“I need to feed,” I said bluntly. “I’ll walk you home, but then I have to find some fresh blood.”
Vail’s expression darkened. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Not with the drug still circulating.”
“I’ll be fine,” I assured her, convincing both of us as I led her back to the Victorian house.
In the dimly lit streets of the city, I wandered, searching for the perfect person to feed from—anything to drown out the noise in my head. I felt stupid. Reckless. Dragging Vail into danger because I wanted to do whatever the hell I wanted. I should have listened to her. Should have been smarter. But instead of dealing with that, all I wanted was a fun little snack to forget about it.
Anger burned beneath my skin, but I shoved it down as I spotted a man locking up a small bar for the night. He was smoking a cigarette, the glow of it briefly illuminating his well-kept facial hair. No wedding ring.
Perfect.
I walked toward him, tugging my shirt lower to expose enough cleavage to grab his attention. He looked up as I approached, his gaze flicking over me with mild curiosity.
“Sorry, we’re closed.” He took another drag from his cigarette.
I pouted, shifting my weight to one hip. “Too bad. I was looking for a drink. Can you make an exception?”
“That depends,” he said, his voice slower now, more interested.
I took a step closer, letting my fingers brush against his forearm, tracing a light pattern over his skin. “I hate drinking alone.” I batted my eyelashes, watching as his eyes drifted down my body, lingering.
“I’ve got drinks at my place if you’re interested in joining me?” He gestured to the apartment above the bar.
“Of course,” I purred, sliding my hand down to his wrist, my touch lingering as he led the way to the stairs at the side of the building.
He invited me into his apartment. Inside the living room, he lit another cigarette and offered it to me.
“I don’t want my teeth to yellow,” I declined with a playful smile.
He shrugged and made his way to the bathroom. “Make yourself at home. I have beers in the fridge. I’m going to take a quick shower,” he called over his shoulder as he closed the bathroom door behind him.
As soon as I heard the shower turn on, I seized the opportunity. I quickly slipped out of my clothes and tiptoed over to the bathroom door, pushing it open and entering the steam-filled room.
“Mind if I join?” I asked, stepping into the shower. He turned around, his eyes widening with surprise, but before he could say anything, our lips met in a heated kiss.
Our bodies molded together as he pressed his hips into mine, his anticipation radiating through every touch. His kisses grew rougher, more urgent, the coarse scrape of his facial hair leaving a delicious burn against my skin. As the water cascaded down around us, his hands traced the contours of my body.
I pulled back slightly, catching my breath. His lips were swollen from kissing, his eyes dark with desire. For a fleeting moment, doubt flickered through me. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.
A slow, knowing grin spread across his face as he stroked my arm, the gentle motion drawing a slow, burning ache through me. My hesitation wavered, and I surrendered once more, meeting his lips with renewed urgency. His tongue pushed into my mouth, demanding and insistent.
I wanted this. The pleasure, and the indulgence. I wanted to lose myself in it, to feed and forget. But Vail’s presence in my life—her voice, her judgment, her concern—unsettled something in me. It was as if she were standing beside me, whispering that I was being reckless.
That thought lingered, clashing against my desires. I hesitated, pulling back once more, staring at the stranger through the wet strands of hair clinging to my face.
“Are we going to fuck or not?” he said, his hands moving away from me as he took a step back.
I’d had enough of this charade for the night. With a swift movement, I trailed my hands from the back of his head down toward his jaw. “I think not,” I declared, my fangs extended as I lunged at him, piercing his flesh along the vulnerable curve of his neck.
His gasp of pain echoed in the confined space as he pushed me away. Fear manifested in his wide eyes. Stumbling on the wet shower floor, he struggled to regain his balance. He slipped, his body crashing hard against the tiles.
“What the fuck?” he spat, his hand flying up to the bite mark on his neck, now oozing blood. He looked up at me in horror. “You stupid bitch.”
Ignoring his protests, I struck again, pinning him beneath me as I sank my fangs into his throat. I drank deeply and savoured the intoxicating warmth of his blood as it flooded my mouth.
Then the memories came.
A strip club bathed in neon lights. Catcalling an escort on the street. Pushing his niece on a swing set, laughter in the air. Holding his mother’s frail hand in a hospital bed. Dust dancing in a sunlit room.
