Arctic Bite

by N. J. Walters

  “What will you do?” she asked Raoul.

  He frowned and sighed. “Probably not what I should. If asked, I can’t lie. I won’t lie. But I won’t volunteer anything.” Now he addressed Alexei. “But it’s no longer safe here. You need to move. It would be easier if you’d embrace your true self,” he muttered.

  “Then any one of you would be able to find me,” she reminded him.

  “You could always come back. Throw yourself at Death’s mercy.”

  “Not really an option. We both know he isn’t big on mercy.”

  “Is it worth it?” he asked.

  She looked at the other reaper then up at Alexei. “Yes, it’s worth it.”

  His chest expanded and he stood taller. She thought he was worth whatever price she’d pay.

  “So be it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Then he was gone. Vanished in the blink of an eye.

  Alexei slowly lowered the blade in his hand. “I’m sorry I left you.” There was so much in his life he regretted, but leaving her was the biggest. She could have been gone by the time he’d returned—taken. If anything had happened to her, he’d never have forgiven himself.

  “I’m sorry you thought you had to. Talk to me.” She twined her arms around his waist. “What made you so afraid you ran?”

  It seemed cowardly when she put it like that. Maybe it was. “I want your blood.”

  “I thought that was it.” She tilted her head to one side. “Why is that a problem? I wouldn’t offer to donate to just any vamp.” She smiled at him. “But you’re special.”

  “What if I don’t stop? What if I can’t?” There it was. His greatest fear out in the open. He tossed the blade onto the counter. “I took some of Egan’s life force or essence or whatever you call it, and I’m not even sure how I did that. What if I weaken you, drain you?”

  “You’ll stop before you go too far.”

  Her confidence was humbling, but he feared it was misplaced. How could she know when he couldn’t be sure himself?

  She sauntered toward him, wearing one of his shirts. And a pair of his socks. It shouldn’t have been provocative but it was. Made him want to slide his hands under the garment and uncover what was hiding beneath. It was kind of like she was gift wrapped, a present just for him, waiting to be opened.

  “You’re not as strong as you were,” he reminded her. “I’m not sure you can protect yourself if you had to.” And that terrified him. She was fragile now, even if she didn’t recognize or acknowledge it. “I couldn’t live with myself if I hurt you.”

  She sank gracefully to her knees in front of him. That got his attention in a hurry. He was buck naked, his erection standing at attention. And her mouth was so very close.

  The saliva in his mouth dried up.

  Focus, damn it.

  This was no time to think with his dick. Not easy with it straining toward her, the bulbous head leaking at the slit. “What are you doing?”

  “What does it look like I’m doing?” Her fingers encircled his shaft, sending a blast of heat rocketing through him. His balls hurt, his teeth throbbed. Hell, even his scalp ached.

  He hissed out a breath, his eyes practically crossing as she stroked up and down. “We need to talk. Or leave.” It wasn’t safe here any longer.

  “Mmm.” Ignoring him, she stared at his erection while she worked her fist up and down his length.

  “Cassie.”

  “Cassandra.”

  “Cassandra.” He loved her full name. So regal. So fitting. “We need to go.”

  “Soon. There’s time.”

  “Time? Time for what?”

  “This.” She leaned forward and took him into her mouth.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Raoul’s visit had brought home just how precarious her position was. He could have turned her in. Probably should have. Still might.

  But nothing was more important than reassuring Alexei that she didn’t fear him, didn’t think him a monster. And if it came down to it, she’d get them out of here. That would give her time to get him somewhere safe and then take off running once again.

  If that came to pass, she’d always regret not getting a chance to do this. He’d had his way with her earlier. Now it was her turn.

  It thrilled her how much he wanted her. He didn’t even try to hide his erection. It was arousing and gave her a sense of feminine power.

  He wasn’t at all threatened by the fact she was a reaper, but he’d fixed it in his mind that she should fear him.

  She wasn’t having it.

  He growled and palmed the back of her head. “Cassandra.”

  There was such longing in his voice. It was deeper, too. A raspy growl that made her nipples hard.

  She traced her tongue around the flared head of his erection before releasing him. The wet popping sound was fun. He tasted musky and warm, almost spicy.

  “Not so tough now, are you?” she practically purred. Being irresistible was… Well, it was irresistible.

  He gave a rough laugh. “Not where you’re concerned.”

  Her heart turned over in her chest. The heat in his gaze had arousal pooling between her legs.

  Delicately, she flicked her tongue over the head of his erection, tasting the essence of him seeping from the slit. He released a strangled groan, his fingers fisting in her short hair.

  Taking her time, she licked and sucked her way down to the base of his broad shaft, nuzzling the springy hair at the base before working her way back up.

  He bucked his hips, his breathing quickened.

  His first inclination would be to toss her onto the couch and take her, but he was giving her what she wanted. He always put her wants and needs first. Was anything a bigger turn-on? He was strong and powerful in a way most couldn’t comprehend. And he was all hers.

  She circled her tongue around the head again, licking him like a sweet treat. He threw his head back, the cords of his neck tightening, the muscles in his jaw flexing.

  “Like that, do you?” she teased.

  “Fuck yeah.” He combed his fingers through her hair. “Don’t let me hurt you.”

  There’d been so much pain and suffering in both their lives. They both deserved this pleasure, this time together.

  Keeping one hand securely around the base of his shaft, she lowered her mouth, taking him as deep as she could.

  This was new for her, but she was enjoying giving her man something he wanted and needed.

  Her people didn’t have emotions. There was no love or hate, only duty and commitment. They didn’t feel lust.

  But she did.

  Before she could delve deeper into that thought, he flexed his hips, driving deeper. The skin of his cock was smooth, but what was beneath was so very hard. The contrast reminded her of him. He was a dangerous man, but there was a bedrock of kindness locked inside him, a sensitive core that had taken one too many hits.

  She released him and dragged her tongue over a prominent vein that ran the length of his shaft. He was growling now, his eyes tinged red.

  Her goal was to goad him into letting loose. She trusted him, even if he didn’t trust himself.

  With her free hand, she cupped his balls, rolling them gently. Heat radiated from him like a blast furnace. Beneath the flannel shirt she was starting to sweat. She might be on her knees, but right now she was the one in charge.

  “I’m coming,” he warned, giving her the opportunity to pull away.

  His eyes were closed, his chest moving up and down rapidly. He looked like a man in pain, but it was all pleasure.

  She sucked hard, hollowing her cheeks.

  He yelled, his hips pumping. His hands tightened in her hair, making her scalp sting. She swallowed, tasting him, loving the way he gave himself to her.

  Sitting on her heels, she stared up at him. He tower
ed over her, fierce and proud. His fangs had dropped. In his eyes, she saw something she hadn’t before—possession.

  It didn’t put her off. She wanted this. Every muscle in his big body could have been carved from marble. Every line, every ripple of his chest and abs was sheer perfection.

  The longer he stared at her, the redder his eyes became until they shone like beacons.

  Pouncing, he took her to the floor in a blur of speed.

  She turned her head to the side and exposed her neck. This was what she wanted, what she’d been waiting for. “You want my blood? Take it.”

  This could be a huge mistake. There was nothing more intimate than having sex and sharing blood.

  But if not now, when?

  Death would be coming for her.

  She wanted this for herself, for them. If that made her selfish, so be it.

  He sniffed the air, an animal scenting his mate. Still, he hesitated.

  There was no way she was letting him back away. Not now. “Please.”

  She knew he wouldn’t be able to resist her plea. They both needed the connection this would give them.

  He struck without warning, his fangs sliding through her skin. It was both painful and erotic, but the sharp throbbing soon faded, leaving only pleasure.

  Alexei growled as he drank from her, taking her blood into his body. It was an erotic thrill, and her body grew more heated with each pull of his mouth.

  I’m going to have another orgasm.

  The room spun wildly. Her eyelids were too heavy to keep open. The strength seeped from her until she was too weak to even call out.

  Well crap. Maybe he could kill her after all. Her hand slipped from his biceps and fell to the floor.

  …

  Bloodlust had taken him over. It was a vicious pounding in his veins, a beast breaking the chains of bondage, a never-ending command echoing in his brain.

  More. More. More.

  Her blood was sweet and powerful, filled with the very essence of life. It was as though he’d been running on inferior gasoline and was now getting prime rocket fuel. Every cell in his body soaked it in. Energy blasted through him.

  Then her hand fell from his arm and smacked against the floor. She was lax in his arms.

  Terror filled him as he pulled back. Her eyes were closed, her breathing shallow.

  “No. No. No,” he chanted. He ran his tongue over her neck, closing the puncture wounds before lifting her into his arms. She’d given him the most beautiful experience of his life, and he’d taken her to the floor like some rabid dog.

  What have I done?

  His greatest fear had been realized. In his bloodlust, he’d taken too much.

  “Cassie.” He surged to his feet and hurried to the sofa, sitting with her still in his arms. Her head rolled to the side. He raised his arm, bringing it back against his chest.

  Fear ripped at him. It hadn’t always been easy for him to keep his distance when he drank from people, but he’d learned. He detached from the process, fulfilling a biological need. The bloodlust demanded more, but since the very early years, he’d always kept it in check.

  But she made a mockery of his control. Around her, he was more the person he’d been before his life had been upended, not the monster he’d become.

  But he’d shown his true colors.

  He rubbed her arms, chaffed her cold hands, and rocked back and forth with her cradled against him. What do I do?

  He couldn’t risk giving her his blood since he had no idea how it would react with hers.

  There was only one way to save her, but that would put her in danger.

  The sickle was still on the counter. Anyone who thought to harm her would feel the bite of that blade. He’d protect her until she was well enough to leave.

  And she would leave. He’d promised she was safe with him. But the first time he was tested, he’d failed.

  “Cassie, you have to unlock your powers. I took too much blood. Do you hear me?” he yelled, shaking her.

  When she didn’t respond, he kept shaking her—but stopped when he worried he might be doing even more damage.

  He laid her on the sofa and knelt on the floor beside her. He rubbed her legs and torso, trying to drive back the chill clinging to her skin. She was still breathing. That was all that mattered. Her pulse fluttered wildly in her throat. For the first time, he wasn’t even tempted to bite.

  He cursed himself. He cursed the one who’d changed him.

  Nothing was helping.

  “Come on, baby. You need to wake up.” When being gentle didn’t work, he went on the offensive. “We’re under attack. Save yourself.”

  Frustrated, angry, and scared out of his mind, he roared. “Do you hear me?”

  “Of course I can hear you. They can hear you in Nome.”

  Even weak and thready, her voice was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. He started thanking every deity he’d ever heard of as he pulled her into a seated position.

  “Open your eyes. Come on. You can do it.”

  Her eyelids fluttered but finally opened.

  “I took too much blood.”

  “No.” She shook her head.

  “Yes.” He wouldn’t flinch from the hard reality. “I’m a monster, a killer. As much as I wish it otherwise—it’s not.” His heart cracked wide open under the weight of the truth.

  He loved her. She was his heart and soul. He had to do the right thing. Had to safeguard her. Even from himself. Especially from himself.

  “Heal yourself.”

  When she shook her head again, he stood and picked up the ancient curved tool, holding the worn wooden handle in his hand. The sharp blade gleamed in the dim light.

  Hating himself for what he was about to do, he stalked back to her side, each foot feeling as though it was encased in cement. He memorized her face, her lush lips, her intelligent green eyes, her pert nose and stubborn chin.

  Uncertainty flickered in her eyes. “Alexei?”

  “I told you. I warned you what I was. Leave.”

  “What?” She shook her head.

  “I’m a fucking monster. I gorged on your blood.” He licked his lips, still tasting the sweetness of it. “I’m done with you.” It was a wonder he didn’t choke on the lie. His sorrow was matched only by his determination. He crushed every soft emotion, exposing the beast that dwelled inside.

  Cassie slowly pulled herself to her feet. When she wavered, he reached out to steady her before he could stop himself.

  “Why are you doing this?” Confusion mixed with sorrow. Her lack of fear and anger frustrated him all the more.

  His mocking laughter sounded as dead as he felt. “This is the real me.”

  She rubbed her neck. “I remember you taking my blood. There was a sharp pain. Then it felt good.”

  “Gift of the vampire.” He was lying through his teeth. The myth was that their bite was sensual, but really it wasn’t.

  A vamp injected something into the host, ensuring they’d forget all about their encounter. And if by some trick of fate, they had any recollection, it was usually as a dream.

  Why did she remember? Was it because she was a preternatural being? Was it because they were involved, were more than strangers passing in the night? He wished he’d learned more about it, instead of shunning everything about his dark gift.

  Maccus had warned him he’d regret not understanding that side of himself, had drilled it into him that information was power.

  Now it was too late. And it was Cassie who’d paid the price of his ignorance.

  She moved steadily toward him, her proud chin lifted and her eyes filled with resolve. He raised the blade higher. It was laughable really. He’d use the thing on himself before he’d ever hurt her.

  He just had to make her believe.

  “Y
ou’re afraid.” Those two simple words almost crippled his resolve.

  “I could have bled you dry. I almost did.” The truth fell between them with the force of an avalanche racing down a mountainside. He broke out into a cold sweat. “You’re not safe around me.”

  “You stopped.”

  “Only after you passed out. If I hadn’t felt your hand dropping from my arm, I could have easily drained you.”

  “Have you ever done that before? Drained someone completely?”

  “No, I always stay detached from my blood host.” It had never been a problem before.

  “Hmm, so it must be me.”

  Why wasn’t she running? Why wasn’t she screaming at him, accusing him of breaking his promise?

  “Fuck.” He rubbed his free hand over his face. “Nothing has been easy with you since I laid eyes on you. I wish I’d never seen that damn contract.”

  She flinched as though he’d struck her. “I see. I’m sorry you feel that way.”

  Shit, now he’d hurt her again. But wasn’t that what he was supposed to do? He needed her away from him.

  But then who would watch over her?

  God, he hadn’t been this messed up when he’d been bitten by a vamp and disowned by his family. All his years of training and discipline had vanished. Maccus would be disappointed in him. Hell, he would probably kill him.

  “I hurt you. It’s what I do.” It was time they both recognized that fact. He flipped the weapon in the air and caught it by the blade, leaving the handle facing her. “Take it.”

  …

  She pressed her fingers to her forehead, wishing she wasn’t so woozy. It was making it hard to think. Alexei was acting strangely. Or maybe he wasn’t. She hadn’t known him all that long.

  No, she wouldn’t doubt her instincts.

  It was as though he’d turned off all emotion. He seemed more reaper than she was.

  A shiver snaked down her spine.

  Then she took a second look and noticed the tightening around his mouth, the pain reflected in his eyes, the muscle pulsing in his jaw.

  He wasn’t emotionless at all. He was furious, taking all the blame for what had happened. He was pushing her away.

  Her legs quivered like jelly, so she locked her knees. It was vital to present strength, not weakness, if she was going to break past his barriers.