Sally took his face in her hands and pulled him down to give him a quick kiss, which he then turned into something not so quick. When she was good and breathless, she looked up at him and knew her face was probably beet red. “I promise to be careful. You do the same. I’ll let Titus sleep as a wolf on your side of the bed after he’s rolled around in the mud if there’s a single scratch on you.”
Costin grinned. “My boy can phase. He’s welcome to roll around covered in mud in our bed all he wants to.”
Sally scrunched her face up. “I’ll have to think of a better threat.” Her eyes lit up. “I will forbid you to —”
Costin clamped a hand over her mouth. “Don’t you dare,” he warned, his hazel eyes glowing with his wolf.
She bit his palm, just enough to smart. He still didn’t pull it away. Finally, she nodded, giving in to his demand, even though she had been only joking.
“That’s nothing to joke about Sally-mine,” he told her seriously.
“Was she going to forbid you to touch her again?” Jen walked up beside them. Sally noticed Decebel talking to Fane, but his gaze continually bounced over to where Jen stood. Dude watched his woman like a hawk. Sally didn’t blame him. Jen was like a poorly wired bomb. You never knew when she was going to go haywire and explode.
“Jacque wants to talk to us before we all head out on our missions,” Jen told Sally. She held up a hand to Costin. “Keep yourself safe FAHDEH. I’d hate to have to bring you back to life just to beat the living crap out of you for getting my BFFF killed along with you.”
Costin tilted his head, giving Jen a wolfish look. “How’s Thia? Still dismembering dolls?”
“I’ll totally turn her loose on you, dimple boy.” Jen pointed at him as she walked backward, grabbing Sally’s shirt to tug her along.
“Dec, get your woman under control,” Costin called out much louder than necessary, considering everyone in the room was a supernatural being and possessed superior hearing.
“I’ll get right on that,” Decebel replied. “As soon as I get some ice water for that thirsty man in hell.”
Sally was grinning like a fool at her FAHDEH as he winked at her.
“That’s strike two, bartender,” Jen called out over her shoulder.
“What happens at strike three?” Costin asked, with a mischievous glint in his hazel eyes.
Jen paused and turned slightly. She tapped her chin with her finger and then shrugged as she looked at him. “I don’t know. My mom never got to three when she counted, so I have no freaking clue exactly what she was going to do. I just knew I was scared of the number three.” She tilted her head and pursed her lips. “I’ll ask Thia. I’m sure she’ll have some creative ideas.” Then Jen continued dragging Sally with her as Sally blew Costin a kiss. He pretended to catch it and then pressed his hand to his dimpled cheek.
ChapterSeven
“The eternal dance of wanting what isn’t good for you is still strong with us females. Eve started it in the garden of Eden over an apple. Seriously, Eve? An apple was worth the wrath of your Creator? Then again, who am I to judge? My heart seems set on a supernatural psychopath. I just made all your internal conflicts seem easy. You’re welcome.” ~Alice
“The last time you asked me to take a seat, you poured out your life story.” Alice attempted to get more comfortable. “It was depressing. I don’t really want any more depressing news.”
“Don’t worry yourself, Alice.” Cain began to pace. “What I’m about to tell you won’t depress you. It will, however, most likely make you want to put a stake in me.”
Alice crossed her arms protectively over her chest as Cain strode back and forth before her. His agitation was palpable, filling the space between them with restless energy. When he finally turned to face her, his expression was more open and vulnerable than she’d ever seen. Alarm prickled across her skin.
“There are things I must tell you, Alice. The truth, or as much of it as I can bear.” He raked a hand through his dark hair. “You were right to push me away. I sought only to control you, to take away your choices,at first.” He held up a finger as if to emphasize his point. “But these last days without having you near, with the cold shoulder you’ve given me, have been … difficult.”
Alice remained wary but silent as he collected himself.
“When you were unconscious, I drank from you. Only twice. Your blood, it was like nothing I’ve experienced in centuries as a vampire.” His voice filled with awe as he spoke. She could even see his eyes light up at the memory.
Revulsion twisted Alice’s gut. He’d fed from her without consent while she was helpless.
Cain’s keen gaze didn’t miss her recoil. “I know how it sounds. Another unforgivable trespass. But youmustunderstand. Your blood has changed me, Alice.” He took a step toward her, but halted when she flinched away. Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair again, leaving it rumpled, so unlike his usual put-together self. He shook his head, and his fist clenched as he dropped his hand to his side. “For the first time since I was turned, which was over 300 years ago, the thirst receded. My mind was clear, free of the gnawing hunger that has ruled me.”
Alice shuddered, unable to keep images of him at her throat at bay. Part of her liked the idea that she, and only she, could give him something so profound. But the other part of her felt betrayed and violated.
His voice hoarse, Cain continued. “I cannot defend keeping you unconscious. I can only explain that a part of me hoped to keep you close, to experience that clarity again.” His eyes were twin points of intensity. “You brought me peace, Alice. A glimpse of the man I might have been. The man I could perhaps still be—with you.”
Alice wavered, hating that his remorse was cracking her resolve. But could she forgive what he’d done?
As if sensing her weakening, Cain dared to step closer. “You know I care for you. I want you to stay for more than just the blood. I…” He faltered, these words clearly foreign to him. “I need you, Alice. And”—he paused and swallowed visibly hard—“I fear I’m lost without you.”
