“Absolutely. For days, I hope. But my blood running through your veins will strengthen you enough to survive my hunger. Which is why I wanted you to understand the immortality aspect of our bond. It means you’ll heal from whatever I do to you. So just try to enjoy it. I know I will.”
“Okay, that…” I trail off as a fire ignites inside me.
This shouldnotintrigue me.
And it certainly should not be making me burn all over.
“Ciprian,” I whisper, swallowing. “Let me make sure I… understand. We can’t mate until I survive the trials. Then our mating is going to send me into a heat. You’ll, um, rut me, and I’ll end up pregnant with an heir. Right?”
“Yes.” His expression practically smolders as he looks at me. “I have a thousand years’ worth of pent-up lust for you to handle, pet. Which means we need to work on your stamina.”
My nipples tighten in response to his words. “You did say strength and stamina are part of the trials.”
“They are.”
“So how would you recommend I train?” I voice the question coyly, aware that I’m flirting with a monster. Aware that he looks ready to eat me. Aware that I’m probably insane for choosing any of this.
But I’m just as obsessed with him as he is with me. Perhaps even more so, as I flew all the way here just to hunt him.
It might be fate.
It might be an enchantment of some kind.
Or maybe… maybe this is simply my purpose in life. To become a Strigoi King’s pet. His mate. His queen.
He growls, clearly hearing my thoughts. “Take off that shirt,” he tells me. “Leave it on the chair.And run.”
“Is this a training exercise?” I ask, standing slowly as I begin unbuttoning the shirt. “Something to help me handle the trials?”
“Sure,” he answers vaguely. “We’ll consider it an introduction to a rut. But unlike later, I’m going to be kind and give you a two-minute head start. Feel free to go outside, if you prefer. Hide, too. See if you can outsmart me, regina mea.”
“Technically, I’m not your queen yet,” I say, teasing him a little. Though, admittedly, I really do like that endearment. “Right now, I’m just your pet.” Which I can’t believe I just said after recently explaining to him my feelings on being referred to as such.
However, it feels appropriate for the moment.
And while it’s a little demeaning, I do enjoy the dark affection that seems to underscore his tone when he refers to me as his pet.
“So catch me if you can, my king.” I drop my shirt on the chair and smile as his heated gaze roams over my naked state. “Maybe I’ll even let you fuck me.”
He growls as I turn toward the door. “You won’tletme do anything to you, Ms. Dalca. You’re mine. And I’ll fucking take whatever I want from you.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to remind him of my safe word. But I decide to see how this plays out.
Either he’ll respect me.
Or he’ll prove himself to be a monster.
Regardless, this is my fate now. My game to play.My trial.
“Start counting,” I tell him.
And then…I run.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CIPRIAN
My female is aroused.
