I sigh and my shoulders slump.
“Honestly, I don’t know. Now that I know what to expect, I can heal you, but I’d rather we do it while fully clothed, at the very least. It can be hard to keep my urges contained, and your blood brings them out like nothing else. I can’t believe I’m saying this but… less of your tantalizing skin showing might be a good idea, in this very rare circumstance.”
Raya chews at the corner of her mouth, and I can practically hear her mind spinning.
“What if,” she speaks slowly, “I were to tell you that I want you to bite me?”
My body goes preternaturally still. I’m not even breathing at the thought of biting her, marking her,drinkingfrom her.
“I mean, you said it can feel good, right? That you can make it feel good?”
Her bottom lip is caught between her teeth now as she twists to look up at me, renewed desire and hope swirling in her gaze.
“I did say that, yes.”
“So… what if you heal my hand, and then we…” She trails off, and her bedroom eyes are going to be the death of me. I can’t say no to her, and I don’t want to.
I clear my throat.
“Sunshine, please be sure. I need you to be absolutely positive before you agree to this. A vampire’s bite can bring immense pleasure, but it’s no small thing to allow me to bite you. I also, well.” I pause to clear my throat again, not wanting to admit to this weakness, even though I know I must. “Idon’t think I’ll be able to control myself if I bite you. I won’t be able to stop myself from drinking.”
Raya’s voice lowers and she whispers her reply.
“That’s exactly what I want.”
Fire burns through my veins and licks up my spine, lighting me from the inside as my cock surges to attention. Raya’s lips curve as she glances down and shimmies her perfect, round ass in my lap.
“I’d say that’s a yes?” she teases.
I have to hand it to her. This woman knows exactly how to get what she wants from me. I’m knotted around her little finger and I don’t give one shit. In fact, I’m quite happy to be there.
“Alright, little shifter,” I say, adjusting her in my lap so we’re facing each other. “I’ll grant your wish. I need you to do one thing for me though.”
“What’s that?” Her grin is mischievous as she looks up at me.
“I need you to shift your arm for me. Into a paw, or really anything with claws and the strength to move me if I am unable to let go.”
Her brows furrow and I want to punch myself for putting that disappointed look on her face.
“I trust you, Asher.” She places her hand on my cheek. “I know you won’t hurt me.”
“You can’t know that. This is new territory, and I nearly lost control from the smallest taste. I need to know you can get through to me if things go sideways.” I’m fairly certain I can contain myself now, my vampire having settled a bit with her willing submission, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
“How about a safe word?” Raya angles her head at me.
“We can try that, but I still want you to shift. A last resort that hopefully we won’t need.”
“Alright. San Diego. That’s our safe word. I say San Diego, and you know I want to stop. Yes?”
“Yes. San Diego. Now, little shifter, show me those claws.”
Raya scrunches up her nose and I want to kiss her. I don’t yet, but I do trail my fingers over her neck. If she can’t do it with this tiny distraction, she won’t be able to when she really needs to.
“Ha!”
Raya laughs in triumph, holding up her hand. It’s not completely transformed: instead of a paw, it’s still a human hand with her long, graceful fingers, but her skin has taken on the faint spotted design of a cheetah or leopard, some sort of jungle cat with spots. What has me smiling with pride are the curled, wicked sharp claws. I nod in appreciation.
“That’ll do, little shifter. Now remember, I can easily heal myself, so don’t hold back.”
