I had half a mind to test it. To prove that I couldn’t be controlled by a blood bond.
But I had a feeling it would make me feel all the worse.
“I need to speak with you,” I said, leaning against the edge of my desk, crossing my arms over my chest as I eyed her. Lydrasa’s smile slowly faded. She shut the door and then sauntered over toward me, her stride graceful. She might’ve been eight years older than me, but she didn’t look it.
“Am I in trouble?” she asked, her easy smile flitting over her features, a mixture of innocence and teasing. “Why do I feel like I’m about to get punished?”
“We both know you would enjoy that,zendra,” I said easily, my lips quirking up at one corner. I needed to maneuver this carefully. Lydrasa was still a friend, a powerful ally within Vyaan. I didn’t need to insult her.
She studied me, her pretty eyes raking up and down my body, and though my expression was easy, I worried about what she might discover. She was intelligent and observant, and both traits had served her well flitting through the noble Houses all these years.
“Something’s different about you,” she commented. I spied her finger tapping along her dress. A small movement that I knew meant she was puzzling something out. “Has something happened?”
“I’ll be direct with you, Lydrasa. Our arrangement needs to end.”
She didn’t react to the words save for a small sharpening of her gaze. She only asked, “May I ask why,Kyzaire? Especially when it’s one that benefits both of us so well.”
“I’ve taken a blood giver.”
Her lips pressed, her chin tilting up. “That doesn’t meanwehave to stop,” she pointed out. “Unless your blood giver is the jealous type.”
“She is,” I lied. “There is a contract in place. It’s one I am honor bound not to break.”
“And you did this without consulting me?”
I grinned though irritation snapped through my spine, making my wings raise. Lydrasa noted that. I went to her, tipping her chin up to meet my eyes. “I don’t have to ask for your permission,zendra. InanythingI do.”
She stepped back, out of my reach. “You’re correct,Kyzaire. You most certainly don’t.”
The noble female was smiling now, but it held all the warmth of a hungrylyvin. “She must bequitethe blood giver for you to obey so willingly.”
My jaw tightened. Lydrasa would have her suspicions, of course, but I would never confirm them for her.
“I’m behaving,” I said easily, “for now.”
“Who is she? Where did you find her?”
“At adyaan,” I told her. A blood-giver establishment. “I had a taste of her and knew I wanted more. And more.”
She huffed.
“Keep your secrets, then,” Lydrasa said, a sensual smile appearing. She approached, pressing a couple fingers to my chest, the tip of her claw a small bite. Through my shirt, I felt the heat of them as they trailed down my front. “I’ll find them all out soon enough.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
Her touch met the waistband of my pants, skimming over my still-soft cock. She traced the length of it, and I snatched her hand quickly, giving her wrist a warning squeeze as discomfort burned in my chest. I hadn’t liked that. I didn’twanther to touch me, when before her touch had always been welcomed.
“Maudoric will see you out,” I told her, voice firm, leading her to the door.
I could feel the sharp pinch of her anger as it sizzled beneath the surface. She wouldn’t let this lie, I knew that. But mercifully, at that very moment, she surrendered.
“Enjoy your blood giver,Kyzaire,” she said with a sharp grin. “Let me know if you ever want to share her. I’m not the jealous type, and I’ll make it worth her while.”
I knew she was poking at me now. Testing the boundaries.
I’dnever been the jealous type either…and yet the thought ofanyonetouching mykyrana, tasting her, made rage rise.
She’s baiting you—don’t give in,I thought, gritting my teeth.
