Regardless of the lethargic delivery of her emotions, he sensed her enjoying a cocoon of calm as her heart settled. It shouldn’t be long.
He glanced at her vehicle, knowing the quick charge he’d offered wouldn’t hold until morning. He knew nothing about automobiles but understood enough to know they shouldn’t sound like they were about to explode.
Tonight, he’d been offered a gift, a true glance into the mate he’d been given. He hadn’t prepared for so much cynicism. She seemed very untrusting of him and the idea that he might be in her life for a reason.
Trust would take time. The bonding would likely help her see him as someone she could always depend on. He’d intended to complete the bonding tonight, but her confession about nightmares had thrown him.
The bad dreams also seemed to paint him in an unfavorable light in her eyes. He didn’t know how she could dream such things without him knowing. Never had he witnessed any of the dark images she’d described tonight.
He wished he could speed up the process. With each passing day he grew more uncomfortable, more impatient, and more ... feeish.
His impulses suffered. His fangs no longer extended only at his mental request. Physical reflexes were taking over conscious choice.
He could hardly swallow a sip of coffee tonight, because his appetite had become non-existent. Yet he suffered a hunger that would not yield.
Typically, their kind needed blood for nourishment. Their bodies required great amounts of iron to supply the blood with oxygen. Any blood would work, though the more advanced the species, the more ... exquisite the taste. There was no greater delicacy than the blood of a mate.
But food also nourished the body, providing minerals not found in blood. Food was still used amongst their kind for celebrations. It was a cause for coming together at the end of the day, much like other civilizations.
Adam’s interest in social graces took a steep turn when he felt his mental grip spiraling. He’d tasted her blood and wanted more.
His entire life had been sustained through the practices of his ancestors. The plants and animals nourished them and provided comfort, while the blood of their livestock provided the strength of a hundred men, eternal breath, and the ability to wander in daylight.
He’d never tasted human blood until Annalise’s, and he couldn’t understand the draw until now. Before, all he could see was the risk of exposure. But now it became quite clear how such habits and addictions could form.
He would not become one of the immortals that fed off human blood and unapologetically gorged themselves with no concern for preserving the life of a lesser species. He must remain cautious because he finally understood how slippery the slope could be.
If his calling went unanswered for too long, there would be no redeeming his soul. Vicious, cold-blooded, and often incapable of facing the light, the unanswered were often forced to go to ground during daylight, complicating their objective all the more. Too long, and the gift became a curse, an endless life-sentence to an eternity of struggle.
When Adam’s people had come to settle in America, centuries before he was born, they chose to leave the old immortal ways behind and live a life where they could walk freely in the light. Amish law allowed them to live in plain sight yet put them at a safe distance from temptation.
When the Charming Nancy ship arrived in 1738, the conditions in Europe had become intolerable. Rogue outbreaks among their kind tore through villages like genocide. Many accused the plague for the scent of death that greeted newcomers.
It had been a time of common epidemics and mass graves. A need for containment excused a town’s physician from autopsy reports. Fear could help immortals in many ways. It sometimes laced the blood with adrenaline, but it also frightened people enough that even a slaughter could take place without question.
Mortality could make the most selfless animals selfish. Survival would always overpower grief in the end, as it did with his great uncle. When rivers ran red from the carnage, and the devastation left humans scrambling for God’s mercy, victims begged for their own lives. But it was no use.
Once an immortal tasted the fear in a human’s blood, the addiction had full control. They were no longer in command of their actions, but at the mercy of a drug, starved for that spiked nourishment that rushed into them as quickly as it rushed out. And once the blood absorbed, the burn of adrenaline left them weak and confused.
The feeish were no longer mere immortals. They were slaves to their baser instincts. They were vampire.
The stories had been passed down to young immortals like himself, and they never questioned why they lived the way they lived. They understood that their ancestors had made great sacrifices for the salvation of their species.
The eighteen males and females that fled the continent to a land of promise, had only the hope of a peaceful future in their hearts but no real idea how to find it. Luckily, they were not alone on that ship and their prayers had been answered. Feeding off the livestock allowed them to travel with the wind and sun on their skin. God’s lesser creatures allowed them into the light.
But the small taste of blood he stole from her the night before showed him how simple it would be to step back from the light. Even now, her blood called to him, but so did the blood of the other humans nearby. His gums ached and his hollow stomach twisted for just one drop.
Everything his grandfather had warned him of was coming true. Now that he’d found her, the call to claim her was stronger than ever, weakening him by the second. He’d had her blood. Now, she only needed to accept his, and the bonding could begin.
But no. It was too soon. He hadn’t earned her trust yet.
His natural prudence shifted in favor of instant gratification. There seemed no sense in waiting when she was there for the taking. He hungered to claim her here and now. She belonged to him. There would be time to earn her trust later.
Certainty halted as something familiar gave him pause. He was not a monster and he did not want that to be her first impression. No, he had to exercise patience, now more than ever.
His jaw locked as the inward debate stretch. In the end, he believed he had more time.
The journey toward trust would be a million times longer if they started with a betrayal. She needed to make the choice. It was the only way. He couldn’t force her.
She’s your mate! It’s your right to claim her.
Her anger would gut him. He couldn’t risk her hatred, her rejection.
If you force her, there can be no rejection. She’s yours.
She’s not mine yet.
God made her for you!
But she’s—
His head jerked at the sound of feet approaching and he fell into the shadows. His nose twitched at the masculine emotions as foreign determination pelted him. Cunning and carnal. He recognized the male as soon as he stepped into the light.
It was the man from Annalise’s work. Did he live here as well?
Adam watched as he stopped at the door. A low buzz sounded and he waited. The man couldn’t enter without an invitation, so he must have been visiting. The buzz sounded again, and Adam felt a jolt of movement from Annalise.
She was awake. Disoriented. Was the male there to see her?
A low growl rumbled within his chest and his fangs lengthened. His vision shifted and his ears honed in on the slightest sound.
“Hello?” Her voice was groggy as it played through the electrical device. It must be some sort of radio.
“Hey. It’s Kyle. Did I wake you?” The radio clicked as his finger lifted off the button.
Static disguised Annalise’s voice. “What time is it?”
“Two-thirty. I thought you’d be up studying.”
“No, I passed out. Is something wrong?”
As Adam crept closer, he clung to the shadows. Pale moonlight competed with the ultraviolet halo falling from the overhead lights on the building. Insects swarmed the glowing bulbs, casting frantic shadows on the illuminated pavemen
t.
The male’s desire wafted through the air, rancid and desperate. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” He released the button and stepped back, looking up the side of the building in the general direction of Annalise’s unit.
Had he been here before?
The radio clicked. “Kyle, it’s late.”
He trotted back to the machine and pressed the button, speaking into the cracked speaker. “I know. I’m sorry. I just... I feel like you’re mad at me and I won’t be able to sleep without seeing you first.”
“Now?”
“Please, Anna.” He lifted his finger then pressed the button again. “I’m already here.”
There was a long pause. Adam crept closer. Surely, she knew better than to let this man into her home. It was the middle of the night. She was alone. He was almost certain she’d taken some sort of tonic because her emotions still read fuzzier than usual. She shouldn’t invite a—
“Okay, it’s open.” The front door clicked, and the radio buzzed.
“Yes,” Kyle hissed, jogging to the door.
He almost made it. Hot blood hit Adam’s tongue the moment his fangs pierced the man’s throat. His slight struggles fed Adam’s hunger like a sweet indulgence, headier than Annalise’s. As he tasted his fear and the man’s lust faded, Adam growled, wrenching the weakening body into the shadows.
As the pulse slowed, so did the flow of blood. All signs of struggle subsided. He jerked the limp body closer, claws digging into clothing—
“Kyle?” The box by the door squawked. “Where’d you go?”
Suddenly aware of what he was doing, Adam shoved the man off his lap. He groaned and weakly tried to push himself off the ground only to fall back into the grass.
Adam wiped a hand over his mouth. A swallow of the man’s blood still remained, coating his teeth, gums, and tongue. “What have I done?”
The man groaned again. Adam had taken a lot of blood, but there was no way to determine how much. He sensed the male’s weakness. It numbed his fear and made his motions clumsy.
“Can you walk?”
“Kyle?” Annalise called to the radio box again. “Did you catch the door?”
The man crawled like a newborn calf, stumbling and moaning until he panted on the grass. Adam rolled him to his back and gripped his jaw. “Look at me.”
He pushed into his mind, latching onto any opening he could find. “You went home right after work. You were never here, and you have no memory of seeing me outside of the bar. You’re no longer attracted to Annalise. When she tells you she’s met someone new, you will be supportive of her choice and encourage her to begin a new life with her soul mate. When you get home, you will drink plenty of fluids and rest.” He bent and quickly closed the wound.
The mortal nodded. “And rest.”
“Yes. Go now.” He helped the man to his feet and watched him drive away.
“Kyle, what’s going on? Why aren’t you answering me?”
The radio hummed and Adam raced over to push the button. “I’m coming up.”
Enough was enough. How could he protect her if she insisted on putting her safety in jeopardy? Inviting men up to her private apartment...
When he reached the door, he pounded out a knock. The locks clicked. “At least she locks her doors,” he mumbled.
He hadn’t given any thought to explaining his presence, and that mistake became abundantly clear when the door opened and she staggered back, her mouth opening in preparation to scream.
Adam raced into the apartment and cupped a hand over her mouth, cradling her body so she didn’t fall. “Shh, don’t scream.”
She didn’t listen, but his hand muffled her cry.
“We need to leave this place, Annalise.”
Her nails scraped at his arm, forcing him to hold her tighter.
“Do not fight me.”
She clawed at his arm, kicked her legs, and screamed so forcefully tears came to her eyes. Her heart rate spiked, rattling his senses. He could taste her terror.
“Please stop fighting me. You have nothing to fear. I won’t hurt you.”
She caught hold of his hair and yanked painfully, taking several strands with her as she balled her fists in her hand and jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow.
“Do not hit me, ainsicht.” No matter what he said, she wouldn’t listen. If she didn’t calm herself, she’d wind up hurt. Hoisting her onto his lap, he turned her around and looked her in the eye. “Sleep.”
Her head lulled and her body stilled. Panting with exertion, he lifted an eyelid. She was out cold. He got up and inspected the gashes and scratches on his arms.
They would heal. He glanced over his shoulder to where she slept on the floor. “You’re a feisty little thing. I’m not sure you have an obedient bone in your little human body.”
He sighed. What was he supposed to do with her now?
He looked at her again, her heartbeat slowing to a restful pace. “I cannot abide the thought of another man touching you, ainsicht. Not even if he’s only thinking it.”
She didn’t respond, not that he expected her to. She should be out until morning. Then her questions would come.
Slipping his arms under her limp body, he lifted her to his chest. It was the first time he physically held her to him, and, in that moment, he knew he’d never let her go.
There was no going back and no sense in delaying the inevitable.
He’d make it right with her in time. Once he had her away from so many distractions, he’d explain everything, and she’d understand the gift they’d been given. But something inside of him warned that eternity might not be long enough when it came to her seeing the world from his point of view.
Chapter Fifteen
Her hips rolled as weight pressed deliciously into her body. Teasing fingers loosened her clothes, trembling with haste and planting warm kisses on every unveiled inch of flesh.
“Hurry,” she begged, as cool evening air sent shivers over her skin. Her nipples hardened. She pulled his hand against her chest, cupping his fingers around her breast. “I need you.”
“I’m here.” Fingers skated up her bare legs, hooking over her panties and jerking them down.
She gasped as strong arms turned her to her belly. Heated skin, coarse with hair, scratched at the back of her thighs. Her body wept for his, begging for him to fill her, possess her. She’d waited so long.
“Adam, please.” His name came out as a plea, stroking her the air between them as his hands cupped her front, pulling her closer.
His hard arousal ground against, greedy and teasing. “Open for me. Surrender to everything I offer.”
Her body responded, singing like the fine strings of a violin responding to a bow. He played her like an instrument for his pleasure and he the master of her song. Sharp and achingly beautiful, she cried for his possession, each needy note drenched with desire, swollen with need.
“Adam...”
He jerked her hips back, hitching her body at an angle that would allow him entrance. “Not Adam.”
“Wait. Where’s Adam?” The press of his arousal stole her breath. She twisted in his grip, spinning to her back to face him. His head ducked, his mouth closing around her nipple. “Wait!”
Sharp pain, bit through her as his mouth tightened, pulling. Fire raced up her spine as he suckled her flesh. Hungry, wet kisses bathed her skin in damp heat as busy fingers spread her folds.
“Hush now. Adam isn’t here.” His arm banded around her, pulling her closer until her back bowed and searing pain knifed through her chest.
“No! Who are you? Where’s Adam? Please!”
Hot flesh pressed against her sex, thick with arousal. “Adam doesn’t matter anymore.”
“No! No! Adam!”
Annalise’s eyes flew open as her body nearly jackknifed off the bed. Where was she? Her already fast-beating heart doubled its pace as she scanned the unrecognizable room. Wallpaper. Heavy drapes. A dark television on a dresser. Adam. �
��Holy fuck!”
“You’re awake.”
She scrambled to the headboard and the blankets fell away revealing her naked body. “Oh, my God!” She wrenched a pillow over her chest and fell off the bed.
“Anna!” He reached for her and she sprung off the floor, backing away from him. “There’s no need to worry—”
“Where am I?” she yelled.
“You’re upset. I told you I won’t hurt you—”
“You kidnapped me!”
Was this one of those Hitchcock hotel situations? Was he preparing to harvest her organs? Was that why he brought her here? She whimpered and glanced at what she assumed was the bathroom door. Was there ice in the tub—waiting for her? “Please don’t kill me.”
“I just want to talk.”
Her gaze skittered around the room. She’d have to get past him to get to the door. He looked fast. Her attention snagged on the telephone and he followed her gaze. She was closer.
Deciding to go for it, she lifted her foot—
The phone yanked out of the wall and flung across the room and she gasped. How could he move that fast? Was she high? She should have never taken that cold medicine.
She hugged the pillow to her front. “I don’t know what you want, but please...” Her jaw trembled and tears pricked her eyes. “Please, don’t hurt me.”
“I could never hurt you. On the other hand, my life is in your hands.”
“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t know anything! Please just let me go. You got the wrong girl. I’m just a waitress. If you let me go now I’ll never tell anyone you kidnapped me.” She should use his name. “Adam, please.”
“You have to do exactly as I say, Annalise. We’re running out of time and I need your help. Do you understand?”
No! She didn’t understand shit about this crazy fuck! She nodded.
“I brought you here last night.” He picked the phone up from the floor and raveled the cord around it before placing it in the drawer.
His motions were unhurried. She kept to the wall, mirroring his location in the room and sliding farther into the corner as he rounded the foot of the bed. Her heart jackhammered as he leaned into the closet, reaching for something.
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