Tessa and Quinn will be able to smell it.
“Follow me,” I snap. She wobbles on her feet as if just feeling steady ground for the first time. I snatch her arm, irritated by her slowness. “You’ve done well as my bloodbag. I appreciate you. But you’re far too slow.”
She stiffens with one shoe in her hand and yanks her arm back. “Are you serious?”
“Beyond.” I shake my head, disappointment filling the gaps of my body where she’s no longer touching me. “You’ll get used to thanking me as well as time goes on.” I narrow my eyes at her. “As the Murillo Family dictated so long ago. Your manners could use an update.” Indignation douses my words.
The sudden shift doesn’t elude her.
Her frown deepens. I’ve never seen such disdain after an orgasm. She should be thrilled I allowed her to get off at all.
I could have just left her in the basement.
She huffs. “You know that’s not what I meant.”
“I’ll have your cranberry juice and sandwich ready for you after you’ve cleaned up as you’ve previously noted. Now, follow me,” I say roughly while yanking on her arm again. I ignore the heat coiling between us again. “And don’tevermake me tell you twice.”
Chapter 3
Amber
Luckyforme,therearen’t any bloodbags present when I do my walk of shame.
Of all the fangs I could have encountered while lost in the depths of Rodin Manor, how did I end up running into Quinn’s brother?
And worse, how the hell did I end up humping him?
Jasper would be disappointed, I thought as I fixed my clothes.That man killed my sister, and I just rode him like a goddamn pony.
Shame crashes into my side like Darius had moments ago. The heat covers every inch of me as I cower over the sink, trying to meet my reflection without tears in my eyes. Trying and failing. Absolutely totallyfailingat any remotely sane level of thinking.
Hate. Fuck. Hate.Fuck.
It’s a pulsating bar of metal freshly smelted in my innards. I’m about to melt from it.
I grip the sink and squeeze my eyes shut as fresh grief slams into my solar plexus.Oh, Seline, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I should have been stronger....
As soon as I yank fresh panties on, it’s like nothing had ever happened. I shove my soiled garment into my bag, burying it at the very bottom. Likethat’sgoing to make it go away. Yeah, sure.
I wish I could burn them.I frown, practically shaking with disgust.Jasper taught me so much better than this.
When I get to the hallway, I find Darius waiting for me, wearing that same stern look he gives just about everyone. He’s a walking statue, living stone. He’s armor hosting a heartbeat.
He doesn’t give two shits about a horny chick like me.Why do I care if he cares?
And that’s the worst part. Being horny like thatisn’tlike me. It’s never happened before.
So, why the fuck did it happen with a murderer?
Is that what King Marr did to me?I think as dread grips me.Is this who I am now because of what he did to me in that tower?
Darius clears his throat expectantly. The way he does it screams,Don’t keep me waiting.
I glare at him. Sure thing, Commander. I’ll bow to your every need.
And despise you the entire fucking time.
I trail after Darius through the bloodbag section of the manor. Electric lanterns light the way to the carpeted stairs. These living quarters are well-maintained, decorated with inspiration from a manicured, elite past. At first glance, I never would have assumed bloodbags lived here.