I should probably sit down or call my sister. But the only thing going through my mind is that I have to open the front door. If I can only open the door, I’ll be okay. It’s an instinct like I’ve never felt and the only thing I can do is follow the scent of roses.
My hand reaches for the knob just as her fingers knock on the door. When I pull it open her hand is still raised and I’m utterly assaulted by the scent of her.
“Hi, um. Sorry to bother you.” She slowly lowers her hand to reveal stunning green eyes surrounded by dark lashes.
The sound of her heartbeat is like a drum in my ears, and my teeth ache. I’ve never had the need to bite someone before, but my whole jaw is painful for it. With all of my strength I step back into the shadows to hide my face. I don’t want to scare her away. My mind begins to work on how I can entice her inside and keep her here. Forever.
“So, here’s the thing. I’m just going to be honest with you. I’m pledging a sorority and the dare was to knock on your door. But I think the other pledges have bailed on me and now I’m stuck here, and I think I might be injured.”
She tucks a lock of glossy auburn hair behind one ear then bites her juicy, wet bottom lip. I’ve never wanted to taste something so sweet and delicate before in my life. The urge to lie on top of her is so strong I nearly pounce on her.
“Again, I’m sorry. I actually didn’t think anyone would be home. Do you have maybe a paper towel or something?”
She holds out her arm for me to see, and I have to put my hand over my mouth at the sight of the blood. It’s a small scratch, but it has dripped down her arm and made a trail of blood that’s the exact color of the roses in my garden. I swallow the warm liquid that’s in my mouth and realize I’m drooling for a taste of her.
“Or not, that’s okay, too.” She begins to take a step back, and I reach out and snatch her wrist so quickly it surprises both of us.
“Come in,” I say softly, keeping my face in the shadows.
“It’s okay. I can go. I’m really sorry.” I can smell the fear in her blood, and I hate it. I want the sweet innocence back. That’s what I ache for.
“Please,” I try again. This time I use all my powers to calm her and to seduce her into a relaxed state. “You startled me. Come in and I’ll take care of that cut. Then we can call someone to come get you.”
She glances back to the gate for a second and sees that she’s alone.
“I promise not to hurt you,” I say, running my thumb along her wrist and feeling her rapid heartbeat—something I haven’t felt in a hundred years. “I’ll protect you just like my roses.”
“Your roses?” She turns to look at me, and the smell of fear dissipates.
“Yes. I have a garden if you’d like to wait there. My sister is on her way, and she can help you if would prefer to have her.” The words taste like dirt in my mouth.
I want to rip her clothes off and feed on her breast while I fuck her. At that thought I glance down and see my cock is hard and pushing against the slacks of my suit.
“Oh fuck,” I whisper, so low she doesn’t hear it.
I’ve found my mate.
Three
Juliet
I let him lead me into the house, and my heart races. But when I walk inside, peace falls over me and my mind stops the rush of panicked thoughts. It only lasts a second when I jump at the sound of the door closing behind me. It’s then I realize that there’s no going back. I’m alone with a man I don’t know. I willingly did this without even putting up a fight. What’s wrong with me? My mind has been a whirl of emotions since he opened the door.
I try to look up him, but he turns from me a little so I can only see part of his face.
“Come this way. We’ll get you fixed up,” his deep voice commands as he pulls on my wrist gently so that I follow him.
His hand engulfs my wrist, reminding me how big he is. It’s almost surprising how gentle the hold is with how rough his hand feels against my skin. His words of protection repeat over and over in my mind as he pulls me deeper into the house and closer to him. I try to look up at him, but he turns his face away from me once again, shielding himself.