Vampires were almost immortals, designed to be the perfect predator to humans. They wore their humanity like a mask, a fine line between the person they were before, and the enhanced hunter they had become.
“You have a bite,” he continued when she just stared. “You should have healed this almost instantly. Which means you’re not feeding properly.” Kace reached for one of the hand towels, wetting it beneath the faucet and stroking it along her skin.
“You know about vampires?” she asked quietly, tilting her head for better access.
“Only their weaknesses.”
She froze beneath him, even her breathing slowing to an almost stop. “Tell me again why you’re not like them?”
Kace took his time cleaning, only stopping when nothing but the initial holes and scrapes remained. “Who hurt you?” Whoever had bitten her had intentionally done it for the pain, so he would make sure when he found them, he would make them suffer even worse.
“Where do I start?” she said with a forced laugh.
Kace waited a breath, conscious of his anger. “What did Sythe say before?” The towel made an audible thwack when he threw it into the furthest sink, splattering pink-tinged water across the mirrors.
Eva pursed her lips, and he fought against the urge to brush his thumb along the velvety skin. He hated to be touched, and yet he craved her physical connection.
“He said that he could get me out now, but I would never live my life as my own, forever looking over my shoulder because vampire laws are fucking barbaric.”
Kace suppressed his growl.
“That if it was true and I was officially Augustine’s fledgling, then only an Elder would be able to dissolve the relationship without risking a feud. I don’t even know what a fucking Elder is! I don’t know anything about being a vampire.”
Her scowl deepened, wrinkling her nose and he could have sworn her fangs appeared longer, pressing against her bottom lip.
Why the fuck did that turn him on?
Kace pushed away from the sink, putting distance between them. “Vampires have to follow certain rules because they are dangerous and feared amongst most Breed, as well as humans. An Elder is the head of a certain territory, and it’s their job to make sure the vampires that settle there don’t go into bloodlust rampages.”
“Do you have an Elder?”
Kace shook his head. “No, as a druid we would usually have someone called a Vector, which I guess would be the same. Or the Archdruid himself.”
“I don’t understand what any of this means,” she said, letting out a little growl. “I’m my own person, not some bloody toy for an arsehole with a superiority complex.”
“I’ll get you out.” It was a promise to them both. He knew there was The Council, but the government that represented all Breed was just as corrupt, if not more so. If it didn’t benefit them, they didn’t care.
Eva closed her eyes, hair brushing forward as she let out an exhale. “He will kill you if you try.”
Kace remained rigid, keeping himself from touching her. “You can walk out right now with me. Augustine isn’t going to make a scene in front of all these Lords, it would make him seem weak.”
“You really think he would let his property walk out of here without him?” Her eyes opened, and this time there were tears. “He’ll kill you. If not now, then later for even trying. And what if I did go with you? It still won’t be freedom, because legally I’mhis.”
“Eva,” he growled. “We will…”
“You’re here for a reason. Don’t let me distract you from what you have to do, finding your kid.” Eva turned her head, looking away. “I’ve already lost everything, don’t let that happen to him.”
Lightning beneath his skin, the realisation he would have risked his only chance at finding Hunter. Grabbing her arm, he pulled her until her palms slapped against his chest. “You need to feed.”
“Kace!”
He stepped them both back until he found the chaise lounge, dragging her over his lap. Her eyes narrowed, and he was sure she let out a little hiss as she moved her legs to better straddle his leather clad thighs, her dress split at the sides.
“I said feed.” Kace moved his hand up her back, dragging his fingertips across her spine until they reached her neck. He wasn’t sure what the fuck he was doing, his beast just as puzzled as he pulled her even closer. He could have offered her a wrist, and yet he found himself tilting his head, exposing his throat.
“What are you doing?” Eva tried to wiggle free, but his grip tightened. “I can’t, he will find out and I’ll be punished.” Her words strangled, the tears finally spilling. “I’m so angry that he’s made me this weak.”
“You’re not weak.” He pulled her down, her lips brushing his skin. “I can feel your hunger Eva. Take from me. Use me.”
