“Vipers smipers. And yes, I would absolutely take a pyre-ray for you.” He was as serious as she had been, with no hint of sarcasm.
“Liar.” He had to be. But the pleasure she’d considered immeasurable? Just exploded into thousands of tiny stars, the intense glow of them probably seeping out of her skin.
“About your safety?” He shook his head, a dark lock of hair falling over his brow. “No.”
Her eyes widened, even as she reached up and smoothed the hair back into place. Still the connection sizzled between them. “But … why?”
Before he could answer, they reached the front of the line, and she ordered. Her mouth watered as her butterscotch mocha was prepared. And when the steaming cup was finally placed in her hands, she sipped, moaned. This was a rare treat, but she’d earned it. She hadn’t slept with McKell.
They walked outside, the cool, clean air once again enveloping them, and McKell sniffed, face slowly turning in her direction. “That coffee smells like you,” he muttered huskily. “Delicious.”
His voice was like a caress, hot and insistent, and her blood heated yet another degree. “I just tasered you. Why are you being so nice to me?” The moment she asked the question, the answer slapped her in the face. He’d realized she was his, too. He wanted, needed her blood and would do anything, even treat her like a cherished princess, to get it.
What a bastard.
“Perhaps I realized the error of my ways,” he said with a shrug.
She nearly snorted. There was no reason to let him know she knew about the vampire mating business, and a thousand reasons not to. Namely, power and manipulation. Still. She wanted to ask how things worked. Like, what would happen to him if she died? Like, could he sleep with anyone else, or would he want to rely on Ava for that, as well? Like, what would happen to him if she refused to feed him?
Would he … die?
She pursed her lips, not liking that thought any more than she had earlier. And what if they were wrong? What if she wasn’t his?
She’d give him another taste, she decided, and test his reaction. If they were right, if she was his, she would keep him addicted and craving what only she could give him—which in turn would keep him strong and (hopefully) malleable. And that was the one and only reason she was about to offer her vein.
Protesting too much?
Oh, shut up.
You’re talking to yourself, you know.
Yes, and I believe I told you to shut up. She stepped into the next dark alley she encountered, since she knew he liked those, stopped, finished her mocha, licked the cup clean, cursed that there was no more, then held out her arm. “You may have a sip,” she told him regally. “But only a sip. Okay, maybe a few gulps. But that’s it. Any more than that, and you’ll have to say good-bye to your balls.”
He looked at her wrist, where her pulse thumped wildly, and then her eyes. “Why are you offering?” he asked, clearly suspicious.
Time to lie her ass off. Except, the words emerged on a surprising sigh of truth. “We’re headed into a nest of AIR agents, like I told you, and I need you at your best. You seemed to handle my blood earlier, so I figured you could keep a little more down. Plus, you were being nice and that deserves a reward.”
Positive reinforcement. If she pretended to reward him for being nice, he would continue to be nice. And as an added benefit, the bite would hurt and she would stop craving it. Stop wanting to tear other women away from him.
His fingers wrapped around her wrist, gentle and warm, still sizzling. Finally, he was touching her again. She licked her lips; she just couldn’t help herself. But he didn’t swoop down and bite. Not yet. He stood there for several heartbeats of time, the wait making her ache. Eager.
“Why are we going into a nest of AIR vipers?” he asked.
“Scared? I understand.” Negative reinforcement would work, too, she supposed, then frowned. What? Did she now want him to go with her? You’ll protect him. Take a pyre-ray for him just as he claimed he’d do for you. Better that than splitting up. No telling when he’d return.
His nostrils flared as he inhaled sharply. “I’m scared of nothing. I’m merely curious.”
She tried not to smile. So easily manipulated, her vampire. She’d just assured he would go with her, no matter what. Now, he had to prove himself.
His gaze cut at her, the violet hard as an amethyst. “You suddenly smell of smugness. Which means you were baiting me, you tricky hussy.” His thumb traced a figure eight over her wrist, even while he pulled her closer, the jewel-rigidity in his eyes softening. His warm, minty breath trekked over her face. “But I don’t mind. I like it. Now. Why are we going into a nest of AIR vipers? You have yet to explain.”
Resistance faded. Fighting would have accomplished nothing, the ache inside her too strong. Once again she forgot everything but the vampire in front of her. What they could be doing, what they would soon do.
“Ava,” he entreated.
Focus, think. He’d asked a question. “There’s an alien queen who wants to destroy Earth,” she said. “She appeared in a bar a few blocks from here, and now all the patrons are being interrogated and I’m gonna help with that.”
“All right, then.” Finally, he lifted her wrist. His tongue emerged and licked over her skin, leaving a sheen of wet and more of that heat. “I’ll help, too. After.” Still he didn’t bite. Just hovered, waiting.
Every second that passed was more excruciating than the last, intensifying the ache. “Just do it.” She’d meant to snap at him—anything was better than this torturous anticipation—but the words were breathless, all her need shining through.
“You’ll learn, female, that it’s best not to rush this.” Slowly, so agonizingly slow, his fangs sank into her skin.
Oh, sweet heaven. Not once did she feel pain. His teeth must have produced a numbing drug, because all she felt was the erotic glide of his tongue, the intoxicating suction of his mouth. And now that he’d bitten her, the ache should have vanished. Only, the ache spread, becoming a far worse traitor to her common sense.
She’d wanted this, demanded it even. A mistake. A mistake she would pay for for the rest of her life.
Her knees weakened, and her bones liquefied, sending her deeper and deeper into his body until she was using him as her sole means of support. He allowed the connection, but didn’t take advantage. She wanted him to take advantage. Her ni**les pearled and moisture wet her panties, both reducing her to a creature of sensation. A creature whose only purpose was achieving climax. She was shameless, willing to do anything.