"I'll never hurt you, Isabelle," he promised. "I'm sorry about Jess, I truly am, but I can't do anything to change it. She'll be gone soon, and I swear I won't let her touch you again."
She bit down on her bottom lip to repress a sob and instantly regretted the action as a flash of pain shook her. His eyes flashed onto the blood flowing forth again.
"No!" she screamed as she shoved against him.
Stefan was briefly knocked off balance by the strength behind her sudden thrust. Regaining his balance, he took her arm before she could bolt from the room. She spun wildly and lashed out. He grabbed her hand before she could claw into his face. Isabelle sobbed and jerked at her arm as she frantically tried to break the iron hold on her wrist. He took her other arm and pinned it to her side as he held her firmly.
She tried desperately to escape him, but his hold was like a steel vice on her. He was ten times stronger than she was and more determined. There would be no getting free of him; he would do whatever he wanted to her.
"You said you wouldn't hurt me!" she cried.
Stefan closed his eyes against the tumult of emotions rocking him. Her panic was tangible as it beat against him in pulsating waves. It was the only thing keeping the demon in him at bay, the only thing keeping him somewhat in control. Her words about needing time to think things out, and her attempt to get away from him, nearly shattered every ounce of restraint he possessed. It brought the demon bursting forth instantly.
She was his, and he was growing tired of holding himself back from possessing her in every way. He was sick of the fight she still waged against him, even if she didn't realize she was doing it. She was frightened of what would happen if he drank from her, but it was something that needed to be done. Otherwise, he would snap, and force it on her, and she would never forgive him if he did. He would never forgive himself. It was going to happen soon though, whether she was willing, or not.
"I don't want to hurt you, Isabelle."
"I can see, Stefan! I know what you want!"
"It's what I need! You are mine, Isabelle."
"I..." she gulped as tears slid down her cheeks. "I know that."
He took a deep breath as he clenched his jaw. He knew she didn't understand what he was trying to tell her. He forced himself to release her arms; she was scared enough without being trapped. He walked over and picked up the box, determined to show her he wasn't going to force anything on her. Not yet anyway. If she kept fighting him, he didn't know what would happen. The taking of her blood would be painful again if she resisted him, but if she didn't...
He didn't know how it would feel if she didn't resist him. All the humans he fed on never knew because he blocked it from their minds and memories. The only person who ever fed from him, except Kyle, was the woman who changed him, and it was the most excruciating experience of his life. He knew why Isabelle feared it, recalled the agony that claimed him, but he also knew this was something he wanted, something he needed with every ounce of his heart, and soul.
"Let's talk about this later."
He hefted the box and turned to face her. "Stefan—"
"Later, Isabelle."
She wanted to fight with him, wanted to protest his highhanded, commanding manner, but she instinctively knew he would become incensed again. She saw the rage consuming him, saw the near loss of control he exhibited. She was scared it would happen again, and this time he wouldn't come back.
Isabelle shuddered as she wrapped her arms around herself. She knew what he wanted from her, but she couldn't give it to him.
Chapter Twenty-One
"I can't believe that bitch slapped you!"
"Abigail!" her mother said sharply.
Abby sent her a rueful look, but her eyes were full of fire as she turned back to Isabelle. "You should have hit her back!"
"She has a right to be mad, Abby," Isabelle said.
"She does not!" Vicky yelled.
Isabelle closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she prayed for patience. She didn't need her sisters ranting and raving on top of everything else on her mind. The day was totaling up to a bad one. It didn't help Stefan gave her the time she requested, and went with her father and David to feed. Her body longed for his return. It was beginning to be almost intolerable.
She slapped the roller against the wall as she grit her teeth against the clawing ache in her body.
"I'm glad she's leaving tomorrow. I don't know how Kathleen has such a miserable bi... witch for a daughter." Abby caught herself just in time as her mother shot her a warning look.
"I don't know what Stefan saw in her in the first place. I mean, how could he be with someone like that?"
Isabelle's jaw clenched as jealousy tore through her. For a moment, the room was shaded in a haze of red as her hands tightened in a death grip on the roller handle.
"He could have his choice of women, what—"
"Vicky!" Isabelle threw her roller down and spun to face her sisters.
"What?" she asked in confusion.
"Enough!" Isabelle barked.
"I was just saying—"
"Why don't you girls go on home," her mother interrupted as she turned to face them. Her eyes focused questioningly on Isabelle. "It's getting late."
They were about to protest but decided better of it as they looked back at Isabelle. "Okay," Vicky mumbled.
"We'll see you tomorrow," Abby said.
Isabelle rubbed tiredly at her eyes.
"Care to tell me what's wrong?" her mother inquired.
"What isn't wrong?" she muttered.
"Isabelle—"
She held up a hand, needing a few minutes to gather her thoughts. Everything inside of her was a mess. She needed Stefan with her. She had wanted him to
