Eternal Bond : (The Cursed Series, Book 3)

by Kara Leigh Miller

  His eyes widened. “Yes,” he said emphatically. “That’s even better. For each piece we take, we ask the other person a question.”

  Shoot. I really shouldn’t have opened my mouth. I sighed. “All right. Ask away.”

  Jax gleefully rubbed his hands together. “Why are you so dead set against becoming a vampire?”

  My stomach sank. Why would that have to be his first question? I smoothed my hair back and blew out a breath. Did I tell him the truth—that I was selfish and wanted all the things only a human could have? Or did I give him a slightly different, less complicated version of the truth?

  Deciding on the latter, I said, “Because you have to drink blood and kill animals, and I don’t want to do either of those things.”

  He tilted his head, studying me. “You know, you don’t have to kill animals. You can drink from blood bags. It’s not as fresh, but it works.”

  Nausea rose up, and I swallowed the urge to gag.

  “Besides, when you become a vampire, you’ll want blood. Your entire perspective will change. It’ll taste good to you.” He nodded at the board. “Your turn.”

  Thankfully, he dropped the subject, and I moved my next piece, taking one of his in the process. I had no idea what to ask him. Something about being a vampire? I didn’t want to get too personal; that seemed… wrong, somehow.

  “You told me you loved Hannah, but that she wasn’t the one. Do you want to find your soulmate someday?”

  Jax was silent for an uncomfortably long time before he stretched his arms over his head and groaned. “I don’t know. Finding a soulmate is rare, so I doubt it will ever happen for me.” He sliced an accusatory look at me. “But if it ever does happen, it will only lead to more heartbreak. I could claim her, but I could never change her.”

  I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. He could eventually change her… if I broke the curse first.

  He studied the board for a moment, then moved his piece, jumping two of mine. I frowned. That wasn’t hardly fair. He glanced up, smiling. Yeah, there was no way he was going to go easy on me now that he had the ability to ask me two questions in a row.

  “Do you believe in soulmates?” he asked.

  Not the type of question I was expecting, but okay. “Yes.”

  “Is Trent your soulmate?”

  I sat, stunned. Yes, I believed in soulmates, but I wasn’t sure I had the ability to truly know if someone was my soulmate. How did anyone every truly know that?

  “Yeah, I hope he is,” I said.

  “You hope he is?”

  “Oh, no.” I shook my head. “You already asked your questions. It’s my turn.”

  I moved another piece. Then Jax moved one. We were both being extra careful not to give the other an opportunity to take a piece off the board. But then I was stuck, and I had no other options. Grumbling, I moved a piece directly in front of his, giving him a clear opening.

  And he took it without hesitation.

  He grabbed my piece and clutched it in his hand. “What do you mean you hope Trent is your soulmate?”

  Ugh. I slouched against the footboard and glanced around the room. How was I supposed to answer that?

  “I mean, I want him to be my soulmate. I love him more than I can say, but how do you truly know for certain?” I asked with a shrug.

  If I knew the answer to that, the decision to become a vampire would be easier—I’d have no doubts that Trent and I would be together for an eternity. Not that I really had many doubts about that, but I wasn’t able to see the future. What if I changed and things went bad between me and Trent? What would I do then?

  I straightened and arched my back. Sitting on this bed playing games was not very comfortable. I averted my gaze back to the game and took another turn, swiping two of Jax’s pieces.

  “Do you want me to break the curse?” I asked.

  His eyebrows shot up, and then he was off the bed in a flash. He stood near the window, staring outside. “It doesn’t matter what I want. Besides, you already said you don’t want to change, so…” He shrugged.

  “Answer the question, Jax.” I climbed off the bed—much less gracefully than he had—and approached him. Hesitantly, I placed my hand on his shoulder.

  He didn’t so much as flinch, nor did he bother to turn around and look at me. “Yes,” he said.

  I sucked in a sharp breath, my heart pounding in my ears. “Why?”

  “Why?” He spun around. “Because I don’t want to be alone for eternity. Because I hate seeing my father so miserable. All he does is try to break this stupid curse. Because I don’t want to see my brother go through the pain of watching you die. And, quite frankly, I don’t want to watch you die, either.” His eyes were an intense, penetrating shade of blue—not quite clear but not quite black, either—they were breathtaking, actually.

  I took a step back and swallowed the lump in my throat. “Oh.”

  Shaking his head, he laughed bitterly. “Not that it matters, right?” He stepped toward me. “Because you’ve made up your mind, and I have to respect that, don’t I?”

  “Jax,” I warned, but he continued to match my steps—for every step I took backward, he took one forward until my back was against the wall. “I want to break this curse. I just don’t want to have to die to do it.”

  “Do I look dead to you?” He slapped his hand against the wall, right above my head, narrowed his eyes, and then tilted his head. “You know what I can’t figure out.”

  I didn’t care, but I kept my mouth shut, because he was going to tell me whether I wanted to know or not.

  “You claim to love Trent so much, but not enough to spend eternity with him. You haven’t even let him claim you. Why is that, Chloe?”

  I stared defiantly into his eyes. Trent had asked me that. So had Ivy, and I hadn’t answered either of them. I didn’t want to answer Jax, either, but he wouldn’t give up as easily as Trent and Ivy had.

  Truth was, I really didn’t have an answer. I loved Trent with all my heart, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. How could I pledge my love for him in one breath and question our ability to stay together for an eternity in the next?

  “I don’t have to explain myself to you,” I said, hoping my voice didn’t sound weak.

  “I think you do.” He leaned closer, putting his face inches from mine. “Because you choosing not to break this curse affects me, too, and I think I have a right to know why.”

  I scowled. Anger flared, and I shoved hard against his chest, then ducked out from in front of him. “You don’t scare me, Jax.” But my racing heart exposed my lie. “I’m not telling you anymore than I already have.”

  “Eventually, Trent’s going to want to know why, too. Are you going to avoid it with him like you are with me?” He turned and crossed his arms.

  “Trent already knows,” I snapped.

  Though, that wasn’t entirely true. He knew why I didn’t want him to claim me—I wasn’t ready for what that entailed—and he knew why I didn’t want to become a vampire, but I’d never answered him about why I didn’t want to spend an eternity with him.

  Deep down, I did want him for an eternity. But it was all so complicated, and it was getting more complicated the longer I was stuck in this room with Jax.

  “Is that so?” he asked.

  “You’re out of questions,” I reminded him as I moved back toward the board.

  He sauntered over, moved a piece, and collected another one of mine. Then he turned to me, his eyes narrowed. I sucked in a breath, knowing whatever he was about to ask wouldn’t be good. But I held my ground, head up, shoulders back.

  “Did you like sleeping in my arms the other night?” he asked.

  My eyes widened, and my heart stuttered. I hadn’t been prepared for that question, and suddenly, I wasn’t so confident in my ability to face off with him like this. I did not want to talk about that night, or whatever feelings either of us might have for each other.

  I shrugged. “You were just a war
m body, right?”

  He stood motionless for a moment, and then the corner of his mouth lifted in a much too arrogant smirk. “You are the worst liar I have ever met.”

  I threw my hands up in the air. “You know what? I’m done. I’m not doing this with you.”

  I turned, prepared to storm into the bathroom, slam the door, and hide out in there for as long as possible. But the sound of keys jingling stopped me. We both stared at the door. The only time anyone came in was to leave food or drag me out to talk to Ivy. Right now, I hoped whoever was out there was coming for me. I needed to get away from Jax.

  CHAPTER SIX:

  Deadly Intentions

  “CHLOE.” IVY STEPPED INTO THE ROOM and smiled. “Jax.” She nodded at him before returning her attention to me. “It’s time we speak about our… situation.”

  A moment ago, I’d been eager to get out of this room and away from Jax, but now I wasn’t so sure. I licked my lips and nodded. “Sure.”

  Maybe if I acted like I wasn’t totally rattled by her, she’d make this quick.

  Ivy held her arm out toward the door, which was still open. I sliced a look at Jax. His gaze was hyper focused on the open door, and I prayed he’d use his super speed to escape and bring back help.

  But he just stood there.

  What was wrong with him? Why wasn’t he using this opportunity? I scowled.

  “Come.” Ivy waved for me to follow, and like her good little pet, I did exactly as she said. She once again led me to the doorless sitting room.

  Disappointment hit me at the realization we weren’t going outside. I couldn’t remember how long ago that had been, but I craved the fresh air and sun.

  I sat in the same ugly floral armchair. “So, what incentives do you have for me this time?”

  Ivy shook her head, frustration pouring from her. “No more incentives. No more pleasantries. My patience has run out, Chloe.”

  That didn’t sound good. I sat up a little straighter, my senses now on high alert.

  “So, for every day you remain human, I will decrease Jax’s rations until he runs out. And what do you think will happen when he’s starved and locked in a room with you, his only food source?”

  I ground my teeth.

  Jax had been right—the witches were going to starve him until he couldn’t stand it, and if he still didn’t break, they’d harm me in a way that would be too tempting for him to ignore. But for once, I knew something she didn’t.

  Sitting forward, I grinned. “There’s just one small problem with your plan.”

  “What’s that?” she asked, showing no signs of unease. She probably thought I was trying to trick her.

  “The process to change a human is very delicate. Not to mention dangerous. He drinks a moment too long, and I’m dead. What do you think will happen when you starve him and then turn him loose on me? He’ll kill me, Ivy, and then you’ll never break this curse.” Satisfaction spread through me, and my grin widened.

  “For someone who is so adamant about not changing, you seem to know quite a bit about it.”

  “When you fall in love with a vampire, you learn to ask the important questions.” I folded my hands in my lap and sat back, waiting.

  There was no way she’d continue to starve Jax; she was too desperate to break the curse, and I’d bet anything she wasn’t willing to do anything to jeopardize that.

  “Yes, I suppose you do. Well.” She stood and smoothed her hands down her hips. “It’s a chance I’m willing to take. Are you?”

  My jaw dropped. Was she calling my bluff? Or had I called hers? I didn’t know, but I had not expected that reaction from her. What was I supposed to do now? Because she was absolutely right—Jax would eventually snap. But I was right, too—he’d end up killing me. Not intentionally, but if he was starved, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself.

  I fought to wipe all emotion from my face and stood. “I don’t know. Let’s find out,” I said.

  I walked out ahead of her and went back to my room. My heart was in my throat as Ivy unlocked my door and nodded for me to enter. I did, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a final look. The door clicked shut, and I jumped. Had I just signed my own death warrant?

  “What happened?” Jax asked.

  “Nothing. Just more of the same.” I waved my hand dismissively.

  The last thing I was going to do was tell him that Ivy planned to reduce his already dangerously small blood supply. I’d figure this out. Somehow.

  I LACED MY HANDS on top of my head and paced the room, my gaze continually wandering to Jax. He was on the bed, propped up with pillows in a half-sitting position. His skin was paler than it had been yesterday, and his eyes were sunken and hollow.

  By my count, he was on day seven without a single drop of blood. Prior to that, he’d only been getting sips—smaller and smaller amounts every day.

  Ivy had made good on her threats.

  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little worried. What was Jax’s breaking point? Unlike Trent, Jax wouldn’t sacrifice himself for me, and sooner or later, he would either kill me or change me. That meant I had to take control of this situation, and there was only one thing I could do.

  I blew out a breath and headed into the bathroom. Yanking on the squeaky drawer, it busted loose with a loud crack. I froze, listening for any movement. When I was confident no one had heard me, I wiggled the tiny nail free from the side of the drawer and clutched it in my hand. Heart in my throat, I returned to the bedroom.

  Jax hadn’t moved a muscle.

  Despite whatever feelings we had for each other—love or hate or something in between—I wasn’t going to let him starve. It was my fault he was stuck here in the first place. And my fault he was starving to death.

  “Jax?” I carefully climbed onto the bed.

  He groaned but didn’t move. I waited a few seconds to see if he’d wake up or say something, but he was lifeless. Closing my eyes, I pressed the point of the nail into my fingertip.

  “Ow.” I winced and opened my eyes. A tiny bead of blood popped out of the puncture hole. Please let this work. I rubbed my finger across Jax’s lips.

  He growled and turned his head away. “Don’t.”

  “If you don’t, you’ll die,” I said, my voice trembling.

  “And if I do, you’ll die,” he snarled.

  Fear coursed through my veins at the realization of what I was doing. He could easily overpower me, even in his weakened state, and suck me dry. And the worst part was, I didn’t think it would be intentional. Still, I had to do something, and this was the only thing I had to offer. I wouldn’t let him die. And I wouldn’t let Ivy win.

  “Get away from me,” he said.

  “No.” I flung my leg over his waist and straddled him.

  He could have changed me already, and we’d be free right now. But he hadn’t. He’d respected my wishes, and he was being punished for it. I had to help him. I owed him.

  “Look at me, Jax.” I took hold of his cheeks and forced him to face me.

  His eyes were pitch black, and I swallowed hard.

  Indecision warred in my mind. “I’m not going to let you die,” I said.

  “You have no idea what you’re asking me to do.” He pushed himself upright so his back was flat against the headboard.

  He blinked a few times, and his eyes turned a cloudy shade of blue—not quite as mesmerizing as Trent’s but not the terrifying black they’d been a moment ago, either.

  “I’m asking you not to die.” Heart pounding, I gathered my hair and draped it over my shoulder, exposing my neck. “I can’t survive in here without you,” I whispered. “So, are you going to do this, or am I?” I pinched the nail between my thumb and forefinger and held it up. My hand trembled.

  With a guttural snarl, Jax smacked the nail out of my hand, and then he yanked me closer, his mouth poised near my neck. “What if I can’t stop?” His breath was hot and heavy against my flesh.

  “You will.” I put my ha
nds on his shoulders. “I trust you.”

  And for the first time ever, I meant that. Slowly, I trailed my hands up to his neck and then tangled my fingers into his thick, soft hair.

  Jax flattened his palms against my back and pulled me even closer. The only other guy I’d ever been in such an intimate position with was Trent, and the severity of this situation wasn’t lost on me. So much could go wrong—and not just my possible death.

  He placed a kiss to my neck, and I closed my eyes, waiting for the stinging pain of his bite. Instead, he gently eased the strap of my tank top off my shoulder, his fingers leaving a trail of goose bumps in their wake, before dragging his lips across my collarbone.

  If he was trying to distract me from the impending pain, he was doing a really good job. His mouth found the crook of my neck, and he nibbled and sucked, causing me to tremble in his arms. His hold tightened, and I held my breath.

  The anticipation alone was enough to kill me. But whether it was the anticipation of him biting me or something entirely different, I wasn’t sure. All I knew was it shouldn’t feel this good to be in Jax’s arms, but I was mesmerized, and I couldn’t bring myself to tell him to stop.

  “You sure about this?” His breath tickled my flesh, his lips featherlight.

  My heart thundered in my ears, and blood rushed to my face, heating my cheeks. I massaged the back of his head, holding him to me, and I nodded. I wasn’t sure, though, not really. But if I didn’t do this for him, he was going to die.

  A few more heated kisses and then his sharp fangs pierced my skin. I cried out. My body tensed uncontrollably as blinding pain tore through me. Tears sprang to my eyes and spilled down my cheeks. I was powerless to stop them.

  Jax held me to him as if I were his lover and not a temporary food source. That was of little comfort, though, especially when I could feel the blood rushing through my veins with each pull he took.

  I could hear his low, satisfied moans of pleasure. It was unlike any sound I’d ever heard before, but it was oddly arousing. Waves of desire and lust crashed over me. My heart beat faster, my breaths sharp and ragged.

  Trent hadn’t been lying when he told me biting for pleasure caused an intense physical reaction, that it was like getting high on the best drugs. But this wasn’t biting for pleasure—Jax was feeding on me. It shouldn’t feel as good as it did. Yet, sensation after sensation ricocheted through my body, igniting desires I didn’t know I possessed, awakening a dark and forbidden want that I knew I could never sate.