Page 136 of Hunger & Harmony

My hesitation dissolves into understanding. I smile against his skin, allowing myself to inhale slowly.

Nosing along his wrist, I get familiar with this scent, this sensation, this pull. It’s alive within me, like my hunger has lain in wait my whole mortal life.

“I just . . .?” I whisper, words ghosting over his wrist.

“Follow instinct,” he says. “Take as much as you need.”

It’s not as awkward as I thought it’d be. The moment I pierce his skin, my body comes alive. His other hand relaxes against my waist, patiently cradling me in his lap as hunger flourishes into satisfaction. I drink my fill, time blurring before my tongue presses to his skin.

I feel complete. Running my tongue over my dulling fangs, I relax in his arms.

“Good?” he asks.

“Great,” I tease softly, giddy with satiation.

Now, I intimately understand Niko’s desires. Blood isn’t just appetizing—it’s nourishing. Contentment hums under my skin.

We lay back together, face-to-face. The candle wax is running low, the flame flickering and casting dancing shadows around the room.

While I want this moment to last forever, I know it’s limited. Threats still loom on the horizon.

“This isn’t over.”

My statement breathes in the space between us. Niko’s hand curls on my hip as he nods.

“It isn’t.”

“Do you know what you want?” I ask.

He doesn’t hesitate to answer.

“You,” he says, to which I poke his chest lightly.

“Which you already have.”

I shoot him a look, and he grins. The playful expression fades as he quiets for a moment.

“I’m torn,” he admits. “What do you think? Does queenship call you? Or a quieter life?”

“It’s your crown.”

When I point that out, he immediately shakes his head.

“What’s mine is yours. We make the decision together.” He looks at me earnestly. “Fate brought us to the time and place, but we chose.”

My body settles. Everything feels right when he puts it that way.

“We chose,” I echo softly, nodding a moment later. “You’re right.”

“Hunters have shaken my kingdom and infiltrated my Court. The Order has thrown down their gauntlet.” He frowns, voice thick with promise. “Regardless of sitting on the throne, I refuse to yield without resistance.”

I stare into his eyes, ferocity gleaming like fire within them. This isn’t just any vampire—this is a king. The one to lead his people to peace.

“Then, I am your queen,” I say, all doubts cast into the fire of determination. “What’s yours is mine. I won’t take it lightly.”

My mind goes straight to Arteria. I hold Ezren and Selene dear to my heart, and even Cass and Ryel. They are my family. They’re who I belong with.

Viola has turned her back on me. Surely being a vampire and Niko’s queen will be the end of our sisterhood. One day, I hope to reconnect, even to say goodbye properly. Not that I believe she’d give me even that.