“I’m not the type to belong to somebody, Jared.”
Yet she would belong to him if they mated. “I don’t think you’re a handbag or a pair of shoes.” Maybe the deflection would work.
“Right.”
Nope. Didn’t work. “Listen. I’m not human, and mating isn’t a human experience.” He searched for an explanation she’d understand. “It’s permanent on a baser level.”
She frowned. “You’re not a man.”
“No. I’m a male.” Maybe that distinction would help her.
“Does mating hurt?” she asked softly.
The woman’s thoughts bounced around quicker than a volleyball in a contested match. “The mating happens during sex, and I imagine the bite hurts a little.” He kept his voice reassuring. Was the woman strong enough for sex? Even if he kept as gentle as possible, he might harm her. But what was the alternative? Temporary pain seemed better than her ultimate death, which would happen soon. “I’ll try not to hurt you.”
“I’m not afraid of pain. Just wanted to be prepared.” She clutched the blanket closer around herself. “If I accept your offer.”
It was already a done deal. He could see it in her eyes. “All right.”
“You’ve been honest with me, and I want to be as transparent.” She took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I don’t want to die, and I would like immortality. Who wouldn’t?”
“Agreed.” Where was she going with this?
“You need to know who I am.” She picked at a loose thread on the blanket. “Your vision of a woman waiting around for you and being supported by you isn’t me. I usually can take care of myself, and I’m not going to change that.”
“I imagine we’ll have a bit of a disagreement, then,” he said, enjoying the color sliding into her face. Finally. “How about we get you healthy and then take it from there?” His veins lit with heat. Anticipation?
“That’s fair.” Her jaw tightened visibly. “Once I am healthy, you need to know that I’m going to look into that virus that negates a mating bond.”
He stilled. Hell. It was a bit insulting how little she wanted to be mated to him. In some circles, he was a catch. Even so, the virus was untested in a situation like theirs and would no doubt be dangerous. “No,” he said very softly.
“Think you can stop me?” she said just as softly.
“Yes.” Yep. That was anticipation.
She barely lifted a small shoulder. “Maybe…maybe not. Our cards are on the proverbial table. You still want to do this?”
More than ever. “I do.”
“Okay.” She glanced down, and more color tinged her cheeks. “I’ve never had a one-night stand.”
“I have.” Hell. He’d had plenty. “Though this isn’t a one-night stand.”
“We’ll see.” She looked back up. Delicate blue lines ran through the dark circles under her eyes. She was fading fast.
His chest settled. This was going to happen. “All right.” He crossed to sit next to her, lifting her carefully onto his lap. Her butt hit his thighs, and he enfolded her almost too easily. Man, she was small. “Let’s get you ready.”
She sputtered and plastered one hand against his chest. “Don’t need foreplay.”
He stilled. A laugh rumbled up from his chest. He truly enjoyed how her mind worked. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.” His fangs flashed low. “But I was talking about something else.” Keeping her in place, he slashed into his wrist and then lifted it to her mouth. “Drink.”
She plastered herself against his chest, trying to avoid his blood. “What the hell?”
Shit. He should’ve explained. “Our blood has some healing properties. Take a little, and it’ll give you strength for the night.”
She turned and looked into his face. “Seriously?”
“Yeah.” He’d forgotten humans didn’t like blood. “You’ll feel better for a short time.”
