Why did I feel the need to push this man—who I’d been told by multiple people was dangerous—and his buttons like a bratty child?
Before I could chastise myself and my actions, I slammed into his chest, hard, nearly falling down a rung from the jarring motion, but Bane caught me.
The touch of his hand around my back was hot, and so was the growl that emanated from his chest, as his eyes flashed red, staring at me like rubies.
“I do not think that would be wise,” he said, his voice dark and inviting.
I wanted to relax, to fall into his hold like I had earlier, but my stomach protested, taking over the show. My gaze flashed to Bane’s, and I could see they’d gone back to their natural shade of galaxy.
“Some would say holing up in a dungeon withyouis probably unwise,” I breathed, my heart thudding so loud in my chest I thought it would surely echo off the walls.
He provided support, pushing me upright before dropping his arm as he let out a sigh.
“And they would be right, Violet. You should remember that,” he said as he took two steps forward, opening a large, wooden door that looked strangely familiar.
I half expected him to look out, but instead he just opened the door for me, waiting like a shadow.
CHAPTER16
Bane
“We must be pretty lateif the kitchen is closed,” Violet said with sadness. I could not help but smirk as I continued onward toward the kitchen. “Where are you going?” she asked, as she followed after me, like I knew she would.
Violet was curious, that much I knew about her. Curious about her magic, about enchanted forests, about dark, cursed creatures that dare to hope.
I knew logically her feeding meant nothing, really. She’d offered to help me when I was spent, but it didn’t mean she cared about me on a level deeper than surface value. I always incited desire in people, and Violet was no different. She was receptive to my charms as most were.
So why did this time...feeldifferent than when Wanda or Anne or anyone else fed me?
Why did I want to sink my body, mind, and soul into this curious faerie?
Why did I have the overwhelming desire to protect and possess this bubble-gum haired minx like she was the be-all-end-all of my world?
Why didn’t I storm her right up to the infirmary where I knew she should go?
Away from me...
Perhaps Violet was not the only one who was curious to explore the unexplained.
I waved my hand, utilizing a glamor spell, so that Violet and I would not be identified, keeping both our hands free from discipline, and nonchalantly made my way past the serving tables to the actual kitchen.
This late at night the place was practically barren. Everyone was either locked up in their dormitories or at a secret shindig offsite somewhere.
“Sit,” I commanded as I nodded to a steel stepladder next to the steel prep table.
“Excuse me?” she asked, her voice carrying the hint of defiance.
My cock twitched, my lips smirking involuntarily. The sound of her protest was like music to my ears.
“I said, sit down,” I said as I turned to cast her a glare. Something shifted in her eyes, the glimmer of lilac returning for the fraction of a moment.
“And if I don’t?” she asked, her tone saccharine and playful as she stood beside the prep table.
The low lights of the kitchen flickered, buzzing with energy.
My monster wanted nothing more than tomakethis inquisitive faerie submit to his demands.
To splay her over the shimmering table andfeaston her until we were covered in her—her scent, her magic, her sweet nectar, until she was practically begging for release.
