My throat scratched with every breath I took, my eyes kept glancing at the bloody dessert. My hands trembled.
“He always took me to the lake near our cabin on my birthday.” Francis took another spoonful, his teeth now wore crimson. “My father,” he clarified.
“What happened to him?” I dared to ask, though all I was consumed by was the unbearable sharp pain in my stomach.
Francis merely shook his head. “Not tonight,” he whispered, a sad smile tugging on his lips.
I looked out the window, avoiding the sight of blood on Francis’ lips.
“Cordelia.” Francis put down the plate, blood dripped down onto the floor. “When was the last time you’ve fed?” He crooked his head to one side.
“I’ve fed.” I swallowed the burn in my throat.
“That wasn’t the question.” He inched closer. “You haven’t had any blood the whole night.”
“I’ve had enough with my bath.” I started to my feet, yet Francis’ hands caught mine.
“That was yesterday.” Francis’ eyes bored into mine for answers he’d already had. “You won’t be able to kill Kane if youlet yourself starve—” The words died on his tongue at my flinch. “Cordelia, I know it’s not easy—”
“Don’t.” I pushed his hands away; gathering to my feet, I charged towards the door. “I am rather tired, I should go.”
“No.” Francis moved to the threshold, blocking my pathway. “Let me help you.” His fingers slipped under my chin, gently pushing my head up to meet his gaze.
“I need no help,” I protested, though the beast froze my body into submission. The smell of blood on Francis’ breath dared me for a kiss. “No,” I told the beast, yet the burning in my throat increased, spreading through my body.
“It’s all right.” Francis nodded, his free hand started to unbutton the top of his shirt.
“What in the Kingdom are you doing?” My voice turned dreamy at the mercy of the beast’s demands.
“If you don’t wish for human blood, take mine,” Francis whispered.
“Francis—” As though a spell was broken, my body came alive anew. I shook my head; the beast within me rebelled.
“I will keep you safe, remember,” Francis spoke, his voice turning soft. “You will always be safe with me, I swear it.”
My eyes planted on the open skin. His heartbeat quickened under my gaze when his free hand wrapped around my waist, keeping me upright.
“I cannot.” I leaned against his chest, my lips close to his exposed throat.
“It’s all right.” He ushered me closer. “You can’t hurt me.”
My body trembled, my eyes shut.I cannot. I cannot—
“Look at me.” Francis caressed my cheek; my eyes flew open, obeying. “You are safe with me, and you can’t hurt me. I will not let anything happen to you, I swear it.”
“Francis—” I breathed, my lips feeling the soft skin without my permission.
“Shush, my Princess.” His hand crooked around the back of my neck. “You are safe with me,” he whispered as my teeth pierced his skin.
The first drop of blood spilled onto my tongue like fine wine, melting into my throat. I wished to protest the beast that had woken within me. I wished to stay in Francis’ hands forever.
Francis cradled the small of my back, sending lightning down my spine. His blood spilled into my mouth, calming my aching throat, calming my mind.
My knees weakened as Francis slid down the wall, his hands keeping me from collapsing. “Just like that.” A smothered moan pushed past his lips when my hands reached for the collar of his shirt, holding on as though my life depended on it. “Good girl,” his voice turned hoarse.
A muffled moan forced its way from the depths of my throat as the flower’s thorns—deep in my stomach—wrapped around my insides. His hands tightened their hold around me as I sat between his legs, my teeth buried in his flesh.
“Francis,” I drawled against his neck, my tongue catching every drop of blood mixed with my saliva.
