I closed the distance between us, his eyes following slowly until his head tilted up at me from where he sat.
“What is it you want?”
“To feed.”
“You look like you already ate.” I crossed my arms.
“I need more of you.” There was an irritated bite to his words. “It wasn’t enough.”
My breath hitched slightly. “A need or a want?”
“Need. Nothing else is working,” he sneered, his free hand running through his blond hair, wiping some of the blood through it. He discarded his cigarette into the vase when he finished.
“What if I say no? Would I get to watch you perish?” I laughed.
He stood suddenly, making me stumble back. “You don’t want to see what happens if I reach that point.” That low primal clicking emanated from deep in his chest. “You’re familiar with my handiwork, no? Need I remind you by leaving some more souvenirs in your home? Or shall I provide a demonstration right here?”
I backed away, but he stepped closer. He kept going until I was back at the window, falling into the seat when the back of my knees hit the edge of it. I flinched, and my eyes widened with the memory of him at the graveyard flashing before my eyes.
The Creature leaned over me, resting his hands on the bay window cushions on either side of me.
“You are very capable, Alina. I trust that you will make the right choice,” he whispered as the whites of his eyes filled with black. He brought a hand to the base of my neck to pull my face toward him. I heard a deep breath before he paused, tilting his head and leaning in. “It will only hurt for a second. . . . ”
“No biting!” I gave him a harsh shove.
A muscle in his jaw twitched.
“But,” I continued, “I will trade you for something.”
His brow twitched. “Trade?”
“Yes. You said quid pro quo before, did you not?”
“I did.”
“Humor me. Maybe you will get a small taste if you behave.” I smirked.
He hesitated for a minute. Those vulturine eyes searched my face for any hint of a trick. “Deal,” he finally said, his body shaking. The tremor was so subtle that it almost went unnoticed.
This was a bad idea, right? I could not help the itch in the back of my head telling me I shouldn’t, but this was the perfecttime to ask for favors. He was hungry, irritated, and impulsive. All of the best ingredients to get in one’s head.
I patted the spot on the bay window cushions next to me, scooting over for him.
He sat down next to me, leaning against the opposite side of the nook. The candlelight flickered across his sharp features, making them shift as the shadows danced across his face.
I mirrored him, leaning against the wall as I squinted at him.
The blood on his forearm was red, so it was not his own. My brows knit together in frustration. Must he always be so gratuitous? Was there no civilized way to feed like we did at the lab? It was possible he simply could not be bothered to care. Or perhaps it was something he could not help.
“You know, there’s no need for your childish game. I am willing to do this again. This can be mutually beneficial. I am not above a good bargain.” I searched his expression for any kind of reply.
“Look who wants to strike deals now. Was I not a devil to you weeks ago? Acreature? Suddenly, you seem to have a roster of bets to make.” His eyes were either dark or simply tired.
“Maybe it isIwho is a devil.” I sat up and crawled closer. “I may be just as deadly as you in a fair fight.”
“I would believe it. You are gifted—just ignorant.”
“Not for long.” I hummed. “I want to know more.”
