War was shaking his head as he downed the rest of the blood in his mug. I noticed just then that there were dark circles beneath his eyes that hadn’t been there a few days ago. He noticed me staring and tensed. “Don’t worry about me. It just really sucks living off of animal blood for so long.”
I frowned. “Does it weaken you?”
He nodded. “A bit. I'm mostly just tired. When we get back to the city, I’ll get a supply of blood bags, but until then, I’ll deal with it.” He shrugged like it was no big deal,but I knew better. He was good at hiding how the lack of human blood was affecting him.
“Drink from me,” I offered with zero hesitation. I moved my mass of curly hair from one shoulder to the other, exposing my neck. He took a step back and shook his head. “War, you need blood, and I happen to have plenty.”
“I’m not using you as my personal blood bag. Not happening.”
I rolled my eyes and looked to Thane for help. “Is he always this stubborn?”
“Yes.” Thane’s lips quirked. “Since the day he was born. My brother likes to fancy himself a martyr.”
War growled, placing his palms on the countertop and leaning toward the warlock. “You’re talking out of your fucking ass, man. I’m not being stubborn; I just don’t think Trix needs me sucking on her fucking carotid while she’s forced to hide out here with us against her will.”
I folded my arms over my chest and frowned up at him. “You can't hold me against my will if you try, big guy. It happened once, but never again.”
Thane chuckled, and I glared at him, too. “Technically, you were held captive twice.” He held up two fingers and wiggled them. “We did bail you out of jail just a week and a half ago.”
I waved him off. “Doesn’t count. I went willingly.” I met War’s eyes again. “I wouldn't offer my blood to just anyone. I trust you, and you need it if you’re going to keep me safe from the big bad witch who wants to kill me.”
War’s expression softened. “You’re too trusting. You shouldn’t be so willing to give your blood away like that. It’s dangerous.”
I tilted my head to the side. “I’m a big girl. I think I can handle a little sucky sucky.”
War groaned, as did Thane. “Don’t call it that, oh my god.” He shook his head, trying not to laugh, but I could see the temptation in his eyes. His fangs had already descended, and I knew he was struggling to control his hunger.
I swaggered closer to him. “You know you want to.” My voice was sing-song. Tempting him. Teasing him. I batted my lashes at my big ol’ vampire, already excited at the prospect of him drinking from me again.
Thane snickered. “Just kiss already, will you?”
War shot him a deadly look, but I ignored their banter. I was focused on the vampire in front of me.
“Fine,” he finally relented, grabbing my waist and pulling me closer to him. His lips crashed onto mine, and my breath caught in my throat. It had been a while since we had kissed, and I forgot just how intense it was. His kiss was hungry and possessive, his fangs lightly grazing my lower lip. I moaned softly and ran my hands through his short, dark hair.
As we parted, I looked up at him through heavy-lidded eyes. “I’m not afraid of you, War.”
He chuckled darkly. “You should be.” But I knew he wouldn’t hurt me. We had been dancing around each other for months, and I could feel the tension building between us. I was ready to take things to the next level.
I took his hand and led him over to the bed, with Thane following behind us. The air was charged around us, and my skin was sensitive and aching to be touched. “Take off your shirt,” I commanded softly.
He didn’t hesitate, ripping off his shirt and tossing it to the floor. My eyes greedily drank in the sight of his muscular chest and abs, his skin smooth and free of tattoos. My fingertips itched to trace every ridge and every dip of muscle. I reached out and trailed my finger over the skin ofhis stomach, dipping my finger into his belly button. He sucked in a breath and stepped out of my reach.
“Baby,” I muttered teasingly. “I didn’t know you were so ticklish. That’s adorable.”
He grumbled, his eyes shooting to my neck. I pulled off my shirt, exposing my bare breasts, and blackness filled his eyes, veins of purple spreading out under his skin as his teeth grew in length.
“I’m bleeding you out, not fucking you,” he growled, The Executioner coming out to play. I stepped forward again, but he put a hand up, keeping me at bay. “No, don’t. I can't always control myself.”
I grinned. “So?”
He was shaking his head, but I put my arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. He pulled on my hair, lowering his head, his mouth claiming a nipple. I arched my back into him, my hands fisting in the sheets.
“Fucking hell, Trix, you’re playing with fire,” Thane said breathlessly. He’d moved to the other side of the bed, reclining against the headboard, never taking his eyes off of me.
I slipped off my panties, leaving me completely naked as I straddled Warrik. My eyes met his, and my breath caught. Something primal and hungry lived in his expression. “Maybe I need this as much as you do,” I said with a tinge of desperation. “You can control it. You’ve done it before. Just focus on this.” I leaned down, dragging my lips against his warm chest. He shuddered under the touch.
“Come here,” I beckoned in a sultry voice, and I sat back up straight. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he rose off of the bed, twisting us around until my back hit the mattress and he was hovering over me.
