Toxic

He grabbed me by the arms and stopped me-completely. I struggled against his grip, but hot damn, even worse than a daemon, the man-make that being-didn’t budge. I didn’t like it one bit. “What the fuck are you?” I refused to look him in the face, keeping my gaze locked on the neckline of his shirt. I knew only too well how lost I could get in his eyes.

“I’ll tell you, but first can we go somewhere more private.”

I thought about saying no, but I suspected in a battle of strength the jerk would win. Not exactly something I wanted my subordinates roaming the halls of the castle to see. “Fine. We’ll go to my quarters. But this better be good, or else.” Or else I’ll probably jump you and ride you with a wall shaking scream.

His grip on me loosened and I led the way through the maze of passages to my suite when I was in residence.

As soon as I closed the door behind me, I whirled to face him and crossed my arms over my chest, a chest still clad only in a bra. His eyes were drawn to my shadowy cleavage. I wanted to say something snappy, but his intense blue eyes-lens free-rose to meet mine and my mind went blank. Well, not completely. I couldn’t help but notice how freaking delicious he looked. Clad in tight, faded jeans that delineated his package and a body hugging white t-shirt, my mouth went dry and moist heat pooled between my thighs.

“I really wish you wouldn’t stare at me like that,” he groaned.

“Like how?” I asked licking my lips.

He made an inarticulate sound before suddenly appearing right in front of me, his body pushing me backwards until I hit a wall. His lips swooped down to capture mine, and despite the reasons to stop him, I arched into his embrace. I could say all the lies aloud that I wanted. The truth had never changed. I wanted him-bad. He seemed to share the same overwhelming passion, for his kiss took my breath with its intensity.

His hands skimmed up my bare waist to brush the bottom edge of my sports bra, the skin-to-skin touch electrifying. My breathing hitched, and I moaned as he parted my lips with his tongue. I met his oral thrusts with eagerness, his sweet taste arousing me even more.

He ground his groin against me, the hardness of his cock evident even through our layers of clothing. I clawed at his shoulders, pulling and tugging at the fabric, desperate to feel his skin against mine.

Screw undressing, I’d shred the clothes from him. Something about my out of control reaction woke me to what I was allowing. And enjoying.

I pushed at him and he released me reluctantly. He didn’t move away, though, and he stared down at me with blue glowing eyes. “Don’t,” I said in a soft voice so unlike me.

My gentle plea creased his face in what I would have sworn was pain. His hands slipped from my body and without their warmth, I shivered. He moved even further away, his stiff back the only sign he held his emotions under strict control. I understood him better now that I’d had time to analyze his actions during our time apart. I knew right now he struggled against his baser-sexual-needs and as per his habit, instead of showing weakness, he walked away to compose himself. Fine by me, for I needed some breathing space to push down my hungers- especially the one for blood made even stronger by my battle with the shifters.

“I don’t think now is the time for us to talk,” I said when he didn’t turn to face me and stayed silent.

“Will there ever be a good time?” he replied in a dry tone.

“I’m hungry,” I said, almost wincing at the plaintive note in my words. “I can’t think straight on an empty belly.”

“Fine, order in,” he said sitting down and facing me, his placid expression firmly in place.

“What? Aren’t you going to offer yourself up on the menu?” I quipped.

“I’m not food.” He said the words flatly.

When he didn’t budge or say anything else, I got annoyed. Stupid jerk, first he shows up after I make it clear I want nothing to do with him. Then he gets my libido and hunger raging. And does he satisfy at least one of my needs? No. He just sits there.

He wasn’t the only one who could play mind games. I used my mental link to call one of my castle humans, then I sat down to face him, my own serene expression a match for his.

“I thought you were hungry.” He eventually said when the silence went past stilted into downright uncomfortable.

“I am. Dinner should be arriving any minute.” At his raised brow, I said, “Did I forget to mention during your study that all my blood servants share a mental connection with me? Silly me.”

His jaw tightened. “Seems you forgot to mention a few other items. Or should I say lied.”

“Oh, the kitty cat thing. I never lied. You asked if I could change into a bat. I can’t.”

“Semantics,” he growled.

I smirked in reply.

The door to my suite swung open and closed shut. I enjoyed the look on Rafe’s face as he got a look at my dinner.

Anthony, a young, extremely good looking human male strolled into the room and knelt at my feet.

“Mistress,” he said bowing his head.

“Come here, my pet,” I said patting the space beside me. The cushion sank lower as Anthony sat beside me. I didn’t turn to look, I was much more interested in the expression on Rafe’s face. He said not a word. He didn’t have to. His tight lips, glittering eyes and the forming tic in his jaw said it all.

I stood and turned to face Anthony, who gazed up at me with his chiseled perfection, a beauty that did nothing for me but I would use. I straddled Anthony’s lap, enjoying the breath Rafe sucked in. I tossed over my shoulder a casual, “Are you sure you want to stay? As you know, my food sometimes gets frisky when I eat.”

“Just get it over with,” he replied through what sounded like clenched teeth.

I gave a throaty chuckle before leaning forward to nuzzle the soft skin of Anthony’s neck. I sank my fangs in, injecting him with my euphoric saliva and adding a push of power to make it extra potent. Anthony groaned aloud and his hands came around my body to cup my buttocks. I didn’t usually allow my food to take liberties with my body; however, I couldn’t help niggling Rafe. Petty perhaps, but then again, I’d never claimed sainthood.

I listened intently for Rafe’s reaction as I sucked the coppery blood, but Rafe remained silent. Well, that’s no fun. I pushed more power at Anthony along with a naughty thought. The hands on my ass tightened and kneaded my full cheeks. Anthony also began to gyrate his hips against my cleft which was snug against him in my astride position, and I could tell he was very happy to be under me.

Apparently Rafe wasn’t enjoying the show as much as he had the first time when I’d munched on Annabelle, for I heard him get up and leave, slamming the door behind him.

I refused to let disappointment claim me; after all, I’d wanted a reaction. I won, but why do I feel like such a loser?

I pushed away from Anthony who lolled on the couch with a blissful smile on his face and a wet spot on the front of his jeans. Human males were such simple creatures.

“Get out.” My words were curt, but Anthony didn’t seem to care as he floated out with a dreamy expression. Alone, I paced, hating that a part of me wished Rafe would come back. Even worse, I had to fight an urge to go after him.

Agitated, I threw myself on my bed in the adjoining room and fell into a restless sleep. A sleep punctuated with dreams of fucking Rafe. Worshipping his body. Screaming in ecstasy even as he thrashed and died beneath me, the toxicity of my love poisoning his body.

Awake, I might sometimes forget that my touch is deadly to most, but my mind knows better. If only my heart would listen.

Chapter Nine

“What the fuck is he doing here?” I ranted. I’d woken up in a foul mood, and having had time to shake off my surprise over seeing Rafe, realized that he’d not appeared in this hidden place by accident.

“Who are you talking about?” Lily asked as she finished coiffing her hair in an elaborate chignon in front of the mirror.