I’ve dreamt of him a thousand times. I thought the fantasies were simply inspired by Gaby’s books. But maybe… maybe they were glimpses of the future. Of thisStrigoi Kingmaking me hispet, just like he said.
His tail slides between my legs, taking my underwear down my thighs. I shiver, utterly captivated by his touch, his words, hiscommanding presence.
He stares down at me, his black irises swirling with crimson flares. “Am I going to have to compel you to behave, Viviana?”
I swallow, somewhat distracted by his question. “Strigoi can compel? Like vampires?”
His eyebrow arches, his fingers seeming to flex in my hair as his opposite hand reaches my panties, which are being held up by that sharp triangle tip. He grabs the fabric and brings it to his nose, his gaze temporarily shadowing as he closes his eyes.
Oh God.My thighs clench.
This isn’t… this isn’t…
I don’t…
I expected a powerful vampire. An alluring one. A reclusive creature I would only see from afar, snap a few photos of, and… anddocumentin my thesis.
Notthis.
Not some fantasy out of one of Gaby’s books.
Maybe I’m dreaming,I think, bewildered.
But, God, I hope not.
I want this to be real.
To be here.With him.
Even if I am on my knees and peering up into a pair of narrowed eyes.
He tucks my underwear into his pocket, then strokes my chin with his thumb.
“There will be no asinine questions, pet,” he murmurs. “In fact, I think it best if you only part those pretty lips when I request use of your mouth.”
Any other man saying that to me would have me wanting to punch him in the groin.
But this isn’t a man.
He’s a monster.
One I happen to have a lot of questions for, so I arch a brow. “That rule isn’t going to work for me.”
His long lashes flutter, a flash of surprise crossing his features. “You speak as though the rules are negotiable.”
“All rules are negotiable.”
“Not between us.” The light touch on my face turns harsh as he pinches my chin. “I’m your king now, Viviana. The one you worship on your knees. The one youserve. Now tell me you understand.”
My jaw clenches beneath his touch, my own gaze narrowing. The physical response is intrinsic. Asinine. And completely at odds with the tingling sensation warming my insides.
However, my mind has finally woken up, the thrall of meeting this creature slowly disintegrating behind a fresh, cool wave of reality.
As I told Marius earlier, I understood the potential consequences of meeting a monster. But I never actually cared.
Because the reward has always been worth the risk.
That hasn’t changed.
