Not when Kaden was trapped in Dorthus at the demon king’s mercy.
Not when darkness was consuming the realm, devouring everything in its wake.
“Fine,” I bit out, ignoring the tension rolling off Adriel and Sorsha.
“A taste,” I repeated.
I wasn’t a fool. I’d spent enough time in the Quarter to know what that meant to a hungry vampire. I’d seen the drained bodies left to rot on the pavement each morning.
But I’d slaughtered my share of vampires. I was armed with fresh hickory stakes, and I would not hesitate to put one through Mirabella’s wretched black heart.
I might even enjoy it.
A victorious hunger gleamed in Mirabella’s eyes, andshe reached out to take my hand. Her skin was as smooth as porcelain and just as cold, though there was a softness to her that might have been appealing had she been alive.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Adriel hissed, edging closer as Mirabella turned us toward the stairs.
“I’d like to drink from Lyra alone,” said the vampire.
“Over my dead body.”
“That can be arranged,Morkahlf,” Mirabella simpered. “There are many here with exotic tastes. I’m sure one of my friends would be delighted to try you.”
The promise of violence flashed in Adriel’s eyes, but I couldn’t allow him to ruin the deal I’d struck. “I’ll be fine,” I assured him, knowing full well he could hear my racing heart as well as any of the vampires.
“Five — minutes,” he snarled at Mirabella, placing himself between Sorsha and the other vampires, who were already circling like vultures. “One minute more, and I will reduce this pretty furniture to splinters and take my time using them on your friends.”
“Naughtyboy,” Mirabella said with relish, her grip tightening on my arm. “Keep talking like that, darling, and I’ll be back for you.”
Chapter
Four
LYRA
My whole body thrummed with unease as Mirabella led me up the stairs to her chamber — a windowless stone room at the very end of the corridor.
Fine tapestries depicting gothic forest scenes covered the walls, and an enormous four-poster bed hung with burgundy drapes stood at the center of the chamber. A vanity and mirror were pressed against one wall, and at the other end, a rose velvet settee and two wingback chairs formed a sitting area in front of the fire.
My eyes combed the room for an exit I knew did not exist, and I struggled to rein in my panic.
“Well?” I demanded, my voice wavering despite my resolve.
I’d told myself I was taking a small but manageable risk to get what we needed. But now that I was alone with a hungry vampire, I was beginning to second-guess my decision.
“Are you in such a hurry?” Mirabella asked, perchingon the edge of the settee and patting the seat beside her. “Come sit.”
Grinding my back molars together, I shuffled over to the fire and plopped down as far from Mirabella as I could manage.
Undeterred, she reached out and captured my wrist, bringing the inside to her nose. Her eyes fluttered closed as she inhaled, her brow smoothing in ecstasy.
“Amazing,” she breathed, opening her mouth enough to reveal two glistening fangs. “Such a unique scent you have. I have always been partial to hunters’ blood, but I have never smelled anyone quite like you.”
She pulled back and peered up at me, her gaze hooded and languid.
“Let’s just get this over with,” I said tightly.
“I can make it good for you,” she crooned in a singsong voice, undeterred by my revulsion.
