Feeding from a human caused arousal, but only in the human.For them, the experience was blissful, orgasmic—if the vampire doing the feeding were so inclined.Some went so far as to describe it as visiting the Etherlands while still in their physical bodies.
But feeding on a sänglure incited arousal in both parties.If I were to feed on Alobaz, I would lose control.I’d desire him in such a way and to such a degree that it would impair my judgment.I’d stop seeing him as my enemy, his family as my family’s constant foe.I’d revert to my base instincts.The desire for him that was even now only overpowered by how much I loathed him would slip to the forefront.I would never,everallow myself to lust after the man who ended my twin.
I would never be weak with him.
Well, once I found my way out of these shackles.
“You may as well go ahead and kill me now,” I said.“I willneverfeed from you.”I willed my determination into my eyes, my face, as I glowered at the man towering over me.“Ne-ver.”
“We’ll see about that,” he said.
I chortled.“You don’t know me at all, then.”
“No.I don’t.That’s where we’ll start.Who are you?Who is your brother?And why did you want to kill me?”
“Want.Wantto kill you.Present tense.”I smiled, baring my fangs.
“Answer my questions.”
“No.”
“Do as I say.”
“Untie me, and then maybe I’ll be more inclined to chat.My wound’s stinging like a bitch.You practically sawed me in half.”
“He damn well shoulda,” Levin said, to a grunt from Night, and a nod from Edwidge.
Alobaz’s eyes had been clear again.Now, the storm clouds raced in front of them another time.
“Tilt her up,” he said.
Edwidge and Ramone stepped forward, tipping up my table so that I was tilted at a forty-five-degree angle.When the blood rushed down from my head, leaving me temporarily woozy, I realized the table had been tipping me slightly backward.No wonder I wasn’t feeling myself, why my senses were muddled.
Why I sensedhimmore than the others.
“I will untie you,” he said.
Hope fluttered against my ribcage, though I didn’t think it was the demigod answering me, just mere optimism.
They didn’t know who I was or what I could do with any number of the weapons stashed on my person.By the Ethers, my bare hands would be enough if I caught thegeneralunawares.
“But only when I’m certain you won’t attack me or my friends.If you so much as touch a hair on their heads, I’ll have yours.”
I smiled primly.“No problem.I have no interest in them.”
If I got the chance, I’d kill them too.They might not be issuing the orders, but they carried them out.They’d probably killed nearly as many as Alobaz had.
They deserved no mercy.
To fulfill my oath to my brother, though, I only needed the one head.As long as I got that, it would be enough.
Alobaz’s eyes narrowed again as if he detected the lie in my words.Time to change tactics, put a leash on my vengeance.Perhaps I’d achieve more by way of diplomacy.
I heard an echo of Teo’s laughter.Were he there, he probably would have scoffed and commented to me under his breath, “As if you’re capable of finesse.You’re like a dragon set loose inside a palace at party time.”
His voice felt real, and my heart clenched in response.That was all he’d ever be now.Memories.
“Who are you?”Alobaz asked another time.“I don’t recognize you, and I know every sänglure of significant power.”
