But you drank yesterday.” Then she realized something. “Wait a minute, you said you took a female home last night, didn’t you drink from her?”
Drago looked sulky. “I tried to drink from her, but I much prefer your blood. I’ve developed a serious taste for it. Now, I’m really hungry, like super hungry.” His irises looked red-tinged. They shouldn’t be. Only if he was starving would his eyes be that color. Drago wasn’t starving, or angry or turned on.
Ceri held out her arm and watched as he sank his fangs into her and drank. Drago groaned as he swallowed his first gulp and groaned some more on the next pull. The groans were followed by loud gulping swallows. “Um, that’s enough,” she said after about a minute. Then she tried to pull her hand away. “Drago,” she said in a stern voice.
He seemed to suck even harder. There was another pinch. Instead of stopping as she asked, he was making a second set of holes in her skin.
“Drago stop!” she urged, trying to pull her arm away. “Stop!” This time she shouted.
Nothing.
Well, not nothing, he sucked again. He ignored her flat out. Ceri whacked him on the side of the head. Hard. Drago finally let go, clutching a hand to the side of his face. “Hey, what was that for? I was about to let go.” The sheepish look on his face told her that he probably wasn’t.
“What the hell was that?” Her voice was stern.
“I’m sorry! I don’t know what came over me.”
“No, really, what’s going on with you?”
He shrugged. “I’ve always enjoyed a wide variety of blood types. A wide variety of veins in general.” He cast his gaze over the lake. Two pairs of swans floated on the crystal surface. Yellow beaks, curved necks, white plumes. Majestic and beautiful.
“What you’re trying to say is that you’re a male slut?” She smiled.
He shook his head for a moment or two before nodding. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.” He chuckled.
She did too. “What was that then? It was like you couldn’t stop there for a moment.”
“I don’t know!” He sounded frustrated. Even raked a hand through his hair. “Lately, I’ve only wanted to drink your blood. I don’t enjoy other females anymore. I’ve tried with four others just in this last week. Their blood tastes flat to me.” He shook his head. “Completely flavorless, almost like I’m drinking…” He shrugged like he was unable to come up with the right word.
“Water.”
“Yes, exactly. Their blood doesn’t sate me, not in the way yours does.” Just like she had felt about Bay. She had struggled after he left. Things had improved day by day. Little by little.
Then Drago looked at her funny, cocking his head. “You are one to talk though.”
Ceri frowned. “What do you mean?”
“You have the opposite problem. You haven’t had anything to drink in almost two weeks.”
She snorted out a laugh. “Rubbish. That can’t be true or I’d be freaking out ‒ fangs, red irises and all. I’d have attacked someone long ago.”
“It’s been two weeks. I assumed you were getting blood from someone else.” He looked at her funny. Like she had just grown a third eye in the middle of her forehead or something. “You are getting blood elsewhere aren’t you?”
She shook her head. “No, but you must have your timeline wrong. I drank from you just the other day.”
“Those two or three sips hardly count as drinking.”
“Of course they count, and it was more than two or three sips.” It had been, hadn’t it? Yes, it had, why was she even second-guessing it? “Did you bring the sandwich?”
“Yes, yes!” he pretended to sound bored. “Ham and mustard on fresh white bread.”
She nodded, positively salivating at the thought of sinking her fangs into the sandwich. “Please tell me you put a good couple of layers of ham on there?”
“I laid the ham on thick.”
“Good!” she groaned. “And what about the pickles? You put pickles—”
“Yes! I put a couple of pickle slices on there was well.”
“Thank you so much.” Ceri hugged him. “Now hand over the food,” she said as soon as she released him.
He handed her the bag, which she made quick work of. “What about you?”
“I already ate.” He winked at her.
She unwrapped the grease-proof paper and sank her teeth into all that was delicious in this world. Moaning around her food as she chewed.
“Vampires aren’t supposed to enjoy solids that much.” Drago looked disgusted.
“Says the male who has developed bloodlust but only for his best friend’s blood.” She took another bite and closed her eyes, savoring the taste.
“Do you still think about him?” Drago asked.
“Who?” Ceri knew exactly who he was referring to.
“The dragon. Do you think of him? Miss him?”
“Why do you ask?” She didn’t want to talk about this.
“You haven’t been anywhere near other males. It’s not healthy. I was wondering if it had something to do with the dragon.”
It had everything to do with Bay. She had made progress though. Serious progress. She didn’t crave his blood anymore. Not like she used to, but she did think about him often. Several times a day. “I sometimes think about him,” she played it down. “I wonder what he’s doing.”
“Do you think your blood cured him?”
Most days she hoped it had. She had the odd selfish day where she hoped it hadn’t. The thought of Bay with other females didn’t sit right with her. It made her feel jealous. It made her feel sad. It made her long for something that she could never have, was stupid to even think about. “I don’t know. I hope for him that it did.”
“I don’t think so. Vampire blood has healing qualities but only on a fresh injury.”
She shrugged. “It was the only thing I could think of. You never know…drinking from him did the trick when it shouldn’t have.” She took another bite of her sandwich, noticing that there wasn’t much left. “You didn’t make me two, did you?” Ceri looked back in the bag, finding it empty. Then she made a sad face at Drago.
Drago shook his head. “And on that note, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, as a friend.”
Ceri quickly swallowed down her mouthful of food. “That sounds ominous.”
Drago shook his head again. “It’s nothing bad. Nothing terrible.”
“Okay, now you’re making me worried. What is it?”
“You know I think you’re gorgeous right?” He raised his brows.
“Yes,” she sounded skeptical. How could she not?
"Well, you've been eating a ton of food lately. Like, every time I look at you, you're eating and it's starting to…well…it's—”
“Are you trying to tell me I’m fat?” Her clothing had been feeling tight of late.
“Not fat, no. Just,” he shook his head, “you’re bigger than you were. All of this eating isn’t healthy. Your food choices also leave a lot to be desired. Sandwiches,” he pointed at the half-eaten one in her hands, “red velvet cupcakes, steaks the size of my face.”
It was all true! Eating made her feel better. Eating had helped her with her dragon blood cravings. It had become a ‘thing’. Her thing. Her clothing was tight. Most of her jeans didn’t fit anymore. There were one or two dresses and other items that had followed suit. Her boobs had started to bounce when she did anything other than walk. They bounced and juggled so badly that she had started to think of wearing a bra. She sighed. “I have been using food as a crutch.” She nodded, looking at the swans as they glided across the lake in pairs. “The whole thing with Bay made me a bit depressed. That, and lonely. I’ve never felt so alone. Food helps ease that. I’l
l go on one of those human diets. I’ll talk to Tanya about it. Although I don’t want to bother her, seeing as she’s due to have her baby in the next couple of weeks.”
“Google healthy eating then. I’m not trying to be nasty or anything. It’s just something you need to be aware of. I happen to think you look amazing.” His gaze slid to her breasts.
“You are not checking me out.”
He cleared his throat and sat up straighter. “Of course not!” he said too quickly. “What I’m trying to say is that you are gorgeous and have become curvy and even sexier, but all this eating isn’t healthy.”
Drago had to work hard to keep his physique in top form. He was meticulous about what he ate, so it was only natural that he would notice and say something to her. Then he grinned. "I'm sure it's all the food that's making your blood taste so good. Once you're on that human diet thing, I won't crave it as much."
“I’m sure you’re right.” She took another bite of her sandwich.
“Hey, I thought you were going to go easy on those.”
“I will.” She nodded. “After this.” The grease-paper crinkled as she held up what was left of the meal. “I’ll talk to Tanya or Google a healthy eating plan. I’ll figure something out and start the diet tomorrow.”
Chapter 16
His eyes stung from the constant searching. His wings felt fatigued from flying. Bay and his team had been at it for hours. He signaled to the others in his formation with a gruff bark. It was time to descend. To take a much-needed break. Bay headed to the outcrop of trees. They could shelter there. He turned to the right as they slowly descended, watching the sun as it glinted off the ocean. To the left, rolling hills became majestic mountains.
They touched down and shifted. Cracking noises filled the air. They were all breathing hard. Beck had a sheen of sweat on his brow. Bay took a minute to compose himself, watching as the others moved to shady spots. They sat or even lay down. “I can see why you raised this issue. You were right,” Bay addressed Beck. “Twelve-hour shifts are too long. We will have to find another way to get the coverage we need.”
Beck nodded. “By the end of the day, the males are exhausted. What if we were to happen upon those hunters at that point? We would not be in a position to take them on, let alone flee.”
Bay nodded. They were actively searching for the hunters. They’d taken down two choppers in the last three months. One had unfortunately escaped, killing one of the Fire males and injuring three more. Sightings since then had become rare. The dragons were not complacent enough to believe that this was over though. It wasn’t. The hunters were regrouping. They had to do the same.
“Yes, but how do we keep regular eyes on all sections of our territory? We don’t have enough males.” Bay shook his head, feeling frustrated.
“I’ve been thinking about that,” Beck said. “They use technology, why don’t we do the same?”
“I’m listening.” Bay folded his arms.
“We can use satellite-based tracking tech, as well as radar. All of the tribes would need to be on board, but we could technically monitor our borders using technology rather than running constant teams. The satellite technology is still in its testing phase, so I suggest we start with radar since it’s tried and tested.” He pulled in a deep breath. “I can draw up a report of the pros and cons. I’m not saying that we wouldn’t have to run teams at all, but we would need significantly less manpower than our current situation calls for.”
“Sounds good. Yes, I would like a report. I’ll do some research of my own as well. I’ll need a strong case to present to Torrent and then to Blaze in turn. I think you’re onto something though.”
“I just wanted to say that I think it’s great that you made the call to come out today. Most males in leadership positions wouldn’t lower themselves to come on a scouting run.”
Bay shrugged. “I am not most males. I must say though that I ask myself often what Flood would do, or how Flood would handle a situation. I am glad that he has at least been allowed to come back.”
“As a team leader.” Beck shook his head. “It is killing him. I wonder how long Torrent is going to make him suffer?”
“Probably until I fuck up.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, you are doing a good job.” Beck stretched his back. “Let’s sit for a while. We will need to leave soon and I’m tired.”
“We all are.” Bay took a seat on a log. Beck chose a grassy spot at the base, using the log as a backrest. “You are working too hard. You need to get out.” His friend smiled. There was this glint to his eyes that Bay knew well.
“What is it? What are you concocting? Whatever it is, I’m not interested. I have too much going on to—”
“You were unwillingly celibate for years. You now have a cock that actually works and all you have done with it for three months is whack off ‒ and not even that often. We dragons have a fantastic sense of smell, so don’t even try to deny it.”
Bay thrust a hand through his hair, which he noted needed a cut. He pushed out a sigh. “You shouldn’t be sniffing around in my business.”
“Can’t help it. What’s going on with you?”
“We spoke about this,” Bay countered, not wanting to go down this road.
“Yes, and you told me you were going to get some. Our females would be all over you, fresh meat in a high-powered position. You might even be able to win yourself one of the last remaining fertile females, but no, you’re not interested.”
“Of course I am,” he lied. Truth was, none of them held any appeal. He knew the rutting would be subpar after being with the vampire. After Ceri. What was the point? “I’m busy. Far too busy to be chasing skirt.”
“A male can never be too busy for pussy.”
Bay didn’t say anything.
“What, you don’t believe me?”
Of course Bay believed Beck because it was true, but he couldn’t say so, now could he?
"All I can say is if I were in your shoes, I would've headed into town for a week of non-stop rutting. Delta,” Beck called to one of the males further away. He was lounging under a huge oak.
“Yes.” The male began to rise to his feet.
“Stay where you are.” Beck held up a hand. “I see you’re on the list for the Stag Run next week, are you going?”
The male’s eyes lit up. “Yes, of course. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
“What about you, Morgan?”
The male groaned. “I am absolutely going. You would have to throw me in a silver cage and knock me out cold to keep me from heading out.” Then he looked panicked. “You’re not canceling, are you? Please tell me you aren’t canceling?”
“Well,” Beck shrugged, looking pained, “our leader has said that he is too busy to attend. The threat of those hunters still looms. Our lair is at risk. I am indeed thinking of canceling. If Bay refuses to go then,” he shrugged again, “I might just have to. That goes for all Stag Runs going forward.”
The males looked crestfallen. Several looked like they might cry, this despite being hardened warriors. A couple of them began talking and grumbling amongst themselves.
“No,” Bay stood up, “I will attend, as will all of you. It is important for all of us to unwind.” The males went nuts. Whooping and leaping. The joy on their faces was almost contagious. Almost. He turned to Beck and whispered under his breath, “Bastard.”
Beck laughed. “It’s going to be fun! You are going to get yourself laid once and for all. It’s time you got over that vampire female,” he whispered the last under his breath. “She helped you. You were highly compatible, I’m assuming, but pining over something that can never be won’t get you anywhere.”
The male was right. He nodded once. “I said I would attend and I will.”
“Good.” Beck tapped him good-naturedly on the side of the arm.
It was time he moved on. Beck was right. He might think of Ceri often, but he knew for sure that the female didn’t feel the sa
me. She had left without so much as a backward glance. It was over. Not that there had been anything in the first place. He needed to remember that!
Chapter 17
A week later…
Ceri stopped walking, she put both hands to the small of her back and pushed. It had been a long day, many hours of it spent on her feet. A difficult day.
One abortion. One womb removal surgery. Humans called it a hysterectomy. Drugs didn’t work on vampires. Not like they did on humans. The procedures were agonizing. Ceri had experienced one of them herself. She knew exactly how it felt to have your skin sliced open with a silver blade. To have a piece of your body stripped away. A piece of your soul along with it. She hoped that Angelique didn’t live to regret her decision. Both females were young. Thankfully, they were both doing well.
The sun was already setting by the time she made it to her apartment. Her feet ached as well. The only thing she could think of was a nice bubble bath, followed by dinner and bed. Ceri yawned, putting her purse on the coffee table. She kicked off her shoes and went through to the bathroom where she started the bath, pouring a good helping of lavender-scented bubble bath into the tub. She watched the water swirl and bubbles begin to form.
Then she went to the kitchen and turned on the oven. Ceri placed her dinner in the center of the oven rack. It would take at least an hour to cook. She poured herself a large glass of chilled orange juice before heading back to the bathroom. She set the juice on the floor next to the bath, where she could reach it easily. She grabbed the paperback thriller she was trying to get through, placing it next to the glass, along with a towel. Then she undressed, making quick work of her summer dress. It was floral and tight-fitting on account that her diet wasn’t working. Maybe it was because she wasn’t strictly following the eating plan Tanya had given her. She was just too hungry. Craved too many things. Things like steak and pie and cake and ham sandwiches. Oh, those ham sandwiches.
Tomorrow was another day. She was having chicken pot pie for dinner with all the trimmings and then she would think of dieting again in the morning. She couldn’t let her lovely dinner go to waste. Anyway, Ceri liked the fuller-figured her. Other females had begun to notice. They’d asked her what she was doing. How had she managed to get her hips fuller, curvier and her breasts so much plumper. She’d told them to eat more, much more. Several females were on the ‘reverse diet’ ‒ so to speak.
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