“You may not have realized your purpose in coming here, but your body more than accepted your fate, Ms. Dalca,” I murmur as I lay her on the bed.
Her fragility has lessened, leaving behind a strong female.
“My immortality looks good on you,” I inform her softly. “As does this gown. Alas, you’ll sleep more soundly in the nude.” I lean down to rip the fabric off of her, then pause to admire her gorgeous form.
Her nipples are a luscious pink, the tips beading as though begging for my mouth.
Or perhaps she’s already preparing for her purpose—to be bred.
An appreciative hum escapes me as I pull the remnants of the dress away from her, tossing all of the pieces to the floor. Then I bend over to kiss each breast.
“I think I’ll bite you here next, pet.” I drag my fangs across her peak, then lick the rosy tip. “Gods, you taste amazing.”
For a moment, I imagine how heavy her tits will become when producing milk for our child.
It’s a foreign fantasy, one I’ve never allowed myself to consider. Because I’ve never met someone I wanted to fuck, let alone impregnate.
But Viviana… she makes me want to dream.
I trace the underside of her breast with my finger, then test the weight of her plump flesh. It’s already the perfect size. Though, pregnancy would change her.
“You’ll just become even more stunning,” I decide out loud. “We’ll discuss it more in the morning, sweet intended.” I close my mouth around her nipple, giving it a little suck, then kiss a path up to her throat to lave her steady pulse. “I can’t wait to make your heart race again.” The words are a whisper against her ear.
She shivers beneath my touch, so I shift her around on the bed and bundle her in the blankets.
“Rest, pet,” I demand. “And wake up ready to obey. Or there will be consequences.”
I brush my lips against her forehead, then leave her to dream of me.
Tomorrow, her training will begin.
It isn’t easy being a Strigoi King’s intended mate. There are expectations. Rules. Dutiful requirements.
And, most importantly, there aretrials. Not organized by me, but by my constituents.
That’s why I’ve been so selective about my companionship.
I need someone infallible. Someone unafraid of consequences. Someone willing to stand by my side.
Marius thought Viviana Dalca might be my “ticket home.”
I scoffed at the concept earlier, claiming she wasn’t a candidate.
But for the first time in centuries, I feel a glimmer of an emotion I thought long dead—hope.
Maybe Viviana is the one who will return me to my throne. Bear me an heir. Make me a true king.
Alas, the trials are not kind. They’re deadly. A means of Strigoi entertainment. And they’re not mine to manage.
If Viviana’s marked as my intended, then she’ll need to learn how to obey and assimilate. Or she’ll never survive in my world.
She’ll either become my mate and a Strigoi Queen.
Or she’ll fail.
And die.
CHAPTER NINE
